Breathitt County, Ky – A proposed Jayden’s Law is gaining support across Kentucky after the death of 10‑year‑old Jayden Spicer, whose mother and stepfather are charged in his murder. Advocate Joe Clark, who started the petition, says the bill would protect children under 18 by closing custody loopholes, increasing penalties for abuse and manslaughter, and strengthening daycare and online safety rules. More than 3,000 people, including state Senator Brandon Smith, are backing the effort, and Smith says he plans to help draft the bill and may seek an emergency clause to put it into effect immediately.
Pikeville, Ky – Sen. Phillip Wheeler of Pikeville has introduced Senate Bill 86 to formalize cooperation between Kentucky law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill would require Kentucky State Police and local agencies to enter formal 287(g) agreements with ICE, allowing trained officers to help with immigration enforcement through jail-based identification, task force coordination and serving administrative warrants. Wheeler says the measure is meant to provide clarity, consistency and public safety, and SB 86 now awaits further action in the General Assembly.
Morgan County, Ky – Kentucky State Police are investigating a deadly single‑vehicle crash in Morgan County. Troopers say West Liberty Dispatch requested help around 8 a.m. Thursday for a wreck on U.S. 460 East near the Magoffin County line. Investigators say 84‑year‑old Roger Ball of West Liberty went off the road and hit an embankment. Morgan County Coroner Shawn Vancleave pronounced dead at the scene.
Johnson County, Ky – Deputies in Johnson County have arrested a Sitka man after they say they found drugs and cash in his vehicle. Officers were called to a home in Hager Hill after a report of a man sitting in a truck in a driveway for two hours and found 48‑year‑old Jeffrey Blair passed out. Deputies say they recovered marijuana, about an ounce of suspected meth, and nearly $2,500 in cash. Blair faces DUI, license suspension, and trafficking charges.