News

A new report out today provides new information about the connections between commonly-used chemicals and the prevalence of diseases. Groups that advocate for safer chemicals are using the data to lobby for updates to federal legislation.

While online retailer Amazon prepares to open a major distribution center in Southern Indiana, some say the company could soon begin offering customers in the Louisville region same-day delivery.

Until recently, Amazon has avoided charging sales tax to customers in many states where it had no physical presence. Now, the company has given into that fight and has made deals in states like Indiana to begin charging that tax in the next couple years.

The Environmental Protection Agency will update residents tomorrow evening on the efforts to develop new pollution limits for the Floyds Fork watershed.

Floyds Fork has been designated as “impaired,” which means its waterway can’t fulfill its designated functions. The state Division of Water has asked the EPA to help determine the maximum amount of pollution that can be discharged into the watershed without exceeding the state water quality standard.

A program that helps children and their families with legal issues related to their medical care is being launched at some Louisville facilities.

It’s called Doctors and Lawyers for Kids.  

The 37th annual Kentucky Music Weekend cues up Friday at Iroquois Park. Through Sunday, the festival will host traditional music acts ranging from jug bands to the state-wide dulcimer competition.

The weekend kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday with a concert featuring John Gage. There is a suggested $10 donation for evening mainstage concerts, but daytime events are free. A full festival schedule is available online.

Not all musicians performing are Kentuckians, but the festival’s emphasis is on acoustic traditional sounds.

A 17-year-old Kentucky girl faces contempt charges for tweeting the names of two teens who sexually assaulted her.

Savannah Dietrich of Louisville told The Courier-Journal she is frustrated by what she feels is a lenient plea bargain.

The boys' attorneys have asked a judge to hold Dietrich in contempt for violating the confidentiality of a juvenile hearing.

Contempt carries a possible sentence of 180 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Three of seven JCPS School Board positions are open this fall, and more candidates are filing to run for the spots.

WFPL's Devin Katayama spent some time talking recently with David Jones, Jr. and David Kaplan, who both are running in District 2, which covers the Highlands and Crescent Hill; as well as with Chris Fell who is running in District 7.  Fell is one of several parents involved in the pending suit before the Kentucky Supreme Court challenging the JCPS student assignment plan.

A report by the Bluegrass Institute showed the achievement gaps in Jefferson County Public Schools along lines of race are actually wider in the East End of Louisville.

The conservative think tank unveiled some troubling numbers last month and organizations supportive of charter schools, such as the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), argue the report underscores the student-assignment plan has failed African-American students.

JCPS officials have said they are aware of the problem and are committed to changing the numbers, but impatience is growing as three seats open on the school board this year.

I spoke with WFPL’s education reporter Devin Katayama and former Louisville Metro Councilman Dr. Deonte Hollowell, who is a BAEO member, about the report’s ramifications on the education debate.

It all started with a "driveway moment," during an episode of This American Life on the theme of classified ads. In the introduction to Act 3, Ira Glass noted how often we see classified ads offering things, right next to classified ads of people looking for those very same things—a phenomenon he said was especially common in the musician section.

A new study compares the taxes Kentucky and neighboring states levy on natural resources, and recommends Kentucky set up a severance trust fund.