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Hello. Today, I'll be reading from business sources in Lexington
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and Louisville, including The Lane Report and others from around
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the Commonwealth. Your reader today is Julia Shane. As a reminder,
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RADIOI is a reading service intended for people who are
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blind or who have other disabilities that make it difficult
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to read printed material. Our first article comes from the
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October seventh, twenty twenty five edition of The Lane Report
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and is titled Kentucky Rural Economy Report finds population growth
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occurring remote and hybrid work since pandemic helped in decline.
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Written by Sarah frank Walker. Population growth is perhaps the
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key finding in a new report by Blueprint Kentucky that
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provides data on Kentucky's rural economy. Blueprint Kentucky formerly CEEDK,
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is an integrated research and outreach unit within the University
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of Kentucky Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
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Their report found that in twenty twenty three, eighty five
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of Kentucky's one hundred twenty counties are considered rural by
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the USDA Economic Research Service. That translates to one point
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eight five million rural Kentuckians or about forty one percent
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of the population. This report is intended to provide rural
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community leaders valuable information about economic trends happening in rural Kentucky,
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said Sarah Balker, Managing director for Blueprint Kentucky. So often
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reports like these choose to focus on our urban centers,
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overlooking the realities of rural communities. One notable finding is
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the reversal of a long standing trend in rural population
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decline after nearly a decade of losses between twenty eleven
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in twenty nineteen, Rural Kentucky as a whole experienced population
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growth from twenty twenty to twenty twenty four, driven in
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part by the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements
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during and after the COVID nineteen pandemic. However, it is
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important to note that not all rural communities experienced population growth.
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This population shift marks an important moment for rural Kentucky,
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said Simona Ballas Research director for Blueprint Kentucky. It underscores
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the need for continued investment in job creation, housing, and
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essential services to sustain growth and ensure these communities remain
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attractive places to live in work. The report is presented
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in two formats. The shorter report provides the main takeaways
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on several data points related to individual, community, and industry
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level economic conditions. For those interested in more data and
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extended analyzes, Blueprint Kentucky has a longer report which explores
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all industry sectors. Both reports have sections that cover various
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population changes, big picture economic indicators, employment trends across key industries,
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as well as data and analysis on firms, government, and
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community level factors. What makes this analysis unique is the
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focus on rural Kentucky. Specifically, said Blueprint Kentucky director Allison Davis.
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From demographic changes to industry trends, we highlight the data
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local leaders can use to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and
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develop strategies tailored towards their communities. Blueprint Kentucky used several
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federal data sources, such as the US Census Bureau, the
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Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis
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to create the report. In addition to the data that's
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publicly available, Blueprint Kentucky also provides Rural Kentucky data from
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proprietary sources, including Schumra and Your Economy. For many of
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the topics in the report, Blueprint Kentucky also provides twey
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level data profiles to be able to better understand the
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local situation. These county level snapshots help local officials and
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partners design strategies that reflect their unique strengths and challenges,
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rather than relying on one size fits all approaches. Leaders
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can use this data to make informed community specific decisions.
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Blueprint Kentucky regularly provides reports on local economic conditions and impacts.
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The next article from the LANE report is titled Lexington
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earns spot on Conde NAS Travelers Best Small Cities in
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the US for a second straight year. Visit lex is
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a static to share that Lexington, Kentucky has been named
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as one of Conde Nas Travelers Best Small Cities in
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the US. This remarkable achievement marks the second consecutive year
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the city has received this high profile recognition, solidifying Lexington's
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status as a premier travel destination that flawlessly combines authentic
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Southern charm, deep historic roots, and a dynamic contemporary vibe.
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To be named one of the top small cities in
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the US two years running is a tremendous affirmation of
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what we already know Lexington offers an unforgettable experience, said
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Mary Quinn Raymer, President of Visit Lex. This repeated honour
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highlights the sustained excellence in our hospitality sector and the
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magnetic appeal of the unique local attractions. We are incredibly
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proud and look forward to welcoming even more travelers to
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explore the horse capital of the world. Conde Nash Traveler
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received more than seven hundred fifty seven thousand survey responses
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from readers across the United States, rating their travel experiences
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across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the
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places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Reader's Choice Awards, with
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their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest running and
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most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of
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excellence within the travel sector. The twenty twenty five Reader's
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Choice Awards are published on Conde Nash Traveler's website. The
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next article from the Lane Report is titled Midway University
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expands AI enhanced academic programs with expert faculty leadership. Midway
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University is proud to announce the growth of its AI
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Enhanced academic offerings with two innovative majors AI Enhanced Data
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Analytics and AI Enhanced Computer Science, led by distinguished faculty
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members with global expertise. Doctor jing Wu, who actively contributes
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to training AI models at Amazon, brings cutting edge industry
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experience to the classroom. His research focuses on deep learning
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and statistical data analysis, equipping students with practical skills highly
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sought in today's data driven world. Doctor Mohammed Schita, recognized
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as a top thirty early career professional by the IEEE
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Computing Society, specializes in medical image analysis using AI. His
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groundbreaking work highlights the real world impact of artificial intelligence
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in healthcare and beyond. These programs reflect Midway's commitment to
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preparing students for the future of work, said doctor Tim Campbell,
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vice President of Academic Affairs. Our students benefit from the
