music >> This airport, the bluegrass airport is ready for takeoff.

[MUSIC] >> A Trump cabinet member visits the Lexington Airport to talk upgrades he says will mean fewer delays and cancellations.

[MUSIC] >> Fraud is fraud.

Doesn't matter who you are.

[MUSIC] >> Lawmakers debate whether Medicaid fraud is as bad as some critics say.

>> I felt like we need a wellness revolution, and what can I do about that?

How can I help?

>> And check out Kentucky's first lifestyle medicine clinic.

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

>> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky Edition for Friday, August 14th.

I'm Laura Rogers.

Thank you for joining us.

Demetrius Liggins has resigned as superintendent of the Fayette County School System.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports.

Liggins announced his resignation through his attorney.

Liggins has been on paid leave after confusion over whether he resigned several weeks ago.

Liggins was criticized for the school system's budget problems, but Ligon says he was trying to fix the financial problems.

And it's the school board that failed.

He said that a downgrade of the school system's credit rating Thursday was the last straw.

Liggins had been superintendent since 2021.

The U.S.

Secretary of Transportation visits Lexington to talk air travel improvements.

Congressman Andy Barr welcomed Cabinet Secretary Sean Duffy to Bluegrass Airport.

Today, the FAA is investing $12.5 billion in infrastructure, including air traffic control technology and airport upgrades across the country, and that includes $17 million at Bluegrass Airport, with plans to replace and relocate its air traffic control tower.

The federal funds come from President Trump's Working Families tax cut bill.

>> This is a historic investment in aviation.

The FAA has been talking for 30 years about the next generation of air traffic and air traffic control and new software and new equipment.

And for 30 years, nothing has been built for you.

Well, we've had some incidents where we see the age, the wear and tear of our air traffic control system.

>> Among the expected upgrades, new radar radios, surface awareness systems that monitor weather and visibility, telecom and voice switches related to Central communication hubs in air traffic control, they moved from copper lines to fiber optic and analog to digital systems.

>> One of the most transformative builds that is happening in America is what's happening in aviation.

Ask even even ask a pilots or people who fly that hate Donald Trump and hate Sean Duffy.

They'll go, hey, it's pretty good what they're doing.

I actually appreciate it because what we're doing is bipartisan.

This is there's no partizanship around safe aviation.

There's no partizanship around roads or bridges.

It's American infrastructure.

>> The purpose of today's meeting, in part, was also to showcase how Kentucky is contributing to the solution to supplement Secretary Duffy's work in the administration's work.

And so we had with us at our roundtable, President David McFadden of Eastern Kentucky University, where he was able to share with the secretary the terrific aviation program where we're providing aerospace professionals to the workforce.

>> When pressed on safety concerns in air travel, Secretary Duffy says the U.S.

has the safest aviation system in the world, and these upgrades are about maintaining that culture for the next generation.

The project is expected to be finished by the end of 2028.

We also caught up with Democratic Congressman Morgan McGarvey.

Congress is in recess.

McGarvey visited a Louisville food bank, highlighting how federal cuts and the economy are impacting hunger.

>> What we're seeing is families are caught in a perfect storm right now.

Grocery prices are just through the roof, and the Trump administration continues to cut funding for food assistance.

And so we've got 7 or 800 families coming through here right now as we head into the weekend and make sure that they're they're not going hungry.

It's seniors, it's veterans, it's kids.

And so just watching the need in this community, but then also watching how the community comes together to rally around it to, to help our own help our neighbors.

>> You know, when you're looking at seniors, you know, 1 in 6 seniors are having food insecurity.

So they're having to pick between paying for that medication and buying food.

And for many people, coming to a food bank is a pride issue.

And for many of our families, it's something they've had to step Beyond a lot of our families are working and, you know, and many of them are working more than one job, but they're just not making it in this economy.

>> Every month, thousands of Kentuckians are losing their food stamps or Snap benefits.

That's according to state data since last October.

That's due in part to new eligibility requirements from the one big, beautiful Bill.

