Kentucky
Kentucky consumers getting scam texts about unpaid traffic tickets. Don’t fall for it
Americans reported losing $470M to text scams
In 2024, Americans reported losing $470 million to scams that started with text messages, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission.
Scripps News
Those texts about unpaid tolls wasn’t real; and neither is this one about unpaid traffic tickets.
Another text message scam across multiple states is targeting Kentucky residents. It’s yet another smishing, or SMS phishing scam, and recipients should not go to the link in the text.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet warns of scam
The scam is similar to recent fraudulent texts and emails about unpaid tolls.
In a May news release, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet warned residents of text messages that impersonate state agencies and have suspicious links meant to look like government URLs.
“If you receive one of these texts, do not click the link,” the news release warns. “KYTC does not collect traffic ticket fees or notify customers of violations, and we are taking appropriate steps to have the fraudulent websites taken down.”
The messages may claim that if unpaid traffic fines aren’t paid right away, drivers will face actions such as their vehicle registrations or licenses being suspended, additional fees and prosecution.
What to do if you receive scam texts
Fraudulent text messages can be reported to the following agencies:
Kentucky
Georgetown Police working ‘active scene’ that left 1 person dead, 1 in custody
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — One person is dead and another person is in custody following an afternoon incident in Georgetown.
According to Georgetown Police, officers responded to the 200 block of Hutchins Drive around 5:30 p.m. for reports of an unknown problem. When they arrived, they located one person dead inside the home and another person with injuries nearby; that person was transported to a local hospital, and their current status is unknown.
One person remains in custody, police say. GPD asks the public to avoid the area, where a scene remains active.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.
Kentucky
Six Kentucky hospitals to receive portion of $105 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.”
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.
Kentucky
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.
“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.
-
Entertainment3 minutes agoRob Base, rapper known for ‘It Takes Two,’ dies at 59
-
Lifestyle9 minutes agoAt SoCal newest children’s museum, kids can dig for mammoth bones or face a giant Lite-Brite
-
Politics15 minutes agoGOP governor hopefuls give closing arguments to oft-forgotten Central Valley Republicans
-
Science21 minutes agoSome experts say they’ve never seen bees swarm so early — and that’s concerning
-
Sports27 minutes agoPrep talk: Teenage barber is helping baseball players look good during playoffs
-
World39 minutes ago‘United States of the Middle East?’: Trump posts US flag covering Iran
-
News1 hour agoWhat will Trump do next with Iran?
-
New York3 hours agoHow Stars From ‘The Morning Show’ and ‘The League’ Keep Their Love Alive