Kentucky
Dream.org traveling across the commonwealth, pushing for social change
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington got a visit from the local chapter of the national organization Dream.org, which is meeting with communities around the commonwealth.
The organization strives for social change, from creating new economic opportunities in overlooked communities to reducing socioeconomic challenges.
John Bowman, Kentucky’s campaign coordinator with Dream.org, has a history of working in mental health services and substance abuse. Years after recovering from addiction, he said he advocates for others to find their way.
According to the 2023 statewide Drug Overdose Fatality Report, there were more than 1,900 deaths in 2023, putting the average age-adjusted rate for those deaths at 45.9.
It’s one reason the organization is touring the state for a second year.
“I lived in a very diverse community growing up,” Bowman said. “Now, I live in a not-so-diverse community, but the issues are the same.”
The conversation at the Lexington Lyric Theater highlighted achievable solutions with those who do the work. Medical staff, recovery groups, representatives for Kentucky businesses and others shared info. Each person who spoke was either directly affected or worked with someone facing addiction, incarceration, injustices or homelessness.
Leaders said there are issues affecting nearly each one of Kentucky’s 120 counties and sharing experiences is a step toward solutions.
By West Kentucky Star staff
Jul. 07, 2026 | 10:07 PM
| PADUCAH
The US 51/Cairo Bridge will remain closed for a period of time.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced Tuesday the connector between Wickliffe and Cairo was closed Monday as crews conducted a special inspection and identified a problem with a bearing pad on the Kentucky approach.
A bearing pad shifted out of place, causing the bridge deck to become misaligned by approximately two to three inches at an expansion joint. A repair is needed.
Bearing pads function like cartilage between joints, supporting steel beams while accommodating the bridge’s natural expansion and contraction.
There are no concerns about the bridge’s overall structural integrity.
The repair will require crews to lift a heavy section of the bridge deck to replace the bearing pad. State engineers are working with the contractor and design team to finalize a repair plan as quickly as possible.
There is currently no estimated timeline for reopening the bridge. Motorists should continue to use alternate routes and expect the bridge to remain closed until the necessary repairs have been completed.
La Familia has added another familiar face to its roster, as former Kentucky point guard Quade Green is set to make his debut with the Wildcats alumni team in the 2026 edition of The Basketball Tournament (TBT).
Green will be participating with La Familia for the first time as the program enters its third summer competing in the $2 million winner-take-all event. He joins a roster already featuring Kentucky alumni Andrew Harrison, Archie Goodwin, Kahlil Whitney, Reid Travis, and Willie Cauley-Stein.
In addition to the former Wildcats, three non-Kentucky players also appear on La Familia’s official roster: guards James Mainor-Bell and Chase Audige, along with forward Chris Coffey. While the trio has not been officially announced by the team, each is currently listed on La Familia’s website.
Green arrived at Kentucky in 2017 as a 5-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American. During his freshman season, he averaged 9.3 points and 2.7 assists while starting 13 games and helping lead the Wildcats to the Sweet 16. As a sophomore, he averaged 8.0 points before transferring midway through the season.
Following Kentucky, Green continued his career at Washington before playing professionally overseas. He most recently competed internationally after beginning his professional journey in Europe.
With another experienced playmaker now in the backcourt, La Familia continues to strengthen its roster ahead of another run at the TBT championship. Green’s addition brings veteran leadership, scoring ability, and another former Wildcat eager to represent Big Blue Nation this summer.
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