Lexington Brief

Local news, organized by what happened.

Schools 1 outlet · The State Journal (Politics)

Columnist urges legislators to send Kentucky social studies standards back for more workColumnist says draft leaves Holocaust without a grade level

Richard G. Innes, an education policy analyst at the Bluegrass Institute, says Kentucky’s draft social studies standards omit major historical figures, wars and inventions, including World War II leaders, Thomas Edison and the Panama Canal. In an opinion column, he also criticizes vague guidance and says the Holocaust, though required by law, is not assigned to a grade. Innes says the gaps could affect state tests and urges lawmakers to return the proposal for revisions if major changes are not made.

Schools 1 outlet · The Kentucky Kernel

UK’s student admissions delay housing and parking availability

A student commentary says the University of Kentucky’s large incoming classes are straining housing and parking in Lexington. It cites a 6,700-student first-year class, crowded three-person dorm suites, new off-campus housing projects and commuter permits that Transportation Services oversold at a 2-to-1 ratio last year. The writer argues UK should temporarily cap enrollment until housing and parking expand enough to meet student demand.

Schools 3 outlets · FOX 56, LEX18, WKYT

Judge dismisses charge against Henry Clay coach accused of showing minors nude photosProsecutors seek dismissal of charge against Henry Clay coach

A Fayette District Court judge dismissed with prejudice the charge against Henry Clay High School football coach Phillip Hawkins, who was accused of showing photos to minors. Prosecutors said the described images showed a nude woman but no sexual acts, so they could not establish that the material met Kentucky’s legal definition of obscene; the dismissal does not decide whether Hawkins showed the photos. The case is to be sealed and expunged from his record under state law.

Business 1 outlet · FOX 56

4 local businesses join forces at new Lexington storefront

Four Lexington businesses opened a shared storefront called the Lexington Baking Collective. The space brings together Dahlhus Fudge, Futile Bakery, Hound and Horse Baker, and The Leaky Mama. The businesses say the storefront will help them serve the community seven days a week.

Government 1 outlet · WKYT

WKYT Fact✓Check

Kentucky law requires an automatic recount when a candidate loses by 0.5% or less, but only in specified races, including General Assembly, U.S. Congress, governor and other statewide offices. Local candidates, such as those in mayoral or school board races, may request a recount but must pay for it. Candidates have until 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, to request a recanvass; counties must submit certified results to the Secretary of State that day.

Business 2 outlets · LEX18, WKYT

KSP searching for two teenagers who escaped from State Custody

Kentucky State Police are searching for 16-year-olds Matthew Wren and Charles Orr, who escaped Thursday evening from the Woodsbend Youth Development Center in Morgan County. Wren is from Whitley County and Orr from Grant County. Police say both were last seen wearing navy shirts and sweatshirts, khaki pants and black shoes. Do not approach them; call KSP Post 8 at (606) 784-4127 with information.

Public safety 1 outlet · WKYT

Good Question: Is it a crime to dump a dog on the side of the road in Kentucky?

Abandoning a dog on the roadside is a crime in Kentucky, under KRS 525.130, which also covers abandonment of other animals. The offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $500 fine; animal cruelty may be a felony under Ethan’s Law. Owners who can no longer care for a pet are advised to take it to a local shelter while it is open and accepting surrenders.

Business 2 outlets · LEX18, WKYT

Versailles filmmaker Michael Gilkison uses ‘Sandy Wedge’ screening to help rebuild Wilson’s Pool Room

Versailles filmmaker Michael Gilkison will screen his movie “Sandy Wedge” this weekend in Midway, with part of ticket sales going to help Wilson’s Pool Room in Versailles reopen after it was forced to close. Gilkison filmed scenes for the movie inside the restaurant and said he hopes the screening will encourage people to keep supporting the business. Tickets cost about

Schools 1 outlet · WKYT

Kentucky jail survey highlights overcrowding, mental health screening gaps

A survey presented to Kentucky lawmakers found 32 of 58 responding county jails had average populations above capacity, and 76% cited budget constraints on staffing. Researchers said two jails did not screen for mental health conditions, 10 for intellectual or developmental disabilities and seven for traumatic brain injuries. Boyd County Jailer Bill Hensley said 70 to 80 inmates sleep on the floor daily.

Sports 1 outlet · WKYT

Whitley County residents say Saturday's game adds weight to Kentucky-Tennessee rivalryKentucky-Tennessee rivalry spills from church to family homes

Residents of Whitley County, Kentucky, say Saturday’s Kentucky-Tennessee football game adds a personal edge to the rivalry because friends and relatives support opposite teams. Ralph Davis lives in Tennessee, attends church in Kentucky and cheers for the Vols, while Kentucky fan Gary Taylor runs a barber shop in Tennessee. Taylor’s son is also a Tennessee fan, but locals say the rivalry stays friendly regardless of the result.

General 2 outlets · LEX18, WKYT

Congressman-elect Zach Dembo puts reversing Medicaid cuts first in his Washington agendaDembo wants Congress to oversee administration's Iran strategy

Zach Dembo, the Democrat who flipped Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District seat from Republican Andy Barr, says his first priorities in Congress will be Medicaid cuts, the war in Iran and tariffs. The Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor said making life more affordable for Central Kentuckians, including addressing housing costs, is his focus. Dembo says he will put Kentucky over party as he heads to Washington for new-member orientation before taking office Jan. 3.

Public safety 3 outlets · FOX 56, LEX18, WKYT

Fire crews use 10,000 gallons of transported water to put out Madison County house fireMadison County fire spreads from home to RV and detached garage

Kirksville Volunteer Fire Department crews brought more than 10,000 gallons of water to a house fire Monday night on Curtis Pike in Madison County. Firefighters said the area’s limited water supply required a water shuttle. Flames were coming from the back of the home and extended to an RV and detached garage when crews arrived. The home was destroyed, and crews battled the fire for more than three hours.

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