[♪♪] >> I'M PROUD OF HIM.

HE PUT IN THE WORK.

>> Renee: AN EMOTIONAL MOTHER TALKS ABOUT THE PROGRAM THAT HELPED HER SON OVERCOME DYSLEXIA BUT THE PROGRAM IS NOW ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK.

>> I WAS COMPLETELY LIKE NO WAY, THIS IS CRAZY, WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO?

>> Renee: ONCE A SKEPTIC SHE IS NOW INVESTING BIG MONEY IN KENTUCKY'S MEDICAL CANNABIS ROLL OUT.

>> THROUGH THIS MEDICINE AND RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THIS TO BE TRUE.

>> Renee: AT A NEW TEACHING KITCHEN IN LOUISVILLE, RECIPES FOR GOOD HEALTHY EATING ARE ON THE MENU.

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

[♪♪] >> Renee: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "KENTUCKY EDITION" ON THIS THURSDAY, MAY 29TH.

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

>>> KENTUCKY IS A STEP CLOSER TO A STATE-WIDE NETWORK OF MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARIES.

WE NOW KNOW WHERE THEY WILL BE.

HERE IS GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR AT HIS NEWS CONFERENCE THIS AFTERNOON.

>> Gov.

Andy Beshear: AS OF TODAY, WE HAVE CONFIRMED LOCATIONS FOR 39 OF OUR 48 INITIAL DISPENSARIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

THEY STILL HAVE WORK TO DO TO GET OPEN BUT FROM PIKEVILLE TO PADUCAH THERE WILL BE A POINT FOR ALL PATIENTS.

TO ASSIST IN THIS WE HAVE LAUNCHED A DISPENSARY DIRECTORY SO CARDHOLDERS CAN SEE HOW CLOSE DISPENSARIES WILL BE TO THEM.

TO FIND A DISPENSARY THAT WILL OPEN NEAR YOU KENTUCKIANS CAN VISIT KY MED.KY.GOV.

>> Renee: MAYFIELD WILL BE HOME TO ONE OF THE SEVEN FACILITIES THAT WILL TEST FOR SAFETY AND QUALITY.

AND THE BIG INVESTMENT COMES TO A COMMUNITY DEVASTATED BY A TORNADO JUST THREE YEARS AGO.

OUR LAURA ROGERS TAKES US TO WEST KENTUCKY WHERE THE OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING WAS HELD WEDNESDAY.

>> TODAY WE'RE PLANNING THE SEEDS OF PROGRESS BY TAKING A BOLD STEPS TOWARDS REVITALIZING THE ECONOMY OF A COMMUNITY EMERGING FROM LOSS AND HARDSHIP.

>> WE HOPE FOR THE FIRE STATION AND THE COURTHOUSE BUT WE KNEW THAT THE LIFE BLOOD OF A COMMUNITY IS BUSINESS.

>> AND A NEW BUSINESS IS NOW INVESTING $1 MILLION IN MAYFIELD.

>> WHEN WE MET WITH THE PEOPLE IN GRACE COUNTY EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE.

>> STATE 38 THE NAME AN INDICATOR OF KENTUCKY BECOMING THE 38TH STATE TO LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA WILL TEST THOSE PRODUCTS BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD TO THE PUBLIC.

>> IT HAS TO GO THROUGH A SAFETY COMPLIANCE FACILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY ARE SAFE AND THINGS ARE WHAT THEY SAY THEY ARE.

THERE'S NO PESTICIDE NOSE MOULD, NO METALS.

>> THE OWNER IS A NATIVE OF THE NEARBY COMMUNITY AND GRADUATE OF GRAVES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL.

>> MY FIELD HAS HAD A PIECE OF MY HEART.

>> SHE WAS SKEPTICAL AT FIRST OF THE LEGALIZATION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS.

>> I WAS RAISED WITH NO DRINKING OR SMOKING AND NOT EXPOSING US TO DRUGS I WAS LIKE NO WAY THIS IS CRAZY.

>> HER MIND WAS CHANGED AND SHE STARTED LEARNING MORE WHEN SHE SAW THE EFFECTS OF MEDICAL CANNABIS IN ILLINOIS WHERE IT'S BEEN LEGAL SINCE 2013.

