Kentucky

SEE IT: The top hat trends we saw at the 2025 Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show Models show off this year’s trends in Kentucky Derby fashion at the Kentucky Derby Museum 2025 Hat Show. March 23, 2025 Maggie Huber/Special To Courier Journal Models show off this year’s trends in Kentucky Derby fashion at the Kentucky Derby Museum 2025 Hat Show. March 23, 2025 Maggie Huber/Special To Courier Journal Miss Kentucky 2024 Chapel Tinius models this year’s trends in Kentucky Derby fashion at the Kentucky Derby Museum 2025 Hat Show. March...

• Elizabeth King was crowned the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival Queen at the annual Fillies Ball. • King was chosen from a group of five finalists via a random spin on a wheel. • The Kentucky Derby Festival Royal Court serves as ambassadors for the festival and the city of Louisville. Amid crowns, cocktails and celebration, the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival Queen was announced Saturday at the annual Fillies Derby Ball held at the Omni Louisville Hotel. All five members of the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival Royal Court, which includes...

Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider, speaking to Newsmax on Saturday, shed light on the historic flooding that took place last month in Hazard, Kentucky. Schneider, who will be performing a benefit concert for the town on April 8, told "Saturday Report" that "the beautiful little town of Hazard, Kentucky, has been part of my life for 45 years now." Scheider said that before the flood, "back in 1982," there was a cave-in at the town's coal mine. "The natural thing" to do at the time seemed to gather the...

• Zach Bales founded the Paranormal Roadtripper’s Nightmare Gallery in Somerset, Kentucky, to showcase his collection of paranormal and folklore items. • The gallery features a variety of items, including casts of Bigfoot footprints, haunted objects and props from horror movies. Kentucky native Zach Bales has been infatuated with the "unusual, unexplained and otherworldly" since he was a child, and he's built a collection of items to prove it.

• Aundrea Lewis, the CEO of Peace Hospital, announced her resignation. • On March 10, U of L Health confirmed "an incident involving some patients that did result in team member injuries." The chief executive officer of U of L Health Peace Hospital announced her resignation Wednesday. Aundrea Lewis sent an emailed letter to staff late in the afternoon after telling the hospital's leadership team earlier in the day. The Courier Journal obtained copies of the email from multiple employees. "This is a decision I've been considering for some time,"...

• Churchill Downs Racetrack and Ford Motor Co. announced a partnership extension through 2029, solidifying Ford as the exclusive automotive partner of the Kentucky Derby. • The agreement includes expanded Ford vehicle displays and interactive experiences for fans during Derby Week and beyond. • Ford gains naming rights to the First Turn Club, now the "Ford First Turn Club," and will introduce new Ford-themed experiences throughout the track. Churchill Downs Racetrack and Ford Motor Co. announced an expansion of their iconic partnership through 2029.

SEE IT: Step inside Crust & Crumb, an artisan bakery and cafe in Norton Commons A Key lime pie croissant bun at Crust & Crumb bakery in Norton Commons, a neighborhood in the Louisville area. Courtesy Of Crust & Crumb Banana Foster Bread at Crust & Crumb bakery in Norton Commons, a neighborhood in the Louisville area. Courtesy Of Crust & Crumb Cherry Cordial French Toast at Crust & Crumb bakery in Norton Commons, a neighborhood in the Louisville area. Courtesy Of Crust & Crumb Green Eggs & Ham (aka...

• Southern Living magazine has released its ninth annual "South's Best" edition, featuring reader-nominated favorites in various categories. • Kentucky establishments were recognized in three categories: Best Classic Hotel, Best Cities, and Best Barbecue Joint in Each State. • The Brown Hotel in Louisville was named one of the top classic hotels, while Lexington secured the 10th spot on the Best Cities list. The ninth annual Southern Living "South's Best," which is available on newsstands on March 21, includes awards in several categories including the South’s Best Cities, Top Beach...

• MeeshMeesh, a cozy Mediterranean restaurant in Louisville, has become super popular since opening in Sept. 2023. • Bilitzer attributes the restaurant's success to its unique menu, cozy atmosphere, and focus on fresh, flavorful dishes. Maybe MeeshMeesh got any bad luck right out of the way. On the restaurant’s second day in business, its credit card processor went offline during dinner service. The crew scrambled to solve the problem, with head chef Noam Bilitzer passing around his Venmo information. After that, it seemed like one good thing kept happening after...

• The Louisville area experienced strong winds, hail and rain overnight Friday and into Saturday morning. • The National Weather Service warns of potential severe weather, including damaging winds and possible tornadoes, Saturday afternoon and evening. After rain, wind and hail rolled through the Louisville area overnight Friday and into Saturday morning, the National Weather Service is warning of another round of potentially severe weather Saturday afternoon and evening. Louisville is under a wind advisory until 8 p.m. Saturday, with gusts up to 50 mph possible.