[♪♪] >> Renee: KENTUCKY STATE AUDITOR MAKES HER DECISION.

WILL SHE INVESTIGATE FAYETTE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AFTER A TAX HIKE VOTE THAT IS NOW ON HOLD?

>> CASES OF PERTUSSIS HAVE REALLY SKYROCKETED IN KENTUCKY.

SO AND NATIONWIDE.

>> Renee: AFTER TWO DEATHS IN KENTUCKY, SOME WONDER IF DECLINING IMMUNIZATION RATES ARE CAUSING THE SPREAD OF WHOOPING COUGH.

>> WE CAN SHOW PEOPLE LET'S GET YOU OFF THE COUCH AND GET YOU BACK INTO LIFE.

IF WE CAN GET YOU INTO THE GAME OF GOLF FOR SOME IT'S THE GAME OF LIFE.

>> Renee: HOW ADOPTIVE GOLF CAN HELP PEOPLE GET BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS.

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

[♪♪] >> Renee: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "KENTUCKY EDITION" ON THIS TUESDAY, JUNE THE 10TH.

I'M RENEE SHAW WE THANK YOU FOR SPENDING SOME OF YOUR TUESDAY NIGHT WITH US.

>>> STATE AUDITOR ALLISON BALL SAYS SHE WILL LOOK INTO THE FAYETTE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM AFTER THE SCHOOL BOARD'S ATTEMPT TO RAISE THE OCCUPATIONAL TAX TO DEAL WITH THE BUDGET DEFICIT.

THE BOARD'S VOTE CAME WITHOUT PROPER NTH TO THE PUBLIC.

HERE IS THE STATEMENT FROM AUDITOR BALL.

QUOTE UPON REVIEW OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION AS WELL AS LISTENING TO CONCERNS FROM PARENTS AND OTHER CONSTITUENTS, I HAVE DETERMINED THAT MY OFFICE WILL CONDUCT A SPECIAL EXAMINATION OF THE FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT END QUOTE.

ON MAY 27TH, THE SCHOOL BOARD VOTED 3-2 TO RAISE THE OCCUPATIONAL TAX IN FAYETTE COUNTY FROM .5% TO .75%.

SOME CITIZENS COMPLAINED AND KENTUCKY ATTORNEY GENERAL RUSSELL COLEMAN RULED THE BOARD DPTD'S PROPERLY NOTIFY THE PUBLIC IN ADVANCE OF THE VOTE.

ACCORDING TO THE LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER A LAWYER ADVISING THE SCHOOL BOARD SAYS THE NOTICE WAS NOT NEEDED BECAUSE THE FAYETTE COUNTY FISCAL COURT WOULD HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON RAISING THE TAX.

LAST NIGHT THE BOARD DECIDED TO PAUSE THE PROPOSED OCCUPATIONAL TAX.

BEFORE BALL'S ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT HER PLANS TO EXAMINE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, THE BOARD SAID IT WOULD PUT TOGETHER ITS OWN COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM'S BUDGET.

THE HERALD-LEADER REPORTS THE COMMITTEE WILL BE MADE UP OF STUDENTS, STAFF, BUSINESS LEADERS, FAITH LEADERS AND THE PUBLIC.

SIX REPUBLICAN MEMBERS OF THE KENTUCKY STATE SENATE WHO REPRESENT PARTS OF FAYETTE COUNTY PUT OUT A JOINT STATEMENT SUPPORTING AUDITOR BALL'S DECISION.

QUOTE WE STEADFASTLY SUPPORT ALLISON BALL'S SPECIAL EXAMINATION OF FCPS, TRANSPARENCY, HONESTSY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FROM ESSENTIAL.

A DEEPER INDEPENDENT REVIEW COULD CLARIFY HOW TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT AND HELP RESTORE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE DISTRICT'S LEADERSHIP.

END QUOTE.

>>> IN OTHER NEWS, THE KENTUCKY LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMISSION IS OFFERING TO END AN INVESTIGATION INTO STATE REPRESENTATIVE DANIEL GROSS BERG.

THE COURIER JOURNAL WAS THE FIRST TO REPORT.

ACCORDING TO THAT PAPER THE COMMISSION IS PREPARED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PROBABLE CAUSE MAY EXIST TO SHOW GROSSBURG MAY HAVE VIOLATED STATE LAW ON TWO OCCASIONS.

