Rick Howlett

A celebration of Muhammad Ali's life that focused on children happened Wednesday in Ali's hometown of Louisville, Ky. The festival included music, dance and educational activities and intended to remind young people that they, like Ali, "can become the greatest at whatever they choose."

For generations, the day before the Kentucky Derby was unofficially considered "Louisville's Day at the Races," when locals could enjoy Churchill Downs without the huge Derby crowds, high admission prices and general madness. But over the past few years, "Oaks Day" has become popular among out-of-towners who come in early and make a whole weekend of it. Now, locals gather on the Thursday before the Derby.

University of Louisville is investigating claims that a former staffer hired escorts to have sex with basketball players and recruits. In a new book, Katina Powell claims she provided escort services to teenage recruits for four years.

Bourbon is booming, thanks to the popularity of craft brands in the U.S. and new markets opening in Asia. And Kentucky, where 95 percent of the spirit is made, is the center of the bourbon universe.

In a deal worth some $16 billion, Japanese beverage giant Suntory is buying Beam Inc., maker of Jim Beam bourbon and owner of well-known American brands such as Maker's Mark. Industry leaders say it's a reflection of bourbon's exploding popularity in Asian markets, but some wonder if the new owners will preserve bourbon's Kentucky heritage.

University of Louisville fans have had a lot to cheer about lately — and not just basketball. Monday's big victory by the school's men's basketball team over Michigan is just the latest success for an athletic department that is quickly becoming one of the country's most admired.

There once was a candy maker who was infatuated with an actress. Now, there's a candy shop in Louisville, Ky., that's been selling his tribute to her for decades.

The dirt track at the hallowed Churchill Downs is known for crushing dreams and cementing equine legacies. Raymond "Butch" Lehr leads a team of dozens that carefully tends the one-mile oval. On Saturday, Lehr will end his 30-year career.