Friday January 30, 2026
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In a continuous effort to keep families and their children safe from lead-based paint and other home health and safety hazards, Lead Safe Louisville, a partnership between the Office of Housing and Community Development and the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness., received $2.9 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to eliminate lead hazards that exist in both owner-occupied and rental units. HUD awarded more than $127 million to 48 state and local government agencies
The grant funding announced today will reduce the number of children with elevated blood lead levels, and protect nearly 7,600 families living in homes with significant lead and other home health and safety hazards. HUD’s Lead Based Paint Hazard Control grant programs have a proven history of success, filling critical needs in communities where no other resources exist to address substandard housing that threatens the health of the most vulnerable residents.
Today in Washington, DC, HUD Secretary Ben Carson announced the new funding during an event that featured a panel discussion about the importance of public and private partnerships to the work of healthy homes. With HUD celebrating June’s National Healthy Homes Month, Carson said he wants to make lead paint hazard removal a top priority.
In a national release HUD Secretary Ben Carson said, “Children perform better at school and in life if they live in a healthy home. A healthy start at home translates to a successful life outside of the home. HUD is committed to working with local communities to eradicate lead paint poisoning to make sure our homes are safe and ensure positive outcomes for families and their kids.”
Also in that release, Jon L. Gant, Director of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes said, “Millions of families and children are seeing their hope for the future threatened by poor health simply because of where they live. This round of funding includes awards to eight cities that are receiving grant awards for the first time. We are pleased the program is expanding into these previously unserved communities.”
Housing improvements, such as removing lead help prevent injuries and illnesses, reduce associated health care and social services costs, reduce absentee rates for children in school and adults at work, and reduce stress—all which help to improve the quality of life.
The purpose of the Lead-Safe Louisville Program is to eliminate lead hazards that exist in both owner-occupied and rental units in the Metro Louisville area, especially those in which children under six years of age reside. Houses and apartments built before 1978 are most likely to have lead-based paint which can create a hazard to its inhabitants. Key risk factors are chipping or peeling paint on doors, windows, woodwork or exterior siding. Children are particularly prone to lead poisoning in such environments.
Eligible units are based on the following:
- Built prior to 1978
- A child 5 years or younger or pregnant woman lives in the home or a child 5 years or younger visits a minimum of 6 hours a week
- Occupant is low income 80% AMI based on size of family
For more information on Lead Safe Louisville, please call 574-1965 or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing-community-development/lead-s…
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio today announced the launch of his new online video series: the JCPS Weekly Wrap Up. The new series provides Dr. Pollio and the district with an added strategy to communicate better with JCPS families, employees and the entire community.
“The JCPS Weekly Wrap Up is another important tool we now have to provide news and information to our school families and community,” Dr. Pollio said. “It’s been a great first week. The enthusiasm I’ve felt from our community has been extremely welcoming and only inspires me to work even harder to move our district forward.”
Each Friday, Dr. Pollio will provide key updates on district- and school-level initiatives and how he’s working to continue moving JCPS forward. In his video released today, Dr. Pollio shared the following highlights:
- Dr. Pollio spent time Wednesday with JCPS Early Childhood teachers and students during the kickoff of JCPS Camp Ready4K at Unseld Learning Center;
- He announced Friday morning that Dr. Carmen Coleman—an expert in implementing deeper learning strategies—will serve as the new JCPS acting chief academic officer;
- And Dr. Pollio also announced Friday that he will not fill the JCPS chief business officer position and will instead redirect those funds to JCPS schools.
The JCPS Weekly Wrap Up video series will be featured on Dr. Pollio’s Twitter page and the district’s social media outlets. Watch the JCPS Weekly Wrap Up here.
On Saturday, July 8th, Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will joined the family, friends of the late Jimmy Ellis to unveil an honorary sign at 3rd Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard to commemorate his life and legacy.
“Metro Louisville is ready to show the world that Jimmy Ellis was another of our local sports greats. He left us all too soon,” says Sexton Smith. “He was a champion in the sport of boxing and an inspiration to many people young and old and both in an out of the professional boxing ring.”
The Honorary sign will serve as a connection and reminder that Ellis and the late Muhammad Ali were friends through life and sparring partners in the ring. Ellis fought him twice as an amateur, losing the first bout and winning the second.
In the sporting world of Boxing, he was a Heavyweight Champion, taking over the title in 1968 by winning an eight-man tournament held when Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title.
Born on February 24, 1940 in Louisville, Ellis was the son of Elizabeth and Walter Ellis, the Pastor at Riverview Baptist Church, and lived in the Smoketown neighborhood. He sang in the church choir and continued to be involved in the church all of his adult life.
After his boxing career ended, Jimmy Ellis continued his love for the sport through training others and during 1988 to 2003 worked at Louisville Metro Parks managing Athletic and Recreation programs.
He passed away on May 6, 2014.
