Louisville is going to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2028. | Photo by Louisville Tourism
Did you know? You’ve got two Louisville sisters to thank for the song you hear on your birthday each year. The “Happy Birthday” song was created by sisters Patty and Mildred Hill in the 1890s.
The Hill sisters probably had no idea what their little tune would go on to do — or earn. The rights to “Happy Birthday” have passed through several owners, but the final was Warner/Chappel, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Warner/Chappel acquired the rights to the song as part of a 1988 merger, and from then on it earned an estimated $2 million a year. According to Bolero Music, it’s the highest-earning song of all time at around $70 million — that’s more than “Despacito” and “Shape of You” combined.
This all came to an end with a 2015 ruling by a federal judge that “Happy Birthday To You” had entered the public domain.
Louisville Water’s vision for the next century and beyond
Presented by Louisville Water
Fun fact: On Louisville Water’s 100th anniversary, President Neil Dalton and others gathered at the Pumping Station beside an 1860 water main, then invited guests to see a steam engine in action. | Photos provided by Louisville Water
As the company celebrates a milestone anniversary, Louisville Water remains focused on the future — an attitude that has guided the organization’s growth for decades.
“In our 165-year history, we’ve always made decisions with the future in mind,” says CEO Spencer Bruce.
JCPS approved a plan this week to review its budgets from the past three years. This audit, which is separate from the deficit-specific audit announced last month, will focus on new positions and programs that cost more than $1 million. (WDRB)
Seasonal
The first fall festival at Ashbourne Farms will be held this Sunday, Oct. 19. Show up between 3 and 7 p.m. for live music, hayrides, garden tours, and more. Tickets are $10.
Drink
The next Olmsted Beer Garden event is at Shelby Park tomorrow, 5-8 p.m. Get a pint from West Sixth brewing + chow from some local food trucks, and try your hand at some free lawn games.
Number
18.4. That’s the average composite ACT score of 2025’s graduating classes in Kentucky. Kentucky placed No. 4 among the nine states that administer the ACT to all graduating students. (WHAS11)
Seasonal
If you’re feeling particularly “Golden” this Halloween, you’re not alone. Rumi and Mira from “K-Pop Demon Hunters” are the top two searched-for Halloween costumes in the Louisville area this year — they’re also topping the national charts. Consider visiting a local second hand shop to complete your Halloween look.
Sports
Is Miami’s reign already in jeopardy? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from experts of the Cards and the rest of the ACC with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
Crush credit card debt with a balance transfer.This card offers nearly two years of 0% interest (into 2027) + cash back perks on additional purchases. Learn more and apply.*
The Buy
Every Thursday, lululemon adds new markdowns to its We Made Too Much section. This what we’re shopping this week:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I saw the movie “Signs” for the first time this week and was surprised to see a Louisville staple play a major role in the film’s climax — if you know, you know. It might not have been filmed here in Derby City, but I’m going to claim it as a Louisville-related movie anyway.
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