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."

Muhammad Ali's presence loomed large in his hometown of Louisville, Ky. Residents remembered him Saturday.

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.

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, are wrapping up a four-day U.S. visit with a stop in Louisville, Ky. Louisville has been bustling with preparations, but the city is accustomed to royal visits.

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.

This Saturday, the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals will square off in men's college basketball. It's one of the game's most intense rivalries. The Cardinals are the defending national champions. Kentucky won the title the previous year after defeating Louisville in the Final Four. The teams' modern rivalry dates back 30 years, when Louisville was coached by Denny Crum and Joe B. Hall was at the helm at Kentucky. The two Hall of Fame coaches, once fierce competitors, are now on the same team, hosting a popular radio show.

It's been three months, and authorities are no closer to finding out who ambushed and killed a police officer in the idyllic town of Bardstown, Ky. Officer Jason Ellis was attacked on his way home after his shift. Unsolved killings of police are rare and the residents of this close knit community want answers and justice.

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.