[♪♪] >> WE ARE SEEING WHAT REAL HOPE LOOKS LIKE IN THE COMMONWEALTH'S FIGHT AGAINST THE SCOURGE OF ADDICTION.

>> Renee: KENTUCKY'S OVERDOSE DEATH NUMBERS ARE BETTER, BUT THERE'S STILL WORK TO BE DONE.

>> I REMEMBER THE LAST ANSWER I WROTE IN THERE WAS IF I CAN HELP CHARLIE I'M GOING TO.

>> Renee: A STORY OF ONE LIFE STAVING GIFT.

SAVING GIFT.

>> IT IS A HUB OF KENTUCKY CREATIVES AND I REALLY ENJOYED GETTING TO HAVE MY WORK IN THAT MIX.

>> Renee: PLUS A YOUNG ARTIST SAYS YES TO THE DRESS FOR ONE OF THE YEAR'S BIGGEST FASHION MOMENTS.

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

[♪♪] >> Renee: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "KENTUCKY EDITION" ON THIS TUESDAY, MAY THE SIXTH I'M RENEE SHAW AND WE THANK YOU FOR SPENDING SOME OF YOUR EVENING WITH US.

>>> GOOD NEWS FOR A WHILE.

IF YOU PLAN ON FLYING BUT DON'T YET HAVE YOUR REAL ID, WELL, TODAY, SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY KRISTI NOEM ANNOUNCED PEOPLE WITHOUT REAL ID'S WILL BE ABLE TO FLY ON DOMESTIC FLIGHTS EVEN AFTER TOMORROW THE FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT DATE.

NOEM SAYS PEOPLE WITHOUT THE ID COULD BE DIVERTED TO ANOTHER LINE FOR MORE SCREENING.

BUT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO FLY.

IT'S NOT CLEAR HOW LONG THIS GRACE PERIOD WILL LAST IN KENTUCKY REAL ID'S ARE ISSUED AT THE STATE'S 34 REGIONAL DRIVER LICENSE OFFICES AND MANY DON'T HAVE OPEN APPOINTMENTS FOR WEEKS.

>>> TODAY, GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR THANKED THE PEOPLE HE SAYS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR A DECLINE IN KENTUCKY'S OVERDOSE DEATH NUMBERS.

AS WE TOLD YOU LAST THURSDAY, THE NUMBER OF OVERDOSE DEATHS DECLINED FROM 2023 TO 2024 BY MORE THAN 30%.

IT WAS THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR FOR SUCH DECLINES.

AND THE NUMBER OF BLACK KENTUCKIANS DYING OF OVERDOSES ALSO DECLINED BY 37%.

DESPITE THOSE IMPROVING NUMBERS, MORE THAN 1400 KENTUCKIANS DIED IN OVERDOSES IN 2024 AND FENTANYL WAS A FACTOR IN 62% OF THOSE DEATHS.

TODAY THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT PEOPLE WORKING TO KEEP KENTUCKIANS ALIVE.

>> I THANK OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, PARAMEDICS AND FIREFIGHTERS REMOVING ILLEGAL DRUGS OFF OUR STREETS AND DISTRIBUTING NARCAN I'VE SEEN FIRSTHAND A FIRST-RESPONDER BRING SOMEBODY BACK WHO I THOUGHT HAD BREATHED HIS LAST BREATH TO GIVE THAT INDIVIDUAL AN OPPORTUNITY TO FIX AND HEAL THEIR LIVES.

I THANK OUR STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES WHO ARE ON THE FRONTLINE.

OUR TREATMENT PROVIDERS AND PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS ACROSS THE STATE BECAUSE OF YOU, PEOPLE CAN ACCESS TREATMENT ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

I THINK WE HAVE THE BEST PROVIDERS IN THE COUNTRY.

HOW ABOUT Y'ALL?

[APPLAUSE] >> Renee: TODAY THE GOVERNOR ALSO SIGNED THE STATE DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER DRUG ACTIVITIES PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 26.

WE WILL HAVE MORE FROM TODAY'S EVENTS AND YOU WILL HEAR FROM KENTUCKIANS INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT IN OVERDOSE DEATHS THAT IS TOMORROW ON "KENTUCKY EDITION".

>>> TODAY IN LEXINGTON SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS AND HOUSE SPEAKER DAVID OSBORNE SPOKE TO PEOPLE AT A COMMERCE LEX LUNCHEON.

