Service journalism reporter for the @heraldleader | former @bgdailynews | My dm’s are open 🗣👂| amudd@herald-leader.com | Find my stuff at kentucky.com
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Articles by Aaron Mudd
Lexington Mayor will appoint panel to review city's Flock camera use
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton will appoint an independent panel to review the city's use of automated license plate readers, including its existing partnership with Flock Safety. The Lexington Police Department first introduced the license plate readers in 2022 and has since expanded their use. There are currently 125 of the cameras located throughout the city.
Lexington pet owners could face fines for leaving pets out in extreme weather
The City of Lexington is working on adopting new policy pertaining to owners’ care of pets during extreme heat and cold. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Fines of $100 to $500 apply to pets left outside over 95°F or under 32°F. Cattle, horses and fowl are explicitly excluded from the new outdoor exposure ordinance. Judges may require impounded pet owners to pay food and board or forfeit ownership.
Lexington pet owners could be fined for leaving animals in extreme weather Original
The City of Lexington is working on adopting new policy pertaining to owners’ care of pets during extreme heat and cold. Just in time for summer heat, Lexington is taking a step toward punishing pet owners who leave their pets outside during extreme weather conditions. The Lexington Urban County Council’s social services and public safety committee advanced a new ordinance that would fine pet owners who leave their animals outside and unattended in temperatures over 95 degrees or under 32 degrees.
Gov. Beshear: 15 more health conditions now qualify for medical marijuana in KY
Rows of maturing medical marijuana plants at VS Kentucky Ops in Jessamine County. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order Tuesday to ensure that people with 15 health conditions have access to medical marijuana.
Lexington pet store sues city over law banning puppy, kitten sales
The city of Lexington is enforcing a ban on the retail sales of puppies and kittens from commercial operations, but a new lawsuit has been filed challenging the ordinance. The last local store known for selling puppies and kittens is suing Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government over its ban on the retail sale of those animals.
Employees at Kentucky business split 6-figure Powerball winnings
A group of employees in Bourbon County pooled their money earlier this year to play the Powerball, raking in a $200,000 win. According to a Kentucky Lottery news release, eight employees at Avantor Performance Materials in Paris carpooled to Kentucky Lottery headquarters with the winning ticket from the game’s Jan. 17 drawing.
Employees at Kentucky business split 6-figure Powerball winnings
A group of employees at a Bourbon County business recently split a big Kentucky Lottery win. (Getty Images) Kentucky Lottery logo Employees at Kentucky business split 6-figure Powerball winnings 1 of 2 A group of employees at a Bourbon County business recently split a big Kentucky Lottery win. (Getty Images) A group of employees in Bourbon County pooled their money earlier this year to play the Powerball, raking in a $200,000 win.
Lexington KY Utilities customers say their electric bills spiked after winter storm
By Aaron Mudd and Austin R. Ramsey, Lexington Herald-Leader LEXINGTON, Ky. - In the wake of Winter Storm Fern, some Central Kentucky residents say they're seeing high utility bills they either can't afford or which caught them off guard. Among them is Emma Moore, a Kentucky Utilities customer. When Moore recently opened her bill, mailed Feb. 10, she was astonished by what she was being charged for her 700-square-foot home in Lexington's Kenwick neighborhood.
Lexington KY Utilities customers say their electric bills spiked after winter storm
LEXINGTON, Ky. — In the wake of Winter Storm Fern, some Central Kentucky residents say they’re seeing high utility bills they either can’t afford or which caught them off guard. Among them is Emma Moore, a Kentucky Utilities customer. When Moore recently opened her bill, mailed Feb. 10, she was astonished by what she was being charged for her 700-square-foot home in Lexington’s Kenwick neighborhood. × Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content.
Lexington KY Utilities customers say their electric bills spiked after winter storm
LEXINGTON, Ky. — In the wake of Winter Storm Fern, some Central Kentucky residents say they’re seeing high utility bills they either can’t afford or which caught them off guard. Among them is Emma Moore, a Kentucky Utilities customer. When Moore recently opened her bill, mailed Feb. 10, she was astonished by what she was being charged for her 700-square-foot home in Lexington’s Kenwick neighborhood. In addition to a previous balance of $247.73, Moore’s bill shows she owes $492.38.
