Byline on WFPL

Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline: At the top - For quite some time now, it’s been reported that the Kentucky Retirement System, the pension plan for state, city and county workers—doesn’t have the money to pay its obligations. We’ve followed the public debate about the state’s inability to solve that problem. But in the meantime, Jim McNair of the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting has been looking at another side of the issue. He reports that it’s impossible for pension holders to know where much of their money is being invested: in potentially very risky hedge funds. He speaks with WFPL’s Gabe Bullard about the story. 4:45 - U.S. Senator Rand Paul has been courting African-American voters as he continues to mull a run for the White House in 2016. The first-term Republican from Kentucky has been meeting regularly with constituents in west Louisville and with African-American groups in other parts of the country. Paul is also co-sponsoring legislation that, among other things, would restore the voting rights of certain non-violent felons. The senator’s efforts to reach out to minorities has been praised by some local leaders, and criticized by others. WFPL political editor Phillip M. Bailey spoke to the Senator this week about his record on civil rights and other matters. 15:40 - Kentucky’s longest serving prison inmate is Willie Gaines Smith, who’s been behind bars for 54 years, mostly at the Kentucky State Reformatory in La Grange. He’s serving a life sentence for murder, but some say he should have been paroled decades ago. Now there’s a possibility that Smith could gain his freedom another way: under a test program approved by the general assembly. WDRB’s Jason Riley has been reporting on Smith’s case and his incarceration, and he joins us with the story. 24:30 - Years ago a rumor began circulating that some of Louisville’s popular, local coffee shops were run by fervent Christians, with some of the businesses doubling as wings of a church, and where employees might try to convert customers. WFPL’s Gabe Bullard has an in-depth story on our website that looks into these rumors. He found that while they aren’t true, there is a connection between religion and coffee in Louisville. He speaks with WFPL’s Rick Howlett about the story. 29:00 - It’s been three years since Kentucky banned texting while driving, and the number of citations issued has gone up every year since. As WFPL summer intern Michael Homan reports, while most drivers are aware of the risks of impaired and drunk driving, they’re willing to walk the line when it comes to driving distracted. 33:40 - Two years ago, Las Vegas real estate investor Jared Weiss purchased the boyhood home of Louisville boxing legend Muhammad Ali for $70,000. Weiss, an avid fan of Ali, bought the home with plans to transform it into a museum. But as WFPL summer intern Gail Faustyn reports, little has been done to the Parkland house during the last two years. As the paint continues to chip away and the roof begins to cave in, neighbors are hoping some changes will come soon. 37:05 - We check in with WFPL's arts and humanities reporter Erin Keane about some choice activities in the local arts scene this coming week. Then Erin welcomes her guest, Christen Boone, the new president and CEO of the Fund for the Arts.

Here are the stories we discussed today on Byline: At the top - Experts on congressional ethics say a past business relationship between a Kentucky congressman and a nationally known lobbyist raises some serious questions about the comingling of legislative and personal agendas. The Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting’s R.G. Dunlop has been looking into the 2003 purchase of some high value real estate made by 1st District Republican Congressman Ed Whitfield, his wife, Connie Harriman-Whitfield, and lobbyist Juanita Duggan. Some of Duggan’s clients have lobbied Whitfield and contributed to his political campaigns. We speak with R.G. Dunlop about his investigation. 9:20 - Governor Steve Beshear has signed an order to plug a $91 million hole in Kentucky's $9.5 billion state budget. Officials announced the shortfall last week. We check in with Kentucky Public Radio’s Jonathan Meador for details. 16:35 - The Louisville Metro Council Democratic Caucus has reprimanded Councilman Dan Johnson’s aide for making disparaging comments about another council member, David James. That’s according to documents obtained by WFPL’s Phillip M. Bailey, who reported the story this week and joins us to share what is known at this point. We also discuss the possibility of a McConnell/Grimes debate at Centre College in Danville. 23:55 - General Electric is once again looking sell its Louisville-based appliance business. Citing “people familiar with the matter,” Bloomberg reports that GE is in talks with potential acquirers about selling the appliance division. GE officials are not commenting publicly on the Bloomberg report, which was co-written by David Welch. We reached out to Welch in New York to hear what he knows and his insights on the potential deal as an acquisitions and mergers reporter. 30:00 - People with driver's licenses from Kentucky and nine other states may soon have to show a passport or some other form of federal identification to comply with a federal law tightening security across the country. Under the REAL ID Act of 2005, some of the tougher identification standards are expected to go into effect next week at some federal facilities. WFPL’s Jake Ryan joins us to talk about it. We also discuss a demonstration this week at a Metro Housing Authority Meeting. Residents of public housing are speaking out against a rent reform study being considered in Louisville that many call a social experiment on poor African American women. 36:25 - WFPL's arts and humanities reporter Erin Keane talks about a couple of notable arts events this weekend in Louisville, then she welcomes WFPK's Sean Cannon to talk about some of the highlights of the Forecastle music festival occurring this weekend on the waterfront.

Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline: At the top - U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky is defending his record on civil rights after coming under criticism from former state Sen. Georgia Powers and others. We talk about that war of words that broke out this week and Sen. Paul’s claims that he’s doing more for minorities than anyone in Congress with WFPL Political Editor Phillip M. Bailey. We also talk about fundraising in the Kentucky gubanatorial race, and the Indiana governor's office saying the state won't recognize same-sex marriages performed before a court halted a decision that lifted the state's ban. 9:40 - Three administrators at Louisville Male High School, including the principal, could have their teaching certificates revoked or face other disciplinary measures following allegations that they helped students cheat on an ACT test. A report released by the Kentucky Education Department Monday said Male High Principal David Mike, counselor Rhonda Branch and teacher Debbie Greenberg “failed to ensure the integrity” during administration of the ACT Compass test. We check in with WFPL's Jacob Ryan. 13:25 - Gas prices in the Louisville area have been at or above the four dollar mark per gallon for much of the summer, with many motorists complaining that prices are considerably cheaper in surrounding communities and similar sized cities in the region. Soaring gas prices six years ago prompted attorney general Jack Conway to launch an investigation, but little has changed since then. WDRB’s Chris Otts has been looking into it and joins us to tell us what he found. 20:25 - Earlier this year, the Indiana approach to the Big Four pedestrian and bicycle bridge opened to great fanfare. People can now cross the Ohio River into Jeffersonville and Louisville’s Watefront Park. Now city and Waterfront officials have their eyes on another railroad bridge to the west, the K&I, which has been closed to public access for decades. Officials say opening the K&I to pedestrian traffic would be ideal for completing an recreational trail being developed, but the bridge’s owner is resisting allowing public access. Grace Schneider has been reporting on this for the Courier-Journal and joins us to explain. 26:30 - This past Wednesday marked the 164th anniversary of the death of Zachary Taylor. The 12th president grew up in the Louisville area and is entombed here in the cemetery that bears his name. The 65 year old Taylor, also known as Old Rough and Ready, was just 16 months into his presidency when he suddenly fell ill. Rumors abounded for years that he may have been poisoned. The Courier-Journal’s James Carroll recounted Taylor’s final days in a piece this week and he joined us from the CJ’s Washington Bureau. 36:40 - This week marked a milestone in Kentucky political journalism: Ryan Alessi signed off for the final time on Pure Politics, the CN2 program he’s hosted for several years and where he has been senior managing editor. Alessi is leaving broadcast journalism, at least full-time, to enter the world of academia, as a student at Murray State University, where we caught up with him by phone. 41:10 - Earlier in the show today we heard about a six-year inquiry into gas pricing in the Louisville area. BackStory producer Nina Earnest steps further back in time to tell the story of the oil shocks of 1973 and how they continue to shape the world we live in today, with help from writer Andrew Scott Cooper.

Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline: At the top - On Wednesday, a federal judge in Indiana struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. Instantly, couples from across the Hoosier state rushed to their county clerks' offices to apply for marriage licenses. Not all clerks agreed to grant the certificates. Not all of them could. But the Clark County Clerk did grant licenses. WFPL's Gabe Bullard paid a visit to speak with newlywed Ladonna Osborne about what it means. 2:50 - Mayor Greg Fischer's office and the Louisville Metro Housing Authority plan to apply for a $500,000 federal grant to demolish the largest remaining public housing complex in the city: Beecher Terrace, just west of downtown. WFPL’s Phillip Bailey and Jake Ryan explain the reasons and reactions from residents. 11:35 - For months, Craig Dean, 20; Shaquazz Allen, 18; Tyrone Booker Jr., 19; and Jerron Bush, 21, faced the possibility of felony indictments stemming from the March 22 mob violence in downtown Louisville. But earlier this week, a Jefferson County grand jury declined to indict Dean and the other three young men arrested following that outbreak of violence. Assistant commonwealth's attorney Leland Hulbert said the lack of available evidence made it "very hard" to bring a case that could prove the men were guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Hulbert, the assistant commonwealth attorney, said the gun used in the robbery and the items stolen in the incident were never recovered. The men have been dubbed by supporters as the "misidentified four," and Booker said he believes racial profiling was the basis for their arrest. Phillip Bailey and Jake Ryan discuss the case, then we hear a conversation between Bailey and two of the four young men, along with their attorney. 24:50 -In the last few months, conversations about urban development in Louisville have taken a western turn. Specifically, a northwestern turn, to the Portland Neighborhood, a historic area west of downtown along the river. The once thriving area has seen ups and downs since being devastated by the 1937 flood. And now, developer Gil Holland has big plans for revitalizing the area. The plans have hopefuls saying it will be the next Nulu, Nulu being the east Market Street district Holland helped revitalize over the last few years. But is it that easy? WFPL’s Ashlie Stevens has written about some pushback to Holland’s plans, and she joins us to talk about it. 32:45 - June is gay pride month. And, things are changing quickly, as we heard at the top of the show. So now, Radio Rookies asks "What does it mean for young people to come out in the age of Lady Gaga?” We present a feature report, where producer Bebe tells her uncle that she's bisexual, but as a gay man who struggled with harassment and bullying through his whole childhood, he suspects she's just trying to be cool and doesn't understand the weight of her words. 38:30 - In the weekly arts segment, WFPL's Erin Keane considers some of the significant arts events happening locally in the near future, then welcomes guest Barbara Sexton-Smith to the show for something of an exit interview. Sexton-Smith will soon step down from her position head of Louisville's Fund for the Arts, after taking the helm during a time of some turbulence following the retirement of Allan Cowen.

Here is our Byline rundown for today: At the top - The Louisville Metro Council has approved a $551 million budget for the next fiscal year. We talk about what’s in, and what’s not in the spending plan with WFPL’ political editor Philliip Bailey. Phillip also updates us on legal questions and controversy surrounding Councilman Dan Johnson’s hiring of Bryan Mathews as a legislative aide. Mathews is also the Jefferson County Judge Executive, an office that was stripped of its powers in the city/county merger, and there are allegations of him using a racial epithet that cost him his previous job. 8:50 - Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen has ruled out a run for governor, saying he will instead seek another term as auditor in 2015. Edelen said earlier this week that a gubernatorial bid would have required "difficult sacrifices" for his family. We hear from him later in the show, but first we talk with Kentucky Public Radio’s Jonathan Meador about the decision and who the likely gubanatorial candidates are. 14:55 - Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen has been speaking to the media about his surprising decision not to run for governor. We have his conversation with WFPL's Jonathan Bastian from earlier this week. 18:30 - Last fall, University of Louisville president James Ramsey recommended that the school hire an outside auditing firm to review U of L’s internal controls following a series of high profile thefts by employees. The board of trustees approved the hiring of Strothman and Company to perform the audit. The Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting has been trying, unsuccessfully so far, to obtain a copy of the report, which was presented to trustees in April. Kristina Goetz from the Center for Investigative Reporting tells us about her attempts to get the report prepared for the public university. 23:25 - About two-thirds of Jefferson County Public Schools students qualify for free or reduced lunches. Most of them take advantage of the program during the school year. But when classes are dismissed in June, only a fraction of those kids are served by summer meal programs. WFPL's Jake Ryan and Devin Katayama look into Louisville’s summer meal opportunities and the effort to bring food to children who might otherwise have limited healthy eating options. 27:45 - The $25 million project to bring Wal-Mart to west Louisville has shifted from a debate about jobs to a conversation about the superstore’s design. Wal-Mart has submitted a standard big-box design with a large parking lot, and a building 400 feet off the street. The city’s land code calls for all projects in the area to have an urban design closer to the sidewalk, and friendlier for pedestrians and public transit use. Wal-Mart has asked for an exemption from the code. WFPL’s Phillip Bailey speaks with Haven Harrington, of the Russell neighborhood association, about why residents are launching a movement to pressure Wal-Mart and Metro Government for a store that fits with the neighborhood. 32:50 - Like others who do the work, Phyllis Cupit loved the satisfaction that came from being a food demonstration representative in supermarkets. Typically they work six hours at a time – all on their feet – and make as much as $75 a day preparing and handing out samples of cheese or other foods to grocery shoppers. In a sense, they serve as one-person marketing departments for companies like Boar’s Head and Spring Mountain Farms. But as Jim McNair of the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting tells us, such contract work doesn’t come without risks. 35:50 - WFPL's arts and humanities reporter Erin Keane talks about some noteworthy local arts events, then checks in with Talleri McRae, associate director of education at Stage One Family Theatre.