OUR TOPIC OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS REGULATION REFORM.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSED SEVERAL BILLS THIS YEAR LIMITING WHAT PROPONENTS WOULD SAY ARE REGULATORY BURDENS ON KENTUCKY'S INDUSTRIES.

BUT PRESIDENT STIVERS SAYS THERE IS A BALANCE.

>> YOU WANT A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF REGULATION BUT NOT TOO MUCH REGULATION.

AND THE BEST INSTANCE I CAN GIVE YOU TO THAT IS WEED WATER.

CAN YOU GET A 12 OUNCE CAN THAT HAD THE EQUIVALENT OF THREE OR FOUR JOINTS IN IT.

THERE WAS NO REGULATION TO THAT AND TEENAGERS COULD BUY IT.

>> .

>> AT A CONVENIENCE STORE.

>> AT A CONVENIENCE STORE.

WAIT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING WE NEED TO BE PROMOTING.

THAT IS A REGULATION WE INSTITUTED THAT IS PROBABLY A GOOD REGULATION.

AND RIGHT HERE IN LEXINGTON IF YOU ARE A DEVELOPER AND YOU ARE TRYING TO DEVELOP A PARKING LOT AND YOU CREATE A COLLECTION POOL ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT UNDER THEIR INTERPRETATION OF THE LAWS UNDER WOTUS HAVE JURISDICTION OVER IT.

WE PASSED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD STOP THEM FROM GOING BEYOND WHAT THE TRADITIONAL DEFINITION OF THE WATERS OF THE U.S. ARE.

THOSE ARE THE TYPES OF THINGS WHERE WE WANT TO STAY OUT OF THE WAY BUT THERE'S A COUPLE OF INSTANCES WE FELT WE HAD TO GET IN THE WAY AND THE PREDICAMENTS IS WEED WATER.

>> Renee: MORE ON WHAT THE LEADERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS YEAR'S LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND WHAT TO EXPECT FOR NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET SESSION THAT IS TOMORROW NIGHT ON "KENTUCKY EDITION".

>>> WHEN THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE ASKED THE KENTUCKY LEGISLATURE FOR FUNDS TO REVAMP THE JEWISH HOSPITAL THE LEGISLATURE RESPONDED WITH A YES AND.

ACCORDING TO STATE SENATOR MICHAEL NEMES.

THE CAVEAT WAS THAT U OF L HEALTH PURCHASE AND COMPLETE THE HOSPITAL IN BULL IT COUNTY.

NOW THE HOSPITAL IS NOT ONLY COMPLETE BUT IS EXPANDING.

THIS WEEK OFFICIALS BROKE GROUND ON THE U OF L HEALTH-SOUTH HOSPITAL CAMPUS CENTER FOR RURAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH BROWN CANCER CENTER.

DETAILS ON THAT IN TONIGHT'S LOOK AT MEDICAL NEWS.

>> ONCE COMPLETE, THIS CENTER WILL SUPPORT ONCOLOGY, NURSE AND PHYSICIAN TRAINING, OFFER CLINICAL TRIALS OF NEW CANCER DRUGS, PROMOTE OUTREACH IN CANCER SCREENING AND EDUCATION, AND HOST PATIENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS WHICH WILL BE FOCUSED ON COMMUNITIES IN CENTRAL, SOUTH AND WESTERN KENTUCKY.

>> WE KNOW THAT CANCER CARE CAN'T BE TAKEN CARE OF IN JUST ONE LOCATION.

IT'S IMPORTANT THE COMMUNITY HOSPITALS AND RURAL HOSPITALS DO THAT WE ALSO KNOW THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN THE ACADEMIC CARE AND THE RESEARCH CARE OF PATIENTS WHY THIS IS SO CRITICAL.

THE NEXT 30 MINUTES TO GET DOWNTOWN FOR MANY IS NOT TO DO THAT.

AND OUR GOAL IS TO BRING CANCER RESEARCH OUR ACADEMIC FACULTY TO THE PEOPLE.

>> BUT WHAT IT REALLY IS, IS THE DESTINATION FOR MANY PEOPLE, MANY PEOPLE WHEN THEY HEARD THE WORD CANCER AND THOUGHT IT WAS OVER.

IT'S THEIR ROAD TO RECOVERY.

