[♪♪] >> WE CAN'T IGNORE THE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED LAST FRIDAY NIGHT IN MINNESOTA.

>> Laura: WILL A POLITICAL ASSASSINATION IN MINNESOTA MEAN TIGHTER SECURITY IN FRANKFORT?

>>> AND WHAT WILL YOUR FUTURE DRIVE TO CINCINNATI LOOK LIKE A PEEK AT TOMORROW'S BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE TODAY.

>> THEY'VE NEVER HAD ACCESS TO THE TRAILS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY ARE ABLE TO USE THE TRACKCHAIR.

>> Laura: AN ALL-TERRAIN CHAIR IS GIVING EVERYONE A CHANCE TO ENJOY RAVEN RUN.

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

[♪♪] >> Laura: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "KENTUCKY EDITION" FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18TH I'M KELSEY STARKS IN OUR LOUISVILLE STUDIO FILLING IN TONIGHT FOR RENEE SHAW.

THE 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONTINUES WITH LAWMAKERS MAKING A ROAD TRIP TO NORTHERN KENTUCKY TODAY.

SEVERAL MEETINGS WERE HELD AS PART OF A UNITED INITIATIVE BETWEEN MEETINGS WE CAUGHT UP WITH LEGISLATIVE LEADERS WHO WERE ASKED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A SPECIAL SESSION.

GOVERNOR BESHEAR CALLED FOR MORE STATE FUNDING FOR STORM AND TORNADO RECOVERY AND HE TOLD THE LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER I WOULD LIKELY CALL A SPECIAL SESSION TO DOLL OUT MORE MONEY BUT LEADERS SAY THERE HAVE BEEN NO TALKS SINCE.

>> WE'VE HAD NO CONVERSATION WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OR ANYBODY AT THE STAFF TO DATE AS TO WHAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WILL BE NEEDED.

OBVIOUSLY WE GOT TO BE CLEAR ABOUT THE FACT THAT AT SUCH TIME THAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE NEEDED WE WILL BE THERE AND CAN DO A SESSION QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY.

BUT AS OF RIGHT NOW WE HAVE NO INFORMATION, NO NUMBERS THAT WOULD INDICATE THAT ANYBODY'S READY FOR A SPECIAL SESSION.

>> SAME HERE.

AS SOON AS WE HEARD OF THAT THROUGH A PRESS CONFERENCE, MY STAFF IMMEDIATELY REACHED OUT TO THE BUDGET DIRECTOR AND SAY WHAT DO YOU NEED GET US NUMBERS AND WE HAVE YET TO HEAR ANYTHING BACK.

>> Kelsey: AS YOU KNOW, TORNADOES RIPPED THROUGH SOUTHERN KENTUCKY.

BESHEAR SAYS THE WEATHER EVENT COULD TOTAL $300 MILLION IN DAMAGES.

LAWMAKERS ALLOCATED UP TO $100 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT TWO-YEAR BUDGET.

THE LAST SPECIAL SESSION WAS TO COVER EXPENSES FROM THE 2022 FLOODINGS IN EASTERN KENTUCKY.

>>> IN THE GATHERING OF STATE LAWMAKERS, ONE CITED CONCERNS AROUND SAFETY IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT SHOOTINGS IN MINNESOTA THAT TARGETED MEMBERS IN THE STATE HOUSE AND THEIR FAMILY.

A DEMOCRAT FROM LEXINGTON ASKS FOR RENEWED SECURITY MEASURES.

THE REPUBLICAN SENATE PRESIDENT SAYS THOSE TALKS ARE UNDERWAY.

>> WE CAN'T IGNORE THE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED LAST FRIDAY NIGHT IN MINNESOTA WITH THE ASSASSINATION OF THE HOUSE SPEAKER.

AND HER HUSBAND.

THERE IN MINNESOTA AND THE SHOOTING THE STATE SENATOR AND HIS WIFE.

AND SINCE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE THIS MEETING TODAY, I WANTED TO BRING TO BOTH YOU THE PRESIDENT AND YOU MR. SPEAKER, A SUGGESTION THAT WE HAVE A MEETING WITH OUR LEGISLATIVE SECURITY SOMETIME AFTER THE FOURTH OF JULY.

