A view of a dead carp fish from the Great Salt Lake in northern Utah. The Great Salt Lake, a small remnant of the much larger Pleistocene Lake Bonneville, is as the name suggests very salty, and mostly uninhabitable as far as fish are concerned, but all of the water that flows into the lake, comes from fresh water rivers, and springs that flow from the surrounding Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain Ranges. This particular fish likely entered the Great Salt Lake from the Jordan River, which connects to Utah lake and receives fresh water from both ranges.
The survivability of carp near the edges of the Great Salt Lake has likely also impacted by a number of environmental issues, especially in the last decade. Including a decreasing flow of water to the lake as its diverted for agriculture and housing development, as well as hotter, drier summers due to climate change and drought. Increasing salinity, salt water intrusion, and pollution concentration as the lake has shrunk are also potential factors.
A large round bale of hay is painted to look like Santa Claus, complete with red suit and rosy cheeks. Various festive decorations, including shiny ornaments and a vintage chair, are scattered around the display in a rural setting. Located on a farm in rural southern Kentucky.
Louisville Skyline Lights at sunrise – Ohio River Reflection Kentucky
The vibrant cityscape of Louisville, Kentucky at sunrise features illuminated skyscrapers reflecting on the calm water of the Ohio River. Bright city lights create a colorful display against the deep blue sky. 4th of July weekend.
Louisville, Kentucky, was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark and named in honor of King Louis XVI of France for his support during the American Revolution. Situated on the Ohio River, the city quickly became a major transportation and trade hub, especially during the steamboat era of the 19th century. Louisville played a key role in the Civil War as a Union stronghold and later grew into an industrial and commercial powerhouse. The city became known for bourbon production, the Louisville Slugger baseball bat, and the Kentucky Derby, which began in 1875. Over the 20th and 21st centuries, Louisville expanded its economic base, incorporating industries such as healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, while preserving its historical charm.
Louisville operates under a consolidated city-county government, known as Louisville Metro, which was established in 2003 when the city merged with Jefferson County. This consolidation created a unified government structure led by a Mayor, who serves as the chief executive, and a 26-member Metro Council, which represents various districts across the county.
Despite the merger, several home-rule cities within Jefferson County maintained their independence, allowing them to govern local issues such as zoning, law enforcement, and municipal services. Some of the key home-rule cities in the county include:
St. Matthews – A major commercial and residential suburb with shopping centers and parks.
Jeffersontown – Home to the Bluegrass Commerce Park, a key economic hub.
Shively – Known for its bourbon distilleries and industrial roots.
Anchorage – A small, affluent suburb with large estates and a highly-rated school system.
Hurstbourne – A business and residential community featuring office parks and upscale neighborhoods.
Middletown – A growing suburban area with a mix of commercial and residential developments.
These cities maintain their own mayors and councils while benefiting from certain services provided by Louisville Metro. This unique governance structure allows for both local autonomy and regional coordination, making Louisville Metro a dynamic blend of urban and suburban governance.
