State of the News 1/20/12

State of the News got off to a start today with a discussion of Governor Beshear's recent signing of the controversial redistricting bill; Phillip Bailey had the details.  The lean state budget will impact many, and Devin Katayama reported on what it means for the University of Louisville.  Erica Peterson described the recent firing of the State Apiarist (Beekeeper), a move that has puzzled many.  Gabe Bullard explained what the state budget will mean for roads and transportation in Kentucky, particularly for bridges and a long-planned widening of I-65.  The mother of an autistic student in Mercer County arrived at school recently to find her son in a therapeutic bag, but he had been placed there for discipline, not therapy; Devin Katayama had details on the story and resulting furor amongst autism advocates.  We also reviewed the recent sandhill crane hunt in Kentucky, the progress of a methamphetamine bill, and the new Muhammad Ali Legacy Act, which establishes a federal grant program to preserve the legendary boxer’s humanitarian efforts.Kentucky Capitol Bureau reporter Kenny Colston joined us in segment two of the show to round up the activities of the week in Frankfort, including the budget address, redistricting, the gambling amendment, tax reform, and industrial hemp, among other topics.  Then we checked in with Courier-Journal reporter Jim Carroll from Washington, who covered Mitch McConnell's recent visit to Myanmar, where reform efforts seem to be progressing rather quickly.Finally, what's Friday afternoon without a little happy hour?  Courier-Journal writer Joseph Gerth discussed his recent profile of Falls City Beer, which is undergoing a rebirth with both improved quality and production being brought back to Louisville; cheers.