We’ve mentioned the expulsion scandal at the University of Louisville’s School of Nursing a number of times recently. But we recently stumbled across the SON’s student handbook and honor code and can find nothing that Nina Yoder has violated. There’s a hearing before Judge Simpson on April 10th. [School of Nursing Docs]

Frank Simon calls youth service “socialist indoctrination” and compares Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler. [Barefoot & Progressive]

As Joe Sonka noted earlier, Chris Cillizza is sorely out of touch. Crit Luallen is not running for the U.S. Senate. But Jack Conway is. [The Fix via Sonka]

J. Marshall Hughes spent $407,464– $355,205 of his own money– on his losing campaign against Mike Reynolds. Reynolds spent $141,082– $53,000 of his own money. [Kentucky Gazette]

Steve Beshear signed an emergency regulation that extends the deadline for certain unemployed Kentuckians to receive assistance with the cost of health insurance. 65% of premiums will be subsidized for COBRA or state continuation premiums for up to 9 months for people involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. Those eligible will pay 35% of their premiums. The remaining 65% will be reimbursable to the employer, insurer or health plan as a credit against certain employment taxes. COBRA enrollment periods for those laid off between September 1, 2008 and February 17, 2009 have been extended by 60 days. [Press Release]

David Sedaris will be in Louisville on Sunday, June 21st at 4:00 P.M. The Carmichael’s location on Frankfort Avenue will host a block party. [C-J]

United States Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced $79 million in Recovery Act funding for environmental cleanup in Kentucky. The money will be directed toward removal and disposal of large process equipment and for demolishing surplus chemical processing facilities in Paducah. [Environmental Management]

Governor Beshear appointed Margaret Plattner to serve as deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veteran’s Affairs this morning. She’ll assist Ken Lucas in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department and the coordination of 18 statewide field offices, health care outreach and cemetery services. [Press Release]

The beginning of the end: Jim Bunning says his fundraising is lousy. [C-J]

A University of Louisville researcher has published a study (he’s a faculty member with the Owensboro Cancer Research Program) indicating that a plant related to tobacco could be used as a preventive measure for HIV. [Business First]