Local news, organized by what happened.
Kentucky's men's basketball team was ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press preseason Top 25. The poll included seven Southeastern Conference teams. Defending national champion Florida ranked No. 1.
The Lexington council is considering an ordinance to increase penalties for street racing. The proposal would add civil penalties, while criminal charges could also be possible.
Franklin County Schools is marking National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19-23, and urging families and motorists to follow Kentucky’s updated bus law. Drivers on undivided roads must stop in both directions when a bus has flashing red lights and an extended stop arm; an exception applies to opposing traffic on physically divided roads with four or more lanes. The district advises students to stay 10 feet from buses, cross in front after making eye contact with the driver and use Stopfinder to track rides.
Kentucky State University alumna and English instructor Staci Schoenfeld joined former professor and former Kentucky poet laureate Richard Taylor at Frankfort’s Gathering of Authors on Aug. 22. At Paul Sawyier Public Library, they shared their poetry and met readers. Writing as Avery Guess, Schoenfeld featured her collections “The Truth Is” and “The Patient Admits.” She said the event gave her a chance to promote her work in person after a move and the pandemic limited earlier opportunities.
Frankfort swept the team titles at Tuesday’s County Championships cross country meet at the Department of Libraries and Archives. Frankfort’s Jamie Bessinger won the girls’ 3,000-meter race in 13:13.41, while Franklin County’s Gannon Gortney took the boys’ race in 10:24.35. Frankfort edged Franklin County 33-39 in the boys’ team standings and was the only school with a complete girls’ team.
Frankfort Audubon Society and Frankfort Parks, Recreation & Historic Sites will open a new accessible bird blind at Leslie Morris Park at Fort Hill during Birdability Week, Oct. 19-25. The structure replaces an older blind that was inaccessible and in disrepair, and is designed for birdwatchers of all abilities. It will be the first bird blind in Kentucky listed on the national Birdability website. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the park.
In a letter to the editor, Frankfort resident Steve Wilson argues that political rhetoric is dividing Kentuckians and calls for greater unity. He criticizes Republican U.S. Senate candidate Andy Barr, citing Barr’s comments about being white and people who identify as woke, as well as his support for President Donald Trump. Wilson also faults Barr for voting for a bill he says cuts Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, education and health care spending.
Kentucky State University defeated Miles College 46-0 in its homecoming football game Oct. 10 at Alumni Stadium. The photo gallery includes moments from the game, including Miles’ Gary Byers attempting a catch under pressure from Kentucky State defenders Roman Hernandez and Isaiah Clay, and KSU’s Jaden Hale making a reception.
UCLA's Nico Iamaleava has a severe knee injury that requires surgery.
Frankfort police, Franklin County deputies, fire and EMS handled calls across the county Oct. 16-18, including numerous non-injury crashes, theft and vandalism reports, and fraud complaints. Officers and deputies also investigated assaults, hit-and-run crashes and reports of gunfire. Crews responded to vehicle fires on U.S. 127 North and West Todd Street, and an oven fire on Menominee Trail; everyone in the home had evacuated.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced in Frankfort that the state’s Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission is accepting grant applications for prevention and treatment and recovery programs. Applications are due Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. The commission awarded nearly $34 million last year to help address Kentucky’s drug epidemic, and applications are available online.
Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and Democrat Charles Booker debated Monday at WKYT studios in Lexington in the race for Kentucky’s U.S. Senate seat, which Sen. Mitch McConnell is leaving. They clashed over gas and grocery prices, Iran policy, Flock surveillance cameras, data centers and each other’s ties to Washington. Both candidates supported social media safeguards for children and said they would work across party lines.
Kentucky State beat Lane College 55-22 Saturday at Alumni Stadium in Frankfort, improving to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in the SIAC. The Thorobreds scored 28 points in the first quarter and led 45-8 at halftime, totaling 419 yards of offense. Quarterback Juan Gainous threw for 231 yards and four touchdowns, while the defense recorded eight sacks. Kentucky State hosts Savannah State on Saturday for Senior Day.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced that cities, counties and economic development groups can apply for Kentucky Talent Recruitment Grants. The state is offering up to $500,000 for programs to attract workers to communities and retain Kentucky graduates who might otherwise leave the state. Funding may support workforce relocation, retention and marketing efforts; application details and forms are available at newkentuckyhome.ky.gov.
The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld the denial of bond for Mickey Stines, ruling that video authentication requirements do not apply to bail hearings.
Lexington is seeking a donor for the Christmas tree displayed each year in downtown’s Triangle Park. City officials are looking for a 30- to 40-foot blue or Norway spruce with safe access for removal equipment. Parks & Recreation will review candidates and remove the selected tree and grind its stump at no cost. Donors can contact Victoria Hamm at vhamm@lexingtonky.gov or 859-288-2937.
University of Kentucky students marked the 10th annual Scale Smash during Body Empowerment Week, an event challenging diet culture and promoting body acceptance. Organized with campus wellness resources, it used activities and conversations to address pressures around body image and encourage students to recognize their worth beyond appearance. Organizers also highlighted campus resources available to students.
Republican Rep. Andy Barr and Democrat Charles Booker met Monday in their only scheduled debate for Kentucky’s U.S. Senate seat, which is being vacated by Mitch McConnell. On WKYT, they traded accusations over corruption and political agendas and clashed on health care, Social Security, artificial intelligence and the war in Iran. Election ratings cited in the report showed the race leaning strongly Republican
In Central Kentucky’s congressional race, Democrat Zach Dembo is airing an ad comparing Republican Ralph Alvarado to former Gov. Matt Bevin, whose end-of-term pardons drew criticism. Alvarado, Bevin’s 2019 running mate, called the ad insulting and said he is his own person. Senate records show Alvarado was present when the Senate president condemned the pardons and later voted for a proposed amendment to limit end-of-term pardons; LEX News found no public criticism from him at the time.
Kentucky musicians gathered at The Burl on Sunday for “Love Is Like a Butterfly,” a tribute to Dolly Parton. The event raised more than $20,000 to help put books in the hands of children across the Commonwealth. It celebrated Parton’s legacy of literacy.
No stories match your search or filters.