Daily Briefing: Six steps back, but one giant leap forward toward inspiration

Good morning and happy Friday. (You can read today's eNewspaper here.)

We have a good chance of showers today, mainly after the early afternoon hours. We're expected to see a high around 74.

Here are this morning's top stories so far:

6 life challenges and a celebration: Emily Rombach has had more than her fair share of struggles — and all of them have come within the past year.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Rombach has not only had to contend with her cancer treatments, but a series of unfortunate events that left her husband with a severed bicep, her dog with a mysterious illness and more cancer news in her immediate family. Although life seemed to throw everything but the kitchen sink at her, she will now proudly walk in the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Day Parade on May 3.

Learn more about Emily and how she's come through her hardships through our story from features columnist Maggie Menderski.

In other news:

• Politics: A primary race in a Democratic district in east Louisville has crystallized around a conflict between youth and experience, reflecting wider issues within the national Democratic Party.
• Around Town: Hayfield Montessori School will be closing its doors for the final time later this year and the entire property, including an Italian-style farmhouse from the 1860s, is up for sale.
• Derby History: The mint julep, benedictine spread and pimento cheese are all common staples of a Kentucky Derby menu in the modern era (pimento cheese is even a big part of this year's winning Derby Burger Challenge recipe), but what did the menu look like 150 years ago?

From the Sports Desk

Today's Featured Gallery

The Trifecta Gala is coming back one last time for Kentucky Derby 150 and organizers are already bringing the star power by announcing Bruno Mars will return to Louisville to headline their performer roster for the event. See who else has been confirmed for the party so far through our gallery.

Thank you for reading the Daily Briefing this morning. If you have an idea for a story we can cover in your neighborhood, please send me a note at krowe@courier-journal.com.

I hope you have a great day today! See you tomorrow.

Best,

Keisha