And also in Louisville, Kentucky's largest city will block new data centers.

The Courier Journal reports that last night, the Louisville Metro Council voted 24 to 1 for a data center moratorium.

It's backed by Mayor Craig Greenberg.

The vote means that the city will not accept or process any development applications to build data centers for 180 days, or until the Metro Council takes final action on data center regulations.

The Planning Commission is now considering proposed regulations.

Charles Booker, Democratic nominee for the U.S.

Senate, reacted to the Metro Council's move.

He said, quote, this marks an important step toward placing Kentucky communities and working people first.

Kentuckians aren't about to let outside corporations turn our backyards into their playgrounds, and they're asserting their right to a voice.

While the people of Kentucky obviously don't want data centers here, as we just saw with the vote, Andy Barr keeps touting them, end quote.

Kentucky State Auditor's office says the state spent more than $800 million on people enrolled in Medicaid, and multiple states and state lawmakers want to crack down on that waste.

Here's our Emily Prince with more from Frankfort.

>> We should go after every one of these individuals, regardless of who they are, because I'm sorry, fraud is fraud doesn't matter who you are.

>> Some state lawmakers were fired up in Frankfort on Thursday after hearing this report from the state auditor's office.

>> Kentucky has paid over $836 million for individuals who are also being serviced by another state's Medicaid system.

>> The auditor's office released those findings nearly a year ago, after they say they discovered more than a billion total dollars of waste in Kentucky's Medicaid program, the state auditors general counsel said the office investigated the processing of what are called Paris alerts.

That's a notice from the federal government that a person may be receiving Medicaid benefits from more than one state.

>> Did you ever find any instances where caseworkers or where anyone that was working on these were told not to process the Paris alerts?

>> Yes.

Caseworkers relayed that specifically to us.

We have quotes from them in saying that.

And they and, you know, in my view, they were just doing what they were told.

>> Kentucky's Commissioner for the Department of Medicaid Services rebutted the auditor's findings.

In a letter to the General Assembly, she wrote, quote, the auditor's report is an incomplete analysis that appears to count everyone who appeared to be enrolled in Medicaid in Kentucky and another state at the same time as wasteful spending, the auditor fails to take any steps to determine which state was actually responsible for covering those individuals, or whether any duplicate payments for medical services occurred, end quote.

The CEO of the Kentucky Associations of Health Plans shared a similar sentiment during Thursday's meeting.

>> A data match identifying a potential duplicate enrollment is not necessarily the same thing as a determination that an improper payment actually occurred.

That doesn't mean overlapping enrollment should be ignored.

It does mean we need to understand what caused it.

>> A Western Kentucky lawmaker questioned if part of the problem is relying on Medicaid enrollees to self-report when they've moved out of the state.

>> I can see a situation where some people don't want to identify where they're living necessarily, or they don't want to give up their present providers.

They may move across a line but want to keep their providers there.

>> The House Minority Caucus chair noted the General Assembly's passage of House Bill two this year, which majorly overhauled Medicaid, including checking the status of a person's Medicaid eligibility every six months.

>> Do you think that it's in Kentucky's best interest for us to, for at least a little while, wait and see how House Bill two impacts the duplicative payments, impacts the work requirements, impacts the providers and the people of Kentucky.

>> Leaders of Kentucky's managed care organizations, or Mcos said this could be a good path forward as changes to Medicaid are still coming down the pike from the federal level, the state auditor's staff member said.

For now, the cabinet for Health and Family Services says they're providing more training to Medicaid caseworkers on how to remove beneficiaries who are enrolled in multiple states.

In Frankfort for Kentucky Edition, I'm Emily Prince.

>> The Oversight and Investigations Committee co-chair Senator Greg Elkins said.

Next month, the committee will hear from officials within the cabinet for Health and Family Services, which oversees Medicaid, in Kentucky.

This year's state legislators unanimously declared Kentucky as a. Food is medicine.

State food is.

Medicine is a growing movement that highlights nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle factors to get patients healthier.

