On Track

The Louisville Story Program's new project, "Better Lucky Than Good," is an oral history of Churchill Downs backside workers and people who lived near the track. WFPL's In Conversation talked with subjects from the book about their experiences and how the racing industry has changed. Our guests included Syl’s Lounge Proprietor Sylvia Arnette, who grew up 'The Hill' neighborhood near Churchill Downs, retired groom Paul Goffner, Louisville Story Program Deputy Director Joe Manning.

Philanthropy in Louisville is changing. Cuts to the city's budget slashed nonprofits' funds as officials look to philanthropic organizations for help. But the most recent data from the Kentucky Nonprofit Network shows growth in the industry: Nonprofits made up 9.1 percent of Kentucky’s workforce in 2015, and the industry grew to 19,009 organizations in 2016 — a 9 percent increase when compared to 2012. WFPL's In Conversation talked with Metro United Way CEO Theresa Reno-Weber, Gheens Foundation President Barry Allen and Papa John's International Chief of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Victoria Russell about the industry and how changes could affect it going forward.

Kentucky's Republican party won big in the 2019 election, securing all but the governor's seat. With Democrat Andy Beshear preparing to follow through with policies of his platform, In Conversation looks at what's next when it comes to the governor's race, in which current Gov. Matt Bevin has requested a recanvass, policies under Beshear and more. Our guests were WFPL Political Reporter Ryland Barton and FiveThirtyEight Senior Writer Perry Bacon Jr.

Louisville officials opened an $11.6 million animal shelter last week, expanding animal services for strays animals and pet owners. Also last week, a local animal abuse registry went live--it requires anyone convicted to animal abuse in Jefferson County to self-register. WFPL's In Conversation talked with officials about what other animal services are available and about how owners can take better care of their pets.

Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear is in a tight race for governor against Republican incumbent Matt Bevin, according to a recent Mason-Dixon poll. That poll also shows Bevin has shored up support within his party, and that Beshear has more support among women and younger voters in metropolitan areas. This week on In Conversation, we ask Beshear about his agenda if he is elected governor, and then talk with WFPL Political Reporter Ryland Barton about the race.

Note: We asked Governor Bevin to join our show, but his staff said he had a scheduling conflict.

It has been a memorable year for Louisville and Mayor Greg Fischer. Last November, Fischer was elected to his third and final term in office and major projects, like a track and field complex and a new YMCA, are finally underway. Fischer has used his office to take up issues like gun control, but state and federal laws could hamper city efforts. Then, there's also the city's budget challenges as it grapples with a state pension crisis. We talk to Fischer and ask what other challenges are ahead as part of WFPL's In Conversation.

Louisville is hosting the inaugural Define American Summit this weekend, welcoming hundreds of visitors to comedy shows, work shops and discussions about race, culture and identity. It all aligns with the nonprofit Define American's mission to share stories and stir change around immigration, identity and citizenship. This week on WFPL's In Conversation, we talk with officials and guests taking part in the summit to ask how they define 'American' and how they use their stories to make change. Our guests were Comedian Nikita Hamilton, Define American Executive Director Ryan Eller, Comedian Zahra Noorbakhsh and Actor Christian Arteaga.

Debate around gun access and gun violence has spilled into Kentucky and the rest of the nation amid high-profile mass shootings. Some states, like California, are taking steps to ban assault weapons. But Kentucky legislators have been hesitant to support bills restricting access to guns, and last year the General Assembly approved a bill expanding access for people who carry concealed guns in public. Panelists talked about guns and what's next for Kentucky as part of WFPL's In Conversation. Our guests were: Kentucky Representative Jeffery Donohue, Kentucky's Concealed Carry Coalition President Stephen McBride and Paducah-based author Sarah Stewart Holland.

Climate change has increased Kentucky's average temperature, contributed to heavier rainfall and is associated with other weather-related changes in the state. Activists like Greta Thunberg have brought more attention to the issue, but panelists on WFPL's In Conversation said more that action from those in power at the federal and state level is necessary to make a substantive change. Our guests included WFPL Energy and Environment Reporter Ryan Van Velzer, University of Louisville Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability Initiatives Justin Mog, Louisville Climate Strike Coalition Co-Lead Fernanda Scharfenberger and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth Chairperson Cassia Herron.

Suicide among veterans is still a big problem across the nation, but Kentucky outpaces the nation with a reported 36 veteran suicides per 100,000 people in 2016. Advocates talked about what's being done to address veteran suicide and how people can help as part of WFPL's In Conversation. Our guests were Gulf War Veteran Sherry Whitehouse, Veterans Club Founder Jeremy Harrell, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Legal Counsel Dennis Shepherd, WFPL Health Reporter Lisa Gillespie and Veterans Affairs Medical Center Suicide Prevention Coordinator Kelly Marcum.