Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 09/09/2026this sequence in the 39 steps is pretty dang good. this alfred hitchcock kid really had something. 000
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 14/07/2026I was lucky enough to be at Harry Dean Stanton Fest this weekend in Lexington, ahead of what would have been the Kentucky film legend’s 100th birthday. I reported on the fest for @wkmsfm.bsky.social and @porchlightnews.bsky.social: www.wkms.org/arts-culture...wkms.orgHarry Dean Stanton Fest celebrates the late Kentucky film legend ahead of his 100th birthdayFar from Hollywood, Lexington’s annual Harry Dean Stanton Fest paid tribute to the character actor and Kentucky native this weekend, days before what would have been his 100th birthday. 120
Reposted by Derek OperleKentucky Public Radio @kentuckypublicradio.org · 09/07/2026The Kentucky Film Office recently launched its new website, creating an information resource for companies hoping to bring productions to the commonwealth. From @doperle.bsky.social at @wkmsfm.bsky.socialwkms.orgNew Kentucky Film Office website aims to up number of productions in Bluegrass StateThe Kentucky Film Office recently launched its new website, creating an information resource for companies hoping to bring productions to the commonwealth. 041
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 02/07/2026This was a really fine one to work on. Just cool to get new pictures from Paducah’s bigger brushes with Hollywood history, and love that I could get them added to my local library’s digital collection. 000
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 27/06/2026Jimmy Stewart pronounces “grizzly bear” exactly the way you want him to 000
Reposted by Derek OperleKentucky Public Radio @kentuckypublicradio.org · 28/05/2026A newly formed group in McCracken County seeks to bring together residents of Paducah and the surrounding area who oppose the pair of nuclear developments already underway in far western Kentucky. From @doperle.bsky.social at @wkmsfm.bsky.socialwkms.orgNew McCracken County group calling for transparency on local nuclear developmentsA newly formed group, called Protect McCracken County, seeks to bring together residents of Paducah and the surrounding area who oppose the pair of nuclear developments already underway in far western... 144
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 25/05/2026For the first post on The Liquid Moment substack, I took a look at Kentucky jazz king Les McCann and his synth-led record Layers, as well as the late musician’s love of basketball. Check it out and subscribe if you like deep dives on culture, film, music, art, and history happenings.theliquidmoment.substack.comLet's Gather // TLM001On the synth jazz perfection of Les McCann's Layers, and the late Kentucky pianist's dreams of dunking a basketball. 010
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 20/05/2026Sharing is caring and, when it comes to telling stories about interesting art, film, music, and history, I care very deeply. I've often written about these subjects as a reporter, but this week I'm launching what will hopefully be a monthly newsletter form of The Liquid Moment.theliquidmoment.substack.comThe Liquid Moment | Derek ♼perle | SubstackExploring the shifting depths of time through art, film, music, and other miscellany. Click to read The Liquid Moment, by Derek ♼perle, a Substack publication. Launched a month ago. 110
Reposted by Derek OperleWKMS @wkmsfm.bsky.social · 19/05/2026🎉 Congratulations to @kentuckypublicradio.org Capitol Reporter @sylviaruthg.lpm.org on being selected as the 2026 New Voices Award winner from the Public Media Journalists Association! 🎉wkms.orgKentucky's Sylvia Goodman receives national award for early career journalistsCapitol Reporter Sylvia Goodman is the second-ever recipient of the PMJA New Voices Award. 021
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 06/05/2026Well spotted by @hannahsaad.bsky.social today: A Paducah cryptocurrency mine is being considered for the siting of a small modular nuclear reactor after a partnership was announced today between Terrestrial Energy and Riot Platforms. Read up on it ➡️ @wkmsfm.bsky.social. www.wkms.org/business-eco...wkms.orgSmall nuclear reactor could power McCracken County crypto mining center under new partnershipA cryptocurrency mining facility in McCracken County could one day be powered by a small modular nuclear reactor under a new business partnership announced Wednesday between an energy tech company and... 030