Councilwoman Sexton Smith was the primary sponsor of the Resolution which called for the placement of honorary street signs at the southwest corner at the intersection of West Jefferson Street and Third Street and the southwest corner of West Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Third Street in Louisville, Kentucky, and so designated as “James “Jimmy” Ellis Honorary Way.” It was formally approved by the Metro Council on March 23rd of this year.
On Saturday, the Councilwoman was joined by Mr. Ellis’ siblings, children, friends, church choir members, and four time Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield for the unveiling.
Photo: LMPD
Speaking to hundreds of community and civic leaders during an I Am Ali Festival event this evening, Mayor Fischer outlined the many factors contributing to a recent spike in homicides in Louisville and the nation’s other largest cities — including gangs, drugs and an unprecedented number of guns on the streets.
Intertwining data, graphics, photos and videos of people ranging from former Mayor Charles Farnsley to Muhammad Ali, the Mayor discussed the contributors to crime, including racial disparities that create concentrated poverty, which in turn creates despair.
(Read Mayor Fischer’s remarks)
And he outlined the city’s comprehensive violence prevention strategy, which has been reviewed and endorsed by national experts and keys on six pillars:
- enforcement
- intervention
- prevention
- community mobilization
- organizational change, and
- re-entry.
The Mayor began by saying that in visits throughout the city, he hears people celebrating Louisville’s strong economic development position, but expressing concerns about the spike in homicides. People usually ask one of three questions, he said:
- “What is happening with homicides in our city?”
- “What are you doing about it?”
- And the question that ties in most directly with the spirit and legacy of Muhammad Ali: “What can I do?”
What is happening?
Noting that violent crime and homicides are on the rise in roughly 60 percent of America’s largest cities, the Mayor said, “Like cities all over the country, we are trying to identify why homicides are up and how we can reduce them.”
And he pointed to several key factors, including gangs involved in the illegal drug trade.
“The rise in homicides coincides with a significant shift in the illegal drug economy,” he said. “Closing down the pill mills made opioids more expensive. That fueled the heroin market. And when competitors in this economy have disputes over territory or market share, they don’t sue each other. They use violence that often ends with one or more of those involved dead, in the hospital, or in jail.”
Combine that with an unprecedented number of guns on the streets, he said, and we’re seeing too many people “turn to guns to settle personal disputes, some of which get started or get worse on social media.”
The Mayor also outlined the racial disparities, historic and current, that have contributed to the spike in violence.
“For our city to reach its full potential, we have to look at our history, with open eyes and focused minds to create a more constructive way forward – for everyone,” he said.
What are you doing about it?
The Mayor detailed the city’s violence prevention strategy, which includes providing LMPD with the support it needs to get the most violent criminals off the streets.
He said the city is investing in hiring additional 55 new LMPD positions in the last year, bringing the police force to an all-time high in terms of manpower, with just under 1,300 officers. LMPD is participating is federal task force with agencies like the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshal, ATF, and U.S. Attorney’s Office to arrest and prosecute the most dangerous criminals. And the 9th Mobile Division is focusing on narcotics, gangs and guns.
The Mayor also noted that he continues calling for common-sense gun laws from Frankfort that respect the rights of lawful gun owners while making it harder for criminals – and children – to get their hands on guns.
Beyond law enforcement, the Mayor outlined some of the hundreds of ways that the city, including the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, is working to stop violence before it starts, through the other pillars of intervention, prevention, community mobilization, organizational change and re-entry.
He also cited the challenge that local governments face as state and federal governments reduce their level of support for programs like urban housing, transportation and education, even as the needs grow. And he called on state and federal leaders to “make a national commitment to our communities here at home, where we lose 14 young African-American men and boys every day to violence.”
What can I do?
In the wake of prejudice and pain, Muhammad Ali “found strength, support and community in his faith, and in his sport, where a compassionate police officer, Joe Martin, introduced him to the world of boxing,” the Mayor said.
Noting that, “We have a whole generation of young people in our city, particularly young people of color, searching for that same strength and support and community,” the Mayor urged citizens to Be the One to provide that strength, support and community.
He outlined opportunities for citizens, businesses, faith groups and others to help meet the challenge, one person at a time, and then he closed with a video of highlights from Ali Week that he said showed “the spirit of Ali.”
“Let’s capture that spirit. Let’s nurture it in all our children. Ali’s story is far from over. And ours is just beginning,” he said. “Let’s a write a new chapter in the history of Louisville. One where everyone in every neighborhood has an open path to greatness.
Please join us. Be the One.”
Photo: Kentucky Labor Cabinet
Gov. Matt Bevin and Labor Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes joined officials from Norton Healthcare in Louisville last week to announce a new apprenticeship for nurses that is one of the first of its kind in the country.
This Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program is a paid apprenticeship that provides educational and clinical experiences over 12 to 18 months to prepare students for a registered nurse role after graduation. Eligible students include nurses who are in their junior year of a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing program or with one semester completed of an associate degree in nursing program.
