Cover Story
Inside The Missteps At Louisville’s Jail: A Missed Transfer, An Ignored Inmate And A Late Investigation
[Editor’s note: This story was published as the second in a series about what LEO Weekly has learned about the deaths of Louisville jail inmates. To read Part I, an in-depth look at the circumstances surrounding the suicide of an inmate who was locked in an “attorney booth” and not checked on, please click here.]…
Margaritas in the ‘Ville Returns To Captain’s Quarters In August
Want to help pick the best margarita in the city? Margaritas in the ‘Ville, a LEO event, returns for its tenth year on Thursday, Aug. 25, from 6-9 p.m. at Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille (5700 Captains Quarters Road). The event is a competition between local restaurants to find Louisville’s best margarita. Competitors so far include Agave…
The Voice-Tribune Announces It Will Close At End Of August
[Editor’s Note: The Voice-Tribune and LEO Weekly were once owned by the same parent company, but the two papers split more than a year ago.] The Voice-Tribune, the long-running local publication, will close at the end of the month — the August issue of the magazine will be its last, according to an announcement on…
Donation Drive For Eastern Kentucky Floods At Louisville Metro Hall On Wednesday
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced a donation drive to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 3 to help supply the Whitesburg Medical Clinic in Eastern Kentucky. The clinic was devastated by the recent flooding and is in immediate need of essential hygiene and sanitary products. A minimum of 3,000 of the following items are needed: Soap,…
Letcher County jail evacuates after flood cuts off running water
This story was produced by the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, a nonprofit newsroom by Louisville Public Media. For more, visit KyCIR.org. The Kentucky Department of Corrections evacuated 117 people held at the Letcher County Jail after intense flooding in the area cut off the facility’s access to running water. Letcher County jailer Bert Slone said…
See Jack Harlow’s Competition For Next Week’s Celebrity Kickball Tournament
Jack Harlow is returning to Louisville to play kickball — for a good cause. Local rap group The Homies, also Harlow’s friends and collaborators, will host their 3rd Annual Celebrity Kickball Tournament on Wednesday, August 10, at UofL’s Jim Patterson Stadium. It’ll be Harlow’s second year participating. View this post on Instagram A post shared…
The World’s Longest Yard Sale Returns To Kentucky for 35th Year
The annual event stretches 690 miles along the 127 corridor from Alabama to Michigan — and right through Covington and Cincinnati. This weekend will be a treasure hunter’s paradise as the World’s Longest Yard Sale returns for its 35th year. The annual event, also known as the “127 Yard Sale,” stretches 690 miles along the…
Pregame Coffee Opens in Clifton
A Clifton neighborhood building that was legendarily known for Jerry Lotz’s quirky collection has completed its transformation, getting a new life as Pregame Coffee, which opened for business Monday, Aug. 1. While the exterior of the old two-story building, with its wrought-iron fencing and blend of arched and stained glass windows retains most of its…
10 Things To Do This Week in Louisville Under $10 (8/1)
Monday, Aug. 1 Metal Monday with Taken Lives & Isolator Highlands Tap Room Bar & Grill No cover | 9 p.m. It’s Monday, so you probably want to rage. Head to Highland Taproom for metal music and karaoke from local bands Taken Lives and Isolator. As the Facebook description says: “Fun, Food, and Booze.” Plant…
Can Jordan Peele save the summer movie season? ‘Nope’
There’s a lot to unpack concerning Jordan Peele’s third feature film, “Nope,” which should come as no surprise. In just five short years, Peele has achieved a level of acclaim that few other directors can relate to. His first two films, 2017’s “Get Out” and 2019’s “Us,” were universally lauded and meticulously dissected, in large…
World’s Fair Dinosaur Returns To Kentucky Science Center, Contest To Name
If you’ve been around Louisville for a while, you might know about the 26-foot long, 4,800-pound triceratops that roams the grounds of the Kentucky Science Center. The triceratops, fondly referred to as Lottie (or LOT – Louisville’s Own Triceratops) is a fiberglass model from the 1964 New York World’s Fair, created by Sinclair Oil. The…
Gov. Beshear: Flooding Death Toll Rises To At Least 35 In Eastern Kentucky
Governor Andy Beshear provided Monday updates on rescue and recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky following historic flooding. The death toll has risen to at least 35, after severe weather continued to devastate the region over the weekend. That number is expected to increase, with hundreds of people unaccounted for, the governor said. “If things weren’t…