>> MEDICAL CANNABIS WITH THE RIGHT DOSE CAN BE A MIRACLE DRUG FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE SPENT LOTS OF TIME IN PAIN, WITHOUT HOPE, AND THIS IS ACTUALLY PROVIDING ANOTHER AVENUE.

>> QUALIFYING CONDITIONS FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS IN KENTUCKY INCLUDE CANCER, CHRONIC PAIN AND POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.

>> Gov.

Andy Beshear: MEDICAL CANNABIS PROVIDES RELIEF.

>> IT MEANS KENTUCKY HAS BEEN ABLE TO LEARN FROM OTHER STATE'S PROGRAMS AND MODELS.

>> THIS IS GOING TO BE A SAFE INDUSTRY FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDPOINT AND IT'S GOING TO BE A SAFE INDUSTRY FROM A PATIENT AND MEDICAL STANDPOINT AS WELL.

>> OFFICIALS SAY IT WILL BE AN ECONOMIC BOOST FOR THE ONCE STORM RAVAGED COMMUNITY THAT HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS.

>> WE ARE TIRED OF IT, BUT WE ARE MOVING FORWARD.

AND THANKS TO ENTREPRENEURS AND PEOPLE WITH A VISION LIKE YOU, WE ARE STANDING SO STRONG.

>> STATE 38 WILL EMPLOY 10-12 PEOPLE ONCE CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE.

FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M LAURA ROGERS.

>> Renee: MANY THANKS, LAURA.

MAYFIELD WILL ALSO BE HOME TO A MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY.

ONE OF FOUR IN THE WEST KENTUCKY REGION.

>>> IN OTHER NEWS, FEMA IS ON THE GROUND HELPING SURVIVORS OF THE TORNADOES THAT DEVASTATED SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY EARLIER THIS MONTH.

THE FEDERAL AGENCY HAS ESTABLISHED DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS IN LAUREL, PULASKI AND RUSSELL COUNTIES AND ENCOURAGES THOSE AFFECTED BY THE STORMS TO APPLY FOR HELP.

>> WE HAVE THREE DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS UP AND MOVING.

SO SURVIVORS ARE GETTING THE ASSISTANCE THEY SO BADLY NEED.

SINCE THERE IS NO COOKIE CUTTER WAY TO RECOVERY, THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT WAYS THAT THIS CAN LOOK LIKE FOR PEOPLE IN TERMS OF WHAT ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE.

WE WILL TRIAGE YOUR SITUATION AND SIT ACROSS THE TABLE WITH EMPATHY AND YOU WILL HAVE THAT HUMAN CONNECTION WHICH IS IMPORTANT WHEN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE EVENTS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN THROUGH.

AND WE CAN SAY, HEY YOU SHOULD TALK TO SOMEBODY FROM THE STATE.

WE'VE GOT SOMEONE FROM THE COMMONWEALTH AT THAT TABLE.

YOU HAVE A SMALL BUSINESS?

TALK TO SOMEONE FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION THEY HAVE A TABLE.

OR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OR SOCIAL SECURITY, THERE ARE MULTIPLE AGENCIES UNDER ONE ROOF THAT CAN HELP PUT TOGETHER YOUR PATH TO RECOVERY.

SO, GIVE US THAT CHANCE.

>> ONE OF THE BIG THINGS FOR PEOPLE TO KNOW TO BE ELIGIBLE ONE OF THE FIRST QUALIFYING FACTORS IS THAT YOU NEED TO RESIDE IN ONE OF THE DESIGNATED COUNTIES.

ANYBODY THAT APPLIES FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE IS GOING TO RECEIVE A LETTER.

AND WHEN YOU GET THAT LETTER, IF IT APPEARS TO BE A DENIAL, READ THAT LETTER FROM TOP TO BOTTOM INSIDE OUT.

MANY TIMES WE MIGHT BE MISSING A DOCUMENT, THERE MIGHT BE A CLERICAL ERROR AND MANY TIMES WE CAN TAKE THAT AND TURN IT INTO AN APPROVAL.

WHEN YOU GET THE FROM FEMA READ IT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AND IF YOU WANT TO APPEAL YOU CAN DO THAT HERE OR ON-LINE OR CALL.

OUR PROGRAMMING IS VAST THERE IS A WIDE ARRAY OF HELP AVAILABLE.

