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Uncovered by WDRB News

Uncovered by WDRB News

By Chris Otts

The 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.
Currently playing episode

Pat Mulloy on how to grow Louisville

Uncovered by WDRB NewsDec 22, 2023

00:00
35:15
Pat Mulloy on how to grow Louisville
Dec 22, 202335:15
Rebecca Fleischaker on the state of Downtown Louisville

Rebecca Fleischaker on the state of Downtown Louisville

Downtown 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 next? Send any suggestions or feedback to cotts@wdrb.com.

Nov 09, 202341:16
A note about the future

A note about the future

WDRB'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. 

Jul 30, 202102:24
Revisiting the 'Pappygate' bourbon heist

Revisiting the 'Pappygate' bourbon heist

In 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 documentary series, "Heist." 

Jul 20, 202120:03
Author Alec MacGillis on Amazon and 'winner take all' places

Author Alec MacGillis on Amazon and 'winner take all' places

Journalist 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? What are the political ramifications of growing disparities between 'hyper-prosperous' places like Washington D.C. and 'left behind' places like Baltimore?  

Jul 13, 202159:35
A year later, Kentucky still not 'caught up' on unemployment claims

A year later, Kentucky still not 'caught up' on unemployment claims

One 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. 

Jul 07, 202126:60
Bozich & Crawford on the shifting landscape of college sports

Bozich & Crawford on the shifting landscape of college sports

Kentucky 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.

Jun 29, 202131:11
What's up with that Topgolf?

What's up with that Topgolf?

WDRB.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. 

Jun 22, 202113:45
A shakeup in the race for Louisville mayor

A shakeup in the race for Louisville mayor

The 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 victory as a Republican? Smith tackles these questions and more.  

Jun 15, 202124:42
The pandemic's toll on mental health
Jun 08, 202121:06
The ripple effects of all those Ford shutdowns
Jun 02, 202122:03
LG&E one step closer to controversial Bullitt County pipeline

LG&E one step closer to controversial Bullitt County pipeline

WDRB.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? 

May 25, 202116:08
The fight over low-income housing in Prospect
May 19, 202126:26
'A stain on horseracing' | Bozich & Crawford on Kentucky Derby winner's drug test

'A stain on horseracing' | Bozich & Crawford on Kentucky Derby winner's drug test

WDRB 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? 

May 12, 202137:07
Louisville cops drunk on the job?
May 04, 202133:40
Will JCPS go fully back to school in August?
Apr 27, 202123:42
More allegations against LMPD's top warrant cop
Apr 20, 202127:59
What's with all these Ford shutdowns?

What's with all these Ford shutdowns?

One 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 LLC.

Apr 13, 202120:53
U of L's Dr. Jon Klein on the end stage of the pandemic

U of L's Dr. Jon Klein on the end stage of the pandemic

How 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 the podcast to explain. 

Apr 06, 202142:43
Behind the scenes: CNN producer on Kentucky unemployment documentary
Mar 31, 202139:22
Kentucky piles on more tax breaks
Mar 24, 202125:36
Closing Kentucky's dangerous mental health loophole

Closing Kentucky's dangerous mental health loophole

An 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 explains.

Mar 16, 202121:34
Will workers come back to downtown Louisville?
Mar 09, 202132:17
GOP 'power grab' in Louisville? Rep. Jerry Miller on his controversial bill

GOP 'power grab' in Louisville? Rep. Jerry Miller on his controversial bill

Republican 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.

Mar 02, 202152:04
The slow, flawed Louisville police investigation into Black teen's traffic stop
Feb 25, 202134:17
Kentucky gaming vote: Poverty, morality, economics take center stage

Kentucky gaming vote: Poverty, morality, economics take center stage

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. 

Feb 16, 202123:19
Questionable LMPD search warrants |A KyCIR-WDRB investigation
Feb 09, 202128:08
'In crisis' | Louisville Police audit exposes systemic problems
Feb 02, 202126:39
Widening I-64 through Louisville parks...Really?
Jan 26, 202120:35
Kentucky's legislative session | What's passed and what's to come

Kentucky's legislative session | What's passed and what's to come

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 votes to save slot-like gaming in the state?  And is a citizen petition to impeach the governor gaining any traction?

Jan 19, 202135:18
The Louisville area's last video store
Jan 13, 202113:47
Louisville fires two more cops in Breonna Taylor case. What comes next?

Louisville fires two more cops in Breonna Taylor case. What comes next?

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? 

Jan 06, 202119:50
Inside 'Pappyland' with Wright Thompson

Inside 'Pappyland' with Wright Thompson

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 family and the Stitzel-Weller distillery that Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle once ran. 

Dec 29, 202040:49
Digital decline: the cost of Louisville's virtual school year
Dec 22, 202024:26
Pandemic cuts traffic on Louisville's new toll bridges
Dec 15, 202016:14
Kentucky COVID-19 rules hit bingo harder than 'slots'
Dec 08, 202024:01
Louisville police shootings | Less transparency after Breonna Taylor?

Louisville police shootings | Less transparency after Breonna Taylor?

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 tied. What is going on? WDRB's Travis Ragsdale explains. 

Dec 01, 202021:08
Economist on why Kentucky's COVID-19 data is 'wrong'
Nov 24, 202054:26
Kentucky State Police fights to keep lid on troopers' lawbreaking
Nov 17, 202028:40
GOP strengthens grip on Kentucky legislature

GOP strengthens grip on Kentucky legislature

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 role as the urban and progressive minority in a largely white, rural state? WDRB political reporter Lawrence Smith joins the show to break it down.

Nov 10, 202019:59
Dems on offense in east Louisville suburbs

Dems on offense in east Louisville suburbs

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 on the JCPS property tax increase and why the 10% hike isn't even a factor in this year's school board races.

Nov 03, 202027:54
Embracing 'anti-racism' at the University of Louisville
Oct 27, 202028:44
Lawrence Smith on McConnell vs. McGrath

Lawrence Smith on McConnell vs. McGrath

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 McConnell trouncing of Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes.

Oct 20, 202029:38
Why Louisville's business lobby supports the JCPS tax hike

Why Louisville's business lobby supports the JCPS tax hike

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 education reporter Kevin Wheatley explains the legal wrangling over the increase and why the results of the voter referendum might not matter. 

Oct 13, 202024:08
The Breonna Taylor grand jury tapes
Oct 07, 202028:27
Louisville's corporate jobs landscape after Papa John's exit

Louisville's corporate jobs landscape after Papa John's exit

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

Sep 29, 202027:10
Explaining the Breonna Taylor decision

Explaining the Breonna Taylor decision

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.

Sep 24, 202021:42
Which Louisville judge let police raid that house?
Sep 22, 202026:36
Losing confidence in Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer
Sep 15, 202020:50
Louisville police's new chief on reform, Breonna Taylor and community healing

Louisville police's new chief on reform, Breonna Taylor and community healing

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 his observations about Gentry's return to the department.

Sep 09, 202030:24