Aayat Ali

Aayat Ali

City Editor

Aayat is an editor based in Lexington, Kentucky. She has spent the last several years working alongside entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups to share their stories with readers around the world. When she’s not writing, you can find her sifting through vinyl at one of Lexington’s local record stores.

A storefront with signage that reads "Pop's Resale Since 1996. We buy vinyl records, vintage clothing, and vintage audio gear."
Small Business
Shout out your favorite Lexington small businesses
Tell us which LEX small businesses you love, from restaurants to retail to home services and beyond.
April 26, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Horses + jockeys racing on a turf track
Culture
Kentucky Derby events around Lexington
How to celebrate the run for the roses in Lexington.
April 24, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
lex-book-store-joseph-beth
Small Business
How to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day
This one’s a page turner.
April 22, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
An upwards angle of a the Lexington Fayette Government Center building
Government
The urban county council wants to engage with you
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has launched a new platform that helps the public make their voices heard.
April 22, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
The front of record store CD Central.
Culture
Celebrating Record Store Day 2024 in Lexington
Get prepared to snag those Record Store Day vinyl releases you’ve been eyeing.
April 18, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
An aerial shot of downtown Lexington.
Lexington’s proposed budget for 2024-2025
Mayor Gorton has unveiled the proposal of Lexington’s 2024-2025 fiscal year budget.
April 16, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
A person holding a microphone to a stream.
Parks and Recreation
Celebrate Raven Run’s soundscapes this Earth Day
Lexington Parks & Recreation is helping bring Raven Run’s nature sounds to your home.
April 16, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
sign outside of an old stone building
City
Your guide to voting in the primary for Lexington
Districts 1, 4, and 7 will all have a primary election for the Urban County Council as each district has more than two candidates who have filed to run for the offices.
April 15, 2024
 · 
Molly Thompson
A jumbotron reads "Welcome Home, Mark Pope, Men's Basketball Head Coach"
Sports
4 facts about the new UK men’s basketball coach
We hope Mark Pope is ready to rejoin the Big Blue Nation.
April 12, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
A mural depicting a goddess with a beam of light coming from her heart
Arts
Get involved in Lexington’s public arts scene
The city will host a workshop for artists interested in adding to our public arts scene.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
A group of people standing together in a gym
Volunteer
How this website makes it easy for nonprofits to recruit volunteers
Bluegrass Corporate Cares Connection’s new website has one overarching goal: to make it easier for nonprofits to highlight volunteer opportunities.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
Four people sit at a broadcasting booth during a UK basketball game, including Coach John Calipari, who is wearing a headset with a microphone attached.
Sports
A look at Coach Calipari’s 15 seasons by the numbers
With mumblings that John Calipari is resigning from his post as UK’s men’s basketball head coach, we’re taking a look back at his tenure with the Wildcats.
April 8, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
A rooftop bar with people mingling with drinks and cafe lights with views of downtown Lexington
Culture
5 rooftop bars + restaurants in Lexington
Sometimes, it helps to get some perspective.
April 8, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
Four city workers wearing bright yellow reflective jackets, cutting up a downed tree.
City
Who you gonna call? Jot down the contact info for these Lexington-area resources.
From flood damage to environmental health concerns, here are a few city resources to keep in your Rolodex.
April 5, 2024
 · 
Ally Geiger
A brick home with arches and pillars.
Real Estate
Help rehabilitate this 200-year-old building
The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation has received a grant to rehabilitate Latrobe’s Pope Villa.
April 4, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
Four city workers wearing bright yellow reflective jackets, cutting up a downed tree.
City
Get prepared for Kentucky weather with Be Ready, Lexington
Lexington’s emergency management website features every resource needed to stay prepared for severe and unpredictable weather.
April 4, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
A glass filled with nigori, on top of two wrapped Moon Pie cakes.
Events
Out-of-this-world solar eclipse events
Monday, April 8 will be the last solar eclipse we’ll see for 20 years, so here’s how you can take in the historical event in Lexington.
March 29, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
Jockeys + racehorses competing at Keeneland.
Plan your perfect day at Keeneland
Wild horses couldn’t drag me away.
March 28, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
Little girls look at easter eggs
Events
Hop up to these egg hunts and brunches to celebrate Easter around Lexington
Pull out those planners for some egg-citing events around town.
March 25, 2024
 · 
Molly Thompson
Four sunflowers in a sunflower field.
City
Shining a light on hidden disabilities
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program helps people identify their conditions that may not be noticeable.
March 21, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
A child paints a canvas hanging on a wall.
Play
Kid-friendly activities around Lexington
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Lexington, KY has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
March 20, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
Lexington, Kentucky's skyline with a sunset of blues, reds, and oranges
What affordable housing means in Lexington
Get answers to these frequently asked questions about affordable housing options and qualifications in Lexington.
March 19, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
An intersection with cones going down the middle and detour signs, construction machinery, and piles of rocks.
City
Breaking down upcoming sewer line repairs
The city provides an update about ongoing sewage repairs that aim to keep our waterways clean.
March 19, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
A reflection of the Big Blue Building + Lexington Marriott in the windows of City Center windows
City
Reflecting on the sounds of downtown
“Surface Reflections” offers a moment of serenity, and serves as a reminder to respect our waterways.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
Bourbon barrels in front of a rick house.
Work
Made in Lexington: 13 things created in and around LEX
From brands to artists, Lexington’s business scene is truly inspired.
March 15, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
LEXtoday_missyspie
Celebrating Pi Day in Lexington
It’s our favorite infinite number’s day, so let’s commemorate by eating infinite food.
March 13, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
A colorful wall that says Lexington
Food
Your guide to Crave Taco Week
Crave Taco Week runs Monday, March 11 to Sunday, March 17, where you can try out dozens of tacos from 25+ different restaurants.
March 11, 2024
 · 
Molly Thompson
The outside of the new library with a sign that reads "Lexington Public Library - Marksbury Family Library Branch"
City
Meet the new Marksbury Family Public Library
Lexington’s newest library takes place of the former Village Branch at 2185 Versailles Rd.
March 11, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
Terry Hicks speaking during the grant announcement.
Grant applications now open for violence prevention
The city’s ONE Lexington initiative is inviting local nonprofits to apply for grants that would support their cause.
March 1, 2024
 · 
Aayat Ali
A pizza with pepperoni and basil with a woodfired curst on a white paper plate.
Food
Vote in LEXtoday’s pizza bracket
We want to know: Where is the best pizza in Lexington? Vote for your favorite to help determine a champion.
March 1, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
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