ANYTHING FROM HOUSING ASSISTANCE TO MOVING AND STORAGE TO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A HOMEOWNER YOU CAN BE A RENTER WHAT IF YOU LOST YOUR PROPERTY LIKE COMPUTER, OR VEHICLE.

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR INSURANCE OR WITH US, YOUR DOCUMENTATION IS GOING TO BE VERY IMPORTANT AND THERE MAYBE THINGS THAT PEOPLE HAVEN'T THOUGHT OF.

TAKE PICTURES OF INSIDE OF CLOSETS, CABINETS, TAKE MORE PICTURES AND VIDEOS THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED.

WRITE DOWN THE SERIAL NUMBERS OF A BIG APPLIANCES BEFORE YOU GET RID OF THEM.

SAY YOU HAVE APOULTRY THAT HAS BECOME RUINED CUT A A SWATCH OF IT AND WALLPAPER BEFORE YOU DISCARD IT.

DO ALL OF THOSE THINGS TO JUST MAKE IT EASIER FOR US TO HELP YOU GET THOSE ITEMS REPLACED OR REIMBURSED AND OF COURSE HOLD ON TO YOUR RECEIPTS.

WE WITNESS A LOT OF THE STRESS AND THAT KENTUCKIANS HAVE BEEN THROUGH OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS.

AMAZING SENSE OF NEIGHBORLINESS HERE IN KENTUCKY WHERE THERE IS A LOT OF THIS A LOT OF TIMES WE SEE PEOPLE WILL SAY, I DON'T HAVE IT AS BAD AS THE PERSON ACROSS THE STREET OR NEXT DOOR TO ME.

MAYBE, I DON'T DESERVE OR DON'T NEED ASSISTANCE OR I CAN HANDLE IT ON MY OWN.

I SAY TO THOSE PEOPLE THERE MAYBE ROOM AT THE TABLE FOR YOU.

OR THERE IS ROOM AT THE TABLE LET US TELL YOU HOW WE CAN HELP YOU.

>> Renee: TO APPEAL ANY AID REJECTIONS FROM FEMA CALL 1-800-621-3362.

>>> TURNING TO EDUCATION.

HINDMAN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL HAS BEEN PROVIDING EDUCATION SERVICES TO EASTERN KENTUCKY FOR MORE THAN 120 YEARS.

ITS LITERACY PROGRAM PROVIDED TUTORING TO 1,000 STUDENTS LAST YEAR.

THE MAJORITY OF WHOM ARE DYSLEXIC.

AS MACK TELLS US FEDERAL FREUNDING WAS ELIMINATED FOR DOGE LEAVING THE FUTURE OF THE PROGRAM UNCERTAIN.

>> ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES, DYSLEXIA AFFECTS 5-17% OF CHILDREN IN THE U.S.

WITHOUT EARLY INTERVENTION, CHILDREN WITH DYSLEXIA OFTEN HAVE TROUBLE READING WHICH CAN AFFECT THEIR EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES.

HINDMAN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL PROVIDES TUTORING FOR CHILDREN WITH DYSLEXIA A SERVICE THAT CAN BE HARD TO COME BY IN EASTERN KENTUCKY.

>> THE CHALLENGE FOR SUCH A RURAL AREA THERE AREN'T A LOT OF RESOURCES FOR PARENTS TO TURN TO WHEN THEY STRUGGLE.

THE SCHOOLS ARE GREAT, THE TEACHERS ARE DEDICATED BUT DYSLEXIA, WHEN CHILDREN ARE STRUGGLING WITH THAT HAVING ONE-ON-ONE OR SMALL GROUP SUPPORT IS REALLY WHAT IS NEEDED.

AND TEACHERS CAN'T DO THAT.

SO WE SEE OURSELVES AS A REALLY IMPORTANT PART OF THE EQUATION MAKING SURE THAT CHILDREN GET THE HELP THEY NEED TO BECOME WHAT THEY WANT TO BE.

>> AUTUMN IS A FOURTH GRADE TEACHER AT WEST PERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

SHE SAYS FOURTH GRADE IS WHEN STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE STRONG ENOUGH LITERACY SKILLS TO USE READING TO LEARN NEW SUBJECTS.

THE TUTORING HER STUDENTS RECEIVE COMES AT A PIVOTAL TIME.