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best of both worlds, learning in small classes and hands
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on projects guided by expert faculty, paired with internship opportunities
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that give them real world experience before they graduate. Graduates
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of the AI Enhance Data Analytics major may pursue careers
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such as business analysts, operations research analysts, marketing analytics manager,
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healthcare analytics manager, or supply chain analytics Manager. Meanwhile, the
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AI Enhanced Computer Science Major prepares students for roles including
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Web developer, application software developer, information security analysts, IT project manager,
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and database developer. Through a blend of rigorous academics, hands
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on learning, and mentorship from accomplished faculty, Midway University positioned
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students at the forefront of technological innovation. The next article
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from the Lane Report is titled Long John Silver's new
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Look Logo Spotlight Chicken. Long John Silver's, the brand famous
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for hand battered fish and golden shrimp, is making waves
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with an unexpected announcement a new look that puts chicken
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front and center. The company revealed a redesign logo that
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swaps its signature fish illustration for a style chicken, accompanied
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by a new chicken plus seafood lock up. The refreshed
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design is being rolled out across digital platforms and will
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be further cemented with the unveiling of a new Chicken
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icon wrap on the Long John Silver's front Row motorsports
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car during the South Point four hundred. Guests have been
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telling us for years that our chicken is the best
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kept secret, said Christopher Caudell, Long John Silver's senior vice
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president of Marketing and Innovation. Our hand battered chicken strips
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known as chicken planks are every bit as craveworthy as
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our legendary fish. It's time we let that secret out.
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The move builds on successful product testing at the brand's
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new flagship location in Louisville that featured chicken in a
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variety of bold flavors and forms, from Spicy Nashville Hot
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chicken and seafood to chicken wraps with Long John Silver's
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signature crumblies, sauces, and other ingredients in a warm tortilla.
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The brand says feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests
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saying the items outshine similar items at competing restaurants. Alongside
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testing new products, the brand is currently spotlighting chicken as
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part of its six dollars basket lineup, giving guests even
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more ways to enjoy their chicken and seafood favorites. The
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lineup includes four basket options tinder chicken planks, hand battered
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fish batter, dipped shrimp, or grilled shrimp. And While chicken
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is stepping into the spotlight, Long John Silvers emphasizes that
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seafood remains a cornerstone of the brand guests can still
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enjoy fan favorites such as hand battered shrimp and wild
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caught Alaska fish, crispy breaded crabcakes and surf clams, grilled
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shrimp and grilled wildcought salmon, meals, bowls, and tacos. This
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brand was built on making the coastal experience accessible to everyone,
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so seafood will always be a part of our DNA,
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said Caudle. But chicken is also part of our heritage
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and a big part of our future, so it deserves
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its rightful place on our logo, our menu, and our
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guests tables. The updated logo and campaign are designed to
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highlight the brand's versatility in a fast growing chicken category
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and to spark conversation. Long John Silvers was founded in
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nineteen sixty nine and is on a mission to create
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treasured moments through high quality food and bell ringing service
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with restaurants from Sea to Mouth Watering Sea, Long John
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Silvers continues building on a belief that the unique seafood
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experience from the coasts should be accessible to all. The
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next article from the Lane Report is titled one million
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Dollar Tech Internship Program at NKU will help students gain
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today's skills. National Science Foundation provides its money for partner
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with Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation. Students can get hands
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on training with emerging companies in biotech, AI and advanced
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manufacturing through a new collaborative internship program by Kentucky Science
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and Technology Corporation KSTC and Northern Kentucky University in KU.
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The new program will prepare students for high paying jobs
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in emerging technology fields while fueling the growth of local startups.
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Backed by nearly one million dollars in National Science Foundation funding,
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the plan is to provide commercialization training and paid internship
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placements with Kentucky companies on the cutting edge of biotech, AI,
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advanced manufacturing and more. This program in KU INVENT Startup
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Internship Program and KCV Invent Fellowship is led by kstc's
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Kentucky Commercialization Ventures KCV and receive nearly one million dollars
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in funding from the National Science Foundation. Invent is designed
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to develop a skilled talent pool that enables high growth,
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high tech startups to thrive in Kentucky. Participants will receive
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up to seven weeks of hands on innovation and commercialization
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training before being matched with a paid internship at a
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partnering startup. NKU students can complete this training through the
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university's entrepreneurship courses, while students at other universities will be
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eligible after completing kcv's existing Innovation Fellowship. Kentucky startups are
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making incredible advancements in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, life sciences, advance manufacturing,
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and more. Through INVENT, students gain hands on commercialization training
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and then apply in real startups driving these breakthroughs, said
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KCV Executive Director and Invent principal investigator Kayla Meisner. Students
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are prepared for high paying careers in emerging technology fields,
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and partnering startups benefit from interns with commercialization skills. It's
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a win win for Kentucky. Nku's Center for Innovation and
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Entrepreneurship CIE has a strong track record of building programs
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that have earned international awards and recognition, while also developing
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successful startup internship initiatives in collaboration with community partners. Building
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on this success, bridging academic learning with industry engagement through
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initiatives such as the Incubator and the Covington Works Startup
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Internship programs, INVENT capitalizes on practical application to ensure career
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readiness in high growth technology fields. For decades, the CIE
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has been about providing experiential learning opportunities for our students,
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said CIE Director Zach Strobel. The chance to work with
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some of the region's most promising startups offer an unparalleled
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experience that prepares them for the future. The event program
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offers stipends, flexible scheduling, and structured learning opportunities so participants
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can fully engage in the real world hands on training.
