Uncovered by WDRB News
117 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 39 ratingsThe former newspaper reporters of WDRB.com in Louisville, Ky. take listeners inside their stories about business, criminal justice, education, government, infrastructure and more. Episodes are released every Tuesday morning.
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Episodes
Pat Mulloy on how to grow Louisville
December 22, 2023 20:04 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBLouisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has a new, ambitious economic development plan for the city. Pat Mulloy is the man in charge of making it happen. Mulloy, a lawyer who spent most of his career managing senior living companies, joined Greenberg as deputy mayor for economic development earlier this year. In this WDRB+ Studio conversation with WDRB's Chris Otts, Mulloy discussed the broad goals of the plan and how Mulloy plans to prevent it from languishing on a shelf with little action, like s...
Rebecca Fleischaker on the state of Downtown Louisville
November 09, 2023 20:28 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBDowntown Louisville is still recovering from the pandemic, and in some ways, it will never be the same. Rebecca Fleischaker sits down with WDRB's Chris Otts to discuss how Louisville's central business district is evolving in the remote-work era. Fleischaker is the executive director of the Downtown Partnership. The episode was recorded Oct. 24, 2023. NOTE: This is a pilot episode for an interview show hosted from our new WDRB+ Studio. Should we keep it up? Who would you like to hear from ne...
A note about the future
July 30, 2021 20:20 - 2 minutes - 2.26 MBWDRB's Chris Otts is headed to Columbia for a fellowship. What does it means for the future of this podcast? He leaves a quick note for subscribers.
Revisiting the 'Pappygate' bourbon heist
July 20, 2021 17:36 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBIn 2013, the theft of large quantities of coveted Pappy Van Winkle and other bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky. captured the world's attention. WDRB's Dalton Godbey discusses his recent interview with Toby Curtsinger, the alleged "ringleader" of the bourbon thefts, who pleaded guilty to charges and served a brief prison stint but still insists the story is not as cut-and-dry as it seems. Curtsinger embraces the moniker, "The Bourbon King," in Netflix's new documentar...
Author Alec MacGillis on Amazon and 'winner take all' places
July 13, 2021 09:00 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBJournalist Alec MacGillis joins the podcast to discuss his recent book, "FULFILLMENT: Winning and Losing in One-Click America," which uses Amazon as a frame to explore regional inequality in the U.S. MacGillis writes that Amazon that has three types of towns: its software development-engineering towns, its data center towns and its warehouse towns. What is the impact of these broad economic forces on 'warehouse towns' like Louisville? How is blue-collar work different now than decades ago? W...
A year later, Kentucky still not 'caught up' on unemployment claims
July 07, 2021 00:56 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MBOne year ago, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the state would get 'caught up' on a backlog of unemployment claims. It didn't happen. Thousands of Kentuckians still struggle with this frayed social safety net. Have elected officials stop trying to improve the system? WDRB.com business reporter Chris Otts explains.
Bozich & Crawford on the shifting landscape of college sports
June 29, 2021 09:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBKentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is allowing college athletes to profit on endorsement deals, autographs and other "name, image and likeness" opportunities. The Supreme Court undercuts the NCAA's business model. What does it all mean in a state where college sports is king? WDRB sports columnists Rick Bozich and Eric Crawford break it down.
Bozich & Crawford on the shifting landscape of college sports
June 29, 2021 09:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBKentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is allowing college athletes to profit on endorsement deals, autographs and other "name, image and likeness" opportunities. The Supreme Court undercuts the NCAA's business model. What does it all mean in a state where college sports is king? WDRB sports columnists Rick Bozich and Eric Crawford break it down.
What's up with that Topgolf?
June 22, 2021 09:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBWDRB.com's Marcus Green takes back to a simpler time, when one of the biggest controversies in Louisville centered on the plan to build a Topgolf. Three years later, Topgolf still isn't here, but it looks to be coming soon. Green explains what's going on with the much-anticipated project.
What's up with that Topgolf?
June 22, 2021 09:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBWDRB.com's Marcus Green takes back to a simpler time, when one of the biggest controversies in Louisville centered on the plan to build a Topgolf. Three years later, Topgolf still isn't here, but it looks to be coming soon. Green explains what's going on with the much-anticipated project.