“Innovative training programs, like this one at Norton Healthcare, deserve to be celebrated,” said Gov. Bevin. “I have challenged Kentucky employers to think and act boldly, and Norton Healthcare has answered that challenge in an impressive way. This apprenticeship program is one of the first of its kind in the country and will be transformational for Norton’s workforce. I believe it will inspire other employers around Kentucky to explore ways that apprenticeships can take their business—and Kentucky—to the next level.”
With just over 70,000 active registered nurses currently in Kentucky, it is projected that an additional 4,500 nurses will be needed in the next 10 years to meet demand. The 125 new apprentices in this program will both provide Norton Healthcare with an effective workforce recruitment and training tool while also displaying the potential that this could bring to other healthcare providers across the county.
“The ‘Kentucky Trained. Kentucky Built.’ registered apprenticeship initiative encompasses a new era of apprentice able trades never before seen in the Commonwealth, and today provides a fitting example of this,” Labor Secretary Derrick Ramsey stated. “Nursing is a new frontier for apprenticeships, but with Norton Healthcare’s vision, we couldn’t be more excited to partner with them and the new student nurse apprentices who are taking advantage of this wonderful program to further their careers. It’s a win for Norton Healthcare, the apprentices, and the entire healthcare community as we continue to seek ways to address the workforce needs in this critical industry.”
Serving the Greater Louisville region and beyond for more than 130 years, the hospital and health care system is the Louisville area’s third largest private employer. The Louisville-based not-for-profit system includes five Louisville hospitals with 1,837 licensed beds; seven outpatient centers; 13 Norton Immediate Care Centers; more than 14,000 employees; more than 850 employed medical providers; and approximately 2,000 total physicians on its medical staff.
“We know the value in having highly trained nurses and other professionals to help us meet the health care needs of our community,” said Russell F. Cox, president and chief executive officer, Norton Healthcare. “By offering an apprenticeship for nurses, we not only help individual students reach their goals, but we help ensure we continue to have these highly trained professionals.”
“This program will reinforce nursing education and awareness of the professional nurse role, as well as help increase the students’ self-confidence and understanding of organizational structure and operations within a world-class health care setting,” said Tracy E. Williams, DNP, R.N., senior vice president and system chief nursing officer, Norton Healthcare.
This program will work in conjunction with the student’s school of nursing while learning hands-on experience with a Norton Healthcare mentor. Upon completion of the training program, the apprentice will receive a nationally recognized certification allowing employers, such as Norton, to better meet expectations of their patients through a highly-skilled and trained workforce.
The “Kentucky Trained. Kentucky Built.” initiative, launched last year, signals Kentucky’s recommitment of new energy and resources toward strengthening apprenticeships across Kentucky. Since last November, the number of apprentices in Kentucky have increased by 39 percent. In total, the Kentucky Labor Cabinet has registered nearly 1,100 different programs with employers including a new emphasis on growing trades within the healthcare and information technology sectors.
For more information on Registered Apprenticeships, visit www.KentuckyApprenticeship.com.
Follow the Kentucky Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.
Photo: Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
The Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame (KVHOF) Board of Directors recently voted to add Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton to their governing body.
“I’m humbled and excited to accept the invitation to join the KVHOF Board of Directors,” said Lt. Gov. Hampton. “This opportunity allows me to continue supporting and advocating for Kentucky veterans, especially those who deserve recognition and celebration for their service to our nation and to their communities.”
“It is an absolute honor to welcome Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton to our Board,” said H.B. Deatherage, executive director of KVHOF. “As a veteran of the United States Air Force and KVHOF inductee in the class of 2015, Lt. Gov. Hampton shares a special connection with Kentucky’s veterans and it’s obvious in her work around the state that she is a champion for the veteran community. I look forward to working with the Lt. Governor as a director with KVHOF to solidify the organization as an ongoing means to honor the Kentucky’s veterans.”
Lt. Gov. Hampton will be involved in encouraging citizens to submit inductee nominations, reviewing KVHOF nominations for the annual class of inductees, and helping to plan the annual induction ceremony.
“Jenean is a dedicated servant leader,” said Gov. Bevin. “I’m so thankful for her commitment to the Commonwealth, and know the veterans of Kentucky will be in good hands as she serves them in this role.”
For more information on the KVHOF visit www.kyveterans.org.
A Pleasure Ridge Park High School student, alumnus and teacher have earned a prestigious media award by the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).
Sophomore Laquan Richardson and Class of 2017 graduate Jailen Leavell, along with teacher Mary Dunn, recently received a Student Production Award for their video news story titled English Conversation Club. The piece highlights an outreach program in Louisville aimed at connecting the city’s immigrants with volunteers.
The Student Production Award competition received entries from colleges, universities and high schools across the chapter’s four-state region. Industry professionals judged and critiqued the entries, which showcased a wide range of talent from these future broadcasters and media producers.
“The work of our region’s students continues to impress the professionals who judge their submissions,” said Leslie Blackston-Favors, High School Student Awards Chairman for the Ohio Valley Chapter. Richardson, Leavell and Dunn will officially accept their award during the chapter’s annual Emmy® Awards Gala in August.
