"Spike in Child Overdoses, New Business Park, Thunderstorms Ahead: Lexington Local Pulse"

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Tuesday, June 24, 2025. We start today with breaking news impacting families across Kentucky, including right here in Lexington. As part of National Safety Month, officials are highlighting a concerning spike in child overdose cases. Health advocates are urging everyone in our community to safely store medications and remain vigilant, especially as summer brings kids home and routines change. Resources are being made available through local clinics and the health department to guide safe practices and offer support. Turning to city hall, local leaders continue to focus on economic growth. The new 200-acre Legacy Business Park is now officially open on the city’s northwest side. This major project is expected to create hundreds of jobs over the next year and attract new companies to our area. Early tenants are already moving in, with positions available in manufacturing and tech. If you’re job hunting, now’s a great time to check the listings—current estimates show openings have jumped by about 10 percent since the start of June. Weather is making headlines this morning, too. We’re waking up to mild temperatures with a light breeze, but forecasters warn that thunderstorms could roll through by late afternoon. Outdoor activities and evening events may need to adjust. Stay tuned for updates and keep an umbrella handy, just in case. In higher education news, the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences has announced the launch of a new audiology doctoral program starting next summer. This is big news for students and for the local health care industry, as the demand for audiologists continues to grow. Downtown, several real estate developments are moving forward. There’s a surge in residential construction along Main Street and near the Distillery District. Realtors point to rising demand, with home prices up nearly 8 percent compared to this time last year. On the business front, a few new shops and cafés have opened their doors on Limestone and Short streets. At the same time, a couple of long-time favorites, including a bakery on Chevy Chase, have announced closures. Owners cite changing customer patterns and higher operating costs, but note that the community response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Looking ahead, the Lexington Farmer’s Market is back this weekend at Fifth Third Pavilion, packed with fresh produce and live music. Meanwhile, the Bluegrass Music Festival kicks off Friday evening at Triangle Park and runs through Sunday, promising local bands and food trucks. In sports, congratulations go to the Henry Clay High School girls’ soccer team for clinching the regional championship. The baseball Wildcats are also celebrating after a dramatic walk-off win last night at Kentucky Proud Park. On the public safety front, Lexington police have made progress in a string of firearm offenses that plagued several neighborhoods over the last month. A plea deal was reached yesterda This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.