>> ONE OF MY STUDENTS CAME IN WITH A CERTIFICATE THAT HE HAD GOTTEN FROM THE TUTORS BECAUSE HE PHASED OUT ONE OF THEIR PROGRAMS AND HE WAS SO PROUD HE ASKED ME TO HANG IT UP IN MY ROOM.

AND IT MAKES ME EMOTIONAL BECAUSE I HAVE SAW THESE KIDS AND I SEE WHERE THEY START.

AND JUST BEING ABLE TO READ AT ALL GIVES HIM SUCH A CONFIDENCE BOOST.

AND I LOVE TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT.

>> SHEPHERD DOESN'T JUST SEE THE BENEFITS IN HER CLASSROOM HER SON CARSON RECEIVED TUTORING THROUGH HINDMAN AS WELL.

>> WE NOTICED HE WAS MEMORIZING THE STORIES THAT THEY WERE WORKING ON.

AND HE COULDN'T READ THEM.

>> CARSON WAS SCREENED FOR DYSLEXIA AND WENT THROUGH TWO YEARS OF SUMMER SCHOOL AND IN-SCHOOL TUTORING.

>> HE STARTED HIS SECOND GRADE YEAR READING AT A KINDERGARTEN LEVEL.

AFTER THE TWO SUMMERS AT HINDMAN HE WAS READING ON GRADE LEVEL.

HE DID HINDMAN TUTORING WITHIN THE SCHOOL LAST YEAR AND HE READS ON A SIXTH GRADE LEVEL IN THE FOURTH GRADE.

I'M PROUD OF HIM HE PUT IN THE WORK.

>> THE TUTORING PROCESS OPENED SHEPHERD'S EYES TO THE OBSTACLES GETTING HELP FOR DYSLEXIA INCLUDING THE COST OF GETTING SCREENED WHICH CAN COST BETWEEN $500-$2,000 DEPENDING WHERE YOU LIVE.

>> PEOPLE DON'T KNOW EVEN THE SCREENING IS SO EXPENSIVE AND HINDMAN IS OFFER TO GO AS A FRACTION OF THE COST.

I'VE TALKED TO PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN OTHER PLACES THEY HAVE NO OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEIR DYSLEXIC STUDENTS.

HINDMAN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL RECEIVED WORD THAT THE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR MATH AND LITERACY WOULD BE ELIMINATED IMMEDIATELY.

LEAVING THE SCHOOL TO HAVE TO FUNDRAISE ENOUGH TO CONTINUE THE SUMMER PROGRAMMING.

BEYOND THAT IT'S UNCLEAR WHAT THE PROGRAMS WILL LOOK LIKE.

>> FIVE YEARS AGO, WE RECEIVED A GRANT THROUGH AMERI CORE THAT HAS GROWN TO ALLOW US TO HIRE 52 TUTORS WE DEPLOY IN 25 SCHOOLS ACROSS FIVE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND WITH THAT LARGER WORKFORCE WE'RE ABLE TO REACH THIS YEAR I THINK WE REACHED ALMOST A THOUSAND KIDS.

IT'S REALLY DISAPPOINTING THAT IF WE LOSE THAT FUNDING, WE'LL STILL SURVIVE WE ARE STRONG ORGANIZATION AND WE'LL STILL PROVIDE SERVICES.

IT'S JUST THAT THE REACH THAT WE HAD THIS YEAR WILL BE REDUCED.

THE UNCERTAINTY, IT CHALLENGES OUR ABILITY TO SAY WE WILL BE IN YOUR SCHOOL WITH A STAFF.

WE JUST DON'T KNOW THAT AT THIS POINT.

BUT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR US FROM A PLANNING PERSPECTIVE TO COMMIT TO HAVING A PROGRAM EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT BE SMALLER SCALE THAN THIS YEAR.

>> ALESHA IS A HINDMAN TUTOR AT MOUNTAIN VIEW ELEMENTARY.

SHE HAS SEEN THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM FIRSTHAND AND SAYS PREPARATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR ARE DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE WITHOUT THE DEDICATED FUNDING.

>> TEACHERS ARE LIKE SO AND SO DIDN'T WANT TO READ AND NOW THEY ARE RAISING THEIR HAND.

SO IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT DISCOURSE IT'S BUILDING THAT CONFIDENCE, AND IT'S BASICALLY GIVING THEM A GOOD FOUNDATION.

