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Judge orders. A former Kentucky governor arrested. [MUSIC] Will it be jail time for Matt Bevin? Uncle Sam is helping with upgrades at coal plants in Kentucky. [MUSIC] >> You're more likely to end up in our E.R. if you can't read by third grade. >> But reading help is here. Thanks, of course, to Dolly. >> Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET Millennium Fund. >> Good evening, and welcome to Kentucky Edition for this
Friday, June 5th. We have made it to the weekend. I'm Renee Shaw. We thank you for kicking off your weekend with us. A judge has ordered the arrest of a former Kentucky Republican governor. Noon today was the deadline for former Governor Matt Bevin to file financial documents related to his son's child support case. The Courier Journal reports he filed some, but not all of those documents while asking for an extension for the rest, judge Angela Johnson rejected that request.
She had threatened him with 60 days in jail. Judge Johnson has found Bevin in contempt of court before, but he's never been jailed. Kentucky Edition is following the story and we'll have more for you next week. State agencies are tightening their belts as they head into the next fiscal year that begins July 1st. Yesterday, Governor Andy Beshear said that means smaller payments to health providers and needy families, and reduced services for children and seniors. Our June Leffler has more.
>> In their two year budget. State lawmakers did not approve the level of funding Beshear had hoped for. >> Members of my administration. I repeatedly warned that General Assembly about the painful impacts that would be felt from their budget cuts, or failure to increase funding for services that cost more. >> Beshear had hoped for an additional $691 million for Medicaid. He says hospitals and clinics will receive smaller reimbursements for treating
Medicaid patients. The cabinet for Health and Family Services is the largest group of state agencies which carries out Kentucky social services. >> This includes foster parents, foster children, children who are subject to abuse or neglect, adults who are subject to abuse and neglect. There will have to be additional reductions there.
So we announced last fall when we had to make reductions to align with the budget in 2026, reductions to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, that's TANF. Additional reductions will be necessary this year in order to help close the substantial funding gaps we have with
regard to foster care. Actions will have to be taken regarding the foster care network regarding the foster homes and the rates that they receive for payments, as well as a number of special programs that are put in place to help support foster children, to overcome the adversities they face, and to help them have their best
opportunity to thrive. Again, I emphasize periodically throughout this, none of these are things that we want to do, and we really regret that the budget given to us by the General Assembly makes these actions necessary. >> Up to 5000 seniors could lose their home delivered lunches. Senior centers say they'll do what they can to reduce that impact. The flat funding from the state comes despite a push from lawmakers last fall to find more money for the program.
>> There will be a reduction of $9.1 million. Because we were not given the same money that we had dialog so openly about. Last fall. >> The leading Republican in Kentucky's House wrote, quote, we gave the governor and his administration the flexibility to use existing state funding to protect priority services like those for vulnerable Kentuckians when making reductions. The fact is, his priorities and actions simply do not reflect the state's
needs. State lawmakers did include more money to administer Medicaid and Snap due to new federal requirements. They also added hundreds more Medicaid waiver slots that pay for home care for people with disabilities. For Kentucky Edition, I'm June Leffler. >> Thank you so much. June state lawmakers approved 4% cuts for most state agencies this year, on top of a 7% cut the next fiscal year. The U.S.
Department of Energy will spend $700 million in new funding for coal plants, and some of that money is headed to Kentucky. President Donald Trump announced the new spending at the white House today or yesterday, rather. >> As a result of the $700 million investment that I'm announcing today. We will protect 14 coal plants and 42 coal mines. It's a tremendous number. And build two new coal plants and one massive new export terminal. Because we're exporting a great business,
really a big business. And it's real power. It's in terms of power. There's really nothing like it. >> Among the projects, the Department of Energy will spend $33 million on upgrades at the coal fired East Bend Station in Boone County, and 90 million will go to modernize coal fired units in Maysville and Pulaski County. Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers put out this statement about those
projects. He says, quote, coal remains a vital part of Kentucky's energy portfolio and supports thousands of jobs across our commonwealth. We welcome efforts to recognize and support Coal's continued role in maintaining energy reliability and meeting growing energy needs, end quote. What is the best way to address pollution by so-called forever chemicals in Kentucky? Well, that's what state lawmakers discussed in this week's Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy.
