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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Improving education is critical for our community. How you can help expand our reporting.
The Courier Journal has a long history of in-depth, investigative reporting that has led to positive changes for children and families in Louisville and across Kentucky Our series 'Between the Lines' took a hard look at why so many Kentucky kids can't read and uncovered a state-funded literacy center that was promoting a reading program that was failing our kids. Our stories led to changes in the state Read to Succeed Act, and lawmakers mandated structured literacy, a proven teaching method, for all of Kentucky's public K-3 reading classes. Our investigation into Jefferson County Public Schools' integration plan — "The Last Stop' and 'Magnetic Pull' — revealed the injustice of Louisville's busing program and showed how the city's magnet schools poach the best students from poor schools and jettison others who could hurt their elite standing. In the wake of our findings, leaders across the political spectrum called for an overhaul of the system. Our "Silence & Secrets" project exposed the disturbing prevalence of child sexual misconduct by Kentucky middle- and high-school coaches. State lawmakers had previously failed to pass legislation to deal with the problem. But after our series published, two out of three bills spotlighted as solutions in our project passed during the 2025 legislative session, and Gov. Andy Beshear signed them into law. One bill adds accountability for how coaches communicate with students, while the other raises awareness about sexual misconduct for athletes and coaches. Our projects have been solution-focused, and they have gotten results for our community. We want to do more of these in-depth projects that help improve education and the lives of Kentucky's children, but we need your help. If you believe this type of reporting is valuable, help us create an expanded, community-funded education reporting team that will focus exclusively on issues that impact how our children learn. The reporting team will be the essential component of the Courier Journal education lab — a solutions-driven project with the goal of offering promising ideas to combat persistent educational challenges. We know education is critical. It impacts all aspects of our cities and state — from health care to juvenile justice to workforce stability and more. The Courier Journal believes, and has demonstrated, that a crucial part of improving children's well-being and helping kids succeed in school is shedding light on the challenges our cities and state face, raising awareness of innovative solutions and engaging the community — parents, students, educators, civic groups and political leaders — in efforts to remove barriers affecting our children. That is exactly what our education lab would do, and that is why we are asking for your help. We are thankful for our first community donor, the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. The foundation does important work for young people and families in our state, and we are honored that its leaders have chosen to support the education lab. We are also excited to partner with the University of Louisville, offering their students learning opportunities and internships through the education lab. The need is great. Kentucky's kids have persistently ranked near the bottom of the nation when it comes to academic achievement. When you factor in issues that impact children's ability to learn — like poverty, adverse childhood experiences, racial disparities, lack of access to health care and mental health services — you start to understand the mountain our children must climb to attain higher levels of well-being and academic success. Consider these statistics: More than 20% of Kentucky children live in poverty, and that rate jumps above 30% for children of color (36% for Black children and 31% for Latinx children). Less than half of Kentucky's kindergarteners show up to school ready to learn. Only half of fourth grade students are proficient readers, and just 37% of eighth graders are proficient in math. These rates drop significantly for students of color. We believe a community-funded education lab would help. It's not a new concept. The Seattle Times started the first community-funded education lab in 2013 and has raised millions of dollars to support its reporting labs. There are now at least five community-funded education labs across the country. It is no secret that news organizations across the country are adjusting to a decline in traditional revenue streams. The Courier Journal is no exception. Despite our challenges, we are dedicated to doing the invaluable work of informing the public, holding elected officials accountable and providing a platform for the free exchange of ideas, which is central to a democracy. We are committed to doing our part to improve our community. Your support will help us do even more for those who need us the most — our children and future generations. To donate to The Courier Journal education lab fund, use this link: Thanks to our partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, your donation is tax deductible. If you have any questions or would like us to present our plan to your company or organization, please contact me at mirbyjones@ Thank you for supporting local news. Thank you for supporting The Courier Journal. Mary Irby-Jones is the editor of the Courier Journal and vice president and Midwest region editor. She can be reached at mirbyjones@ Follow her on Twitter @mirbyj. Donate to The Courier Journal education lab To make a tax-deductible donation to increase solutions-oriented, in-depth education and children's issues coverage in The Courier journal, go to This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: To expand education reporting, The Courier Journal needs your help Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