La Niña forecast to bring ‘rollercoaster’ spring weather to KY. What to expect
The recent warm-up in Central Kentucky is expected to be followed by a cold spell early this week that will place temperature highs back near freezing again. According to a National Weather Service meteorologist, you can expect that pattern to continue well into March. A weak La Niña is playing a big role as it transitions to El Niño by summer, bringing some volatile weather along the way.
Poll shows KY voters want expanded unions, increased pay
(TNS) Kentucky voters find union participation favorable and largely support policies that expand options for organized labor, improve job quality, increase pay, and respond to inflation, according to a recent poll.
Cases of dangerous ‘superbug’ reported in KY, other states. What one hospital is doing
Posted in: LEXINGTON, Ky. — A “superbug” fungus is spreading in health care facilities across the country, and according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, represents a multi-drug resistant threat that requires early detection and response.Candida auris, or C. auris, spreads easily in health care settings and can cause life-threatening infections in some patients,…
Lexington fashion designer’s spring exhibit celebrates Latin American attire as art
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Local artist Soreyda Begley is documenting Latin American dress via miniature garments MAVEN exhibit opens March 21, displaying her collection at Lyric Theatre Begley is partnering with other local Latin American artists and designers for the exhibit Growing up in her native Honduras, artist and fashion designer Soreyda Benedit Begley spent most of her childhood drawing and making clothes for her dolls.
Was that peacock in Winchester a legal pet? Here’s what exotics you can own in KY
Kentucky prohibits residents from owning many species, including tigers. Here’s what else to know about non-traditional pets. A loose peacock led police officers in Winchester on a chase earlier this week as the inquisitive animal hopped from roof to roof before it was eventually recovered. Peafowl are regularly kept as livestock in Kentucky, and while they are considered exotic animals, they aren’t subject to permitting requirements from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Was that peacock in Winchester a legal pet? Here’s what exotics you can own in KY
A loose peacock led police officers in Winchester on a chase earlier this week as the inquisitive animal hopped from roof to roof before it was eventually recovered. Peafowl are regularly kept as livestock in Kentucky, and while they are considered exotic animals, they aren’t subject to permitting requirements from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Cases of dangerous 'superbug' reported in KY, other states: What one hospital is doing
Credit: CC0 Public Domain A "superbug" fungus is spreading in health care facilities across the country, and according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, represents a multi-drug resistant threat that requires early detection and response. Candida auris, or C. auris, spreads easily in health care settings and can cause life-threatening infections in some patients, particularly those that need invasive medical equipment.
Cases of dangerous ‘superbug’ reported in KY, other states
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A “superbug” fungus is spreading in health care facilities across the country, and according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, represents a multi-drug resistant threat that requires early detection and response. Candida auris, or C. auris, spreads easily in health care settings and can cause life-threatening infections in some patients, particularly those that need invasive medical equipment.
Cases of dangerous 'superbug' reported in KY, other states. What one hospital is doing
By Aaron Mudd, Lexington Herald-Leader LEXINGTON, Ky. - A "superbug" fungus is spreading in health care facilities across the country, and according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, represents a multi-drug resistant threat that requires early detection and response. Candida auris, or C. auris, spreads easily in health care settings and can cause life-threatening infections in some patients, particularly those that need invasive medical equipment.
Cases of dangerous ‘superbug’ reported in KY, other states. What one hospital is doing
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A “superbug” fungus is spreading in health care facilities across the country, and according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, represents a multi-drug resistant threat that requires early detection and response. Candida auris, or C. auris, spreads easily in health care settings and can cause life-threatening infections in some patients, particularly those that need invasive medical equipment.
What were those strange, ‘street’ clouds were spotted over Lexington?
