[♪♪] >> PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE SYSTEM OR AT LEAST KNOW THE QUESTIONS TO ASK IF THEY ARE IN THIS STAGE WITH THEIR LOVED ONE.

>> Renee: A KENTUCKY CONGRESSMAN TALKS ABOUT THE PROBLEMS IN THE ORGAN DONOR SYSTEM AND HOW IT AFFECTED HIM.

>> WE'RE DOING OUR FAIR SHARE FOR INCOME ALIGNED HOUSING.

WE DO NEED OTHER COMMUNITIES TO STEP UP.

>> Renee: ONE NORTHERN KENTUCKY LEADER IS CALLING ON THE REST OF THE REGION TO HELP SOLVE A HOUSING SHORTAGE.

>> 1150 STORES IN 12 STATES AS OF TODAY.

[APPLAUSE] >> Renee: KENTUCKIANS YOU CAN SPEND MOOLA AT WAWA.

>> PRODUCTION OF "KENTUCKY EDITION" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE KET MILLENNIUM FUND.

[♪♪] >> Renee: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "KENTUCKY EDITION" ON THIS THURSDAY, JULY 24TH I'M RENEE SHAW AND WE THANK YOU FOR SPENDING SOME OF YOUR THURSDAY NIGHT WITH US.

>>> ORGAN DONATIONS SAVE LIVES AND NOW THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS WORKING ON NEW SAFEGUARDS FOR THE ORGAN TRANSPLANTS SYSTEM AFTER REPORTS THE KENTUCKY GROUP PREPARED PATIENTS FOR ORGAN REMOVALS AFTER THEY SHOWED SIGNS OF LIFE.

ORGAN REMOVAL TAKES PLACE JUST AFTER A PERSON DIES.

IT IS AN ISSUE THAT HITS HOME WITH ONE KENTUCKY CONGRESSMAN.

BRETT GUTHRIE A REPUBLICAN CHAIRS THE HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE AND HE KNOWS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO LOSE A LOVED ONE WHO NEEDS AN ORGAN.

>> MY MOM DID NOT GET A LIVER BUT SHE DIED WAITING FOR A LIVER.

AND SHE WAS CALLED THAT A LIVER WOULD BE AVAILABLE.

WE WENT DOWN TO VANDZABILITY THEY WERE TOOK HER TO TELL MY DAD IF I DON'T SURVIVE IT'S BEEN A GREAT LIFE.

SO YOU HAVE THOSE MOMENTS TOGETHER AND THE SURGEON HAD GONE TO CHATTANOOGA TO DELIVER AND HE CAME AND SAID IT'S NOT IN THE SHAPE THAT CAN BE TRANSPLANTED.

AND SHE WAITED AND PASSED AWAY BEFORE SHE GOT ANOTHER ONE.

WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO DONATE AND WE NEED PEOPLE TO BE DONORS.

SO WE SAW THIS CASE KENTUCKY CASE THAT IS THERE'S NEW ANSWERS TO IT.

NUANCES.

MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE SYSTEM.

I'VE READ THE REPORTS I'M NOT CHANGING MY DONOR STATUS I'M AVAILABLE TO DONATE BECAUSE I FEEL STRONGLY THAT IS IMPORTANT.

BUT PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE SYSTEM OR KNOW THE QUESTIONS TO ASK IF THEY ARE IN THE STAGE WITH THEIR LOVED ONE.

WHEN YOU ARE SITTING THERE AND SOMEONE YOU'RE GETTING PREPPED TO GET YOUR NEXT HOPEFULLY CHANCE OF LIFE, YOU ARE ALSO AS YOU SAID KNOW THERE'S ANOTHER FAMILY IN ANOTHER EMERGENCY ROOM HAVING A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE.

AND THEY ARE LOSING A LOVED ONE.

BUT THEY ARE WILLING THE LOVED ONE EITHER PREDESIGNATED OR WILLING THEIR LOVED ONE TO LIVE ON.

SO THAT IS WHAT WE WANT TO PROMOTE AND THAT IS THE PERSPECTIVE.

>> Renee: THE HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION WANTS NEW NATIONAL POLICIES MAKING IT EASIER TO PAUSE THE DONATION PROCESS IF THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT THE DONOR'S EDGABILITY.