TO TALK ABOUT WHAT THEY'VE LEARNED FROM THOSE ASSASSINATIONS AND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS AND WHAT PROTOCOLS WE NEED TO FOLLOW: >> UPON RECEIVING THE INFORMATION THE SPEAKER AND I WERE HAVING CONVERSATIONS.

BUT I THINK WE NEED TO LIMIT IT TO CONVERSATIONS IN A PUBLIC FORUM TO LET PEOPLE KNOW WE ARE BUT NOT LET THEM KNOW WHAT WE ARE THINK BEING.

BECAUSE THAT SOMEWHAT DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING SECURITY PROTOCOLS THAT YOU HAVE THAT ARE MODIFIED BECAUSE THAT WOULD INFORM PEOPLE WHO MAY DO SOMETHING OF WHAT THEY ARE.

THOSE DISCUSSIONS ARE TAKING PLACE.

BUT THAT'S ALL THAT WE SHOULD BE DISCUSSING IN A PUBLIC FORUM.

>> Kelsey: LEADERS OF KENTUCKY'S STATE HOUSE SWIFTLY DECRIED THE SHOOTINGS THAT HAPPENED.

MEMBERS FROM BOTH PARTIES CALLED FOR UNITY AND RESPECT OVER POLITICAL HATRED AND VIOLENCE.

>>> A JOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MET IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY.

LAWMAKERS HEARD FROM AN EASTERN KENTUCKY BROADCASTING LEGEND, KEITH CASE BOLT SHARED HOPES FOR BRINGING IN $700 MILLION TO THE EASTERN PART OF THE STATE THROUGH THE COUNTRY MUSIC HIGHWAY.

THE ROAD RUNS THROUGH SEVEN COUNTIES IN EASTERN KENTUCKY WHICH ARE HOME TO STARS LIKE CHRIS STAPLE TON AND LORETTA LYNN.

THEY HAVE A RADIO AND TELEVISION STATION DEDICATED TO HIGHLIGHTING THE ARTISTS AND ATTRACTIONS ALONG HIGHWAY 23.

>> IT'S NOT JUST THE COUNTRY MUSIC HIGHWAY IT'S THE STATE OF KENTUCKY.

WHAT MY GOAL IS I'M GOING TO SYNDICATE THIS CHANNEL ACROSS KENTUCKY.

I WILL GO TO THE KENTUCKY BROADCASTERS AND I'M GOING TO OFFER ANY RADIO OWNER FROM HERE TO PADUCAH THAT WANTS TO CARRY THE SIGNAL I WILL GIVE IT TO THEM FOR FREE.

>> Kelsey: NORTHERN KENTUCKY IS ALSO PLANNING FOR A TOURISM EVENT OF ITS OWN.

THE AMERICA'S RIVER ROUTES FESTIVAL KICKS OFFTIES FALL TO CELEBRATE THE COUNTRY'S 250TH BIRTHDAY.

>> IT TAKES ADVANTAGE OF WHAT WE THINK IS ONE OF OUR TOP ASSETS HERE NOT JUST IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUT FROM ASHLAND TO PADUCAH, THE OHIO RIVER.

WE WERE SO EXCITED TO SEE RECENTLY THAT OUR OHIO RIVERWAY HAS RECEIVED A NATIONAL DESIGNATION AS A NATIONAL WATER TRAIL.

AND WE KNOW THAT IT IS GOING TO BRING OVER A MILLION VISITORS TO THIS RIVERFRONT FOR THIS FOUR-DAY EVENT.

>> Kelsey: THE FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE RIVER BOAT TOURS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD AND DRINKS.

IT'S SET OCTOBER 8-12 ON THE CINCINNATI AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY RIVERFRONTS.

WE CAUGHT UP WITH A NORTHERN KENTUCKY SENATOR TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT BROUGHT LEGISLATORS TO THE REGION.

>> IN TOTAL WE HAVE ABOUT 50 LEGISLATORS FROM EAST TO WEST, NORTH TO SOUTH THE ENTIRE STATE IS REPRESENTED.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IS NORTHERN KENTUCKY IS THE GATEWAY TO KENTUCKY.

