Lexington Brief

Local news, organized by what happened.

Government 1 outlet · WUKY

Election handicappers detect leftward shift in Sixth District, but race remains in 'toss up' territory

Election forecasters have moved Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District race between Republican Ralph Alvarado and Democrat Zach Dimbo into toss-up territory. Fox News Power Rankings and Sabato’s Crystal Ball recently rated the contest a toss-up; Sabato had shifted from safe Republican to leans Republican last month. An analyst said the trend reflects broader Democratic polling gains and voter frustration over prices. The candidates debated in Estill County as early voting approaches.

Government 1 outlet · LEX18

Alvarado urges GOP turnout in competitive 6th Congressional District race

Republican Ralph Alvarado rallied supporters Wednesday in Nicholasville, joined by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, whom he hopes to succeed in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District. Barr urged voters to keep the seat in Republican hands as early in-person voting begins Thursday. Alvarado cited tax cuts and increased fuel production as ways to address living costs; he faces Democrat Zach Dembo in a race some analysts rate a toss-up.

Government 1 outlet · WUKY

Kentucky's top election official doesn't foresee problems with federal election monitors. Others are sounding wary

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams said he does not expect problems from federal election monitors, who he said will stay outside polling places, avoid speaking with voters and follow state law. Purdue political scientist Mollie Cohen said their conduct is difficult to predict and urged poll workers to be prepared. The Justice Department plans its largest-ever monitoring program, alongside tens of thousands of left-aligned monitors and observers from Republican-aligned

Horse racing 1 outlet · WKYT

Lexington’s Hallway Feeds to nourish half of Breeders’ Cup horses at Keeneland

Lexington-based, family-owned Hallway Feeds will supply feed for half the horses competing at the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland on Friday and Saturday, including every horse in the Distaff. The company’s Race 13 mix includes corn, oats, beet pulp, soy oil and molasses, though it has not disclosed its full formula. Hallway Feeds ships across the United States and to 12 countries.

Government 1 outlet · The Kentucky Kernel

PODCAST: Catching Up With The Kernel Season 4 Episode 10

Kyla Ford and Sylvia Freire discuss the U.S. Department of Justice’s plan to send federal election monitors to polling places in Fayette and Jefferson counties. The episode also covers Keeneland’s annual Halloween-themed Sunrise Trackside for families and the Lexington Philharmonic’s exploration of music behind cinema’s heroes and villains. It reports that the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved a joint venture with Signature HealthCARE and committed $5 million.

Government 1 outlet · WKYT

Lexington holds ceremony to commemorate First Responders Day

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton proclaimed Wednesday National First Responders Day during a ceremony honoring the city’s first responders. Leaders and representatives from the fire and police departments, community corrections, emergency management, E911 and the sheriff’s office attended. Gorton thanked responders for keeping residents safe and said their leaders would guide and support the next generation.

General 1 outlet · WKYT

Good Question: Isn't drag racing already illegal in Kentucky?

Drag racing is already illegal on Kentucky streets and highways under state law, but Lexington council members are considering added enforcement options. A proposed ordinance would allow fines of $1,500 for a first offense and $4,500 for a second, and let police impound vehicles used in races or street takeovers. It would also prohibit burnouts, drifting, wheelies and doughnuts; language penalizing race promoters was removed. If passed, it would take effect next July.

Horse racing 1 outlet · LEX18

Inside Ashford Stud: How a Kentucky Thoroughbred farm connects the Bluegrass to Ireland and Japan

Ashford Stud in Woodford County is the U.S. branch of Ireland-based Coolmore and a major Thoroughbred breeding farm near Keeneland. The farm has stood Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify, and is now home to 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone. American Pharoah is spending a second consecutive breeding season in Japan and is expected back in Kentucky in 2027, reflecting Ashford’s international ties.

Government 1 outlet · WKYT

Booker and Barr lay out differences on costs, Flock cameras and child safety in Senate raceBooker, Barr differ on Flock camera privacy safeguards

Democrat Charles Booker and Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr are seeking the Kentucky Senate seat being vacated by Mitch McConnell. On costs, Barr points to increased energy supply and year-round E15, while Booker says he would repeal the emergency declaration used for tariffs he says raise prices. Both back privacy protections for Flock license-plate cameras; Booker opposes mass surveillance, and Barr says camera data should be deleted after a time. They also cited different efforts to protect children.

Public safety 1 outlet · WKYT

Movie screening to benefit Versailles Wilson’s Pool Room rebuild

Versailles filmmaker Michael Gilkison will donate part of ticket sales from a Nov. 7 screening of his movie “Sandy Wedge” to help rebuild Wilson’s Pool Room, a downtown restaurant closed after a July 9 fire. The screening is at 6:30 p.m. at the Thoroughbred Theater in Midway; tickets cost $28. The Wilson family estimates rebuilding the 71-year-old business will cost nearly $2.5 million.

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