What a year it’s been at LINK nky!
As an organization, we’ve grown tremendously in both the print and digital realms. Personally, I feel like I’ve become a better reporter and writer.
In October of last year, I was asked to pick up the newly created business beat — a tall task for sure. Luckily, I felt like I was up to it. Still, I was able to cover other stories outside of the business beat. Some of those were my favorites of the year.
Here are the five stories that I feel most strongly about, either through my reporting process, subject matter or community impact.
Here’s to a fantastic 2024! Cheers, folks!
Kings of Cornhole rest their crowns in Alexandria
Oh man, what a wild ride this one was. First of all, I had no idea how big cornhole was nationally. I mean, it’s still a pretty niche sport, but it has a strong following throughout the American Midwest.
When I sat down to interview Matt Guy — widely regarded as the greatest cornhole player of all time — and his son Bret, a professional in his own right. I had no idea what to expect.
My interview took me on a journey through both Matt and Bret’s own origin stories. They’ve been on television multiple times, played cornhole with celebrities like Doug Flutie, and have traveled all over the country.
Throughout all of this, what I found the most fascinating was that they were just two dudes with normal jobs living a quiet life in Alexandria. On the weekends, they are cornhole legends. During the week, they’re regular guys.
There have been multiple times this year while I’ve been at the gym walking on the treadmill where I’ve looked up at the TV where Matt Guy was on the broadcast. I couldn’t help but think to myself, “hey, I literally interviewed that guy in his house not too long ago.” It’s surreal.
Also, my Uncle Tony gave me the tip on this story and for that, I am truly grateful. Thanks, TR!
Sin City: A look at Newport’s risqué past
When I originally pitched the idea to my editor, I didn’t realize how “played out” this type of story was locally. Do a look back into the past to rediscover a seedy era in Newport’s history? One quick Google search yielded dozens of stories in this genre.
Once I came to terms with that, I had to pivot; how could I make mine different? I landed on the idea to focus on the ‘Gentleman’s Club’ era. There were mentions of it in other books, articles and academic papers, but nothing I felt like truly encapsulated the era (at least in the journalistic medium).
This story took me on a variety of twists and turns, dead ends and stress. In the end, I was able to write something I was proud of — and something I hoped the community would find interesting. I did receive some pushback after the article was published from community members who didn’t feel like I needed to be dredging up the past. I understand that critique, but I also know a whole new generation of readers might find it interesting.
My favorite part of reporting this story was talking with Ken Rechtin and Michael Williams. Both men were key players in dismantling Newport’s strip club industrial complex. I loved speaking with them about their first-hand experiences during this time. It was personally and professionally rewarding.
During visit to Covington, Biden touts $1.6 billion in federal funding for the Brent Spence Bridge project
When I reflect back over the past year, nothing quite compared to Jan. 4 — that I can say for certain. Talk about a young man who ended up in a place he’d never thought he’d be, covering the president of the United States.
This whole day was a whirlwind. In terms of journalistic experience, this was one of the most rewarding days on the job for LINK nky thus far.
First off, I had to wake up so early. I still had bags under my eyes. I drove to Covington from my humble abode in Pendleton County, not knowing what to expect. Upon arrival, I was herded underneath the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, where there were countless other members of the national and local media. TV cameras galore. This was the environment I always wanted to be in.
Later in the day, I returned for President Biden’s arrival. I joined a hoard of other journalists who were led through a bunch of security checkpoints before we were finally able to regain our spots from earlier.
The event finally kicked off. Joe Biden — the 46th president of the United States — was joined alongside other huge political figures like Gov. Andy Beshear, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Sen. Rob Portman, Sen. Sherrod Brown and Sen. Mitch McConnell. On top of that, they announced $1.6 billion in federal funding for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project, arguably the most important infrastructure project in the region’s history.
And there I was next to CNN, FOX News, WLWT and others. Jackpot! Hopefully, I’ll get more opportunities like this in the future. Like if Jeff Bezos randomly decided to visit CVG, I’m there.
As a side note, that day was the first time a president visited Covington since 1938 when Franklin Delano Roosevelt came to hobnob at the late Latonia Racetrack.
‘It’s part of who we are’: NKY Argentinian restaurant preps for Lionel Messi’s Cincinnati debut
In my opinion, the two biggest events that happened in Cincinnati this year were Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Paycor Stadium and when international soccer superstar Lionel Messi and Inter Miami came to town to square off against FC Cincinnati.
Messi was fresh off winning a World Cup for his home country of Argentina — effectively cementing himself as the GOAT of the sport (cry about it Ronaldo fans).
Messi coming to Cincinnati gave me the unique opportunity to interview Lucas Nunez, a native of Argentina and marketing director of the Empanadas Box in Covington. I was able to profile Lucas and his business.
But what I was even more curious about was recounting what he was doing when Argentina won the World Cup and how it affected him and his family as fellow Argentines. Needless to say, it meant a great deal to them and it meant a great deal to me that he shared his experiences for my story.
While the World Cup Final was going on, Lucas was working hard delivering empanadas. Talk about dedication.
Coming full circle: Ludlow burger joint honors magical 1975 championship football team
Sports writing is my actual forte; at least, I’d like to think so.
While I cover business, and I do love it, sports is where my actual talent as a reporter shines through. So when sports intersects with business, you know it’s going to be right in my wheelhouse.
In February, two entrepreneurs opened a burger and shake joint in Ludlow right across from the school and its neighboring sports facilities.
During the reporting process, I did a deep dive into the history of the building and Ludlow sports. My interviews with the owners were positive and it was clear they truly cared about giving back to their community — something that means a lot to me also being from a small town.
Unfortunately, the building caught fire earlier in December, closing the business indefinitely. Thankfully, the owners said that they would be fixing the smoke damage and moving forward with business. Ludlow is a lovely city, by the way.
