State of the News 12/09/11

Certainly one of the big Metro news stories of the week has been city overtime pay, and Gabe Bullard and Phillip Bailey summarized the findings and reactions so far with this story.  Bailey also discussed the appointment of an interim police chief, and the early stages in the search for the next chief.  Erica Peterson had details on the possibility that Don Blankenship, former CEO of Massey Energy, may be opening a mining operation in Kentucky.  She also discussed the $200 million fine assessed this week as part of the settlement in the Upper Big Branch explosion in 2010.  Devin Katayama had a update on the current status and activities of the Occupy Louisville movement, as well as the meeting with them requested by outgoing police chief Robert White.  There was also news this week that Joe Reagan, the CEO of GLI, is a finalist for a similar position in St. Louis; Gabe Bullard and Phillip Bailey had the details.Laura Ungar at the Courier-Journal wrote extensively this week about the FDA’s ban on blood donations from men who have had sexual contact with other men. She joined us in the second segment to talk about the reasoning behind the rule, and why it seems to be continuously under fire.News and Tribune editor Shea Van Hoy joined WFPL’s Devin Katayama to talk about this week’s decision by the Greater Clark County School Board not to renew Superintendent Stephen Daeschner’s contract. Then Van Hoy brought us up to date on other news from across the river.  Finally, we touched base with the Courier-Journal’s James Carroll about the debate in Washington over extending payroll tax cuts, efforts to pass a spending bill, and the rise of Newt Gingrich in the GOP polls.