Latest news with #KentuckyDerby151
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Buffalo Trace Distillery touts over 90% recovery from April flooding
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) – It's been almost two months since near-record flooding tore through Frankfort and Franklin County. While much of the county looks to be back to normal, you still see some of the scars left by the storm. One of the places where the scars are still present despite being busy seemingly at all hours of the day is Buffalo Trace Distillery, a staple of Kentucky's capital city. Floodwaters nearly engulfing this site is one of the lasting images of April's storms. This place plays a major role in both Kentucky's bourbon and tourism industries, and the staff here know that. It is why they have worked so hard to get it back to the top-notch experience people have come to expect. It's often said that waiting is the hardest part, and that was especially the case for those who call Buffalo Trace Distillery home. Buffalo Trace Distillery touts over 90% recovery from April flooding Pilot project to help temporary fix safety concerns on busy Winchester road Man in hospital after shots fired on Winburn Drive 'There's only so much you can do,' explained General Manager Tyler Adams. 'You prepare, you prepare, and then you need to wait for that river to crest.' When that wait was over, the Kentucky River had crested at a near-record level. If you look inside the distillery, you'll see just how historic this flood was. 'We crested on Monday; we were able to come in, assess the situation,' Adams said. 'But honestly, before it even crested, we had already started the process of what a cleanup would look like. Preparing contractors, our team members, and getting everyone in here to get ready for that inevitable cleanup that is going to come. It shouldn't be a surprise that Buffalo Trace has changed a lot over the years from when it first opened in the 1700s, let alone when the all-time record flood for Franklin County happened in 1978. One thing that has changed mightily at the distillery is the level of technology they rely on, something that needed to be planned for accordingly when it came to the overall flood plan. 'A couple of days before, there's a lot of work in bringing those things up,' Adams detailed. 'But yeah, you mentioned a lot has changed. I mean, where we're at now is a boiler house. These were originally been coal boilers powering the distillery and the steam. So, we moved on from that a little bit. But this was another place that's definitely affected by the water crest right against.' Read more of the latest Kentucky news With Kentucky Derby 151 just four weeks away from when the flood happened, Adams said distillery staff were on a mission to get things back to normal. 'Knowing that tourism drives visitation here, that was top of mind for us to make sure we could have visitors back to support the local restaurants and shops and everything happening in Frankfort,' said Adams. People from all over were ready to lend a hand. 'I cannot believe how many people reached out,' Adams recalled. 'They called us, [messaged us on] social media, emailed that they wanted and to come and help with the cleanup. Like the physical cleanup, they offered to do anything, and I think that's just such an amazing part of what Kentucky is.' Buffalo Trace is an institution of Frankfort and Kentucky as a whole. When asked how he thinks people will look at this flood from a historical context 10, 20, 30 years down the road, Adams touted the community's recovery and resilience. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news 'Well, we know that mark is going to be on the wall, we hope so,' Adams said. 'I hope they look back at the resilience and not just of recovering, but the people that supported it, supporting the community, and like seeing Kentucky and really what bourbon means. I really hope they are proud of what was overcome during then, and maybe a little inspiration that they have to deal with it again.' Another way Adams hopes people look back on this flood is how Buffalo Trace wasn't just worried about itself. While the distillery bounces back from its devastation, they are also doing what they can to support Kentucky flood and tornado victims. You can use the link here to be a part of the 'Pour it Forward for Kentucky' Charity Fundraiser. They have a lot of cool items on there, but act fast; it closes at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBC hires Carmelo Anthony to join network's NBA coverage next season
Carmelo Anthony has a new job. The former Knick and 10-time All-Star will join NBC Sports as a studio analyst next season. He'll make his debut with NBC and Peacock this October, when the NBA returns to the network. Advertisement That's shortly after Anthony is enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September. Carmelo Anthony is joining NBC for next basketball season. Noah K. Murray-NY Post 'Watching the NBA on NBC growing up shaped my love for the game,' Anthony said. 'Now, I'm thrilled to join the NBC Sports family. I've always used my platform to help grow the game, and I'm excited to bring fans a fresh perspective as we usher in a new era of NBA coverage and programming.' The plan is for Anthony to be in the studio at least one night a week throughout the regular season and playoffs beginning next season. Carmelo Anthony attends Kentucky Derby 151 at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Getty Images for Churchill Downs Anthony has been a regular presence at the Garden, as well as in the media, since he last played in the league in 2022 with the Lakers, the final stop in a 19-year NBA career following his time at Syracuse. Advertisement Anthony, who turns 41 later this month, hosts a weekly podcast, '7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony,' but this will be his first broadcasting role. He'll join a lineup at NBC that is also set to include Mike Tirico, Noah Eagle, Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller. The announcement was made Saturday during NBC's coverage of the Kentucky Derby.