AND WE BELIEVE THAT IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY BUT WE WANTED TO SHARE AND SHOW THAT IN A MEANINGFUL WAY TODAY.

WHERE WE ARE IN COVINGTON IN 1983, IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST BLIGHTED CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

AND 2025 IT'S ONE OF THE TOP FIVE STATES -- CITIES IN THE NATION.

TOP FIVE IN THE NATION.

FOR WALKABILITY, ECONOMIC VIBRANCY AS THE FRONT DOOR TO KENTUCKY, IT'S TIME TO SHARE THAT.

IT'S TIME TO SHOW THAT.

AND REALLY RECOGNIZE THROUGHOUT THE STATE THAT WE ARE ONE KENTUCKY.

AND LET'S WORK TOGETHER.

>> Kelsey: AS PART OF THE NKY UNITED INITIATIVE THEY GATHERED FOR NETWORKING EVENTS AND CAPPING OFF THE NIGHT AT A CINCINNATI REDS BASEBALL GAME.

>>> IN OTHER NEWS, THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT UPHELD A TENNESSEE LAW BANNING GENDER AFFIRMING CARE FOR TRANSGENDER MINORS.

THE RULING SHIELDS SIMILAR LAWS IN MORE THAN 20 STATES INCLUDING KENTUCKY.

IN THE 6-3 DECISION, JOHN ROBERTS WROTE FOR A CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY THE LAW DOES NOT VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTION'S EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE WHICH REQUIRES THE GOVERNMENT TO TREAT SIMILARLY SITUATED PEOPLE THE SAME.

A GROUP IN KENTUCKY APPLAUDED THE DECISION AND THE A.C.L.U.

OF KENTUCKY CALLED THE RULING A QUOTE PAINFUL SETBACK.

>> WE BELIEVE THIS IS A HISTORIC VICTORY FOR FAMILIES, FOR CHILDREN AND FOR COME SENSE.

IT'S CERTAINLY WILL THRILLED BY THE DECISION 6-3 TO UPHOLD TENNESSEE'S LAWS PREVENTING KIDS FROM CHEMICALLY OR PHYSICALLY MUTILATED.

KENTUCKY'S LAW AND 25 STATES THAT PASSED LAWS TO PROTECT KIDS.

WE VIEW TODAY AS A BIG DAY AND IT IS THE FIRST TIME THE U.S. SUPREME COURT HAS DIRECTLY ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE HEAD ON.

SO WE THINK THIS IS A VICTORY THAT SHOULD BE CELEBRATED BY ANYONE AT THAT TIME VALUES THE RULE OF LAW, VALUES THE AUTHORITY OF STATE LEG SLAY TOURS TO PROTECT LEGISLATURES TO PROTECT KIDS.

AND I THINK THIS IS WHERE WE HAVE TO GET BACK AND HAVE AN HONEST, FRANK CONVERSATION.

IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR A MAN TO BECOME A WOMAN OR A WOMAN TO BECOME A MAN.

IT IS CERTAINLY NOT POSSIBLE FOR A BOY TO BECOME A GIRL OR A GIRL TO BECOME A BOY.

>> I THINK PART OF THE THING THAT HAS BEEN REALLY DISTURBING ABOUT ATTACKS ON TRANS YOUTH AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE MORE BROADLY IS THAT THE LAWS THAT THE KENTUCKY STATE LEGISLATURE OTHER LEGISLATURES AROUND THE COUNTRY HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING ARE DESIGNED TO ATTEMPT TO ERASE TRANSGENDER PEOPLE FROM EXISTENCE.

WE KNOW THAT TRANSGENDER PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS DO NOW AND WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST.

WE KNOW THAT THE FAMILIES OF THE TRANSGENDER YOUTH AND THE PARENTS OF THOSE YOUTH THAT WE REPRESENT HERE IN KENTUCKY HAVE GONE THROUGH YEARS OF THERAPY.

THEY HAVE GONE THROUGH CONSULTATIONS WITH MEDICAL DOCTORS.