A shakeup in the race for Louisville mayor
June 15, 2021 15:23 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBThe presumed frontrunner is suddenly out. Another candidate picks up a key endorsement. A moderate Republican enters the fray. And there are likely more announcements ahead. WDRB political reporter Lawrence Smith discusses recent developments in the 2022 race to succeed Greg Fischer as Louisville Metro mayor. What does David James' exit mean for the race? Why is Barbara Sexton-Smith working for Craig Greenberg instead of mounting her own campaign? Does J'town Mayor Bill Dieruf have a path to...
The pandemic's toll on mental health
June 08, 2021 09:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBAshleigh and Brooke Skaggs, sisters from Georgetown, Indiana, hardly recognized their father in the months leading up to his tragic death in July 2020. WDRB.com reporter Marcus Green joins the show to discuss his recent story - the first of a series - examining the pandemic's effect on mental health in Kentucky and Indiana. Background: QUIET CRISIS: An ‘unprecedented’ mental health toll: COVID-19 drives surge in crisis line calls, therapy wait lists
The ripple effects of all those Ford shutdowns
June 02, 2021 18:41 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBThe constant on-again, off-again schedule at Ford's Louisville plants has an economic impact far beyond the automaker itself. This week's show focuses on how automotive supplier plants are also going dark and struggling to keep their workers during a red-hot job market. Sara Wells, a former worker at Martinrea Heavy Stamping in Shelbyville, Ky., shares her story. WDRB business reporters Chris Otts and Katrina Helmer discuss their recent story, "Ford shutdowns ripple through Louisville-area s...
LG&E one step closer to controversial Bullitt County pipeline
May 25, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBWDRB.com reporter Marcus Green discusses a recent court ruling and other developments in Louisville Gas & Electric's five-year-old plan to build a natural gas pipeline across Bullitt County, an effort opposed by Bernheim Forest and some rural landowners. Recent court documents raise the question: Is the controversial pipeline mainly for the benefit of one big customer: Jim Beam?
LG&E one step closer to controversial Bullitt County pipeline
May 25, 2021 02:18 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBWDRB.com reporter Marcus Green discusses a recent court ruling and other developments in Louisville Gas & Electric's five-year-old plan to build a natural gas pipeline across Bullitt County, an effort opposed by Bernheim Forest and some rural landowners. Recent court documents raise the question: Is the controversial pipeline mainly for the benefit of one big customer: Jim Beam?
The fight over low-income housing in Prospect
May 19, 2021 03:36 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBWDRB's Chris Otts and Katrina Helmer discuss the years-long fight over two proposed 'affordable housing' apartment complexes that could provide public housing in the suburb of Prospect, home to Kentucky's second-wealthiest zip code. Background: Judge upholds rejection of low-income housing in Prospect Prospect affordable housing complex on cusp of construction
'A stain on horseracing' | Bozich & Crawford on Kentucky Derby winner's drug test
May 12, 2021 19:38 - 37 minutes - 34 MBWDRB sports columnists Rick Bozich and Eric Crawford discuss the controversy surrounding Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit's positive drug test and the shifting explanations from famed trainer Bob Baffert. Does Baffert have credibility? What does this mean for a sport already marred by past drugging incidents?
Louisville cops drunk on the job?
May 04, 2021 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBWDRB's Jason Riley and Travis Ragsdale discuss their recent story about incidents in which Louisville Metro homicide unit personnel are alleged to have been drunk on the job or at the office, and the police department's lackluster internal investigation of the claims. Background: ATF agent claims Louisville homicide chief was drinking before Kroger hate crime murders
Will JCPS go fully back to school in August?
April 27, 2021 19:12 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBWDRB.com education reporter Kevin Wheatley joins the podcast for an update on Jefferson County Public Schools. Wheatley discusses: - How the district's classroom-virtual hybrid schedule is going - Why some parents feel it shortchanges their children - Whether the Louisville school district will be back to pre-pandemic operation in August when the next school year begins - Why teachers and staff are resistant to the superintendent's proposal to add four school days to next year's cale...
More allegations against LMPD's top warrant cop
April 20, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MBLouisville Metro Police first learned of an accusation that narcotics Det. Brian Bailey, one of the department's top cops in obtaining residential search warrants, had abused a female confidential informant in 2016. What did police do with the information? WDRB News and the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting have learned that a total of four women have accused Bailey of coercing them into becoming confidential informants and sexually assaulting them. On this week's show, WDRB report...
What's with all these Ford shutdowns?
April 13, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBOne of the biggest Louisville business stories of 2021 has been the frequent disruption at Ford Motor Co.'s vehicle plants. Louisville Assembly Plant has borne the brunt, missing six weeks of production so far. The impact extends far beyond Ford's two factories to dozens of supplier plants in the region. WDRB's Chris Otts and Katrina Helmer explain the roots of the global shortage of computer chips that is roiling the auto industry, with the help of Joseph McCabe of AutoForecast Solutions LL...