>> AND I THINK IN ALL THE TITLES WE'VE SAID TODAY I HAVE TO POINT OUT AS SOMEONE FROM THE SPRAWLING METROPOLIS OF BERG BEGIN MY FAVORITE TITLE IS RURAL.

BECAUSE AS SOMEONE WHO COMES FROM A TOWN WITH A THOUSAND PEOPLE AND A FOUR-WAY STOP AND THAT'S IT WHAT I LIKE TO DO IS MAKE SURE WE TAKE THIS HOPE THAT HAS BEEN MENTIONED HERE TODAY AND MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE RATHER THAN THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

SO MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AND HELPING THEM TO GET TO WHERE THEY WANT TO BE REGARDLESS OF THEIR ZIP CODE IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE HEALTHCARE IS THE FOUNDATION OF A HEALTHY ECONOMY.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE ASKING ME WHY ARE YOU FOCUSING PUTTING IN CANCER CENTER IN BULLIT COUNTY FOCUSED ON RURAL KENTUCKY?

AND THE REASON IS SIMPLE.

WE NEED SUBSPECIALISTS TO SEE THE PATIENTS WHO FOCUS ON ONE TYPE OF CANCER ALL OF THOSE LIVE IN LOUISVILLE.

I NEED THE PATIENTS TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE APPROPRIATE DOCTORS AND THAT IS WHY THIS LOCATION WAS PROMISING.

AND YOU THROW ON TO THAT THE FACT YOU HAVE A NEW HOSPITAL HERE SO IMPORTANT FOR PATIENTS WHEN THEY HAVE BAD SIDE EFFECTS I THOUGHT IT WAS AN IDEAL LOCATION AND WE STARTED TALKING ABOUT IT BEING FOCUSED ON RURAL KENTUCKY AND THE REASON FOR THAT IS THAT A LOT OF THE DEATHS THAT HAPPEN IN KENTUCKY CAN BE MAPPED TO RURAL COMMUNITIES THAT DON'T HAVE GOOD QUALITY HEALTHCARE ACCESS.

CANCER KILLS OVER 10,000 KENTUCKIANS A YEAR.

AS I MENTIONED, WE TRACK ALL THIS STUFF AND WE HAVE BEEN NUMBER ONE FOR CANCER RELATED DEATHS THROUGHOUT THE PAST 15-20 YEARS WE ARE NUMBER TWO.

AND I BELIEVE WE WILL BE FIVE IN A FEW SHORT YEARS AND IN 10 YEARS WE WILL SEE A 50% DROP IN THE CANCER DEATH RATE.

THE WAY TO DO THAT IS INCREASE ACCESS FOR RURAL KENTUCKIANS AND THE BEST WAY IS PUT A CANCER CENTER RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW.

>> Renee: THE CANCER CENTER IS SET TO OPEN IN THE LATTER HALF OF 2026.

>>> MORE THAN A THOUSAND KENTUCKIANS NEED AN ORGAN TRANSPLANT.

TO WAIT FOR ONE MEANS CONSTANT ILLNESS AND POTENTIAL DEATH.

WE BRING YOU THE STORY OF ONE MAN FROM LOUISVILLE WHO SKIPPED THE LINE IN A SENSE WHEN HE FOUND A LIVING DONOR IN HIS NEIGHBORHOOD.

OUR JUNE LEFFLER HAS THIS STORY ON THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY AND ASKING FOR HELP.

>> CHARLIE DOLLY RECEIVED HIS SECOND KIDNEY TRANSPLANT IN 2023.

>> I WAS IN IN STAGE 5 WHEN YOU ARE ALMOST AT LIKE 7% KIDNEY FUNCTION IN TOTAL.

>> AS CHARLIE STARTED DIALYSIS HE GOT A WILLING, MATCHING KIDNEY DONOR AND THAT IS ALEX PAGE.

>> THE ORIGINAL QUESTIONNAIRE I REMEMBER THE LAST ANSWER IF I CAN HELP CHARLIE I'M GOING TO.

>> THE TWO ARE NOT FAMILY OR CHILDHOOD FRIENDS THEY MET LATER IN LIFE.

>> WE'RE HERE IN THE ST. BERNARD CHURCH WHERE CHARLIE AND I FIRST MET EACH OTHER BECAUSE OUR TWO OLDEST WE HAPPEN TO PICK THE PRESCHOOL.

WE STARTED GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER THROUGH EVENTS AND WORKED THE PICNIC BOOTHS TOGETHER.

