After spending over two decades in and out of prison, James Davis’ dream of success was deferred. But when he adopts his two nephews he also receives a chance to redeem his life.
Alyssa Pointer’s story follows the Louisville, Kentucky trio as they use the sport of boxing to provide discipline and goals that all three can build upon.
Abby McPeak, 7, and her siblings Jazmine, 9, and Dathan, 3, play in the front yard of their trailer home outside of downtown Brownsville, Ky. “I like this place because we have a trampoline and friends that play with us,” said Abby. April 17 2016, Brownsville, KY. |Skyler Ballard
Shaun Bridgmohan celebrates his 1st place victory riding four-year-old Miss Pink Diva during the Maiden Special Weight horse race at Keeneland Racecourse on April 17, 2016. The win was a first for Miss Pink Diva, earning $36,000. |Alyse Young
Dr. Erika Brady has not had a formal haircut since she was 12 years old, after her first trip to the salon. |Justin Gilliland
Keyshawn Brown, left, and Isaiah Brown, right, swing on a part of their porch on 14th Ave. and Stubbins St. These boys were with their uncle waiting for their mother to come home from out of town. “I’m doing well in school, I have A’s and B’s in all my classes unlike Keyshawn, he has all D’s and F’s,” Isaiah said. “I hope Isaiah and Keyshawn do what you’re doing, go to college,” said their uncle Junior Lancaster. April 12, 2016, Bowling Green , KY. |Ebony Cox
The final race of Sunday, April 17, of the 2016 Spring Race Meet at Keeneland Race Track finishes on the turf. Kasaqui (6) won, ridden by Paco Lopez. |Justin Gilliland
Jockeys relax in the Jockey’s Quarter’s before their races at Keeneland Racetrack on April 16, 2016 in Lexington, KY. |Harrison Hill
Rafey Wahlah models an Oyster Perpetual gold black faced Rolex Watch retailed at $12,550. The watch was a gift from his grandfather and matches the gold ring he wears from his grandmother that symbolizes eternal love. |Alyse Young
WKU professors Rita Meredith and George Kontos dance during the weekly Corvette City Bop and Dance club in Bowling Green, KY. Both Kontos and Johnson have been dancing with the club for over two years. “I love coming here because I am able to socialize and dance with other professors and Bowling green natives,” said Kontos. |Harrison Hill
SUNDAY APRIL 17, 2016–LEXINGTON, KY– Jockeys and horses are up early morning warming up and prepping for the last day of races for the weekend at the Keenland race tracks. |Tyger Williams
It was April 2014 when, at the push of a button, the Flint River — which hadn’t been treated for daily use in over 50 years — became the city of Flint, Michigan’s main water source. The responsibility of water treatment was passed from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department to the shoulders of the local water plant. Government leaders cited a potential savings of around $5 million over the course of two years for a city staring into the face of financial emergency.
As water plant operators used more chlorine to fight bacteria in the water, the presence of trihalomethanes (THMs), an EPA regulated carcinogenic, spiked. Many began buying bottled water and would do so for the coming months, refusing to drink the toxins coming from their taps.
Later that year, elevated levels of lead were found in many of the City’s homes, as well as in the blood of children. State officials however, did not alert their citizens. It wasn’t until an independent study conducted by Virginia Tech showed the rise of lead levels that state officials began taking action.
Today, the City of Flint is under a state of emergency declared by recent mayor elect Karen Weaver. It’s citizens are left coping with a failing infrastructure, a lost trust in their government system, and a looming sense of fear for their health. READ MORE
In the aftermath of attacks in Paris and San Bernadino, there lay a new weight on the shoulders of young Muslims living in the United States. The search for acceptance and fight for religious freedom became a daily challenge for Muslim students on campus under the pressure of stereotypes and cultural misconception. SEE THE STORY
Marcos Espinoza, 17, who is half Guatemalan and Mexican is born and raised in the U.S. He’s a son of illegal immigrants. He represents a generation of Hispanics, the biggest and youngest minority group in the States currently counting 54 million people (2013). Never before in the history of America has a minority ethnic group made up such a large share of the youth in America. One-in-five schoolchildren are Hispanic and every fourth child born is Hispanic according to Pew Research Center.
WKUPJ Student Betina Garcia introduces us to the Espinoza and Barrillas family, giving us a better understanding of the changing population that makes up the U.S. today.
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Vito Tisdale, formerly “Big V” of the two-time Grammy nominated hip-hop group Nappy Roots, navigates life after fame. Vito works to be a stable father figure to his daughter, Meadow, but often struggles to find a balance between family and music. Be sure to visit the web site here.
By Kreable Young and Katie McLean
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The story of one family’s battle to be heard and find hope in treating the mind. Watch the documentary above and be sure to check out their web site.
By Morgan Walker and Adam Wolffbrandt
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Hear Through the Holler is a collaborative web-based project created by journalists Tyler Essary and Luke Franke in the spring of 2015. With a tip from a friend and fellow journalist Emily Kask the pair set out in late February with their sights set on Christiana, Tenn., roughly a 30 minute drive south of Murfreesboro.
After shooting countless hours of video the team presents what you see here now on this site. The video, along with all other content, exists to document Hippie Hill and its’ people. Often looked down upon by outside media Hear Through the Holler is the first true glimpse of what Tom Maddox, his wife Jeanie, and Hippie Hill itself mean to so many people in Tennessee and all over the United States.
We would like to thank Hippie Hill, the residents, and all who helped make this project come to light. May it allow a better glimpse into the lives of the people that live there and the true intentions of the Hill.
Greg Fearing is covered in dust most of the morning. He has a passion to build, and woodworking is his medium. In his Louisville, KY workshop, he creates works of art from the most unexpected materials. – By Adam Wolffbrandt