MORE THAN 100,000 PEOPLE ARE ON THE DONOR WAITING LIST.

13 PEOPLE DIE EVERYDAY WAITING FOR AN ORGAN.

>>> CONGRESSMAN HAL ROGERS A REPUBLICAN FROM KENTUCKY'S FIFTH DISTRICT IS PRAISING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S DECISION TO AUTHORIZE FEDERAL HELP FOR COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY STORMS IN APRIL AND MAY.

AS WE TOLD YOU YESTERDAY, THE DECLARATION COVERS COUNTIES WITH DAMAGE FROM STORMS THAT HIT APRIL 2.

OTHER COUNTIES WILL GET HELP TO DEAL WITH STORMS THAT HIT MAY 16 AND 17.

THE MAY STORMS BROUGHT TORNADOES TO LAUREL AND PULASKI COUNTIES.

CONGRESSMAN ROGERS PUT OUT A STATEMENT QUOTE THIS FEDERAL ASSISTANCE IS CRITICAL AS OUR COMMUNITIES CLEAN UP AND REBUILD AFTER THE NATURAL DISASTERS.

MASSIVE DAMAGES WERE SUSTAINED FROM THE MAY TORNADO, SOUTH KENTUCKY RSM E C.L.

BROWN AND MANY PUBLIC STRUCTURES AND UTILITIES.

>>> GOVERNOR BESHEAR SAYS HE IS GRATEFUL FOR THE PRESIDENT'S DECISION ON A DISASTER DECLARATION.

THIS MORNING THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT THE IMPACT, THE TIMING OF THE DECISION AND FEMA'S WORK IN KENTUCKY.

>> Gov.

Andy Beshear: THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE COMMUNITIES TO REBUILD AND WE DON'T SEE CITY GOVERNMENTS BANKRUPTED BY NATURAL DISASTER THAT INFLICTS SO MUCH DAMAGE.

GRATEFUL TO THE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY GNOME.

I TOLD THE PRESIDENT THAT THE FEMME 345 TEAM MEMBERS ON THE GROUND ARE DOING GREAT WORK FOR KENTUCKIANS.

IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR APRIL WE HAVE 90 COUNTIES APPROVED BASED ON THE PRESIDENT'S ACTION AND THOSE WERE FOR SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT WIND WINDS, LANDSLIDES AND TORNADOES AND MUD LAND SLIDES.

THE MAY 16TH AND 17TH 39 COUNTIES HAVE BEEN APPROVED.

THIS IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR LAUREL AND PULASKI COUNTY EACH HAD SO MUCH DAMAGE THERE WAS NO WAY THAT THE COUNTY WOULD BE ABLE TO COVER IT.

THIS AID TOOK LONGER THAN IT HAS IN THE RECENT PAST.

WHICH IS ALL I CAN SPEAK TO THE LAST FIVE-AND-A-HALF YEARS.

HE DIDN'T OFFER ANY EXPLANATION AND I DPTH'S ASK FOR IT.

THE DOLLARS ARE CRITICAL AND COMING IN AND APPRECIATIVE AND GRATEFUL TO THE PRESIDENT FOR AGREEING TO IT.

WE ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT IS A SPECIFIC DOLLAR AMOUNT OR IT'S THE REGULAR 75% OF COVERAGE BUT EITHER WAY IT IS A BIG HELP TO THESE COUNTIES.

HE WAS POSITIVE ON THE PHONE.

I TOLD HIM HIS FEMA PEOPLE WERE DOING A GOOD JOB ON THE GROUND IT'S TRUE.

I GO OUT THERE AND WHEN A POLICY IS HURTING KENTUCKIANS I CRITICIZE HIM.

BUT I CAN ONLY HAVE CREDIBILITY WHEN I ADMIT A PART OF THIS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS DOING A GOOD JOB.

>> Renee: GOVERNOR BESHEAR PRAISED KENTUCKY'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION FOR THEIR HELP IN PUSHING FOR THE DECLARATION.

AND TALKED ABOUT KENTUCKY'S BUDGET PICTURE AFTER THE END OF THE LAST FISCAL YEAR.

>> Gov.