AND THEY'VE BEEN PRESCRIBED THESE TREATMENTS.

WE KNOW THAT THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND OTHERS HAVE DONE TESTING AND HAVE SAID TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT GENDER DYSMORPHIA IS REAL.

AND THAT THERAPIES LIKE HORMONES, LIKE PUBERTY BLOCKERS ARE CRITICAL AND LIFE-SAVING CARE FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH.

>> Kelsey: IN 2023 KENTUCKY'S REPUBLICAN DOMINATED STATE LEGISLATURE PASSED A LAW SIMILAR TO THAT TENNESSEE LAW AT ISSUE TODAY.

SENATE BILL 150 AMONG OTHER THINGS BANNED MINORS FROM ACCESSING HORMONE THERAPIES AND GENDER TRANSITIONING SURGERIES.

>>> THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS SUING THE BESHEAR ADMINISTRATION SAYING THE STATE IS GIVING UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS A BREAK ILLEGALLY ON COLLEGE TUITION MANY THE SUIT NAMES GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR, EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ROBBY FLETCHER AND THE KENTUCKY COUNCIL FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.

THE SUIT SAYS THAT UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS ARE PAYING THE INSTATE TUITION RATE WHICH IS LESS THAN THE TUITION PAID BY LEGAL CITIZENS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE KENTUCKY.

THE LAWSUIT SAYS THAT'S AGAINST FEDERAL LAW.

GOVERNOR BESHEAR'S OFFICE SAYS THE COUNCIL FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION HAS THE SOLE AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTATE TUITION AND IT IS INDEPENDENT FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

THE COUNCIL FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SAYS IT IS NOW LOOKING AT THAT LAWSUIT.

>>> ANOTHER SOLDIER FROM KENTUCKY'S FORT CAMPBELL HAS DIED.

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SAYS 26-YEAR-OLD STAFF SERGEANT DIED YESTERDAY IN IRAQ.

HIS DEATH REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

BUT THE DOD SAYS IT WAS NOT RELATED TO COMBAT.

GONE LESS WAS FROM MICHIGAN HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION.

THIS IS THE SECOND FORT CAMPBELL SOLDIER TO DIE THIS MONTH.

>>> BACK NOW TO NORTHERN KENTUCKY.

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE BRAND NEW BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE CHECK THIS OUT.

GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR AND MIKE DEWINE OF OHIO RELEASED THIS ANIMATION TODAY SHOWING THE BRIDGE DESIGN APPROVED.

THIS IS PART OF THE EIGHT-MILE BRIDGE CORRIDOR PROJECT CONNECTING NORTHERN KENTUCKY TO CINCINNATI.

>> THE NEW BRIDGE WILL BE A GAME-CHANGER FOR COMMUTING FAMILIES AND IT WILL REVOLUTIONIZE A CRUCIAL ECONOMIC CORRIDOR.

THIS IS A PROJECT DREAMED FOR YEARS AND MANY SAID WOULD NOT HAPPEN.

AND WE'RE GET TO GO DONE AND DOING IT WITHOUT TOLLS.

>> Kelsey: WORK ON THE BRIDGE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR.

IT'S A $3.6 BILLION PROJECT.

THE PROJECT IS BEING PAID FOR BY A COMBINATION OF FUNDS FROM KENTUCKY, OHIO AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

MUCH OF IT IS COMING FROM THE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL PASSED DURING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION.

>>> LOOKS LIKE KENTUCKY COULD LOSE 28 BILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL MONEY BECAUSE OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S PLANS TO CUT MEDICAID ACCORDING TO A REPORT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA.

THE REPORT SAYS THAT COULD PUT 35 OF KENTUCKY'S RURAL HOSPITALS AT RISK OF CLOSING.

NATIONALLY MORE THAN 330 HOSPITALS COULD CLOSE.

THE REPORT SAYS THOSE HOSPITALS BARELY MAKE A PROFIT NOW.

AND A REDUCTION IN MEDICAID TUNDING COULD PUT THEM IN THE RED.

THE BILL THAT INCLUDES MEDICAID CUTS NARROWLY PASSED THE HOUSE AND NEEDS SENATE ACTION.