Reposted by Derek Operlemaybe: annie rauwerda @annierau.bsky.social · 04/05/2026"openai.com" was once the personal homepage of a guy named glenn (2001), and "tiktok.com" was the quaint shared homepage of a couple as their relationship progressed from dating to married with a baby (2000). THREAD!!! 222413860
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 02/04/2026For @wkmsfm.bsky.social: It was a packed house at WKCTC in Paducah last night for a PSC meeting to gather opinions on nuclear power in Kentucky. Many cited environmental concerns, corporate interests, and a perceived lack of transparency when it comes to nuclear projects already in the works.wkms.orgPSC meeting on nuclear power draws critical crowd in PaducahCrowds packed three separate meeting rooms at West Kentucky Community & Technical College in Paducah Wednesday for the Public Service Commission’s hearing on nuclear power generation, part of a series... 000
Reposted by Derek OperleKentucky Public Radio @kentuckypublicradio.org · 26/03/2026Reservoirs of geologic hydrogen – an untapped, clean energy source – might be pooling underground in parts of Kentucky, according to research published last year by the U.S. Geological Survey. From @doperle.bsky.social at @wkmsfm.bsky.socialwkms.orgGeologic hydrogen: A carbon-free energy source that could be just underneath Kentuckians' feetGeologists say an untapped, carbon-free energy source could be underneath parts of Kentucky. So why isn’t anyone trying to use it? 193
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 25/03/2026My latest on @wkmsfm.bsky.social: Geologists say an untapped, carbon-free energy source could be just sitting underneath parts of Kentucky, particularly the far western and southcentral parts of the Bluegrass State. So ... why isn’t anyone trying to use it? www.wkms.org/science/2026...wkms.orgGeologic hydrogen: A carbon-free energy source that could be just underneath Kentuckians' feetGeologists say an untapped, carbon-free energy source could be underneath parts of Kentucky. So why isn’t anyone trying to use it? 024
Reposted by Derek OperleScience Friday @scifri.bsky.social · 17/03/2026As more musicians talk about using AI in their songwriting, how is the music-making process changing in the industry and for everyone else? We dive into it on our podcast. Listen now: buff.ly/5c85X7lbuff.lyAI Music Is On The Charts. Where Does It Go From Here?AI-generated songs are breaking onto the charts, and music labels are pivoting from lawsuits to partnerships with AI startups. What comes next? 292
Reposted by Derek OperleDaniel Radosh @radosh.bsky.social · 04/03/2026I was a journalist once and writing stories I didn’t feel passionate about is how I got good at it 914436
Reposted by Derek OperleJoe Sonka 😐 @joesonka.lpm.org · 19/02/2026Important Kentucky elections story right here 👇 #kyga26 2128
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 01/02/2026new year, new monthly film “discoveries” thread. a running tab of new-to-me movies that are at least a couple years old. 120
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 30/01/2026A small anti-ICE demonstration — no more than two dozen people — took place in front of the McCracken County courthouse in Paducah on Friday, as many across the country protest against actions taken by ICE agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in other places. 020
Reposted by Derek OperleKentucky Public Radio @kentuckypublicradio.org · 30/01/2026In Kentucky, just two dedicated art house cinemas are still in operation, following the recent closure of Louisville’s Baxter Avenue Theatres. From @doperle.bsky.social at @wkmsfm.bsky.socialwkms.orgLoss of Louisville’s Baxter Avenue Theatres leaves just two Kentucky indies still standingIn Kentucky, just two dedicated art house cinemas are still in operation following the recent closure of Louisville’s Baxter Avenue Theatres. 1115
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 16/01/2026friday vibing. one of the great music videos from spike jonze. youtu.be/wqVsfGQ_1SU?...youtu.beThe Pharcyde - Drop (Official HD Music Video)YouTube video by PharcydeVEVO 200
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 12/01/2026Due to a bomb threat on Murray State campus, classes in several buildings have been cancelled for the remainder of Monday. 001