Andy Beshear: THE 2024, 2025 FISCAL YEAR ENDED WITH A SURPLUS OF 13.5 MILLION.

251.3 MILLION WILL BE DEPOSITED IN THE RESERVE TRUST FUND AND 62.1 BILL WILL FUND NECESSARY GOVERNMENT EXPENSES LIKE RESPONDING TO NATURAL DISASTERS MATCHING FUNDS FOR FEMA DISASTER GRANTSES AND FOREST FIRE SUPPRESSION.

THE SURPLUS WAS MADE UP OF 131 MILLION DOLLARS OF REVENUE MORE THAN DAMAGED WE HAD A PROJECTED AMOUNT OF REVENUE AND WE BEAT IT THIS YEAR.

BUT WE ALSO SPENT 147 MILLION DOLLARS LESS THAN BUDGETED MEANING WE MADE SURE WE TREATED THE TAXPAYER MONEY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE TREATED.

AND THEN WE RECEIVED $35 MILLION IN FEMA.

WE SECURED A SURPLUS EVERY YEAR I'VE BEEN IN OFFICE AND WE HAD A SURPLUS OF 61.6 MILLION AND THOSE FUNDS WILL SUPPORT THE BIENNIAL HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM.

>> Renee: THE NEW FISCAL YEAR STARTED JULY FIRST.

THE GOVERNOR SAYS THE BUDGET PICTURE WILL NOT BE AS ROSIE THIS YEAR.

>>> ALLTECH IS EXPANDING INTO NICHOLASVILLE.

ALLTECH HELPS DEVELOP ANIMAL FEED AND MEAT AND IS INVOLVED IN BREWINGS AND DISTILLING.

IT WILL CONSTRUCT A FACILITY TO MAKE 60,000 OF GALLONS OF BIOLOGICAL FERTILIZER PRODUCTS EVERY MONTH.

BUSINESS AND POLITICAL LEADERS ARE PRAISING THE GRANT DECISION.

ANDY BARR WROTE A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF THE GRANT APPLICATION.

THE GRANT WILL BOOST PRESENCE, PRODUCTION AND JOBS.

>>> U.S.

SENATOR RAND PAUL OF KENTUCKY IS STALLING A COMMITTEE VOTE ON MIKE WALTZ.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S NOMINEE TO BE THE UNITED NATIONS AMBASSADOR.

WALTZ IS A FORMER MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM FLORIDA AND WAS PRESIDENT TRUMP'S NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISE ESH.

PAUL AND WALTZ CLASHED DURING THE HEARING.

PAUL DISAGREES WITH WALTZ'S VOTE AS A MEMBER OF CONGRESS IN 2020 TO FORCE PRESIDENT TRUMP TO KEEP 8,000 TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN BECAUSE OF PAUL'S CRITICISM, THE COMMITTEE DELAYED AN EXPECTED VOTE ON WALTZ'S NOMINATION.

>>> THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY OR THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE IS ONE OF FIVE UNIVERSITIES NOW UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

THE DEPARTMENT SAYS THE UNIVERSITY'S MAYBE VIOLATING THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 BY OFFERING SCHOLARSHIPS INTENDED FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS.

THE INVESTIGATIONS ARE BASED ON COMPLAINTS FROM THE LEGAL INSURRECTION FOUNDATION'S EQUAL PROTECTION PROJECT.

IN A STATEMENT THE GROUP'S FOUNDER SAID QUOTE PROTECTING EQUAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION INCLUDES PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF AMERICAN-BORN STUDENTS.

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST AMERICAN-BORN STUDENTS MUST MUST BE TOLERATED.

AND EXAMINE THE SCHOLARSHIP FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS OF COLOR AND THE LOUISVILLE TANGO FESTIVAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR LATINO AND HISPANIC STUDENTS N RESPONSE A SPOKESPERSON SAID THE SCHOOL WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INVESTIGATION ON TUESDAY AND THAT THE UNIVERSITY IS REVIEWING THE CLAIMS.

>>> KENTUCKY HAS ITS FIRST WAWA STORE.

IT IS A CONVENIENCE STORE CHAIN NOW IN 12 STATES.

THE COMPANY'S MASCOT, WALLY GOOSE, WAS ON HAND DURING TODAY'S STORE OPENING IN LOUISVILLE.