The Street Rod Nationals Return To Louisville, See Schedule
More than 10,000 vintage and muscle cars will hit Louisville this weekend when the Street Rod Nationals return to the Kentucky Expo Center on Thursday, Aug. 4-7. The annual event is a showcase of thousands of “street rods, customs, muscle cars and special interest vehicles” as well as “vehicles from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s,”…
Mosquitos Carrying West Nile Virus Found Across 7 Jefferson County Zip Codes
Mosquitos infected with the West Nile virus have been found in surveillance traps across seven Jefferson County Zip Codes: 40203: Central Business District 40208: Algonquin 40211: Park Duvall 40212: Portland 40214: Eastern Louisville 40215: Jacobs The surveillance traps are monitored by The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW), which has been in…
Shawnee Park Police Shooting To Be Investigated By Louisville Inspector General
Louisville’s new inspector general’s office will conduct an independent investigation of the high profile July 10 incident that saw multiple Louisville police officers open fire on a suspect after trying to serve outstanding warrants on the man following the conclusion of a well-attended basketball tournament at Shawnee Park. The investigation was approved by a unanimous…
3 Concerts To Catch In Louisville This Weekend (7/29)
Friday, July 29 Cave In Zanzabar 7 p.m. | $22 Through stylish alt-metal, Cave In leans on dynamic heavy sounds that morph in clever ways. Author and Punisher open. Saturday, July 30 Glibchella Music and Arts Festival ft. Mama Said String Band Mile Wide Beer Co. $20 | 8:30 p.m. There’s a full day of…
Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should: Menu Edition
When a new friend or neighbor finds out that one of my jobs involves writing restaurant reviews, their first response is usually something like this: “Wow! You get to eat out at a different restaurant every week? That must be great!”Why yes! Yes it is! It’s fun to try new eateries, and the older ones…
Stay Cool This Weekend With These Fork & Barrel Mocktails
We’re back with some more cocktail recipes for the week. Summer is beginning to near a close but there are still hot days ahead. These lime-centric, non-alcoholic sips from Fork and Barrel should do the trick of keeping you cool as the hot days wear on. All recipes courtesy Emily Heyde, managing director of Fork…
Friday Eastern Kentucky Flood Updates: 16 Dead, FEMA On The Ground
Gov. Andy Beshear said there were 16 confirmed deaths as of Friday morning due to the severe Eastern Kentucky floods, and that he expects that number “to get a lot higher.” “To all of the families who know you have already sustained a loss, we’re going to grieve with you, we’re going to support you…
What The LOU Fest Canceled After Venue And Schedule Change
The music, comedy and wrestling event What The LOU Fest has been canceled. The Germantown vintage store What The LOU had first announced its What The LOU Fest in June, as a three-day street festival on Spratt Street and Goss Avenue. Yesterday, it was announced that the event was going to be moved to Davis…
5 Things To Do This Weekend In Louisville (7/29)
Friday The Dark Market Art Sanctuary $5 | 9 p.m. Similar to the night market in “What We Do In The Shadows,” this Dark Market is for all you creepy ghouls and ghosts out there. There will be music provided by a surprise “Dark Music Specialist,” vendors from The Dark Market, food by Tacos La…
The Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund Website Is Live — You Can Donate Now
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has established the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, and you can donate here. Our Eastern Kentucky families need help. Today we established the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund so people across our commonwealth and our country can help our families in need. The site is now live. Every dollar…
Inside Louisville’s Non-Police Response 911 Diversion Program
When plans got underway to introduce a non-police response to some behavioral health-related 911 calls, Louisville Metro Emergency Services Deputy Director Kelly Jones didn’t love the idea. As a former cop who spent three decades on Louisville’s police force before joining Emergency Services, the thought of sending unarmed civilians into unpredictable environments struck him as…
What The LOU Fest Announces Changes To Venue, Schedule
Earlier this summer, Germantown vintage store What The LOU announced that it would be hosting a new three-day festival, What The LOU Fest, this Friday, July 29, through Sunday, July 31. The festival was slated to run as a free community event on Spratt Street and Goss Avenue, and it would feature wrestling, music, comedy,…
Governor: Deaths, ‘Massive Property’ Damage Expected In Eastern Kentucky Floods
