Rick Howlett
Rick has been a member of the WFPL News team since 2001 and has covered numerous beats and events over the years. Most recently he’s been tracking the Indiana General Assembly and the region’s passion for sports, especially college basketball.
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A celebration of Muhammad Ali's life that focused on children happened Wednesday in Ali's hometown of Louisville, Ky. The festival included music, dance and educational activities and intended to remind young people that they, like Ali, "can become the greatest at whatever they choose."
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Muhammad Ali's presence loomed large in his hometown of Louisville, Ky. Residents remembered him Saturday.
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For generations, the day before the Kentucky Derby was unofficially considered "Louisville's Day at the Races," when locals could enjoy Churchill Downs without the huge Derby crowds, high admission prices and general madness. But over the past few years, "Oaks Day" has become popular among out-of-towners who come in early and make a whole weekend of it. Now, locals gather on the Thursday before the Derby.
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University of Louisville is investigating claims that a former staffer hired escorts to have sex with basketball players and recruits. In a new book, Katina Powell claims she provided escort services to teenage recruits for four years.
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In a deal worth some $16 billion, Japanese beverage giant Suntory is buying Beam Inc., maker of Jim Beam bourbon and owner of well-known American brands such as Maker's Mark. Industry leaders say it's a reflection of bourbon's exploding popularity in Asian markets, but some wonder if the new owners will preserve bourbon's Kentucky heritage. -
University of Louisville fans have had a lot to cheer about lately — and not just basketball. Monday's big victory by the school's men's basketball team over Michigan is just the latest success for an athletic department that is quickly becoming one of the country's most admired. -
There once was a candy maker who was infatuated with an actress. Now, there's a candy shop in Louisville, Ky., that's been selling his tribute to her for decades. -
The dirt track at the hallowed Churchill Downs is known for crushing dreams and cementing equine legacies. Raymond "Butch" Lehr leads a team of dozens that carefully tends the one-mile oval. On Saturday, Lehr will end his 30-year career.