Here are the stories we discussed today on Byline: At the top - After some spirited debate, the Louisville Metro Council narrowly approved a 2% natural gas franchise fee to help generate revenue for more police protection. We talk about the ordinance and what it’s likely to cost LG&E customers with WFPL’s Phillip M. Bailey. He also discusses the EPA's plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 30% by 2030, which has become a big issue in Kentucky’s U.S. Senate race, with Sen. Mitch McConnell and Alison Lundergan Grimes both questioning the others’ commitment to the coal economy. 13:45 - Leaders at Louisville’s Atherton High School say they are now fully committed to providing a comfortable school environment for all students, and they have now adopted official policies to that end. The school’s decision making council voted 8-1 on Thursday to adopt a policy modeled after the Los Angeles Unified School district that allows students to use a restroom that correlates with their gender identity. WFPL's Jacob Ryan explains the details. He also discusses the announcement this week that a pro soccer team will be making its home in Louisville. 18:10 - The Belmont Stakes, the last leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, takes place Saturday at Belmont Park. California Chrome, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, is favored to become the first Triple crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. We talk about it with handicapper and equine commentator, Ed DeRosa. 23:35 - Churchill Downs executives have been busy in recent weeks with damage control, following a spate of public relations nightmares, some involving hospitality issues, others connected with wagering, and one sad incident involving the death of a horse at the track. Gregory Hall wrote about those issues this week in the Courier Journal and joins us to explain. 30:20 - We hear a report from the New York area on another aspect of the horse racing industry: the controversial financials of off track betting. As excitement has been building for a possible Triple Crown champion, so has a bitter feud in the business of horse racing. We hear from Charles Lane of WSHU in Fairfield County, Connecticut. 34:30 - The University of Louisville baseball team is just two victories away from a trip to the College World Series, but this weekend at Jim Patterson Stadium, they’ll have to get past the Kennesaw State Owls from Georgia. We check in with Jody Demling, who covers U of L athletics at WKRD radio and at CardinalAuthority, for a preview of this weekends NCAA super regional matchup. 40:30 - In our arts segment, we hear from WFPL's Erin Keane about some notable arts events in the area this weekend, and she speaks with Matt Wallace, the artistic director of the upcoming Shakespeare Festival in Central Park.

Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline: At the top - This week a Louisville Metro Council committee narrowly approved an ordinance that would impose a franchise fee on many LG&E gas customers to generate revenue under Mayor Greg Fischer’s budget proposal. Fischer says the money is needed to help pay for initiatives to enhance public safety. We talk about the proposed franchise fee, and the Metro Government budget process with Sebastian Kitchen of the Courier-Journal. 4:45 - After a brief legal battle that made national headlines, nearly 300 pounds of imported Italian hemp seeds were finally released to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture this month after they were seized by federal customs agents. Now that the seeds have made their way to pilot projects across the state, larger questions remain about the impact hemp will have on the economy. Kentucky Public Radio's Jonathan Meador reports. 13:15 - Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen says he will examine financial mismanagement allegations at Fayette County Public Schools. Edelen announced the probe Wednesday. The Fayette County inquiry will focus on allegations from the district's budget director that an accounting error created a $20 million deficit at the school district. District officials have denied the allegations and asked Edelen to audit the district's finances. We check in with Kentucky Public Radio’s Stu Johnson who has been covering the story. 18:25 - This week WFPL began airing an hour-long documentary called At Risk, in which education reporter Devin Katayama spent three months with some JCPS students and their families, trying to help us better understand what makes a student at-risk and how the problem is dealt with by families and school officials. We hear a brief excerpt, then chat with Devin about making the documentary, and the feedback since the initial broadcast. 24:15 - The Jefferson County board of education this week approved a $1.3 billion budget, the largest in JCPS history. But board members have complained that they don’t have enough time to study the budget before it’s time to approve or reject it, and two of them voted no. WFPL's Jake Ryan has a conversation with JCPS Chief Financial Officer Cordelia Hardin about how the district’s budget is developed. We then speak with Jake about the newly-approved ban on plastic bags for yard waste which will go into effect next year. 30:50 - Baseball season is in full swing, and in this episode of 99% Invisible with Roman Mars, we take a close look at a particularly interesting part of the major league uniform. 35:35 - In our arts segment, WFPL's arts and humanities reporter Erin Keane talks with Mark Evans, one of the stars of the Book of Mormon, the Broadway Series production onstage in Louisville through next week.