Our Mackenzie Spink was following it, and she breaks down the proposed solutions in tonight's legislative update. >> Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAs, are called forever chemicals because they are designed to be durable and resistant and are therefore very difficult to remove from the environment. Representative Nima Kulkarni is proposing a bill to create a legislative workgroup to identify the health impacts of PFAs exposure in Kentucky.
>> The idea behind establishing a working group with 21 stakeholders from all across those industries and those agencies is so that we can share data, right? So we can make sure that we review what the latest research is across the nation on the effect that PFAs has. And the very specific focus of this working group is to identify PFAs concentrations as they relate to health impacts in our communities. Right. We're only concerned about this because it's making
people sick. It is killing people, and it's not killing people in proportionate levels across the board. So our firefighters, our farmers, anybody that is exposed to PFAs in their day to day work or through ingesting it in some other way, they're going to be far more impacted. >> PFAs are used in many industries to make protective equipment, but they're also in everyday objects like waterproof makeup and nonstick pans. So banning or regulating PFAs is a large undertaking,
says Kulkarni. Senator Brandon Smith commended Kulkarni work on PFAs legislation, calling it the issue of our age, but he had concerns about the reporting requirements in part two of the bill. >> It gets a little punitive just for me as you read the language about and you see what I'm saying. You want to know the name, the address, somebody one person's got to put all their stuff on their Social
security number. Like you're really starting to zero in on, on an individual who and somebody has to put their name as a contact person, that they have to be responsible for the manufacture. And this is something that makes me a little nervous in the sense because again, you can have a lot of companies out there that right now at this point are coming to us who want to help, and I don't want to alienate them and make them look like now we're coming after you because that's, that's what we
didn't want to do. And if you saw our piece of legislation, it was a very moderate approach. >> Representative Kulkarni was open to Senator Smith's suggestions about implementing PFAs training and grace periods for the institutions that would be affected by the bill. Kulkarni introduced a similar bill in 2024, but it didn't pass. For Kentucky Edition, I'm Mackenzie Spink. >> Time now to go inside Kentucky politics and talk about some of the big political
news of the week. And we've got Bob Babich writing solo. But it's always good to have you here. BB so let's talk about the state budget. People will say, why are you talking about that? That was passed a couple of months ago. More than $30 billion, two year spending plan. But there's still conversations about it. And could it be revisited in 2027?
>> Hard to make those predictions, but there is talk about it because we are still doing very well economically, meaning we could have an even stronger surplus when the legislature comes back in January. People say after the session ends, I'm sure you hear it too. What are you doing now that the session is over? >> Right? Don't you love that question? >> The answer is a lot. Yeah. And that it really didn't end. It certainly hasn't done anything but ramp up because
we're in the interim now. So we take testimony and ideas and talk to a lot of people, a lot of experts, the legislators engage on every topic. They're definitely a full time legislature and deserve much higher compensation. That's a topic for a different day. But part of what they're looking at is how we're using funds, how we can better use funds, how we can be more efficient, and some of the areas that were cut even just say 2 or 3 points, right? I have some causes in that in
that category. There's talk today that foster care could be trimmed back a bit. Well, that's that's a problem for those families. We've had excellent work in foster care as a state and in family preservation and other related functions. The family preservation specialists and professionals have kept 98% families intact. That's an achievement, but it takes funding to do that. And those kinds of issues tug at our heartstrings as they should. It's different than a road or a
bridge. But still, there's a talk about the gas tax cut and what that means to road spending, right? So in the legislature does come back, it's entirely possible that they'll look at areas of the budget where they went conservative and were careful because tariffs and oil prices and a number of factors were at play all through the session. That might not be quite so ominous once 6 or 7 months pass.
