Kentucky
WATCH: Inside The Luxurious Return of the Kentucky Derby Experience
“Comfortable Derby!”
The salutation heard near-constantly on and across the Churchill Downs grounds made it clear that the annual working of the thoroughbreds is nothing in need of an area vacation in Louisville. And upon my first go to to the town for the grand occasion, it wasn’t troublesome to see why.
For the primary time ever, BMW North America obtained in on the motion because the inaugural official luxurious automotive associate for the famed races. I had the respect of attending the Louisville custom as a visitor of the model, and for sure it was a weekend crammed with luxurious, a wholesome dose of whiskey, lilies, roses, and a great deal of heart-pumping pleasure.
Like all huge occasion, earlier than the race itself got here days of occasions and experiences devoted to the custom. We kicked issues off on the Style of the Derby, a culinary occasion gathering cooks and restauranteurs from everywhere in the nation to present samples of their best dishes and craft drinks. After all, we are able to’t neglect the luxurious car big’s signature macaron expertise, which paired immaculately with the free-flowing champagne.
Subsequent, there was an early-morning trek to Stitzel-Weller Distillery, to tour the grounds and study the wealthy historical past of Kentucky bourbon (and bootlegging). Sipping on bourbons starting from Blade & Bow to I.W. Harper earlier than 12pm was a momentous head begin to the day earlier than heading to Kentucky Oaks, the “race earlier than the race” that many unfamiliar with the Derby don’t fairly learn about.
Going down on the Friday earlier than the Derby, The Kentucky Oaks sees the 1 1/8 mile racing of 3-year-old fillies (younger feminine horses). The race is run with survivors of breast and ovarian cancers in thoughts, even that includes a parade of the courageous ladies who’ve come out on the opposite facet of that battle. As such, an unofficial pink theme is connected to the occasion, with many choosing big pink hats and fascinators topping their equally pink-hued outfits.
Louisville legend says the horses convey the rains the primary weekend of every Could, and that was past true for Oaks Friday. Racegoers of their silk and satin best fortunately turned drenched within the torrential downpour, because the present and the race should go on. I took a wet trek of my very own to the bugler’s field, to get a singular view of the kickoff of the races. There, I had the chance to satisfy Steve Buttleman, the official bugler of the Churchill downs with out whom not a single hoof would hit the monitor. Donning his signature vibrant pink jacket for the Oaks, he revealed that opposite to fashionable perception, his job is a year-round duty – one he’s been fortunately taking up for over 25 years. In between races and particular appearances? He makes customized bracelets for his younger granddaughter.
After loads of meals much more mint juleps loved on the field stage and fortunately a restful night time’s sleep to reset (and re-press my hair), it was time for the principle occasion. BMW was form sufficient to reward me a hat from Christine A. Moore millinery that matched my chosen outfit, an emerald inexperienced Hanifa jumpsuit, extra completely than I might have requested.
It was clear that this was the largest day of the yr, and certain essentially the most fashion-forward as celebrities filed in for the festivities. Stars like Nation music heavy hitter Brittney Spencer, onsite to sing the nationwide anthem, rappers Drake and Jack Harlow, onsite to shoot the video for his or her aptly-named monitor “Churchill Downs,” and New Version who have been stopping by earlier than shutting down a post-race stage alongside Janet Jackson, strutted the grounds and greeted followers of their best good informal apparel.
“That is my favourite factor as a result of it’s the place vogue meets sports activities,” Star Jones instructed us on her approach into races. This yr’s return to type was larger than ever, with 14 races run as a substitute of the everyday 12. It lends to cause that BMW selected to get entangled with the occasion in such a serious approach this yr, tapping in with sports activities followers, vogue lovers, and total luxurious fanatics on the place the place all of them converge. We even obtained a sneak peek on the all-new BMW 7 Sequence, together with the first-ever, absolutely electrical BMW i7. After all, they made it even sexier with a customized matte black end and specialised rims.
“The Kentucky Derby is an iconic luxurious occasion that shares a lot of BMW’s model values, together with efficiency, memorable experiences and the best hospitality,” stated Broderick McKinney, regional vice chairman, Central Area, BMW of North America. “This occasion is a singular alternative to showcase the brand new BMW 7 Sequence and X7 in entrance of a world viewers, whereas additionally connecting immediately with BMW prospects and followers within the area in a really genuine approach.”
