The Louisville Metro Council has approved an ordinance allowing for the sale this summer of fireworks such as bottle rockets and firecrackers now permitted under state law.The ordinance comes with some restrictions. The fireworks could not be sold or set off by anyone under 18 and they could not be ignited within 200 feet of another person, animal or structure.The ordinance would expire November 1 to allow for more study.The original ordinance proposed by Democratic Councilwoman Madonna Flood would have banned the sale of such fireworks in the city, but it was amended in committee. Louisville Fire Chief Greg Frederick spoke against allowing the sales, saying the more powerful fireworks pose a safety hazard.Ordinance supporters say Kentuckians have long been buying the fireworks in Indiana and Tennessee.Mayor Greg Fischer says he wants to review the ordinance before deciding whether to sign it.In other business last night, the council approved a $500 million budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. It adds about $2.5 million in spending for various agencies to the plan submitted by Mayor Greg Fischer. The increase is based on higher revenue projections.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.