music >> Kentucky senior U.S.

senator is back in the hospital.

What we know about Senator Mitch McConnell.

[MUSIC] >> Leaders in society have to invest in the future, not dwell on the past.

>> Northern Kentucky leaders are breaking ground on a major education investment.

But not everyone in the region is on board.

>> It's that unpredictability of it that that makes it such a disabling disorder.

>> And how the return of summer can mean the return of pain in the forecast.

[MUSIC] >> Production of Kentucky edition is made possible in part by the KET Millennium Fund.

>> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky Edition for this Monday, June the 15th.

I'm Renee Shaw.

Welcome to a brand new week, and we appreciate you spending some of your Monday night with us.

U.S.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is in the hospital.

And for now, it's not clear why Senator McConnell went to the hospital yesterday morning.

McConnell spokesperson says he is, quote, receiving excellent care.

But the spokesperson did not reveal McConnell's symptoms or his condition.

CNN says McConnell was taken to George Washington Hospital in Washington, D.C.

McConnell spent eight days in the hospital in February for what was described as, quote, flu like symptoms.

In recent years, McConnell has fallen three times and had two incidents where he appeared to freeze in public.

McConnell's colleague in the Senate is wishing him a speedy and full recovery, U.S.

Senator Rand Paul told reporters in Louisville today he doesn't know why McConnell is in the hospital.

>> I've only kind of heard through the grapevine.

I haven't talked to him directly, but I've heard that he is doing better today, and so we're hoping he gets out of the hospital soon.

>> In international news, Iran and the U.S.

have a tentative agreement for a 60 day cease fire and potential end to the war.

President Donald Trump said that some ships are moving through the Strait of Hormuz today, with the goal of open passage by Friday.

Senator Paul says peace is the only way to bring down fuel prices.

>> Well, I'm hopeful that it goes through.

I think if we can get to peace, it's obviously better than war.

One of the discussions here is fuel prices and how they affect, you know, trucking companies, airline companies.

And so the sooner we can get back to certainty.

Open Strait of Hormuz, sooner we can get back to peace, I think is better.

So I'm hopeful that President Trump and the peace agreement will will be accepted.

I think it will take a while for gas prices to come down.

I think the sooner the war ends, the better.

It takes a while to get confidence.

The insurers that insure the boats that go through the strait, they need to feel confident that the boats are going to be going through without attack.

And so I think that's going to take a while.

It could take months, I think, for the price to go down.

>> Paul met this morning with leaders at UPS headquarters in Louisville.

He says he held a town hall to learn how government can support one of Kentucky's largest employers, Congressman Brett Guthrie of Kentucky's second district, says China may be behind some of the anti data center campaigns in the U.S.

Guthrie and two of his Republican colleagues outlined their concerns in a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel.

It says, quote, investigations have exposed new information regarding how foreign influence campaign.

Many originating from China have engaged in a coordinated effort to slow U.S.

growth in AI development and the building of infrastructure supporting AI data centers, end quote.

Guthrie is chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

He told the Bowling Green Daily News that Kentuckians have raised valid concerns about data centers in their communities, and said decisions should be left with local elected officials.

More confusion tonight around the embattled superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, the Lexington Herald-Leader reports.

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins denies writing an email that was slid under the door of State Representative Adrielle Camuel of Lexington, who also works in the district.

Her lawyer says it threatened legal action over alleged defamatory remarks against Liggins.

The email appeared to come from an attorney at Kaplan, Johnson, a body and Byrd.

But the firm says the attorney didn't write it and that the firm has, quote, never represented or offered any advice to Doctor Liggins, unquote.

Liggins was placed on paid leave last week after questions over whether a separate email to the school board was meant as a resignation.

The board has named Bill Bradford as acting superintendent.

We'll hear from him tomorrow on Kentucky edition.

The district has faced months of scrutiny following a $16 million budget shortfall and revelations of even longer term financial mismanagement.

Change is underway at Kentucky State University.

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education has approved a new academic structure for K state.

The change was required by a new bill passed by the Kentucky General Assembly earlier this year.

Senate Bill 185 required, among other things, that KSU transition to what's called a polytechnic institution focused on applied sciences.

KSU will now offer 28 academic programs that fall under one of six newly defined areas of study for.

Undergraduate programs will no longer be offered at KSU, including music education, music performance, political science and child development, and family studies.

CPE President Aaron Thompson said these decisions will, quote, help Kentucky State University move forward with a clearer academic identity, stronger alignment to workforce needs, and a more focused path for student success, end quote.

KSU has been plagued in recent years by financial missteps, with the state lawmakers saying there were serious discussions earlier this year about closing the state's only publicly funded HBCU.

It's their hope that Senate Bill 185 will put KSU on a path to a better future.