State Senator Shelley Funk from the sponsor of Kentucky's Food as Medicine resolution, traveled to hazard to tour Appalachian Regional Health Care's lifestyle medicine clinic, the first of its kind in the Commonwealth.

Our.

Clayton Dalton was there and brings you this report.

>> State Senator Shelley Funke Frohmeyer, a Republican from Northern Kentucky, said when she got elected to public office, she realized the state was too unhealthy.

>> When I became a state senator in January of 2023, I really got a taste of our state budget and saw how much money we spend to Medicaid, how much money we spend to incarcerate, and how much money we spend to educate.

Yet we have such an unwell state.

Why is that?

I felt like we need a wellness revolution and what can I do about that?

How can I help.

>> With hospital executives and clinicians?

Funke Frohmeyer toured Appalachian Regional Health Care's lifestyle >> Medicine clinic in hazard.

>> We're just very passionate about changing the model of health care and having the true focus be on health, which is keeping people actually out of our hospitals and getting them here in our clinic early on in their health care journey, so they can learn about moderations and how to be active and eat healthy and just be there to live a very fulfilling life.

>> We really take into account your past medical history, and then we review the six pillars of lifestyle medicine.

So what those entail are nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connection.

And I like to see those on a will because I always say, if one of those falls off, everything else is going to start to fall off with your day to day life as well.

So.

And how can we incorporate Small sustainable habit change to help you reach your goal?

>> Those goals might be weight loss, overcoming fatigue, or lowering one's blood pressure through dieting.

For older adults, it might be strengthening their bones and muscles to improve their independence.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare is also taking steps to improve the food they serve to patients and employees.

>> So we signed the Health and Human Services pledge to really what I call clean up our cafeterias to make them healthier, to give not only our patients better choices, but all of our employees that work in our operations as well.

So they feel good and productive, fueling their bodies on leafy greens and healthy fruits and vegetables and healthy protein sources, and not ultra processed foods.

>> The concept of food is medicine is closely tied to the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative, which also has medical schools across the country incorporating more nutrition education into their curriculum.

>> All of our medical schools have now signed a commitment that they will offer 40 hours, not just offer.

It's an expectation for your medical degree to get 40 hours of nutrition.

That's a big move.

>> For Kentucky edition.

I'm Clayton Dalton.

>> RH is lifestyle clinic has been open for just over six months.

Yesterday we sat down with Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell to talk about the upcoming State Fair and new agriculture policy.

Shell is approaching the end of his first term and has been vocal about wanting to get fellow Republicans elected to higher office.

So what does the future hold for the AG Commissioner?

Our Emily Prince asked him about that in part two of their conversation.

>> One of the final things I want to talk to you about Fancy Farm already feels like it was forever ago, but it was just a couple of weeks back.

I know you were in Western Kentucky and Graves County for many events, but didn't get to attend the political speaking on August 1st because of the loss of Dale Dobson, major player in agriculture community, which we send our condolences for his loss.

But you didn't get to speak on August 1st.

So I want to take this time just to ask you, what is the next year look like for you?

You know, you're coming on the end of this first term as commissioner of Agriculture.

You mentioned in other interviews maybe what your plans are, but what does the next year look like for you?

>> Yeah.

So I'm running for reelection.

I love this job.

I tell people all the time, I don't know if I'm doing a good job, but I love doing it.

And we we really enjoy it.

There's no better position in the state to actually impact people on a daily basis than being AG commissioner.

I mean, we're out all the time constantly and really working on meaningful policy that saturates to the core level of our farm community.

But for the rest of the year, you know, my focus is going to be on politically will be on helping Andy Barr get elected to the U.S.

Senate.

But my, my goal for many years now has been to get comer to come back and run for governor.

And our first district Congressman, James Comer is one of my best friends.

And I think you saw that theme pretty thick at the at the Fancy farm picnic.

I think every person who spoke endorsed him and asked him to run as they were going through on the Republican ticket.

And we're going to be really focused on making sure that he gets reelected to Congress and hopefully come back and run for governor.

