Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Thursday, June 19. Our big story today, Lexington is honoring its vital place in the Underground Railroad with a new monument from the Lexington Freedom Train project. The unveiling is set for tonight as part of the city’s ongoing Juneteenth celebrations. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Lexington’s oldest Juneteenth Jubilee, and organizers say festivities are bigger and more vibrant than ever, with events continuing until Saturday on Main Street and throughout the historic East End. We’re seeing live music, food trucks, and youth activities bringing our communities together, all to celebrate freedom and unity.
On the city hall front, the council is moving forward on a major economic development: they’ve just broken ground on a new business park off Georgetown Road. City leaders say this project should attract hundreds of jobs in logistics and advanced manufacturing over the next few years, which is great news for local job seekers and our city’s tax base.
Speaking of new beginnings, The Hill, a technical school housed in the old Lexington Herald-Leader building downtown, has officially opened after a $65 million renovation. Programs start this fall and are expected to boost Lexington’s workforce pipeline, with an emphasis on tech skills and career readiness for local high school graduates.
Real estate watchers, we’re hearing that the local market remains active, with homes selling in about three weeks on average and median prices holding steady just above three hundred thousand. Rental inventory is tight, so if you’re looking for an apartment, start early and expect competition, especially near the University of Kentucky campus and the Chevy Chase neighborhood.
As for weather, keep those umbrellas handy. We’re expecting passing showers through the morning with a chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon. Highs will reach the low eighties, so events like Juneteenth in Woodland Park and tonight’s summer music at Triangle Park will likely go on, but might see a brief delay if lightning moves in. Looking ahead, tomorrow should be partly sunny and drier, so it’s perfect for outdoor plans.
On the public safety front, Lexington Police are investigating a series of armed robberies, including one at a CVS on North Broadway. Authorities have made several arrests but are still seeking additional suspects. They’re encouraging anyone with information to come forward. In other news, police have arrested a 16-year-old in connection with a fatal stabbing last weekend on East New Circle Road. Our thoughts go out to the families affected.
In community news, the Lexington Humane Society’s annual Mutt Strut fundraiser wrapped up yesterday, raising tens of thousands of dollars for local animals in need. Organizers say turnout was among the best in years, with families and their furry friends packing the Legacy Trail.
In local sports, our high school baseball teams made strong showings in the regional playoffs, and Lexington is gearing up for a busy sports weekend with Legends baseball and Bluegrass 10,000 training runs happening around town.
Finally, a feel-good note: Kentucky’s own Silas House, the newly named poet laureate, led a moving Pride Month rally downtown, bringing thousands together in a show of support for our LGBTQ+ neighbors.
This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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