Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Saturday, June 7, 2025.

We start today with breaking news from city hall as Mayor Gorton has just announced the formation of a new task force focused on homelessness in Lexington. This group aims to bring together city leaders, local nonprofits, and directly affected residents to develop practical solutions for our community. The move comes following growing concerns about shelter capacity and access to resources downtown, especially as summer brings increased need.

Turning to weather, we are looking at a day of on-and-off showers and an occasional thunderstorm as a stalled front lingers over our area. While it won’t be a washout, keep your rain jacket handy if you’re heading out. We expect highs to top out around the low 80s with gusty winds possible during storms. The good news: by tomorrow, that front will finally push through, offering us a dry late Sunday with a mix of clouds and sunshine.

In local developments, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Spring Trail Ride kicks off today. Riders from across the region are gathering at the Alltech Arena parking lot from nine to four, all to support the park’s Tree Fund Initiative. If you’re participating or just stopping by, be prepared for muddy trails and good company. Meanwhile, Fayette Mall is hosting its regular First Saturday Kentucky Pop-Up, featuring local vendors and artists.

On the cultural front, today is Swahili Day in Lexington, marking the fourth year our city celebrates East African culture. Festivities are underway with music, food, and performances at venues near Triangle Park and the Marafiki Center, offering a vibrant scene for all ages.

In sports, our high school track teams wrapped up their season with several standout performances. Henry Clay and Lafayette High both secured top finishes at the regional meet, and the buzz in local baseball is high as UofL prepares for a Super Regional showdown with Miami, while Murray State celebrates reaching their first super regional ever.

A quick look at real estate and jobs: The market remains steady, with the median home price in Lexington hovering just under three hundred thousand dollars. Local job boards show plenty of openings in healthcare and tech, reflecting ongoing growth in those sectors.

Now to public safety, we’ve had a fairly calm 24 hours around the city, though police responded to a house fire overnight in Powell County. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Officers remind us to keep an eye out for flash flooding on side streets during today’s heavier showers.

For a feel-good finish, we want to highlight a group of local volunteers who teamed up with the city to distribute free summer meals to kids at Charles Young Park. Their efforts are making sure no child in our neighborhoods goes hungry as school lets out.

That’s all for now. This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Friday, June 6, 2025.

Eastern Kentucky small business owners affected by recent disasters can now access recovery workshops announced today. These sessions aim to provide crucial support for local entrepreneurs working to rebuild after setbacks that have impacted our region.

The weather outlook remains concerning as the National Weather Service is forecasting more severe storms heading our way. Residents should prepare for potentially dangerous conditions and stay tuned to local alerts throughout the day. If you're planning outdoor activities near downtown or at Keeneland, you might want to consider indoor alternatives.

In local news, a woman formerly employed by a previous UK women's basketball coach received an eight-year sentence yesterday. The case has been closely followed throughout the basketball community and across campus.

Nature is making its presence known as cicadas have returned to the Bluegrass. Reactions among Lexingtonians have been mixed, with some fascinated by the rare emergence while others are less enthusiastic about the noisy visitors appearing across town parks and neighborhoods.

The Job Corps program is providing second chances for troubled youth in our community, though the program is headed for a pause. We've seen remarkable transformations through this initiative, which has helped many Lexington young people find meaningful career paths.

In cultural news, NPR's Morning Edition aired a touching StoryCorps interview today featuring Lexington resident Regina Collins and her son Jonah. The story chronicles their family journey and highlights the challenges and triumphs of same-sex couples building families in our community during the early 2000s.

Poetry enthusiasts are celebrating Lexington Poetry Month with new submissions appearing daily. The creative energy in our arts scene continues to thrive with events planned throughout June across venues from North Limestone to Chevy Chase.

For those seeking weekend activities, remember that downtown farmers markets are open tomorrow morning. The Lexington Philharmonic is performing at the Opera House on Saturday evening, and several community gardens are hosting volunteer days on Sunday.

As we head into the weekend, we remind everyone to stay weather-aware and support local businesses that may face challenges from the predicted storms.

This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Tuesday, June third, twenty twenty-five.

We start today with breaking news from City Hall. The Social Services and Public Safety Committee meets today with a full agenda focused on how city policy will shape everything from emergency response to resources for vulnerable residents. Expect updates on public safety funding and new proposals for improving services on Main Street and beyond.