IF GROSSBURG AGREED HE WOULD BE FINED $4,000 AND GIVE UP HIS RIGHT TO SUE THE COMMISSION AND ANYONE INVOLVED WITH INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS AGAINST HIM.

BUT THE DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKER SAID HE WILL NOT SIGN OFF ON THE DEAL.

IF HE DOESN'T, THE PAPER REPORTS HIS CASE WOULD COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION ON JUNE 17TH.

GROSSBURG HAS BEEN UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE RESEARCH COMMISSION FOR NEARLY A YEAR FOLLOWING ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR.

>>> ADDITIONAL TROOPS ARE HEADED TO LOS ANGELES ON PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S ORDERS IN RESPONSE TO PROTESTS OVER IMMIGRATION RAIDS.

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM IS CALLING THE MOVE TO MOBILIZE THE STATE'S NATIONAL GUARD QUOTE AN ABUSE OF POWER.

HE HAS THE BACKING OF EVERY DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR, INCLUDING KENTUCKY GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR.

ANDY BESHEAR IS VICE-CHAIR OF THE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR'S ASSOCIATION WHICH PUT OUT A STATEMENT THAT READS IN PART QUOTE IT'S IMPORTANT WE RESPECT THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY OF OUR COUNTRY'S GOVERNORS TO MANAGE THEIR NATIONAL GUARDS.

AND WE STAND WITH GOVERNOR NEWSOM WHO HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT VIOLENCE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO THEIR JOBS WITHOUT THE CHAOS OF THIS FEDERAL INTERFERENCE AND INTIMIDATION.

END QUOTE.

IN RESPONSE, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF KENTUCKY IS OUT WITH ITS OWN STATEMENT.

QUOTE, ANDY BESHEAR'S OPPOSITION TO PRESIDENT TRUMP'S ATTEMPT TO RESTORE ORDER AND GAIN CONTROL OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION IS JUST THE LATEST REMINDER THAT HIS DELUSIONAL PRESIDENTIAL FANTASIES MATTER MORE TO HIM THAN WHAT THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF KENTUCKIANS SUPPORT, PUBLIC SAFETY AND FORCING FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW AND STANDING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT.

END QUOTE.

>>> YESTERDAY, DURING MY CONVERSATION WITH STATE SENATOR AMANDA MAYS BLEDSOE OF LEXINGTON WE TALKED ABOUT A PROVISION IN PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S STZ AND BUDGET BILL THAT BANS STATES FROM ENFORCING STATE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION FOR 10 YEARS.

CONGRESSMAN BRETT GUTHRIE OF KENTUCKY'S SECOND DISTRICT IS CHAIR OF THE HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE.

HE IS ONE OF THE KEY PLAYERS IN THAT BUDGET DEBATE.

THIS MORNING DURING "POLITICO"'S ENERGY SUMMIT BRETT GUTHRIE TALKED ABOUT THE THINKING BEHIND THAT A.I.

PROVISION.

>> 50 DIFFERENT -- OUR SYSTEM IS UNIQUE AND IT'S GREAT AND THE 10TH AMENDMENT AND EVERY STATE HAS ITS OWN RIGHT TO DO WHAT IT WANTS TO DO.

BUT THE COMMERCE CLAUSE MY COMMITTEE'S CREATION I DO BELIEVE THIS RISES TO THE LEVEL OF THE COMMERCE CLAUSE THAT CONGRESS HAS THE AUTHORITY OVER A.I.

GENERAL ASSEMBLIES WERE IN SESSION THIS SPRING THERE WERE A.I.

BILLS LET'S PUT A MORATORIUM I SPOKE TO A GROUP OF A.I.

FOLKS IN TOWN LAST WEEK AND I SAID WE'RE NOT PREEMPTING 50 STATES FOR YOU TO HAVE NOTHING.

WE PREEMPTING 50 STATES TO HAVE A FEDERAL STANDARD AND GUARDRAIL AND WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE BEST SITUATION IS HERE IS THE FEDERAL GUARDRAIL THAT PREEMPTS THE STATES AND HERE IT IS BUT WE ARE STILL WORKING ON THE GUARDRAIL.

BECAUSE IN THE BILL WE WANT OUR COMMERCE DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT A.I.

AND SO WE PUT MONEY FOR THEM TO DO SO.

AND FOR US TO HAVE 50 DIFFERENT STATES OR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH IS DIFFICULT.

