Kendall Staton

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Lexington elected official resigns, leaving vacancy on city council Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton has 30 days to appoint someone to fill the open position.

City council member Denise Gray announced her resignation from Lexington’s governing body Wednesday, effective July 31.

Her term was set to end in 2027.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Solar farms face an uphill battle in Lexington. ‘Agricultural economy at risk.’ There are no local laws prohibiting solar farms in Lexington. But there are also no laws allowing them.

Private companies want to build solar farms in Fayette County, but they can’t.

There are no local laws prohibiting solar farms in Lexington. There are also no laws allowing them.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/busines...

Lexington city council adds nearly $1 million to budget. Here’s what’s new The $540.2 million budget is the largest in the city’s history.

The Lexington city council has added nearly $1 million in funding to Mayor Linda Gorton’s proposed budget to support transportation, technology and pedestrian safety.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...

6th District Councilmember Denise Gray just announced that she is *not* running for re-election in 2026. She cites the media cycle around her allegations of sexual assault against then 4th District Councilmember Brenda Monarrez as a major reason why she is stepping away.

President Trump promised lower grocery prices. Has he delivered in Lexington? Since January, the Herald-Leader has been tracking prices monthly to see if Trump’s pledge is coming to fruition. Our finding: Local grocery prices are actually higher.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to lower the price of groceries on his first day in office.

A five month analysis by the Herald-Leader shows groceries are actually more expensive in Lexington.

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Story by me with help from @piperjhansen.bsky.social

www.kentucky.com/news/busines...

48-year-old man dead, 7 injured after storm surprises a Central KY community At least three homes were damaged in Washington County possibly from a tornado. It was a surprise storm system that suddenly appeared, Gov. Andy Beshear said.

You could read this article. Or you could support local news, written by people who actually live in Kentucky! Hope this helps! www.kentucky.com/news/weather...

‘Unfortunate, perfect combination of ingredients’ in storm slams Central KY Meteorologists had been tracking the “marginal” storm system that slammed into Washington County Friday morning, killing at least one and injuring seven.

The National Weather Service in Louisville began tracking the storm at 5 a.m. over Hart County. That was between 50-75 miles away from the suspected tornado that hit Washington County around 6:50 a.m., meteorologist Chase Graham said.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/weather...

Rubber guns and paintball: UK’s ROTC training disturbs Lexington park, citizens say “I don’t feel like the parks are an appropriate place for military exercise,” citizen says.

Days after her husband unexpectedly died in March 2020, Anita Courtney and her children went to Hisle Farm Park in north Lexington to find peace.

Instead, she said, she was met with people clad in camouflage, yelling and holding guns.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Calling all kayaks and canoes: Lexington opens first park with public river access The 30-acre park has been in the works since 2019. It provides public access to the Kentucky River.

“These invaluable spaces are perfect for enjoying the outdoors and serve as a powerful reminder of why protecting our natural land in rural Fayette County is so important,” Councilmember Hil Boone said.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

‘It’s an addiction.’ Lexington opens new pickleball courts near Fayette Mall Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America.

Connie Hajash played tennis for most of her life, from grade school until her 40s. But after she retired from her job as a pharmacy technician a few years ago, she needed something to do.

That’s when she found pickleball.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington homeless shelter to open expansion after burst pipe caused delay The Hope Center, which opened in 1993, runs many programs to help the homeless population in Lexington.

The Hope Center is adding 72 units to its property on Loudon Avenue, expected to open in July.

CEO Jeff Crook said the expansion will “drastically decrease” service delays for people who need help.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Gatton Park on the Town Branch in Lexington sets grand opening date The park behind Rupp Arena has been in the works for nearly a decade, and will feature an amphitheater, playground, walking trails, public art, splash pad and more. Construction started in 2023.

Lexington's newest park officially has an opening date.

www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Does a KY law mean Lexington has to end public comment on new developments? Lexington officials say a new state law eliminates the city’s ability to consider public input during the development process. Kentucky lawmakers who passed the bill say that isn’t so.

Lexington city officials say a new state law means they can no longer consider public comment in new developments.

But the state lawmakers who passed said law see things differently.

From @kendallstaton.bsky.social with an assist from @austin-horn.bsky.social:

Lexington has a new health department director after 7 months of searching The Lexington Fayette County Health Department has struggled to retain a leader since 2021.

Crystal Miller, who has over 20 years of experience in public health, will start as the health commissioner in July. She takes over from interim commissioner Steve Davis, who has been in the acting role since October.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/health-...

Five things to know about why Lexington is changing its zoning laws Lexington has to make changes to how it approves new construction projects to comply with state law. And right now, few support the vision.

Lexington has to change its zoning laws to be in compliance with new state regulations by July 1.

