Rep. Westrom optimistic for bill against smoking inside most public spaces despite tough legislative landscape

by Kevin Wheatley – FRANKFORT — Last year’s 30-day legislative session was a breakthrough for Rep. Susan Westrom’s bill that would ban indoor smoking in most public places, passing the House in its first floor vote by a 51-46 margin. House Bill 145 ultimately met its demise without a hearing in the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection…

Ahead of Charter Schools Debate, Hargens Says JCPS Already Offers Choices

by JACOB RYAN – Superintendent Donna Hargens says Jefferson County Public Schools is working to ensure that Louisville families are aware of its offerings in anticipation of a new push for state charter school legislation. Republican Gov. Matt Bevin is a charter school supporter. The Republican-majority state Senate has approved a bill that would authorize charter schools every year…