A LOT OF KIDS ARE STRUGGLING WITH IT AND A LOT OF PARENTS ARE REQUESTING THEIR KIDS BE SIGNED UP FOR THIS PROGRAM.

>> TEACHERS ARE GETTING REQUESTS RIGHT NOW.

WHAT ABOUT NEXT YEAR?

I WANT -- HOW DO I GET INVOLVED WITH THIS PROGRAM?

AND WHAT DO YOU SAY?

YOU DON'T HAVE AN ANSWER AT THIS POINT.

>> WE SEE HOW HARD THE TUTORS WORK AND NOT ONLY DO I WANT MY STUDENTS TO LOSE THESE OPPORTUNITIES I DON'T WANT THE EMPLOYEES TO LOSE THEIR JOBS THAT IS ANOTHER PART OF OUR COMMUNITY WHERE THESE ARE MEMBERS OF MY COMMUNITY THAT WORK HERE THAT NEEDS THOSE OPPORTUNITIES.

AND IT'S HELPING SO MANY PEOPLE.

>> HINDMAN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL SAYS IT'S WORKING ON PLANS TO DOWNSIZE THE PROGRAM FOR FALL BUT IS HOPEFUL FUNDING WILL COME THROUGH.

>> TRYING TO BE SMART WITH OUR TAX DOLLARS THAT MAKES PERFECT SENSE.

I DON'T THINK DEPRIVING CHILDREN OF THE SERVICES THEY NEED TO LEARN HOW TO READ IS ONE OF THE PLACE IT IS SERVES OUR NATION IN THE LONG RUN.

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE VITAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMS THAT IN THE LONG RUN HELPS OUR COUNTRY.

>> HINDMAN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL WAS ABLE TO RAISE ENOUGH MONEY TO KEEP THE LITERACY AND MATH PROGRAMS AFLOAT THROUGH JULY.

CURRENT STUDENTS WON'T HAVE THEIR TUTORING INTERRUPTED.

FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M MACKENZIE SPINK.

>> Renee: THANK YOU.

WILL ANDERSON THE DIRECTOR SAYS THE LITERACY PROGRAM IS FOR ANY CHILD STRUGGLING WITH READING NOT JUST CHILDREN WITH DYSLEXIA BUT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE CHILDREN THEY TUTOR HAVE SOME FORM OF THAT CONCERN.

>>> THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS NO LONGER RECOMMENDING COVID VACCINES FOR HEALTHY CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN.

OUR CHRISTIE DUTTON SPOKE TO DR. STEVEN STACK THE COMMISSIONER OF THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH TO FIND OUT HOW THIS COULD IMPACT THE HEALTH OF KENTUCKIANS.

>> COMMISSIONER, DR. STEVEN STACK, WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION WHEN YOU HEARD OF THE NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT EXCLUDE HEALTHY CHILDREN AND HEALTHY PREGNANT WOMEN FROM THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO GET THE COVID BOOSTER AND COVID SHOT?

>> WELL, MY BIGGEST CONCERN WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON MAY 27TH, MADE BY THE HHS SECRETARY ARE THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS DEPARTED FROM ALL OF THE STANDARD AND TRANSPARENT PROCESSES THAT HAVE LONG BEEN IN PLACE TO ENSURE THE AMERICAN PUBLIC IS RECEIVING SCIENTIFICALLY BASED AND SOUND GUIDANCE.

SO NONE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES THAT OFFER INPUT INTO THIS DECISION APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN CONSULTED.

SO THE PUBLIC HAS NOW BEEN TOLD THAT PREGNANT WOMEN AND YOUNG HEALTHY CHILDREN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED TO TAKE THE COVID VACCINE.

NOW, HAD THIS GONE THROUGH THE NORMAL PROCESSES WE COULD HAVE FELT MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE QUALITY OF THE GUIDANCE.

NOW, IT LEAVES THINGS UNCERTAIN ABOUT THE GUIDANCE ACTUALLY THE BEST GUIDANCE FOR OUR PATIENTS.

>> AND THAT RECOMMENDATION, WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION DO?

HOW DOES IT IMPACT WHEN SOMEBODY GOES TO THEIR DOCTOR AND WANTS THE SHOT?

>> SOME OF THE BIGGEST CONCERNS ARE THAT INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL OFTEN BASE COVERAGE DECISIONS WHETHER THEY WILL PAY FOR THE VACCINE BASED ON WHAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDS.