The next couple of years are bringing big changes to Northern Kentucky and specifically the city of Covington.

One of those changes will be the opening of the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence, which will become home to both a law and medical school.

Our Emily Prince has more on the recent groundbreaking.

>> Leaders in society have to invest in the future, not dwell in the past.

>> State Senator Chris McDaniel addressed the crowd at last week's groundbreaking of the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence, an eight story building in downtown Covington that will soon house NKU, Chase College of Law and the Northern Kentucky campus of UK.

S College of Medicine.

Right now, those programs are located on Nku's campus in Highland Heights.

The Kentucky General Assembly footed a $125 million bill in 2024 to make this project happen.

McDaniel, who chairs the Senate's Appropriations and Revenue Committee, is largely credited with the development.

The Northern Kentucky senator said he believes the new campus will make the college's more competitive and attractive to students.

>> This building represents that.

It is an example of cooperation that leads to excellence and bringing some of the best and the brightest from around the nation here into downtown Covington.

>> Kenton County Judge Executive Chris Coleman said.

The new facility will allow the medical school to increase its enrollment by 40%.

>> More medical students means more opportunities to train, practice and ultimately build careers right here in Northern Kentucky.

>> And for law school students, NKU President Katie Short Thompson said.

The location is well suited for legal training.

>> Right here we are within two miles of Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, 25 largest law firms and five federal and state courthouses.

>> Some leaders in Campbell County aren't as thrilled about the project.

However.

State Representative Matthew Lehman, a Democrat who represents Campbell County, said the way the project came about left a bad taste in his mouth.

>> When we allocate those types of funds as a general assembly, that we want to see real economic development and new jobs, and unfortunately, as of today, it doesn't look to be much more than moving to existing programs.

From Nku's main campus in Highland Heights to Covington, which is about six miles away.

>> At Thursday's groundbreaking, President Shaw Thompson addressed the move.

She referenced that Chase College of Law used to be in Covington during the 1970s.

>> Chase was in Covington for many years and is much older than NKU itself.

And we are not losing Chase.

We are creating an exciting new dynamic and even larger NKU footprint in our community.

>> There are still concerns over the loss of tax revenue for Campbell County and who's in charge of the project.

The Northern Kentucky Port Authority, an economic development organization, is considered the project manager and received the $125 million.

>> When you go this route, you avoid public accountability.

You avoid a lot of transparency.

It's it's, you know, these decisions got made in a way that is not.

>> Rick Girdler Christine Russell, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, says the legislation that made this project possible specifically delegated the Port Authority as the lead.

>> This is a big project, and we have at the table Kenton County, we have Northern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky and working in partnership with the City of Covington, all to move this forward.

>> Russell said construction on the downtown project should begin in July for Kentucky Edition.

I'm Emily Prince.

>> Thank you Emily.

If all goes according to plan, the new center will be complete in 2028.

Kentucky is making a major push to strengthen its workforce.

Governor Andy Beshear recently announced more than 7400 Kentuckians will receive new skills training through the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development's Bluegrass State Skills Corporation.

We spoke to Cabinet Commissioner of Business Development about the trainings, who qualifies and what it means for Kentucky's future workforce.

>> The Bluegrass State Skills Corporation was established many years ago.

Through the programs, we work with new and existing companies to establish opportunities for skills training, occupational upgrade training, and it's really designed for the the company to provide training that will make their company overall more productive, improve performance, support promotion possibilities for those that are going through training and just to overall better equip Kentuckians with the skills that they need to thrive in their careers.

There are no priorities given to one industry over the other, and the eligible entities are defined in Kentucky statute.

Those include manufacturing, which is where we see a bulk of the applications coming in agribusiness, non-retail service or technology.

So, you know, logistics centers and things of that nature, headquarters, operations, alternative fuel projects, coal severing processes, and hospitals are all eligible entities to apply.

These applications are scored based on a variety of different factors that we look at.

Where in Kentucky are they located?

Each county may have its own specific designation.

The application support employers that are smaller.

They also support employers that have higher average hourly wages, that offer great benefits, that are offering registered apprenticeships.

So there's some some items, you know, as part of the application that do allow for a more favorable score for those employers that are really investing in their local workforce and in their employees.

Every employer is required to present a training plan with their application.

These are often industry specific skills upgrades, type training.

Registered apprenticeships can include some safety and onboarding training, but we really like to see training that will offer greater opportunity for advancement for our Kentucky employees because they're getting a new skill set or some sort of a certification or qualification that they can put to their their resume.

The the training can also be for third party educational institution or training providers.

So oftentimes companies need to outsource training to a particular expert in a certain field or industry.

The funds can help to reimburse those costs as well.