WAWA'S PRESIDENT SAYS THE COMPANY HAS A LONG TRADITION OF SELLING PRODUCTS AND CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS.

>> 220 YEARS IN BUSINESS IN DIFFERENT FORMS.

THE LAST 60 OF WHICH HAVE BEEN FOCUSED ON A BRAND THAT YOU SEE TODAY THAT DRIVER TRIES TO DELIVER FOOD, FUEL AND CONVENIENCE TO A HIGH DEGREE AND WE'RE PROUD OF THAT, BUT I WOULD SAY WHAT WE GROOVE ON AND OUR MAGIC IS BUILT BY THE ASSOCIATES.

AND WHEN THEY CONNECT TIGHTLY WITH CUSTOMERS THEY CREATE THE MAGIC WE OFTEN CALL FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS SERVING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.

FOR US BEING EMBEDDED IN THE COMMUNITY THE RIGHT WAY IS WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT.

>> Renee: THIS IS ONE OF EIGHT STORES THE COMPANY PLANS TO OPEN IN KENTUCKY THIS YEAR.

[♪♪] >> Renee: SOCIAL SECURITY IS CELEBRATING ITS 90TH BIRTHDAY.

IT IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

EVERY FIVE YEARS, AARP CONDUCTS A WIDE RANGING SURVEY ABOUT THE SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM.

THE ORGANIZATION HELD A WEBINAR TO SHARE THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY AND TALK ABOUT WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE STORIED GOVERNMENT PROGRAM.

>> TODAY, MORE THAN 69 MILLION AMERICANS MORE THAN ONE IN FIVE PEOPLE LIVING AND WORKING IN THE UNITED STATES RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS WITH OVER 183 MILLION WORKERS PAYING INTO THE PROGRAM.

MORE THAN THREE QUARTERS OF PEOPLE IN THE U.S., 78%, ARE WORRIED THE SOCIAL SECURITY WILL NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH TO LIVE ON DURING RETIREMENT.

THAT'S AN INCREASE FROM FIVE YEARS AGO.

WHEN 74% OF AMERICANS WERE WORRIED THE SOCIAL SECURITY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH TO LIVE ON IN RETIREMENT.

ONLY 36% OF AMERICANS HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY.

THAT'S DOWN FROM 43% WHO HAD CONFIDENCE IN THE PROGRAM'S FUTURE FIVE YEARS AGO.

>> WE FOUGHT ANY AND ALL EFFORTS TO PRIVATIZE SOCIAL SECURITY AND WE FOUGHT TO FIX THE CUSTOMER SERVICE ISSUES THAT RESULTED IN LONG WAIT TIMES FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED BASIC SERVICE PARTICULARLY THIS YEAR.

AND THROUGH OUR ACTION AARP MEMBERS SENT TWO MILLION PHONE CALLS TO CONGRESS TO MAKE SURE THAT SOCIAL SECURITY WOULD SERVE THEM APPROPRIATELY.

>> WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FACT THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE FELT THEIR EXPENSES HAVE FAR OUTPACED THEIR ABILITY TO MANAGE THEIR FINANCES AND SOCIAL SECURITY HAS THROUGHOUT HISTORY PROVIDED AN INFLATION PROOF SOURCE OF INCOME.

WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT GROWING PACE OF INFLATION, THE ABILITY OF RETIREES TO BE ABLE TO DEPEND ON SOCIAL SECURITY, OF COURSE, WE'RE CONCERNED OVERALL WE'VE HEARD FROM OUR MEMBERS IN TERMS OF WANTING TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE CONTINUED ACCESS TO THE BENEFITS THEY HAVE EARNED OVER TIME.

>> WHO KNOWS WHERE I WOULD BE WITHOUT IT.

WHO KNOWS WHERE OTHERS WOULD BE.

AND WE ALL KNOW WHERE MANY ARE BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE INCOME TO LIVE ON.

I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT CONGRESS WOULD DO WITH THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND.

WITHOUT SOCIAL SECURITY I WOULD NOT HAVE MY HOME.

I OWN MY OWN HOME.

I DRIVE.