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Topics covered include entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and business model development.
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Students will learn the ins and outs of working at
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a startup before they are placed, meaning they can put
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their skills to work quickly. Our company relies on a skilled,
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innovation ready workforce in order to grow, said Jeremiah Chapman,
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CEO of fresh Shry, a food tech company in Louisville,
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Kentucky that extends friar oil life with disposable things pods
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and converts used oil into renewable fuel products. By providing
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students with real world exposure to start up operations, Invent
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will prepare participants to join companies like ours that are
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actively shaping the future of manufacturing and technology. Invent is
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a unique way to develop a future ready workforce that
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can turn research into real world impact and strengthen innovation
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driven economic development in the Commonwealth, added KSTC President Terry Samuel.
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This experience ensures Kentucky's early stage companies have the talent
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and expertise they need to succeed. Applications for invent open
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in October, with the first internship placement slated for the
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spring of twenty twenty six. Kentucky Commercialization Ventures KCV, an
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initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation and supported
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by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Debas Development, is Kentucky's
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pioneering engine for connecting and leveraging Kentucky's public post secondary
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institutions to fuel research, commercialization, and economic growth and ignite
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life changing impact for individuals, businesses, and communities. KSTC is
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a private, statewide, nonprofit corporation advancing science, technology, and innovative
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economic development. Founded on Kentucky nohow, KSTC is improving the
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capacity of people, companies, and organizations to build an innovation
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driven economy in Kentucky. The next article comes from the
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October seventh, twenty twenty five edition of here Lexington and
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is titled Bankruptcy. Judge dismisses Kentucky Owl's debt resolution plan.
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A federal bankruptcy judge in Texas has dismissed a plan
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proposed by Kentucky Owl and Stolely Group aimed at resolving
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seventy eight million dollars in USA bankruptcy debt through the
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sale of thirty five thousand barrels of bourbon us. Bankruptcy
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Judge Scott Everett ruled against the plan during a hearing
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on Friday, citing the unfeasibility of the proposal in light
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of current bourbon market conditions. The ruling came after objections
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from the lender, Fifth Third Bank, which expressed concerns about
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the viability of the bourbon market, describing it as dismal.
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The bank highlighted that baryl prices have plummeted, making it
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unlikely for them to recover a significant portion of their
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loan from a sale of the bourbon Judge Everett also
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conveyed his skepticism regarding the value of the bourbon as collateral,
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pointing to several uncertainties that affect its worth. The judge
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refrained from providing specific valuations, but noted that the market
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is suffering from an oversupply that has triggered a race
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to the bottom in pricing for bourbon products. Industry has
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been facing challenging circumstances over the past year, with multiple
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distilleries reporting financial difficulties. For example, Gerard County Distilling has
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ceased operations, Luca Mariano has filed for bankruptcy, and Uncle
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Nearest is currently under receivership. In addition, industry giants like Brown,
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Foreman and Diego have announced layoffs due to decline and
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whiskey sales, which stakeholders attribute to broader economic pressures and
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waning interest from younger consumers. This situation reflects a concerning
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trend for the bourbon sector, where a significant decline in
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demand could impact both small and large distilleries alike. A
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status hearing for the Kentucky Owl and Stoly bankruptcy case
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is scheduled for Wednesday, during which Judge Everett encouraged involved
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parties to propose alternative plans for addressing this substantial debt.
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In earlier discussions, Yuri Scheffler, a major stakeholder in Stolely Group,
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had advocated for the approval of the initial plan. He
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attributed the company's financial struggles to external pressures, including a
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ransomware attack believed to be associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Additionally,
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Scheffler has criticized Fifth Third Bank for exacerbating Kentucky Owl's
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liquidity problems, ultimately leading to its bankruptcy filing. The outcome
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of the upcoming hearing will be pivotal for Kentucky Owl
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and its efforts to navigate the precarious financial landscape of
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the bourbon industry. Background on Kentucky Owl and Stolely Group.
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Kentucky Owl, known for producing high quality bourbon, has become
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part of stoly Group, which has expanded its portfolio into
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various spirits. However, the recent downturn in bourbon sales has
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SECS sgnificantly affected the financial stability of such companies. The
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current struggles reflect broader trends in consumption and market dynamics,
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posing challenges for both new and established players in the
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bourbon industry market context. In recent years, the bourbon market
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has enjoyed a surge in popularity, but various factors such
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as changing consumer preferences and economic uncertainty can contribute to
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the decline in demand. The situation is being closely monitored
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by industry stakeholders as they look for ways to adapt
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to the evolving landscape. What's next. The judge's dismissal of
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the current bankruptcy plan may lead Kentucky OWL and Stolely
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Group towards seeking alternative solutions. Stakeholders remain hopeful that new
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strategies can be devised to regain financial health and stabilize operations.
