Today's Stories 57 stories · Updated 06:07 PM

Hundreds of employees at the University of Kentucky will be laid off, federal notices show

Employees at the University of Kentucky, including 926 food service workers, are facing layoffs, according to federally-required notices filed with the state government. Aramark Campus learned earlier this year that its contract with the university for food and concession services would end on June 30, according to an April letter sent to the Kentucky Career [...]

At what time do food cravings hit us the hardest?

A survey of 5,000 Americans, split evenly by state, looked at what cravings look like across the country, finding that the average person gets two cravings a day, with one [...]

Right to life is more than a political calculation

Last week, Jefferson Circuit Judge Brian Edwards struck down part of a Kentucky statute defining human life as beginning at fertilization. The case arose after a Jewish woman argued she [...]

Amazon delivery driver accused of hit-and-run that killed 4-year-old boy playing at park

An Amazon delivery driver is accused of hitting and killing a 4-year-old boy before leaving the scene.

Fact✓Check | Lexington mayoral candidates spar over city hall decision

Challengers criticize timing of move from Main Street building as mayor defends decision.

Aging Untold: When should older drivers give up the keys?

On this episode of Aging Untold, we’ll discuss the signs it may be time for a loved one to stop driving and how to talk about handing over the keys. Plus, we’ll look at how scammers manipulated accounts and stole thousands after what appeared to be a routine customer service inquiry.

Aramark to end University of Kentucky partnership, eliminating more than 900 jobs

Aramark Campus LLC will end its partnership with the University of Kentucky, eliminating more than 900 employees according to a WARN notice.

3 bald eagles escape aviary at Dollywood after storm damaged enclosure, 2 still missing

Two bald eagles are still missing more than two weeks after a storm tore open their sanctuary at Dollywood.

Third day in trial involving state trooper’s murder

It’s day three in the trial of the man accused of killing a West Virginia State Police trooper.

Boy staying home from school on a sick day dies in camper fire, authorities say

A 13-year-old boy in Florida died in a house fire when he stayed home sick from school, officials said.

City of Ashland provides new update after ‘substance’ found in Ohio River

The city says water plant operators noticed the abnormalities in the water, using their analytical devices to read water conditions in real time.

InvestigateTV+: How AI is helping Parkinson’s treatments

We examine how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing Parkinson’s treatment and helping patients reclaim lost abilities.

How AI is helping to improve Parkinson’s treatment, reduce symptoms for some patients

New adaptive deep brain stimulation system uses artificial intelligence to adjust treatment in real time

The big blue bus

As I prayed about what the Lord wanted me to speak on this week, an image came instantly to my mind. It was the big blue bus. Not the kind [...]

Watching and celebrating horse racing history

Jesse Campbell watches the screen as his sister, Bonnie Adams (in derby hat) and Jesse’s wife, Cathy Campbell, celebrate the fact that history was made when the first woman Kentucky Derby trainer, Cherie DeVaux, won the race with Golden Tempo. The three, who were among a modern-day record of 24.4 million people viewing the race on television, were attending a [...] The post Watching and celebratin

Rose theft is caught on video

The 100-year-old roses at Luann Vermillion’s home are often admired by passersby, but one woman allegedly took that admiration a step too far. Vermillion, of Whitesburg, was at work when her security cameras recorded a white SUV parked outside her fence, with shrubbery hanging out of a window, and a woman walking around her yard and porch with a shovel [...] The post Rose theft is caught on video

Sex crime plea adds new layer to murder case

Allegations of sexual abuse, alcohol provided to minors, influential connections, and adults who may have looked the other way are all part of a Perry County vehicular murder case that continues to deepen with each new revelation. Noah Back, 26, who is charged with murder in the death of 16-year-old Emilynn Clark in an ATV crash in Vicco on February [...] The post Sex crime plea adds new layer to