>> And to your point, the interim session did start in earnest on Tuesday, and there were meetings this week, and one was the transportation Committee, where they did talk about the gas tax. And several Republicans were questioning the wisdom and the timing of the governor's freeze of that gas tax, saying, why is this different now than it was in 2022? And, of course, county officials are worried about what it does to their budgets, right? >> Correct. We use the gas tax
for what? Highways. It's a direct relationship. And cutting it sounded like a positive in some respects because prices had spiked so much. Now today just coming to you, prices are down. Will they stay down. Will the Strait of Hormuz open? Yeah. Those are factors that could influence this decision. If the governor could always revert back to the higher level, I think since he was the one who cut it. But the legislature will also have
something to say. And counties that depend on these funds just to maintain the basic function of roads. >> And representative Samara Heavrin made the point. He's from Litchfield that she hit a pothole during the session and it totally damaged her tires, she said. So it was $1,000 to get a new set of tires compared to the average monthly increase for or savings of this gas tax is about $5 a month, right? As
opposed to the $1,000. Do you want your roads paved to keep you from getting a pothole that's going to take out your tires? And or do you just want to suck up and pay five more dollars? But that could be an easier decision for some and not others. >> Yes, good comparison for her to make and kind of puts drama behind this. What's the best thing to do right now and how do we show respect for taxpayers but achieve the goals they expect to get accomplished?
>> They're also talking about data centers, and a lot of people are talking about data centers, local communities all across the state and Boyd County. This week there was a pretty spirited, shall I say, town forum about this. And this is an issue that is getting more and more not popular in conversation, but certainly lawmakers are going to have to deal with this. And they didn't during the session. And some are saying that there should have been some addressing of
this issue. Did they miss an opportunity there? >> Well, we're talking about AI and we're talking about data centers everywhere. Data centers are a different subject, though, because of the controversy surrounding data centers right now and the opposition that's occurring. Some states, I think Maine said no data centers here. But if you want technology, I believe the Kentucky Power CEO, she had an article about, here's why we need a data center to keep your power coming to you and build
for the future. Data centers aren't particularly architecturally attractive. They don't hire big workforces, but they do pay taxes. And moreover, more importantly, they fuel the very things we depend on, from cell phones to computers to, you name it. And the field of power. Power is going to be a huge issue for the future. As we think about nuclear and other options. And to what extent does coal come back or play a role? What about cleaner energy's natural gas? How do we keep that capacity?
But data centers are controversial. Remember Oldham County had a big blowout. >> That's right. Yes. >> And there's finally got pushed away. The the sponsors of that project said no. In fact, our team was one of the first voices on this. Six years ago. Nobody even knew what a data center was. And now everybody seems to know. I'm
not sure they fully know. I'd ask them to take a little bit of time to understand why data centers are essential for our future, and then certainly respect their sensitivity to where they go, what they look like, and. >> And the power that they consume, right? Because we know these things take a lot of energy, they take a lot of water. And there's concern that ratepayers, the average consumer, would pay more because of these data centers.
So that's a conversation. And should this be left up to the federal government to to put some guardrails in place first before states get involved? >> Well, states are definitely going to go quicker than the federal government because the federal government has a hard time moving on anything. Look at the schedule this year. There's just not a lot of time left for considerations in 2026. They'll break after September for the elections and take a
long break in August. That being said, it would make sense for them to. And there's been a lot of conversation this week about the president's view of AI and his internal advisors not in full agreement, I don't know a set of advisors anywhere that's in full agreement. Still, we're using AI every place somebody is using it in KET today. Do you have a policy? Does it cover what they're using and how do we keep up
with all that? Data centers do draw a lot of power, but they produce the structure by which we operate all the time. You buy a self-driving car that's probably coming through a data center, and that loop makes that car work as opposed to a gas car. >> Yeah, a lot to learn. Bob Babbage is always a pleasure. Thank you sir. >> Thank you. Renee.