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The next article comes from the October seventh, twenty one,
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twenty five edition of Louisville Business First and is titled
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Louisville Land's Pro Football Team, written by Stephen Schmidt. The
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Kings are coming to Kentucky. Following some recent speculation on
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whether the United Football League UFL would bring a team
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to the Commonwealth, an answer has been revealed. The Louisville
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Kings will begin play in late March at Lynn Family Stadium,
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according to a news release from the league. In addition
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to being the home of two Purple Clyde soccer teams
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in Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC, the venue
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will now be the home turf for a football team
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sporting both Hunter Green and neon green, a colour scheme
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that might remind many regional soccer fans of Lexington's sc colors.
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The logo features the head of an ill tempered thoroughbred
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and a crown at the top. It should be noted
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that horse racing has also had the moniker of being
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the sport of Kings. Then there's the whole thing about
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Louisville being named after King Louis the sixteenth of France.
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What better for our football stadium than more football, said
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Soccer Holdings CEO chairman John Nice in a statement. We
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are excited to welcome the UFL to Louisville. As we
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said before, whatever your lot in life builds something on it.
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We're building another exciting addition for our community as the
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Louisville King's debut in the spring of twenty twenty six.
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Soccer Holdings owns the stadium and both soccer teams, but
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in the case of the UFL, all eight teams are
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owned by the league itself, which is headquartered out of Arlington, Texas.
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In addition to the Kings, two other team names have
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been revealed that will round out the eight team field
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for the twenty twenty sixth season. Which will start on
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March twenty seventh. Those teams are the Columbus Aviators and
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the Orlando Storm. Today, Mark that's an important step forward
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for the United Football League, said UFL co owner Mike
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Repol in a statement. Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando are true
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football cities with deep sport routes. We're proud to bring
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professional football to these communities in energetic, fan driven stadiums
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built to create an authentic game day experience and strengthen
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the foundation of this league for years to come. Repol
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is a billionaire who has made a sizeable undisclosed investment
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through his private equity firm, Impact Capital, in the league
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in July and has thus become its main spokesperson. The
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owners include Fox, ESPN, Redbird Capital partners Danny Garcia and
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Dwayne the Rock Johnson. Note. In twenty twenty five UFL
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games were broadcast on Fox, ABC, ESPN, ESPN two, and
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f S one on Friday. The UFL really a statement
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that was going to relocate three of its teams, Memphis Showboats,
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Michigan Panthers and San Antonio brahamas going for smaller, soccer
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rooted venues. As I wrote, on Monday. There has been
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a growing initiative to move the UFL games from large
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venues fifty five thousand to seventy thousand plus seats to
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more intimate settings, namely stadiums that were built with soccer
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in mind with a capacity between fifteen thousand and twenty
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thousand plus seats. When you have fourteen thousand fans in
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an arena that fits sixty thousand, it looks empty. Repulse it.
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In an article in Sports Business Journal on July thirty first,
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when you have fourteen thousand in a place that sits
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fifteen thousand its standing room only. Changing the optics is
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very important. All three new teams will play in such venues.
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Lynn Family Stadium can hold more than fifteen thousand, Columbus
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will play and Historic Crew Stadium approximately twenty thousand. Orlando
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will play in inter and Company Stadium at twenty five
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thousand plus. The next article from Louisville Business First is
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titled Cosayer for Kids commits three million dollars to u
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of L health funding major NICKU renovation, written by Zach Owens.
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Cosair for Kids has committed more than three million dollars
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to u of L and u of L Health, with
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the bulk of the funding directed toward a major renovation
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of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at u of L Hospital.
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In a news release, the nonprofit said three point one
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million dollars will go toward converting part of the hospital's
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NICKU into eight private family rooms. U of L Health
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officials said the nick U currently cares for about four
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hundred babies annually, nearly ninety percent of whom come from
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low income households. We are deeply grateful to Cosair for
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Kids for the extraordinary generosity continued partnership with u of
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L Health and u of L. This investment in our
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NIKU is transformational, said doctor Jason Smith, U of L
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Health CEO in the release. The remainder of the Cosair
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funding will support two other initiatives. This latest round of
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giving follows another recent investment by Kosair for Kids in
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Louisville pediatric health sector. In April, the Cosair for Kids
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Center for Pediatric neuro Recovery announced a twelve thousand, five
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hundred square foot expansion at Fraser Rehab Institute, partly funded
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by a one million dollar Cossair grant. In late twenty
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twenty four, Kossair committed one million dollars to Houser Hearing
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Institute's five million capital campaign to renovate and expand its
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main clinic. Kosair for Kids posted a revenue of about
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twenty one point five million dollars according to its twenty
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twenty four Form nine to ninety filing, and had net
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assets at the time of over three high hundred twenty
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seven million dollars. This concludes the reading of the most
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recent business news in Lexington, Louisville, and around the state.