WE DID DIFFERENT THINGS UP AT THE SCHOOL.

DIFFERENT VOLUNTEER HOURS.

>> PLAYED SOFTBALL.

>> IN THE FIELD RIGHT HERE ON THIS CAMPUS TOGETHER.

>> BUT AT SOME POINT CHARLIE WAS IN NO SHAPE FOR MUCH OF EVERYTHING.

>> MY ENERGY LEVEL WAS VERY LOW.

I WOULD COME HOME FROM WORK AND JUST SLEEP OR I WOULD BE AT WORK AND BE FATIGUED ALL DAY.

>> CHARLIE'S WIFE MADE A PUBLIC CALL FOR HELP ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

THE SCHOOL AND CHURCH COMMUNITY OF ST. BERNARD RESPONDED.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE REACHED OUT AND GOT TESTED NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS, COACHES, COLLEAGUES AND OBVIOUSLY HE WAS THE WINNER.

OR I WAS THE WINNER.

>> CHARLIE COULD HAVE BEEN LIKE HUNDREDS OF OTHER KENTUCKIANS WAITING ON THE LIST FOR LIVING OR CADAVER ORGAN DONOR BUT THE MAN'S WILLINGNESS MADE THE PROCESS SO MUCH SHORTER.

>> YOU SKIPPED THE LINE ALMOST IF I'M WILLING TO DONATE MY KIDNEY TO YOU AS A PERSON JUST YOU, MY KIDNEY WOULDN'T GO ON THE LIST AND IT WOULD GO DIRECTLY TO THE RECIPIENT THAT I INTENDED IT TO GO TO AND I DID NOT UNDERSTAND THAT PART OF THE PROCESS.

>> MY WIFE SPOKE UP FOR ME AND IT GOT THE BALL ROLLING BECAUSE I DID NOT ASK.

I WAS TOO PRIDEFUL OR HARDHEADED.

AND THEN ONCE SHE INSTILLED THAT IDEA INTO ME THEN IT HIT ME I NEED TO REACH OUT.

BECAUSE WE KIND OF TALK ABOUT THIS ALL THE TIME, IF YOU DON'T ASK IT IS AN AUTOMATIC NO.

>> THE TRANSPLANT SURGERIES WERE SUCCESSFUL BUT PHYSICALLY TAXING.

>> I WENT FROM 100 TO 50% KIDNEY FUNCTION.

I HAD TWO KIDNEYS THAT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY FOR THE FOLLOWING TWO WEEKS YOU HAVE I FELT WORSE THAN I EVER FELT IN MY LIFE HE WAS 7% OR LESS AT TIMES.

AND BEING RELIANT ON A MACHINE FOR EIGHT HOURS A DAY TO PUMP BLOOD AND PUMP ALL THIS STUFF YOUR KIDNEY IS SUPPOSED TO DO.

IT IS NOT A QUALITY OF LIFE I WOULD WANT FOR A FRIEND OF MINOR FAMILY MEMBER OF MINE.

IF I'M HIM I NEED SOMEONE LIKE ME TO STEP UP AND DO THIS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

AND THAT IS WHAT IT IS.

IT IS A QUALITY OF LIFE IT IS.

AT THE TIME AND NOW WE BOTH HAVE YOUNG FAMILIES AND EVEN THE DAYS THAT I GET SUPER FRUSTRATED OR ANNOYED AT SOMETHING I HAVE TO BE THANKFUL I LAUGH TO MYSELF AND I'M FOR THAT TO BE IN THIS POSITION REGARDLESS OF GOOD OR BAD.

I TAKE THE MENTALITY OF STAY POSITIVE ALWAYS BECAUSE I'VE GOT A GIANT GIFT GIVEN TO ME AND I BETTER UTILIZE IT.

>> CHARLIE AND ALEX SHARED THEIR STORIES WITH OTHERS SEARCHING FOR THE LIVING KIDNEY DONOR.

FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M JUNE LEFFLER.

>> Renee: THANK YOU, JUNE SO MUCH FOR THAT.

FOR LOUISVILLIANS NEEDING AN ORGAN TRANSPLANT THEY RECOMMEND MULLIGAN'S LIVING KIDNEY DONORS THE GROUP MEETS MONTHLY.

MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE GROUP'S FACEBOOK PAGE.

