Here’s Jim Ramsey complaining about budget cuts. He still wants a hospital merger or a management contract for University Hospital. Note that there was no discussion of his massive pay raise. [FOX41]

A showdown over Kentucky’s proposed legislative districts isn’t coming – it’s already here. [H-L]

Local State Representative Reggie Meeks has a lot to say about churning legislative butter in Frankfort. This week, he discusses the redistricting nightmare. [Page One]

Louisville’s Air Pollution Control Board has voted to re-categorize a chemical used in some of the city’s manufacturing processes. Recent studies have suggested the chemical isn’t as carcinogenic as originally thought. [WFPL]

Remember the woman that crazy ass constable shot at Walmart? She was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Kmart. [WAVE3]

And here’s the expected story about the University of Louisville raising tuition rates while Jim Ramsey and his colleagues rake in millions upon millions of dollars each year. [Business First]

The license plate for the gays in Indiana? It’s causing faux family-types to freak completely out. They just can’t believe the gays aren’t getting stoned to death anymore. [WHAS11]

A Butchertown building that collapsed in September 2010 is going to be rebuilt. [Broken Sidewalk]

Louisville apparently won some sort of award for fighting childhood obesity. We’re pretty sure the folks behind the award have never actually been in Louisville. [WLKY]

J. Bruce Miller has been burning the comments section up lately with discussions of Chinese billionaires and potential NBA teams. [The 'Ville Voice Here & Here]

Will Allan Cowen be able to help the University of Louisville build its downtown presence or will his past behavior with the Fund for the Arts sour everything? $100,000 a year isn’t a bad salary for the school to shell out if he can make things happen. [WFPL]

Two Metro Police officers who saved the life of Erica Hughes have been awarded for their actions. [FOX41]

Doesn’t this story sound really familiar? About Chinese billionaires, J. Bruce Miller and the NBA? Wonder where it’s played out before? The NBA is not coming to Louisville any time soon, folks, so get over it. Beyond reading about it here first, it’s full-on reminiscent of the nightmare that played out in Lexington over the PeckerPointe tower. Some mysterious investors never materialized and then there were all kinds of excuses and a massive, empty green field in the middle of downtown. [C-J/AKN]

No one around here can understand why everyone is so bent out of shape over a contest in a magazine foodies don’t even read. And it’s for the south – a region Louisville certainly isn’t a part of. What does Louisville get if it wins? [Consuming Louisville]

And the wall came tumbling down? Moody’s put Louisville’s arena authority on a bond rating watch list. [WAVE3]

Economists are right. Casinos are not a cure-all for state budget nightmares. They’re just a bit of a needed boost. [Bluegrass Politics]

But here comes the gambling spin. It’ll save the day with its $1.7 billion alleged economic impact, right? [Business First]

At least Jefferson County Public Schools leads the nation in something. Could be worse than having the most hybrid buses. [WHAS11]

The State Senate judiciary committee is so afraid of opposition it refused to allow anyone with a bone to pick to speak during a three-hour hearing last week. That’s how money talks in Frankfort. [Page One]

Apparently the Holiday World folks don’t realize that the state still owes Ed Hart more than $4 million he spent trying to reopen Kentucky Kingdom. [WLKY]

Wondering why Greg Fischer gets away with nearly everything he bungles? Because 90% of people are likely as out-of-touch with reality as this individual who doesn’t think it’s a big deal to charge $20 to hear a mayor’s annual State of the City Address. [The 'Ville Voice]

Started with this:

And continued:

You’ll probably want to check the rest of this out after the jump…

What the heck?

And why do people still believe the NBA is coming to Louisville?

Are the arena bonds about to be downgraded? Because that good be a very bad thing. [Bond Buyer]

The truth about the Keystone XL pipeline? Doesn’t look like the McConnell-Republican claim of jobs is based in reality. [HuffPo]

This is truly the American way. Presiding over and knowing about the theft of millions of millions of tax dollars and getting rewarded with bonuses and raises worth millions. [The 'Ville Voice]

Gasoline prices jumped a whopping 40 cents over night and Jack Conway isn’t batting an eye. Price gouging? What? [WAVE3]

Basically, no business in Frankfort get handled until after the Kentucky Chamber day on January 5. [Business First]

The entire community – or, just the few people in town who even know there’s a bridges debacle going on – are foaming about the Drumanard Estate’s historic status. [FOX41]

Occupy Louisville is pushing a discussion on homelessness. It’s fitting, since Greg Fischer doesn’t see it fit to allow even those without homes to sleep in tents in the dead of winter. Are we still pretending that Founder’s Square park is ever used by anybody for any reason? [WFPL]

Evicting the Occupy folks downtown is sure to end on a really positive note, right? Because it’s ended so well in so many other cities. [WLKY]

Absolutely nothing could be bad about this. White Castle is considering selling beer and wine in some markets. [WHAS11]

Yesterday Rand Paul and his wife had some really upbeat and happy holiday thoughts (?) for you. Check the awkward video out. [Page One]