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Your reader today has been Julia Shane. If you have
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any questions or comments about this program, please give our
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Lexington Studios a call at eight five nine four two
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two six three nine zero. Thanks for listening, and now
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please stay tuned for readings from the Kentucky series here
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on Radio I
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Hello. Today, I'll be reading from business sources in Lexington
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and Louisville, including The Lane Report and others from around
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the Commonwealth. Your reader today is Julia Shane. As a reminder,
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RADIOI is a reading service intended for people who are
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00:00:15.279 --> 00:00:18.719
blind or who have other disabilities that make it difficult
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to read printed material. Our first article comes from the
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October seventh, twenty twenty five edition of The Lane Report
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and is titled Kentucky Rural Economy Report finds population growth
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occurring remote and hybrid work since pandemic helped in decline.
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Written by Sarah frank Walker. Population growth is perhaps the
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key finding in a new report by Blueprint Kentucky that
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provides data on Kentucky's rural economy. Blueprint Kentucky formerly CEEDK,
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is an integrated research and outreach unit within the University
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of Kentucky Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
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Their report found that in twenty twenty three, eighty five
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of Kentucky's one hundred twenty counties are considered rural by
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the USDA Economic Research Service. That translates to one point
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eight five million rural Kentuckians or about forty one percent
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of the population. This report is intended to provide rural
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community leaders valuable information about economic trends happening in rural Kentucky,
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said Sarah Balker, Managing director for Blueprint Kentucky. So often
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reports like these choose to focus on our urban centers,
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overlooking the realities of rural communities. One notable finding is
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the reversal of a long standing trend in rural population
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decline after nearly a decade of losses between twenty eleven
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in twenty nineteen, Rural Kentucky as a whole experienced population
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growth from twenty twenty to twenty twenty four, driven in
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part by the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements
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during and after the COVID nineteen pandemic. However, it is
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important to note that not all rural communities experienced population growth.
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This population shift marks an important moment for rural Kentucky,
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said Simona Ballas Research director for Blueprint Kentucky. It underscores
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the need for continued investment in job creation, housing, and
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essential services to sustain growth and ensure these communities remain
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attractive places to live in work. The report is presented
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in two formats. The shorter report provides the main takeaways
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on several data points related to individual, community, and industry
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level economic conditions. For those interested in more data and
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extended analyzes, Blueprint Kentucky has a longer report which explores
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all industry sectors. Both reports have sections that cover various
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population changes, big picture economic indicators, employment trends across key industries,
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as well as data and analysis on firms, government, and
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community level factors. What makes this analysis unique is the
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focus on rural Kentucky. Specifically, said Blueprint Kentucky director Allison Davis.
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From demographic changes to industry trends, we highlight the data
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local leaders can use to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and
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develop strategies tailored towards their communities. Blueprint Kentucky used several
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federal data sources, such as the US Census Bureau, the
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Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis
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to create the report. In addition to the data that's
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publicly available, Blueprint Kentucky also provides Rural Kentucky data from
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proprietary sources, including Schumra and Your Economy. For many of
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the topics in the report, Blueprint Kentucky also provides twey
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level data profiles to be able to better understand the
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local situation. These county level snapshots help local officials and
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partners design strategies that reflect their unique strengths and challenges,
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rather than relying on one size fits all approaches. Leaders
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can use this data to make informed community specific decisions.
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Blueprint Kentucky regularly provides reports on local economic conditions and impacts.
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The next article from the LANE report is titled Lexington
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earns spot on Conde NAS Travelers Best Small Cities in
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the US for a second straight year. Visit lex is
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a static to share that Lexington, Kentucky has been named
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as one of Conde Nas Travelers Best Small Cities in
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the US. This remarkable achievement marks the second consecutive year
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the city has received this high profile recognition, solidifying Lexington's
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status as a premier travel destination that flawlessly combines authentic
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Southern charm, deep historic roots, and a dynamic contemporary vibe.
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To be named one of the top small cities in
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the US two years running is a tremendous affirmation of
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what we already know Lexington offers an unforgettable experience, said
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Mary Quinn Raymer, President of Visit Lex. This repeated honour
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highlights the sustained excellence in our hospitality sector and the
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magnetic appeal of the unique local attractions. We are incredibly
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proud and look forward to welcoming even more travelers to
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explore the horse capital of the world. Conde Nash Traveler
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received more than seven hundred fifty seven thousand survey responses
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from readers across the United States, rating their travel experiences
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across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the
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places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Reader's Choice Awards, with
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their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest running and
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most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of
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excellence within the travel sector. The twenty twenty five Reader's
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Choice Awards are published on Conde Nash Traveler's website. The
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next article from the Lane Report is titled Midway University
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expands AI enhanced academic programs with expert faculty leadership. Midway
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University is proud to announce the growth of its AI
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Enhanced academic offerings with two innovative majors AI Enhanced Data
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Analytics and AI Enhanced Computer Science, led by distinguished faculty
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members with global expertise. Doctor jing Wu, who actively contributes
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to training AI models at Amazon, brings cutting edge industry
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experience to the classroom. His research focuses on deep learning
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and statistical data analysis, equipping students with practical skills highly
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sought in today's data driven world. Doctor Mohammed Schita, recognized
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as a top thirty early career professional by the IEEE
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Computing Society, specializes in medical image analysis using AI. His
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groundbreaking work highlights the real world impact of artificial intelligence
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in healthcare and beyond. These programs reflect Midway's commitment to
