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This week, your Sustainability Now! host, Justin Mog, sits down with Robert LeVertis Bell, a JCPS teacher who has recently announced his candidacy for the open Kentucky House District 43 race. Bell's experience includes social justice activism, teaching in JCPS, and leadership in the Shelby Park Neighborhood Association and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). In late July, Robert LeVertis Bell, a community organizer and veteran of Louisville's progressive movement, announced his campaign to represent Kentucky House District 43 in the 2026 Democratic primary. Bell, a 45-year-old West Louisville native, is a seventh grade English teacher. In 2022, Bell ran for the same seat and lost narrowly to incumbent Pam Stevenson, despite the death of his mother at the end of the campaign and the full weight of the Democratic establishment backing his opponent. This time, the seat is open, as Stevenson is vacating it to run for US Senate. Bell is entering the race at a moment of rising momentum for democratic socialist candidates across the country. His campaign draws inspiration from New York Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani's recent upset victory in the New York City mayoral primary, where Mamdani, backed by DSA and a coalition of labor and progressive organizations, defeated a prominent establishment figure on a platform of housing justice and public investment. Bell's political roots run deep—he is the grandson of Louisville civil rights legend Mattie Jones. He currently teaches English at Frederick Law Olmsted Academy North, an all-boys public school in South Louisville where Bell had also served as a JCTA union representative. Bell's platform centers around four key planks: strong schools, safe and affordable housing, and real political power for working people. His proposals include: • Raising the minimum wage and cracking down on wage theft • Funding high-paying jobs in public schools for professional educators to teach children with best practices rather than relying on screens and AI. • Expanding union rights and collective bargaining across the public and private sectors • Fully funding public schools and universal Pre-K • Expanding renter protections, including local control over tenant laws and a pathway to rent control • Repealing Kentucky's anti-trans legislation (SB 150) and restoring abortion rights • A Kentucky Green New Deal that resists data center pollution, reins in LG&E, and pushes for public ownership of utilities • Securing local revenue authority for Louisville and reversing state interference The primary election is coming up on May 19, 2026 and all 100 seats in the Kentucky House will be on the ballot next year. More information on Bell and his platform can be found at https://www.bell4ky.com Additional links: Democratic Socialists of America: https://www.dsausa.org Louisville DSA: https://www.dsalouisville.org Forward Radio does not endorse any particular candidates or pieces of legislation, but we do endorse an informed electorate. We offer equal air time to all candidates for any given seat. As always, our feature is followed by your community action calendar for the week, so get your calendars out and get ready to take action for sustainability NOW! Sustainability Now! is hosted by Dr. Justin Mog and airs on Forward Radio, 106.5fm, WFMP-LP Louisville, every Monday at 6pm and repeats Tuesdays at 12am and 10am. Find us at https://forwardradio.org The music in this podcast is courtesy of the local band Appalatin and is used by permission. Explore their delightful music at https://appalatin.com
Previewing the 145th Fancy Farm picnic, legislators discuss housing and workforce development, Kentucky's first medical cannabis dispensary is approved, Sen. McConnell explains why he's tabling his fight to close a loophole that legalized hemp, and the superintendent for the state's largest public school district hosts a listening session.
Measles cases spread in Central Kentucky, the superintendent of JCPS talks budget cuts and transportation, the state's first AI summit focused on education, and how Lake Cumberland became known as the "Houseboat Capital of the World."
Terry Brooks is joined by Dr. Marty Pollio, former superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and incoming president of Ivy Tech Community College, to discuss the state of K-12 education, reflections from his time at JCPS, and opportunities for all community members to continue supporting kids in school settings. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.