>> From now on, every baby born at UK Golisano Children's Hospital can enroll in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that mails books to children from birth to age five with KET was at the hospital for the program's kickoff on Wednesday. >> As Dolly herself once said, we cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails because when we put books in the hands of children and support parents as their first teachers, we're investing in everything that
comes next. Every baby born at Golisano Children's at UK will be and can be enrolled into the program, in which they will receive a free book every month for their first five years, which is huge. Not only that, when they leave the hospital, they'll be ready to start a full life of possibilities. And if you think about the number of babies that spend a huge amount of time in this facility, that's a lot of children across the state that will be affected.
We do treat diseases and we treat broken bones, and we treat a lot of things. But a lot of it's about how do we invest in the future. You're more likely to end up in our E.R. if you can't read by third grade, actually. And it's not because of the reading. It's just a reflection of the struggles that our families have across the Kentucky. >> Won't you please pull our train over the mountain when we make resources accessible and easy to use, families do and
will respond. And that's where that real impact is in those everyday moments at home that build language, confidence and curiosity long before a child enters the classroom. You know what makes this effort so meaningful is not just the books themselves, but what they represent time spent together, imagination and connection between a child and their family. And as a mom, we all know how important bedtime reading is before you go to sleep, and having books that are accessible is so important.
There is no better place to start than here, where families can leave not only with excellent care, but with the tools to keep learning at home. >> What were all of those good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain going to do without those wonderful toys to play with and the good food to eat in Kentucky today, more than 136,000 children are already enrolled in the Imagination Library. That's about half of our kids in Kentucky under the
age of five. That means more story time, more bonding, and stronger foundations for the future of learning for those children throughout Kentucky. It is going to accelerate the future of our Commonwealth and the ways that we cannot even imagine partnerships like this one right here. Start the foundation for every child's life. It helps ensures that we begin with the opportunity. And to the families here, those few minutes that you spend reading together matter more than you could ever imagine.
>> Money for the program is from the Kentucky General Assembly and community partners. [MUSIC] A Kentucky program focused on entrepreneurship is helping young innovators turn big ideas into real businesses, to college, students who placed in the statewide pitch competition are now bringing a new experience to Louisville's waterfront. Our Christy Dutton has more on this week's Inside Louisville.
>> On the Ohio River. A new way to experience Louisville is about to take off thanks to the Governor's School for entrepreneurs, Jet Ski 502 is open for business at Waterfront Park, offering people the chance to rent jet skis for a ride on the river. For co-founders Arnold, Moto and Golden mentioned this business is years in the making. >> We actually purchased our first jet ski. It was a 1995 Yamaha Waverunner so it was it was definitely an ancient vehicle, but we loved that
thing so much. And I think that's what grew our passion and being able to get on the water. And once we did that, we said everyone should experience it. >> That was five years ago. Soon that passion turned into a business idea, one that started small. >> We had started a company called Jet Ski, and that was our initial, I guess, pilot project, which we're doing jet
ski deliveries. We had discovered what it was and the School of Entrepreneurship, and from there we decided to sign up for the pitch competition. And we ended up placing second. >> The Governor's School for entrepreneurs, known as G for short, helps high school and college students across Kentucky develop business ideas, connect with mentors, and compete for funding for jet ski. 502 that second place finish in the collegiate pitch gave the business a full throttle start.
>> We won $7,000 to to basically cash inject into our business. It was really necessary for us because we were transitioning from Indianapolis here to Louisville, so we needed to buy our docking infrastructure, buy our shed, and all the stuff that you see out here. We didn't we didn't have until we came through GSC. So that, that that money is what allowed us to be able to open up our business here.