THE INTENT IS WE HAVE A NATIONAL STANDARD.

>> Renee: CONGRESSMAN GUTHRIE TALKED ABOUT THE MERITS OF NUCLEAR POWER AS A SOURCE OF ENERGY FOR AMERICA.

>> ZERO CARBON.

IT IS AND WE'RE GETTING BETTER WITH IT AND YOU HAVE SMALL NUCLEAR REACTORS.

BILL GATES TOLD ME THAT A MICROSOFT DATA CENTER COULD USE AS MUCH POWER AS THE CITY OF SEATTLE.

THINK ABOUT IF YOU BUILD A DATA CENTER USING A CITY'S WORTH OF GRID IMMEDIATELY IT'S NOT LIKE SEATTLE DEVELOPS OVER 100 YEARS.

AND YOU BUILD A GRID FOR THAT.

THIS IS BOOM YOU PLOP IT DOWN AND WE NEED IT.

A GOOD USE WOULD BE SMALL NUCLEAR REACTORS AND PEOPLE ASK IF THEY ARE SAFE.

I WILL TELL YOU WE HAVE SMALL MODULAR NUCLEAR REACTORS AND PUT [INAUDIBLE] 18-40-YEAR-OLDS IN THE WORLD PUT THEM UNDERWATER IN A SUBMARINE THEY HAVE DONE IT SAFELY AND WE CAN DO IT SAFELY.

BUT IT DOES TAKE A WHILE.

>> HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

>> THE PROBLEM IS YOU CAN'T NOT DO IT BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO TAKE TOO LONG WE HAVE TO GET THE PROCESS MOVING FORWARD.

WE HAVE TO NOT TAKE POWER OFF LINE THAT WE HAVE.

AND WE HAVE TO WIND AND SOLAR IS SOMETHING YOU CAN EXPAND QUICKER PARTICULARLY SOLAR.

>> Renee: CONGRESSMAN GUTHRIE'S KENTUCKY COLLEAGUE JAMES COMER OF THE FIRST DISTRICT IS WORRIED ABOUT THE MISS HANDLING OF MILLIONS OF AMERICANS GENETIC INFORMATION.

THE COMPANY 23 AND ME DECLARED BANKRUPTCY.

OTHER COMPANIES ARE LOOKING TO BUY IT.

23 AND ME IS A COMPANY THAT TRACKS PEOPLE'S GENETIC HISTORY AFTER THEY SEND IN A SALIVA SAMPLE.

COMER WONDERING WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN SOMEONE BUYS ALL OF THAT INFORMATION.

>> TO WHOEVER ENDS UP CONTROLLING THE COMPANY THERE ARE SERIOUS CONCERNS WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THIS PRIVATE INFORMATION.

HOW WILL IT BE STORED?

WHAT WILL IT BE USED FOR?

0 COULD IT END UP IN THE HANDS OF A FOREIGN ADVERSARY?

THROUGH INVESTMENT THROUGH FUTURE PARTNERSHIPS?

COULD THE INFORMATION BE USED AGAINST CUSTOMERS?

CONSUMERS?

23 AND ME AS A RECORD IN ENGAGING WITH FOREIGN ADVERSARIES NAMELY THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY THEY RECEIVED CASH FROM A CORPORATE VENTURE ARM OF A COMPANY WITH TIES TO THE C.L.

BROWN P AND CHINESE PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY.

AT THE TIME THE INVESTMENT VALUED 23 AND ME AND 2.1 BILLION.

>> Renee: COMER IS CHAIR OF THE HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE WHICH BEGAN HEARINGS TODAY INTO 23 AND ME HE EXPECTS TO HEAR FROM THE COMPANY'S C.E.O.

[♪♪] A NEW AIRPORT ACCESS ROAD A CHANGE FOR WATER CUSTOMERS, AND NEW PLANS FOR A DATA CENTER OUR TOBY GIBBS HAS DETAILS ON ALL THREE OF THOSE ITEMS IN OUR TUESDAY LOOK AT HEADLINES AROUND KENTUCKY.

SOME PEOPLE IN OLDHAM COUNTY DIDN'T LIKE THE PROPOSED LOCATION FOR A DATA CENTER — OFF HIGHWAY 53.

SO THERE'S A NEW PROPOSAL.