Here is our Byline rundown for today: At the top - The dust has settled from the primary election campaigns, and the candidates for a Kentucky U.S. Senate seat are wasting no time kicking up more dust. Kentucky Democrats are also bracing for a push by Republicans to take over control of the state House. We speak with WFPL’s Phillip M. Bailey and Kentucky Public Radio’s Jonathan Meador about the fall elections, and Phillip also discusses Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s budget proposal unveiled yesterday. 12:55 - Astronomers say a meteor shower visible from much of North America this weekend could be the brightest display of shooting stars this year. We check in with University of Louisville Professor of Atmospheric Physics Dr. Tim Dowling about the event, which is expected to begin late tonight. 16:50 - Both sides of the Big Four Bridge are now open. For the first time since the Kentucky side of the bridge opened in February of 2013, people can walk or bike across the Ohio River between Louisville and Jeffersonville, Indiana. Several delays have kept the former railroad bridge from opening earlier, but now that it is open, city leaders and residents say they are looking forward to its economic and social benefits. We speak with Elizabeth Bielman, a reporter with the News and Tribune of southern Indiana. 20:20 - Earlier this week, Kentucky auditor Adam Edelen unveiled a comprehensive examination of the Jefferson County Public Schools, which he calls an "unchecked bureaucracy that has become bloated and inefficient at the expense of the classroom." Edelen speaks with WFPL's Devin Katayama about what the schools are doing right and what needs to change. 29:45 - The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities have fought for equal rights in the courts, city halls, and state capitols. But perhaps one of the most important places to have this conversation is in schools, where many students first realize who they are. As WFPL’s Devin Katayama reports, in Louisville that conversation has been taking place around transgender student rights. 36:15 - Faithful listeners may have noticed WFPL's education reporter Devin Katayama has not been on our airwaves much over the past few months. He has been on an extended assignment, which he can now discuss. We check in with him about the upcoming documentary he has produced, scheduled to air next week. 39:30 - We hear an episode of the Memory Palace podcast from producer Nate DiMeo, who brings us the story of the Cardiff Giant, one of the greatest hoaxes in American history.

Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline: At the top - After months of campaign ads — and some would say its seems longer --- primary election day arrives in Kentucky next Tuesday. At the top of the ballot is the U.S. Senate race between incumbent Republican Mitch McConnell and challenger Matt Bevin. The winner of that race will face presumptive Democratic nominee Allison Lundergan Grimes. On the state level, Republicans will be positioning themselves in hopes of gaining control of the Kentucky House in November. Here in Louisville, there are a couple of hotly contested races for Louisville Metro Council. We check in with WFPL Political Editor Phillip M. Bailey and Kentucky Public Radio Frankfort bureau chief Jonathan Meador. 14:00 - Jonathan Meador summarizes the numerous recent developments in the state agriculture department's efforts to get federal authorities to release hemp seeds meant for research. 16:40 - The 139th Preakness Stakes is tomorrow at Pimilico Race Course in Baltimore. The Courier-Journal’s Jennie Rees joins us to talk about California Chrome and the other horses in the second leg of racing’s triple crown. 24:20 - For the first time in school district history, a Jefferson County public school has adopted a nondiscrimination policy with specific protections for transgender students. It happened this week at Atherton High School, where officials have been responding to complaints about a male-bodied transgender student using a girl’s restroom. We discuss the student gender identity issue at Atherton and in Jefferson County Public Schools with WFPL’s Jake Ryan 29:00 - The announcement came out earlier this week from JCPS that Myers Middle School will be repurposed starting next year. WFPL's Joseph Lord and Jake Ryan explain what is known at this point. 33:00 - Gabriel Walker, of Maysville Kentucky, is being followed periodically this year by public radio program Studio 360, as part of its "Creative Resolutions" series. He's attempting to fulfill a dream by transitioning from his day-job as sound designer and teacher, to being a working and performing musician. He has relocated to Louisville to work closely with songwriting partner, Jenrose Fitzgerald. We hear his latest audio diary, from May 9th. 37:35 - In our arts segment, WFPL's Erin Keane talks with Claire DiVizio, artistic director of Thompson Street Opera Company, Louisville's newest opera producer, which has a mission of showcasing contemporary works.

Here is our Byline rundown for today: At the top - The starvation death of an inmate at the Kentucky State Penitentiary at Eddyville has raised questions about prison medical care and how officials at the facility deal with hunger strikes. We talk with Brett Barrouquere of the Associated Press, who broke the story this week about the death of inmate James Kenneth Embry, who had three years left on a nine year sentence for drug offenses. Embry’s death has resulted in the firing of a prison doctor and the pending dismissal of two other staff members. 8:15 - Government officials in Lexington are trying to secure funding for a large renovation project in the city’s downtown, a makeover of Rupp Arena, the home of the Kentucky Wildcats and the surrounding complex. It brings to mind the some of the processes that led to the construction of Louisville’s new downtown arena, the KFC Yum Center, and that has come up in the discussions. We check in with Beth Musgrave of the Lexington Herald Leader has been covering the ongoing story. 15:10- This Sunday marks the beginning of Holocaust Remembrance Week. Here in Louisville, the Jewish Community Relations Council will hold an observance Monday night at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. It’s called “Pouring Out the Heart: Learning from Personal Holocaust Stories." WFPL's Rick Howlett spoke this week with two Holocaust survivors whose recollections are included in a locally-produced film that will be unveiled at the gathering. 19:30 - More working low-income Kentucky families will be able to get a state subsidy for child care after the General Assembly added funds in its recently concluded session. The legislature is giving $38.8 million to the program in the next fiscal year and $58.3 million the following year. But the state agency that manages the program is still analyzing its next steps before the new budget goes into effect in July. Last year, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services cut eligibility because of a budget deficit. Since the cuts, the number of children served through the program has dropped six percent each month. WFPL's Joseph Lord has details. 24:40 - This weekend, dozens of coffee shop employees will step out from behind the counter and stand in front of judges. They're heading to Seattle to compete in a variety of coffee competitions, from brewing to roasting to putting intricate designs in the milk on top of a latte. It's like the coffee olympics, and as WFPL's Gabe Bullard reports two local baristas are hoping to bring home top honors. 29:00 - Raising the minimum wage is a divisive issue, both nationally and closer to home – Louisville Metro Councilwoman Attica Scott is moving forward with an ordinance that would eventually raise local workers' hourly wages to $10.10 over the next three years. This piece from Back Story with the American History Guys looks at how the Great Depression led to the institution of a federal minimum wage, and how it affected the economy. 37:40 - WFPL's arts and humanities reporter Erin Keane talks about some noteworthy arts events happening locally in the near future, then we hear her feature report about the Louisville Underground Music Archive. She also speaks with cartoonist Ben Katchor, who is giving a lecture and teaching a workshop at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft on Sunday.