Reposted by Derek OperleKentucky Public Radio @kentuckypublicradio.org · 08/01/2026The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $900 million to a Paducah company building a uranium enrichment facility. General Matters' CEO said the funds would allow it to accelerate its timeline and open before 2030. From @doperle.bsky.social at @wkmsfm.bsky.social #kyga26wkms.orgGeneral Matter scores $900M award from DOE to support HALEU enrichment in PaducahCEO Scott Nolan said this federal funding will accelerate General Matter’s production scale by years, with the DOE award going toward construction and startup costs for the company's western Kentucky ... 022
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 01/01/2026my 2025 in books (aside from sonya lea’s american bloodlines and kyle chayka’s filterworld, both on loan) 040
Reposted by Derek OperleHannah Saad @hannahsaad.bsky.social · 16/12/2025Our student reporter Shelby Bloomer spent weeks reseaching, interviewing and traveling out to different hemp businesses in western Kentucky to put this piece together, and I think she did a pretty dang good job exploring this issue. Check out the results of her labor: 043
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 03/12/2025big rec: watch Dreyer’s The Passion of Joan of Arc with the score recorded a few years ago by Joan of Arc (Tim Kinsella’s post Cap’n Jazz project)youtu.beJoan of Arc Presents: Joan of ArcYouTube video by Joan Of Arc - Topic 000
Reposted by Derek OperleWKMS @wkmsfm.bsky.social · 27/11/2025It’s been more than 25 years since 18-year-old Jessica Currin was found dead and burned behind a Mayfield middle school, but the man convicted for her murder still maintains his innocence. An evidentiary hearing for the case began this week and is expected to conclude in mid-December.wkms.orgMultiple witnesses in Jessica Currin case recant statements during evidentiary hearingIt’s been more than 25 years since 18-year-old Jessica Currin was found dead and burned behind a Mayfield middle school, but the man convicted for her murder still maintains his innocence. An… 001
Reposted by Derek OperleJason P. Woodbury @jasonpwoodbury.bsky.social · 26/11/2025This week on Transmissions: Steve Von Till of Neurosis joins us to discuss his art, teaching, philosophy & work with the indigenous suicide prevention campaign Firekeeper Alliance. Listen wherever you get podcasts & direct at reader-supported @aquariumdrunkard.com. @talkhouse.bsky.social 071
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 25/11/2025Massively underrated documentary. Funny and insightful. 020
Reposted by Derek OperleNonesuch Records @nonesuch.com · 24/11/2025Chris Thile was on @npr.org's All Things Considered to talk with @doperle.bsky.social from @wkmsfm.bsky.social in Murray, KY, about his new album, 'Bach: Sonatas and Partitas, Vol. 2,' which he recorded in multiple locations of personal significance including Murray: www.nonesuch.com/journal/list... 1126
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 21/11/2025Stop Making Sense Aliens Back to the Future Bull Durham 121
Reposted by Derek OperleObservations of Deviance @obsofdeviance.bsky.social · 20/11/2025Thousands of rare American recordings — some 100 years old — go online for all to enjoy A collaboration between UC Santa Barbara and the nonprofit Dust-to-Digital Foundation laist.com/news/arts-an...laist.comThousands of rare American recordings — some 100 years old — go online for all to enjoyThe project, which will include some 50,000 songs from private record collections, is a collaboration between UC Santa Barbara and the Dust-to-Digital Foundation. 6400205
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 21/11/2025Out there UK folkie John Martyn got obsessed with dub and befriended Lee Scratch Perry … who inspired him to record One World on guitar amps floating a 1/2 mile offshore in a lake. Lapping water and late night goose honks can be heard throughout but maybe to best effect on the magical “Small Hours.”youtu.beSmall HoursYouTube video by John Martyn - Topic 042
Reposted by Derek OperleKentucky Public Radio @kentuckypublicradio.org · 14/11/2025The Kentucky General Assembly's artificial intelligence task force made recommendations heading into the 2026 legislative session that begins in January. From @doperle.bsky.social at @wkmsfm.bsky.social #kyga26wkms.orgKentucky legislature’s AI task force makes recommendations heading into General AssemblyAs what’s expected to be a jam-packed legislative session in the Bluegrass State approaches, lawmakers on Kentucky’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force met Thursday to finalize their recommendations f... 133