Our weather this morning is mild, with showers lingering from overnight storms. Roads around New Circle Road and Nicholasville Road are slick in spots, so plan for a slower commute. Temperatures will rise to the low seventies by midday, and we’ll see clearing skies this afternoon—a nice break that should last until Thursday when rain is expected to return.

In local news, a court order has shut down a controversial Lexington Blue business near Winchester Road, following allegations of unlawful activity. The closure comes after weeks of community concern and is part of a broader citywide effort to keep our neighborhoods safe.

On the public safety front, first responders are being praised this week after a toddler was rescued during Sunday night’s tornadoes that struck the area east of Man o War Boulevard. Thanks to quick action, the child is safe, and cleanup efforts continue. We’re reminded again of the dedication of our emergency workers, especially as we move deeper into severe weather season.

Shifting gears, Lexington’s job market remains robust, with over eleven hundred new openings posted across healthcare, technology, and logistics just this week. Local manufacturers continue hiring, and the city’s Economic Development Office is offering fast-track workshops for job seekers at the downtown library every Thursday.

The real estate market is seeing steady movement. Median home prices are hovering near three hundred twenty thousand dollars, with sales strongest in the Hamburg and Chevy Chase neighborhoods. Realtors report more first-time buyers entering the market as interest rates stabilize.

In community wellness, University of Kentucky’s new “Use the Stairs” campaign is gaining traction. If you pass through the Kentucky Clinic, you’ll spot reminders encouraging everyone to move more, one flight at a time. It’s a small step for our health and one the city hopes to see embraced from campus to courthouse.

For music lovers, tonight is big. Legendary rock band Heart takes the stage at Rupp Arena. Doors open at seven, and traffic around High Street is expected to be busy, so plan ahead. This show is part of Lexington’s recent boom in major acts returning to town, and Rupp reports record-breaking attendance this season.

On the schools front, congratulations to Henry Clay High’s girls' soccer team for winning the regional semifinals last night at Shillito Park. And kudos to Tates Creek Elementary students, who raised over three thousand dollars for local charities at this weekend’s Fun Run.

As we wrap up, a feel-good note: Pages of a tornado victim’s yearbook, lost during last month’s storms, were just returned to their owner after being found miles away. It’s one more example of our community’s spirit and the small acts of kindness that define us.

This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Saturday, May 31, 2025.

We wake up today to a weekend buzzing with excitement as the Railbird Festival takes center stage at The Infield at Red Mile. If you are heading over, expect performances from big names like Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, Ryan Bingham, the Red Clay Strays, and Shaboozey. Beyond music, the festival features bourbon tastings curated by local favorites and celebrates Lexington’s horse racing heritage. There are still a few tickets left if you want to catch the festivities, which run through tomorrow.

The weather looks just about perfect for any outdoor plans this weekend. We are expecting a mix of sunshine and clouds with highs climbing into the upper seventies to low eighties. A cold front could bring a few showers early Sunday, but overall, it should stay pleasant for festivals, yard work, or just enjoying a stroll downtown.

On the city scene, we are celebrating new pickleball and tennis courts at Shillito Park. Twenty new pickleball courts and eight tennis courts opened this week, providing Lexington with yet another spot to play one of the fastest-growing sports in America. The city promises even more courts and park improvements are coming soon. That means more places for us to gather, get active, and build community spirit.

Switching gears to jobs and the real estate market, while detailed figures are still coming in, local recruiters report steady hiring in healthcare, IT, and hospitality heading into summer. Home inventory remains tight, with entry-level homes moving quickly in neighborhoods like Beaumont and Andover.

At City Hall, the big headline this week is the Fayette County Public School board’s decision to raise the occupational licensing tax from half a percent to three-quarters of a percent. Leaders say the additional funds are needed to close a sixteen million dollar budget shortfall and support core programs for students. Expect plenty of discussion as the new rate goes into effect.

In sports, congratulations to the Lafayette High School baseball team, who clinched a spot in the state semifinals last night. On the parks front, Lexington’s new public art installation at Triangle Park is drawing crowds and plenty of photo ops, helping showcase our city’s creative side.

Turning to public safety, police are still investigating two serious stabbing incidents last night, and both victims are recovering at UK Hospital. Authorities say the events are unrelated and have not released further details, but they ask anyone with information to contact the Lexington Police Department.