School threat case in hands of court, board

Two Whitesburg Middle School students accused of making a school shooting threat may face school board expulsion hearings in addition to penalties from Letcher District Court. The students were detained April 30 after allegedly telling a classmate to kill herself and later making threats of a school shooting. They were taken to a juvenile detention facility in Jackson, where they [...] The post Sc

UK’s Jager Burton just has to ‘do what he does’ in NFL

What was it like to have your son selected with the 153rd pick in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers? “It was both wonderful and gut wrenching at the same time,” said Jeff Burton, father of UK offensive lineman Jager Burton. “We were waiting (during the draft) and had been told so many things [...] The post UK’s Jager Burton just has to ‘do what he does’ in NFL first appeare

Shellcrackers starting to bite at Carr Creek Lake

It’s that time of year again when big bluegill start getting active, and while I enjoy fishing for just about anything that will take a bait, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the big ones. My favorite is the largest member of the bluegill family — the redear, better known as the shellcracker. These fish can [...] The post Shellcrackers starting to bite at Carr Creek Lake first appea

Women hunters are leading during this turkey season

Turkey season across the region seems to be going well. I’ve received a lot of photos from different locations, and one thing has really stood out to me — most of them are coming from women hunters. That may surprise some folks, but it shouldn’t. Truth be told, women hunters have played a big role in keeping our sport strong. [...] The post Women hunters are leading during this turkey season first

Derby Day in Cumberland

Cumberland Elementary School recently hosted a memorable Derby Day celebration, bringing together students, staff and community partners for a day full of fun, learning, and Kentucky tradition. Students in kindergarten [...]

Harlan County projects included in state funding announcement

FRANKFORT — Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, is highlighting nearly $25 million in water and wastewater infrastructure funding for communities across the 29th Senate District through House Joint Resolution (HJR) 81 [...]

Middlesboro blanks listless Lady Bears to clinch district's top seed

By John Henson Sports Writer During a season in which they have won only eight games to this point, the Middlesboro Lady Jackets have saved their best for district opponents. [...]

Lady Dragons pound out 12 hits as they avenge loss to Jenkins

The Harlan Lady Dragons won’t end the 2026 season with a winning record and may not win any championships, but there may not be any team in the 13th Region [...]

Sydni Burko Named 2026 Sun Belt Conference Softball Player of the Year

PRESS RELEASE: MARSHALL ATHLETICS NEW ORLEANS — A major accolade has been added to an already historic season as Marshall sophomore Sydni Burko has been named the 2026 Sun Belt Conference Softball Player of the Year. Burko - the native of Ona who came home to Marshall this season as a transfer from Indiana University - has additionally been named the league’s Newcomer of the Year and an All-SBC Fi

Beshear says he's signing emergency measures to freeze, lower gas tax

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is signing emergency measures to freeze the state’s sales tax on gasoline starting in July and declare a state of emergency that could lower the tax by 10 cents a gallon starting next week. In a Tuesday press conference, Beshear, said he doesn’t see an end to the ongoing war between [...]

Progress made but the work to end domestic violence continues in Kentucky

Over the past month, we have witnessed many heartbreaking and senseless acts of violence in both our community and our neighbors’ communities. We are grieving the recent shooting in Adair County that claimed the lives of three individuals, the intimate partner stabbing in Tennessee that claimed the life of Samarah Smith from Murray, Kentucky, the [...]

Cameron vows to keep fighting in KY GOP Senate primary despite Trump endorsement of Barr

LOUISVILLE — For Daniel Cameron, it’s full steam ahead — even without President Donald Trump’s blessing for his U.S. Senate campaign. Cameron, surrounded by his family and supporters at the Jefferson County Republican Headquarters on Tuesday, said he doesn’t plan on dropping out of the Republican primary in Kentucky’s U.S. Senate race. He is also launching [...]

