Barchester Towers by TROLLOPE, Anthony

The neighborhoods of Louisville's west end are undergoing a flurry of investment and development, and it could mean big changes for the area's residents. The city recently finished road improvements at 18th and Broadway. OneWest, a nonprofit created to promote commercial real estate development, bought properties near the site to spur growth. There's also a planned $35 million track and field complex and a $28 million YMCA branch under construction in the area. Friday's guests talked about those developments and possible effects for residents--both good and bad. Our guests were: - Lyndon Pryor - Chief Engagement Officer at the Louisville Urban League - Evon Smith - President and CEO Of One West - Jackie Floyd - Longtime Russell Resident

Citing soaring state pension obligations over the next four years, budget restrictions and few choices, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer says Metro government faces a serious fiscal shortfall and services and city employees could be casualties. Fischer is asking the Metro Council to increase the insurance premium tax or find a better solution. We talked about whether that proposal will benefit Louisville. Our guests were: Metro Council President David James (D) District 18 Councilwoman Marilyn Parker (R) University of Kentucky Economics Professor William Hoyt

Kentucky lawmakers have discussed medical marijuana bills in recent years, but measures have never gained enough momentum to pass the early stages of the state legislature. But two bills introduced this session, Senate Bill 170 and House BIll 136, would legalize the drug for medicinal use, creating exemptions for dispensaries and rules for how physicians could prescribe it. Both measures have bipartisan support, and Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has said he would support such a law depending on “how it’s written.” Host Rick Howlett and guests talked about medical marijuana and whether it has a chance to pass this legislative session. Our guests were: Justin Lewandoski - veteran of the war in Afghanistan and a medical marijuana advocate Dr. James Murphy - Clinical professor at the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine Michael Rouse - Founder of Kentucky Bluegrass Cannabis

Whether it’s the new toll bridges, potholes and construction along Dixie Highway or new electronic fare cards at TARC, transportation — or the lack thereof — plays a big role in many people’s lives in Louisville. In highway projects alone, Jefferson County spent $113 million in 2018, according to data from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. But when it comes to public transportation, people relying on the bus system still face challenges getting to where they need to go. Plus, a change to the Transit Authority of River City’s new fare system has caused delays and other disruptions for some riders. And major construction to improve Dixie Highway, which officials in 2017 said had a fatality rate three times that of similar state roadways, is set to finish this December. We talked about transportation and what's next for the city. Joining us were: Ferdinand Risco Jr. -- Interim Executive Director of the Transit Authority of River City Cathy Hinko -- Executive Director of the Metropolitan Housing Coalition Jeff O’Brien -- Director of Develop Louisville

It’s been 20 years since Louisville became the first Kentucky city to pass an ordinance making it illegal to discriminate in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We discussed the ordinance and how it has -- and has not -- changed things. We also review similar measures approved by 10 other cities across the state, and how these local initiatives coexist with new state laws allowing religious expression. Our guests were: - Lisa Gunterman — Fairness Ordinance Organizer - Chris Hartman — Director, Fairness Campaign - Alicia Pedreira — Fairness Ordinance Organizer - Dawn Wilson — Transgender Civil Rights Activist and member of the Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission

Soccer is big in Louisville. College basketball is huge. So why don't we have a major league team here? That's what we talked about this week on In Conversation, with these guests: Dan Issel, president of NBA2LOU, the business group trying to land an NBA team Kent Oyler, president of Greater Louisville Inc., the Louisville-area chamber of commerce Dr. Patrick Rishe, Founding Director of the Sports Business Program at Washington University in St. Louis The NBA's official position is that expansion isn't on the table. But Dan Issel, president of NBA 2 Louisville, has some doubts. "In talking to some current and former administrators in the NBA front office, their feeling is that expansion is inevitable," Issel said. "Because the owners are always looking for ways to make more money." He said revenue from things like ticket sales and TV contracts has to be split 50/50 between owners and players' associations. But expansion fees go directly into the owners' pockets. "So the feeling is, it's inevitable," Issel said. "Do we know the timeline? No." Kent Oyler from GLI says having an NBA team could attract talent to the city, and increase Louisville's national visibility. "We that live here know our city. We love our city. It's a great place, lots to do, lots of cultural attractions," he said. "But if you get out of the city, and you're trying to talk to somebody that's in Chicago, or Austin, or Denver, they've heard of Louisville, but they really don't know Louisville. We're just not on the radar screen out of town." He said it's important to attract new folks because Louisville's population numbers are flat, and there are around 27,000 open jobs. "And if we want to get more people moving here, they have to start thinking of us." In Conversation airs live on 89.3 WFPL, Friday mornings at 11. You can call the show during that hour at 502-814-TALK (8255).  

