Good morning, Frankfort.

Franklin County law enforcement arrested Dustin Fields (44) for first-degree arson after a fire on Wednesday morning on Flat Creek Road killed two teens and a dog, and authorities say more charges may follow as the investigation continues.

FEMA disaster recovery centers have opened across central Kentucky, including Mercer County, where last month's floods caused significant damage to homes.

Local officials said affected residents can visit the centers for federal assistance and more information on recovery efforts.

The Kentucky Public Service Commission is hosting a free Pipeline Strike Response Training event on May 7 at Western-Kentucky University in Bowling Green at 8 a.m. Central Time, where utility operators and emergency responders will learn excavation safety practices + see a simulated pipeline strike incident.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Commissioner Rich Storm sent a letter to the EPA urging the federal government to end the long regulatory battle over the WOTUS rule and allow the state to control its own water and land—stating that local farmers and property owners should not be burdened by federal overreach.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman defended the state law that requires registered child sex offenders to use their full name on social media before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, arguing it protects children online.

The law, passed unanimously by the General Assembly in 2024 (sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tichenor), is now under challenge by an anonymous offender.

Governor Andy Beshear said on May 1 that overdose deaths in Kentucky dropped 30.2% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The report shows 1,410 Kentuckians died from overdoses with a 37.3% drop among Black residents — fentanyl and methamphetamine were found in most cases.

2025 Downtown Frankfort Derby Breakfast Celebration

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Downtown Frankfort Inc — Free entry — Celebrate Derby season with live bluegrass music, delicious brunch, and family-friendly activities.

River Rat Run 3K

9:00-10:30 a.m. — River View Park — Registration fee required — Run through vibrant colors and enjoy the scenic beauty of Frankfort's River View Park.

Bright Futures in Mental Health Luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Capital Plaza Hotel — Ticket info not provided — Celebrate Mental Health Month and hear insights from keynote speaker Eric Friedlander.