WITHOUT SOCIAL SECURITY MUCH TO THE CHAGRIN OF MY DAUGHTERS AND GRANDCHILDREN I WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO LIVE WITH THEM.

>> WE ARE CONTINUING TO BRING PRESSURE TO SOCIAL SECURITY AND CONGRESS TO PROVIDE THE FUNDING AND RESOURCE IT IS NEEDS AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE ASKING FOR WHAT THEY NEED AND IS ALLOCATING RESOURCES PROPERLY.

>> SOCIAL SECURITY IS ABOUT INDEPENDENCE.

IT IS A LIFELINE, AND IT'S HOW I CAN CONTINUE TO LIVE MY LIFE THE WAY I'VE EARNED IT AND THE WAY I WANT TO.

>> Renee: ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT FROM THE COMMITTEE FOR RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL BUDGET, SOCIAL SECURITY'S RETIREMENT TRUST FUND IS DUE TO BECOME INSOLENT IN 2032 AFTER THE PASSAGE OF THE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL.

>>> STARTING TODAY, 139 KENTUCKIANS WILL BE COMPETING AT THE NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES IN DES MOINES IOWA.

THE COMPETITION IS FOR ADULTS 50 AND OLDER AND FEATURES 30 DIFFERENT SPORTS FROM TRACK AND FIELD TO BOWLING.

OUR MACKENZIE SPINK SPOKE WITH SOME OF THE SENIOR ATHLETES COMPETING THIS YEAR.

THIS STORY IS PART OF KET'S THE NEXT CHAPTER INITIATIVE FOCUSED ON THE REWARDS AND CHALLENGES OF GROWING OLDER.

>> 13,000 PEOPLE WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES THIS YEAR.

AND FOR THESE ATHLETES, AGE IS JUST A NUMBER.

>> WE HAD A LADY FROM LEXINGTON ON HER 89TH BIRTHDAY WIN A BRONZE MEDAL IN THE 1500.

THERE WILL BE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO COULDN'T CRAWL A 1500.

>> TO PART-TIME PICKLEBALLERS ATHLETES WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN A MEDAL.

FOR SOME IT'S THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY THEY'VE BEEN GIVEN TO COMPETE AT THIS LEVEL.

>> ESPECIALLY WOMEN WHO WERE BEFORE TITLE IX WOMEN IN THEIR 70s NEVER GOT THAT OPPORTUNITY.

>> 78-YEAR-OLD JIM IS COMPETING IN TRACK AND FIELD.

HE SAYS RUNNING IS IN HIS GENES.

>> MY GRANDFATHER HELD THE U.S. HIGH SCHOOL RECORD BACK IN 1914.

>> HE COMPETED THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE BUT FELL AWAY FROM RUNNING AS AN ADULT.

IN HIS 30s HE REALIZED HE NEEDED A CHANGE.

>> I SMOKED FIVE PACKS OF CIGARETTES A DAY.

AND I HAD COME TO JESUS MOMENT AND SAID THIS ISN'T GOING TO WORK I MAY NOT MAKE 40.

>> HE PICKED UP RUNNING AGAIN AFTER A KNEE INJURY TRANSITIONED HIM, HE WAS ENCOURAGED TO LOOK INTO THE SENIOR GAMES TO FOCUS ON HEALING.

IT WAS A GREAT FIT FOR HIS COMPETITIVE SPIRIT.

>> I HEARD OF THE NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES AND SO I SAID, OH, THIS WILL GIVE ME A GOAL.

AND IT'S NOT SO MUCH NECESSARILY BEATING OTHER PEOPLE, IT'S OKAY, I RAN THIS TIME, THREE YEARS AGO, HOW CLOSE CAN I GET NOW?

>> RECOVERING FROM AN INJURY IS ALSO WHAT CONNECTED MINORITY IN THE NEGATIVE TO THE SENIOR GAMES BUT SHE DID NOT GROW UP PLAYING HER SPORT SHE STARTED PLAYING TENNIS AT AGE 43.

>> IT IS SOCIAL.

IT IS COMPETITIVE.

IT IS FUN.

YOU GET YOUR ENDORPHINS GOING.

IT KEEPS YOU YOUNG EVERY TIME I PLAY TENNIS I LOOK FORWARD I HAVE SOMETHING TO DO.