And it's always a 50% reimbursement because we truly believe that the company needs to be partner with the Commonwealth on this.

So companies are eligible to apply to apply for up to 50% of those eligible training costs to come back through the grant or the tax credit program that BSc offers.

>> Last year, the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation approved almost $10 million in funds and credits to train more than 30,000 Kentuckians.

[MUSIC] Summer officially starts this weekend.

For most, that means more barbecues, fireworks and more time outside.

But for the 40 million or more Americans who suffer with migraines, the change in weather can lead to pain.

In today's medical news, we get a lesson from a Kentucky doctor on what triggers migraine and some tips on prevention.

>> It's that unpredictability of it that that makes it such a disabling disorder, right?

Because you never know when symptoms can hit your brain.

When you have migraine as a disorder is just more sensitive.

It's more prone to get triggered.

And so what we know is that weather plays a big role in that.

So both barometric pressure changes, like the storms we've been seeing recently, is actually a big trigger for lots of people, which is why if you know anyone who has migraines or if you have migraines, sometimes, you know, when a storm is about to happen because your head starts pounding.

But he itself just heat itself can trigger migraine attacks.

So both, you know, both in this spring and in upcoming summer, there's a lot of changes and weather developments that can definitely cause more headache symptoms.

Headache is the main symptom we talk about with migraine.

So we see a lot more head pain.

But other symptoms of migraine are light and sound sensitivity.

Actually, smell sensitivity is very common with migraine.

Lightheadedness and dizziness is common nausea and vomiting.

And then some people feel more tired, have trouble thinking, trouble talking.

You can even have mood changes with migraine.

So lots of people feel more irritable, more down or anxious.

So any combination of those symptoms actually is possible with migraine.

So it's not just the headaches that people suffer from whenever their migraine gets triggered.

We know a lot of changes in the weather in the summer that cause headaches is not only related to heat, but dehydration.

So making sure you always have water or fluids on you, even electrolytes, especially as it gets hotter.

You know, number one thing we always talk about is treating symptoms early.

So even if you don't see a neurologist and get a prescription migraine medication, there are over-the-counter meds that work really well.

The main ones we recommend are more anti-inflammatory medicines.

So things like ibuprofen or naproxen, which brand names are like Advil and Aleve, those tend to work better than something like Tylenol.

And we tend to avoid anything with caffeine in it, like Excedrin.

Lots of people will tell you when they get a headache, drink a coffee, drink a Coke.

It does help in the moment, but using it too much or too often, it can definitely trigger headaches.

>> In addition to staying hydrated, doctors say to avoid skipping meals, make sure you're getting enough sleep and be sure to stay active to try and prevent migraine headaches.

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

As advocates for the elderly meet across the globe, including in Franklin County, Kentucky.

Last year, the state reported that older adults made up 65% of adult protective services cases.

Those cases include abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly.

As our medical news continues, McKenzie Spink has more with local seniors who say being part of a senior citizen activity center is a great way to stay plugged into community and prevent abuse.

[MUSIC] >> Jim and Dora Wright started participating at the Capital City Activity Center over six years ago, and they say it's changed their lives.

>> You know, after you hit that magic age, I guess you're not supposed to be anything anymore.

>> Yeah, you're like forgotten.

>> You're forgotten person.

And things like this do help people that are our age.

I hope it gets bigger.

They've done a lot of things for me that they don't realize that they well, maybe they do, but if it wasn't for that place, I don't know what I would have done.

I don't know, it's just that important now to me.

I kid her sometimes and she thinks I don't want to go, but I do want to go.

>> I don't know what we do.

If we didn't have, I mean, we'd just be sitting home being all depressed.

We didn't have somewhere to go.

I really, really am so glad that it's there.

And yeah, like her, we we have so many friends.

It's like our second family.

>> On top of friends, food and fun activities.

Senior citizen activity centers can also provide a safe place to talk about abuse or neglect happening in the elderly community.

>> A lot of people don't really know what's happening, and the more you talk about it and the more you put it out there, the more people will be aware of it.

But you know, when we hear different ones talk at the center, you know, and we have the chance to see whether or not, you know, if they're going through anything or something like that.

And we have the opportunity to present that, you know, to our director if we do see a change.

But we got to make aware and just keep talking about it.

>> According to the FBI, adults over 65 lose up to $3.4 billion to financial scams every year.

And the rise of artificial intelligence can make scams harder to identify.

Wright says the staff at her activity center has been a second line of defense when it comes to being aware of scams.

>> You know, we need advocates.

We need people who are concerned and looking out for us.

They're helping us.

They're watchdogs for us, scams and stuff are very prevalent.

I've been scammed.

I don't know how many times.

And you know, my husband's been scammed.

I mean, you have to watch.

They could suck us in so easy.

