State of Affairs

Environmental Justice

by Laura Ellis March 28, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 03/28/11: Many Louisville citizens were shocked at last week’s dual industrial mishaps – a plant explosion that killed two workers in Rubbertown, and an ammonia leak that caused a scare in Butchertown. But for residents and activists in those neighborhoods, the events were sadly not surprising. For years, environmental justice groups in town have been campaigning to improve air quality and make sure manufacturers and processing plants in residential areas adhere to safety regulations. This Monday, we’ll have an update on the implications of last week’s accidents, then take a broader look at environmental justice. Listen to the Show

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State of the News

by Laura Ellis March 25, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 03/25/11: It’s been a busy news week & we’ll talk about it all on State of the News. An explosion in Rubbertown and a hazardous leak in Butchertown have many residents calling for improvements to the emergency response system. The interim director of Louisville Metro Animal Services has stepped down with no replacement yet selected. Also exiting is Allan Cowen, who announced his retirement as CEO of the Fund for the Arts, effective at the end of April. Join us for these metro stories, plus a check-in on the Kentucky & Indiana General Assemblies. Listen to the Show

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Mayor Greg Fischer

by Laura Ellis March 24, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 03/24/11: He’s been in office fewer than three months, but Mayor Greg Fischer’s had a busy first quarter. Just this week, an explosion in Rubbertown and a hazardous leak in Butchertown have given rise to questions about the city’s emergency response and communication capabilities. Allegations continue about Councilwoman Judy Green, leading some to call for a wider look at how Metro Council Members’ discretionary funds are spent. Then there’s Louisville Metro Animal services – still without a leader – and the temporary holding pattern at Whiskey Row. Call us with your questions or comments for Mayor Fischer, Thursday on State of Affairs. Listen to the Show

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State of the News

by Laura Ellis March 18, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 03/18/11: It’s Friday again, and time for another State of the News. This week we’ll hear an update on Metro news, and find out what’s new across the river in Southern Indiana. Then we’ll turn our attention to what everyone in town will really be talking about: March Madness. How is your bracket holding up after Day 1 of competition? Listen to the Show

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Science Stories: I Didn’t Know That!

by Laura Ellis March 17, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 03/17/11: Everyone knows that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb and Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone… except they didn’t. On Thursday we’ll listen back to our conversation with science author Rick Beyer about his book, “The Greatest Science Stories Never Told.” We’ll learn how a teenager invented television in a potato field, and how a cluttered lab lead one scientist to a Nobel Prize. Listen to the Show

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Past & Future of the Peace Corps

by Laura Ellis March 15, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 03/15/11: 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. Since its inception in 1961, over 200,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps and have served in 139 countries. Today the Peace Corps has 8,655 volunteers — about half of what it was at its highest in 1966. This Tuesday, we’ll talk to a Peace Corps historian and author about the Corps’ story, and we’ll hear from a current Peace Corps recruiter and some former volunteers. Listen to the Show

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What is Willpower?

by Laura Ellis March 14, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 3/14/11: Dr. Walter Mischel’s groundbreaking study of and conclusions about willpower have been applied to everything from early education to weight loss to saving for retirement. His efforts won him the 2011 Grawemeyer Award for Psychology. This Monday Dr. Mischel joins us to talk about his work, his discoveries, and what he learned from toddlers and marshmallows. Listen to the Show

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State of the News

by Laura Ellis March 11, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 03/11/11: It’s Friday, and that means time for another State of the News. This week we’ll get a metro news update, talk about the Kentucky General Assembly, and – just in time for selection Sunday – have a preview of what could be in store during March Madness! Join us for analysis of what made headlines this week in Louisville. [Note: due to a presidential press conference, this is an abbreviated show]. Listen to the Show

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The Evolution of Nursing

by Brad Yost March 10, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 03/10/11: The nursing field has been undergoing some deep changes. Nursing students today have a variety of career paths from which to choose. Recent years have also seen an increase in responsibilities accorded to nurse practitioners, and a higher demand for them, too. There are some serious challenges in nursing education as well, including a shortage of educators. We’ll look at the evolution in nursing Thursday on State of Affairs. Listen to the Show

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Unemployment & Young Workers

by Laura Ellis March 9, 2011

STATE OF AFFAIRS 03/09/11: Teen unemployment reached almost 26% in January. New college graduates face daunting competition to secure even low-wage, temporary jobs; finding employment related to their desired career is even more challenging. 16-24 year olds have been hit hard by the economic crash. Not only are jobs scarce, but many Baby Boomers aren’t retiring when expected. So what options exist for Kentucky’s young people? How can they gain experience, additional education, and a paycheck? How do they avoid the emotional toll of long term unemployment? We sit down with our guests to explore the causes and possible solutions for unemployment among young workers in the Commonwealth. Listen to the Show