>> The funding helped them chart a new course, riding the wave to the Louisville waterfront. >> This is really, truly just an extension of us and our hobbies, and we're just so thrilled and excited that we get to share that with the city of Louisville. >> The two say their partnership goes back to their childhood after both their families moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe. Years later, they would reconnect in high school, eager to launch into deeper waters.
>> We basically spent every day together, you know, like we were always just thinking of that next innovative way to just excel and just become better men. And that that kind of what led to all of this. >> And like riding a jet ski, pitching their idea at GSC came with its own adrenaline rush. [MUSIC] >> Going through and pitching has really been it's one of those things where you just kind of have like a knot in your stomach, and it's not even because you're nervous or
you're scared. It's just because you want to, you want to do well, right? I would say, I'd say they're pretty close because the stakes, the stakes were very high for us. So I could say, so. >> Now they're bringing that same tide of excitement to the Ohio River. >> Once you actually are on that jet ski and you're riding it, it's just thrilling, honestly. So there's no feeling that's comparable to it.
>> And they say it wouldn't have been possible without the Governor's school for entrepreneurs. [MUSIC] >> You know, these are the people that that make dreams come true and feed the ecosystem, just like what we're able to do here. So we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for GSC. And a lot of these other organizations that pump into our Louisville ecosystem. >> As jet ski. 502 opens for
the summer. It's a real example of how an idea, a pitch and the right support can make quite a splash for aspiring entrepreneurs. For Inside Louisville. I'm Christy Dutton. [MUSIC] >> Thank you, Christy, and you can learn more about the Governor's School for entrepreneurs on this week's Inside Louisville with host Kelsey Starks. That's on Sunday at noon eastern, 11 a.m. central only here on KET. [MUSIC] Before you make your weekend plans and it's going to be a glorious weekend. We want you
to check out your options. Our Toby Gibbs looks at what's going on around the Commonwealth. >> Pikeville is about to get a little weird, as Weird Al Yankovic brings his unmistakable brand of entertainment to town. Known for turning pop culture on its head, Yankovic's upcoming tour features an eight piece band, immersive visuals, and a career spanning set list packed with classic parodies. The tour rolls in Wednesday. These are the kind of blues you want to
feel. The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum is hosting the fourth annual Kentucky Blues Music Festival, a free outdoor celebration of blues music. The festival features live performances from acclaimed regional blues artists including Hall of Fame member T D young, Nat Meyers and Donovan. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. There will be food trucks on site. Falmouth is gearing up for a day of nostalgia with the Antique Tractor and Machinery
show. See a large display of tractors, old farm machinery, antique cars and trucks. There will also be food, craft and parts vendors on hand. There is no fee to enter, show or sell at the event. Paducah is revving up goodwill as classic cars roll in to drive support for local veterans, with the River Teign Street Rods charity
car show. In addition to a lineup of classic cars, there will be live music, food trucks, vendors, door prizes and goodie bags at the event that helps local Disabled American veterans. [MUSIC] It's a musical tribute to Kentucky, as the Lexington Chamber Chorale celebrates the state's rich musical tradition at a free concert at Ashland, the Henry Clay estate, this Sunday. How can I keep from singing The Heart of Kentucky?
A musical tribute is the final concert of the Lexington Chamber Corrals season and will include songs of Appalachia, shaker tunes and shape note hymns. In addition, a preview of the 2026 2027 season repertoire will be performed. And that's what's happening around the Commonwealth this week. I'm Toby Gibbs. >> Thank you Toby Gibbs. It's going to be a great weekend. But before you get that started, tune in tonight for comment on Kentucky. Will the guests will talk about medical cannabis and
dash centers. That's all coming your way in about an hour. Join Bill Bryant and a panel of Kentucky working reporters for comment on Kentucky coming up at eight Eastern seven central right here on KET. Thank you so much for being with us all this week on Kentucky Edition, and we sure hope you come back Monday night at 630 eastern, 530 central, where we inform, connect and inspire. Have a great weekend and I will see you Monday night from Louisville. [MUSIC] Take good care.