NORMALLY THERE IS A PROCESS WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES THAT REVIEWS ALL THE SCIENCE, REVIEWS THE PATIENT POPULATIONS AND MAKES SPECIFIC GUIDANCE RECOMMENDATIONS WHAT SHOULD AND SHOULDN'T BE COVERED.

INSURANCE COMPANIES AND MEDICARE AND MEDICAID ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO FOLLOW THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS.

NOW, THAT THE LEADERSHIP OF HHS HAS MADE A DIFFERENT RECOMMENDATION IT THROWS INTO UNCERTAINTY WHAT WILL INSURANCE COMPANIES DO WHEN THE NORMAL PROCESSES HAVE NOT BEEN FOLLOWED.

>> AND THERE IS STILL SOME CONFUSION BECAUSE ON THE C.D.C.

'S WEBSITE IT HAS PREGNANT WOMEN AS A HIGH-RISK CATEGORY RECOMMENDING THEY SHOULD ESPECIALLY GET THE SHOT.

SO WHEN IS THIS SUPPOSED TO TAKE EFFECT AND HOW DOES THAT CONFUSION GET RESOLVED?

>> WELL, THAT'S A REAL CONCERN IT IS A QUESTION THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO ASK THE FEDERAL LEADERSHIP.

BECAUSE I SHARE THOSE VERY CONCERNS.

IT DOESN'T APPEAR THAT THE SCIENCE EXPERTS AT C.D.C.

WERE CONSULTED IN FORMING THIS DECISION.

SO THEREFORE WE DON'T KNOW HOW THESE DECISIONS WERE ARRIVED AT.

AND AGAIN RAISES SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT ARE THESE THE BEST GUIDANCE RECOMMENDATIONS WE CAN MAKE.

PREGNANT WOMEN ARE CONSIDERED TO BE AT HIGHER RISK FOR INFLUENZA, COVID AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES BECAUSE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IS COMPROMISED DUE TO THE STRAINS PREGNANCY PLACES ON THEM.

MANY OBSTETRICIANS WOULD SAY THIS IS NOT A GOOD RECOMMENDATION AND COULD DEPRIVE PREGNANT WOMEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP SAFE.

>> DO YOU EXPECT TO HEAR MORE COMMUNICATION ORGANS ON THIS?

>> I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL DO.

THIS WILL LEAVE THOSE OF US IN PUBLIC AND STATE HEALTH WE MAY HAVE TO MAKE OUR RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PEOPLE WE SERVE THAT WE FEEL ARE IN THE BEST INTEREST FOR THEIR HEALTH OR WELL-BEING.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

COMMISSIONER DR. STEVEN STACK.

AND FOR WALKING US THROUGH WHAT WE KNOW RIGHT NOW.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> Renee: AND THANK YOU CHRISTIE DUTTON.

THE C.D.C.

PREVIOUSLY RECOMMENDED COVID VACCINES FOR EVERYONE AGED SIX MONTHS AND OLDER.

IT IS UNCLEAR WHEN THE NEW RECOMMENDATIONS WILL TAKE EFFECT.

[♪♪] FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS, A STATE PROGRAM HAS BEEN WORKING WITH KENTUCKY CITIES TO CREATE VIBRANT DOWNTOWNS AND BUILD STRONGER COMMUNITIES THROUGH PRESERVATION BASED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

THE RESULTS OF THOSE EFFORTS HAVE BROUGHT BILLIONS TO KENTUCKY'S ECONOMY.

>> HERE DOWNTOWN IS THE HEART OF A COMMUNITY.

AND WHEN ANYBODY COMES WHETHER THEY ARE COMING TO LOOK FOR A NEW HOME, WHETHER THEY ARE COMING TO RELOCATE A BUSINESS OR AN INDUSTRY, YOUR DOWNTOWN IS THE FIRST THING THEY ARE LOOKING AT.

AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE IT'S INVITING, IT'S CLEAN, AND IT'S A PLACE THEY WANT TO RAISE THEIR FAMILIES OR BRING THEIR BUSINESS.

PEOPLE WILL SAY THEY CAN TELL WHEN THEY COME INTO A MAIN STREET COMMUNITY BECAUSE IT LOOKS DIFFERENT.