This is a good thing, right? Ramsi Kamar is building an organic farm to provide tasty goods. [Broken Sidewalk]

Have you anti-mountaintop removal types taken note of this guy running for congress in Tennessee? He’s the lead sponsor of a state senate bill to kill the practice. You well-moneyed types should look more closely. [Click the Clicky]

How long will it take Steve Beshear’s law firm to hit back now that Mike O’Connell has sued the University of Louisville over the proposed and silly hospital merger? [C-J/AKN]

We hear there’s a history of allowing perverts to act inappropriately at Trinity. There’s another individual likely to hit the news cycle in a few weeks who was actually just allowed to leave and move to another school to do the same damn thing again. [WAVE3]

Is a director of sustainability necessary and worth $100,000 per year? Especially when Metro Government can’t even afford to feed the animals it houses at its shelter? Or should Greg Fischer just push and educate the entire administration to act responsibly and sustainably? You can’t solve everything with a new committee and a rainbow. [WFPL]

There are all kinds of holiday things going down this weekend to keep you occupied. [Consuming Louisville]

The Louisville Orchestra is seeking musicians on Craigslist. The place where people go to find apartments and back alley handjobs. Keeping it classy, Louisville. [FOX41]

Lexington may renovate Rupp Arena instead of building a new facility because the University of Kentucky’s needs would still be met and costs would be quite a bit less. [H-L]

You know, karma is a real bitch. Especially for the corrupt folks at Greater Clark County who pushed to hire Stephen Daeschner. Now they can’t afford him and he’s causing problems galore. Were Francene still alive, she’d be all over this. [WHAS11]

You won’t be surprised to hear that Louisville is among the markets losing businesses during the recession. [Business First]

Louisville and Frankfort are apparently fighting like tigers and bears over whether or not people should get to have contact with circus critters. [WLKY]

Gigantic pee alert! HAHAHAHAHA. Wow. You’ve got to see this. [C-J/AKN]

Matthew Barzun is once again making it rain for President Barack Obama. This time for his re-election campaign. [ABC News]

Have you taken a look at gubernatorial campaign finance numbers in Kentucky? Check out our stories with from Friday. [Page One Here & Here]

Occupy Louisville’s permit now allows the group to remain until the end of the year. [FOX41]

More than a month later, effects of the Sherman Minton closure are still being felt by businesses. We all expect those “effects” to be felt for months to come, right? [WAVE3]

For the most part, Louisville isn’t racist or bigoted. The city welcomes immigrants with open arms. This is a perfect example of that and it’s why Louisville can have nice things. [Business First]

No, these “occupiers” won’t change anything. This is the United States – where stagnation is the norm. But this particular protest is way more effective and made way more impact than what’s going on downtown. [WHAS11]

Voting began today for the UAW at the local Ford union hall. Locals seem to be split down the middle on a deal. [WLKY]

Jim Host says the arena has been a huge success. What do you think, Louisville? [H-L]

What was that, again, about the local Clear Channel talk box not focusing on the most extreme and salacious? [84WHAS]

Here’s a feel-good dog rescue story from Eastern Kentucky that could brighten your day. [H-L]

Are you surprised? All Louisville Orchestra concerts have been canceled in November. [WHAS11]

HAHAHA! Who really thinks Jack Conway is going to upset Jim Ramsey and his wealthy supporters in declaring the University of Louisville Hospital public, which it clearly is? [C-J/AKN]

Remember when this ‘Bodies’ exhibit was in Louisville and caused all sorts of drama? [H-L]

Kentucky Downs has already made more than $500,000 on instant racing. [FOX41]

Here’s what John Yarmuth had to say about Barack Obama’s jobs speech: “The President has presented a common sense approach to a very complex and serious economic situation. While I still want to see specific details, this is an agenda that should generate bipartisan support.” [Press Release]

Judy Green’s about to be removed from office on Monday and her “supporters” are still screaming racism. It’s a shame leaders like Maddie Jones excuse corruption and admitted abuse of the system – regardless of what it was for – and try blaming it on racism. We’ll never take her seriously again. Sure, the ignorant folks on Chris Thieneman’s website are happy to crack slavery jokes but Metro Council isn’t a bunch of racist idiots. People like Denise Bentley ought to be ashamed for backing this clown, Judy, after her absurd behavior while being paid with our tax dollars. [WAVE3]

It’s almost strange to see solid vegetarian options at Proof. I don’t care what Michelle says, the food there has never been great for a vegetarian who didn’t want the standard stuff. [Consuming Louisville]

The foreclosure rate rose 2.92% in June for Louisville. Our economy is just puppies and rainbows. [Business First]

Who wants to take bets that the arena ordeal in Lexington goes much more smoothly than the one in Louisville? [WLKY]

Friday was the 114th day Republican Party of Kentucky Chairman Steve Robertson questioned Jack Conway: “Voters in this state are sick of politicians who simply refuse to answer important questions,” said Robertson. “Jack Conway is going to be in for a rude awakening on November 8th when the voters finally get their chance to retire him for good.” [Press Release]

