Louder Than Life in Louisville: The Kentucky Expo Center kicked off the four-day rock and metal festival with huge crowds expected and Louisville Tourism projecting nearly $40 million in combined economic impact from Louder Than Life and Bourbon & Beyond. Music onstage: Photos and coverage spotlighted headliners including Pantera and Iron Maiden as fans packed in for big sets. Local arts spotlight: Kentucky State University in Frankfort hosted the Black Experience exhibition, featuring Black artists across the state and running through Sept. 27 at Blazer Library. Community giving: The Community Foundation of West Kentucky’s 25th annual Peggy and Fred Paxton Challenge for Charities raised more than $1.6 million, with top fundraisers including Paducah Public Schools Foundation, Market House Theatre, and the Carson Center. Education & faith in schools: McCracken County’s board approved LifeWise Academy for three more schools, expanding the privately funded moral instruction program during school hours. Arts-adjacent public safety: After a Thriller Parade cardiac arrest, a Lexington survivor is helping map AED locations across the city. Sports culture: Kentucky volleyball’s week off sets up a sold-out, ABC-televised rivalry match vs. Louisville.