THE OLDHAM ERA REPORTS OWNERS OF THE OC DATA CENTER NOW WANT TO LOCATE ON D.W. GRIFFITH LANE, THE HOME OF THE SAUERBECK FAMILY DRIVE-IN.

COUNTY LEADERS SAY IT'S A SOLUTION THAT ADDRESSES CRITICS' CONCERNS WHILE STILL GIVING OLDHAM COUNTY A NEW BUSINESS THAT WILL BENEFIT THE TAX BASE.

ABOUT FIVE-THOUSAND WATER CUSTOMERS IN HART AND GRAYSON COUNTIES WILL BE CHANGING PROVIDERS.

ACCORDING TO THE EDMONSON VOICE, THE EDMONDSON COUNTY WATER DISTRICT WILL END SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS IT'S BEEN SERVING, OUTSIDE THE COUNTY.

THE DISTRICT PLANS TO MERGE TWO TREATMENT PLANTS INTO ONE — AND DECIDED IT WOULD BE BETTER FOR EVERYONE IF HART COUNTY CUSTOMERS SWITCHED TO THE GREEN RIVER VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, WHILE GRAYSON COUNTY CUSTOMERS JOINED THE GRAYSON COUNTY WATER DISTRICT.

DANVILLE AND BOYLE COUNTY ARE LOOKING AHEAD TO ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH THE BUILDING OF A NEW ACCESS ROAD TO THE DANVILLE-BOYLE COUNTY AIRPORT.

THE ADVOCATE-MESSENGER REPORTS THE RIBBON CUTTING WAS MAY 28TH.

THE MONEY IS FROM A FEDERAL GRANT.

THE ROAD IS ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE AIRPORT.

THE COMMUNITY HOPES THIS MEANS AIRPORT GROWTH AND EXPANDED AVIATION SERVICES.

TRAINING EXERCISES STARTED LAST FRIDAY AT FORT KNOX.

AND THEY COULD BE NOISY.

THE NELSON COUNTY GAZETTE SAYS PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY COULD HEAR AIRCRAFT, AND WEAPONS FIRING, DAY AND NIGHT.

THE TRAINING LASTS THROUGH JUNE 19TH.

WITH HEADLINES AROUND KENTUCKY, I'M TOBY GIBBS.

[♪♪] >> Renee: THE U.S. HOUSE PASSED PRESIDENT DOBB DON'T DONALD TRUMP'S BUDGET BILL INCLUDING CUTS TO MEDICAID WHICH SUPPORTERS SAY WILL ONLY AFFECT ABLE-BODIED NONWORKING ADULTS.

OPPONENTS SAY OTHER GROUPS COULD BE AT RISK OF LOSING COVERAGE DUE TO PAPERWORK BURDENS.

31,000 KENTUCKIANS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES COVERED BY MEDICAID COULD BE ONE OF THOSE GROUPS.

KEY ASSETS KENTUCKY IS ONE OF THE FEW MEDICAL PROVIDERS IN THE STATE FOR THIS POPULATION AND ITS LEADERSHIP SAYS IF THOSE CLIENTS LOSE COVERAGE THEY MAYBE COMPLETELY OUT OF OPTIONS.

MACKENZIE SPINK HAS MORE.

>> KEY ASSETS KENTUCKY PROVIDES A RANGE OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE STATE.

BUT IT'S CHILDREN IN COMMUNITY CARE OR C.L.

BROWN C PROGRAM IS UNIQUE IN THIS AREA.

C. C. C. PROVIDES GROUP HOMES FOR YOUTH IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM WHO NEED CARE FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER OR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES.

IT IS THE ONLY PROGRAM IN THE STATE.

>> THESE KIDS HAVE SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT NEEDS AND LIVING IN PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS.

WHICH MOST OF US CAN AGREE THAT IS NOT A PLACE FOR A KID TO GROW UP.

IT WAS REALLY OUR MISSION TO CREATE A COMMUNITY MODEL FOR THEM TO LIVE IN GROUP PARTS AND GOING TO SCHOOLS AND THRIVE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

>> THE CHILDREN IN THE KEY ASSETS GROUP HOMES RECEIVE TAILORED TREATMENT PLANS TO MEET THEIR NEEDS.

AND THERE'S SPECIAL EMPHASIS PLACED ON ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY.

