Uncovered by WDRB News

Kentucky'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. 

The 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. B...

After 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'

Kentucky 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 .

More 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...

Remember 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.  

WDRB 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? 

The 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...

WDRB'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 cha...

Kentucky 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: River...

What'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. ...

In 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...

University 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 schoo...

When 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 il...

There 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...

On 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...

University 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-de...

Democrat 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 McConn...

Voters 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...

WDRB.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.  

WDRB.com business reporter Chris Otts discusses Louisville-grown Papa John International's decision to decamp for Atlanta and how Louisville has been affected by other corporate moves, mergers and buyouts over the years. What are the lessons of these decisions? What can Louisville do in response? Background: News Analysis | After Papa John’s burn, Louisville has one way to combat corporate flight

WDRB.com criminal justice reporter Jason Riley analyzes the Louisville grand jury's decision to charge only one of the three police officers in the Breonna Taylor shooting with wanton endangerment, and the long anticipated investigation by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Plus, Riley discusses what's still ahead in the Taylor case.

Louisville police could not have burst into Breonna Taylor's apartment, where they fatally shot her in the middle of the night, without a judge's approval. But in Louisville, it's often unclear which judge approved what search warrant. Jake Ryan of the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting and Travis Ragsdale of WDRB News join the show to discuss their special report, " Which Louisville judg...

Under fire for his handling of the Breonna Taylor investigation and the ensuing protests -- and other scandals at the police department and city bus agency -- Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer faces a symbolic 'no confidence' vote at the Metro Council on Sept. 17. Will some Democrats cross party lines to join Republicans in rebuking the mayor? How did things get to this point for Fischer, a three-term...

WDRB's Stephan Johnson goes one-on-one with Yvette Gentry, a native Louisvillian who is returning to Louisville Metro Police as interim chief during a tumultuous period. Gentry talks about police reform, the Breonna Taylor case, perceived racism in traffic stops and why she doesn't want the job permanently even though she was passed over for it eight years ago. After the interview, Johnson offers...