SO WE'RE A PART OF THE NATIONAL PROGRAM WHICH IS KNOWN AS MAIN STREET AMERICA.

AND ALL OF OUR ORGANIZATIONS OPERATE ON WHAT WE CALL THE FOUR POINT APPROACH.

WE HAVE ORGANIZATION, DESIGN, ECONOMIC VITALITY AND PROMOTION.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THOSE THINGS, WE TALK ABOUT QUALITY DESIGN.

WHAT DOES YOUR DOWNTOWN LOOK LIKE?

HOW CAN WE ASSESS AND HELP WITH HISTORIC BUILDINGS?

>> THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM PROVIDES US WITH A FRAMEWORK TO DO PRESERVATION BASED INITIATIVES AND PROJECTS.

THEY OFFER US TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, GRANT RESOURCES, TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR FACADE AND RENOVATION PROJECTS THAT WE DO DOWNTOWN.

I WILL NEVER FORGET THE MORNING OF MARCH 1, 2021 WHEN I RECEIVED A TEXT MESSAGE THAT SAID YOUR DOWNTOWN IS FLOODED.

EVERY BUILDING ON OUR MAIN STREET WAS IMPACTED BY THAT FLOOD.

SO I SENT A MESSAGE TO OUR STATE MAIN STREET COORDINATOR AND I SAID WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?

WE WORKED OUT A PLAN TO ESTABLISH A LOVE LOCAL FUND A FUND WHERE WE CAN PUT IT IN THE HANDS OF OUR BUSINESS OWNERS IMMEDIATELY.

>> THE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE INVOLVED WITH MAIN STREET RIGHT NOW, MOST ALL OF THEM ARE 10,000 PEOPLE OR LESS.

AND WE'RE STILL HAVING RETURNS THIS YEAR IT WAS 63.7 MILLION DOLLARS.

OVERALL WE HAVE CONTRIBUTED 4.7 BILLION DOLLARS TO THE ECONOMY OF KENTUCKY.

WE'RE CREATING NEW JOBS.

WE'RE OPENING NEW BUSINESSES.

>> THEY PROVIDE US WITH SUPPORT GROUP OF LIKE MINDED PEOPLE AND A NETWORK OF PEOPLE THAT WE ENJOY WORKING TOGETHER AND SHARING IDEAS WITH EACH OTHER.

AND MAIN STREET WE HAVE THIS PHRASE THAT WE CALL RIP-OFF AND DUPLICATE.

WE ARE NOT COMPETITIVE WITH EACH OTHER.

WE DON'T CARE TO SHARE IDEAS.

IF SOMEBODY HAS A GOOD IDEA THAT WORKS IN SHELBYVILLE, YOU KNOW, MAYBE WE CAN DO THAT ON A SMALLER SCALE.

WE HAD A VACANT SPACE ON MAIN STREET WHERE A BUILDING BURNED DOWN AND WE STARTED GOING AFTER FUNDING TO DO A TOWN SQUARE AND WE HAVE NOW COMPLETED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEWTOWN SQUARE IN THE HEART OF OUR DOWNTOWN WHERE WE HOST OUR MAIN STREET EVENTS, MARKET EVENTS.

IT IS A PLACE FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO COME TOGETHER AND JUST ENJOY EACH OTHER'S COMPANY AND LISTEN TO LIVE LOCAL MUSIC.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE NOW HAVE A OUR SIXTH STREET BETWEEN MAIN AND WASHINGTON IS A PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY.

WHAT THAT HAS CREATE SECOND AN AMAZING BACKDROP FOR PHOTOS AND PEOPLE TO COME AND GATHER.

>> I ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT THE PLACES THEY LIKE TO GO ON VACATION.

YOU AREN'T GOING TO FIND THE BEACH BUT I MIGHT.

BUT WHAT DO THE TOWNS LOOK LIKE?

AND COME BACK AND BE A VOLUNTEER AND HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY LOOK LIKE THE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO.

BECAUSE YOU SHOULD BE IN THAT PLACE EVERYDAY.

ALWAYS THINK ABOUT EVEN CHILDREN THAT GREW UP GOING TO THE MALL, WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT THEIR MEMORIES THEY DON'T TALK ABOUT THE MALL.

THEY TALK ABOUT OH, I WENT DOWNTOWN TO THIS EVENT.

OR MY MAMA TOOK ME TO THIS ICE CREAM SHOP DOWNTOWN.

