- "Senate President David Williams, who lost a bid for governor this year, will keep his leadership position in the legislature. Williams, a Burkesville Republican who has headed the Senate since 2000, said after a retreat Thursday for Senate Republicans that there will be no leadership changes in the Senate. He said no Republican leader faced a challenge." [Bluegrass Politics]
- "The Louisville Metro Council will continue contributing money to indigent care at University of Louisville Hospital. The city gives about $9.6 million to the hospital every year to care for the poor. Earlier this week, four members of the Budget Committee tabled a payment to the hospital due largely to questions over how the money is spent. They also wanted answers about any potential changes to care, visitation rights and employee benefits that may happen if the hospital merges with Jewish/St. Mary’s Health System and Catholic Health Initiatives." [WFPL]
- "The caucus leaders of the Louisville Metro Council have asked Mayor Greg Fischer to clarify the role of high-profile contributor Tommy Elliott in making mayoral appointments. And some city lawmakers could also request Elliott testify before the government accountability committee next year." [WFPL]
- "'Kentucky is at the bottom of the heap as far as animal cruelty laws,' said Pam Rogers with the U. S. Humane Society. 'We rank 50th.'"[WAVE 3]
- "The Speed Art Museum will close for three years during the first phase of its $44 million renovation beginning next October, according to a news statement." [Courier-Journal]
- "Mayor Greg Fischer has vetoed the latest fireworks ordinance that would lift the ban on heavier fireworks like roman candles and bottle rockets. The move may come as a surprise. Fischer previously stated the issue was a decision the Metro Council should decide. The council voted to approve the use of heavy fireworks last summer. The council then approved an ordinance to ban those same fireworks last month. The latest ordinance to lift the ban was approved by the council on Dec. 8, but rejected Thursday by Fischer." [WFPL]
- "29-year old anti-tolling activist Shawn Reilly filed his letter of intent this morning to run for state Senate in the 19th District. Last month, 23-year state Senator Tim Shaughnessy (D-Louisville) unexpectedly announced that he will not seek another term." [LEO Weekly]
- "After Jefferson County Public Schools mailed around 6,500 ACT Explore 8th grade test scores to wrong addresses, the district is now asking parents to shred tests they’ve received that contain another child’s score. JCPS officials recognized the error on Wednesday after parents called, wondering why they were mailed scores for children who weren’t theirs." [WFPL]
Photo: Zach Everson
