A view of the Ohio River in Louisville(DON SNIEGOWSKI / Flickr) A new KET documentary explores the current challenges and history of the Ohio River, one of Kentucky’s defining waterways. “This Is The Ohio” follows Louisville filmmaker Morgan Atkinson’s journey down the river – starting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and ending in Cairo, Illinois – and his undertaking of what he calls his “mission impossible,” telling the story of a 981-mile river in an hour. He said his proximity to the river growing up allowed him to enjoy the recreational aspects of the waterway – going fishing or even waterski ..read more

Tens of thousands went to Churchill Downs for the biggest event of the year: the Kentucky Derby. Our reporters were there meeting people and taking photos ..read more

In 17 years of voting at this polling place, nevr took longer than 5 minutes...today it took 1 hr and 5 minutes!(Creative Commons) This year’s primary ballots in Clark and Floyd counties include contested Republican races for coroner, county council at large and some commissioner seats. Clark County has 10 Republicans vying for three county council at large seats, including incumbents David Abbott and John Miller. Three Democrats are also on the ballot, however Libertarian or Independent or other minor party candidates could still join the race for the general election. In Floyd County, Republ ..read more

At a press conference today in Louisville, Attorney General Merrick Garland presented findings from the Department of Justice’s investigation into LMPD's pattern of civil rights violations.( J. Tyler Franklin / LPM) The U.S. Department of Justice team that found numerous constitutional violations within the Louisville Metro Police Department will seek community feedback on police reform Wednesday night, May 8. The consent decree will act as a judge-overseen roadmap for LMPD reforms. The DOJ is currently negotiating the details of the agreement with the mayor and police department, and city of ..read more

The Biden administration announced this week it’s moving to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug. That move could put more pressure on the Indiana General Assembly to take some steps toward cannabis legalization. The federal proposal would make cannabis a Schedule III drug — on par with ketamine, some steroids and Tylenol with codeine. Justin Swanson is an Indiana lobbyist who works on cannabis issues. He said this latest development is just more momentum that’s been building in Indiana. “I think the easier sell, politically, is the medical route because you’re going to hear from ever ..read more

Jeff Sepesi from North Carolina won a trifecta bet on a race leading up to the Kentucky Derby. (Justin Hicks / KPR) People filled the stands and stables of Churchill Downs in Louisville Saturday, celebrating a century and a half of Kentucky Derby history. Horses hit the dirt for the first race of the day at 10:30 a.m. “They’re in the gate. And they’re off!” an announcer crowed over the speaker system, for the first and far from the last time that day. The early-bird crowd was pleasant and low-key, gearing up for a long, fun day at the track. The main event was still more than eight hours away ..read more

The 150th Kentucky Derby came down to a three-horse photo finish.(Justin Hicks / LPM) When Mystik Dan crossed the finish line at Churchill Downs on Saturday night with 18-1 odds, it was a close call. After running over a mile in two minutes and three seconds in the 150th Kentucky Derby, the horse finished just a nose ahead of contenders Sierra Leone and Forever Young. After the race, jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. said he asked an outrider, “Oh god did we just win the Kentucky Derby?” It was a true photo finish as fans and officials stared at replay screens afterwards to confirm the results. “Yes ..read more

Derby Day 2024 is here. Race fans packed Churchill Downs to celebrate the 150th Run for the Roses. LPM News reporters and editors are on site to bring you the latest from the track ..read more

Thorpedo Anna, ridden by jockey Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr., won the 2024 Kentucky Oaks horse race with a commanding lead.(Justin Hicks) Out of a field of over a dozen three-year-old fillies on a soaking wet track, Thorpedo Anna and jockey Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. won the lion’s share of a $1.5 million purse at the Kentucky Oaks. They were followed distantly by Just F Y I in second and Regulatory Risk in third. After the race, Hernandez said Thropedo Anna’s victory was made possible through a lot of trust between him and trainer Kenny McPeek. “It’s just been a great relationship and I’ve been ..read more

Gregorio Baneulos refers to himself as "Mexican Elvis" for his outfit for Oaks(Justin Hicks / LPM) It’s an overcast, wet Friday as thousands of people fill Churchill Downs. A slight drizzle, thick humidity and rain ponchos aren’t stopping visitors from wearing their best shades of pink. One of the visitors embracing the bright, spring-colored theme of Oaks Day was Allison, a Lexington native. She says Oaks is her favorite day of Derby week to attend with her friends. Allison (middle) is originally from Lexington and said she's excited to place her bets and have good drinks with friends. (Gise ..read more