>> THE COMPETITION MOTIVATES HER TO STAY IN SHAPE.

>> A LOT OF MY SIBLINGS HAVE HEALTH ISSUES BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ACTIVE THEY DON'T STRETCH, THEY DON'T, I ALSO WORKOUT WITH A TRAINER TO BE BETTER AT TENNIS.

I DON'T USE TENNIS AS MY EXERCISE.

I GO TO THE GYM AND GET STRONGER SO I CAN BE BETTER AT TENNIS.

>> THEY BOTH SAY THEY FEEL THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PLAYING SPORTS.

AND THEY HEAR IT FROM THEIR DOCTORS.

BUT THEY SAY ANOTHER BENEFIT TO COMPETING IS THE SOCIAL CONNECTION.

>> THE BIG THING RIGHT NOW WITH SENIORS YOU HEAR IS LONELINESS.

AS I SAID LAST YEAR, DO ANY OF THESE PEOPLE LOOK LONELY?

>> IT'S LIKE A TRACK HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE, TRACK MEET BECAUSE YOUR COMPETITORS BUT YOU ARE ALSO ONCE YOU'VE RUN THAT RACE AND FINISHED AND GONE ACROSS THE FINISH LINE, YOU KNOW, YOU'RE FRIENDS.

I'VE HAD FOLKS THAT I'VE RUN AGAINST OR WITH SINCE 2016.

>> ORGANIZERS SAY THE MISSION OF THE SENIOR GAMES IS 0 GET OLDER ADULTS OFF THE COUCH AND TRYING TO GO NEW.

>> IT SHOWS NOT ONLY CAN YOU KEEP IT GOING BUT IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START.

YOU CAN FIND SOMETHING AND WE TRY TO GET THE WORD OUT TO PEOPLE LIKE THAT, THE PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, TO LET THEM KNOW, SEND THEM OUR WAY.

WE'LL GET THEM STARTED.

>> A LOT OF OLDER PEOPLE THINK I HAVE NOT DONE THIS WE WANT PEOPLE TO GET OFF THE COUCH AND TRY IT.

PLAY IN OUR KENTUCKY SENIOR GAMES IS SO MUCH FUN.

AND IF YOU QUALIFY IF NO ONE ELSE IS YOUR AGE GROUP YOU GET TO GO ON A FABULOUS TRIP AND IT KEEPS YOU IN THE GAME, I MEAN THE GAME OF LIFE.

>> THE NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES START TODAY IN IOWA AND RUN THROUGH AUGUST 4.

THE COMPETITION TAKES PLACE EVERY OTHER YEAR FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M MACKENZIE SPINK.

>> Renee: THANK YOU FOR THAT GREAT STORY.

THE KENTUCKY SENIOR GAMES WILL BE IN LEXINGTON STARTING AUGUST THE 8TH.

AND YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEXT CHAPTER INITIATIVE THAT FOCUSES ON THE REWARDS AND CHALLENGES OF AGING ON-LINE AT KET.ORG/THE NEXT CHAPTER.

[♪♪] NORTHERN KENTUCKY LIKE MOST OF THE STATE FINDS ITSELF IN A HOUSING SHORTAGE.

THREE MAYORS FROM BOON, KENTON AND CAMPBELL COUNTIES GATHERED TO TALK ABOUT HOW THEY WANT TO SOLVE THAT PROBLEM.

EMILY SISK HAS THAT AND MORE FROM NORTHERN KENTUCKY.

>> 6650 THE NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS NORTHERN KENTUCKY NEEDS TO ADD OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS ACCORDING TO A REPORT FROM THE AIR DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.

>> THE REAL ESTATE COSTS ARE SO VARIED IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY.

>> AS MAYORS FROM FLORENCE, COVINGTON AND FORT THOMAS DISCUSSED EACH OF THEIR CITIES HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS.

KOFS TON MAYOR SAYS THE TOWN HAS ABANDONED BUILDINGS AND HE WANTS TO SEE HOW THEY CAN USE THOSE TO OFFSET THE HOUSING SHORTAGE.

>> TO KEEP THIS MOMENTUM GOING WE NEED PEOPLE.

WE NEED PEOPLE DOWNTOWN, WE NEED PEOPLE VISITING OUR RESTAURANTS.