Here are the stories we discussed today on Byline: At the top - The 2014 Kentucky General Assembly ended this week. Lawmakers passed a two-year state budget and a new road plan. There was also final action on a bill to revamp Kentucky’s juvenile justice system. Gov. Steve Beshear’s push for expanded gambling and an overhaul to the state's tax code fizzled, though lawmakers gave tax relief to the state's bourbon industry. We discuss the ending of this legislative session with Kentucky Public Radio’s Jonathan Meador. 6:00 - This week, the Louisville Metro Police Department settled a whistleblower lawsuit filed by an officer who had raised questions about the handling of a murder case by Kentucky State Police. WFPL’s Phillip M. Bailey and Jonathan Meador have been investigating the chain of events that led to the suit filed by Officer Barron Morgan. 10:00 - There was a surprising turn of events this week in a murder trial in Jefferson Circuit Court. The judge presiding over the case against Dejuan Hammond declared a mistrial after Hammond’s lawyers complained that prosecutors failed to share with them a key piece of evidence. WDRB’s Jason Riley joins us on Byline to discuss the case and the Judge’s declaration of a mistrial. 14:20 - The growing inequality between the richest and the poorest Americans is a constant theme of political discussion, but few journalists have given it the level of attention that Matt Taibbi has. Taibbi visited Louisville this week to talk about his new book, The Divide: American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap. WFPL’s political editor Phillip M. Bailey sat down with Taibbi to talk about the role journalism plays in America’s view of crime and justice, wealth and poverty. 22:15 - As Kentucky tries to improve its public education system, one national voice continues to warn against many reforms she says are actually hurting students. Diane Ravitch was in town this week to accept the University of Louisville’s 2014 Grawemeyer Award for Education. Ravitch once worked in the U.S. Department of Education under presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. She now criticizes many education reforms that she once supported, like testing and charter schools. Ravitch joined us in-studio this week and spoke with WFPL’s education reporter Devin Katayama. 27:35 - The University of Louisville is a leading institution when it comes to breakthroughs in medical research. The research that led to the detection of cervical cancer in its earliest stages and the development of an electronic stimulator that can give mobility back to patients with spinal cord injuries didn’t begin in people, but rather in rodents. WFPL’s Jake Ryan visited University research facilities and filed a report. 30:45 - This summer, Carnegie Hall will present its first-ever LGBTQ-focused concert, headlined by violinist Tona Brown. This week she spoke to Jaison Gardner and Kaila Story, hosts of WFPL's Strange Fruit podcast, about the music she will play, the importance of transgender people in LGTBTQ history, and what it means to be Carnegie Hall's first transgender performer. 36:45 - More than twenty-five-thousand native Spanish speakers live in Louisville, and the city’s arts scene has been slow to embrace this growing population. But recently, Spanish-language theatre started experiencing a boom of its own. WFPL’s Erin Keane has more on Louisville’s first Spanish-language theatre. 40:45 - The annual New Voices Young Playwrights Festival opens next week at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Short plays by local middle and high school writers are selected for production by the theater's apprentice/intern company. Erin Keane has guests from Actors Theatre to talk about the plays. Also we have a clip form "What Not to Wed" by Male High School student Madisen Zirnheld.

Here is our Byline rundown for today: At the top - Former state Rep. John Arnold will not face punishment for charges that he sexually harassed three state employees over four years. A majority of the Legislative Ethics Commission voted this week to find Arnold guilty of violating state ethics laws by abusing his position as a public official, but under commission rules, there weren’t enough votes for a guilty verdict or to fine or sanction Arnold. Kentucky Public Radio’s Jonathan Meador explains the reactions and outcomes of these proceedings. 6:00 - Thunder Over Louisville is tomorrow. This year’s air and fireworks show comes amid concerns about public safety downtown following a spate of youth violence last month. We discuss it with WFPL’s Jake Ryan and Joseph Lord. 13:35 - In Kentucky, every school district has a finance officer, a person who watches the books and manages spending. But the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting has found that many of these officers lack the education and experience necessary for this kind of high-level financial work. We speak with the Center’s Kristina Goetz, who reported the story. 16:50 - A documentary that examines a turbulent period in the life of Muhammad Ali and the history of this country makes its television premiere Monday night as part of the PBS program Independent Lens. It’s called The Trials of Muhammad Ali and recounts Ali’s conversion to Islam, his resistance to the Vietnam War draft, and the Supreme Court ruling that kept Ali out of prison. The film was directed by Bill Siegel who joins us by phone from Chicago. 23:40 - It's been a week of anniversaries and closings in the Louisville restaurant world. To catch up on that, and other food news, WFPL's Gabe Bullard speaks with Eater Louisville editor Steve Hacker. 29:35 - The Jewish holiday of Passover begins Monday. It commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery thousands of years ago and their exodus from Egypt. One of the requirements of Passover is that observers not consume leavened foods. Kosher foods needed for Passover are available on many store shelves, but not everywhere. In this story, Rebecca Sheir explores the trials and tribulations of Passover in Alaska - the last frontier. 36:00 - A round up of local noteworthy arts events with WFPL's Erin Keane, including programs from The Louisville Orchestra, Voices of Kentuckiana, and the InKY Reading Series celebrating National Poetry Month. 38:30 - Breadcrumb Trail is the title of a new documentary about the legendary Louisville band Slint. Director Lance Bangs has been working on this project for decades. Bangs became interested in the band in 1991. He talks about his film in this excerpt from an interview with Sean Cannon from our sister station WFPK. 41:45 - In our arts segment, Erin Keane interviews the Director of Kentucky Shakespeare, Matt Wallace. The program has launched its expanded spring season - Shakespeare in the Parks.

Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline: At the top - A rash of violence and vandalism by dozens of teenagers in downtown Louisville last weekend has city officials trying to assure citizens that their streets are safe and trying to answer the question “why did this happen?” WFPL’s Jacob Ryan and Joseph Lord have details. 11:30 - Last December, the Louisville-based hospital and nursing home chain Kindred announced that its chairman and former chief executive Edward Kuntz would be quitting the board of directors in May. In the announcement, CEO Paul Diaz said he would miss Kuntz's guidance and advice. But actually, he won't have to go without it. Jim McNair with the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting has found out that the day before his retirement was announced, Kuntz agreed to a two-year consulting deal that will pay him $120,000 a year. He speaks with WFPL's Gabe Bullard about the story. 14:45 - Kentucky Public Radio’s Frankfort Bureau Chief Jonathan Meador joins us with the latest news from the Kentucky General Assembly, including the state budget talks, charter schools, heroin trafficking, and cannabis oil. 20:50 - For the second time in three years, the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats will play each other in the men’s NCAA tournament tonight. Courier Journal columnist and sportswriter Adam Himmelsbach joins us to speak with us regarding the highly anticipated game, and more. 29:30 - Kentucky. Louisville. Indiana. These may be three of the most repeated words every year during the NCAA basketball tournament. And tonight, the Louisville Cardinals meet the Kentucky Wildcats in Indianapolis. The winner will advance to Sunday’s Midwest Regional final in the NCAA men’s tournament. But as Greg Echlin reports, there has been something noticeably missing since the tournament began. 33:00 - Richie Farmer began serving a 27 month sentence this week at a facility in West Virginia. The 44 year old former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner pleaded guilty last year to corruption charges related to his two terms in that office. Rick Howlett has a report on the turns in Farmer's life. 37:20 - Arts segment with WFPL's Erin Keane. She discusses the annual Motherlodge Arts Exchange, Savage Rose's King Lear, and SWAN Day celebrating women in the arts. Then she speaks with choreographer Val Caniparoli, whose new work Spaghetti Western makes its world premiere in the Louisville Ballet's Complementary Voices program next weekend (April 4-5). Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline (full audio link below): At the top - A rash of violence and vandalism by dozens of teenagers in downtown Louisville last weekend has city officials trying to assure citizens that their streets are safe and trying to answer the question “why did this happen?” WFPL’s Jacob Ryan and Joseph Lord have details. 11:30 - Last December, the Louisville-based hospital and nursing home chain Kindred announced that its chairman and former chief executive Edward Kuntz would be quitting the board of directors in May. In the announcement, CEO Paul Diaz said he would miss Kuntz's guidance and advice. But actually, he won't have to go without it. Jim McNair with the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting has found out that the day before his retirement was announced, Kuntz agreed to a two-year consulting deal that will pay him $120,000 a year. He speaks with WFPL's Gabe Bullard about the story. 14:45 - Kentucky Public Radio’s Frankfort Bureau Chief Jonathan Meador joins us with the latest news from the Kentucky General Assembly, including the state budget talks, charter schools, heroin trafficking, and cannabis oil. 20:50 - For the second time in three years, the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats will play each other in the men’s NCAA tournament tonight. Courier Journal columnist and sportswriter Adam Himmelsbach joins us to speak with us regarding the highly anticipated game, and more. 29:30 - Kentucky. Louisv

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Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline: At the top - A lawsuit has now been filed challenging Indiana’s gay marriage law. The action was announced today by a law firm based in Louisville, which was also in the news this week with decisions affecting the future of same sex marriage in the Commonwealth. Joining us with the latest is WFPL online managing editor Joseph Lord. 8:45 - The Louisville Metro Ethics Commission on Thursday dismissed three complaints against Council President Jim King, saying two were untimely and the third lacked probable cause. The commission adjourned abruptly following an hour-long closed executive session after several community members interrupted proceedings, insisting that they be allowed to speak publicly on the matter. Kristina Goetz with the Kentucky Center for Invetigative Reporting and WFPL Political Editor Phillip M. Bailey explain the actions. Bailey also discusses the latest with "ban the box" legislation, and Hal Heiner's decision to run for governor of Kentucky. 17:20 - This is the final weekend of the regular season in men’s college basketball. Most conference tournaments begin next week, then March 16 will be selection Sunday, when teams find out when and where they’ll play in the NCAA tournament, and for some so-called bubble teams, whether they’ve put up the numbers and get an at-large bid from the selection committee. We check in with Tom Lane, sports anchor and reporter for WDRB TV and wdrb.com. 27:00 - She’s been in show business for more than a half century now, and at age 80 is showing no signs of slowing down. Joan Rivers is a comedian, talk show host, reality show star, author, jewelry designer, and much more. Later this month she will bring her stand-up show to Louisville’s Brown Theatre. Joan Rivers joined us by phone this week from New York to talk about her show - and a number of other topics. 36:00 - Have you ever replaced a broken egg in a carton at the grocery store? Well, unfortunately, in Kentucky anyway, you broke the law. Reporter John Null has more on a bill awaiting Governor Steve Beshear’s signature that aims to allow grocers to do the mixing and matching for you. 39:45 - Arts segment with WFPL's arts and humanities reporter Erin Keane. After a quick rundown of notable arts events in the area, Erin speaks with playwright Jordan Harrison. His new play, The Grown-Up, is in previews tonight and tomorrow at Actors Theatre of Louisville, and it officially opens on Sunday. He is a Humana Festival veteran - this will be his fifth play to have a world premiere in the annual new play showcase.