A local Reddit user spotted some odd-looking clouds in Lexington’s night sky Feb. 8. We asked a meteorologist what caused them. National Weather Service forecasters say Lexington could see its warmest day of the week Tuesday, when the high will reach almost 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the warm air is creating some striking cloud formations, as one observer pointed out in a post on the r/lexington subreddit Sunday evening.
Yes, Lexington has quiet hours. Can you report barking dogs, noisy neighbors?
Down 9 in the 4th quarter, Lexington Catholic rally stuns No. 3 Madison Central For the second time in a week, Lexington Catholic proved as inhospitable to ranked opponents as this past month’s deep freeze has been to the entire …
Will Central KY get hit with another winter storm? Here’s the outlook for the week
If you’re feeling fed up with the intractable snow, ice and cold temperatures that have gripped Lexington for weeks now, a forecaster from the National Weather Service has some bad news. “Winter is not done by a long shot,” Mark Jarvis, a meteorologist with the agency’s Louisville station told the Herald-Leader Friday. The latest NWS forecast calls for gradually warming temperatures early next week that will reach almost 60 degrees Fahrenheit by Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Coroner identifies elderly man struck and killed by car in Woodford County
A 93-year-old man is dead after being struck by a vehicle Monday morning in Woodford County. A 93-year-old man was killed Monday while crossing a stretch of Leestown Road in Woodford County. In a news release, the Woodford County Coroner’s Office announced David. T. Phillips Jr. of Woodford County was found dead at the scene of a collision with a motor vehicle. Versailles Police Department Chief Rob Young confirmed the death, which he said officers were called to at 8:40 a.m. Feb.
Coroner identifies elderly man struck and killed by car in Woodford County
A 93-year-old man was killed Monday after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a stretch of Leestown Road in Woodford County. Versailles Police Department Chief Rob Young confirmed the death, which he said officers were called to at 8:40 a.m. Feb. 9 on a stretch of Leestown Road between Coach Station Road and Moore’s Mill Road. The initial report came in as a body found on the side of the road, with a vehicle stopped in the vicinity, Young said.
The next battle after Lexington’s snow and ice? A whole lot of potholes on these roads
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Road thaw and repeated freeze/thaw cycles will produce more potholes across Lexington. North Limestone, Main Street and Nicholasville Road tend to be among problem areas. Report potholes to city public works so crews can schedule inspections and repairs.
Will Central KY get hit with another winter storm? Here’s the outlook for the week
If you’re feeling fed up with the intractable snow, ice and cold temperatures that have gripped Lexington for weeks now, a forecaster from the National Weather Service has some bad news. “Winter is not done by a long shot,” Mark Jarvis, a meteorologist with the agency’s Louisville station told the Herald-Leader Friday. The latest NWS forecast calls for gradually warming temperatures early next week that will reach almost 60 degrees Fahrenheit by Tuesday, Feb. 10.
What could Lexington learn from other cities that keep roads clear of ice, snow?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Mayor acknowledges plan failures and commits to revising Lexington’s snow strategy. Governor cites unacceptable road conditions and offers state guidance and aid. City to consult experienced cold-weather municipalities to improve cleanup. In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.
Beshear blasts Lexington’s winter storm cleanup efforts as ‘unacceptable’
A new critic weighed in Thursday on Lexington’s slow Winter Storm Fern clean up — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who called conditions in Lexington “unacceptable.” At the tail end of his weekly Team Kentucky update Feb.
Central Kentucky horse rescue puts out plea to help pay for hay this winter
Rescued horses at BraveHearts Equine Center in Paris munch on some hay in this photo from the organization’s recent GoFundMe. The harsh freeze after Winter Storm Fern is hitting a Central Kentucky horse sanctuary particularly hard. BraveHearts Equine Center in Paris recently announced on Facebook account it needs additional support to keep its horses fed and warm throughout the winter.
Lexington Reddit questions why mayor’s street was plowed. City says it’s not favoritism
In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com. As Lexington residents continue to deal with the fallout of Winter Storm Fern and the clearing of city streets, some are taking to social media to question why Mayor Linda Gorton has a street clear of snow and ice. A satirical post on the r/lexington subreddit Jan.