GE Appliances President and CEO Kevin Nolan says a move to bring expanded laundry machine production to Louisville, from China is part of the company's ‘zero-distance' business strategy.We talk about the move and the strategy with LBF Senior Reporter Joel Stinnett on this week's Access Louisville podcast.As Stinnett reported on Thursday, GE Appliances is spending $490 million to expand its local footprint and create an additional 800 full-time jobs at Appliance Park. The investment will move production of the GE Profile Combo Washer/Dryer and the GE Profile UltraFresh Front Load Washer from China to Building 2 at Appliance Park, located at 4000 Buechel Bank Road.The strategy seeks to make appliances as close as possible to our customers and consumers and "aligns with the current economic and policy environment,” Nolan said in a news release announcing the investment.GE Appliances is Louisville's eighth-largest employer, according to Louisville Business First research, with 8,400 local employees. The company has been at Appliance Park, which is more than 6 million square feet on 750 acres, since 1953. The park houses GE Appliances' technology and engineering center, industrial design, distribution center, warehouse operations and production of washers, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators.The company was spun off from General Electric and acquired by China-based Haier in a $5.4 billion deal in 2016.The expansion comes one year after GE Appliances laid off 4% of its global salaried workforce, citing an appliance industry that was, “even more challenging than anticipated.”JCPS news and moreLater in the show we talk about Yum Brands Inc.'s donation of its 28.4-acre campus at 1441 Gardiner Lane to Jefferson County Public Schools. Stinnett spoke with JCPS Marty Pollio about the donation recently. After nearly 30 years as an educator, Pollio doesn't shock easily, as you can imagine. But he told Stinnett he was floored by the generosity of the gift. “This donation from Yum Brands is the equivalent of a brand new elementary school at JCPS that we will be able to build as a result of this,” Pollio said. “That generous gift will impact generations of young people in this community.”Pollio's last day as superintendent was June 30. His replacement, Brian Yearwood, started July 1. For the last segment of the show we talk about gas stations — including a new location for Wawa and the sale of the former Thornton's property in Downtown Louisville.Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. It's available on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify (which are linked above.)
How the war between Israel and Iran could impact Kentuckians, the state's federal delegation remains split on U.S. involvement, a well-known Democratic attorney says he plans to challenge Congressman Rogers, why a federal prison in Eastern Kentucky may be delayed yet again, and a multi-million dollar gift to JCPS.
Sen. Bledsoe discusses FCPS' attempt to raise the occupational tax, a bipartisan bill to promote opioid recovery clears the U.S. House, Kentucky's gas tax is falling again, honoring Kentucky officers killed in the line of duty, and feeding children during the summer.
A tornado kills at least one person in Washington County, a longtime state senator switches parties, McConnell talks Medicaid changes and about the "big beautiful bill," the state's largest public school district hires a new superintendent, and a new office with advanced technology to test hay.
This week Jazmin and Robert talked about two major Louisville stories: the Trump administration's decision to seek a dismissal of the consent decree with LMPD and JCPS hiring a new superintendent.
Sen. McConnell tours tornado damage in Laurel County, UK HealthCare talks about what cuts to Medicaid would be for the state, Kentucky's Attorney General heads to the southern border, JCPS works to negotiate a deal with the next superintendent, and trauma-informed care that is adventurous.
It's the Memorial Day weekend monologue. God Bless those who gave all.In local news, there could be a new JCPS superintendent...one with an NDA from his previous employer. Shouldn't we know what's in that NDA before we hire him?This weekend launch into summer means swimming. the lake. ribs. cobbler. maniacs on the highways. broken news embargoes.FLASHBACK: MUHAMMAD ALI once went unnoticed by a teenage clerk. GOAT moment like no other.Let's revisit the Porky Pig House.Enjoy the monologue, peeps.
A group of Kentucky students say the education system has failed them and want a judge to allow their lawsuit against the state to continue, a lawsuit against a new vaping law in Kentucky is dismissed, JCPS adopts a policy banning cell phones, and three Kentucky teens are honored for their heroic actions.
A new report says 2025 is so far the wettest year on record for the state of Kentucky, why Mammoth Cave National Park could soon get bigger, and who Gov. Beshear is reportedly encouraging to run for Kentucky's Sixth Congressional District.
JP Lyninger is a proud JCPS graduate of Dupont Manual High School, as well as the University of Louisville. J.P. Lyninger has spent much of his time Fighting for a better Louisville at protests against police violence, anti-war rallies, direct actions, and standing in solidarity with workers on picket lines. JP is a long-time activist and organizer. In 2022, he served as campaign manager for Shelby Park resident Robert LeVertis Bell's campaign for State Representative. Later that year, JP managed Access For All KY's “No On 2” campaign, working in coalition with other campaigns to successfully defeat Amendment 2's permanent ban on abortion access in Kentucky. JP Lyninger is an active and engaged member of the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. While currently a rank-and-file member of the chapter, he has previously held various leadership offices, including three terms as chapter Co-Chair. JP Lyninger is currently a member of the Louisville Metro Council representing District 6. JP ran for Metro Council because he knows a better world is possible. Louisville needs big changes to reverse economic and racial inequality. Louisville needs leaders ready to fight for the working class against budgets that prioritize tax deals for wealthy real estate developers over public transportation and basic infrastructure. JP is ready to fight with you for District 6, and for the needs of the working class across our city. In 2025, he serves as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Efficiencies of Boards & Commissions, Budget, Government Oversight/Audit & Appointments, and Parks & Sustainability Committees.
Frankfort's mayor says he's optimistic a federal disaster declaration will be signed to help with flood cleanup, the Kentucky Mesonet at WKU opens a new weather station, Justice Pamela Goodwine makes history with the Kentucky Supreme Court, and a new program is working to get high school students plugged in to jobs for electricians.
This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.Part I (00:13 - 13:55)AG Pam Bondi Moves for Death Penalty for Luigi Mangione: Look at the Response – No, the Death Penalty is Not State-Sponsored MurderAttorney General Directs Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty Against Luigi Mangione by The Wall Street Journal (Corinne Ramey and C. Ryan Barber)Part II (13:55 - 22:24)The Speaker Forces the Issues of Proxy Voting: Having a Baby is a Reasonable Accommodation Consideration, But Its Failed Proposal Says A LotSpeaker Johnson suffers a defeat in his push to block parents in the U.S. House from proxy voting by The Associated Press (Lisa Mascaro and Leah Askarinam)Part III (22:24 - 29:13)Kentucky Bans Cell Phone Use in Schools: House Bill 208 is an Important Move for Kentucky Schools – But Parents Have a Major Responsibility Here As WellSchools must ban cellphones under new KY law. What does that mean for JCPS? by Courier Journal (Krista Johnson)Sign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.
Host K.A. Owens shares a message for American allies overseas, discusses a future for fired Federal employees, discusses Europe and the Ukraine and congratulates retiring Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Polio. Recorded Friday February 28, 2025, 3PM.
This week Robert and Allison Wiseman talked about the JCPS superintendent search as well as several bills making their way through the legislature.
I made a post on social media that ruffled some feathers. I make the case of why we should pass HB 254. Finally, JCPS had another case of an elementary school kid bringing THC gummies to school.
We are back for Season 3 with our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, and guest Trevin Bass. Trevin is the newly elected JCPS Board Member representing District 4 (Shively area). A product of the JCPS system, he is passionate about using his voice to help others. The duo discusses the current Superintendent search, transportation issues, and new ways to make schools equitable for all.Bass graduated from Spalding University with a BA in Psychology. He is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., and advocates for mentoring the youth. He is a former PTA President.
Transportation issues with Jefferson County Public Schools have resulted in cuts, lawsuits and hardships for families trying to get students back and forth to school. On this episode, we talk about JCPS and transportation. How do other cities handle it? And how does our own system compare? Our guests are Jess Clark, who covers education for LPM, and Sebastian Martinez Hickey, an analyst and researcher with the Economic Policy Institute.
Volunteers from Kentucky are helping battle wildfires in California, a Kentucky native reflects on his activism alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., meet another new member of the Kentucky General Assembly, an a new after-school program that's working to close achievement gaps.
In this episode, we dive into the contentious issue of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in schools. Are they fostering inclusion or perpetuating division? We focus on a recent controversy in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), where the Chief Equity Officer made sweeping claims about an entire race. State Senator Lindsey Tichenor (R-Smithfield), representing Kentucky's 6th District, joins us to discuss the implications of this incident and what actions the State Legislature might take to address these concerns. If you would like to interview Richard Nelson, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Policy Center, please email richard@commonwealthpolicy.org. Like and Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/commonwealthpolicy Follow us on Twitter: @CPC4Kentucky E-Newsletter: https://www.commonwealthpolicycenter.org/mailing-list/
K.A. Owens interviews Vincent Gonzalez-former co-host of "Community Control Now". There are comments on the KY Alliance Against Racist And Political Repression December 31, 2024 New Years Eve Party, the 2024 Protect Our Schools Campaign and evaluations of Jefferson County Public Schools. Recorded Friday January 3, 2025, 10PM.
Gov. Beshear says he agrees with the state's attorney general that taxpayers shouldn't fund reassignment surgeries for inmates, Sen. Paul suggests Elon Musk for House Speaker, what's next for a legislative task force focused on JCPS, and an interview with the state's incoming Senate Majority Floor Leader.
Sen. Paul threatens to hold uf a government funding bill, a Louisville Democrat says he's ready for Kentucky's 2026 Primary, a state senator discusses a new incentive for state workers, and a historic Kentucky home is decked out for Christmas.
This week Jazmin and Allison Wiseman got together to discuss several items including the task force which may some day break up JCPS.
Journalists from around the state discuss the news of the week with host Bill Bryant, including expected legislative priorities during the 2025 General Assembly. Guests: Sylvia Goodman, Kentucky Public Radio; Austin Horn, Lexington Herald-Leader; and Liam Niemeyer, Kentucky Lantern.