>> TO BUSINESS NEWS, HENDERSON COUNTY HAS A NEW COAL MINE.

LOCAL LEADERS WERE ON HAND FOR THE NEW LINE.

IT'S EXPECTED TO BRING 400 JOBS BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

STATE SENATOR ROBBY MILLS A REPUBLICAN SAYS IT IS A REMINDER THAT KENTUCKY COAL STILL PROVIDES AFFORDABLE RELIABLE ENERGY TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE.

THE NEW MINE MEANS MORE PAYCHECKS, MORE OPPORTUNITY AND A STRONGER FUTURE FOR THE REGION.

[♪♪] >> I'M LAURA ROGERS WITH NPR'S RYLAND BARTON.

AND TIME FOR OUR MIDWEEK CONVERSATION.

WE WILL BEGIN WITH CONGRESSMAN THOMAS MASSIE WHO HAS JOINED SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN THE HOUSE TO POTENTIALLY STOP THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FROM GETTING INVOLVED IN THE ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MOVES HE HAS MADE?

>> MASSIE OPPOSES GETTING INVOLVED IN THE CONFLICT IN GENERAL AND ALSO SAYS IT SHOULD BE UP TO CONGRESS TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO GO TO WAR NOT JUST THE PRESIDENT DECIDING WHETHER TO DO THAT UNILATERALLY.

THIS IS A BIPARTISAN EFFORT OR AT LEAST SOME DEMOCRATS HAVE SAID THEY ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED.

REPRESENTATIVE OMAR AND COURT COURT OF NEW YORK THEY SAID THEY WOULD SUPPORT IT.

THEY SAID HE IS NOT GOING TO GET INVOLVED.

THEY ARE EVALUATING THAT.

AND MAINTAINING THIS DEFENSIVE POSTURE TRYING TO SUPPORT ISRAEL AS IT SHOOTS MISSILES DOWN COMING IN FROM IRAN.

BUT ISRAEL IS ALSO ENGAGED IN THIS OFFENSIVE WHICH THEY ARE LAUNCHING MISSILES ON IRAN BECAUSE THEY ARE WORRIEDED ABOUT IRAN ADVANCING THE NUCLEAR PROGRAM.

SO BACK TO MASSIE, THIS REPRESENTS THE DIVISION TALKED A LOT ABOUT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS THAT HAPPENED WITHIN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

THIS DIVISION BETWEEN ISOLATIONISTS LIKE MASSIE, LIKE SENATOR RAND PAUL AT LEAST HE HAS VOICED CONCERNS ABOUT THE UNITED STATES GETTING INVOLVED IN THIS WAR AND MORE HAWKISH REPUBLICANS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THESE INTERVENTIONS.

WE SEE THIS A LOT IN KENTUCKY BETWEEN MITCH McCONNELL WHO IS IN OTHER CONFLICTS SUPPORTED THE UNITED STATES' INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORTING THE DEFENSE OF UKRAINE FROM RUSSIA'S INVASION VERSUS RAND PAUL TRYING TO GET THE COUNTRY OUT OF THE CONFLICT.

IT'S UNLIKELY THIS RESOLUTION IS GOING TO GO ANYWHERE.

THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF MASSIE SHOWING HE IS NOT AFRAID TO BE AT ODDS WITH THE PRESIDENT.

AND THAT HE IS GOING TO STAND UP FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS WHERE HE THINKS THIS IS A LONGSTANDING THING WHERE THE EXECUTIVE HAS GONE TO WAR WITHOUT CONGRESS AND HE SAYS THAT CONGRESS NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED ONCE AGAIN IN THOSE DECISIONS.

>> AND I WOULDN'T THINK IT WOULD BE TOO OFTEN THAT WE SEE THOMAS MASSIE, FIND COMMON GROUND WITH LEFT LEANING DEMOCRATS LIKE REPRESENTATIVE ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

IT IS AN UNUSUAL POLITICAL MOMENT.

AND BUT IT'S -- HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO DEVELOP THAT COALITION TO GO ANYWHERE YET.