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preparing students for the future of work, said doctor Tim Campbell,
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vice President of Academic Affairs. Our students benefit from the
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best of both worlds, learning in small classes and hands
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on projects guided by expert faculty, paired with internship opportunities
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that give them real world experience before they graduate. Graduates
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of the AI Enhance Data Analytics major may pursue careers
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such as business analysts, operations research analysts, marketing analytics manager,
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healthcare analytics manager, or supply chain analytics Manager. Meanwhile, the
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AI Enhanced Computer Science Major prepares students for roles including
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Web developer, application software developer, information security analysts, IT project manager,
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and database developer. Through a blend of rigorous academics, hands
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on learning, and mentorship from accomplished faculty, Midway University positioned
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students at the forefront of technological innovation. The next article
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from the Lane Report is titled Long John Silver's new
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Look Logo Spotlight Chicken. Long John Silver's, the brand famous
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for hand battered fish and golden shrimp, is making waves
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with an unexpected announcement a new look that puts chicken
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front and center. The company revealed a redesign logo that
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swaps its signature fish illustration for a style chicken, accompanied
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by a new chicken plus seafood lock up. The refreshed
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design is being rolled out across digital platforms and will
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be further cemented with the unveiling of a new Chicken
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icon wrap on the Long John Silver's front Row motorsports
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car during the South Point four hundred. Guests have been
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telling us for years that our chicken is the best
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kept secret, said Christopher Caudell, Long John Silver's senior vice
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president of Marketing and Innovation. Our hand battered chicken strips
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known as chicken planks are every bit as craveworthy as
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our legendary fish. It's time we let that secret out.
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The move builds on successful product testing at the brand's
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new flagship location in Louisville that featured chicken in a
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variety of bold flavors and forms, from Spicy Nashville Hot
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chicken and seafood to chicken wraps with Long John Silver's
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signature crumblies, sauces, and other ingredients in a warm tortilla.
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The brand says feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests
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saying the items outshine similar items at competing restaurants. Alongside
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testing new products, the brand is currently spotlighting chicken as
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part of its six dollars basket lineup, giving guests even
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more ways to enjoy their chicken and seafood favorites. The
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lineup includes four basket options tinder chicken planks, hand battered
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fish batter, dipped shrimp, or grilled shrimp. And While chicken
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is stepping into the spotlight, Long John Silvers emphasizes that
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seafood remains a cornerstone of the brand guests can still
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enjoy fan favorites such as hand battered shrimp and wild
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caught Alaska fish, crispy breaded crabcakes and surf clams, grilled
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shrimp and grilled wildcought salmon, meals, bowls, and tacos. This
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brand was built on making the coastal experience accessible to everyone,
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so seafood will always be a part of our DNA,
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said Caudle. But chicken is also part of our heritage
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and a big part of our future, so it deserves
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its rightful place on our logo, our menu, and our
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guests tables. The updated logo and campaign are designed to
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highlight the brand's versatility in a fast growing chicken category
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and to spark conversation. Long John Silvers was founded in
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nineteen sixty nine and is on a mission to create
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treasured moments through high quality food and bell ringing service
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with restaurants from Sea to Mouth Watering Sea, Long John
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Silvers continues building on a belief that the unique seafood
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experience from the coasts should be accessible to all. The
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next article from the Lane Report is titled one million
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Dollar Tech Internship Program at NKU will help students gain
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today's skills. National Science Foundation provides its money for partner
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with Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation. Students can get hands
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on training with emerging companies in biotech, AI and advanced
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manufacturing through a new collaborative internship program by Kentucky Science
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and Technology Corporation KSTC and Northern Kentucky University in KU.
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The new program will prepare students for high paying jobs
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in emerging technology fields while fueling the growth of local startups.
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Backed by nearly one million dollars in National Science Foundation funding,
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the plan is to provide commercialization training and paid internship
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placements with Kentucky companies on the cutting edge of biotech, AI,
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advanced manufacturing and more. This program in KU INVENT Startup
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Internship Program and KCV Invent Fellowship is led by kstc's
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Kentucky Commercialization Ventures KCV and receive nearly one million dollars
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in funding from the National Science Foundation. Invent is designed
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to develop a skilled talent pool that enables high growth,
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high tech startups to thrive in Kentucky. Participants will receive
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up to seven weeks of hands on innovation and commercialization
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training before being matched with a paid internship at a
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partnering startup. NKU students can complete this training through the
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university's entrepreneurship courses, while students at other universities will be
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eligible after completing kcv's existing Innovation Fellowship. Kentucky startups are
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making incredible advancements in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, life sciences, advance manufacturing,
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and more. Through INVENT, students gain hands on commercialization training
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and then apply in real startups driving these breakthroughs, said
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KCV Executive Director and Invent principal investigator Kayla Meisner. Students
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are prepared for high paying careers in emerging technology fields,
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and partnering startups benefit from interns with commercialization skills. It's
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a win win for Kentucky. Nku's Center for Innovation and
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Entrepreneurship CIE has a strong track record of building programs
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that have earned international awards and recognition, while also developing
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successful startup internship initiatives in collaboration with community partners. Building
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on this success, bridging academic learning with industry engagement through
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initiatives such as the Incubator and the Covington Works Startup
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Internship programs, INVENT capitalizes on practical application to ensure career
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readiness in high growth technology fields. For decades, the CIE
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has been about providing experiential learning opportunities for our students,
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said CIE Director Zach Strobel. The chance to work with
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some of the region's most promising startups offer an unparalleled
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experience that prepares them for the future. The event program
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offers stipends, flexible scheduling, and structured learning opportunities so participants
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can fully engage in the real world hands on training.