The show undoubtedly made racegoers need to climb inside and drive in luxurious across the Downs, as one factor it appears few bargained for was the sheer measurement of the grounds – and the following quantity of footwork required to cowl them. From snack and cigar stands to bars and activations, earlier than even factoring in these compulsory photograph ops and naturally bet-placing and race watching, it’s rather a lot for even essentially the most fortitudinous of ft to deal with. Trying round, I noticed many a Derby Day gown punctuated by Louboutins or Giuseppes measuring at 105mm or greater, traipsing throughout the principally concrete and cobbled terrain. As for myself…I barely made it longer than 4 hours in my Neous double strap mules. Fortunately the Churchill Downs reward store had branded flip flops in inventory for simply such an event.
After inserting (and dismally shedding) my first-ever wager on race 10, I used to be whisked away to Room 20, a personal speakeasy positioned on the highest ground of Churchill Downs. Tucked behind a hidden nook and requiring an escort with a key card to allow entry, the luxe bar has an early Nineteenth-century prohibition-era glam really feel, full with smartly-appointed mixologists crafting cocktails at a gentle tempo, chandeliers, plush rugs, and plush leather-based seating. A fast historical past lesson – the unique secret hideaway was initially an enclave that solely welcomed VIP company of the president of the Churchill Downs – and two (very sturdy) French 75’s later, it was time for the large race.
Again at our seats, the out-of-nowhere underdog win for #21 Wealthy Strike that has been the subject of dialog for days after the race left the group in utter silence. Becoming, because it appears only a few took the chance to get in on the 80-1 odds on the last-minute add-on horse.
At this level, there was nothing to do however end our cocktails and get our remaining photograph ops below the dual spires whereas having fun with the final two races. And naturally, discover a native barbecue spot to hit up earlier than making our exit from the Bluegrass State.
I definitely can’t wait to tackle the luxurious and pleasure of the Kentucky Derby once more subsequent yr – this time correctly armed with a classy flat shoe, a rain-ready hair plan, and worthwhile horse-betting expertise.
Kentucky
3 Transfer Portal Moves: Former Kentucky QB Gavin Wimsatt Finds New Home
The snow has slowed the Commonwealth to a crawl, but the transfer portal is still moving and grooving. The dead period ended, allowing players to hit the road for another round of visits. Kentucky got a big recruiting win over the weekend when Washington State DL David Gusta signed with the Wildcats. Now a few other chips are falling in different places.
Gavin Wimsatt started his career at Rutgers. After three seasons in Piscataway, the Owensboro native moved back to his Old Kentucky Home. Now he’ll finish his college career in Conference-USA.
Wimsatt revealed on Instagram that he will spend his final year in college at Jacksonville State. He’ll be suiting up for Charles Kelly, the former Auburn defensive coordinator who was hired this offseason to replace Rich Rodriguez. I must say, the quarterback can pull off the cowboy hat.
Join KSR Plus! With a KSR Plus membership, you get access to bonus content and KSBoard, KSR’s message board, to chat with fellow Cats fans and get exclusive scoop.
EDGE Target Commits to Auburn
Kentucky lost its top three EDGE players to the transfer portal this offseason. They’ve added a pair of players, Kameron Olds and Sam Greene, but they could use one more who could provide some pass-rush pop. Chris Murray was the first big fish on the list. He visited Kentucky and three other schools prior to the dead period. After the break, he made a few more visits before the All-C-USA performer from Sam Houston State selected Auburn.
The Cats missed on Murray, but it won’t be considered a miss if they can reel in Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace. The FCS All-American was the Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year after tallying 17.0 TFLs and 9.5 sacks. He visited Kentucky on Friday. USC, Mississippi State, and Wisconsin are also in the hunt for the immediate impact EDGE. If Kentucky can seal the deal, this might be their biggest win of the entire transfer portal cycle.
Former Kentucky WR to the Big Ten
Chauncey Magwood flashed during his brief stint at Kentucky. The class of 2021 signee appeared in all but one game over his two seasons in Lexington. The mid-three-star prospect from Georgia was a physical wide receiver who could play inside or outside, catching 8 passes for 121 yards, and a touchdown.
Without much playing time on the horizon, Magwood hit the transfer portal and landed at UCF. The Gus Malzahn era was regrettable for all parties involved, including Magwood. He caught just 9 passes for 142 yards in two seasons.
Rather than lingering in Orlando limbo, Magoowd hit the transfer portal again. West Lafayette is going to look a lot different than Central Florida. He’s transferring to Purdue to help Barry Odom rebuild the dilapidated Boilermakers program.
Kentucky
Kentucky State Police trooper injured in crash during winter storm
HART COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky State Police say one of their troopers was injured Sunday morning in a crash during the ongoing winter storm.
Police say the crash happened along Interstate 65 in Hart County, north of Bowling Green. Snow was falling at the time of the crash.