And I think I'm pretty confident that he's going to do so.

And and we need that leadership in Frankfort.

We need someone who has the leadership to work with the state legislature and the constitutional offices that has an understanding of how to connect rural Kentucky and urban Kentucky and present the values that we represent here in Kentucky.

And someone who has fought corruption and so many terrible things on the federal level in his position as as oversight chair.

And so I'm I'm dedicated and really focused on helping make sure that that happens for him because I know personally him, he's one of my best friends, and I can tell you that he will be the best governor that we've ever had in this state.

And he understands how all of the functions work and the solutions that we need in order to help make it better for the citizens of this state.

So I think that's really what my next year is going to look like.

It's it's kind of the theme that came out of Fancy Farm, I think, especially with the announcement from Mike Adams, who did a great job in interviews afterwards, explaining why he did what he did and grateful that we're we're able to have some solidarity amongst our Republican Party right now and really look forward to having that unity to where we can we can really make a big effort in November of next year.

>> All right.

And I know you've said several times you like to be present in the position where you're at, but with what you just said, I'd be remiss if I didn't ask if a certain best friend of yours called you up and said, Jonathan, I'm looking for a lieutenant governor to run with me.

What would you say?

Have you thought about that situation?

>> I've got too much still left to do as AG Commissioner and I love I love James Comer.

He's one of my best friends.

And we've had a lot of conversations.

But but he knows where my heart is and it's with the ag community.

Now.

What happens after the next four years, if we're fortunate enough to win reelection, you know, is yet to be determined.

But, you know, I've got a farm in operation and four kids at home, and I never try to be that ambitious politician.

I just want to do the job that that I can, the best that I can for the people that I represent.

And, you know, if I feel that calling afterwards, we'll see what's open.

But I never try to plan too far ahead with that.

What I tell people, and especially like interns and young groups that I talk to, you know, a lot of people are like, you need to set goals.

You need to set goals.

Well, my goal has always been just to be the difference maker and wherever I'm at and opportunities come with that.

And so I just want to make a difference for the people that I represent the agriculture community and really continue to be on this, I think amazing trajectory of really adding value to our farm communities, profitability and market availability for them.

>> All right.

There you go.

Well, we'll look forward to catching up with you.

Whatever the future holds.

We'll keep an eye out for you.

Commissioner.

Thank you so much for taking the time today.

Good luck with the State Fair.

I'm sure we'll see you there.

But thank you for your perspective on many things.

Agriculture.

We appreciate it.

>> Thank you.

>> Purple boxes stocked with naloxone are popping up in different parts of Harrison County.

Through a partnership with the Cynthiana Police Department and the Ko District Health Department, people will have access to Narcan in case of an emergency.

>> Within the city limits.

We strategically place the naloxone boxes where someone would hopefully only have to walk five minutes to get to them.

So we have 20 that we have purchased overall, 11 have been placed currently, and we are hoping to get the other nine placed before the end of the month.

So for us, our goal was that people could have access to this 24 over seven.

And sometimes the stigma is that everybody who is using naloxone has a substance use disorder, which isn't exactly correct.

There are many different instances where naloxone can be used and can treat a fatal and prevent a fatal overdose.

>> Having naloxone should be, you know, very common in every home because we have people who come home from surgery with opioids, and they might forget that they've taken a pain medication and, and overdose on taking it again, we have children that might get into grandma's medication and accidentally have an overdose, having it available right at your disposal to be able to reduce a fatality is truly our mission here.

The other thing that we know with naloxone is that it doesn't there is no effect if you're not in having a fatal overdose, it's not going to hurt you or harm anyone who takes it.

>> We have seen at the police department that people are using overdose to as a means to suicide.

And so something that we think is why it should be in every household is because mental health struggles and substance use disorders go hand in hand.

And whether it be that they have a true addiction, or whether it be that they have a mental health struggle and they are just trying to find relief.

If this can help save their life for a day to where they can get treatment the next day, or whenever they are ready, that is the goal.

So when you come to the Narcan box or the free naloxone box, it's purple.

