June 2009

Indiana Lawmakers Approve New Budget

by Rick Howlett on June 30, 2009

The Indiana General Assembly has avoided a government shutdown and approved a new two-year budget.

Democrats and Republican had been at odds over their respective budget proposals, mainly over the amount of funding for public schools.

The Democratic-led House voted 62-37 for the bill; the vote in the GOP-led Senate was 34-16.

Democratic Senator Jean Breaux of Indianapolis voted against the measure, saying schools in her district are getting shortchanged.

“Let it be known that on this day, in this year, public education in the state of Indiana, provided to moderate to poor people who resided in urban areas, a legacy will be created setting into motion the dismantling of public education in our state. Congratulations, and remember to lock your doors,” Breaux said.

Indiana lawmakers were called into special session June 11 after they were unable to pass a budget in the final hours of the regular session in April.

Governor Mitch Daniels was expected to quickly sign the nearly $28 billion budget bill into law.

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Neighborhood Association Appeals Javanon Decision

by Gabe Bullard June 30, 2009

The Tucker Station Neighborhood Association is appealing the Metro Board of Zoning’s recent approval of the Javanon Soccer building.

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Fund for the Arts Gets $8.8 Million of $10 Million Goal

by ekramer June 30, 2009

The Louisville Fund for the Arts announced the results of its annual fundraising campaign today. WFPL’s Elizabeth Kramer has more. The Fund for the Arts raised $8.8 million this year — falling short of its $10 million goal set before the economic crisis deepened last September. Much of the money raised will go to support [...]

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JCPS To Release Report On Player's Death

by Rick Howlett June 30, 2009

Jefferson County Public Schools officials say they will release a report on their investigation into last year’s heat-related death of a Pleasure Ridge Park High School football player Wednesday morning. Fifteen year old Max Gilpin died three days after he collapsed at the end of a practice in the August heat. His former coach, Jason [...]

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County GOP Urges Abramson To Step Aside

by Gabe Bullard June 30, 2009

The chairman of the Jefferson County GOP says it’s time for Mayor Jerry Abramson to retire from city politics.

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Judges, Non-Profits Offer Foreclosure Help

by scrosby June 30, 2009

Some Jefferson County judges are teaming up with non-profits to help Louisvillians who are faced with foreclosure. Circuit Court Chief Judge Jim Shake says many times homeowners who are dealing with foreclosure are contacted with a lot of scam offers and are afraid to communicate with their lender. Shake says under the new Foreclosure Conciliation Project, circuit court [...]

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Taking a Stroll through Bernheim Forest

by Laura Ellis June 30, 2009

This year marks Bernheim Forest’s 80th year as a natural gem of this region. Just 25 miles south of Louisville, Bernheim is a scenic getaway that works to connect people with nature through its diverse educational programs, seasonal family events, and staggering natural beauty. Listen to the Show

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No New Talks Set In Norton-Anthem Impasse (UPDATE)

by Rick Howlett June 30, 2009

The contract between Louisville’s largest heathcare system and Kentucky’s largest health insurer ended this morning with no new agreement. No new talks are scheduled between Norton Healthcare and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield. As of July 1, Norton hospitals and services are no longer included in the Anthem coverage network, with the exception of Kosair Children’s [...]

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JCPS Board of Education Affirms Superintendent

by scrosby June 29, 2009

Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Sheldon Berman is getting positive marks from the Board of Education. The board completed its annual performance review of Berman in a closed-door session Monday night. Board Chair Debbie Wesslund read from a statement prepared after the review. “This year was a challenging one on several fronts, events over the course [...]

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Louisville Tech Gets New Name, Degree Programs

by Rick Howlett June 29, 2009

Louisville Technical Institute has a new name and will expand its facilities and degree programs. The school, part of the Sullivan University system, is now called the Sullivan College of Technology and Design. University President Glenn Sullivan says the re-branding is part of an effort to reach more prospective students outside the Louisville area. “The [...]

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