>>> WE WARN YOU THIS NEXT STORY DISCUSSES SUICIDE AND MENTAL HEALTH CRISES.

LAST NIGHT, WE INTRODUCED YOU TO A MOTHER IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY WHO LOST HER DAUGHTER TO SUICIDE.

TONIGHT WE HAVE MORE ON THE COMMUNITY RESPONSE IN BOON COUNTY AND HOW THAT MOTHER IS SEEKING CHANGE IN FRANKFORT.

OUR EMILY SISK HAS MORE.

>> AFTER FIVE BOON COUNTY TEENS BIDE BY SUICIDE BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2024 AND THIS FEBRUARY, THE PUBLIC CALLED FOR ACTION.

AS A RESULT, THE COMMUNITY FORMED THE BOON COUNTY SUICIDE RESPONSE TEAM TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC AND NAVIGATE THE LOSS.

>> SUICIDE AND MENTAL HEALTH IS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE.

AND IT'S ONE THAT IF WE WANT TO ADDRESS AND MAKE SURE OUR COMMUNITY IS SUPPORTED, WE ALL REALLY NEED TO START HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT IT.

>> MAYBE THE CONVERSATIONS DIDN'T HAPPEN IN THE HOUSEHOLD WHEN YOU GREW UP.

NOW THINGS ARE TURNING AND CHANGING.

WE NEED TO BE AWARE THAT CHILDREN TODAY ARE EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT VULNERABILITIES THAT THEY WEREN'T 30 YEARS AGO.

>> THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS JUST ONE OF 40 DIFFERENT AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE RESPONSE TEAM.

FROM THE JUDGE EXECUTIVE OFFICE TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE AGENCIES ARE LEARNING TOGETHER HOW TO APPROACH MENTAL WELL-BEING.

>> THE SCHOOLS ARE TALKING ABOUT WHAT THEY NEED.

THE FIRST-RESPONDERS ARE SHARING WHAT THEY NEED.

>> THE RESPONSE TEAM IS FOCUSED ON TRAINING THE AGENCIES HOW TO TALK ABOUT SUICIDE AND SHARE RESOURCES.

THEY WANT TO CONNECT WITH THE FAMILIES WHO SUFFERED A LOSS.

MEANWHILE, JAMIE WHO LOST HER DAUGHTER AUDREY TO SUICIDE LAST DECEMBER, SOUGHT OUT CHANGE IN FRANKFORT.

SHE SAT DOWN WITH ROCKY ADKINS, SENIOR ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR.

THEY TALKED ABOUT AUDREY'S DEATH AND THE STRING OF SUICIDES IN BOON COUNTY.

JAMIE SAID IT WAS THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS SHE FELT HEARD.

>> I WAS MIND BLOWN AND HONESTLY, I DIDN'T REALLY KNOW WHO HE WAS.

BUT I WAS LIKE OKAY, SOMEBODY'S TALKING TO ME.

SOMEBODY'S PAYING ATTENTION.

SOMEBODY HEARS ME.

>> FROM THERE JAMIE WAS CONNECTED WITH REPRESENTATIVE KIM MOSHER.

MOSHER SERVES KENTON COUNTY IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND IS CHAIR OF THE HEALTH SERVICES COMMITTEE.

JAMIE SHARED WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT HER DAUGHTER'S EXPERIENCE.

AUDREY INTERACTED WITH AN ON-LINE GROUP THAT IDOLIZED VIOLENCE AND ADMIRED OFFENDERS.

HER MOTHER BELIEVES THIS PLAYED THE LARGEST PART IN AUDREY TAKING HER OWN LIFE.

>> THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE COMING AT KIDS RIGHT NOW.

SO WE'RE TALKING ABOUT YOUNG KIDS AND THEY ARE IMPRESSIONABLE AND INTERESTED THEY ARE LEARNING ABOUT THEIR WORLD.

AND IF THIS IS WHAT THEY'RE SEEING THAT IS CONCERNING.

>> MOSHER SAID SHE IS LOOKING INTO WAYS TO DETER THIS KIND OF ON-LINE BEHAVIOR.

>> WE STARTED TALKING ABOUT POTENTIALLY ENHANCING PENALTIES FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED TO OR KNOWINGLY TARGETED A KID AND THEY END UP EITHER ATTEMPTING SUICIDE OR COMPLETING THE ACT.

>> THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO PAYING ATTENTION TO OTHER STATES WHO HAVE SEEN SIMILAR CLUSTERS OF SUICIDE.

IN UTAH THE STATE CREATED SAFE UT AN APP THAT PROVIDES A CRISIS CHAT AND CONFIDENTIAL TIP LINE FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS AND EDUCATORS.

MOSHER WANTS TO SEE A SIMILAR OFFERING IN KENTUCKY.

>> IT WOULD ALLOW A CHILD TO REACH OUT FOR HELP IN A CRISIS SITUATION.

>> I HOPE THIS APP IS AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THAT GIVES THEM THE FREEDOM AND LESS ANXIETY ABOUT SPEAKING OF WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING.

>> FOR NOW, JAMIE IS STAYING CONNECTED WITH POLICYMAKERS.

SHE SAID ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE IS HER WAY OF KEEPING GOING.

>> EVERYBODY GRIEVES DIFFERENT.

SO MY GRIEVING IS TO MAKE A CHANGE.

BUT BIGGER, BIGGER THAN BOON COUNTY.

>> FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M EMILY SISK.

>> Renee: THANK YOU, EMILY.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS OR FEELING SUICIDAL, PLEASE CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE AT 9-8-8.

[♪♪] IN POLITICAL NEWS, WE NOW KNOW WHO IS HOSTING THE FANCY FARM POLITICAL PICNIC IN GRAVES COUNTY ON AUGUST 2, THE HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR USUALLY.

THIS YEAR'S HOST WILL BE ASHLI WATTS, PRESIDENT AND C.E.O.

OF THE KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

STEVEN ELDER THE PICNIC'S POLITICAL CHAIR SAYS WATTS' EXPERIENCE AND POISE MAKE HER THE IDEAL CHOICE.

WATTS IS MAKING HISTORY BECOMING THE FIRST WOMAN TO EMCEE THE EVENT.

THIS IS THE 145TH YEAR FOR THE FANCY FARM PICNIC WHICH ALWAYS INCLUDES SEVERAL POLITICAL SPEAKERS AND IS A FUNDRAISE HER FOR THE SAINT JEROME CATHOLIC CHURCH AND OF COURSE, YOU WILL SEE COVERAGE OF THE POLITICAL SPEAKING EVENT RIGHT HERE ON KET.

>>> WE HAVE NEWS ABOUT FEDERAL WATER REGULATIONS.

A PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL PARK AND EVEN A LITTLE SPORTS AS OUR TOBY GIBBS TAKES A LOOK AT HEADLINES AROUND KENTUCKY.

[♪♪] >> THREE STATE LEADERS WANT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO ABOLISH FEDERAL WATER CONTROLS.

KENTUCKY TODAY REPORTS ATTORNEY GENERAL RUSSELL COLEMAN, AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER SHELL AND FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER RICH STORM SENT A LETTER TO THE EPA ASKING THE AGENCY TO RESCIND THE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES RULE FIRST IMPOSED DURING THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION.

CRITICS OF THE RULE SAY IT GIVES THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY OVER ALMOST ALL WATER EVEN WATER ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.

COLEMAN, SHELL AND STORM SAY KENTUCKY CAN BE A PROPER STEWARD OF ITS OWN WATER.

>>> THERE ARE NEW CONCERNS ABOUT THE BLACK VULTURE THREATENING LIVESTOCK.

FARMERS AND COUNTY LEADERS IN BOIL AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES WHO SAY VULTURES ARE ATTACKING CATTLE AND COSTING FARMERS MONEY.

THEY ARE URGING CONGRESS TO RECONSIDER FEDERAL PROTECTIONS ON VULTURES SO FARMERS CAN TAKE ACTIONS TO PROTECT THEIR CATTLE.

>>> THE CLOCK IS TICKING ON A DECISION ABOUT A PROPOSED 300 ACRE INDUSTRIAL PARK AT THE FRANKLIN ANDERSON COUNTY LINE.

THE JOURNAL SAYS THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD FACES A DECEMBER DEADLINE TO DECIDE WHETHER TO GO FORWARD THAT IS WHEN A $4 MILLION GRANT TO HELP PAY FOR THE PARK GOES AWAY.

CRITICS OF THE PROPOSED PARK ARE CONCERNED ABOUT INCREASED TRAFFIC IN THE AREA.