Here is our Byline rundown for today: At the top - There’s been no shortage of news over the past week from the Louisville Metro Council. Councilman David James’ eligibility to serve is being called into question. Then there are accusations that an aide to a Democratic council member has been working for the election defeat of another Democratic member. And as WFPL and the Center for investigative reporting first disclosed a week ago, the FBI has been questioning some council members and others on various matters. Our political editor Philip Bailey has the latest. 10:20 - Jonathan Meador joins us from Frankfort to talk about the week’s developments with the Kentucky General Assembly, including medical marijuana, cannibis oil, casino gaming, a smoking bill, and the state budget. 17:00 - A former Louisville prosecutor has been charged with criminal assault two months after the alleged incident, leading to questions of whether the delay was related to his political connections. Matt Conway previously worked in the county and commonwealth’s attorneys’ offices. He’s also the brother of Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway. R.G. Dunlop from the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting joins us to talk about it. 20:45 - Louisville’s Air Pollution Control District is beginning a reorganization process, sparked by several critical audits last year. The agency’s organizational chart will be changed, nearly all employees will have to reapply for their jobs, and several positions will likely be eliminated. The process has also drawn criticism from the Sierra Club, which maintains the APCD is targeting employees who have levied heavy fines against the city’s polluters, and the local union. APCD Director Keith Talley speaks with WFPL’s Erica Peterson about the reorganization process. 25:15 - WFPL's Joseph Lord checks in to discuss the latest developments with same sex marriage in Kentucky, and the JCPS Schools of Innovation project. 33:10 - The Academy Awards will be handed out this Sunday in Los Angeles. Joining us to run down some of the nominees and his winners’ picks is Robert Kahne, who co-hosts with Chris Ritter, WFPL’s Sound on Film podcast. 38:45 - After three years as president and CEO of the Fund for the Arts, Barbara Sexton Smith says she’ll retire from the Louisville-based organization later this year. Sexton Smith has been with the Fund in various capacities for 16 years, but three years ago she was appointed to replace longtime CEO Allen Cowan, who retired following controversy over an angry voice message he left for the head of the Louisville Visual Arts Association. Sexton Smith talks with WFPL's Rick Howlett about the decision. 43:15 - Lucas Hnath returns to the Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville this year. Hnath’s previous Humana Festival playwriting credits include last year’s high-flying apprentice showcase Sleep Rock Thy Brain and 2012’s Death Tax, which won a Steinberg New Play Citation from the American Theatre Critics Association. Hnath is back in this year’s festival with a new play commissioned by Actors Theatre, The Christians, directed by artistic director Les Waters. Hnath speaks with WFPL's arts and humanities reporter Erin Keane.

Here are the stories we discussed today on Byline: At the top - This week, federal judge ruled that Kentucky must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, striking down part of the state ban. In 23-page a ruling issued Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II concluded that Kentucky's laws treat gay and lesbians differently in a "way that demeans them." The constitutional ban on same-sex marriage was approved by voters in 2004. The out-of-state clause was part of it. WFPL Online Managing Editor Joseph Lord tells us what it all means and what’s next. 3:00 - Ten years ago, Kentucky's lawmakers and residents approved the amendment to the state constitution that banned same-sex marriage. Kentucky Public Radio’s Jonathan Meador has more on how the ban went from overwhelmingly popular to a political land mine in one decade. 7:00 - The same-sex marriage ruling is part of a larger effort for equality laws in Kentucky. Earlier this week, Fairness Campaign Director Chris Hartman told WFPL's Joseph Lord that the decision will substantially speed efforts to allow same-sex marriage in the state. 11:50 - The unrelated deaths of three female inmates at Louisville Metro Corrections in 2012 prompted an investigation by the Louisville Metro Police Public Integrity Unit, which found no criminal conduct, but concluded that two of the deaths could have been prevented and the lack of care in the jail contributed to the third woman’s death. Jason Riley and his colleagues at WDRB have been looking into the deaths and the police probe, and Jason joins us to talk about the findings. 16:10 - Welcome to Gitmo is an article written by freelance journalist Adam Hudson for the online magazine Louisville Lip. Hudson visited the prison on the U.S. military base in Cuba, that was established to house detainees suspected of terrorism or related crimes in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. More than a decade later Gitmo, as it’s commonly called, remains a highly secretive place. It’s a political football in Washington. Early in his first term, President Obama vowed to shut down the prison, but it’s future is still in doubt. Adam Hudson joins us to sift through the story. 21:55 - The documentary Film, American Promise, spans 13 years as Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, middle-class African-American parents in Brooklyn, N.Y., turn their cameras on their son, Idris, and his best friend. Both boys attended Dalton, one of the most prestigious private schools in NYC, and the country. The film chronicles the boys' divergent paths from kindergarten through high school graduation, presenting complicated truths about race, class and opportunity. Michèle Stephenson speaks with WFPL’s Jonathan Bastian about their story. 26:40 - Whether they opt for a traditional ceremony, something a bit more offbeat, or even a short courthouse certificate signing, pretty much every bride-and groom-to-be has an ideal wedding. But one couple in eastern Kentucky never imagined their wedding would take place…in a grocery store. Brendan McCarthy from the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting brings us this audio postcard of the Stacy's, who, with winter weather closing roads and courts, couldn't find a judge to sign their soon-to-expire marriage certificate -- until a lucky encounter at the Hazard Food City. 31:30 - In American history, we hear a lot about the red scare, the infamous 1950s campaign to root out communists within the federal government led by Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy. But McCarthy also led a campaign against gays and lesbians. In this clip from Backstory, historian Brian Ballough looks into the Lavender Scare, which led to thousands of LGBT government employees losing their jobs, shocking many beltway insiders. 39:00 - In the arts segment today, Erin Keane speaks with Archie Borders, Mike Fitzer and David Henry, the writing/directing/producing team behind the new film Pleased to Meet Me, which is based on the This A