New York Post
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Livvy Dunne responds to ‘tough watch' criticism at Kentucky Derby
Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne saw the chatter online after she appeared to struggle through her 'Riders Up' call to begin the 2025 Kentucky Oaks on Friday, a day before the Kentucky Derby. The former LSU gymnast explained the viral moment on her TikTok with a response to one user who said her introduction to the event 'was a tough watch.' 'I couldn't hear myself because of the echo of the microphone 😭,' Dunne, 22, wrote. Advertisement She replied 'yes' to another user who asked, 'Why are people so mean to you?' The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model paused in between her words and kept looking down, as if she was reading from a teleprompter. Advertisement Despite having technical issues, Dunne, who is the girlfriend of All-Star Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, looked stunning in a pink dress, which included side cutouts. 3 Olivia Dunne appeared to struggle through her 'Riders Up' during the Kentucky Oaks on NBC on Friday, May 2, 2025. X/NBC Sports It came after Dunne announced her gymnastics retirement following LSU's loss in the NCAA championships. Advertisement The influencer, who is a native of New Jersey, wore a beautiful black and white polka-dot dress also on derby day. 3 Olivia Dunne looked stunning in a pink dress ahead of the Kentucky Oaks on NBC on Friday, May 2, 2025. TikTok/Olivia Dunne 3 Olivia Dunne attends Kentucky Derby 151 at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Getty Images for Churchill Downs Olympian Simone Biles delivered the 'Riders Up' call to start the races at the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Saturday. Advertisement Biles, 28, attended the 2025 Kentucky Derby with her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, who was seen filming her as she made the announcement. The athletes were out and about this past weekend at the Kentucky Derby and Formula 1 in Miami. NFL stars Joe Burrow and Saquon Barkley and NBA player Kyle Kuzma were all spotted at the festivities in Florida.
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Simone Biles And Olivia Dunne Headlined The Kentucky Derby — Why It Mattered
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 03: Simone Biles attends Kentucky Derby 151 at Churchill Downs on May 03, ... More 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo byfor Churchill Downs) The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby doubled as a landmark moment for women's gymnastics. Simone Biles, the sport's most decorated athlete, became the first gymnast to act as Grand Marshal. Biles was the second female athlete to hold the title after Laila Ali received the honor in 2018. As Grand Marshal, Biles led the customary 'Riders Up' command to initiate the running of the 151st Kentucky Derby. Former NCAA gymnast and social media sensation Olivia Dunne was also involved. The LSU graduate student led the 'Riders Up' command for the Kentucky Oaks, held one day before the Derby. With Biles and Dunne calling both race starts, this year's event marked the first time both callers were female athletes (Ali received both responsibilities in 2018). It was also the first time that both callers were gymnasts. First held in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S. Often called 'the most exciting two minutes in sports,' the event draws massive viewership, with NBC reporting a record peak of 21.8 million viewers on Saturday. While Dunne's delivery drew mixed reactions from fans, the pair's appearance at one of the nation's most prominent and historic sporting events points to continued growth and visibility for women's sports. Though their respective fame comes from different origins, Biles and Dunne are among the most influential figures in women's sports. Beyond the Derby, both have played outsized roles in transforming the perception and possibilities of women in sport. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 24: Simone Biles speaks onstage during the 2025 TIME100 Gala at Jazz at ... More Lincoln Center on April 24, 2025 in New York City. (Photo byfor TIME) Considered by many as one of the greatest athletes of all time, Simone Biles continues to defy limits on and off the gymnastics floor. With 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals, Biles stands alone as the most decorated gymnast in history, male or female. In addition to her staggering medal total, Biles has pushed the sport's difficulty beyond what was previously considered possible. The gymnast owns five eponymous skills which carry her name (as the first athlete to compete them successfully on the international stage). With her skills, Biles is the originator of the most difficult skills on three events: vault, beam, and floor. Off the mat, the Olympic Champion has been a trailblazer for mental health, notably after enduring 'the twisties' at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. In honor of her athletic and cultural achievements, Biles received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. Just last month, Biles was awarded the Time100 Impact Award. 