Kentucky
Law enforcement, boat rental companies urge safety on the water this weekend
FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, boaters across Kentucky are preparing for festivities on the water, and safety officials are reminding everyone to exercise caution.
Elkhorn Creek, a popular destination for paddling, is expected to see a significant increase in visitors. Canoe Kentucky’s General Manager, Kali Sanders, anticipates ideal conditions.
“Our team is ready to help make this a seamless experience for all those joining us,” Sanders said.
A recent U.S. Coast Guard report highlights encouraging trends in boating safety, showing the lowest rate of damage, injuries and fatalities nationwide in 50 years. Kentucky had a reported 30% decrease in boating incidents in 2024 from the year prior.
Despite these improvements, the dangers of water activities remain prevalent. Last year, eight deaths occurred on Kentucky waterways, with alcohol identified as a factor in five of these incidents.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife released a statement urging boat operators to make responsible decisions regarding alcohol use.
“Vessel operators decide whether to drink alcohol and boat under the influence, and many times the decision to do so has deadly results,” said Maj. David Marques, assistant director of law enforcement.
In 2024, the department made 584 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests.
Law enforcement and rental companies stress the importance of being mindful of safety protocols.
“You know, life jackets are are really a key thing we want folks to be wearing and be familiar with,” Sanders said.
Fish and Wildlife officers will patrolling regularly to ensure safety.
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.
Kentucky
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.
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.
-
Wisconsin10 minutes ago
Wisconsin Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for May 22, 2026
-
West Virginia16 minutes agoNo. 9 West Virginia Battles Past No. 21 Arizona State, Punches Ticket to Big 12 Final
-
Wyoming22 minutes ago$1.1 million Wyoming home sale among the week’s top property transfers
-
Crypto28 minutes agoKraken Secures VARA Approval to Launch Crypto Trading and Staking in UAE
-
Finance34 minutes agoAussie who turned teen side hustle into $100 million empire pushes back at retail trend
-
Fitness40 minutes agoWhat is soft fitness? Experts say the gentler wellness trend could be the key to finally enjoying exercise
-
Movie Reviews52 minutes ago‘The Birthday Party’ Review: Hafsia Herzi, Benoît Magimel and Monica Bellucci in Léa Mysius’ Gripping if Uneven Home-Invasion Thriller
-
World1 hour agoVideo: Europeans Remain Wary as Trump Promises to Deploy Troops to Poland