Lead Stories

Local News
8:28 am
Thu February 7, 2013

Update: Carbide Ignored Warning Signs Before March 2011 Explosion in Rubbertown

Credit Gabe Bullard / WFPL News
A hole in Carbide's furnace

The federal Chemical Safety Board says Carbide Industries ignored warning signs and could have prevented a deadly explosion at a plant in Louisville two years ago.

Today, the CSB released the results of its investigation into the March 2011 furnace explosion at Carbide's Rubbertown facility that killed two workers and injured two others. (Read the report here.)

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National Security
7:42 am
Thu February 7, 2013

Obama's Pick For CIA Chief To Face Senate Scrutiny

Credit Carolyn Kaster / AP
John Brennan, the deputy national security adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, speaks at the White House in January. Brennan is President Obama's choice for CIA director.

Originally published on Thu February 7, 2013 3:07 pm

John Brennan, President Obama's choice to lead the CIA, can look forward to a grilling Thursday on Capitol Hill. As Obama's chief counterterrorism adviser, he has been associated with some controversial policies, including the use of armed drones. Brennan's nomination comes before the Senate Intelligence Committee, and members from both parties have their questions ready.

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Arts and Humanities
7:00 am
Thu February 7, 2013

The Big Break: History Lessons

On our audio diary series The Big Break, our emerging performers learn and teach some unique history lessons.Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks gets fitted for costumes for the upcoming production of "Romeo and Juliet" and takes us on a tour of the costume shop. Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach uses Roman history to write a play in 24 hours, and Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond goes on tour to local schools, teaching American history through song.

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The Two-Way
9:54 pm
Wed February 6, 2013

Justice Department To Share Secret Drone Memo With Congress

Originally published on Wed February 6, 2013 8:28 pm

President Obama directed the Justice Department late Wednesday to give Congress access to classified information that details the rationale for targeted strikes against U.S. citizens believed to have links to al-Qaida.

NPR's Carrie Johnson is reporting on the story for our Newscast Unit. She says the decision comes after Senators threatened to hold up nominees for the CIA and Pentagon. Here's more from her report:

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Politics
9:49 pm
Wed February 6, 2013

Citing Bleak Economic Outlook, Beshear Pushes for More Tax Revenue for Education, Pensions

Credit Kentucky Governor's Office
Steve Beshear

FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear is encouraging lawmakers to take bold stances in reforming the state's tax code,  before past budget decisions and cuts cripple Kentucky.

Beshear made the pleas Wednesday night in his annual State of the Commonwealth address.

(Read the State of the Commonwealth address.)

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Politics
6:16 pm
Wed February 6, 2013

Medical Marijuana Supporters Rally in Frankfort

Credit Rae Hodge/Kentucky Public Radio
Perry Clark

FRANKFORT — Saying the push for industrial help may help their  cause in the future, supporters of a bill establishing a comprehensive system for medical marijuana in Kentucky rallied Wednesday in the Capitol Annex.

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Politics
4:56 pm
Wed February 6, 2013

Celebration Honors Hackett, Hudson as Black Leaders

Credit Rae Hodge/Kentucky Public Radio
State Sen. Gerald Neal and Wilbur Louis Hackett Jr.

FRANKFORT—  Kentucky legislators and community leaders on Wednesday honored an athlete and an academic during the 10th annual Black History Month Celebration at the Capitol.

The 2013 Black History Month celebration honoree was Wilbur Louis Hackett Jr., a groundbreaking football player. He was also the 2011 Kentucky Black Sports Hall of Fame inductee who state Sen. Gerald Neal, of Louisville, said "epitomizes all that is good about sports."

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The Salt
4:38 pm
Wed February 6, 2013

Mixing Alcohol With Diet Soda May Make You Drunker

Credit iStockphoto
The rum in that Cuba libre will hit your bloodstream faster if it's mixed with diet cola.

Originally published on Mon February 11, 2013 4:36 pm

Looking to cut back on the calories in your cocktail by mixing, say, diet soda and rum? Well, get ready for the buzz.

According to the results of a new study, this combination will leave you drunker than if you'd mixed the liquor with a sugary, caloric mixer.

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Politics
3:50 pm
Wed February 6, 2013

Indiana Sunday Alcohol Sales Bill Gets First Hearing

Credit Wikipedia

Indiana lawmakers held a lengthy hearing today on a bill that would allow Sunday retail alcohol sales.

The measure before the House Public Policy Committee would broaden a state law that currently restricts Sunday sales to restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries.

John Elliott spoke on behalf of the Kroger Company and the Indiana Retail Council Board.   He says customers are being inconvenienced, retailers are losing money and the state is missing out on tax revenue under the current law.

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