Fayette County
Coverage of Fayette County in the Nexus archive.
- How new SNAP restrictions could hit Greater Pittsburgh’s food access and economy
New federal policy changes are reportedly making participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) more difficult for low-income families. In Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, SNAP benefits have decreased by about 12% since 2025, while new work requirements have expanded to include adults up to age 64. These shifts come as grocery prices have increased significantly, outpacing wage growth.
- Kentucky Powerball winner arrested for fourth time
A Kentucky Powerball winner, James Shannon Farthing, was arrested for the fourth time since winning a $167.3 million jackpot in 2025. He faces charges of first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault following a domestic violence incident. Previous arrests include assault, hit-and-run, and burglary charges.
- Fayette County man charged with arson after investigators say he set two fires at school
A Fayette County man has been arrested and charged with arson. Investigators say he intentionally set two fires at a Somerville school earlier this month.
- Gov. Beshear awards more than $6.1M in state funding for site building development, Cumberland County included
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear awarded over $6.1M in state funding to support site and building development in Cumberland, Fayette, Madison, Russell, and Scott counties through the Kentucky Development Initiative. The Burkesville-Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority plans a multi-phase project in the Cumberland River Industrial Park, including infrastructure improvements and utility expansions, with $1.3M in state support allocated for the initiative.
- Most West Tennessee counties aren’t growing as quickly as expected, data shows
Population growth in most West Tennessee counties is lagging behind projections tied to Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s BlueOval City automotive and battery plant. Production delays, shifting plans, and the dissolution of the Ford-SK On joint venture have postponed hiring and population increases, with only half of counties meeting 2025 growth targets.
- Fayette County to demolish burned portion of historic former school building
Fayette County plans to demolish the fire-damaged front portion of the historic former Somerville Elementary School, built in 1936, due to asbestos concerns. The July 4 fire raised health risks, and inspectors will assess the remaining structure. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and local fire department are investigating the cause, with no evidence of criminal activity found.
- TBI investigating fire at former Somerville Elementary School
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a fire at the former Somerville Elementary School in Fayette County. Fire crews from Somerville and Fayette County responded to the incident on Sunday, with no injuries reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the school has been closed since 2014.
- Fayette County Man Sentenced to More than 12 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime
A Fayette County man was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for a federal drug crime. The case involved a federal drug-related offense leading to a multi-year prison term.
- Data center guzzled 30 million gallons of water and nobody noticed for months
A data center in Georgia used 30 million gallons of water without paying for it, during a time when nearby residents were restricted from using water due to drought. The facility, Quality Technology Services, had unmonitored industrial-scale water hookups. An investigation found that one connection was installed without the utility's knowledge and the other wasn't linked to the company's account.