Cardiovascular Innovation Institute
As the space shuttle Endeavor made its way back to Earth last week, so did a briefcase-sized experiment conducted by researchers at the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute in Louisville.
Dr. Stuart Williams and Dr. Jay Hoying have been monitoring small waves of data collected from the experiment while in space, and say it’s been working as hoped. They’re testing the way a human wound heals in space.
They spoke with WFPL’s Stephanie Sanders about the experiment, what it could mean for astronauts in the future and how it could help us heal here on Earth.
Louisville Tap Water
Bottled water has been targeted lately because of the waste it leaves behind. While plastic bottles are made from oil and are piling up in land fills, water company officials here are reminding residents about Louisville Tap – fresh, clean, tasty water straight from the faucet. Tune in as WFPL’s Heidi Caravan talks with Greg Heitzman and Barbara Crow about water – where it comes from, how it’s delivered and future plans to help other municipalities in Kentucky with water shortages.
Charles Venable
As the current Speed Art Museum director Peter Morrin steps down, a new leader from the Cleveland Museum of Art will become his successor. Charles Venable is scheduled to begin the job at the end of October.
WFPL’s Julie Goodwin talks with Venable about his goals for the Speed.
Presidential Scholars
Each year, a special White House commission chooses a handful of high school seniors to receive the title of Presidential Scholars. The group, usually around 140 students, represents each state and major territory in the United States.
Every summer, the Presidential Scholars are invited to a week of celebrations and events hosted by the White House. While there, scholars have the opportunity to connect and meet influential political figures, notably the Secretary of Education and the President. WFPL’s David Tao, a 2007 Presidential Scholar for Kentucky, reports on this year’s event, held in late June.
Junior Achievement
From third grade until high school Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana teaches students through free enterprise education. J-A classes center around curriculum and provides hands-on learning labs. WFPL’s Heidi Caravan spoke with Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana Senior Program Manager Shellea Ijames about the program here and their current needs for volunteers.
U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
The Attorney General of the United State, Alberto Gonzales, was in Louisville last week. He addressed a gathering of the National Fraternal Order of Police at the Kentucky International Convention Center.
Comair Flight 5191 Memorial
It’s been nearly a year since the fatal crash of Comair flight 5191. Forty-nine passengers lost their lives aboard the ill-fated plane, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Lexington’s Bluegrass Airport.
A memorial is planned for August 26th in Lexington. Kentucky Public Radio’s Josh James has the details.
Archbishop Joseph Kurtz
The Louisville Archdiocese has a new leader. Archbishop Joseph Kurtz replaces Archbishop Thomas Kelly. Thousands of people gathered last week at the Louisville Gardens for Kurtz’s introductory homily.
Mosaic of Life
Thousands of Kentucky students will visit the Kentucky State Fair this year on a field trip. They’ll be visiting an educational exhibit called “The Mosaic of Life.” It demonstrates ideas relating to biodiversity – the idea that all organisms on Earth are interdependent of one another. WFPL’s Stephanie Sanders toured the exhibit with its curator, Stephanie Darst.
Kentucky’s Hydrologic Drought
A hydrologic drought has hit Kentucky and there seems to be no end in sight. Hydrologic droughts affect stream flows and water levels. State water officials say we need at least half a foot of rainfall to get us back on track. In the meantime, the drought is affecting many areas of the Commonwealth. Farmers are having a difficult time making hay and providing drinking water for beef cattle. Kentucky Division of Water Spokesperson Bill Caldwell talks about the drought with WFPL’s Heidi Caravan. Listen in to find out how you can make a difference.
Dr. Ian Smith
The author of “The Extreme Fat Smash Diet” and the spokesperson for “The 50 Million Pound Challenge,” Dr. Ian Smith offers nutritional advice as he discusses the growing epidemic of overweight people in America. A strong advocate for health education, Dr. Smith shares his weight loss expertise and how it can change your life. He spoke with WFPL’s Tiffany Donnelly.
Kentucky State Fair
Corndogs, pig races and midway rides – they’re all part of the Kentucky State Fair set this begin Thursday August 16th. This week WFPL’s Julie Goodwin talks with Amanda Storment about what’s new for 2007. This is also the weekend judges cast their votes for some of Kentucky’s finest vegetables, home brew and quilts entered in this year’s fair competitions.
No Pass – No Drive
A new Kentucky law for sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds connects doing well in school with obtaining a driver’s license or permit. The collaboration between the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Education places a requirement of academic standards in order for students to be permitted to drive.
Driver’s licenses and permits can also be revoked if a student is deemed academically deficient. WFPL’s Heidi Caravan talks with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Spokesperson Doug Hogan about the new “No Pass/No Drive” law.
The Cost of Gasoline
The cost of gasoline has bounced around since summer began. Now drivers are enjoying a lower price for gas, as the cost per gallon has dropped twice in the past two weeks. Why does the price of gasoline change so often? Listen in as WFPL’s Heidi Caravan discusses the cost of gasoline with University of Louisville Assistant Economics Professor Barry Haworth.
The Cost of College Textbooks
The cost of college continues to grow. Tuition is increasing along with everything else on campus. The average student now spends $850 a year on books alone. And a new trend in textbooks has generated more worry.
Kentucky Public Radio’s Charles Compton reports.
‘Dear John’ Letters
Since WWII, men and women in the military have received ‘Dear John’ letters – ending relationships with their partners back home.
Clinical psychologist Michele Klevens is investigating the emotional effects of the letters on both the receiver and the sender. She’s in Louisville this week to find women who have sent ‘Dear John’ letters to men who are serving overseas in the military. She spoke with WPFL’s Deb Celizic.
A Day in the Life
Formerly known as Louisville Diversified Services, Zoom Group forms partnerships with businesses and community agencies to help adults with developmental disabilities find jobs.
As we learned during our visit with Annie Rosenberg-Sattich, for the Zoom Group employees, or clients, as they’re called, there’s a lot more to the program than just earning a paycheck.
Chef Timothy Taylor
The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter on South Brook Street is no ordinary shelter. The Center of Hope provides assistance for hundreds of clients and in the past two years a new culinary program was added to teach people skills they can use for employment. It’s been a great success and graduates have gone on to work at The Brown Hotel and 610 Magnolia, among other great Louisville restaurants.
Culinary program Chef Timothy Taylor spoke with WFPL’s Heidi Caravan about the training course.