>> WE HAVE "ONE-TO-ONE" STAFFING WHEN THE KIDS COME HOME THEY ARE MET AT THE SCHOOL BUS AND THE YOUTH ARE BRINGING THEM INSIDE AND THEY HAVE A ROUTINE AND A SCHEDULE.

OFTEN THAT IS SNACK TIME AND IF THEY HAVE HOMEWORK THEN THEY WORK ON HOMEWORK.

AND SO OUR GOAL IS THAT WE WANT THEM TO HAVE AS NORMAL OF A CHILDHOOD AS POSSIBLE.

IT'S ALREADY NOT NORMAL BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT LIVING WITH THEIR FAMILY.

SO WHAT CAN WE DO TO REALLY HELP THEM BE A PART OF THAT COMMUNITY AND ULTIMATELY WE WANT THAT COMMUNITY TO EMBRACE THEM.

TO SEE LOOK AT THESE KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND HOW CAN WE WRAP OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT AROUND THESE KIDS AS WELL.

>> JEREMY'S SON ANDREW CURRENTLY LIVES IN A KEY ASSETS GROUP HOME.

HE SAYS IT'S PROVIDED A QUALITY OF LIFE FOR HIS SON THAT WASN'T POSSIBLE IN THE HOME.

>> ANDREW HAS A MYRIAD OF SPECIAL NEEDS AND HEALTH CONDITIONS RANGING FROM CEREBRAL PALSY, HE IS NONVERBAL AND STRUGGLES WITH BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES AS WELL.

AS MY SON HAS GOTTEN OLDER, AND BIGGER, AND JUST LARGER IN GENERAL, LIKE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES HAVE BECOME DIFFICULT FOR US AT AN IN-HOME SET SNOOK AFTER SPENDING TIME IN A HOSPITAL IN CINCINNATI THE NEAREST CARE OPTION FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES IN KENTUCKY HAYDEN SAYS IT WAS CLEAR ANDREW THRIVED IN A STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT THAT COULD NOT BE REPLICATED AT HOME.

AFTER A JOURNEY OF ADVOCATING FOR HIS SON HAYDEN WAS ABLE TO SECURE AN AGREEMENT FOR THE STATE FOR ANDREW TO ENTER INTO KEY ASSETS CARE WITHOUT GOING INTO THE FOSTER SYSTEM.

>> ANDREW HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER.

I SAY THAT FROM THE HEART AND FACT.

LIKE ANDREW WAS THRIVING.

WHEN ANDREW FIRST WENT TO KEY ASSETS, ANDREW WAS PRETTY MUCH IN A WHEELCHAIR.

SINCE BEING AT KEY ASSETS IMMEDIATELY THEY GOT TO WORK AND GOT HIM STRENGTHENED.

HE RARELY NEEDS A WHEELCHAIR ANYMORE AT THIS POINT.

HE IS WALKING MOVING AROUND GREAT.

HE GETS ALL KINDS OF THERAPIES THAT WE COULD NEVER GET HIM IN OUR HOME.

>> KEY ASSETS CLIENTS OFTEN USE A MIX OF FUNDING INCLUDING MEDICAID DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THEIR STAY IN THE C. C. C. HOUSING IF ONE LOST MEDICAID COVERAGE SHE CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT THE NEXT STEPS WOULD BE IN A STATE WITH FEW RESOURCES SPECIALIZED FOR THIS POPULATION.

>> IT WOULD BE DEVASTATING TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS NOT TO HAVE THAT -- THERE IS NOWHERE ELSE TO RECEIVE THAT HEALTHCARE.

THERE'S NOWHERE ELSE TO RECEIVE THAT MENTAL HEALTHCARE AND SUPPORT.

WE DO FACE A SERIOUS PROBLEM RIGHT NOW WITH SOME OF OUR KIDS THAT ARE IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM OF HAVING TO LIVE IN STATE OFFICES AND HOTELS BECAUSE THERE'S NO PLACES FOR THEM TO GO.

NOW, THAT IS NOT A MEDICAID ISSUE BUT THAT GOES TO SHOW THE SHORTAGE WE HAVE TO PROVIDE GOOD HOMES FOR KIDS COMING INTO FOSTER CARE.

SO ALTHOUGH WE MAY ONLY SERVE UP TO 22 YOUTH IN THIS PROGRAM, THAT WOULD BE UP TO 22 YOUTHS THAT WOULD BE HOMELESS.

I DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY WOULD GO.