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Topics covered include entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and business model development.
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Students will learn the ins and outs of working at
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a startup before they are placed, meaning they can put
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their skills to work quickly. Our company relies on a skilled,
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innovation ready workforce in order to grow, said Jeremiah Chapman,
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CEO of fresh Shry, a food tech company in Louisville,
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Kentucky that extends friar oil life with disposable things pods
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and converts used oil into renewable fuel products. By providing
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students with real world exposure to start up operations, Invent
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will prepare participants to join companies like ours that are
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actively shaping the future of manufacturing and technology. Invent is
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a unique way to develop a future ready workforce that
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can turn research into real world impact and strengthen innovation
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driven economic development in the Commonwealth, added KSTC President Terry Samuel.
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This experience ensures Kentucky's early stage companies have the talent
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and expertise they need to succeed. Applications for invent open
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in October, with the first internship placement slated for the
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spring of twenty twenty six. Kentucky Commercialization Ventures KCV, an
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initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation and supported
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by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Debas Development, is Kentucky's
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pioneering engine for connecting and leveraging Kentucky's public post secondary
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institutions to fuel research, commercialization, and economic growth and ignite
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life changing impact for individuals, businesses, and communities. KSTC is
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a private, statewide, nonprofit corporation advancing science, technology, and innovative
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economic development. Founded on Kentucky nohow, KSTC is improving the
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capacity of people, companies, and organizations to build an innovation
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driven economy in Kentucky. The next article comes from the
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October seventh, twenty twenty five edition of here Lexington and
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is titled Bankruptcy. Judge dismisses Kentucky Owl's debt resolution plan.
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A federal bankruptcy judge in Texas has dismissed a plan
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proposed by Kentucky Owl and Stolely Group aimed at resolving
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seventy eight million dollars in USA bankruptcy debt through the
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sale of thirty five thousand barrels of bourbon us. Bankruptcy
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Judge Scott Everett ruled against the plan during a hearing
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on Friday, citing the unfeasibility of the proposal in light
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of current bourbon market conditions. The ruling came after objections
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from the lender, Fifth Third Bank, which expressed concerns about
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the viability of the bourbon market, describing it as dismal.
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The bank highlighted that baryl prices have plummeted, making it
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unlikely for them to recover a significant portion of their
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loan from a sale of the bourbon Judge Everett also
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conveyed his skepticism regarding the value of the bourbon as collateral,
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pointing to several uncertainties that affect its worth. The judge
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refrained from providing specific valuations, but noted that the market
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is suffering from an oversupply that has triggered a race
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to the bottom in pricing for bourbon products. Industry has
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been facing challenging circumstances over the past year, with multiple
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distilleries reporting financial difficulties. For example, Gerard County Distilling has
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ceased operations, Luca Mariano has filed for bankruptcy, and Uncle
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Nearest is currently under receivership. In addition, industry giants like Brown,
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Foreman and Diego have announced layoffs due to decline and
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whiskey sales, which stakeholders attribute to broader economic pressures and
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waning interest from younger consumers. This situation reflects a concerning
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trend for the bourbon sector, where a significant decline in
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demand could impact both small and large distilleries alike. A
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status hearing for the Kentucky Owl and Stoly bankruptcy case
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is scheduled for Wednesday, during which Judge Everett encouraged involved
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parties to propose alternative plans for addressing this substantial debt.
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In earlier discussions, Yuri Scheffler, a major stakeholder in Stolely Group,
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had advocated for the approval of the initial plan. He
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attributed the company's financial struggles to external pressures, including a
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ransomware attack believed to be associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Additionally,
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Scheffler has criticized Fifth Third Bank for exacerbating Kentucky Owl's
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liquidity problems, ultimately leading to its bankruptcy filing. The outcome
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of the upcoming hearing will be pivotal for Kentucky Owl
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and its efforts to navigate the precarious financial landscape of
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the bourbon industry. Background on Kentucky Owl and Stolely Group.
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Kentucky Owl, known for producing high quality bourbon, has become
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part of stoly Group, which has expanded its portfolio into
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various spirits. However, the recent downturn in bourbon sales has
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SECS sgnificantly affected the financial stability of such companies. The
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current struggles reflect broader trends in consumption and market dynamics,
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posing challenges for both new and established players in the
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bourbon industry market context. In recent years, the bourbon market
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has enjoyed a surge in popularity, but various factors such
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as changing consumer preferences and economic uncertainty can contribute to
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the decline in demand. The situation is being closely monitored
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by industry stakeholders as they look for ways to adapt
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to the evolving landscape. What's next. The judge's dismissal of
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the current bankruptcy plan may lead Kentucky OWL and Stolely
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Group towards seeking alternative solutions. Stakeholders remain hopeful that new
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strategies can be devised to regain financial health and stabilize operations.
