- "House Speaker Greg Stumbo said Wednesday that the legislature is unlikely to tackle any gambling related legislation this session, which begins next week. Proponents of expanded gambling have pushed the legislature to change the law to allow for video lottery terminals, or VLTs, at the state’s race tracks. However, those efforts have been stymied by the Republican-controlled Senate over the past several years." [Bluegrass Politics]
- "Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, on Wednesday unveiled his proposal for immigration reform, which mirrors the Arizona immigration law that is being challenged in a federal appeals court. Williams, who is running for governor next year, wants to require local law enforcement to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. A federal judge in July blocked Arizona from enforcing such a provision after the federal government sued the state. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals last month heard arguments in the case but has not ruled. The law is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court." [Courier-Journal]
- "Insight Communications, whose franchise agreement with the city is up for renewal next year, has offered free tickets and access to a luxury suite to several Louisville Metro Council members for Friday's basketball game between the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. Two council members — Democrats Dan Johnson and Bob Henderson — say they are considering paying the $35 face value of the tickets to attend, despite an opinion from Louisville Ethics Commission Chairman Jonathan Ricketts that accepting the tickets could violate city ethics laws." [Couier-Journal]
- "A federal bankruptcy court denied the Louisville Orchestra's request to escape its contract with musicians on Wednesday, complicating the financially beleaguered organization's bid to reorganize through Chapter 11. Judge David T. Stosberg's ruling means that the orchestra must continue to pay its musicians through the end of the current contract on May 31, 2011. The estimated cost of salaries and benefits through the duration of the contract is $650,000. The next payday is Friday." [Courier-Journal]
Photo: Courtesy Williams – Farmer 2011