City council started discussing the legislation last week but, after nearly four hours of discussion, no changes have been approved.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Why no one is happy with state-mandated overhaul of Lexington zoning ordinances Kentucky General Assembly passed HB 443 in 2024. The bill directed Lexington to make all planning processes objective and allow for staff review.

“It has put us in a difficult position,” Council member Emma Curtis said. “We are all looking for the best bad option.”

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington to increase parking fines, monthly garage parking rates Fayette County will increase fines for such things as parking in a fire lane or intersection, or obstructing traffic.

Lexington will raise parking ticket prices for “safety violations” as part of its annual budget. That includes increased fines for such things as parking in a fire lane or intersection, or obstructing traffic.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington Children’s Museum looks to move for the first time since founding Executive Director Colby Ernest said Tuesday there are no concrete plans for when or where the museum will move, but programming has outgrown the museum’s current footprint, and it needs more space.

The museum has been on Short Street since its founding in 1990. Over the past five years, it has seen more than a 25% increase in yearly patrons.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Second Kentucky measles case confirmed by state health officials The person diagnosed is not a resident of the U.S., but because they received a diagnosis in Kentucky, it will be counted as a Kentucky incident.

In March, a child traveling through the state was diagnosed with the disease at a health care facility in Kentucky.

They are not a U.S. resident, but because they received a diagnosis in the commonwealth, it will be counted as a Kentucky incident.
www.kentucky.com/news/health-...

Kentucky officials ask federal government for REAL ID extension in the state Limited appointment availability and long wait times have hindered Kentuckians trying to obtain new state-issued REAL ID cards by May 7 deadline.

If you’ve had trouble updating your Kentucky license to be REAL ID compliant, you’re not alone.

Limited appointment availability and long wait times have hindered Kentuckians trying to update their Kentucky driver’s licenses to REAL IDs.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...

KY author Silas House says UK seems ‘eager’ to cancel diverse grad programs Students are organizing their own events to celebrate diversity after the University of Kentucky confirmed last week it canceled graduation programs honoring LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation student...

House will participate in a student-organized program to replace the canceled events.

“This is a way to celebrate the particular obstacles that a lot of minority graduates go through while in university,” he said.

Read more: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...

UK cancels events for LGBTQ, Black grads amid Kentucky, Trump anti-DEI pressure The University of Kentucky canceled the ceremonies to be “in accordance with state and federal law,” spokesperson Jay Blanton said.

UK will no longer host programs that honor LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation graduates to be “in accordance with state and federal law,” spokesperson Jay Blanton told the Herald-Leader.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...

After decades of trying, Lexington is one step closer to a new city hall The Fayette County government is negotiating the terms of moving to a new government center in downtown Lexington

Negotiations with the Lexington Opportunity Fund could take months. If a deal is not reached, the city could choose another company or close the bid and go back to square one.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Kentucky’s second mental health emergency room opens in Lexington The facility is open to people dealing with addiction, depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, mood swings, or hallucinations.

The new facility at New Vista will help treat vulnerable populations and bridge the gap between emergency care and outpatient mental health care.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/health-...

Federal funding cuts could be ‘detrimental’ to Lexington emergency response program The program helps take the burden off of Lexington’s ambulance service, which responds to over 45,000 calls annually.

The Community Paramedicine Program responds to non-emergent 911 calls, like when someone falls and needs help getting up.

The program takes the burden off EMS, which responds to over 45,000 calls annually, cutting runs by around 6%

Read more: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington mayor: We need more money for snow plows, park improvements & street safety Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton presented her proposed budget Tuesday, which includes $3.4 million to improve snow plowing and $19.2 million to improve street safety.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton Tuesday presented her proposed $539.2 million budget to city leaders.

It includes more money for snow plows, $19.2 million for street safety and a 3% pay increase for non-union employees.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

LGBTQ+ community fears exclusion as Lexington library cuts Pride event LGBTQ+ programming is not going away – only Pride Prom, a Lexington Library spokesperson said.

Lexington Public Library has canceled its annual Teen Pride Prom as part of an effort to cut back on programming.

The library is getting rid of programs deemed to be “under-performing,” said spokesman Dan Koett.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Transit Center closes for renovations, relocates downtown bus loading This is the first major renovation project at the Lexington Transit Center since it opened 34 years ago. Updates will include renovations to the restrooms, employee break room and customer service spa...

The Lexington Transit Center located downtown on Vine Street, which is where Lextran city buses make their connecting stops, will be closed for renovation starting this week.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington declares state of emergency as more storms expected over the weekend More heavy rain is expected for at least the next three days, with the potential for Lexington to see an additional 6 inches.

The declaration allows Fayette County officials to provide and coordinate aid with other counties throughout the state and apply for federal aid if needed.

Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/weather...