Today we’re checking in on what’s happening in Southern Indiana. From local governance and criminal investigations to nature trails and community identity, the stories unfolding in this corner of the state help paint a fuller picture of life in our region. LPM’s Southern Indiana reporter Aprile Rickert helps us break down what’s happening and why it matters on both sides of the bridge, on this episode of “On Track.”

Louisville Public Media is celebrating 75 years of service to our community. As part of that celebration, we’re sharing the stories of 75 people who’ve helped shape Louisville, in a project called 75 and Change. On this episode of “On Track,” we sit down with one of those changemakers, The Fairness Campaign’s Chris Hartman, to talk about his work, the current state of LBGTQ rights, and the importance of community.

It’s cicada season, and things are getting louder already. We’re experiencing a major emergence of Brood XIV cicadas in Kentucky this year. What makes these bugs so fascinating? Why do they spend 17 years underground? And how do they affect Kentucky’s ecosystem?

On this episode of “On Track,” we get the buzz from Dr. Ric Bessin, an extension entomologist and professor at the University of Kentucky.

Every child in foster care has their own story, their own needs, and their own set of circumstances. What they all have in common is the need for a family to open a door to them and give them a soft place to land. May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and we’re learning from folks doing the work right here in Kentucky. On this episode, we talk about how the placement process works, what support is available for foster children and families, and how to step up if you think you might have room in your own life to welcome a child who needs help.

Guests:

• Robby Gulick, Vice President of Foster Care and Adoption at Home of the Innocents
• Christy Lucas, Home of the Innocents foster parent

The 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee is happening this week, and Meyzeek Middle School eighth grader Zachary Luke Rara is heading to Washington D.C. to compete. He’s part of a legacy; the very first Scripps winner was from Louisville, and the Courier Journal was a big part of the Bee’s origins. We’ll hear from Zachary about why he loves language, and how he prepares to compete on the national stage. And Corrie Loeffler, the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s executive director, joins us to talk about what’s changed in a century of spelling, and what the Bee means to its competitors and alums. We spell it all out for you on this episode of “On Track.”