29-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Hall of Fame Thoroughbred trainer D. Wayne Lukas dies at 89
A week after entering hospice care, legendary Thoroughbred trainer D. Wayne Lukas died at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 29 at the age of 89, Churchill Downs announced. Lukas had a MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system, his family said in a statement on June 22. The family stated that Lukas declined an aggressive treatment plan, intending to spend his remaining time at home. The Hall of Famer's career spanned more than six decades, working with horses that earned victories at notable race tracks. Longtime assistant, Sebastian "Bas" Nicholl, will continue running operations for Lukas Enterprises Inc. out of Barn 44 on Churchill's backside, where Lukas stabled since 1989. APPRECIATION: Remembering D. Wayne Lukas, a relentless horseman who changed the sport D. Wayne Lukas' Hall of Fame career Lukas made a name for himself in Southern California, earning his first documented win as a thoroughbred trainer at Santa Anita Park on Oct. 20, 1977, at age 42. He would train thoroughbreds full-time in 1978 with seven horses and became known throughout his career for his trademark barns, which featured a white picket fence, beds of flowers, and painted feed tubs used for decoration. Lukas had 4,967 documented thoroughbred victories (637 of the 1,105 stakes wins were graded) during his career. His horses earned more than $301 million from 30,607 starts, according to Churchill Downs. The trainer has won the Kentucky Derby four times and the Longines Kentucky Oaks five times during his career. A total of 26 horses trained by Lukas went on to win Eclipse Award championships, including three that were tabbed as Horse of the Year. Lukas' 15 Triple Crown races are second only to trainer Bob Baffert, who has 17 in his career. "A special man, he's been a great friend and very much a father figure to me," Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Kenny McPeek told The Courier Journal. "He raised the standards for our sport to the highest level. An amazing man."
USA Today
23-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Horse racing trainer D. Wayne Lukas in hospice care after hospitalization
Legendary thoroughbred trainer D. Wayne Lukas, 89, is back home for hospice care after being hospitalized in Louisville. Lukas had a MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system while also worsening some preexisting conditions, according to a statement released by the Lukas family. The family stated that Lukas declined an aggressive treatment plan, intending to spend his remaining time with his wife and family at home. The Hall of Famer's career spanned more than six decades, working with horses that earned victories at notable race tracks. A succession plan was implemented by Lukas Enterprises Inc., and all horses previously trained by Lukas have been transferred to veteran assistant Sebastian 'Bas' Nicholl. MORE: Legendary horse racing trainer D. Wayne Lukas gravely ill, in home hospice care D. Wayne Lukas' biography Lukas made a name for himself in Southern California, earning his first documented win as a thoroughbred trainer at Santa Anita Park on Oct. 20, 1977, at age 42. He would train thoroughbreds full-time in 1978 with seven horses and became known throughout his career for his trademark barns, which featured a white picket fence, beds of flowers, and painted feed tubs used for decoration. He had a stable based at Churchill Downs in Kentucky since 1989. "A special man, he's been a great friend and very much a father figure to me," Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Kenny McPeek told The Courier Journal. "He raised the standards for our sport to the highest level. An amazing man." More: The 2025 Preakness was thrilling. It was also a big missed opportunity for horse racing. D. Wayne Lukas' accomplishments Lukas had 4,967 documented thoroughbred victories (637 of the 1,105 stakes wins were graded) during his career. His horses earned more than $301 million from 30,607 starts, according to Churchill Downs. The trainer has won the Kentucky Derby four times and the Longines Kentucky Oaks five times during his career. A total of 26 horses trained by Lukas went on to win Eclipse Award championships, including three that were tabbed as Horse of the Year. Lukas' 15 Triple Crown races are second only to trainer Bob Baffert, who has 17 in his career. He was enshrined in horse racing's Hall of Fame in 1999 and the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2007, becoming the first person recognized as a member of both. He had success with quarter horses as well during the 1970s at tracks such as Los Alamitos.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Weather Service warns strong storms could roll through Kentucky. What to know
