The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968. Richard Nixon elected president. Georgia Powers of Louisville becomes the first woman, and first black person, in the state Senate. Violence erupts outside Democratic convention in Chicago. U.S. Olympic runners Tommy Smith and John Carlos make controversial clenched-fist salute on medal stand.
Race riots occur in Louisville's West End.
The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in Los Angeles on June 8, 1968. Current Galt House opens in Louisville. Dancer's Image disqualified as Kentucky Derby winner after test reveals presence of analgesic not permitted at the time. Defense Department project starts linking computers in what would become the Internet. Supreme Court upholds right to protest peacefully in schools.