Jerry Abramson vowed to be the most active Lt. Governor of all time yesterday during inaugural festivities. He probably will. And it won’t take doing much to make us all forget about that Daniel whatsisname.
Still not a Priority: About 3/4 through his second inaugural address last night, in that hokey western Kentucky accent, Steve Beshear said this: “And a foundation which requires allowing the people of Kentucky to vote on expanded gaming within our borders.” That’s not exactly putting the pressure on the Kentucky Senate and David Williams. It’s not putting the hammer down and saying it’s a big priority. But let’s hope when Beshear finally talks with Williams, he’ll get a little tougher and move the issue forward.
Host’s Long Drive Home: Lexington to Louisville and back, 4 times a week, for 5 years, and never accepted a penny in reimbursements. That’s roughly 1,000 trips, or 150,000 miles, for a volunteer job. There would’nt be a downtown arena without my old boss Jim Host, who stepped down yesterday as chair of the Arena Board. (C-J)
Public Records Made Public: In the ongoing hospital merger saga, U of L and University Hospital finally turned over documents to county attorney Mike O’Connell that it had been withholding for some unknown reason. The records contain details of the agreement with Catholic Health Initiatives and a letter to Baptist East detailing the plan for doing sterilizations there. They hope to close the deal in just two weeks. Unlikely.
The Louisville Forum today at Vincenzo’s will feature five panelists involved in the merger.

The Real Crime: The Indiana youth sports photographer who got himself arrested for child porn got caught because he was doing creepy crap on his computer at the Corydon McDonald’s and fell asleep. At 3 a.m. That’s when an officer saw unsavory images on his computer. Lesson learned: If you’re a pervert, invest in home Internet service. (WAVE 3)
Death to the Death Penalty: In this WAVE3 Guest Editorial, activist Donald Vish points out flaws in Kentucky’s death penalty policies, a topic the legislature will be taking up next session.
More Blessings: Today the Blessings in a Backpack charity plans an announcement with JCPS. Founder Stan Curtis and JCPS Super Donna Hargens will hold a press conference.