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A quick rundown on new KY Laws taking effect Jan. 1

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A quick rundown on new KY Laws taking effect Jan. 1


BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – With the new year here, several laws have taken effect in Kentucky.

A major question on the 2024 ballot was deciding whether or not to allow medicinal cannabis businesses to operate in the commonwealth.

Governor Beshear signed the program into law in 2023, in part so “patients have access to medical providers and treatment for qualifying conditions.”

Through a license lottery, four dispensaries in the South Central Kentucky area were chosen to offer medical marijuana starting this year. Officials picked Zeus Agoraios in Franklin and three locations in Bowling Green: AR-MO-KY-MS Cannabis Ventures LLC, Promo Pulse LLC and Flower Radar LLC.

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These are qualifications people must meet in order to receive a medical marijuana card:

  • You must be a resident of Kentucky.
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must have a qualifying medical condition such as cancer, chronic pain, muscle spasms or PTSD.
  • You need a written certification from a licensed medical practitioner confirming your condition.
  • You cannot have a felony record.

“I think any time you you’re dealing with a new agency that’s handling a new government type of medical option it’s going to be a little difficult, but we’ve been trying to work really hard to navigate with the patients and give them a step by step form of papers so that they understand this whole process,” Stacia Staples, an APRN who is on the eligible practitioner list, said.

Another law starting Jan. 1 is a new limit to vape shops. In an attempt to curb the youth’s use of nicotine, only nicotine vapes sold under an approved U.S. Food and Drug Administration list are legal to sell. Those not approved or certified must be off shelves by the first.

“All of those things, my hope is that the new law will affect what our vape stores are selling. They’re popping up all over the city and, you know, you see young people in and out buying vapes,” Bowling Green Attorney Hillary Hightower said. “What’s in those vapes is not regulated, a lot of them come from China; they’re not tested.”

On the flipside, some businesses are distraught over the new law.

“We’ve been railroaded, and it feels bad. It’s just a real **** deal, and none of the politicians seem to care,” Vette City Vape co-owner Cordell Gary said. “Here we are, four days from when this takes effect, and Kentucky keeps saying, ‘Oh, we’re going to approve some products. It’s not going to be as bad as it looks. We’re going to do it.’ Well, people are closing their doors right now.”

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Another new law will require Kentucky drivers to take a vision screening when renewing their driver’s license or permit. The new legislation aims to improve driver safety. Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower said the screening will only take a few minutes, at most, and will help identify potential health issues.

The screening is free and can be done during your renewal appointment. Drivers who don’t pass will be referred to a vision specialist for further examination.



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Kentucky

Six Kentucky hospitals to receive portion of $105 million in FEMA funds

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Six Kentucky hospitals to receive portion of 5 million in FEMA funds


FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that Kentucky has secured $105 million in FEMA disaster funds for six hospitals.

The awards are for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to May 11, 2023.

The hospitals include:

  • AdventHealth Manchester
  • Appalachian Regional Healthcare
  • Baptist Health
  • Pikeville Medical Center
  • T.J. Samson Community Hospital (Glasgow)
  • UofL Health
  • Kentucky Emergency Management

The governor said the funding is much needed years later.

“What our hospitals did during the pandemic is nothing short of heroic, and my administration worked hard to make sure the reimbursements they were owed under the president’s emergency declaration were delivered,” Beshear said. “While this funding is being received years later, it couldn’t come at a better time, as our hospitals face challenges due to federal Medicaid cuts. This $105 million will make a difference for these hospitals and the Kentucky families who depend on them, which is why today’s news is so great.”

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Sentiments echoed by the commonwealth’s emergency management director.

“Our first responders and hospitals went to great lengths to protect the lives of Kentuckians during the pandemic, and I am grateful that we were able to secure this funding and provide the reimbursements these hospitals and our team deserve,” said Eric Gibson. “We are processing the funds as quickly as possible so teams can put those dollars to good use as they continue to care for and protect people across our commonwealth.”

Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.



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Chase Lumpkin planning visit to Kentucky Basketball

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Chase Lumpkin planning visit to Kentucky Basketball


Kentucky Basketball head coach Mark Pope and his staff have been busy on the recruiting trail during the Memphis Nike EYBL session, and now the Wildcats are beginning to line up official visits with top prospects.

According to Jacob Polacheck of KSR, class of 2027 4-star shooting guard Chase Lumpkin is planning to visit Kentucky in the near future as his recruitment continues to take off nationally.

Lumpkin, a 6-foot-4, 170-pound guard from Powder Springs, Georgia, has quickly become one of the hottest names in the 2027 recruiting class following a strong recent stretch of play on the EYBL circuit. He currently holds nearly 20 scholarship offers, including Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Indiana, Louisville, and several others, with more programs expected to enter the mix soon.

Kentucky officially offered Lumpkin in late April after new assistant coach Mo Williams visited his school. However, the Wildcats had already been building a relationship with the talented guard since last summer. Lumpkin also made two visits to Lexington during the 2025-26 season.

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“They showed a lot of belief in me,” Lumpkin tells Polacheck of KSR. “They watched me last session and, of course, were here today. It’s just showing that I can come in and make an impact as a freshman. Hopefully, I can do that one day.”

Lumpkin added that his recruitment remains open and other schools still have time to make a push as his stock continues to rise nationally.



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KSP investigating fatal collision in Eastern Kentucky

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KSP investigating fatal collision in Eastern Kentucky


GREENUP COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a deadly collision that took place Wednesday.

State police said at 9:25 p.m., troopers responded to reports of a two-vehicle collision at Industrial Parkway and County Road 1630 in Greenup County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Abigail Miller of Vanceburg crossed the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle head-on.

Miller was pronounced dead at the scene by the Greenup County Coroner.

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The individuals in the other vehicle were transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

The investigation into the collision is ongoing.

Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.



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