And in feel-good news, aviation students from Eastern Kentucky University took time this week to deliver supplies to families affected by tornadoes in Laurel and Pulaski Counties, showing the heart and generosity that define our region.

So whether you are headed to Railbird, enjoying our new parks, or supporting local shops along Main Street, there is plenty to celebrate in Lexington today.

This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Friday, May 30, 2025.

We start our day with a look at breaking news impacting Lexington and our neighbors. Disaster unemployment assistance is now available for six Kentucky counties affected by this month’s storms, reminding us just how severe weather has been lately. Here in Lexington, we can expect mild temperatures throughout the day with clouds lingering from yesterday’s showers, so outdoor plans should go ahead with just a little caution. The weekend outlook is shaping up warmer, with sunshine making a welcome return.

City Hall is moving forward with a new traffic pattern study on East High Street, aiming to improve morning commutes and pedestrian safety. City leaders are encouraging us to keep an eye on road signs as adjustments roll out, especially near the Woodland Park area.

In neighborhood news, the grand opening of new pickleball courts at Shillito Park drew a big community crowd this week. With 20 new pickleball and eight tennis courts, this is now the largest public court complex in Lexington. The city highlights this as a win for both fitness and fun, and public pickleball courts are now available in 13 different parks across town, making it easier than ever for all of us to get out and play.

In business updates, downtown’s food scene expands as a new bakery opens on Short Street, bringing fresh pastries and early morning coffee to the heart of the city. Meanwhile, a longtime antique shop off Main has announced they will be closing next month, citing changing customer habits and rising rents. On the job front, the local market remains strong. Unemployment is low, with retail and hospitality still hiring ahead of summer festival season.

If you’re looking for arts and culture, tonight is the highly anticipated concert at the Lexington Opera House. The Lexington Chamber Orchestra presents A Little Night Music with Bridgerton, featuring world-class musicians and pieces from classical favorites to selections inspired by the popular TV series. The show starts at 7:30, and tickets are still available if you want to experience something special downtown.

On the sports front, our high school baseball teams are making waves in the regional tournaments, with Henry Clay advancing to the semifinals after a close victory last night. In parks and rec, youth soccer leagues wrap up their spring season this weekend at Veterans Park, so expect some extra traffic and plenty of team spirit along Tates Creek Road.

Turning to public safety, Lexington Police continue their search for a missing teenager last seen near Man O’ War Boulevard and Alumni Drive. A reward is being offered for information leading to her safe return, and anyone with tips is urged to contact authorities immediately. The city also reported a fatal collision yesterday on I-64 westbound in nearby Scott County, a sober reminder to drive safely as we head into the weekend.

For a feel-good finish, we celebrate a local man’s journey to raise brain cancer awareness. After his own diagnosis, he’s organized a walk through downtown, bringing neighbors together for hope and support.

This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Thursday, May 29th, 2025. We wake up to a busy morning in our city, with showers moving through and a chance for storms later this afternoon, so keep an umbrella handy. The outlook stays wet through the weekend, so outdoor plans may need a backup.

Kicking off with breaking news, Lexington police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened overnight on Nicholasville Road. Details are still emerging, and officers ask anyone with information to come forward. In another overnight incident downtown, a woman was shot near East High Street and South Limestone just after 2 a.m. She is expected to recover, and police say there's no ongoing threat to the public.

On the community front, several families are recovering after a string of house fires over the weekend, especially on Richmond Avenue. While homes were lost, we’re grateful no injuries were reported, and neighbors have already started organizing relief efforts.

City hall is in session today, with the Planning Commission holding a work session that includes updates on new housing developments and zoning proposals. It comes as the Fayette County School Board prepares to propose an increase in the occupational license tax, aiming to address a significant budget shortfall. If approved, the rate would rise from one half to three-quarters of a percent, which impacts workers and businesses citywide.

For sports and recreation, our city just opened brand new pickleball and tennis courts at Shillito Park. This project brings access to 20 pickleball and eight tennis courts, making it the largest facility of its kind in Lexington. With Cardinal Run Park North nearing completion, public courts will be available in 13 parks for pickleball and 15 for tennis, helping meet growing demand.

Looking ahead to this weekend, the DiverCity Festival returns to downtown, celebrating Lexington’s vibrant cultural diversity through music, food, and family-friendly activities. Downtown will also host a special delivery drive from UK Athletics and LEX18, providing supplies to families affected by recent tornadoes.

