State of the News 3/23/12

The weekly news round up got started today with some sports news.  Nothing But Net host Mark Bacon paid a visit to talk about the big NCAA upset last night of Louisville over Michigan, as well as to look ahead at other big games this weekend, including the UK/Indiana rematch.  Phillip Bailey discussed Rep. John Yarmuth's bill that would end federal subsidies to oil companies and return the savings to American motorists.  The president and CEO of General Electric visited Louisville and gave a talk this week; Devin Katayama explained the new product line to be built at Appliance Park and the jobs that come with it.  Erica Peterson brought us up to date on some conversations between LG&E and the Metro Council, one involving a settlement on previous coal ash fines, and another about LG&E's plans to convert some of their coal-fired facilities into natural gas plants.  Gabe Bullard had details on plans by the city to crack down on parking meter scofflaws, as well as Kroger's recent decision to discontinue offering ground beefthat contains the filler known as pink slime.  Finally, Erica Peterson discussed her feature about genetically modified corn finding its way into a signature Kentucky product, bourbon, and whether it matters or not.In segment two, KPR’s Kenny Colston got us caught up on this week’s activities in the Kentucky General Assembly, including Senate budget changes, and the latest movement on the pseudoephedrine bill.  WFPL’s Erin Keane dropped in to talk about this week’s Humana Festival offerings, her chat with playwright Greg Kotis, and the unveiling of Actors Theatre’s 2012-2013 season.For our last segment we spoke with the News and Tribune’s Jerod Clapp and LEO Weekly’s Anne Marshall for an update on tornado recovery in Southern Indiana, and some reflections on what it’s been like to cover the storm and its aftermath.