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Wendell Berry Named 41st Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities

by Erica Peterson on February 7, 2012

A Kentucky author, farmer and environmental activist has been recognized by the federal government for his achievements in the humanities. Wendell Berry was named the 41st Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

As part of the award, Berry will deliver a lecture on April 23 in Washington, DC. The speech’s title is “It All Turns on Affection,” and in it Berry will discuss human beings’ interaction with nature.

In a press release, National Endowment for the Humanities chairman Jim Leach described Berry as a “21st century Henry David Thoreau.” Berry is known for his fiction and poetry, as well as for his writings and activism opposing mountaintop removal coal mining. [click to continue…]

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Franklin Circuit Judge Finds Redistricting Maps Unconstitutional

by Kenny Colston February 7, 2012

A Franklin Circuit Court judge has thrown out new legislative district maps, saying they violate the basic principles of the Kentucky Constitution. Judge Phillip Shepherd’s ruling is based on the so-called “five percent rule.” It says new districts must be within five percent of their ideal size. Shepherd added that the maps of both the [...]

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Protest Planned Against Gay Bar Owner Who Compared Obama to Chimp

by Phillip M. Bailey February 7, 2012

The Louisville Fairness Campaign is joining a group of African-American LGBT residents in protesting a gay bar owner who compared President Obama to a chimpanzee. Small businessman Michael Flatt owns Tryangles and Teddy Bears, two gay bars in the city. Last week, he posted a picture to his Facebook page that showed former President Ronald [...]

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Title IX Pioneer Sandler To Speak at U of L

by Rick Howlett February 7, 2012

The activist who laid the groundwork for the federal law aimed at ending sexual discrimination will speak tomorrow at the University of Louisville. Bernice Sandler was dubbed “The Godmother of Title IX” by the New York Times. The law, enacted in 1972, is best known for its impact on inequities in high school and collegiate [...]

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White Nose Syndrome Found in Three More Kentucky Caves

by Erica Peterson February 7, 2012

A fatal bat disease has been discovered in three Kentucky caves. This isn’t the first time White Nose Syndrome has been found in Kentucky, but it’s a sign that the disease is spreading. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed that White Nose Syndrome has infected bats in three caves in Breckenridge County. [...]

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Students Renew Call for More Funding, Lower Tuition

by Kenny Colston February 7, 2012

Students from all eight of Kentucky’s public universities have once again descended onFrankfort with a familiar message… stop cutting higher education. At the annual Rally for Higher Education today, the messages were familiar. Students called on lawmakers to restore or increase funding for higher education. In one of the toughest budget cycles yet, that call [...]

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Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Janie Miller Resigns

by Devin Katayama February 7, 2012

Gov. Steve Beshear has announced the secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) has resigned her position, effective Feb. 29. Secretary Janie Miller was appointed by Beshear during his first term. The Cabinet is responsible for overseeing Medicaid and social services. Miller’s resignation comes at a time when the department’s transparency is [...]

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Appeals Court Weighs In On Child Abuse Records Case

by Devin Katayama February 7, 2012

The Kentucky Court of Appeals is weighing in Tuesday on whether the Cabinet for Health and Family Services can transfer full jurisdiction from the Circuit Court in a case regarding the release of its child abuse records. Circuit Court Judge Phillip Shepherd has previously said the agency has failed to comply with his orders, after [...]

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Indiana Judge Blocks Lawmakers’ Fines; AG To File Appeal

by Rick Howlett February 7, 2012

The argument over the collection of fines from Democrats who boycotted Indiana House business over labor legislation is likely headed to the state Supreme Court. Yesterday, a Marion County judge ruled that the state improperly seized the fines last year through payroll deduction and ordered a halt to the collection of additional fines imposed this [...]

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McConnell: Let Payroll Tax Conferees Finish Their Work

by Phillip M. Bailey February 7, 2012

Speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., downplayed a potential GOP mutiny over the payroll tax cut and urged Senate Democrats to let conferees negotiating the extension to finish their work. Last year, Democrats and Republican were engaged in a hot debate over extending a cut in Social Security payroll taxes [...]

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