Coming off the heels of a round of deadly tornadoes in May, the National Weather Service anticipates a round of severe storms could hit the southern portion of Kentucky on June 7. "We'll see generally quiet weather across the region this morning. However, another round of strong to severe storms is forecast to move into the region this afternoon and continue through the evening," a spokesperson for the National Weather Service Louisville office said in an email. The worst of the storms is expected to hit southern Kentucky. Here is what to know about the severe weather heading to Kentucky: The main threats for June 7 consist of heavy rainfall, isolated flash flooding, and the potential for isolated damaging winds. The slight chance for severe weather is expected to hit southern Kentucky. Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the state into the afternoon and evening. More: Is Kentucky becoming more tornado-prone? Well, it's complicated Tornadoes in May, including an EF-4, were responsible for killing 19 people in Eastern Kentucky. Two weeks later, a small tornado hit Washington County, killing another person. As of May 23, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Kentucky related to the tornadoes, severe storms and straight-line winds that decimated parts of the state from May 16-17, including the EF-4 tornado that tore through Russell, Pulaski and Laurel counties, The Courier Journal previously reported. This marked the third major disaster declaration issued for the state for 2025, following historic flooding in April and February. Reporters Connor Giffin and Stephanie Kuzydym contributed to this report. Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@ or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: National Weather Service forecast strong to severe storms in Kentucky
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Plans detail Ford Louisville Assembly Plant expansion as it prepares for EV production
A development plan filed with the city provides some detailed insight into an expansion of Ford Motor Co.'s Louisville Assembly Plant. In a letter submitted to Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services on June 2, architecture firm Luckett & Farley said there are three building projects planned for LAP, at 2000 Fern Valley Road. The three projects would create 52,000 square feet of new building development, according to records filed with the city. The first project would include a 10,000-square-foot addition to an existing space to create six new dock positions and three replacement docks. To accomplish this, the existing employee parking and truck paths will be rerouted. A second project will bring an electric vehicle charging station to the plant that includes 12,000 square feet of canopy to shelter 16 charging units and a substation, according to the records. Another 30,000-square-foot addition of dock space will also take place at LAP. More: Ford Louisville Assembly Plant to undergo retooling, possible worker layoffs. What to know Earlier this year, UAW Local 862 President Todd Dunn who represents workers at LAP and the Kentucky Truck Plant, told The Courier Journal the factory would undergo retooling, a standard renovation operation used when a facility transitions from making one type of vehicle to another, and is something LAP has experienced before. During the retooling, LAP workers will be temporarily laid off, Dunn said. It remains unclear how long workers will be laid off and when exactly the retooling process is expected to start. Additionally, Ford has yet to release details on what new EV product will be made at LAP. To date, Ford has not confirmed the retooling. This development at LAP comes as a result of the 2023 UAW and Ford national master agreement, reached after a weekslong strike at Ford plants across the U.S., including at Ford's larger Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. The labor contract specifically committed a $1.2 billion investment for LAP over the life of the four-year agreement. It will bring the end of production to both the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair after 2025, and LAP will transition to producing an "all-new EV product," The Courier Journal previously reported. In 2023, International UAW President Shawn Fain and Dunn in Louisville repeatedly told The Courier Journal that securing a future of product at LAP was crucial to reaching a contract agreement. LAP is one of three Ford assembly plants with a committed EV product in the 2023 labor agreement. A Ford spokesperson called the plans "a routine filing to enable the reworking of some loading docks." Reporter Connor Giffin contributed to this report. Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@ or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Ford Louisville Assembly Plant expansion to make electric vehicles Sign in to access your portfolio