Lexington resumes trash pickup after winter storm. What to do if your can isn’t emptied
Waste collection in Lexington is returning to its regular schedule this week after the city temporarily suspended service due to cold temperatures and icy streets. The city announced the change Monday in a post on its Facebook account. But the shift back to regular trash and recycling pickup comes as the area is expecting more snowfall Tuesday, with a wintry mix possible during the evening hours.
Lexington Reddit questions why mayor’s street was plowed. City says it’s not favoritism
As Lexington residents continue to deal with the fallout of Winter Storm Fern and the clearing of city streets, some are taking to social media to question why Mayor Linda Gorton has a street clear of snow and ice. A satirical post on the r/lexington subreddit Jan. 31 drew attention to the mayor’s Lexington home on Beechmont Road and shared a photograph of the street, which appeared freshly plowed.
How much progress has Lexington made plowing neighborhood streets? City won’t say
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. City crews deployed heavy equipment and chemicals over the weekend, but progress is slow. Cold temperatures limited salt and Beet Heet effectiveness after Winter Storm Fern. Mayor Gorton will reassess snow removal strategy after 2025 investments missed the mark. In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea?
Measles is spreading in Kentucky. See your risk by zip code with this map
Kentucky requires vaccines for school-age children, with some limited exceptions. (Luis Alvarez/Getty Images) The highly contagious measles virus is spreading in Kentucky, with the latest state data showing at least 4 confirmed cases in Jessamine County , all of which are among children with unknown or unvaccinated status. Kentucky has seen multiple public exposure events to measles in recent weeks.
Kentucky Lottery sales topped $2B in 2025. How much are players winning?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Kentucky Lottery posted record $2.25 billion in 2025 sales for 14th straight year. Players received $1.68 billion in prizes while $387.5 million funded college scholarships. Online iLottery sales surged 25.8%, totaling $889.4 million and driving overall growth.
Winter storm delays 2 marijuana dispensary openings in Central KY. When you can shop
In our In the Spotlight stories, Herald-Leader journalists bring you continuing coverage of news and events important to our Central Kentucky community. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com. Despite Winter Storm Fern throwing a wrench in their initial plans, two Central Kentucky medical marijuana dispensaries are opening their doors to card-carrying patients this week. Blue Sage dispensary, located at 172 Imperial Way in Nicholasville, initially planned for a soft opening Jan. 26.
Winter storm brought less snow, more ice than forecast to KY. Just how much?
Much of Kentucky missed out on the blockbuster snowfall forecasters expected ahead of Winter Storm Fern, with significant ice accumulation proving to be the bigger problem in the storm’s aftermath. Altogether, Lexington received 5.5 inches of snow and 1.48 inches of precipitation. Ahead of the storm, forecasters anticipated a 70% chance Lexington would receive more than 8 inches of snow and a 50 to 60% chance of more than a foot.
Need to go out? What Kentucky law says about scraping snow, ice from your car
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Kentucky law has no explicit mandate to clear snow or ice from vehicles. Officers may stop drivers for obstructed views and cite careless or reckless driving. In crashes, Kentucky’s pure comparative negligence can assign full liability for ice. If you didn’t get the chance to move your vehicle indoors before Winter Storm Fern brought several inches of snow and ice to Lexington, you’ll likely be reaching for your ice scraper.
Can you legally pass a working snow plow in Kentucky? What state law says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Kentucky lacks a specific law banning drivers from passing active snow plows. Drivers must obey reckless-driving law; Transportation Cabinet advises keeping back. Follow guidance: avoid passing and keep back; plan trips per state advisories. The ice and snow Winter Storm Fern left across Central Kentucky over the weekend is expected to linger for several days, even as state and local road crews work to clear streets.
Can you legally pass a working snow plow in Kentucky? What state law says
The ice and snow Winter Storm Fern left across Central Kentucky over the weekend is expected to linger for several days, even as state and local road crews work to clear streets. During a Monday morning news conference, state officials said road clearing efforts had been hindered by extreme cold. Salt and snow plows are generally less effective at low temperatures.