WE'RE MAKING MEMORIES ON MAIN STREET THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.

>> Renee: THE KENTUCKY MAIN STREET PROGRAM WAS CREATED BY THE KENTUCKY HERITAGE COUNCIL AND THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE.

[♪♪] OF COURSE, WE NEED FOOD TO SURVIVE.

NEW CULINARY KITCHEN OPENED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE IS SHOWING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS HOW FOOD CAN BE USED TO HELP THEIR PATIENTS THRIVE.

>> THIS WILL TRAIN THE WORKFORCE THAT FOCUSES ON WHAT MATTERS MOST THE OLDER ADULTS.

IT WAS EDUCATING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND THE PUBLIC ON THE MERITS OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE WHICH ALLOWS PATIENTS TO HAVE AGENCY OVER THEIR HEALTHCARE BY INCORPORATING HEALTHY EATING HABITS THAT CAN MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN PREVENTING AND TREATING HEALTH ISSUES.

FOOD IS MEDICINE AND RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THIS TO BE TRUE.

NUTRITION IS FOUNDATIONAL TO OUR HEALTH.

YET, IT'S NOT ALWAYS EMPHASIZED IN PROVIDING PATIENTS WITH ACTIONS IS IT IN CURRICULUM.

>> IT IS A FIELD THAT INTEGRATES NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE WITH FOOD PREPARATION AND SKILLS THAT CAN LEAD TO IMPROVED HEALTH INCLUDING BETTER MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF CHRONIC ILLNESSES SUCH AS DIABETES AND HEART DISEASE, DISEASES THAT AFFECT MANY OLDER ADULTS THROUGHOUT OUR NATION.

IN THIS KITCHEN THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE WILL TRAIN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TO UNDERSTAND AND COMMUNICATE THE IMPACT OF GOOD NUTRITION ON A PATIENT'S HEALTH.

STUDENTS AND FACULTY MEMBERS IN THE U OF L SCHOOLS OF MEDICINE, PUBLIC HEALTH AND INFORMATION SCIENCES, NURSING, SOCIAL WORK AND OTHERS.

>> ONE OF THE INNOVATION BUILDING IS OUR BRAIN CLINIC A SERVICE TO MEDICARE PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS.

AS PART OF OUR BRAIN CLINIC THE INSTITUTE WAS SELECTED AFTER COMPETITIVE PROCESS AS ONE OF ONLY 390 ORGANIZATIONS NATIONALLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GUIDING AND IMPROVED DEMENTIA EXPERIENCE OR GUIDE PROGRAM FOR THE CENTERS OF MEDICAID AND MEDICARE.

AND THIS MARKS A HUGE STEP FORWARD FOR BOTH THE INSTITUTE AND U OF L HEALTH.

IN CARING FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND CAREGIVERS.

IT'S PERSONAL I WANTED THIS ONE STOP SHOP.

MY DAD HAD DEMENTIA AND I WANTED HIM TO HAVE EASY ACCESS TO EXCELLENT CARE AND GUIDANCE AND EDUCATION SO THE FACT THIS IS A JOINT COLLABORATION, BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE AND ULP, MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO EDUCATE, TRAIN, AND TREAT.

SO THAT'S REALLY WHAT WE'RE DOING.

>> Renee: THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IS ONE OF 60 OTHER MEDICAL SCHOOLS USING THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CULINARY MEDICINE CURRICULUM.

>> COMING UP TOMORROW, MORE ON WHO COULD BE THE NEXT SUPERINTENDENT OF KENTUCKY'S LARGEST PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM AND HOW MUCH THE DISTRICT IS WILLING TO PAY HIM.

THAT STORY IS TOMORROW NIGHT AT 6:30 EASTERN, 5:30 CENTRAL ON "KENTUCKY EDITION."

WE HOPE YOU WILL CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK, X, AND INSTAGRAM.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SEND US A STORY IDEA OR TWO BY E-MAIL TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT KET.ORG.

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

AND FOLLOW ALL THE GREAT PROGRAMMINGS ON-LINE ON DEMAND THAT YOU ARE STREAM AT KET.ORG.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING TONIGHT.

MORE GREAT STORIES TOMORROW ON FRIDAY.

WE'LL SEE YOU THEN.

TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE.

[♪♪]