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Crime, LMPD, Louisville, Politics March 2, 2017

A slightly bit of better news for LouisvilleKY’s crime rates

Louisville, Ky., – Louisville’s strategy for reducing violence in part by focusing on high-crime areas is showing progress, including a 13 percent reduction in aggravated assaults, 16 percent reduction in burglaries and 29 percent drop in robberies in those communities. Speaking today to Metro Council, Louisville Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad also cited a 49 percent increase in arrests over the past three months in the neighborhoods where violent crime has been highest, as well as a 50 percent increase in citations issued; and 58 percent increase in self-initiated police activity. He also noted that police have confiscated 207 guns…

In Jtown, protestors showed up to greet Mitch McConnell.

Events, Food and Dining, I Was There, Politics, Rick February 24, 2017

LouisvilleKY’s THE WEEK: From Tailspin to a Turtle’s Appearance, and on to the Gravy Cup,

Much was focused this week on Mitch McConnell’s appearance at a luncheon sponsored by the Jeffersontown Chamber. Plenty of protesters showed up at the Marriott, but none were able to get anywhere close to the Senator, who took only a few questions from the audience, mostly about healthcare. Of course, Mitch and his colleagues don’t like talking about a topic for which they don’t have an answer. But let’s move on to more pleasant topics, like how I’m never going to lose any weight with this kind of schedule. It all started Saturday at the Tailspin Ale Fest at Bowman…

2017-02-10 10.24.44

Business, Events, Food and Dining, I Was There, Media, Politics, Rick February 10, 2017

LouisvilleKY’s THE WEEK: A Sweet Artistic Treat For Your Sweetie

Perhaps the best, and surely the sweetest, treat of the week was last night’s reception at Cellar Door Chocolates. Two of the loveliest Rusty Satellite alumni have teamed up to offer Barnhart Bars, a series of chocolate bars packaged with artistic, romantic images of women. Erika Chavez-Graziano, the entrepreneur behind Cellar Door, and Jeaneen Barnhart, the local artist known for beautiful images of horses and women, debuted the Barnhart Bars at Cellar Door’s 4th Street location Thursday to an approving, capacity crowd. Chavez-Graziano described the care that has gone into creating the new product. The bars sell for $12. “We…

Jacob redevelopment

Culture, Education, Louisville, Politics, Real-Estate February 6, 2017

Mayor Fischer breaks ground on LouisvilleKY’s Jacob School redevelopment

Louisville, KY., – Mayor Fischer joined Councilwoman Marianne Butler to break ground on Bywater Development Group’s rehabilitation of the former Jacob School buildings in south Louisville. The comprehensive, historic redevelopment will create 58 affordable senior apartments. The two historic school buildings will be completely rehabbed, producing high-quality, energy-efficient apartments as well as the creation of common areas, activity spaces, a library/computer lab and other program areas. “The seniors living in these units will not only have a safe, affordable place to live but the community will also be glad to know that these historic buildings will be put back to…

Nieman

Events, Food and Dining, Politics, Rick, Sport February 3, 2017

LouisvilleKY’s THE WEEK: Despite All That, a Super Week

We’re only a few weeks into this Trump thing, and our focus seems to be jumping from one scary concept to another. My vote for the most troubling thing Trump said in the last week is his determination to “destroy” the Johnson Amendment. It may not sound like much, but it would allow churches across the country to become politicized and, I think, to become a focal point for campaigning. Trump wants to allow religious leaders, whose businesses are tax-exempt, to openly campaign for causes and candidates. Here at home, there were protests galore downtown in reaction to Trump’s immigration executive order,…

Photo by Bill Brymer

Louisville, Politics January 31, 2017

Another Day, Another Local Rally Against Trump’s Immigration Order

The group Indivisible KY held a rally on Tuesday in front of the Gene Snyder Federal Building in downtown Louisville. The focus of the rally was Kentucky’s senior Senator Mitch McConnell. Indvisible KY, a new statewide activist organization, complained that McConnell refused to listen to those urging Congress to “stop the ban on Muslim refugees entering the U.S. and to stop the planning of the construction of a wall on the Mexico border.” An estimated 250 participants attended the event, many holding telephones and signs asking McConnell to call them, a reference to the senator’s lack of communication with constituents about…

GLISchnatter

Business, Louisville, Politics January 26, 2017

John Schnatter Headlines LouisvilleKY’s Chamber Annual Meeting

(Louisville) – With a focus on innovation, Greater Louisville Inc.- the Metro Chamber of Commerce kicked off Annual Meeting at The Palace Theatre on Wednesday, January 25th, 2017.    “Innovation is the lifeblood of business evolution and evolve we must to fly high enough to escape the gravity of the status quo,” GLI President & CEO Kent Oyler told the audience of more than 1000 business, civic, and community leaders. “Winning means attracting and growing the industries of the future.” Founder and CEO of Papa John’s Pizza, John Schnatter, gave the keynote address and answered questions from the Founder and President of…

abramson

Education, Louisville, Politics January 19, 2017

Former LouisvilleKY Mayor Abramson to serve as executive in residence at Bellarmine

Louisville, KY., – Jerry Abramson, President Obama’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs — previously Kentucky’s lieutenant governor and Louisville’s longest-serving mayor — is joining Bellarmine University next week as an Executive in Residence. Dr. Doris Tegart, Bellarmine’s interim president, said Abramson will teach courses on leadership and civics and be available as a guest lecturer in other classes. He will also develop and direct a new institute for local government leadership, which will train elected local government officials from across the nation, including city council presidents and officials serving large urban counties. Working with organizations including the National League of Cities…

john yarmuth

Louisville, Politics January 18, 2017

Yarmuth’s Statement on Skipping Inauguration

Louisville, Ky., –  Kentucky’s Third District congressman, U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D) has announced that he will not be attending the inauguration this Friday of President-elect Donald Trump. Here is his official statement posted on his website: “As the transition of power is a hallmark that must be honored, this is not a decision I make lightly. It’s not my intent to protest the election results or to make a statement about policy. I will not be attending the inauguration because I believe the office of the President deserves our respect, and that respect must begin with the President-elect himself….