How much snow fell in Lexington, across KY during weekend winter storm? See totals
Winter Storm Fern has left nearly a half foot of snow in Lexington and Louisville, and it’s likely to remain on the ground for a while amid bitterly cold temperatures in the forecast this week. According to the latest totals from the National Weather Service, current as of 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, Lexington saw 5.5 inches of snow over the weekend, while Louisville got 5.9 inches. In Southern Kentucky, Bowling Green got 3.5 inches of snow.
Who has power in KY? Outages at 60K and expected to climb as ice storm continues
More than 60,000 Kentuckians have been left without power Sunday morning during major winter storm that brought 1 to 4 inches of snow to much of the state and “major ice accumulations” to its southern and eastern regions. Power outages rapidly rose Sunday morning following overnight ice. Around 11 a.m. Eastern, PowerOutage.US reported a total of 63,803 customers without power across Kentucky. The outages were most widespread across Southern and Southeastern Kentucky.
Sleet and ice could bring widespread power outages to KY. Take these steps now
A winter storm warning from the National Weather Service remains in effect for much of Kentucky Sunday as Winter Storm Fern’s snow turns to more dangerous ice. Snow, sleet and freezing rain are expected to continue in Lexington before 4 p.m. Sunday, according to the latest forecast from the NWS. Ice accumulations of 0.2 to 0.4 of an inch are possible, with snow and sleet accumulations of up to 2 inches on top of Saturday’s blanket of snow.
Are Lexington grocery stores closing early due to winter storm? See hours
State and local officials are urging Kentuckians to prepare for significant impacts from Winter Storm Fern, which could bring ice and 7 to 13 inches of snow to the Lexington area. If you still need to run to the store ahead of the storm’s arrival Saturday, here’s what to know about Lexington store hours at Kroger, Walmart, Meijer and Target, including whether the stores plan to close early.
What is a ‘real feel’ temp? Winter storm brings bitter wind chills to metro-east
Belleville and surrounding areas will be under a winter storm warning and cold weather advisory this weekend, with the forecast calling for several inches of snow. St. Clair County could see 10 or more inches. Cold temperatures will sweep through Friday, Jan. 23 with a high of just 10 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 6 expected in Belleville. The low Sunday, Jan. 25 is zero, and wind chills will be even colder.
From PTSD to chronic pain, KY medical marijuana patients flock to Lexington store
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Patients from across Kentucky traveled to Lexington for Speakeasy dispensary opening. Kentucky program lists four active grows and one product manufacturer online. Patients seek alternatives to opioids and nerve/PTSD meds as rollout lags. Medical marijuana patients traveled from Danville, Louisville and elsewhere in Kentucky on Thursday, Jan. 15 for the grand opening of Lexington’s Speakeasy Dispensary.
Winter storm to bring negative wind chills to Wichita. What is a ‘real feel’ temp?
Wichita’s first winter storm of the season is expected to arrive this weekend, bringing negative wind chills and 5 to 10 inches of snow. The negative wind chills are expected early Friday, with the snow beginning Friday evening and lasting through Sunday. It’s been almost a year since Wichita’s last snow storm. The city saw 5.9 inches fall Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2025, and 5.4 inches Feb. 18, 2025, one National Weather Service forecaster told The Wichita Eagle.
Winter storm to send temps plummeting in Central KY. What does ‘real feel’ mean?
A snowstorm is expected to bring heavy accumulations to Central Kentucky and much of the state this weekend, with a winter storm watch calling for between 9 and 14 inches of snow in Lexington, along with ice. The storm arrives Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25, plunging temperatures into the single digits. Forecasters are also calling for heavy snow across Kentucky over the weekend.
Is Nicholasville’s medical marijuana dispensary open? Here’s when you can shop
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Blue Sage in Nicholasville plans soft open Jan. 26 and grand opening Jan. 29. Store will operate daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., employ nine staff and stock six strains. Kentucky cardholders must present state medical card and photo ID to purchase. In our In the Spotlight stories, Herald-Leader journalists bring you continuing coverage of news and events important to our Central Kentucky community. Read more. Story idea?
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