State Police say the trooper is receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. No other details about the crash have been released.
Law enforcement agencies across Kentucky have been asking people to stay home Sunday, as snow and ice have made many roads around the state dangerous for travel.
Copyright 2025 WKYT. All rights reserved.
Kentucky
5 bills Kentucky lawmakers plan to introduce in the 2025 legislative session
Facts About the Kentucky General Assembly
Discover key facts about the Kentucky General Assembly, including its history, structure, and state government functions.
Kentucky lawmakers won’t be able to file proposed bills until the next legislative session starts Jan. 7. But that hasn’t stopped them from saying what they plan to submit.
During the 2024 interim, several legislators shared draft bills they plan to file during in the 2025 legislative session. While some are bills that have been filed in previous years, others are new ideas.
The only way to view pre-filed bills publicly is if lawmakers share their drafts on their own social media accounts, websites or as part of meeting materials for interim committees. That’s because legislation passed in 2022 removed the process of posting pre-filed bills on the Legislative Research Commission’s website.
Here’s a look at some of the bills lawmakers have shared or said are expected to appear during session.
Requiring bathrooms by ‘biological sex’
In August, Republican Rep. Matt Lockett shared draft language of a bill that would require more than a majority of restrooms in public schools be designated for a specific biological sex.
At an Interim Joint Committee on Education meeting, Lockett said the bill is a response to Fayette County Public Schools building gender-neutral restrooms with individual private floor-to-ceiling stalls at Britton Middle School.
His draft bill would require at least 90% of restroom facilities in school buildings that serve more than 100 students be designated for “a specific sex.”
Lockett said the bill’s goal is to protect children and provide “a facility for learning where they won’t feel threatened, embarrassed or be afraid to use the restroom.”
Prohibiting some sex offenders from Halloween activities
Rep. Chad Aull, D-Lexington, announced in October he plans to file a bill that would prohibit many people on Kentucky’s sex offender registry from participating in Halloween activities involving minors.
In the draft copy of the bill, registrants who have committed criminal offenses against minors would be prohibited from engaging in Halloween-related activities. That would include trick-or-treating, costume parties where children are present or events involving the distribution of candy to kids.
The bill would apply to 14 days before and after Oct. 31 of each year. Violating the restrictions would result in a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony for subsequent offenses.
Making fluoridation in water optional
Rep. Mark Hart, R-Falmouth, is renewing the push to make fluoridation in water optional for local districts.
The bill Hart said he plans to file again next session would eliminate the state’s water fluoridation mandate. Last year’s legislative session was the first time Hart’s bill received a committee hearing, but it didn’t make it across the finish line.
Hart said the bill wouldn’t ban the use of fluoride but would protect the state from liability related to “risks” stemming from fluoride exposure, citing data from a report released by the National Toxicology Program.
Meanwhile, prominent health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and American Academy of Pediatrics, say adding small amounts of fluoride to public drinking water helps strengthen teeth, with research showing fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by 25% in children and adults.
Holding parents accountable for gun violence involving minors
Republican Rep. Kim Banta, with Democratic Rep. Tina Bojanowski as co-sponsor, plans to file a bill that would hold parents and guardians accountable for gun violence carried out by a minor in their care.
The Kentucky Lantern reported that Banta’s bill would let individuals who are hurt or threatened by a minor using a gun sue the minor’s parents or guardians. Besides killing a person, that could also include threatening someone with a gun and shooting a neighbor’s dog.
Requiring licenses for tobacco retailers
Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, is working on a bill he believes would help keep tobacco products away from minors.
At an interim committee meeting, Higdon said his bill would require licensing for all sellers of vape or tobacco products, allowing for enforcement by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The bill also would implement stricter fines and penalties for retailers who violate the law and allow ABC officers to inspect businesses without a warrant.
Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.
-
Health1 week ago
New Year life lessons from country star: 'Never forget where you came from'
-
Technology1 week ago
Meta’s ‘software update issue’ has been breaking Quest headsets for weeks
-
Business5 days ago
These are the top 7 issues facing the struggling restaurant industry in 2025
-
Culture5 days ago
The 25 worst losses in college football history, including Baylor’s 2024 entry at Colorado
-
Sports5 days ago
The top out-of-contract players available as free transfers: Kimmich, De Bruyne, Van Dijk…
-
Politics3 days ago
New Orleans attacker had 'remote detonator' for explosives in French Quarter, Biden says
-
Politics3 days ago
Carter's judicial picks reshaped the federal bench across the country
-
Politics1 day ago
Who Are the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom?