89.3 WFPL News Louisville

With President Donald Trump back in office, fossil fuels are again at the forefront of the nation’s energy policy. Trump posted on social media this week calling for more energy production with QUOTE “beautiful, clean coal,” prompting interactions from West Virginia’s governor and senior senator. West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Curtis Tate reports those ambitions are far from certain, even in the nation’s most coal-reliant state.

The government-funded cleanup after last year’s devastating flooding in eastern Kentucky left many feeling violated. Residents reported contractors destroying and removing property without permission. And with debris still littering and clogging streams, the region is more vulnerable to future disasters. Some have called the cleanup project a failure. Jared Bennett with the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting has more

Earlier this year, WFPL News aired a documentary called “A Critical Moment,” reported by Jess Clark and Stephanie Wolf. It’s a cross-examination of how Germany and the United States teach about their painful histories, and why. Mallory Noe-Payne, a reporter with RadioIQ in Richmond, Virginia, took on a similar project. Her podcast Memory Wars explores what Americans can learn from how Germany confronts one of its darkest chapters.

What’s the point of Metro Council’s proposed camping ordinance? by 89.3 WFPL News Louisville

Businessman Craig Greenberg will take over the reins of Louisville Metro Government when Mayor Greg Fischer leaves office in January.

Some candidates are using vague language to their advantage in their bid to win the education culture wars.

An interview with Louisville Inspector General Edward Harness by 89.3 WFPL News Louisville

Walgreens says it’s closing four of its Louisville-area stores next month. That will affect locations downtown and in the Taylor Berry, Beechmont and Pleasure Ridge Park neighborhoods. As WFPL’s Jacob Munoz reports, that could place a burden on residents who now need to travel farther for medications.

True or false? Tornadoes won't cross over rivers.

Could polio and measles make a comeback in Ky.? School vaccination rates say kids are vulnerable

Recovery after the July floods that devastated Eastern Kentucky is a long, slow process. Jared Bennett of the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting recently traveled to Clay County to learn why key resources from FEMA often don’t reach the communities that need them most.

From eerie trails to historic haunts, there is no shortage of spots in the region to get spooked for fun. The planning and creativity that goes into these places confirms they’re truly works of art.

Kentucky Irate Fest was slated for late August. But local heavy music bands started dropping out, citing poor treatment. Then artists rallied in the aftermath of Irate Fest’s cancellation to put on their own event. They hope to maintain that collaborative energy going forward.

Midwest providers navigate interstate abortion access as laws evolve

Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the shuttered Parkland Library in west Louisville.

City leaders and activists are reckoning with displacement, when new development causes higher living costs and pushes out longtime residents. In the Russell and Smoketown neighborhoods, local organizations are trying to help establish community land trusts, which can create stable affordable housing.

In Knott County, students and staff are returning to school this week after more than a month of waiting. Devastating floods in late July forced officials to delay the first day. Now, school communities are back together, grappling with loss, and finding hope in each other. WFPL’s Jess Clark reports.

Nearly three years ago, state officials found toxic ‘forever chemicals’ polluting the drinking water in the city of South Shore, Kentucky. Behind the scenes, the city and state worked to resolve the problem. But residents say no one told them they were drinking contaminated water. WFPL’s Ryan Van Velzer has this investigation by WFPL and The Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting.

Eastern Kentucky mutual aid groups try to fill FEMA gaps by 89.3 WFPL News Louisville

Louisville jail leaders and city officials have quietly kickstarted conversations about replacing the facility, a proposal that comes with a hefty price tag for taxpayers.