Reposted by Derek OperleJustin Hicks @justinhicks.lpm.org · 19/10/2025See photos from “No Kings” protestors around the state from @kentuckypublicradio.org reporters. www.lpm.org/no-kings-pro...lpm.org"No Kings" protest photos from around KentuckyOn Oct. 18, 2025, Kentuckians took to the streets to protest the Trump administration's actions in a day of national "No Kings" protests. Reporters from Kentucky Public Radio took these photos. 074
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 18/10/2025@davidlsims.bsky.social this could come up in the ep, but have you watched the blu-ray extra for True Grit (called Re-creating Fort Smith) where they spend like five minutes talking about the trains in the film and interviewing the train CONSULTANT and the conductors? feels like your kinda content 000
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 17/10/2025bill brown’s life on the mississippi starts as an attempt to retrace mark twain’s journeys as a steam boat pilot and winds up grappling with how much a person can “know” a river and how its shores have changed with time because of all the things that people do. a real fun lil doc. 110
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 15/10/2025The first time I saw this image, I knew I had to write about this piece of Kentucky history. Sonya Lea’s new book is a bracing, deep look into a troubling case and an invitation to think deeply about the justice system in our country. 01910
Reposted by Derek OperleWKMS @wkmsfm.bsky.social · 07/10/2025ICYMI it on @npr.org's Morning Edition, WKMS news director @doperle.bsky.social's feature takes a look at California-based General Matter's privately developed uranium enrichment plant in western Kentucky and what it means in the grand scheme of things when it comes to nuclear energy in the U.S.npr.orgFirst privately funded uranium enrichment plant in U.S. to be built in KentuckyA California-based firm plans to build the first privately funded uranium enrichment plant in Kentucky amid efforts to bolster the country's domestic uranium enrichment. 037
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 03/09/2025So happy for @rylandky.bsky.social! NPR is so lucky to have in him not only a top-tier journalist, an editor who always makes people’s writing sing, and a Kentuckian with a calm voice in a storm, but also just a damn good person. Here’s to many years in our ears! www.npr.org/2025/09/03/g...npr.orgRyland Barton Named NPR Newscast AnchorNPR announced today that Ryland Barton will be joining the Newscast team as a PM anchor. 030
Reposted by Derek OperleWKMS @wkmsfm.bsky.social · 23/08/2025The annual Battle of the Birds football game between Mayfield High School and Graves County High School ended in tragedy Friday, after a shooting in a parking lot near War Memorial Stadium left one adult injured. www.wkms.org/criminal-jus...wkms.orgShooting at Graves-Mayfield high school football game leaves one adult injuredThe annual Battle of the Birds football game between Mayfield High School and Graves County High School ended in tragedy Friday, after a shooting in a parking lot near War Memorial Stadium left one… 002
Reposted by Derek OperleWKMS @wkmsfm.bsky.social · 21/08/2025For Kentucky’s next biennial budget, the state budget director says it will need to set aside over $115 million more than in previous years to keep giving residents in need food stamps and – because of the federal reconciliation bill – potentially hundreds of millions of dollars on top of that.wkms.orgSNAP costs shift are expected to run Kentucky at least an extra $100 million a yearAs lawmakers prepare Kentucky’s biennial budget for the 2026 legislative session, the state budget director says the Commonwealth will need to set aside over $115 million more than in previous years… 033
Reposted by Derek OperleAppalshop @appalshop.bsky.social · 08/08/2025Today in 1974, Richard Nixon resigned. Four years later, his first public appearance was in Leslie Co, KY. See footage of his visit—plus local politics, family debates, and more—in our 1982 film "The Big Lever: Party Politics in Leslie County, KY" by Frances Morton. loom.ly/YNSpum0 142
Derek Operle @doperle.bsky.social · 03/08/2025Sign my petition to re-edit I Still Know What You Did Last Summer so that when Jennifer Love Hewitt thinks she sees the killer at the club it’s then revealed to be actually a silhouette of the dude from Jamiroquai in his “Virtual Insanity” get-up. 020