JCPS is asking the Legislature to allow them to hire non-English speaking drivers. The JCPS Task Force wraps up with nothing to say. Already getting some news on the 2026 Senate Race in KY. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrew-cooperrider/support
This week Logan Gatti joined Robert to talk about the Louisville Democratic Party, and the pair talked about the news of the week.
A state task force looking to overhaul JCPS asks for more time to complete its work, how one of the youngest incoming lawmakers in Kentucky is making a name for himself, how LMPD is investing in their own, more help for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and how you can help keep a child safe and warm this winter.
Lawmakers and students say the state needs to do more to crack down on underage vape sales, a task force looking to overhaul JCPS has no plans of winding down, recognizing family friendly schools, a KY county is losing hundreds of coal jobs, and visiting an art gallery that doubles as a speakeasy.
There's good news and bad news but KPW has it all. We've for JCPS issues, leadership elections, Trump appointments, and a fugitive wallaby.
Outgoing Senator Westerfield once again shows his TDS syndrome. A House Rep. tells voters that they should have no opinion on Leadership in the House. Chief Diversity Officer of JCPS says something extremely racists. John Oliver decides the most important thing about Kentucky is the transgenders. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrew-cooperrider/support
When our expectations of being a teacher don't align with our realities, that's when we're in the disillusionment phase of teaching. In today's episode, I'm diving into what the disillusionment phase is and then providing you with practical strategies that will help you get relief. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/disillusionment-phase-2 Chatty Class Rescue Bundle: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/rescuebundleSP Phases of First-Year Teaching by Ellen Moir: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4298/JCPS/4089317/Phases_of_First_Year_Teachers.pdf Sleep and Mental Health Article: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mental-health Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're feeling extra loving, I would be so grateful if you would leave a positive review for the show! Your kind words mean the world to me. Just click here to leave your review now (and be entered into our draw for a $25 Amazon Gift Card)! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beginning-teacher-talk/id1456137677 I hope you have a wonderful week, and remember - just because you are a beginning elementary teacher, there is no need for you to struggle like one. Xo Lori P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist
What a legislative task force is learning about the reaons for Kentucky's housing crisis, what lawmakers are learning from an audit of JCPS, why a mother with Kentucky ties says school choice is working for her family, takeaways from the annual SOAR Summit, and how to get more young women into aviation.
A family court judge discusses Kentucky's new state truancy law, the Attorney General's office is launching a new office in Louisville, new affordable housing in Lexington, more than $18 million is going to several cities for infrastructure projects, and a Grammy-winning artist is donating her life's work to a Kentucky college.
A medical helicopter crashes in Northern Kentucky killing three people, why strong hurricanes are becoming the new normal, a complaint against a state lawmaker is dismissed, EKU's partnership with an airline, and a UK doctor receives the so-called "Genius Grant."
Utility workers deployed out-of-state are helping communities hit hardest by Helene, Kentuckians mark one year since Hamas attacked Israel, lawmakers view data showing how JCPS graduates fare after high school, Kentucky's Secretary of State launches a campaign to increase early voting, and go inside a testing lab that was the first in the state to get a medical cannabis business license.
This week Robert and Allison Wiseman sat down to discuss several issues throughout the state, including Marty Pollio's retirement, a US Department of Education report about JCPS's discipline of Black children, and Craig Greenberg's decision to enforce an old ordinance about face masks. In addition, Robert interviewed Zack Hall, the Democratic candidate in District 84, which includes Perry, Breathitt, and Owsley Counties. He spoke about running as a Democrat in a southeastern Kentucky district, and what issues he hopes to impact in Frankfort.
Like many area schools, JCPS canceled classes for today posting: Due to forecasted inclement weather, there is no school for students and staff on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. There will be no NTI for students. Then we looked at the Facebook comments. There were a lot of people who were applauding the decision, then there were others
JCPS celebrates getting kids home by 7pm. Perhaps they could have gotten them home sooner if the hadn't been focused on everything but what their jobs are. South Korea is looking at laws to limit where EVs can park due to fires. Should we be concerned about the South Korean EV battery plant being built in Kentucky? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrew-cooperrider/support
Happy first day back to school for JCPS! We have fun imagining what different school mascots might sound like. In Group Therapy, Tricia has a feeling her boyfriend is going to propose on their 5th anniversary and she DOESN'T want him to. Or does she? And we play everyone's favorite game, Little Kid or Drunk Adult! Plus TBT!!!!
Rep. Daniel Grossberg has more bad press, as his advice columnist persona "Sketchy Dan" becomes public. You'll never guess was his defense is. JCPS is being sued for racists bus schedules. The KY Capitol building is costing 5x more to renovate than it did to build. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrew-cooperrider/support