>> ALSO IN CONGRESSIONAL POLITICS, PRESIDENT TRUMP'S BUDGET BILL WHICH THE HOUSE HAS PASSED AND IT'S NOW BEFORE THE SENATE AND IT WOULD PROPOSE REALLY BIG CUTS TO MEDICAID AND WE KNOW A LOT OF RURAL KENTUCKIANS PARTICULARLY IN APPALACHIA DEPEND ON THAT FOR HEALTHCARE COVERAGE.

AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN SOME OF THESE AREAS ARE TALKING ABOUT WHAT THIS WOULD MEAN FOR THEIR PATIENTS.

WHAT ARE WE LEARNING THERE.

>> .

>> KENTUCKY PUBLIC RADIO HAD THE STORY HOW THE CUTS WOULD AFFECT EASTERN KENTUCKY AND NOT ONLY DOES THE REGION DEPEND ON MEDICAID FOR HEALTH COVERAGE BUT IT'S ONE OF THE MOST REGIONS IN THE NATION THE REGION'S HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY WOULD BE HURT BY IT.

THE REGION IS POOR.

HAS HIGH RATES OF HEART DISEASE, AND KAB AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AND THE ECONOMY DEPENDS ON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM TO HELP SICK PEOPLE.

AND THOSE INDUSTRIES STAND TO SUFFER WITHOUT THE MEDICAID DOLLARS FLOWING THROUGH THEM.

THE SPONSORS OF THE BILL OF THE AT LEAST THIS PART OF IT, THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL THAT TRUMP IS ATTEMPTING TO GET CONGRESS TO VOTE ON, SAY THEY ARE TRYING TO ROOT OUT WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE IN THE MEDICAID SYSTEM.

THERE ARE 1.4 MILLION THAT DEPEND ON MEDICAID A THIRD OF THE POPULATION AND ADVOCATES WORRY THAT ONE OF THESE PROPOSALS WITHIN THE MEDICAID CUTS PACKETS WORK REQUIREMENTS WILL LEAD TO A DROP IN COVERAGE NOT BECAUSE PEOPLE AREN'T WORKING BUT PEOPLE WILL HAVE A HARD TIME FILLING OUT THE REPORTING TO KEEP THE COVERAGE.

WE'VE SEEN IF STATES IT IS NOT A FACTOR WHETHER OR NOT THAT PERSON HAS A JOB IS WHETHER THEY CAN STAY ON TOP OF FILING ALL THE TIME TO SHOW THEY ARE WORKING OR TO SHOW THEY HAVE AN EXCEPTION.

>> AND MOVING NOW TO FRANKFORT, AND DEMOCRATIC STATE REPRESENTATIVE DANIEL GROSSBERG APPEARING BEFORE THE KENTUCKY LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMISSION YESTERDAY ON MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS.

PARTICULARLY HE ACTED INAPPROPRIATELY TOWARD YOUNGER WOMEN.

IT WAS A CLOSED HEARING.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT WHAT TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY?

>> THE HERALD-LEADER WAS THERE.

I'VE BEEN AT ONE OF THESE MEETINGS THEY ACT KIND OF LIKE A COURT HEARING AND THIS LASTED ABOUT SIX HOURS.

THE PEOPLE BROUGHT TO TESTIFY WERE THE TWO WOMEN WHO SAID THAT GROSSBERG SEXUALLY HARASSED THEM AND FORMER MANAGER OF A STRIP CLUB IN LOUISVILLE WHO TESTIFIED THAT GROSSBERG HAD INAPPROPRIATELY TOUCHED DANCERS AND SOLICE THED ONE -- SOLICEED ONE FOR SEX.

GROSSBERG HE FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE COMMISSION AND ASKED A JUDGE TO INTERVENE AND DISMISS THE CASE ENTIRELY.

THIS CAME AFTER THE COMMISSION HAD OFFERED CONGRESSBURG A SETTLEMENT WHICH HE WOULD ADMIT TO SOME WRONGDOING AND PAY A FINE.

HE REFUSED TO DO THAT AND ALTHOUGH HE AGREED TO SOME OF THE FACTS IN THE CASE, HE FELT THEY WERE BEING PRESENTED IN THE WRONG LIGHT.