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday that the severe flooding in Eastern Kentucky is expected to lead to multiple deaths and hundreds of families losing their homes. In a 9:30 a.m. press briefing on Thursday morning, Beshear said he has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard, which has three active search…
Jeffersonville Debuts The NoCo Art Mobile
Jeffersonville Public Art will debut their new mobile art studio this Thursday, July 28 at 2:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The mobile art studio will offer high-quality arts enrichments to the community at several community sites. The mobile art unit, called the NoCo Art Mobile, will have art supplies and tools that will…
The Musical ‘Anastasia’ Is Coming To The Kentucky Center Next Week, After 2 Year Delay
Next week, PNC Broadway In Louisville will bring a story of Russian history, aristocracy, and identity to The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, after a long delay. The musical “Anastasia” will play a limited engagement of eight performances at Whitney Hall from Tuesday, August 2, to Sunday, August 7. It was originally supposed to…
Muhammad Ali’s ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ Belt Was Bought By The Owner Of The Indianapolis Colts
Muhammad Ali’s W.B.C Championship belt was recently bought at auction by Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, for $6.18 million. Ali won the championship belt after knocking out George Foreman at the “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974. Ali was a 4-1 underdog going into the fight, but was able to wear Foreman…
9 Music Videos To Watch Before Waterfront Wednesday Tonight
This month’s edition of Waterfront Wednesday, a free outdoor concert series, will hit Waterfront Park tonight at 6 p.m. The lineup will include Routine Caffeine, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, and headliner Moon Taxi. Although Waterfront Wednesday is rain or shine, Louisville is under a flood watch until 8 p.m. tonight. So be sure to…
The National Weather Service Has Jefferson County Under A Flood Watch
The National Weather Service (NWS) is declaring a flood watch for Jefferson and surrounding counties. The watch could be upgraded to a warning, should heavy rainfall continue throughout the day and into the night. The NWS warning is as follows: “Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. Excessive runoff may result in…
The Wiggle Room Will Close In Early August
The Wiggle Room, a Highlands bar known for its dance parties, pinball machines, wall-projected movies and all-vegan menu, announced on social media this afternoon that it will close on Aug. 7. View this post on Instagram A post shared by theWiggleRoom (@thewiggleroomlou) The bar opened in December 2021, replacing what had previously been HopCat. In…
Gov. Beshear: $75 Million To Fund Kentucky Tourism
Governor Andy Beshear announced yesterday that $75 million of funding would be going to Kentucky’s tourism industry. The money is coming from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Kentucky’s tourism industry is estimated to be worth $8.9 billion dollars, but it has taken a…
See 5 Trailers From The Flyover Film Festival This Weekend
The Flyover Film Festival is returning to the Speed Cinema this weekend. So we put together all the available trailers for the films playing at this year’s festival. All the films featured have ties to Kentucky, and filmmakers will be available for Q&As after screenings. Tickets are $8 for Speed and Louisville Film Society members,…
Bunbury Theatre Continues To Shine A Light On Social Issues With ‘Indecent’
Tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 27, Bunbury Theatre is previewing the Louisville premiere of “Indecent,” written by Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel. Following the preview will be opening night on Thursday, July 28. With “Indecent,” Bunbury continues its mission to shine a light on social identity issues. “Indecent” is about the evolution of the powerful play “God of Vengeance”…
Jack Harlow Was Nominated For Seven VMAs — And You Can Vote For Him
MTV released the list of nominees for this year’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) this morning, and Jack Harlow received seven nominations. Harlow was nominated with his friend and “Industry Baby” collaborator Lil Nas X in two votable categories, Video Of The Year and Best Collaboration; and in four non-votable categories, Best Direction, Best Art Direction,…
Here Are All The Vendors And Activities At The Buy Local Fair This Weekend
This Saturday, July 30, the Louisville Independent Business Association (LIBA) will host the Buy Local Fair from noon to 6 p.m. at the Louisville Water Tower Park (3005 River Road). Admission will be free and parking will be $6 in advance (you can buy yours at this link) or $8 at the gate. Bikes will…
Marcus Mumford Is Bringing First Solo Tour To Louisville
