Studio 619 for October 21, 2007

Delinquent Child Support PublicationIn 2005, Jefferson County Attorney Irv Maze made the bold move to publish the names of people who owed back child support. Although some criticized the effort, the supplement in the Courier-Journal newspaper caused a sell-out of that edition and calls poured into the County Attorney’s Office. A new list was issued last year.The lists from 2005 and 2006 have been attributed with bringing in almost two million dollars in back child support. This year’s list of dead beat parents is due on October 28th. WFPL’s Heidi Caravan spoke with Maze about the program and why it’s successful.Smoking banIt’s been three months since Louisville’s smoking ban went into effect. Before the change, some bar and restaurant owners were crying foul, saying their businesses would be negatively affected by the ban. WFPL’s Julie Goodwin looked into how the ban has been enforced and what it’s meant for Louisville businesses.Colin ThubronThe Silk Road, just the name is enough to conjure up exotic images of lush fabrics, intense spices, and foreign lands of long ago. Award-winning travel writer Colin Thubron wondered what the journey would be like today, so in 2003 he set out to follow the modern day equivalent of the Silk Road.Join WFPL’s Robin Fisher as she talks with Thubron about his travels from Xian, China to Antioch, Turkey and his new book, "Shadow of the Silk Road".A Day in the LifeIf you haven’t been to the Hall of Justice in downtown Louisville, it’s probably because you haven’t had to pay a fine or attend a court hearing. WFPL’s Heidi Caravan recently went to the Hall of Justice voluntarily – to shadow Judge Michele Stengel during warrant court. Presiding over warrant court is one of the many duties for Judge Stengel. Listen in as we explore a day in the life of a district court judge.Listen to the show.