NOTHING HAPPENED DURING THIS MEETING THERE IS NO FINAL DECISION THAT HAPPENED IT IS A HEARING.

THE INCOMES THINGS TO HAPPEN WHICH THE COMMISSIONER WOULD HAVE TO VOTE ON WHETHER OR NOT TO DISMISS THE CASE TOTALLY, OR FIND PROBLEMMABLE CAUSE HE VIOLATED THE ETHICS CODE BECAUSE OF THE ALLEGATIONS.

WE'LL SEE THAT IN THE WEEKS TO COME.

>> IF THEY DO FIND HIM GILL IT IS IT POSSIBLE HE WOULD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE?

THE NEXT STEP?

>> AT THAT POINT IT'S ONLY UP TO THE LEGISLATURE AND THE HOUSE HF REPRESENTATIVES TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO EXPEL SOMEBODY FROM THE CAUCUS.

THEY CAN COME UP WITH THE RECOMMENDATION BEYOND THAT CITING TO FINE SOMEBODY AND SHOW PUBLICLY REPRIMAND FOR VIOLATING THE ETHICS CODE THEY CANNOT DO MUCH ASIDE FROM THAT.

>> RYLAND BARTON THANK YOU.

>> THANKS, LAURA.

[♪♪] >> Kelsey: YOU KNOW EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO ENJOY MOTHER NATURE AND NOW THERE IS A NEW WAY TO HELP EVERYONE DO JUST THAT.

RAVEN RUN NATURE SANCTUARY IS THE FIRST PARK IN KENTUCKY TO HAVE AN ACTION TRACKCHAIR PROGRAM.

THIS PROGRAM OPENS UP RAVEN RUN TO THOSE WHO ARE WHEELCHAIR BOUND OR WHO HAVE MOBILITY ISSUES THAT PREVENT THEM FROM GOING ON HIKING TRAILS I AM THE PROGRAM STARTED IN MAY OF THIS YEAR WHEN WE HAD OUR FIRST TRACKCHAIR HIKES.

IT SHOWS PARKS COMMITMENTS TO ACCESSIBILITY.

WE HAVE NEW PAVED TRAILS ONE WAY FOR FOLKS TO EXPERIENCE THE OUTDOORS.

WE JUST HAVE ONE CHAIR HERE IN PARKS AND RECREATION.

BEFORE THIS ROLE I HAD NEVER HEARD OF A TRACKCHAIR WHEN I APPLIED FOR THE JOB I DID RESEARCH AND LEARNED ABOUT IT WHILE WE WERE LEARNING ABOUT IT ON THE PARK SIDE, AND IT'S BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND A GREAT JOB.

EVERYONE WHO HAS USED THE CHAIR HAS REALLY ENJOYED IT.

AND I FEEL LIKE IT'S SO HEALING TO BE IN NATURE AND EVERYONE WHO COMES HERE IT'S THEIR FIRST TIME BEING ABLE TO BE ON THE TRAILS IN A WHILE.

SO THEY ARE ALL SO GRATEFUL AND IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO GUIDE THOSE HIKES.

SO FAR WE HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING BUT POSITIVE FEEDBACK.

LOTS OF FOLKS HAVE SAID THAT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE EVER BEEN OUT TO RAVEN RUN.

THEY'VE LIVED HERE FOR DECADES AND NEVER HAD ACCESS TO THE TRAILS AND NOW THEY ARE ABLE TO COME OUT AND USE THE TRACKCHAIR AND ABLE TO SEE BEYOND THE NATURE CENTER OUT INTO THE TRAIL SYSTEM.

>> WE HAVE SIX SLOTS OPEN A WEEK.

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAYS.

AND SINCE MAY WE HAVE HAD 21 PEOPLE SIGN UP AND USE THE CHAIR.

>> NATURE IS ONE OF THE MOST HEALING THINGS.

AND SINCE THE CITY HAS THESE NATURAL AREA PARKS AND WE HAVE THIS LAND THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, IT'S IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE TO MAKE SURE AS MANY PEOPLE CAN USE THEM.