I DON'T KNOW BECAUSE MOST OF THE SUPPORTS FOR THEM ARE BECAUSE OF THEIR DISABILITIES.

AND ARE PAID FOR BY MEDICAID.

>> THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATES THAT ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT WOULD LEAD TO ALMOST 11 MILLION PEOPLE BEING UNINSURED BY 2034.

MIKE JOHNSON SAID THE AMERICANS AFFECTED ARE THOSE ENTWINED IN OUR WORK TO ELIMINATE FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE END QUOTE.

AND THAT VULNERABLE GROUPS INCLUDING THE DISABLED WILL BE PROTECTED.

FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M MACKENZIE SPINK.

>> Renee: THANK YOU.

KEY ASSETS KENTUCKY'S COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM SERVES 700 YOUNG PEOPLE IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH AND CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

HALL SAYS NEARLY ALL OF THOSE CLIENTS ARE COVERED BY MEDICAID.

>>> TWO INFANTS DIED OF PERTUSSIS OR WHOOPING COUGH WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.

THOSE ARE THE FIRST DEATHS RELATED TO WHOOPING COUGH IN KENTUCKY SINCE 2018.

SO WHY THE INCREASE IN CASES?

A LOOK MORE IN TONIGHT'S MEDICAL NEWS.

>> WE KNOW THAT PERTUSSIS CAN BE VERY SEVERE IN YOUNG INFANTS.

ABOUT A THIRD OF YOUNG INFANTS SO THOSE LESS THAN A YEAR OF AGE.

OF WHEN THEY GET PERTUSSIS THEY GET HOSPITALIZED.

AND YOUNG INFANTS ARE AT RISK FOR SEVERE COMPLICATIONS OF PERTUSSIS.

INCLUDING PNEUMONIA AND SEIZURES.

CASES OF PERTUSSIS HAVE REALLY SKYROCKETED IN KENTUCKY.

SO AND NATIONWIDE.

SO IF WE JUST LOOK AT PERTUSSIS CASES LAST YEAR IN THE U.S. RCHTION THERE WERE MORE THAN 35,000 CASES OF PERTUSSIS.

THAT IS A LOT.

ACCORDING TO THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, WE HAD, I THINK, 543 CASES OF PERTUSSIS IN KENTUCKY.

PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS THINK THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS THAT THE CASES ARE GOING UP.

ONE IS THAT IMMUNIZATION RATES ARE FALLING.

WE TALKED ABOUT VACCINATIONS.

AND PERTUSSIS IS A VACCINE PREVENTIBLE DISEASE.

BUT IMMUNIZATION RATES ARE DOWN.

SO THAT'S CERTAINLY CONTRIBUTES TO INCREASED CASES.

PERTUSSIS VACCINE IS GOOD.

BUT IMMUNITY DOESN'T LAST FOREVER.

IMMUNITY WANES OVER TIME.

SO AS YOU GET FURTHER OUT FROM YOUR VACCINE, YOUR PROTECTION DECLINES.

AND THAT CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO INCREASED CASES.

THE OTHER THING IS THAT THE VACCINE ISN'T PERFECT.

IT CAN PREVENT SOME OF THE MOST SEVERE COMPLICATIONS OF PERTUSSIS T MIGHT NOT PREVENT WHAT WE KNOW IT DOESN'T PREVENT EVERY MILD CASE.

AND SO PEOPLE WITH MILD PERTUSSIS CAN SPREAD THE DISEASE.

ONE WAY WE PROTECT YOUNG INFANTS AGAINST WHOOPING COUGH IS TO GIVE THEIR MOTHERS PERTUSSIS VACCINE DURING PREGNANCY.

AND THE MOM MAKES ANTIBODIES THOSE CROSS THE PLACENTA AND WILL PROTECT THE YOUNG INFANT.

WHAT WE KNOW FROM THE PRESS RELEASE THAT KDPH RELEASED LAST WEEK IS THAT THE INFANTS WHO DIED HAD NOT BEEN IMMUNIZED AGAINST PERTUSSIS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THEIR MOTHERS HAD NOT BEEN IMMUNIZED AGAINST PERTUSSIS.

>> Renee: Dr. BRYANT ENCOURAGES ADULTS TO GET THE T DAP SHOT WHICH COVERS TETANUS, DIPTHERIA AND PERTUSSIS IF THEY ARE AROUND INFANTS.