Todd P’Pool thinks he can beat Jack Conway by completely alienating Democrats and voters who live in Kentucky’s urban centers. [Page One]

Are we the only folks growing increasingly indifferent toward the Louisville Orchestra and whether or not it exists? Sure, we love it and want it to stick around. But this mess is ridiculous. [WFPL]

Louisville really should work as hard as it possibly can to save its historic shotgun houses. [FOX41]

Really? A mayor’s book club created by newspaper editor Keith Runyon? And that’s how tight the relationship is? Keith just emails Greg Fischer and Greg does what he wants? Cute how the paper wrote an editorial loosely chastising Greg and then gave him two pages for his own op-ed about reading. [C-J/AKN]

Lexington proves yet again that it handles urban development in a more intelligent way than Louisville when it comes to arenas. [H-L]

Yet another film festival in Louisville. This one is about musicians and their relationship with film. [Consuming Louisville]

Looks like our tip about Metro EMS regarding those five employees was spot-on. [WAVE3]

A green roof was finished at the Mazzoli Federal Building and everyone thinks it’s the biggest deal ever. [Broken Sidewalk]

Some crazy man opened fire at a Shively liquor store. A rifle and a handgun. [WHAS11]

The Jefferson County Public Schools board shelved a plan to reduce mandatory busing by 38%. Toni Konz says hundreds of documents were initially redacted by JCPS. [C-J/AKN]

Yesterday marked the 91st day of Republican Party of Kentucky Chairman Steve Robertson questioning Jack Conway: “The 100th day of questioning by the Republican Party of Kentucky is quickly approaching and we have not heard a peep out of Jack Conway regarding the questions surrounding his brother’s compromised investigation,” Robertson said. “What could we expect from someone who spent two of his years as Attorney General campaigning for a different office? Clearly, Jack Conway does not regard his position as Attorney General very highly.” [Press Release]

Lesson learned: be wary of shady d-bags trying to sell you “news” with absolutely no, you know, ability to do so. [WFPL]

Greg Fischer is attending the U.S. Conference on Mayors. Bets on how many things he’ll take credit for? [FOX41]

52-year-old Timmy the gorilla died at the Louisville Zoo from multiple health issues. [H-L]

Metro Council has apparently turned stupid and is wasting our time and money by holding a hearing on the ridiculous Floyds Fork Park naming non-controversy. [More C-J/AKN]

Steve Beshear won’t just fire you if you don’t give him a campaign contribution, he’ll also appoint all of his family to various spots in government and higher education. [Page One]

The teacher transfer plan at low performing Jefferson County schools is still in flux. [WAVE3]

Rick Pitino says the arena downtown is open to Lady Gaga and anybody else who wants to play pat-a-cake, he just cold doesn’t care. Apparently this is worth a story. [H-L]

Every water main, forever, is going to break in Louisville because why not. [WHAS11]

Downtown Louisville doesn’t need any additional parking but everybody is going to bulldoze everything to build parking lots. [Broken Sidewalk]

You’d think the editorial board could get its facts straight by now. No Kill Louisville has tons of shelter management experience. One of its top folks has decades of experiencing running a large facility. Justin Scally definitely deserves the opportunity to do a good job. But people – particularly the apologists at your failing local paper – need to quit acting like Sadiqa Reynolds’ “with us or against us” way is supreme. Legitimate concerns, questions and disappointment should not be tossed aside. You cannot expect this community to come together overnight after Greg Fischer and crew spent a year ripping everything to shreds. [Short Sighted Editorial]

Get a load of Jack Conway in 2002 versus Jack Conway in 2011. [Page One]

The elephant in the room is FOX41 slowly referring to itself as “WDRB” more and more. Like with this Emmy story. [FOX41]

Are water main issues a preview of the future? [Broken Sidewalk]

Will the Rupp Arena task force cause Lexington as many headaches as the arena shenanigans caused Louisville? [H-L]

Remember the Louisville Zoo train crash? Turns out an employee disabled the train’s warning light prior to the accident. A light that could have alerted folks to problems with the brakes. [WKYT]

Wait, what? Free hot dogs at the Frazier Museum? [Consuming Louisville]

Little by little, problems at the Metropolitan Sewer District are floating to the surface like, well, you know exactly what we’re talking about. [C-J/AKN]

A fundraising event at Central Park tried to change the reputation of pit bulls. [WAVE3]

Kentucky is among the 10 states where government-sector jobs have grown the fastest over the past five years. [Business First]

Wait for this one: a Seymour police officer crashed a DARE trailer while allegedly driving drunk. [WHAS11]

Friday marked the 86th day Republican Party of Kentucky Chairman Steve Robertson questioned Jack Conway: “We will hold Jack Conway’s feet to the fire each and every day until he answers our questions surrounding this controversy,” said Robertson. “For a man who supposedly believes in transparency and accountability, this situation represents the height of hypocrisy.” [Press Release]