Here are the topics covered in this edition of Byline: At the top - A Kentucky House committee has approved a ban on indoor smoking in public places and private businesses across the commonwealth. It would provide an exemption for open spaces, and will also apply to e-cigarettes. The bill now heads to a floor debate in the house. We take a look inside of legislative business this week with Kentucky public radio’s capitol bureau chief Jonathan Meador. 9:00 - Kentuckiana is in the midst of an extremely active winter. WLKY’s John Belski joins us to talk Polar Vortex:, snow, freezing rain, and everything winter. 17:35 - Most scientists dismiss the idea of creationism, or that a higher power created life as we know it. But the conversation hasn’t stopped selling seats. This week at the Creation Museum in northern Kentucky, its president Ken Ham discussed creationism with TV personality and science educator Bill Nye. Despite critics on both sides, the event sold out in a matter of minutes. WFPL’s Devin Katayama was at the debate and he gives us the full scoop. 21:10 - If all goes as planned, an organization called Mars One will establish a human settlement on Mars in about ten years. Colonists would be rotated in and out of the settlement every two years. Stephanie Bridges wants to participate in the project. She’s a University of Louisville student and has made the short list of Mars One applicants. WFPL’s Rick Howlett chats with Stephanie and discusses her dream to travel to the red planet. 27:35 - The soon to be opened Mercury Ballroom in downtown Louisville is stirring debate about its ability to coexist with other venues, most notably the similar sized Headliners Music Hall. Executives with Mercury Ballroom say it will be good for the city and owners of Headliners are welcoming the competition. Can Headliners withstand? Or will the city’s newest venue take center stage? WFPL’s Jake Ryan reports. 32:15 - President's Day is February 17th. Abraham Lincoln's actual birthday is next week, the 12th. We'll be bringing you pieces about history this month, and we start with this. Today we take a look at what Lincoln's assassination meant for a member of the Booth family who wasn't involved in the plot at all. 37:50 - Arts segment with WFPL’s arts and humanities reporter, Erin Keane. Erin discusses a recent Bunbury Theatre production of Sam Shepard’s play, Ages of the Moon, featuring Patrick Tovatt, an actor who worked extensively at Actors Theatre during the early days of the company. Then she speaks with Kate Lebo, a poet and pie expert who's managed to combine both of her passions into a crossover career.

Here is our Byline rundown for today: At the top - The stage is set for Kentucky’s primary elections. The deadline for major party candidates to declare for office was Tuesday. We talk about who’s running and who’s not in the local and state races with WFPL's Phillip Bailey, Joseph Lord, and Kentucky Public Radio Frankfort Bureau Chief Jonathan Meador. 10:40 - As mentioned, there are several races this year for seats in the Kentucky General Assembly. Kentucky Public Radio Frankfort Bureau Chief Jonathan Meador talks about the upcoming legislative races and this week’s developments in the Kentucky General Assembly. 18:15 - The effort to write a gay marriage ban into Indiana’s constitution cleared a major legislative hurdle this week, but not without a major change to the measure. We get an update from Brandon Smith, who covers the statehouse for Indiana Public Media. 22:15 - New state data shows that half of Kentucky’s kindergarten students are prepared for school when they enter the public education system. Though students in Jefferson County are slightly better prepared. This school year was the first year all kindergarten students in the commonwealth were tested for readiness. The state measured each child’s emotional and academic skills as they entered school. WFPL’s Devin Katayama has more. 27:45 - Our sister station Classical 90.5, WUOL, is launching a new feature in February that highlights the contributions of African American musicians to classical music in America. The series is produced and hosted by Classical 90.5's Daniel Gilliam. We hear one of the features examining the life and work of soprano Leontyne Price. 31:40 - In 1964, two high school students interviewed Louis Armstrong in his dressing room after a concert at Ravinia, outside Chicago. The interview went unheard until a recent episode of the radio series Blank on Blank. Armstrong talks about "keeping up the chops," and how he made it from an orphanage to becoming one of the most famous musicians in the world. 36:25 - WFPL's Arts and Humanities reporter Erin Keane speaks with Sarah Lindgren, the new Public Art Administrator for Metro Louisville, a post proposed in the city's public art master plan and added in the most recent metro budget. She started in January. And we close Byline with the brief story of how WFPK's Sean Cannon remixed an American kitsch classic with his celebrity-studded cover of The Super Bowl Shuffle.

Here is our Byline rundown for today: At the top - This week, Governor Steve Beshear released his state budget proposal for the next two years. Beshear has long said this would be the year he would re-invest in education, K through 12 education specifically. Funding has been about flat for years, and now the governor has made good on this pledge to address that. We hear from Kentucky Public Radio’s Capitol Bureau chief Jonathan Meador, along with WFPL's Devin Katayama, Joseph Lord, and Erica Peterson. 12:15 - Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear’s $20 billion budget includes nearly $190 million for K through 12 education, even at the expense of cuts to many other state agencies. And part of that funding for education is coming at the expense of the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System. Kentucky Public Radio’s Jonathan Meador says that the pension’s unfunded liability could bring about dire financial straits for the commonwealth. 16:45 - The number of Kentucky students taking college courses has increased in recent years. And many high school schools have formed partnerships with colleges and universities to help bridge the gap between the levels of education. But college readiness, which is a large part of Kentucky’s accountability system, is a hard thing to measure. Eminence High School in Nelson County is in its second year of a program that buses students to Bellarmine University. And next fall, Jefferson County’s Male High School is preparing to do the same. As WFPL’s Devin Katayama reports, Eminence students say it wasn't easy transitioning to a college campus and there were a lot of first year growing pains. 20:50 - There are a lot of legends in Louisville, from historical hijinks to supposed celebrity sightings, this is a town that likes a good story. But sometimes, these stories aren’t true. In the Louisville Lip, a new online magazine, Syd Bishop looks into one legend: the story of Al Capone’s riverside hideout. Gabe Bullard talks to him about it. 27:25 - There’s been talk for months of the split between the Tea Party and mainstream Republicans being a, quote “full blown civil war.” But division in political parties is nothing new. The GOP had another civil war, and it came right after THE Civil War, the war between the states. Backstory historians Brian Ballough, Peter Onuf and Ed Ayers have the story, which begins as the Civil War ends. 34:20 - The Louisville arts community lost a legend this week. Thomson Smillie, who led the Kentucky Opera to become one of the nation’s leading regional opera companies, died Saturday at the age of 71. A memorial service was held yesterday, featuring some of his favorite music and closest colleagues, friends and admirers. WFPL's Erin Keane was there, and prepared this audio postcard. 39:45 - Arts segment with Erin Keane. Erin talks about some local event highlights in the near future, then talks with Barbara Sexton-Smith of the Fund for the Arts, about their new fundraising campaign and a special event Tuesday to kick it off. We close the show with one more quick look-back at Thomson Smillie, via some candid and charming moments in the Louisville Public Media studios.