U of L's Dr. Jon Klein on the end stage of the pandemic
April 06, 2021 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBHow close are we to having COVID-19 under control? Will Louisville's public schools go back to normal in the fall? Will COVID-19 shots become an annual ritual? Dr. Jon Klein, vice dean of research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, says that much of life as we knew it may return by the of the summer, but the next one-to-three months are critical. There could be a costly fourth surge of COVID-19 as social behavior loosens faster than vaccines take effect, Klein says. He joins...
Behind the scenes: CNN producer on Kentucky unemployment documentary
March 31, 2021 19:54 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBCNN Special Reports producer Matthew Reynard joins WDRB's Chris Otts and Gilbert Corsey to discuss the making of the network's recent hourlong special on Kentucky's unemployment insurance failure. Why did CNN chose to focus on Kentucky? How did the team handle the suicide of former unemployment director Muncie McNamara only 11 days after he was interviewed for the program and before it aired? The documentary, "The Price We Paid: The economic cost of COVID" premiered March 27. It is available...
Kentucky piles on more tax breaks
March 24, 2021 00:59 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBKentucky doesn't have money for teacher raises, but the GOP-dominated legislature recently passed or advanced several new or expanded tax giveaways. WDRB's Chris Otts and Lawrence Smith discuss a sweetheart deal for the well-connected developer of a Louisville hotel, an effort to lure remote workers from other states and the controversial school choice bill that would give breaks for supporting private education.
Closing Kentucky's dangerous mental health loophole
March 16, 2021 09:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBAn accused child rapist and violent predator in Louisville is on the cusp of being let out of jail once again thanks to a loophole in Kentucky law: one that allows a person to be both mentally incompetent to face criminal prosecution and too mentally ill to be kept in psychiatric treatment. Now, Louisville-area lawmakers are trying to make up for lost time, mounting a last-minute push to close the loophole before the end of the legislative session this month. WDRB reporter Chad Mills explain...
Will workers come back to downtown Louisville?
March 09, 2021 19:34 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBThe pandemic has kept most of Louisville's downtown office workers at home for nearly a year. But even before COVID, the downtown office scene was stagnant despite all the other things happening in the Central Business District -- the Yum! Center, bourbon distilleries, a plethora of new hotels. What happens if workers never return to the office? And, how does the remote work paradigm present an opportunity for an approachable city like Louisville? WDRB's Chris Otts and Katrina Helmer discuss...
GOP 'power grab' in Louisville? Rep. Jerry Miller on his controversial bill
March 02, 2021 10:00 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBRepublican State Rep. Jerry Miller joins the podcast to explain why he's pushing a bill that would make the Louisville mayor into a nonpartisan position, reduce the mayor's power and make other changes. Miller makes no bones about challenging the Democratic power structure in Louisville. He even thinks removing the 'Democrat' and 'Republican' labels from mayoral candidates might make Louisville more likely to elect its first Black mayor.
The slow, flawed Louisville police investigation into Black teen's traffic stop
February 25, 2021 01:06 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBTae-Ahn Lea was a senior at Central High School in 2018 when Louisville police cuffed him, patted him down and searched his car after the teenager made a wide turn in a high-crime neighborhood. Video of the stop went viral. Many in the community were outraged. But despite the attention, and all the police reforms promised in the wake of Breonna Taylor, the internal investigation into Lea's traffic stop failed to include the main detective involved and was swept under the rug by exception in ...
Kentucky gaming vote: Poverty, morality, economics take center stage
February 16, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBKentucky's Republican-dominated legislature finally confronted the reality of slot-like gaming in the commonwealth last week. The vote to legalize "historical horse racing" machines showed deep differences among GOP lawmakers about how to help the poor, "trickle down" economics and whether morality should be legislated. WDRB's Chris Otts and Lawrence Smith break it down.
Questionable LMPD search warrants |A KyCIR-WDRB investigation
February 09, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBThe Louisville detective who has obtained more residential search warrants than any other during the last 18 months is facing serious questions about his work. Eleanor Klibanoff of the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting and Travis Ragsdale of WDRB explain the latest story in our newsrooms' joint investigation into LMPD search warrant practices in the wake of the Breonna Taylor shooting. Background: LMPD’s Top Warrant Cop Accused Of Sexual Abuse, Questionable Tactics Dig: Klib...
