Wildcats Surge, Lexington Grows: February 28, 2025 Local News Roundup

Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for February 28, 2025. We're starting with some exciting news from the University of Kentucky. The Wildcats women's basketball team pulled off an impressive 82-58 victory over the 11th-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols last night at Memorial Coliseum. Clara Strack led the charge with a double-double, scoring 23 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. This win solidifies Kentucky's position in the SEC standings as we head into the final stretch of the season. In city news, Commerce Lexington unveiled a regional competitiveness plan earlier this month aimed at boosting job growth and attracting new businesses to the area. The plan emphasizes collaboration among nine counties in the region, recognizing that economic development often transcends county lines. With a focus on increasing jobs, wages, and GDP, the initiative aims to position Lexington and its surrounding areas as a more attractive destination for businesses and workers alike. Speaking of jobs, the latest employment figures for Lexington are in. The unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, which is slightly higher than last month but still indicates a strong job market. The education and health services sector continues to show robust growth, with a 5.6% increase in jobs compared to last year. On the weather front, we're looking at a rainy weekend ahead. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Eastern Kentucky, including parts of Lexington. If you're planning any outdoor activities, you might want to have a backup plan. Today, expect cloudy skies with a high of 58°F and a 60% chance of rain. In real estate news, the Lexington housing market remains competitive. The median home price in the area has risen to $275,000, up 5% from last year. However, inventory is starting to increase, which could provide some relief for buyers in the coming months. Looking ahead to community events, don't forget about the "History Hop" this weekend. It's a great opportunity to explore Lexington's rich past and visit some of our city's historic sites. The event starts tomorrow at the Mary Todd Lincoln House on West Main Street. In public safety news, the Lexington Police Department is reminding residents to be vigilant about locking their cars. There's been a slight uptick in vehicle break-ins, particularly in the Chevy Chase and Ashland Park neighborhoods. Remember to remove valuables from your car and always lock the doors, even when parked at home. On a positive note, we're excited to share that Lexington has been recognized as having the highest post-pandemic employment growth in the Federal Reserve's Fourth District. Our city's job market has grown by 5.5% since 2020, outpacing other major metro areas in the region. This growth is a testament to the resilience and innovation of our local businesses and workforce. Lastly, a quick shoutout to the students at Henry Clay High School. Their robotics team just qualified for the state championships after an imp This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.