Mumford & Sons were one of the biggest bands to emerge out of the pop-infused radio folk-rock craze of the early 2010s. Now, the band’s lead singer, Marcus Mumford, is officially going solo, with both a debut record and a U.S. tour scheduled. And Mumford’s tour will swing into Louisville on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at…
10 Things To Do In Louisville This Week For Under $10 (7/25)
Monday 52nd Annual World Championship Dainty Contest Hauck’s Handy Store No cover | 5 p.m. Germantown has been partying all weekend at the recently-refurbished Hauck’s Handy Store (see photos here). But, on Monday, the classic Dainty contest will take place, and a 2022 Dainty Champion will be crowned. There will also be live music, food…
The Louisville Orchestra Announces Inaugural Creator Corps
The inaugural group for the Louisville Orchestra Creator Corps has been announced. The three creators selected for this initiative are Lisa Bielawa, TJ Cole and Tyler Taylor. The creators will move to Louisville for the upcoming spring season of the Orchestra and live in the Shelby neighborhood for at least 30 weeks, serving as LO…
Two Monet Exhibits Share the World of Impressionism
The man of the hour is Claude Monet. With an immersive show in Indianapolis at the LUME at Newfields and two of his works, including one of his esteemed water lily paintings, Nymphéas, on display at the Speed Art Museum, Claude Monet is having yet another moment in the spotlight. Here’s the basics for the…
Judge: Block of Kentucky Abortion Ban to Continue
A Kentucky judge ruled Friday that abortion is to remain legal in the Commonwealth as a lawsuit proceeds against Kentucky’s near-total abortion ban “trigger law” and a separate “six-week” ban. In a 20-page order and opinion, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Mitch Perry wrote that attorneys challenging the abortion laws on behalf of Kentucky’s two abortion providers…
5 Things To Do In Louisville This Weekend (7/22)
Friday Mag Bar Music Fest (July 22 – 24) Mag Bar $15-$45 | Times vary More than 40 artists and bands will hit the stage over four days for Mag Bar’s first ever festival. By the time you read this, there’ll have already been a day of the fest, but here’s the full list of…
3 Concerts To Catch In Louisville This Weekend (7/22)
Friday, July 22 (through Sunday, July 24) Mag Bar Music Fest Mag Bar $15-$45 | Times vary More than 40 artists and bands will hit the stage over four days for Mag Bar’s first ever festival. By the time you read this, there’ll have already been a day of the fest, but here’s the full…
For Musicians: Where to Begin With Immersive Audio
Even without a substantial support team, artists can navigate Dolby Atmos, and it’s getting easier. This piece is a companion story to our previous story: Could Immersive Audio Make Louisville A Major Music City? Singers, rappers, and musicians – the ones who are true artists – care deeply about the sounds they produce both live…
Shawnee Park Police Shooting Highlights Arrest Warrant Policy Gaps
This story was produced by the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, a nonprofit newsroom by Louisville Public Media. For more, visit KyCIR.org. As the Louisville Metro Police Department continues investigating the officer-involved shooting at Shawnee Park last week, the department also faces scrutiny from community members who say officers endangered bystanders. The Dirt Bowl basketball tournament drew hundreds of people…
Mayor Announces Contest To Create Cocktail Named After Louisville
Mayor Greg Fischer has announced a contest to create a “cocktail named after Louisville.” Of course, the cocktail must be infused with Kentucky bourbon (duh). But other than that, it’s up to the city’s premier mixologists to invent something worthy of the name “The Louisville.” Fan voting begins on Aug. 12, with 17 semifinalists competing…
Mag Bar Music Fest Is Showcasing Over 40 Bands
Mag Bar is being taken over by musicians this weekend, with over 40 bands from multiple genres descending upon the Old Louisville dive bar. “At long last, Mag Bar is throwing the kind of party we’ve always dreamed about hosting!” said the Facebook Event Page. “Four days of live music, multiple genres, and good times…
Everyday Kitchen Shares Three New Cocktails That Will Be Part of their New Menu
Last week, we posted a collection of frozen cocktail recipes that you could make at home, and now we’ve got even more recipes to share. They’re not frozen, but we expect they’ll be just as delicious. All recipes are courtesy of Everyday Kitchen’s Louisville location (552 E Market St.), which opened earlier this year after…
Louisville Under Heat Advisory Wednesday Due To ‘Dangerous Heat’
The National Weather Service is predicting “dangerous heat” for Louisville and much of the Ohio River Valley today, and has placed the city under a Heat Advisory until 8 p.m. tonight. “Dangerous heat will impact much of the U.S. today as widespread excessive heat warnings and heat advisories are in effect,” the NWS said in…