'In crisis' | Louisville Police audit exposes systemic problems
February 02, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBAfter the killing of Breonna Taylor, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer ordered a "top-to-bottom" review of the Louisville Metro Police Department. The audit is out, and it isn't flattering. WDRB reporters Chad Mills and Jason Riley break down the key findings, the reaction from the Black community and what happens next. Background: LMPD review finds department needs 'major changes'
'In crisis' | Louisville Police audit exposes systemic problems
February 02, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBAfter the killing of Breonna Taylor, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer ordered a "top-to-bottom" review of the Louisville Metro Police Department. The audit is out, and it isn't flattering. WDRB reporters Chad Mills and Jason Riley break down the key findings, the reaction from the Black community and what happens next. Background: LMPD review finds department needs 'major changes'
Widening I-64 through Louisville parks...Really?
January 26, 2021 02:43 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBKentucky transportation planners are looking at ways to improve Interstate 64 in Louisville, and one of the options is to widen the highway and expand the Cochran Hill tunnel. Is this a realistic plan? Will it happen anytime soon? What about the impact on Cherokee and Seneca parks? WDRB.com reporter Marcus Green discusses his recent story on the topic.
Kentucky's legislative session | What's passed and what's to come
January 19, 2021 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBMore Republican-dominated than ever, Kentucky's legislature has begun its 2021 session by passing bills curbing Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's COVID-19 emergency powers, as well as measures relating to abortion. WDRB's Lawrence Smith takes stock of the first couple of weeks of the General Assembly and what's ahead. How will Republicans' budget priorities differ from Beshear's? Will they muster the votes to save slot-like gaming in the state? And is a citizen petition to impeach the governor...
The Louisville area's last video store
January 13, 2021 01:59 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBRemember perusing the new release aisle on Friday nights? WDRB's Gina Glaros joins the show to talk about the final days of Family Video's lone remaining store in Kentuckiana.
Louisville fires two more cops in Breonna Taylor case. What comes next?
January 06, 2021 02:37 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBWDRB reporters Jason Riley and Travis Ragsdale explain the recent decision by Louisville Metro police to fire two more officers in the Breonna Taylor case. Why is the agency only now starting the process of terminating the officers, and what questions are still unanswered nearly a year after the tragedy?
Inside 'Pappyland' with Wright Thompson
December 29, 2020 10:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBThe story of Pappy Van Winkle, the world's most sought-after bourbon, isn't as neat and tidy as you might think. WDRB.com business reporter Chris Otts interviews Wright Thompson, author of the new book,“PAPPYLAND: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last." The book carries special significance for the podcast audience, as much of it unfolds in Louisville, home of the Van Winkle family and the Stitzel-Weller distillery that Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle once ran.
Digital decline: the cost of Louisville's virtual school year
December 22, 2020 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBWDRB's Gilbert Corsey talks about his special assignment looking at the long-term impact of Louisville's virtual school year. How are families and teachers navigating online instruction? If grades are any indication, Jefferson County Public Schools students are falling behind. Superintendent Marty Pollio says it will take two or three years to make up for the lost learning. And another looming challenge: Even if JCPS goes back to school in mid-February, as many as a third of teachers will st...
Pandemic cuts traffic on Louisville's new toll bridges
December 15, 2020 17:58 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBKentucky and Indiana finally managed to build two new interstate bridges over the Ohio River in Louisville in 2016 based on the assumption that toll collections would grow every year to help pay for them. But the pandemic has changed commuting patterns, cutting down on toll revenue. WDRB.com reporter Marcus Green explains why state officials aren't "hitting the panic button" yet. Background: RiverLink crossings down $5 million in 2020
Kentucky COVID-19 rules hit bingo harder than 'slots'
December 08, 2020 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBWhat's the difference between charity bingo and slot-like 'historical horse race' gaming? A lot, at least in the context of Kentucky's fight against COVID-19. Gov. Andy Beshear's rules limit charity bingo 25 people while allowing hundreds or even thousands to play indoor slot-like machines at the state's racetrack-owned gaming venues. WDRB business reporters Chris Otts and Katrina Helmer explain. Their story: Beshear restrictions hit charity bingo harder than slot-like gaming
Louisville police shootings | Less transparency after Breonna Taylor?
December 01, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBIn the wake of the Breonna Taylor tragedy, Louisville implemented a number of police reforms meant to increase public trust and transparency. But a change in how police shootings are investigated has so far had the opposite effect. Police used to release body camera footage of any officer shooting in a day. In the latest shooting, it took more than a week. And Mayor Greg Fischer says his hands are tied. What is going on? WDRB's Travis Ragsdale explains.
