WYMT-TV (Hazard, KY)

Fans react to Belgium winning World Cup game over USA. (Source: VTM)

WILMORE, Ky. (WKYT) - Asbury Theological Seminaryhas been removed from the United Methodist Church’s approved schools, specifically due to differing views surrounding LGBT+ ideologies. In 2024, the UMC voted to remove a clause from their social principles which stated, “the practice of homosexuality… is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Asbury’s ethos statement says, “We affirm marriage as sanctioned by God, which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union for life...”.

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - A bridge was dedicated to a Laurel County firefighter who sacrificed his life to save his family on Wednesday, July 8. The bridge, located on KY Route 363, was named the “Les Leatherman Memorial Bridge” in honor of Major Leslie Leatherman’s sacrifice and service. Major Leatherman spent nearly 40 years serving his community as a firefighter.

Meta is rolling out a new AI image generator for Instagram and WhatsApp. (Source: CNN, KPIX)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Following a social media post from Kentucky political commentator Scott Jennings—who said he spoke by phone with Sen. Mitch McConnell for 20 minutes—Rep. Thomas Massie shared a similar claim on his own accounts. McConnell has been hospitalized for weeks, and details about his condition have been limited.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter Wednesday, July 8, to Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office requesting an update on the senator’s health. A news release from the governor’s office says “limited” information has been shared from McConnell’s official office after the senator was admitted to the hospital on June 14.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — A driver in Arizona is facing several felony charges after being accused of driving while impaired in late June, officials said. While the Arizona Department of Public Safety has not identified the driver, troopers said the driver’s blood alcohol content measured 0.441 — five and a half times over the legal limit. Many people called 911 to report erratic driving on Loop 101 in the Arrowhead area.

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) — An Arizona man is accused of living illegally in the Tonto National Forest for years and accumulating about a half-ton of trash at a campsite in what a U.S. Forest Service officer described as one of the “worst residential cases” seen. Mark Aaron Gatz was arrested last month and faces multiple counts, including living on forest grounds and lighting a fire during Stage 2 restrictions, according to court documents.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “The Pitt” led all nominees with 25 in a dominant sophomore season, while “Hacks” led all comedies with 24 for its final season as the Emmy nominations were announced Wednesday. HBO Max’s emergency room series “The Pitt” was a rookie upstart last year with big wins including best drama series, best actor for Noah Wyle and best supporting actress for Katherine LaNasa. Already a beloved veteran show, it owned this year’s acting categories. Wyle was nominated again, as was LaNasa.

MARTIN COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - Leaders in Martin County officially broke ground on a new elementary school that will be built next to Martin County High School. District officials say site preparation began during the winter, and foundations have already been laid for the project. The new building, Martin County Elementary School, is projected to open in August 2028. Once students and staff move into the new school, Inez Elementary and Warfield Elementary will close, according to officials.