Blog By: Lauren K. Repa
Kentucky is known worldwide for its horse races, and betting on horse races is integral to Kentucky's culture and economy. In this blog, 2L Staffer Lauren K. Repa argues that the passing of House Bill 551 this past September, legalizing all sports betting, might put horse racing at risk, with betters flocking to other forms of gambling. However, not all is lost; Repa asserts AI apps such as EquinEdge might be the program Kentuckians need to keep horse racing alive with the passing of the new legislation.
Blog By: Antonio C. Ellzey
In this blog, 3L Antonio C. Ellzey points out that California Governor Newsom recently vetoed a pending California state law that aimed to address the dangers of gas appliances. Specifically, the new law would have required manufacturers to place warning labels on gas stoves to inform consumers of their health effects. Some say the new law would help build awareness around a hidden danger while others say the new would restrict Californians’ freedom. Ellzey believes the pending law would positively impact Californians because they can make better-informed decisions around their health and safety, which would ultimately help save lives.
Blog By: Stevi Whitman
In this blog, 3L staffer Stevi Whitman argues for the use of certification marks to promote authenticity within the whiskey industry by introducing the Estate Whiskey Alliance® (EWA). The EWA is a member led association spearheaded by UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky, the James B. Beam Institute, Marker’s Mark Distillery, and other founding members, tasked with ensuring quality standards of whiskey production, promoting the benefits of local sourcing, and advancing sustainability efforts throughout the whiskey industry through the use of certification marks.
Blog By: Phillip Burress
Kentucky is home to 100 distilleries in 42 counties and produces 95% of the world's bourbon. In this Blog, 3L Phillip Burress discusses the threat posed by "Whiskey Fungus" on Kentucky property owners and the legal challenges facing Kentucky distillers.
Blog By: Ashton Edwards
In this Blog, 3L Staffer Ashton Edwards argues that instead of staying silent on the issue, Congress should respond to the interstate commerce concerns that reside in the Prop 12, a proposition that was made law by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023. Edwards discusses that so far, Congress has yet to address the arguments and concerns of Farmers, the Court, or citizens, even though this law arguably has a substantial impact on interstate commerce.
Blog By: Julia Giordano
In this blog, 3L Staffer Julia Giordano discusses Kentucky's transition to renewable energy sources like solar, highlighting the legislative efforts to regulate the decommissioning of solar panels and address concerns regarding land use, local input, and protection of landowners' rights.
Blog By: Kaitlyn Willis
In her blog, 3L Staffer Kaitlyn Willis discusses the Supreme Court's recent oral arguments, where herring fishermen contested a 2020 rule mandating costly onboard observers. The cases will hinge on the Chevron doctrine, and Willis argues in favor of retaining Chevron because ensures a clear legal framework, protects agency expertise, and maintains accountability to elected officials, crucial for effective governance in complex regulatory matters.
Blog By: Julia Ray
In her blog, 3L Staffer Julia Ray discusses the use of synthetic food dyes in the United States and the negative impact these dyes have on human health and the environment. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges the possibility of negative health effects on individuals but places the burden on the consumer to avoid dyes if they choose. Ray argues that the negative effects of synthetic dyes—along with the fact that they add no nutritional value to food—results in the need for banning their use.
Blog By: Sarah Turri
In this blog, 2L Staffer Sarah Turri explores the history of animal welfare protection in the United States, specifically with respect to animal standing in court. She argues for statutory standing to extend to animals, thus providing an avenue for animals to fully vindicate their rights.
Blog By: Sallie Sutton
In this blog, 2L Staffer Sallie Sutton argues that the healthcare industry, specifically within the United States, is rapidly increasing and leading to record-high annual deaths. Sutton suggests that the United States turn to other countries with implemented efforts to decrease greenhouse gases, thus saving lives.
Blog By: Will Miller
In this blog, 2L Staffer Will Miller analyzes a Colorado statute passed in 2023 establishing a farmer's right to repair equipment, which was a huge achievement for the Right to Repair movement. Miller advocates for Kentucky to pass similar legislation, given the importance of the farming industry to the Commonwealth.
Blog By: Jared Abrahams
In this blog, 2L Staffer Jared Abrahams provides an overview of the current state of the thoroughbred breeding industry, and the present constriction of it. Abrahams advocates for the institution of a stallion cap to halt the rise in inbreeding and protect the future of the industry and the health of the breed.
Blog By: Grace McDonald
In her blog, 2L Staffer Grace McDonald explores the adverse effects of animal testing, highlighting environmental concerns that result from disposing of animal bodies and laboratory supplies, contamination of soil and water, and the loss of species from their natural habitats, among others. McDonald argues that many countries have banned the testing of cosmetic products on animals, and it's time for the United States to follow suit.
Blog By: Lauren Chugg
In her Blog, 2L Staffer Lauren Chugg discusses why the coal mining industry in Kentucky is at a disadvantage when participating in bids to sell coal compared to other states due to the presence of a severance tax. Chugg proposes a potential remedy but ultimately advocates for a reassessment of the severance tax by the Kentucky legislature.