[♪♪] THE TURFS ARE GREEN FOR GOLFERS OF ALL ABILITIES.

WHETHER SOMEONE WAS BORN WITH A MISSING LIMB, SUFFERED A STROKE OR LOST THEIR EYESIGHT THEY CAN STILL PLAY GOLF.

TONIGHT WE INTRODUCE YOU TO ATHLETES WHO ARE HITTING THE GREEN, INCLUDING ONE KENTUCKY LAWMAKER.

>> AT A SHELBYVILLE GOLF COURSE, THAI THOMPSON TAKES A SWING HE HAPPENS TO BE BLIND.

>> I DIDN'T PICK IT UP UNTIL AFTER I LOST MY VISION I STARTED PLAYING COMPETITIVELY AFTER I LOST MY VISION BECAUSE MY WIFE SAID YOU NEED TO KEEP UP SPORTS.

I WAS VERY ACTIVE IN SPORTS.

AND SHE SAID YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO HIT A NONMOVING BALL.

>> HOW DO YOU DO IT?

WITH HELP FROM A COACH.

>> THEY CAN DO EVERYTHING A CADDY CANNOT DO THEY CAN DESCRIBE THE HOLE WHERE TROUBLE IS WHERE YOU WANT TO TRY AND HIT VERSUS NOT.

SECOND RULE THEY CAN STAND BEHIND YOU.

BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE DID.

>> THOMPSON IS NOT ALONE.

PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES PLAY GOLF WHAT IS KNOWN AS ADAPTIVE GOLF AS SEEN AT THE KENTUCKY AMPUTEE TOURNAMENT WHICH AL GENTRY STARTED IN THE 1990s.

HE LOST HIS RIGHT ARM IN A WORKPLACE ACCIDENT MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO.

BUT HE WAS PLAYING GOLF AGAIN WITH HELP FROM DON, AN INTERNATIONAL ONE-ARMED GOLF CHAMPION FROM LOUISVILLE.

>> I NEVER MET DON, I KNEW WHO HE WAS.

SO WHEN MY ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN 1993, AND WHEN I WAS 28 YEARS OLD, AND THEY WERE WHEELING ME INTO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND I SAID LOOK OUT DON I'M COMING AFTER YOU.

I FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO LOSE MY ARM.

AND I DON'T KNOW WHY I SAID IT.

I JUST HAPPENED TO SAY IT.

AND WORD GOT OUT AND DON WAS NOTIFIED AND DON CAME TO MY HOSPITAL BED AND INTRODUCED HIMSELF AND INTRODUCED ME TO THE WORLD OF AMPUTEE GOLF WHICH CHANGED MY LIFE.

>> GENTRY REMEMBERS HIS FIRST TOURNAMENT AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

>> IT WAS VERY EMOTIONAL FOR ME BECAUSE IT WAS THE FIRST REALIZATION I WAS GOING TO BE OKAY.

THAT I COULD DO BIG THINGS.

>> GENTRY HAS A DECADE'S LONG LOVE FOR THE SPORT AND THE PEOPLE WHO PLAY IT.

HE, HIS MENTOR, AND TWO OTHER KENTUCKIANS FOUNDED THE NORTH AMERICAN ONE ARM GOLFER ASSOCIATION IN 2000.

DAN ARLEDGE IS THE CURRENT PRESIDENT.

>> WE CAN SHOW PEOPLE NEWLY INJURED OR ALWAYS INJURED AND NEVER SEEN THAT I CAN DO THAT.

AND THAT'S WHAT THIS IS.

WE CAN SHOW PEOPLE LET'S GET YOU OFF THE COUCH AND GET YOU BACK INTO LIFE.

IF WE CAN GET YOU INTO THE GAME OF GOLF, THEN FOR SOME IT'S CAN WE GET YOU INTO THE GAME OF LIFE.

>> THE ONE ARMED GROUP HELD A TOURNAMENT IN SOUTHERN INDIANA AND WROUGHT OUT SKILLED COMPETITIVE GOLFERS FROM ACROSS THE NATION.

>> HITTING GOLF SHOTS IS ONE OF THE BEST FEELINGS IN THE WORLD KNOWING YOU CAN DO SOMETHING REALLY HARD.

>> ANYTIME THERE IS A DISABILITY ESPECIALLY WITH ONE ARM FOR GOLF YOU HAVE MORE ROOM FOR ERROR.