>> CONSIDERING OUR PILOT YEAR AND SEE HOW IT GOES AND WHAT THE DEMAND IS AND MAYBE WE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THIS TO OTHER PARKS OR GET THOR ONE FOR OTHER PARKS.

>> SUPER COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO CONTROL GET USED TO.

THE TURNING IS FUNNY THEY CAN DO A 360 BUT EVERYONE WHO USES IT IS IMPRESSED ABOUT HOW IT HANDLES, THE DIFFERENT TERRAIN WE CAN GO ON THE GRASS, DIRT, GRAVEL, THE MULCH AND THE CHAIR CAN HANDLE IT ALL.

THESE ARMS CAN FOLD UP THEY CAN SLIDE INTO THE CHAIR AND THEN THE CHAIR TILTS UP AND DOWN.

SO IT'S EASY FOR PEOPLE TO GET IN AND OUT OF.

AND THEN ONCE THEY GET IN THE CHAIR, WE HAVE THE SEATBELT AND THE LEG STRAPS AND THE HARNESS.

AND THEN WE GIVE THEM A RUNDOWN OF THE CONTROLS.

THEY ARE SUPER EASY IT'S THIS JOY STICK AND FIVE SPEED SETTINGS.

A JOY STICK IN THE BACK SO IF THE PERSON ISN'T ABLE TO CONTROL IT ON THEIR OWN, THE PERSON THAT COMING WITH THEM CAN CONTROL THE CHAIR.

I'M HOPING TO INCORPORATE THE CHAIR ON THE FIELD TRIPS IN CASE THERE IS A TUT THAT NEEDS IT.

AS WELL AS INCORPORATING IT INTO OUR PROGRAMS AT RAVEN RUN TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE ARE INCLUDED IN THE BIRD WALKS AND THE NIGHT HIKES AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

I'M HOPING TO SEE IT GROW AND EXPAND IF THOSE WAY WHAT -- IN THOSE WAYS.

>> Kelsey: SO SIGN UP TO USE THE TRACKCHAIR AT RAVEN RUN GO TO THE WEBSITE.

[♪♪] >> Kelsey: WELL, WHAT A FINISH TO YESTERDAY'S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES GAME.

DID YOU SEE THIS BETWEEN LOUISVILLE AND OREGON STATE?

LOUISVILLE WAS UP 6-3 IN THE TOP OF THE NINTH.

GAVE UP THREE RUNS AND WON IT 7-6 IN THE BOTTOM OF THE NINTH ON A SACRIFICE FLY.

LOUISVILLE HAD TO WIN WITH A LOSS THE SEASON WOULD HAVE BEEN OVER.

THERE'S BAD NEWS WITH YESTERDAY'S WIN, LOUISVILLE MOVED ON TO PLAY COASTAL CAROLINA TODAY AND THAT GAME DIDN'T END WELL.

COASTAL CAROLINA JUST BEAT THE CARDINALLINGS 11-3 WE WILL HAVE MORE ON THAT TOMORROW NIGHT ON "KENTUCKY EDITION".

>> AND TOMORROW IS ALSO JUNETEENTH, OFTEN CALLED FREEDOM DAY.

THE DAY THAT OBSERVES THE END OF SLAVERY IN THE UNITED STATES.

IN 1865.

THERE ARE ACTIVITIES PLANNED THROUGHOUT KENTUCKY TOMORROW.

AND WE'LL TALK TO YOU TOMORROW ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DAY.

YOU CAN SEE ALL OF THAT RIGHT HERE ON "KENTUCKY EDITION" TOMORROW NIGHT.

AND WE DO HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT AT 6:30 EASTERN 5:30 CENTRAL FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" HERE WHERE WE INFORM, CONNECT AND INSPIRE.

YOU CAN SUBJECT VIBE TO OUR "KENTUCKY EDITION" E-MAIL NEWSLETTERS AND WATCH FULL EPISODES AND CLIPS AT KET.ORG.

YOU CAN FIND "KENTUCKY EDITION" ON THE PBS VIDEO APP AND YOU CAN SEND US A STORY IDEA AS WELL AT PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT KET.ORG.

WE DO HOPE YOU MAKE IT A GREAT