The job market sees steady activity, with the city posting new positions in public works, parks, and city services. Real estate remains active, particularly in neighborhoods near Chevy Chase and Hamburg, with homes moving quickly and prices holding steady.

On the education front, Lexington will host Kentucky’s first statewide AI summit for educators at Marriott Griffin Gate, bringing teachers and tech leaders together to shape the future of learning.

Congratulations to University of Kentucky art student Millie Robinson, whose whimsical illustrations are featured in a new children’s book released this week. And a shout-out to the Fayette County Public Schools robotics team, who clinched a top ten finish in the state finals.

Finally, a feel-good story for our Thursday: Kelley's Landing, our newest riverside park, just opened with a ribbon cutting on Old Richmond Road, giving us all a new place to enjoy the outdoors and community events.

This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

The Lexington City Council is meeting today for an important work session. Council members will be reviewing several agenda items that could impact residents across the city. Also happening today is a Budget Committee of the Whole meeting focused on the fiscal year 2026 budget. Both meetings were announced late last week and could have significant implications for city services and tax rates.

A somber note to share this morning - Lexington lost one of its residents last week when 73-year-old Lukonga Mulenda died in a traffic accident. This follows a troubling pattern of recent road fatalities in our community, including two young individuals, Liczi Lopez and Matthew Perrine, who lost their lives in separate collisions over the weekend.

In public safety news, Lexington Police are investigating a shooting that occurred in downtown early Sunday morning. One person was injured in the incident. Authorities are also seeking public assistance in locating 21-year-old Jaheem Broach, who is wanted on multiple charges including leaving the scene of an accident.

Some good news to share – the annual DiverCity Festival returns to downtown this weekend. The popular celebration of Lexington's diverse communities kicks off Saturday morning with food, music, and cultural performances throughout the downtown area.

Weather-wise, we're looking at some potentially severe conditions this week. Forecasters are warning of strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall coming to the Lexington area. A Level 3 out of 5 Enhanced Risk for severe weather has been issued, so keep your weather alerts handy today.

In business news, Valvoline Inc. recently announced fiscal second-quarter earnings totaling $37.6 million, showing resilience despite weather challenges affecting our region.

For those traveling in the near future, remember that starting soon, Kentucky residents will need to present a REAL ID, passport, or military ID for domestic flights and entry into secure government buildings.

Lexington National Cemetery recently hosted a ceremony honoring fallen service members, and 22 fallen citizen-soldiers were added to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial, recognizing their sacrifice and service to our commonwealth.

In community news, a Golden Alert for 10-year-old Patient Byaombe was canceled after he was safely located by Lexington authorities. The child had gone missing earlier this month but is now safely back home.

This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Lexington woke up to near record lows this morning with temperatures in the lower 40s. Expect a mix of clouds and sunshine today with highs reaching the mid to upper 60s. Keep a jacket handy if you're heading out to enjoy weekend activities. Tomorrow will start with some sun before showers and storms move in during the afternoon as temperatures remain cool for this time of year.

The Kentucky Ballet Theatre presents "Sleeping Beauty" today at the Lexington Opera House at 2:00 PM. This family-friendly performance features choreography by Artistic Director Norbe Risco and will also run tomorrow at the same time. The historic venue downtown provides the perfect setting for this timeless classic.

At Churchill Downs, the Keertana Stakes runs today with post time at 4:55 PM. The $250,000 purse race features fillies and mares competing at a mile and a half on turf, with Boss Lady Bailey emerging as a strong contender following her impressive win last month.

In city news, Mayor Greenberg announced a pedestrian safety pilot project for High Street set to begin in early June. The initiative aims to improve safety and reduce risks for those walking in the area. Details are available on the city website.

Our community continues to support those affected by recent tornadoes. A Lexington store called The Kentucky Shop has created special T-shirts with all proceeds going directly to victims. The shirts are printed locally by a small team of six people led by founder Rick Paynter.

In legal news, a judge has cleared the way for a lawsuit against three defendants in the April 2023 Old National Bank shooting to move forward. The suit alleges the gun dealer, manufacturer, and distributor played a role by providing weapons and accessories to the shooter.

For those interested in local culture, Lexington's 250th anniversary celebration continues this month with a focus on different cultural traditions throughout our diverse community. Events are scheduled across the city as part of the 250Lex initiative.

We're also keeping an eye on the upcoming trial for a suspect in the Crystal Rogers case, which is slated for next week. We'll bring you updates as that develops.

