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Good morning, Lexington! In today’s edition: Fudge maker tackles lunch debt, the first baby of 2026 arrives, a tattoo convention celebrates 25 years, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Confections for a cause: Lexington fudge maker Adam Dahl aims to double his 2026 fundraising to $60,000 to tackle student lunch debt, and believes he can pay off FCPS debt even as needs grow — learn how he’s raising funds.
A special delivery story: Lexington’s first baby of 2026 was born at Baptist Health on New Year’s Day, as Meeko Ray Haggins continues a family tradition at the hospital — get all the details.
New eyes on nature: Kentuckians started 2026 with birding resolutions, gathering at Lexington Cemetery with Central Kentucky Audubon Society and Lexington Bird Cult members. A newcomer saw a red-tailed hawk and learned from experts — learn about community birding events.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
What applicants need to know: Lexington’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 83 is offering eight $1,000 scholarships for college or technical students in memory of Officer Frank D. Mattingly. Applications are open and due January 15. Eligibility includes Lexington residents or immediate family of Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government sworn officers. See eligibility, requirements and deadline.
Where to rally locally: Whether you’re testing a new paddle or finally admitting you’re hooked, Pickleball Paddock offers nine cushioned indoor courts, weekly clinics for all levels, organized leagues, and private lessons. A mezzanine perch and pro shop round it out, ideal for a midweek rally with a buddy. Your dink game will thank you.
Rainy day energy fix: When your little tornado needs a safe spin zone, Tiny Tots Playhouse delivers soft play, climbing, and sensory fun for ages 6 months to 8 years, plus comfy parent seating, Wi‑Fi, and snacks, so you can actually sip your coffee while they play.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🥣 Redemption Bowl Food Distribution @ Consolidated Baptist Church | Wednesday (1/7) at 2:00 PM – Skip the grocery gauntlet and swing by as Redemption Bowl hands out 1,300 forty-pound food boxes loaded with meat, milk, and vegetables. Stock your fridge, feed a neighbor, and practice your freezer Tetris, because this is the kind of abundance we can get behind.
✍ Paula McLain discussing and signing Skylark @ Lexington Green | Wednesday (1/7) at 7:00 PM – Paula McLain, yes, The Paris Wife Paula, is in town to chat and sign Skylark, her time-hopping Paris tale of art, courage, and resistance. Your book is your ticket, which is the kind of cover charge we can get behind, plus you leave smarter.
🦷 Free Dentistry Days @ Dental Wellness | Thursday (1/8) at 7:00 AM – Whether the dentist chair gives you hives or the budget says not today, this sedation clinic offers two free procedures, including fillings, extractions, or a cleaning, plus free consult and x-rays. 18+, bring a responsible driver, and no pregnancies. Screen at Dental Wellness of Lexington.
🥃 Castle & Key Guided Bourbon Tasting @ Goodfellas Pizzeria – Distillery | Thursday (1/8) at 6:30 PM – Hit Wiseguy Lounge in the Distillery District for a Castle & Key tasting, the kind of education you enjoy, starting with a Harvest Gin cocktail, then a flight of Small Batch, Wheated, Rye, plus an experimental rhum finish, maybe a distiller cameo. Slice, breadstick included.
🖋 Studio Ink Tattoo Convention @ Manchester Music Hall | Friday (1/9) at 12:00 PM – Whether you’re inked to the knuckles or still commitment phobic, this 25-year celebration delivers exclusive events, special guest artists, and tattoo showcases worth a double take. It’s a toast to the clients, artists, and diehards who built it. Bring curiosity, good company, and a forearm.
🐄 Kentucky Cattle Battle @ Alltech Arena | Friday (1/9) at 6:00 PM – Trade bourbon tastings for arena dust and hit Lexington for the Kentucky Cattle Battle, featuring a Cowboy Protection match and the Texas Greasepaint Tour. Expect bulls, grit, and plenty of Resistol and CINCH swagger. Books are open, so bring your bravado, not your white jeans.
🧂 Salt & Spirit: Intuitive Painting Journey @ Lexington Salt Cave & Wellness | Friday (1/9) at 6:00 PM – Skip the usual happy hour and get salty in the cave instead. In this two-hour reset, art therapist Danielle Creamer guides grounding breathwork, group Reiki, and meditative intuitive painting, so you leave restored, sparkly, and carrying a meaningful piece you actually want on your wall.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Lexington report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 55°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 55. Southwest wind 6 to 12 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southwest wind around 8 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 60°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 16%
A slight chance of rain showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
This house is wild
Turn-key and upgraded, this airy home pairs a neutral palette with three distinct living spaces and three bedrooms. The family room rises to a two-story ceiling, with a fireplace framed by custom built-ins and an open staircase. A sun-filled sunroom shows off walls of windows. Upstairs, a generous loft adds flex space and a storage closet. The gourmet kitchen brings white cabinetry, quartz counters, stainless appliances, and a pantry.
Custom drapes and blinds stay. Outdoor spaces include a covered front porch, a covered patio for gatherings, and a brick privacy wall. Minutes to I-75, Jacobson Park, New Circle Road, downtown Lexington, Hamburg, and the University of Kentucky.
Take a peek inside →
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