AND ONLY THING WE CAN DO IS WE CAN MEET THEM THERE BY TURNING THESE VACANT PROPERTIES INTO AN OPPORTUNITY.

AND WE'RE GOING TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND WE'RE GOING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO STUDY THAT IS WHY I FEEL LET'S GO.

>> THERE IS A CONCERN THAT NEW HOUSING WON'T BE AFFORDABLE IN FLORENCE AND COVINGTON, THE PRICE OF HOMES WAS AROUND $250,000.

THAT'S ACCORDING TO REALTOR.COM.

FLORENCE'S MAYOR SAYS THEY ARE DOING THEIR PART WHEN IT COMES TO INCOME-BASED HOUSING.

>> FLENGS AND COVINGTON WE ARE DOING OUR FAIR SHARE FOR INCOME ALIGNED HOUSING.

WE DO NEED OTHER COMMUNITIES TO STEP UP.

>> THE FLORENCE MAYOR LISTED A DEMOGRAPHIC SHE BELIEVES NEEDS MORE SUPPORT FROM LEADERS WHEN IT COMES TO HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.

>> ONE LARGE SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION THAT IS UNDERSERVED IN HOUSING AND STRUGGLING IS SENIORS.

>> MAYOR AUBUCHON CHALLENGED PHILANTHROPIES TO SUPPORT SENIOR HOUSING PROJECTS.

THE CITY CHARACTERIZES ITSELF DIFFERENTLY.

MAYOR ERIC HAUGHS SAYS HOMES RARELY COME UP FOR SALE BECAUSE THEY ARE PASSED DOWN TO FAMILY MEMBERS.

REALTOR.COM SHOWS THE MEDIAN HOME PRICE IN THOMAS WAS $335,000.

>> THE REASON WE HAVE SO MANY GREAT PEOPLE IN FORT THOMAS IS BECAUSE OF THE SCHOOLS.

IT DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH ME OR COUNCIL, THE SCHOOLS ARE SO GOOD THAT PARENTS WHO CARE ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION WANT TO LIVE IN FORT THOMAS.

>> FORT THOMAS RECEIVED THE HIGHEST STATE RATING IN THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY REGION.

COVINGTON'S MAYOR JOKED HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO SHARE HOUSING UNITS WITH FORT THOMAS.

>> WE CAN SEND 200 HOMES YOUR WAY THAT CAN HELP YOUR COMMUNITY.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

>> THE LEADERS ALSO DISCUSSED TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES.

FOR COVINGTON MULTIPLE STRUCTURES INCLUDING THE BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE AND FOURTH STREET BRIDGE WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

THE FOURTH STREET BRIDGE WHICH CONNECTS NEWPORT AND COVINGTON WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL THE NEW STRUCTURE IS COMPLETE IN 2028.

HE SHARED HIS CRITICISM ABOUT THE PROJECT.

>> CLOSING THAT BRIDGE IS GOING TO KILL BUSINESS IT'S GOING TO HURT ALL KINDS OF BUSINESSES.

>> IN OTHER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THE MAYOR SAID THE CITY IS LOOKING TO TURN THE FLORENCE MALL INTO A MIXED-USE PROPERTY BUT IT WILL COME WITH QUITE THE PRICE TAG.

>> 75 DEVELOPABLE ACRES AND TAKE $80 MILLION TO MOVE THE NEEDLE ON THAT PROJECT.

>> IN COVINGTON THE RIVERFRONT IS PREPARING TO BRING HOMES, OFFICES AND A HOTEL TO DOWNTOWN.

>> THERE'S GOING TO BE A HOTEL THERE ABOUT 250 KEYS AT THAT HOTEL.

IT WILL HAVE A ROOFTOP RESTAURANT.

>> MAYOR WASHINGTON SAID WHILE THE CENTRAL RIVERFRONT IS DRAWING ATTENTION HE WANTS TO PUT EQUAL FOCUS ON THE REST OF COVINGTON HOME TO 40,000 PEOPLE.

FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M EMILY SISK.

>> Renee: THANK YOU.

ANOTHER FOCUS FOR THE CITY LEADERS IS DEVELOPING AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE CHILDCARE.

