Miriam Fordham, a fiscal analyst with the Legislative Research Commission, has been selected for the University of Kentucky’s Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award. The Martin School of Public Policy and Administration chose Fordham for the honor, which recognizes alumni whose work reflects the legacy of UK’s first African American student. The 35th annual awards luncheon will be held Friday at the Gatton Student Center in Lexington.
More than 100 Lexington residents spoke at an Oct. 6 public hearing, opposing data center construction after the city suspended development through Oct. 31. Speakers raised concerns about jobs, safety, energy use and effects on communities of color, and called for stronger, enforceable rules. One recurring request was to bar facilities using more than 25 megawatts of electricity; others urged a longer pause for research and regulation.
WKYT meteorologist Chris Bailey is tracking Tropical Storm Isaias, which is forecast to strengthen and could become a hurricane Thursday before making landfall along the central Gulf Coast late Friday. The system is expected to move north toward Kentucky late Saturday and Sunday, bringing rain from south to north and gusty winds. It should move away late Sunday into Monday. Kentucky is forecast to have pleasant weather through Friday.
Cardiac Crusade, led in Lexington by Cardiac CATS’ Sarah Katzenmaier and Charlotte Callan, is recruiting volunteers to locate and verify automated external defibrillators across the city. The devices will be mapped in PulsePoint Foundation’s NEAR app to help residents and first responders find them during emergencies. The effort follows Katzenmaier’s 2021 cardiac arrest, when bystanders—including Callan, who performed CPR—helped save her. Organizers launch the campaign at 5 p.m. Oct. 16 at West Sixth
Frankfort Regional Medical Center held an emergency decontamination drill last Wednesday with the Frankfort and Franklin County Office of Emergency Management and Frankfort Fire & EMS. The exercise simulated patients exposed to hazardous materials who needed decontamination before entering the hospital. Hospital staff and first responders practiced communication, procedures, protective equipment and plans for treating and housing patients.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has asked President Donald Trump to reconsider proposed federal changes to Head Start, which provides free education and services to children in low-income families. In a letter sent Tuesday, the public-comment deadline, Beshear said the changes could cut funding, increase class sizes, weaken curriculum standards and make children less safe. He also signed a separate appeal with representatives of 24 other states.
Miami-based Fortec led the acquisition of three preschool properties in Louisville, while KinderCare Learning Companies took over their operations from the previous operator. The Berrytown, Jeffersontown and Worthington Hills centers total 31,326 square feet and have licensed capacity for 521 children. Fortec owns two properties, and an investment partner owns the third; financial terms were not disclosed.
Sheila Rae Anglen of Frankfort, Kentucky, died Oct. 1, 2026, at Frankfort Regional Medical Center. Born in Belleville, Illinois, she was 73 and is survived by her daughters, Bobbie Wilson and Deana Anglen, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Sandy Biver and brother Sam Frantz. No services are scheduled. Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory is handling arrangements.
Condé Nast included Lexington on its list of the best small cities in the United States. The headline points to three key reasons for the city’s inclusion, but the provided story text does not specify them.
Condé Nast included Lexington on its list of the best small cities in the United States. The headline says the selection rests on three key reasons but does not identify them.
Kentucky State Police are asking for help locating Charles Spence, 49, of McKee, who was reported missing in Jackson County. Police said they were contacted Sept. 23; Spence was last seen Sept. 10. He is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, about 180 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call KSP at 859-623-2404.
Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy Director Van Ingram will retire at the end of 2026 after 22 years with the office, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday in Frankfort. Tara Hyde, CEO of People Advocating Recovery and a longtime recovery advocate, will succeed him as executive director. Ingram became director in 2008; overdose deaths fell nearly 23% in 2025 compared with 2024.
Kentucky State Police are searching for Charles Spence, 49, of Jackson County, who was reported missing Sept. 23. Police believe he was last seen Sept. 10; he is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the KSP Richmond Post at 859-623-2404.
Will Stein praised the return of Kentucky’s “Power K” logo, saying, “I just love the logo.” The Lexington Herald-Leader published a video featuring his comments.
A Lexington man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of renting three cellos from a local music store and reselling them. The cellos were allegedly sold to local pawn shops soon after they were rented.