They stand out.

So you're going to know that you're there when you see the big purple box and it pulls down and it has like a heavier door.

So some people were concerned that what if children can access this?

Well, they have to be pretty strong to lift these doors down and, you know, Heights to.

But either way, the bags have one supply of Narcan in each.

And then they also have some pamphlets in there about how to administer Narcan.

Another pamphlet for find help now Kentucky, which pulls up different treatment centers for different issues that you may be having.

If you're having a mental health struggle, it can even help you find help with that.

It also has the CPR mask for if you need to give resuscitation breaths for somebody that has had an overdose.

>> This is just out there for the community to not have to come to us.

We're meeting the community where they are.

It is no different than having an AED machine.

If somebody is is having an overdose or if somebody is having a medical emergency, let's have whatever life saving measure possible at our disposal to be able to save a life.

That's what it's about.

And that's what the Cynthiana Police Department and Ko plan to do.

We just want to save lives.

>> Taxpayer money was not used to fund the project.

The community boxes were funded through multiple grants.

Some art, some nature, and the Kentucky State Fair.

Our Toby Gibbs has all of that.

And this look at what's happening around the Commonwealth.

>> A Lexington tradition is marking five decades of putting art in the park.

[MUSIC] The woodland Art fair returns to Woodland Park this weekend, celebrating its 50th year.

Nearly 200 artists from around the country will display their work throughout the park.

The weekend also includes live music, along with food and drink vendors.

There's more than natural beauty on display around Natural Bridge this weekend, as the Natural Bridge Artisan Festival returns to the Natural Bridge Campground in Slade, highlighting Appalachian arts and crafts, the event brings together local artists and craftspeople with a companion quilt show at the Red River Gorge Visitor's Center that features work from quilters across the region.

[MUSIC] Go with the flow this weekend in Burkesville, as the River Festival returns to the banks of the Cumberland River, there will be a mix of outdoor activities that include the mighty Cumberland River run paddle races, catfish wrangling, a trout fishing tournament and a backroads Jeep ride.

There's also live music, along with local food and craft vendors.

Art and nature are making a connection in Bullitt County this Saturday, Connect at Bernheim brings art, science, music and nature together for an evening at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.

The event includes immersive art installations, light displays, kinetic and sound, reactive sculptures, live music, and performance art.

Visitors can also take part in interactive dance, art making and science activities.

[MUSIC] Campbell County is making some waves with Festival on the Lake.

The event brings live music and community activities to Alexandria, along with food trucks, artisan craft booths and a kids zone.

[MUSIC] From farm fields to fair food, Kentucky's getting set to put plenty of its traditions on display in Louisville at the Kentucky State Fair, kicking off next Thursday, the fair highlights the Commonwealth's agriculture, arts and culture with exhibits like pride of the Counties and AG land, along with live entertainment competitions, food and other activities.

This year, the fair is also marking America's 250th anniversary with special exhibits and themed competitions, along with patriotic photo displays and live mural painting.

[MUSIC] And that's a look at what's happening around the Commonwealth.

I'm Toby Gibbs.

>> Lots of great fair photos.

We're looking forward to that.

And we're also looking forward to an hour from now.

When you can see comment on Kentucky with Bill Bryant and a panel of working Kentucky Kentucky journalist that's coming up tonight at 8:00 eastern, 7:00 central here on KET.

They will break down for you the big news, developments, headlines and news of the week.

So we hope that you'll join us a little bit later tonight for comment on Kentucky and then back here again on Monday night at 630 eastern, 530 central for Kentucky Edition, where we inform, connect and inspire.

You can keep up with our news online with your Kentucky edition email newsletters.

You can watch full episodes and clips on our website at ket.org.

You can also find Kentucky Edition on the PBS video app, on your mobile device, and smart TV.

And we would love to hear your story ideas.

We're always looking for those.

You can email them to public affairs@ket.org and give us a follow on social media.

We're on Facebook and Instagram.

We'd love to connect with you there.

Thank you so much for joining