For horse racing enthusiasts, don't forget about today's Keertana Stakes at Churchill Downs featuring several promising contenders in this marathon turf race.

This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Friday, May 23, 2025.

We start today with breaking news and storm recovery. After powerful tornadoes swept through central Kentucky earlier this week, cleanup efforts continue across our region. Governor Beshear spoke yesterday, sharing that more crews are arriving in Lexington and surrounding areas to help restore power, clear debris, and support families still recovering from property damage. Several churches in Somerset and Laurel County have found ways to hold services despite severe storm damage, a sign of our community’s resilience. People in affected neighborhoods along Tates Creek and Richmond Road are still picking up pieces, and volunteers are needed for neighborhood cleanup over the weekend.

Turning to local government, City Hall has expedited permits for roof repairs and cleanup dumpsters in neighborhoods hardest hit by the storms. We’re also hearing discussion about the City Council possibly adding emergency funds for public safety and utility repair in next week’s meeting, which could affect how quickly services are restored on the east side.

The weather today is calm and much more pleasant. We expect partly sunny skies and highs in the upper 70s, so it’s perfect for outdoor plans. The break in severe weather should last through Sunday, but a chance of rain returns late Monday.

In business news, a new bakery on North Limestone is opening today, bringing jobs and fresh pastries to downtown. Meanwhile, a café on Main Street is closing after five years, citing storm-related losses and rising rents. The local job market is steady, with roughly 400 new positions posted this week, mostly in health care, manufacturing, and retail.

For those watching the housing market, real estate listings are inching up with about 170 homes available in Fayette County. Prices are holding steady, averaging near 330,000 dollars for single-family homes, as homeowners and buyers wait to see how storm repairs impact values.

Tomorrow brings the return of Friday Flicks at Jacobson Park, with family movies beginning at dusk. The Lexington Farmers Market is open at Cheapside Pavilion Saturday morning, offering storm relief resources alongside fresh produce. Keeneland will host a benefit concert Saturday night with proceeds going to tornado victims.

School news is uplifting this morning. The Henry Clay High School robotics team took home top honors at the state competition, giving us all a reason to cheer. And in sports, the UK Athletics and LEX18 donation drive kicked off yesterday, collecting supplies for families impacted by the storms.

On the public safety front, police responded overnight to a burglary on Liberty Road. One arrest was made, and officers remind all of us to secure homes and report suspicious activity, especially as repairs continue.

We leave you with a feel-good story. AVOL Kentucky has just unveiled a new meditation garden at Stonewall Terrace, offering a peaceful space for everyone as we recover together.

This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Our city is mobilizing to help those affected by recent tornadoes that devastated parts of Southern Kentucky. UK football player Jager Burton and basketball player Trent Noah are leading a donation drive happening today from 4 to 8 PM at the Kroger Field Blue Lot near Alumni Drive. They're collecting essential supplies like rakes, shovels, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable foods. If you miss today's collection, they'll be back tomorrow from 11 AM to 1 PM. The recent severe weather has impacted many in our Commonwealth, and Lexington organizations are stepping up to collect donations for victims.

In other news, a 73-year-old was killed in a crash near Chinoe Road according to the coroner's office. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

On a more positive note, celebrations of our community's diversity are happening this weekend with the DiverCity Festival. This event showcases Lexington's vibrant multicultural landscape and offers a chance for residents to connect with various communities that make our city special.

At UK, a heartwarming story emerged as Marilyn Simpson graduates with a special education degree, inspired by her son's journey. Simpson reportedly made the decision to pursue this path in the middle of the night, typing "special education degrees" into a search bar, and now has found her calling helping others.

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government recently held their council meeting where they amended and advanced HB 443 ZOTA earlier this week, which could impact zoning regulations across the city.

We're also seeing emergency response teams in action as a woman was rescued after reportedly falling 15 feet while climbing in the Red River Gorge. First responders were able to reach her and provide necessary medical attention.

For those traveling today, be aware that severe weather continues to affect parts of Kentucky. While Lexington is expected to see improving conditions, some areas are still dealing with storm aftermath, and Knox County Schools announced early dismissal on Tuesday due to incoming storms.

Governor Beshear has asked for an expedited disaster declaration following the tornado that disrupted our region's tourism economy, which could bring much-needed federal assistance to affected areas.

This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.