'TIME100 Impact Awards recognize global leaders who have gone above and beyond to move their industries—and the world—forward," the organization states. At the event, former teammate and Olympic Champion Aly Raisman attested to Biles' impact, telling media Biles is 'deeply human" yet "undeniably superhuman.' Though the gymnastics icon remains undecided on an LA 2028 run, Biles' legacy in gymnastics and sport extends well beyond the Olympic rings. For Biles, that knowledge is more than enough. 'You don't need to stand on an Olympic stage in order to have an impact," she said at the Time100 awards. 'You certainly don't need to win medals. You just need to show up and stay true to yourself.' BATON ROUGE, LA - JANUARY 3: Olivia Dunne of the LSU Tigers in action during a meet against the Iowa ... More State Cyclones on January 3, 2025 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Parent/University Images via Getty Images) While Biles inspires on the international stage, Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne set the standard for Name, Image, and Likeness in women's college athletics. While nagging injuries and roster depth kept the 22-year-old from competing regularly for the LSU Tigers, she finished her tenure as a member of LSU's 2024 National Championship-winning team, their first title in program history. Boasting over 13 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Dunne invested in personal branding to become the most profitable athlete in women's college athletics. Dunne quickly capitalized on the NCAA's 2021 NIL ruling, signing with Vuori, a high-end activewear brand. Dunne has also partnered with notable brands like Nautica, Passes, and Motorola. In 2023, she became the first gymnast to appear on a trading card, partnering with Leaf Trading Cards (Boardroom). In the fall of her junior year, Dunne and LSU star basketball player Angel Reese secured the cover of Sports Illustrated's 'Money Issue.' A few months later, Dunne was named an official 'rookie' in the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Outside of her varied individual opportunities, Dunne has extended NIL opportunities to NCAA women's athletes. In 2023, she introduced The Livvy Fund, an initiative to 'provide LSU female athletes with exclusive industry tips and connections." In 2023, The Livvy Fund secured NIL deals for eight LSU gymnasts through a partnership with Accelerator Active Energy. The following year, Dunne facilitated partnerships for Aalyah Del Rosario, Kylie Coen, and Sydney Clemens at Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, a local dentist. 'I wanted to give back to the other student athletes and the university that's given me so much,' Dunne said to 225. Biles and Dunne represent different but pivotal change points for women's sports. Though her college gymnastics career has come to a close, Dunne's impact on the individual profitability of women's college athletics is undeniable. And while Biles continues to debate her 2028 plans, the Olympic Champion's impact on athlete well-being and the sport of gymnastics will endure for years to come. With up to 21.8 million viewers watching (NBC), gymnastics and the marketability of women's athletics took center stage at the 151st Kentucky Derby.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Infielders embrace weather conditions at 151st Kentucky Derby
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — Rain only made matters more fun for several people who spent the 151st Kentucky Derby in the infield at Churchill Downs. The infield is known for bringing out the best personalities in people, and it's almost certain that racegoers will see or do something they will remember for quite some time. A trip to Keeneland's fall meet for one family turned into a trip to the biggest race of them all. 'I just said, 'Wife, let's go to the Kentucky Derby,' and she was down, so we hit the bucket list and we're out here in the rain, all the way from Martinsville, Virginia, enjoying ourselves nonetheless,' Marcus Hairston said. Infielders embrace weather conditions at 151st Kentucky Derby Kentucky Derby 151 brings fans from all over the map to celebrate Sovereignty outduels 3-1 favorite Journalism in stretch to win 151st Kentucky Derby in the slop This year's Run for the Roses was also a first-time trip for another out-of-stater, who came from Georgia. 'Heard stories of how crazy it gets in the infield, and that's why we bought these tickets instead of over there,' Hagan Bottomley said. As hats are a Derby tradition, this racegoer took matters into her own hands. 'I found a picture of the biggest hat I could find on Pinterest, and I made one a little bit bigger than that. I went to Hobby Lobby, had a good time just picking out flowers and just, hot glue gun, hot glue gun, baby,' Bottomley said. Going to the Derby can be an expensive venture, but many people believe it is a priceless experience. 'I'm here to lose money. I've lost $300 already, and we can only go down from here,' Wyatt Small said. Somersport Park inspiring leaders hoping for memories for future generations Infielders embrace weather conditions at 151st Kentucky Derby Semi crashes into construction zone on New Circle Road Infielders said no matter the weather conditions, they will still be out there each year, betting, having fun, and enjoying all the Derby offers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