FLORENCE'S MAYOR SAID IF THEY CAN GET KIDS INTO CHILDCARE MORE PARENTS CAN GO TO WORK.

>>> IN TWO WEEKS JEFFERSON COUNTY STUDENTS WILL BE BACK TO SCHOOL AND THE DISTRICT IS MAKING SURE KIDS HAVE CLOTHES.

PARENTS IN LOUISVILLE'S WEST END HAVE BEEN COLLECTING AND GIVING OUT FREE CLOTHES SINCE THE 1970s.

>> THIS IS A NONPROFIT THAT STARTED IN 1971.

AND SO FOR THOSE 54 YEARS IT'S BEEN DRIVEN BY VOLUNTEER MUSCLE.

AND IT'S WANTING TO SUPPORT FAMILIES IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WHO NEED BASIC STUFF.

SO WHAT YOU ARE SEEING TODAY WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN SCHEDULED TO BE HERE WITH THEIR FAMILIES THEY ARE GOING TO GET NEW CLOTHES UNDERWEAR, SOCKS, SHOES, HOODIES, JACKETS, EXTRA ITEMS TO HELP THEM START THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG.

>> Renee: THE BACK TO SCHOOL BLITZ GIVEAWAY WILL CONTINUE INTO THE WEEKEND AT ITS LOCATION ON WEST JEFFERSON STREET, BUT THIS ISN'T A ONE-TIME EVENT THE PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES YEAR-ROUND.

[♪♪] SOME MORE GOOD NEWS THE KENTUCKY OAKS IS HEADED TO PRIMETIME.

THE RACE FOR THREE-YEAR-OLD PHILLYS IS HELD FRIDAY THE DAY BEFORE THE KENTUCKY DERBY.

NEXT YEAR'S RACE ON MAY FIRST, 2026, WILL BE AT 8:00 P.M. EASTERN AND SHOWN ON NBC AND STREAMED ON PEACOCK.

CHURCHILL DOWNS C.E.O.

SAID THIS QUOTE BY MOVING THE KENTUCKY OAKS TO PRIMETIME WE'RE GIVING ONE OF HORSERACING TREASURED TRADITIONS THE NATIONAL STAGE IT DESERVES.

THIS DECISION IS ROOTED IN OUR COMMITMENT TO GROWING THE SPORT, REACHING NEW AUDIENCES AND CREATING EXPERIENCES FOR OUR FANS.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY AIRS ON NBC AND WILL CONTINUE THERE UNTIL AT LEAST 2032.

>>> TO ANOTHER FASCINATING FIND AT MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK DATING BACK MILLIONS OF YEARS TO WHEN IT WAS UNDERWATER.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVERED A NEW SPECIES OF ANCIENT SHARK.

FOSSILS INDICATE IT WAS SMALL SHORTER THAN A FOOT IN LENGTH THEY NOTED THE TEETH GOOD POUR MOLLUSKS AND WORMS.

MAMMOTH CAVE SAYS THE FINDINGS HELP US UNDERSTAND MARINE LIFE AND HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING OUR NATURAL HISTORY.

>> THE U.K. MARKEY CENTER IS AT THE FOREFRONT THE SCHOOL IS ONE OF FIVE GIVING DEAF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY.

WE'LL TELL YOU HOW IT WORKS FRIDAY ON "KENTUCKY EDITION."

, WHICH WE HOPE TO SEE YOU FOR AGAIN TOMORROW NIGHT 6:30 EASTERN, 5:30 CENTRAL WHERE WE INFORM, CONNECT AND INSPIRE.

CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK, X, AND INSTAGRAM TO STAY IN THE LOOP AND WE HOPE YOU WILL SEND US A STORY IDEA BY E-MAIL TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT KET.ORG.

AND LOOK FOR US ON THE PBS VIDEO APP THAT YOU CAN DOWNLOAD ON YOUR SMART DEVICES.

AND FOLLOW KET ON-LINE AND WATCH PROGRAMS ON DEMAND AT KET.ORG.

I'M RENEE SHAW THANK YOU FOR WATCHING TONIGHT.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT AND WE'LL SEE YOU BACK HERE AGAIN TOMORROW.

TAKE GOOD CARE.

[♪♪]