After hours of public comment, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council sent proposed data center zoning rules back to the planning commission to develop a separate zoning category. Residents raised concerns about noise, water and energy use, while developers, businesses and the University of Kentucky urged room for data centers of different sizes. The council is scheduled to vote Thursday on extending its current moratorium, which runs through Oct. 31, to October 2027.
Lexington’s council voted Tuesday to advance zoning rules that would bar large hyperscale data centers and add restrictions for smaller facilities, while extending the project moratorium through October 2027. The proposal also directs the planning commission to develop a data-center-only zone. At a nearly four-hour hearing, residents largely opposed the developments over energy use, noise and environmental concerns, while business advocates warned the rules could hinder growth.
Residents packed Lexington’s government center on Oct. 6 for a public listening session about data centers. Attendees voiced concerns and weighed in on the facilities’ future.
With less than a month until Election Day, Kentucky Assistant Secretary of State Jennifer Scutchfield discussed voter education at a Lexington-Fayette NAACP event Tuesday at Shiloh Baptist Church. She said voters can cast ballots at any location during the state’s three days of early voting. Fayette County voters will decide on one constitutional amendment concerning the governor’s pardon power and at least three charter amendments related to Urban County Council, including council pay.
Kentucky state troopers buried Trooper Hayden Phillips themselves over the weekend after his funeral, changing out of their uniforms to honor a promise to their fallen colleague. Phillips, 28, was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 28. He is survived by his wife and three sons; those who knew him said he was generous, loved the outdoors, coached his son’s baseball team and enjoyed Sunday dinners with his family.
Kentucky lawmakers are examining housing instability on college campuses, which Rep. Joshua Watkins said can make it harder for students to stay in school and graduate. Speaking Tuesday to the Interim Joint Committee on Education, the Louisville Democrat said student homelessness can include sleeping in cars or moving between friends’ couches. Many students do not report their situation, Watkins said.
Kentucky residents can apply for a free Voter ID card by completing an application. Applicants must provide proof of identity, a Social Security number and documents showing residency.
The University of Kentucky’s International Center announced six recipients of its 2026 Global Impact Awards on Oct. 5, recognizing contributions to global research, education, curriculum, campus engagement, alumni impact and community partnership. Winners are alumnus Michael W. Bowling, professors Alan Fryar, Mark O’Bryan and Francis Musoni, lecturer Josh Taylor, and World Trade Center-Kentucky. They will be honored at an Oct. 28 reception at UK’s Gatton Student Center.
Dolly Houghton, 74, learned she had breast cancer through a routine mammogram despite having no symptoms. At UK Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, surgeon Julie Lang used EnVisio, a wire-free system that guides surgical tools to the tumor during a lumpectomy. Lang said the technology offers an alternative to placing a wire in the breast and urged eligible women to continue regular mammograms.
A Versailles man was arrested Sunday. He is accused of pointing a gun with a flashing light and laser sight at six minors. The incident was allegedly captured on video.
Northwestern’s coach praised the Big Ten ahead of the Wildcats’ matchup against Ball State. The headline did not provide further details about the coach’s comments or the game.
Central Kentucky residents are invited to serve as volunteer extras in “Christmas Meant to Be,” filming this week in downtown Paris, Kentucky. Filming is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8, and Friday, Oct. 9, beginning at 2 p.m. and continuing into the evening; participants should meet at the Oasis Event Center and wear winter clothes in red, green, cream or brown. The movie will air on Great American Family, with a date not yet announced.
The Chicago White Sox host the Cleveland Guardians with a chance to clinch a berth in the American League Championship Series. A win would send Chicago to the ALCS.
Kentucky Rep. Joshua Watkins told the Interim Education Committee in Frankfort that homelessness among college students is difficult to measure and can include couch surfing or living in cars. The Coalition for the Homeless said housing instability, including during school breaks, can make it harder for students to graduate. Watkins wants legislation to improve data collection, standardize campus resources and designate a contact to help students find housing, financial aid and other support.