>>> IN SPORTS NEWS KENTUCKY'S Mr. BASKETBALL FOR 2024 TRAVIS PERRY IS LEAVING U.K. TO ENTER THE TRANSFER PORTAL.

A LION COUNTY ALUM WILL TRANSFER TO OLE MISS.

THE SUN REPORTS HE SCORED 5400 POINTS SETTING A STATE RECORD.

HE AVERAGED 2.7 POINTS A GAME IN 31 GAMES DURING HIS FRESHMAN SEASON WITH U.K. U.

WITH HEADLINES AROUND KENTUCKY I'M TOBY GIBBS.

[♪♪] >> Renee: THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION'S STATE OF THE AIR REPORT FOR 2025 SAYS THAT LOUISVILLE HAS THE SECOND WORST OZONE POLLUTION IN THE REGION.

AND THE 29TH WORST IN THE U.S. LOUISVILLE EARNED AN F GRADE ON OZONE FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.

"KENTUCKY EDITION" SPOKE TO A UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE ABOUT WHAT THAT MEANS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT.

>> AIR QUALITY HAS TWO MAIN PIECES THAT THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION LOOKS AT.

ONE IS GASCIOUS COMPOUNDS.

THE ONE THAT WE TEND TO DO POORLY IS CALLED OZONE AND THE OTHER IS PARTICULATE MATTER.

AND LOUISVILLE HAS REALLY HIGH LEVELS OF SOMETHING CALLED KNOX AND HIGH LEVELS OF BOC'S.

THOSE ARE VOLATILE GRANITE COMPOUNDS THINK OF THESE AS GASES THAT READILY REACT IN THE AIR WHEN YOU ADD SUNLIGHT.

THEY MIX INTO THIS THREE OXYGEN COMPOUND CALLED OZONE THAT IS BAD FOR HEALTH.

OZONE IS A GAS.

A GAS IS LIKE AN AIR IT IS A LIGHT MOLECULE, A LIGHT COMPOUND IT HAS THREE OXYGENS AND IT CAN BE REACTIVE AND HIGH HE WILL REACTIVE.

WHEN YOU THINK OF THE WORD REACTIVE, IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING THAT WILL DO THINGS.

IN PARTICULAR IN LOUISVILLE WE HAVE A LOT OF THAT HIGHLY REACTIVE OZONE WHICH AS IT IMPLIES MEANS IT CAN INTERACT WITH LOTS OF THINGS.

IT CAN INTERACT WITH A HUMAN AND MAKE THEM UNHEALTHY AND IT CAN DO DAMAGE TO PLANTS AND CROPS AND OUR ENVIRONMENT.

LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO THESE EVEN AT SOMEWHAT LOW LEVELS NOT LIKE YOU ARE LOOKING OUTSIDE AND SEE SMOG CAN LEAD TO HEART DISEASE, STROKES, CAN AFFECT DIABETES, THERE'S NOW LINKS OF AIR POLLUTION TO AUTISM.

ALZHEIMER'S.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT YOUR WHOLE BODY IS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY THESE COMPOUNDS.

AND UNFORTUNATELY IN OUR CITY THEY ARE HIGH SO IT'S GOING TO LEAD TO PEOPLE HAVING DETRIMENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS FROM THE AIR THEY BREATHE EVERYDAY.

LOUISVILLE IS A BIG COMMUTER CITY.

AND SO THERE ARE SIMPLE CHOICES PEOPLE CAN MAKE THAT COULD IMPACT OUR AIR QUALITY.

ONE OF THEM AN INDIVIDUAL COULD DO IF YOU THINK OF A CAR-POOL LINE OR AT A DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANT OR PLACES LIKE THAT WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO IDLE OR TURN YOUR CAR OFF MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

ON A POLICY LEVEL SUPPORTING THINGS THAT CAN MAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION EASIER.

OR MORE AVAILABLE THINGS LIKE BIKE LANES AND SIDEWALKS THAT ALSO COULD POTENTIALLY CHANGE THE DYNAMIC OF OUR TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY ARE VERY EASY YOU KNOW, WAYS TO THINK THROUGH A WAY FOR US TO REDUCE EMISSIONS.

>> Renee: THE STATE OF THE AIR REPORT FOUND THAT 156 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE NATION LIVE IN AN AREA THAT RECEIVED A FAILING GRADE FOR AT LEAST ONE MEASURE OF AIR POLLUTION.

THAT'S 46% OF THE U.S. POPULATION.