YOU DON'T HAVE THAT POWER.

FOR ME I HAVE TO USE MY HIPS.

IF I DON'T HIT IT GOOD, I AM MAD AT MYSELF.

BUT SO IS EVERYONE WITH TWO HANDS.

I CAN'T GET DOWN ON MYSELF MORE FOR A CRAPPY SHOT I HAVE TO GIVE MYSELF MORE GRACE.

>> SOME DEVELOP THE DISABILITY LATER IN LIFE.

HE HAD A STROKE AND BEGAN TO RELEARN THE SPORT DURING PHYSICAL THERAPY.

>> THAT REALLY STARTED JAZZING ME UP.

BECAUSE I REALLY THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER PLAY GOLF AGAIN.

>> OTHERS WERE BORN WITH THEIR DISABILITY AND A PASSION FOR SPORTS.

PLAYING SPORTS AS A KID CAME LIKE FIRST NATURE.

I GREW UP WITH SIX OTHER COUSINS THAT PLAYED SPORTS.

I WAS ALWAYS COMPETITIVE AND IT NEVER HELD ME BACK OR ANYTHING.

THE HARDEST THING USED TO BE TYING MY SHOES.

TYING A SHOE IS IN SANE OR CUTTING A STEAK IS HARD.

THE REAL HARD STUFF LIKE PLAYING FOOTBALL OR TACKLING SOMEONE OR WRESTLING THOSE ARE EASY.

>> ADAPTIVE GOLF CONTINUES TO NURTURE THE NEXT GENERATION OF GOLFERS WITH THE MOTTO TEACH, PLAY, COMPETE.

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS CREATED MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO PLAY.

SO HAS THE U.S. ADAPTIVE GOLF ALLIANCE WHICH GAVE A VOICE TO DOZENS OF REGIONAL GROUPS STARTING IN 2014.

GENTRY SAYS THE POWERS THAT BE OF GOLF HAVE TAKEN AN INTEREST, TOO.

THE U.S.

GOLF ASSOCIATION KNOWN FOR HOSTING THE PROFESSIONAL U.S. OPEN WILL HOST ITS FOURTH ADAPTIVE OPEN THIS SUMMER.

FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M JUNE LEFFLER.

>> Renee: THANK YOU, JUNE.

YOU HEARD THE MENTION OF DON FIGHT MASTER HE WON TWO INTERNATIONAL AND SEVEN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR ONE ARM GOLF AND STARTED A CHARITY FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

GREAT STORY.

BASEBALL FANS TWO KENTUCKY TEAMS ARE IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT DETAILS IN TONIGHT'S LOOK AT SPORTS NEWS.

THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE AND MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY ARE AMONG THE EIGHT TEAMS HEADED TO THE COLLEGE WORLD SERIES IN NEBRASKA.

THE MURRAY STATE RACERS FIRST TRIP AND HERE IS A BONUS, MURRAY BEAT DUKE ON DUKE'S HOME FIELD.

LOUISVILLE BEAT MIAMI IN THE LOUISVILLE SUPER REGIONAL THIS WILL BE THE SIXTH APPEARANCE IN THE COLLEGE WORLD SERIES.

THE COLLEGE WORLD SERIES IS AN 18 DOUBLE ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT.

LOUISVILLE'S FIRST OPPONENT IS OREGON STATE MURRAY'S FIRST OPPONENT IS UCLA.

AND BEST TO BOTH OF THOSE TEAMS.

PEOPLE OF ALL AGES ARE THRILLED AS COVINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD GETS THE FIRST LIBRARY.

>> I THINK I'M GOING TO BRING MY BABY SISTER.

AND WE CAN START READING BOOKS TOGETHER.

>> Renee: THAT'S GOOD.

SHE WILL BE A GOOD BIG SIS.

A PROJECT DECADES IN THE MAKING AND WE'LL GO THERE TOMORROW ON "KENTUCKY EDITION" WHICH WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US FOR AGAIN AT 6:30 EASTERN AND 5:30 CENTRAL WHERE WE INFORM CONNECT AND INSPIRE.

HOPE YOU SUBSCRIPT TO OUR "KENTUCKY EDITION" NEWSLETTERS AND WATCH EPISODES AND CLIPS ON KET.ORG AND CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK, X AND INSTAGRAM TO STAY IN THE LOOP.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US I'M RENEE SHAW UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE.

SO LONG.