UPIKE honors Class of 2026

Two defendants in Amber Spradlin case agree with need for delay, leaving one holdout

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. -- Two of the defendants in the Amber Spradlin murder case have indicated they are not opposed to another continuance in the trial, leaving only the primary defendant as having objected to further delays. Spradlin's body was found June 18, 2023, at the Arkansas Creek home of Prestonsburg dentist Michael McKinney. McKinney's son, M.K. McKinney, has been charged with her murder, wh

School threats reported across Kentucky

ohnson Central High School was evacuated Tuesday after a bomb threat was posted on Facebook.

Perry man pleads guilty to charge involving sex with a minor

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- A Perry County man who is facing a murder charge for his connection to a fatal UTV crash back in February has pleaded guilty to a child exploitation charge. Noah Back, 26, of Vicco, pleaded guilty Friday in Lexington federal court to one count of transporting a minor across state lines for criminal sexual activity. In his plea agreement, he admitted to taking a 14-year-old girl t

Perry County aims for world record with side-by-side event

A two-day off-road event kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. and continues Saturday starting at 10 a.m. The weekend includes a stunt show, obstacle courses and other family-friendly activities.

Opening dates announced for new stores in Hazard shopping center

The shopping center is expected to bring between 150 and 175 new jobs to Hazard.

They Needed Treatment for Drug Addiction. The Company They Turned to May Have Used Them to Commit Fraud.

Many credit Addiction Recovery Care with playing a key role in their sobriety. But most also said they felt betrayed by the organization. The post They Needed Treatment for Drug Addiction. The Company They Turned to May Have Used Them to Commit Fraud. appeared first on 100 Days in Appalachia .

Murder suspect still being monitored, despite order allowing attorney visits

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. -- Monday marked the first of five days that murder suspect M.K. McKinney has been allowed to leave his home in order to meet with his attorneys in Louisville. And while that decision has been widely criticized by some in the community, officials say it does not mean he has been given carte blanche to move freely. McKinney is charged with murder for the June 18, 2023, stabbing de

Rail site in Allen under review

Site has potential for industrial use, depending on variety of tests and surveys. The post Rail site in Allen under review appeared first on Mountain Top Media .

Johnson County receives $2.6 million for sports complex

Hager Hill Athletic Complex to develop soccer fields, tennis and pickle ball courts, and more. The post Johnson County receives $2.6 million for sports complex appeared first on Mountain Top Media .

Perry County and surrounding area residents voice cemetery concerns to state officials

Residents reported high weeds and damage to headstones at sites including Resthaven Cemetery in Jeff. The Attorney General’s office held the meeting to take formal complaints directly from families.

Hesterberg discusses political goals during forum

A candidate in the 95th Dist. Kentucky State House of Representatives race highlighted things he would like to see happen during a public forum hosted by the Appalachian News-Express if he is successful in the upcoming elections.

Judge suggests possibility of separate trials in Amber Spradlin murder case

Special Judge Eddy Coleman has issued an order suggesting that it may be best to separate the trials in the cases against the Floyd man accused of murdering Amber Spradlin in 2023 and the two men accused of evidence tampering in the case.

Prosecution renews call for delay in Amber Spradlin murder case

The prosecution in the case of the man accused of murdering Amber Spradlin in Floyd County in 2023 and the two men accused of attempting to tamper with evidence in the case has again asked for a delay so that the testing of DNA evidence may be completed.

We need better laws

April, which is over, is considered Child Abuse Awareness month, and I don’t think we learned any lessons.

Down with the ship

Hard to believe it's been 40 years since '86. Forty-seven days into the year 1986, Pavel Zagladimov went down with the ship.

Man sentenced to five years after Breathitt County shooting, Kentucky attorney general says

A man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years after a shooting in Breathitt County, according to Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman.

Harlan County woman dies after domestic violence stabbing, boyfriend charged with murder

Clayborn was rushed to Harlan ARH Hospital but did not survive. Investigators say her boyfriend, Michael Howard, stabbed her multiple times during an argument inside their home.