Art Sanctuary Hosts First Annual Dark Castle Fest with Twin Tribes Headlining
Art Sanctuary is having a big night! Tonight, July 20 is the Radio Arcane Dark Castle Fest with Twin Tribes, WingTips, Faux Fear, Vazum and Blood Handsome. For under $20 you can spend a night with five bands playing music from Post Punk, Darkwave, New Wave, to Dark Indie and Gothic. Fans of any Depeche…
River House Lands On OpenTable’s 100 Best For Outdoor Dining
OpenTable released its annual list of the 100 Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining, and Louisville’s River House Restaurant & Raw Bar made the cut. It’s a good place to be. Nationwide data from OpenTable shows the number of restaurants listing outdoor dining grew 54% compared to pre-pandemic 2019, per a news release. The list is curated from…
Abortion Is A State Issue Now: We Must Protect KY Access
The Supreme Court has ended our federal constitutional right to abortion and overturned Roe v. Wade — turning its back on nearly 50 years of precedent. The court has failed us all — especially our most vulnerable communities who have arguably been living in a post-Roe reality already, due to barriers to accessing abortion and other healthcare services that…
A Billion-Dollar Idea
Entrepreneurs: Are you looking for a way to start a business that helps marginalized people, thereby lending direction to your purposeless, empty life? I have a billion-dollar [1] idea that you can have for free. First, some background. If you’re familiar with criminal justice problems in the region or if you’re pressed for time, you can…
The American Bullet, Tyranny’s Greatest Weapon
I know this isn’t exactly a Louisville story, but after the mall shooting in Indianapolis at the Greenwood Park Mall, I feel obligated to say something that might not be said in the midst of the chatter surrounding this incident. There were three people shot and killed by a gunman with a long gun and many…
Connecting to the Cosmic with WEZSYM
Compelling, mystical and ethereal are all words that describe what classically-trained musician of 23 years, Reiki master, healer and painter, WEZSYM (aka Weslyn Wolven) does in their music. Coming to Southern Indiana from Chicago, WEZSYM gets to spend time with their German Shepherd dogs, walking their cat and in nature where they feel at home.…
Sonic Breakdown: Young Romantics — ‘Cliché’
At least once in their life, everyone has had that nameless someone they’ve seen at a store or a bar, and wondered what it might be like to be with them, even if only for a brief moment. It’s a scenario rife with possibility and one that Young Romantics explore in one of their latest…
We Enjoy The Chicken And The Egg At Chik’n & Mi
I’m not going to say I’ve solved the ancient riddle about whether the chicken or the egg came first, but I can tell you that we enjoyed both those good things and more in a delicious brunch at Chik’n & Mi. It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that the fare is excellent at Chik’n…
Learn The Science Behind Partying At Kentucky Science Center
There’s partying, and then there’s learning about the science that makes partying possible — and, this Friday, guests at the Kentucky Science Center will do both at an adults-only event called “Eat, Drink, & Do Science — Let’s Party!” This Friday, July 22, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., guests 21 and over will get to “experience a…
Theater Review: ‘Twelfth Night,’ ‘Richard III,’ And ‘The Merry Wives Of Windsor’
Peter Brook, who died last week, has long been hailed as the preeminent theater director of the last… oh, let’s just keep it simple and say the last century. He was a radical, disruptive and polarizing figure whose ideas were at once both innovative and old school. And, in many ways, this season’s Kentucky Shakespeare…
Louisville Fringe Festival Is Expanding Its Big Dreams With New Venues And Partnerships
The Louisville Fringe Festival is a festival of indie arts productions that range from theater to music to comedy and sometimes all of the above. With performances at the Whirling Tiger and a reading series at the Old Louisville Coffee Co-op from July 28 – 31, the festival will happen in two venues. This year…
Your Friendly Neighborhood Comic Reviews: ‘Liebestrasse’ and ‘New Fantastic Four’ #1
Liebestrasse Written by Greg Lockard Art by Tim Fish and Hector Barros Review by Felix Whetsel If a summary includes the phrase “queer historical romance,” you bet your buns I’m going to check it out. “Liebestrasse,” written by Greg Lockard, with art by Tim Fish and Hector Barros, is a love story set in the…
Former Kentucky Poet Laureate And Educator Fred Smock Has Died
Former Kentucky Poet Laureate, essayist and Bellarmine professor Frederick Smock passed away July 17 of a cardiac issue. He was 68. Smock served as Poet Laureate of Kentucky from 2017-2018 and wanted to increase the joy of Kentuckians in relation to poetry. “In my teaching, I like to bring poetry to everyone. I imagine that will…
