Source: NKY Tribune

Cirque Du Luxe, an animal-free modern circus founded by fifth-generation performer Frank Diaz, brings its big top to Boone County Fairgrounds September 3-6 with international acrobats, aerialists and comedians.

Captain Richard Karnath, a respected Mississippi River steamboat pilot and member of a three-generation river family, died at 81. He held a First Class Pilot License covering nearly 1,800 river miles and served aboard the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen, and American Queen.

Josh Ostertag, director of Thomas More University’s Bishop Foys Scholars Program, is expanding the faith-based initiative with new mentorship structures and formation opportunities designed to help students discover purpose during the 2026-2027 academic year.

The 122nd Kentucky State Fair runs through August 30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, drawing more than 600,000 visitors to celebrate the state’s agricultural heritage, livestock competitions, and entertainment traditions.

Former University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree manslaughter and other charges in the death of her newborn son, whose body was found in a trash bag in a closet at her Lexington home last August. Snelling faces a recommended sentence of 10 years for manslaughter.

Northern Kentucky municipalities addressed surveillance concerns and firefighting staffing challenges, with Independence residents opposing Flock license plate reader cameras and Edgewood reducing firefighter work weeks to retain personnel.

Pilot Travel Center in Walton has completed a major renovation and donated $10,000 to GO Pantry, supporting weekend food assistance for Northern Kentucky students.

Editorial cartoonist Joe Heller releases new cartoons addressing doomscrolling, electric gloves, and other contemporary topics through the NKy Tribune, continuing his prolific career as the nation’s most successful self-syndicated cartoonist.

Will Stein, the Oregon offensive coordinator and a Kentucky native, was hired as the Wildcats’ new head coach after Mark Stoops was fired following 13 seasons and back-to-back losing campaigns.

Frederick Douglass dominated Highlands 41-20 Friday in a strong performance led by a 21-point fourth-quarter surge. Lexington-area schools had a successful weekend with multiple wins across football and soccer, though some programs struggled in season-opening contests.