Economist on why Kentucky's COVID-19 data is 'wrong'
November 24, 2020 10:00 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBUniversity of Kentucky economist Kenneth Troske joins the show to explain why he thinks Kentucky's COVID-19 restrictions are based on flimsy data, and how the state could obtain more useful information. Troske doesn't dispute the serious of the virus, but he says better data would lead to more effective, less costly policies. Masks, for example, are nothing but a small inconvenience. Closing school classrooms statewide, meanwhile, comes at an 'enormous' cost to children. "It's when we start ...
Economist on why Kentucky's COVID-19 data is 'wrong'
November 24, 2020 10:00 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBUniversity of Kentucky economist Kenneth Troske joins the show to explain why he thinks Kentucky's COVID-19 restrictions are based on flimsy data, and how the state could obtain more useful information. Troske doesn't dispute the serious of the virus, but he says better data would lead to more effective, less costly policies. Masks, for example, are nothing but a small inconvenience. Closing school classrooms statewide, meanwhile, comes at an 'enormous' cost to children. "It's when we start ...
Kentucky State Police fights to keep lid on troopers' lawbreaking
November 17, 2020 16:39 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBWhen the feds informed Kentucky State Police that four of its troopers got caught up in an illegal prescription drug operation emanating from Florida, what did the agency do? WDRB spent thousands of dollars on a two-year legal battle to force state police to release public records that tell the complete story. WDRB's Gilbert Corsey explains. The story: INVESTIGATION | 4 KSP troopers caught in illegal steroids operation, agency tries to withhold records
GOP strengthens grip on Kentucky legislature
November 10, 2020 10:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MBThere was no suburban revolt against President Trump in Kentucky. In fact, Republicans further cemented their control by adding to dominant super-majorities in the state legislature. What are the implications for Louisville, the Democrats' remaining stronghold? What policies will the GOP pursue that it hasn't already? Will Democrats figure out a way to appeal to rural Kentuckians, or embrace their role as the urban and progressive minority in a largely white, rural state? WDRB political repo...
Dems on offense in east Louisville suburbs
November 03, 2020 02:36 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBOn Election Day 2020, WDRB political reporter Lawrence Smith talks about a handful of Kentucky House races in which Democrats are trying to gain more ground in the once safely Republican east Louisville suburbs. Smith also shares some insight from an election eve interview with Sen. Maj. Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Then, WDRB.com education reporter Kevin Wheatley discusses the major ruling on the JCPS property tax increase and why the 10% hike isn't even a factor in this year's schoo...
Embracing 'anti-racism' at the University of Louisville
October 27, 2020 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBUniversity of Louisville President Neeli Bendapudi has elevated the concept of 'anti-racism', even adding the words to U of L's official mandate. But what precisely does anti-racism mean to her? And what will U of L actually do differently to become a 'premier anti-racist metropolitan research university'? On this episode, WDRB.com reporters Chris Otts and Katrina Helmer discuss their recent in-depth story on the initiative, with extended clips of interviews with Bendapudi, U of L's Pan Afri...
Lawrence Smith on McConnell vs. McGrath
October 20, 2020 09:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBDemocrat Amy McGrath had a strong Oct. 12 debate performance against U.S. Sen. Maj. Leader Mitch McConnell, but she still faces long odds in her bid to unseat the six-term Kentucky Republican. WDRB political reporter Lawrence Smith breaks down the race, including key points in the debate and how the contest differs from the 2019 governor's race won by Democrat Andy Beshear and from the 2014 McConnell trouncing of Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes.
Why Louisville's business lobby supports the JCPS tax hike
October 13, 2020 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBVoters in Louisville aren't just a picking a president and U.S. senator. They're also being asked to weigh in on a 9.5% property tax increase for Jefferson County Public Schools. In the this episode, Iris Wilbur Glick of Greater Louisville Inc. explains why the city's main business group is pushing the tax hike. Chambers of commerce usually aren't enthused about local tax increases. Then, WDRB.com education reporter Kevin Wheatley explains the legal wrangling over the increase and why the re...
The Breonna Taylor grand jury tapes
October 07, 2020 02:28 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBWDRB.com reporters Marcus Green and Chris Otts discuss what we learned -- and what we didn't -- from the release of 15 hours of audio from the Jefferson County grand jury that considered charges against police officers in the tragic shooting death Breonna Taylor.