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The next article comes from the October seventh, twenty one,
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twenty five edition of Louisville Business First and is titled
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Louisville Land's Pro Football Team, written by Stephen Schmidt. The
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Kings are coming to Kentucky. Following some recent speculation on
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whether the United Football League UFL would bring a team
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to the Commonwealth, an answer has been revealed. The Louisville
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Kings will begin play in late March at Lynn Family Stadium,
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according to a news release from the league. In addition
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to being the home of two Purple Clyde soccer teams
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in Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC, the venue
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will now be the home turf for a football team
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sporting both Hunter Green and neon green, a colour scheme
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that might remind many regional soccer fans of Lexington's sc colors.
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The logo features the head of an ill tempered thoroughbred
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and a crown at the top. It should be noted
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that horse racing has also had the moniker of being
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the sport of Kings. Then there's the whole thing about
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Louisville being named after King Louis the sixteenth of France.
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What better for our football stadium than more football, said
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Soccer Holdings CEO chairman John Nice in a statement. We
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are excited to welcome the UFL to Louisville. As we
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said before, whatever your lot in life builds something on it.
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We're building another exciting addition for our community as the
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Louisville King's debut in the spring of twenty twenty six.
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Soccer Holdings owns the stadium and both soccer teams, but
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in the case of the UFL, all eight teams are
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owned by the league itself, which is headquartered out of Arlington, Texas.
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In addition to the Kings, two other team names have
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been revealed that will round out the eight team field
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for the twenty twenty sixth season. Which will start on
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March twenty seventh. Those teams are the Columbus Aviators and
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the Orlando Storm. Today, Mark that's an important step forward
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for the United Football League, said UFL co owner Mike
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Repol in a statement. Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando are true
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football cities with deep sport routes. We're proud to bring
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professional football to these communities in energetic, fan driven stadiums
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built to create an authentic game day experience and strengthen
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the foundation of this league for years to come. Repol
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is a billionaire who has made a sizeable undisclosed investment
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through his private equity firm, Impact Capital, in the league
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in July and has thus become its main spokesperson. The
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owners include Fox, ESPN, Redbird Capital partners Danny Garcia and
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Dwayne the Rock Johnson. Note. In twenty twenty five UFL
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games were broadcast on Fox, ABC, ESPN, ESPN two, and
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f S one on Friday. The UFL really a statement
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that was going to relocate three of its teams, Memphis Showboats,
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Michigan Panthers and San Antonio brahamas going for smaller, soccer
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rooted venues. As I wrote, on Monday. There has been
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a growing initiative to move the UFL games from large
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venues fifty five thousand to seventy thousand plus seats to
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more intimate settings, namely stadiums that were built with soccer
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in mind with a capacity between fifteen thousand and twenty
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thousand plus seats. When you have fourteen thousand fans in
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an arena that fits sixty thousand, it looks empty. Repulse it.
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In an article in Sports Business Journal on July thirty first,
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when you have fourteen thousand in a place that sits
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fifteen thousand its standing room only. Changing the optics is
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very important. All three new teams will play in such venues.
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Lynn Family Stadium can hold more than fifteen thousand, Columbus
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will play and Historic Crew Stadium approximately twenty thousand. Orlando
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will play in inter and Company Stadium at twenty five
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thousand plus. The next article from Louisville Business First is
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titled Cosayer for Kids commits three million dollars to u
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of L health funding major NICKU renovation, written by Zach Owens.
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Cosair for Kids has committed more than three million dollars
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to u of L and u of L Health, with
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the bulk of the funding directed toward a major renovation
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of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at u of L Hospital.
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In a news release, the nonprofit said three point one
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million dollars will go toward converting part of the hospital's
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NICKU into eight private family rooms. U of L Health
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officials said the nick U currently cares for about four
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hundred babies annually, nearly ninety percent of whom come from
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low income households. We are deeply grateful to Cosair for
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Kids for the extraordinary generosity continued partnership with u of
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L Health and u of L. This investment in our
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NIKU is transformational, said doctor Jason Smith, U of L
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Health CEO in the release. The remainder of the Cosair
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funding will support two other initiatives. This latest round of
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giving follows another recent investment by Kosair for Kids in
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Louisville pediatric health sector. In April, the Cosair for Kids
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Center for Pediatric neuro Recovery announced a twelve thousand, five
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hundred square foot expansion at Fraser Rehab Institute, partly funded
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by a one million dollar Cossair grant. In late twenty
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twenty four, Kossair committed one million dollars to Houser Hearing
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Institute's five million capital campaign to renovate and expand its
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main clinic. Kosair for Kids posted a revenue of about
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twenty one point five million dollars according to its twenty
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twenty four Form nine to ninety filing, and had net
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assets at the time of over three high hundred twenty
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seven million dollars. This concludes the reading of the most
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recent business news in Lexington, Louisville, and around the state.
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Your reader today has been Julia Shane. If you have
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any questions or comments about this program, please give our
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Lexington Studios a call at eight five nine four two
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two six three nine zero. Thanks for listening, and now
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please stay tuned for readings from the Kentucky series here
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on Radio I
