Kentucky
Fenton Johnson's novel 'Scissors, Paper, Rock' chosen for KY Humanities' 2024 Kentucky Reads – NKyTribune
Kentucky Humanities has selected Fenton Johnson’s Scissors, Paper, Rock for its 2024 Kentucky Reads. The novel will serve as a focal point for community-wide book discussions that promote a shared literary experience and celebrate the diverse voices and stories that shape Kentucky’s rich cultural landscape.
Kentucky Reads will offer scholar-led discussions of Scissors, Paper, Rock to community organizations throughout the Commonwealth. Any non-profit organization in Kentucky can host a discussion of Scissors, Paper, Rock for a booking fee of $50, and each host organization will be provided with 15 copies of the novel to share among participating members. Publicity materials to promote the discussion will also be provided. A list of scholars can be found at www.kyhumanities.org/kentucky-reads-scissor-paper-rock.
Scissors, Paper, Rock delves into the complexities of human relationships, identity, and the search for self-discovery. Fenton Johnson, an accomplished author, and native Kentuckian, brings his unique storytelling prowess to illuminate the intricacies of life and connections that bind us together.
“We are thrilled to announce Scissors, Paper, Rock as the 2024 Kentucky Reads book,” said Bill Goodman, Kentucky Humanities Executive Director. “Fenton Johnson’s narrative explores themes that resonate with our shared humanity, and we believe it will spark meaningful conversations and connections among readers across the state. We invite everyone to join us on this literary journey as we read and reflect on Scissors, Paper, Rock. Through the power of storytelling, we hope to strengthen the bonds that connect us and celebrate the diversity of Kentucky’s cultural tapestry.”

Fenton Johnson is the author of three novels and four works of creative nonfiction, most recently At the Center of All Beauty: Solitude and the Creative Life, a New York Times Editors’ Pick. At various times a contributor to National Public Radio, Harper’s Magazine, and the New York Times Magazine, he has received numerous literary awards.
Johnson has taught in the nation’s leading creative writing programs and is Professor Emeritus at the University of Arizona. He continues to lecture and teach nationally.
Kentucky Humanities’ first edition of Kentucky Reads, in 2018, featured Kentucky native Robert Penn Warren’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, All the King’s Men. In 2020, Wendell Berry’s Hannah Coulter was chosen, followed by Crystal Wilkinson’s The Birds of Opulence in 2021, and Bobbie Ann Mason’s Dear Ann in 2022. Last year, Kim Michele Richardson’s The Book Woman’s Daughter was selected.
Kentucky Humanities, which serves as the Kentucky Affiliate for the Library of Congress’ Center for the Book, is a non-profit Kentucky corporation affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities. For information about Kentucky Humanities’ programs and services, including Kentucky Reads, visit kyhumanities.org.
Kentucky Humanities
Kentucky
Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.
Cash Ball
02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 6-3-0
Midday: 9-6-0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 5-7-6-0
Midday: 5-2-6-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
Kentucky
Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season
On Thursday, Kentucky’s home and away SEC opponents for the 2026-27 season were revealed and on top of learning the three opponents who they will play twice, there are some very intriguing matchups. In conference play, Kentucky will face six teams who are among the top 25 in many preseason rankings.
In SEC play, Kentucky will play Tennessee, Vandy and Ole Miss all both home and away. The home matchups include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vandy. As for the road tilts, the Wildcats will face Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Vandy. Let’s take a look at some interesting developments from the schedule release.
John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena (again)
In Calipari’s first year with Arkansas, he got the best of Kentucky when he came into Rupp Arena and left with a 10-point victory, a game where you could really feel the tension all game long in the building from Kentucky fans, which translated onto the court with the players. Last season, it was Kentucky who shocked everyone when they stole one on the road against a top 20 Arkansas team after a rough up-and-down season up to that point. Now, the two will face off again as Kentucky will look to get the win in Rupp and make sure Calipari doesn’t get two in a row in the building. It’ll be another highly-anticipated showdown.
Kentucky hits the road at Texas
This is shaping up to be a major challenge for Kentucky next season and may even end up being one of the biggest games of the season. Texas is seen by many as a clear top 10 team, with some even having them within the top five and when you combine that with the fact that the game is on the road, the Wildcats will have their hands full. The Wildcats fell to the longhorns in the 2024-25 season, and it’ll be a much stiffer challenge this time.
Which game could be a trap?
We don’t have the game-by-game dates yet, so it’s hard to say with a lot of confidence, but opponent-wise, Georgia could really give Kentucky fits. In Pope’s first year, his team struggled handling the physicality of the Bulldogs and now, they’ve retained one of their best guards for another year and have added physicality through the portal. Mike White’s teams love to make opponents uncomfortable and they could do that once again down in Athens. Another sneaky team to watch is Oklahoma, who will have very good guard play. Kentucky will face both teams on the road.
Overall, it’s a pretty fair SEC schedule for a Kentucky team who has the capability of a return to being atop the conference once again. Mark Pope has such a system-fit squad and he can do some damage in the SEC.
Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook and YouTube for the latest news.
Follow
Kentucky
Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July
Fourth of July festivities to celebrate in Louisville
See the Fourth of July festivities planned in Louisville for America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.
Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.
Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?
Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.
Are fireworks legal in Louisville?
In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.
If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.
But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky
How to use fireworks safely
The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:
- Use fireworks outdoors.
- Obey local laws.
- Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
- Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
- Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
- Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
- Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
-
Kentucky2 minutes agoKentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026
-
Louisiana9 minutes agoGuest Column: To win in manufacturing, the U.S. needs La. energy and improved permitting
-
Maine12 minutes agoHigh bacteria advisories reported at multiple Maine swimming spots
-
Maryland17 minutes agoMaryland governor vows special session to redraw congressional maps after election
-
Michigan24 minutes agoMichigan Recruiting Intel: Quarterback updates, notes on top targets
-
Massachusetts27 minutes agoReed: Fight for tax relief is far from over
-
Minnesota32 minutes agoChildren’s Minnesota doctor warns of Benadryl challenge dangers
-
Mississippi39 minutes agoMississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for June 25, 2026