Soccer is big in Louisville. College basketball is huge. So why don't we have a major league team here? That's what we talked about this week on In Conversation, with these guests: Dan Issel, president of NBA2LOU, the business group trying to land an NBA team Kent Oyler, president of Greater Louisville Inc., the Louisville-area chamber of commerce Dr. Patrick Rishe, Founding Director of the Sports Business Program at Washington University in St. Louis The NBA's official position is that expansion isn't on the table. But Dan Issel, president of NBA 2 Louisville, has some doubts. "In talking to some current and former administrators in the NBA front office, their feeling is that expansion is inevitable," Issel said. "Because the owners are always looking for ways to make more money." He said revenue from things like ticket sales and TV contracts has to be split 50/50 between owners and players' associations. But expansion fees go directly into the owners' pockets. "So the feeling is, it's inevitable," Issel said. "Do we know the timeline? No." Kent Oyler from GLI says having an NBA team could attract talent to the city, and increase Louisville's national visibility. "We that live here know our city. We love our city. It's a great place, lots to do, lots of cultural attractions," he said. "But if you get out of the city, and you're trying to talk to somebody that's in Chicago, or Austin, or Denver, they've heard of Louisville, but they really don't know Louisville. We're just not on the radar screen out of town." He said it's important to attract new folks because Louisville's population numbers are flat, and there are around 27,000 open jobs. "And if we want to get more people moving here, they have to start thinking of us." In Conversation airs live on 89.3 WFPL, Friday mornings at 11. You can call the show during that hour at 502-814-TALK (8255).  

Soccer is big in Louisville. College basketball is huge. So why don't we have a major league team here? That's what we talked about this week on In Conversation, with these guests: Dan Issel, president of NBA2LOU, the business group trying to land an NBA team Kent Oyler, president of Greater Louisville Inc., the Louisville-area chamber of commerce Dr. Patrick Rishe, Founding Director of the Sports Business Program at Washington University in St. Louis The NBA's official position is that expansion isn't on the table. But Dan Issel, president of NBA 2 Louisville, has some doubts. "In talking to some current and former administrators in the NBA front office, their feeling is that expansion is inevitable," Issel said. "Because the owners are always looking for ways to make more money." He said revenue from things like ticket sales and TV contracts has to be split 50/50 between owners and players' associations. But expansion fees go directly into the owners' pockets. "So the feeling is, it's inevitable," Issel said. "Do we know the timeline? No." Kent Oyler from GLI says having an NBA team could attract talent to the city, and increase Louisville's national visibility. "We that live here know our city. We love our city. It's a great place, lots to do, lots of cultural attractions," he said. "But if you get out of the city, and you're trying to talk to somebody that's in Chicago, or Austin, or Denver, they've heard of Louisville, but they really don't know Louisville. We're just not on the radar screen out of town." He said it's important to attract new folks because Louisville's population numbers are flat, and there are around 27,000 open jobs. "And if we want to get more people moving here, they have to start thinking of us." In Conversation airs live on 89.3 WFPL, Friday mornings at 11. You can call the show during that hour at 502-814-TALK (8255).  

A state corrective action plan with Jefferson County Public Schools has gone into effect. The plan follows a scathing audit of JCPS — including concerns about security and culture — and helped the district to avoid a state takeover. That takeover was recommended by Dr. Wayne Lewis almost immediately after he was appointed Kentucky Education Commissioner. The move drew condemnation from civil rights groups and JCPS and the state later negotiated an agreement that averted a takeover. Join us as we talk about funding for charter schools, the state intervention at JCPS, new state education standards and education-related legislation. This week’s guest was: Dr. Wayne Lewis, Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner

Kentucky’s bourbon boom is showing no sign of fading, with both new and longtime distillers investing hundreds of millions of dollars in expansions and new projects. But the bourbon explosion comes with worries. Producers say escalating trade tensions could hurt the industry. This week, WFPL’s In Conversation with Rick Howlett checked the pulse of the industry with an hour-long talk with bourbon insiders — and with you. This week’s guests were: Susan Reigler, Bourbon writer Marianne Eaves, Master Distiller at Castle and Key Distillery Eric Gregory, Kentucky Distillers’ Association President

We’ll take calls from listeners and comments from social media, giving the community a platform to have their questions answered and hold elected officials accountable. The show will give people a space to talk — both to each other, and with the larger community. We also want your input on show topics. What are the important issues that aren’t being publicly discussed? Who do you want to hear from? What’s happening in your neighborhood? Send us your ideas through the form below, and we’ll let you know if we produce a show on the topic.