And now I'm scared because of the AI stuff.

But we have AI classes.

We have people come in to try to help us to know the difference.

And it's good that they they keep us on top of things.

They're.

>> The cabinet for Health and Family Services says there are over 200 senior citizen centers in Kentucky, one in every county for Kentucky edition.

I'm McKenzie Spink.

>> Thank you.

McKenzie.

This year, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 189 requiring stricter regulations for cryptocurrency ATMs in the state.

Last year, $389 million were lost to crypto ATM scams.

Nationwide, 86% of those impacted were seniors.

[MUSIC] Weeks before America's 250th birthday.

Willmore remembered our nation's heroes and their sacrifice.

Last week's Salute to Service event honored the area's veterans and first responders.

>> We're celebrating Salute to Service.

It's basically to honor veterans and first responders.

Our country's 250th birthday.

Wilmore's 150th birthday.

Thompson Hood's 35th year and 91125 years.

All those memorials and celebrations lined up in the same year.

So it was time that Wilmore could do something fairly significant, and in particular to honor the veterans.

The Vietnam Wall, obviously is 80% size replica of the wall that's in Washington, D.C.

it has 58,400 plus names of those veterans that did not return home over that long war, basically from 1955 to 1975.

And again, that's one of the most important memorials that's in Washington, D.C.

and this traveling wall goes around the country 30, 40 times to show in the smaller communities, those people that can't go to Washington, D.C.

to really show them what this is really about.

>> I was over in Vietnam in 1969.

I, I had just turned 19.

I went straight from my high school War saw a lot of stuff that people here wouldn't believe.

You know, I appreciate the facts and stuff, but back then when I come home, I didn't get much.

Thanks.

You know.

>> If we don't remember our history and appreciate the people that helped defend either the homeland or those overseas, we have a tendency to relive the same events over and over again.

So it's very important that we retain that history and show the respect of those that have paid the ultimate price.

Those that did not come home with our MIAs.

And we want to honor their those families as well.

So about all.

>> A non-veteran can do is honor a veteran that went and stood in our place and served our country, and most wrote a blank check to go serve.

Not knowing the consequences.

So it's a high honor for Wilmore to be the home of Thompson Veterans Center and to get to honor these 270 veterans and these 14 families that never got closure.

>> The event included a candlelight vigil and a tribute to service members.

[MUSIC] The University of Kentucky is getting a new athletics director.

UK says it's picked Jay Batt for the job.

In addition to becoming athletics director, he will also be the CEO of a new organization, Champions Blue LLC.

Batt has spent has past experience in athletics at Michigan State, Georgia Tech and Alabama.

That will take over for Mitch Barnhart, who is retiring at the end of June.

Tonight, baseball, Lexington's town dog and a new fangled invention called the airplane.

And do you know Kentucky's official state drink?

The answer may surprise you.

Our Toby Gibbs has more in this look back at this week in Kentucky history.

>> Congress declared war on England on June 18th, 1812.

Kentucky played a big role in the war of 1812.

Kentuckians suffered 1200 casualties more than all other states combined.

Governor J. C w Beckham laid the cornerstone for a new Capitol building on June 16th, 1906, as 20,000 people watched.

The Capitol would be finished in 1910.

It's the same Capitol in use today.

Thousands watched Kentucky's first airplane demonstration at Churchill Downs in Louisville on June 18th, 1910.

Jim Bunning, a native of Southgate, pitched a perfect game for the Philadelphia Phillies as they beat the New York Mets six to nothing.

On June 21st, 1964.

[MUSIC] Bunning would go on to serve in the U.S.

House and U.S.

Senate.

Kentucky's official state drink is not bourbon or ale.

Eight it's milk.

Picked by state lawmakers on June 20th, 2005.

Smiley Pete died on June 17th, 1957.

Lexington's town dog hung out at the area of Main and Limestone streets for 13 years and enjoyed snacks provided by various restaurants.

He's buried on North Broadway under a tombstone that declares him a friend to all.

And that's what was happening this week in Kentucky history.

[MUSIC] I'm Toby Gibbs.

[MUSIC] >> Thank you much, Toby Gibbs.

It's the plant that never stops growing kudzu, but the state is now fighting it from the air.

We'll show you the war against kudzu using drones.

We'll get into the weeds on that tomorrow, Tuesday on Kentucky edition, which we hope you'll come back for at 630 eastern, 530 central, where we inform, connect and inspire.

Connect with us all the ways you see on your screen.

You can stream our content online on demand@ket.org.

Send us a story idea at the email address on your screen.

And of course, we're on the social media channels and you can check us out anytime.

Thanks for watching.

I'm Renee Shaw.

Have a good night and I will see you right back here again tomorrow night.

So long.