[♪♪] THERE WILL NOT BE A TRIPLE CROWN WINNER IN 2025.

TODAY, THE TRAINER FOR KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER SOVEREIGNTY ANNOUNCED HE WILL NOT RUN IN THE PREAKNESS ON MAY 17TH.

HE WILL RUN IN THE BELMONT STAKES ON JUNE 7.

TRAINER BILL MOTT SAYS THE OWNERS WANT TO DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE HORSE.

>>> KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVITIES BRING HIGH FASHION TO THE RACETRACK AS YOU KNOW.

A BOWLING GREEN ART STUDENT WAS THRILLED TO LEND HER TALENT FOR ONE OF KENTUCKY'S MOST VISIBLE AMBASSADORS.

LAURA ROGERS SPENT SOMETIME WITH THE BUDDING ARTIST WHO SHARES MORE OF HER DERBY DREAMS.

>> I LOVE JUST THE WHOLE IDEA OF THIS BEING A KENTUCKY TRADITION THAT HAS BEEN HELD FOR 151 YEARS.

>> EMMA COX IS A FRESHMAN AT WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY MAJORING IN STUDIO ARTS.

>> I HAVE ALWAYS SAID I DON'T WANT TO PUT MYSELF IN A BOX.

I WANT TO DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING CREATIVE.

>> THAT INCLUDES PAINTING TEXTILES LIKE DRESSES AND HATS.

>> IT'S BEEN REALLY FUN TO TRY AND FIGURE THAT OUT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.

>> IT'S BEEN TRAINING FOR HER BIGGEST ASSIGNMENT TO DATE.

PAINTING THE ENSEMBLE FOR MISS KENTUCKY TO WEAR AT THE KENTUCKY OAKS.

>> I WAS LIKE OF COURSE THAT WOULD BE AMAZING.

>> EMMA GOT TO WORK WANTING TO HONOR THE OAKS TRADITION OF THE LILLEYS FOR THE PHILLYSISM THE THEME OF OAKS DAY IS PINK LILLEYS THAT SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.

WE WANTED TO JUMP INTO THAT.

I PUT THE ON TOP OF THE HAT, TOO.

>> IT TOOK HER UPWARDS 25 HOURS TO PAINT THE DRESS MIXING WATER AND ACRYLIC PAINT.

>> IT MAKES LIKE A WATERCOLOR SUBSTANCE AND I LAYER THAT ON TOP OF THE FABRIC OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

>> EMMA HAS BEEN CREATING ARTISANS CHILDHOOD.

>> I GOT IN BIG TROUBLE WITH MY PARENTS BECAUSE I WAS MAKING A MURAL IN THE GARAGE.

>> SHE HAS BIG DERBY DREAMS.

>> IT IS A DREAM TO GET TO BE THE DERBY ARTIST.

THE DERBY IS A PLACE WHERE ALL KINDS OF KENTUCKY ARTISTS CONTRIBUTE.

>> SHE COUNTS LAST YEAR'S OFFICIAL DERBY ARTIST WILEY AS ONE OF HER BIGGEST INFLUENCES.

>> I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING HIS WORK FOR A LONGTIME.

I LOVE EVERYTHING HE DOES.

ALL THE ROSES HE DID FOR THE KENTUCKY DERBY ARE MY FAVORITE.

>> AND SHE LOVES WHEN HER OWN CREATIONS MAKE OTHERS SMILE AS WELL.

>> I LOVE IT BUT I ALSO LOVE SEEING ANOTHER PERSON'S REACTION SHARE THAT WITH OTHER PEOPLE IS A GIFT.

>> FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M LAURA ROGERS.

>> Renee: EMMA IS TALENTED, INDEED.

THIS IS FINALS WEEK FOR EMMA AND SHE WILL BE OFF TO NEW YORK CITY WITH ART PROFESSOR FOR A SUMMER STUDY PROGRAM.

WE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU BACK HERE SOME NIGHT AT 6:30, 5:30 CENTRAL ON "KENTUCKY EDITION" WHERE WE INFORM, CONNECT AND INSPIRE.

CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK, X AND INSTAGRAM AND SEND US A STORY IDENTIFY BY E-MAIL@PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT KET.ORG.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING I'M RENEE SHAW AND WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW NIGHT.

TAKE GOOD CARE.

TAKE GOOD CARE.

[♪♪]