News from the South - Kentucky News Feed
Kentucky legislature moves to implement Make America Healthy Again
Kentucky legislature moves to implement Make America Healthy Again
by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern
February 25, 2025
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky legislature is moving to incorporate the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” principles in the commonwealth.
On Tuesday, members of the Senate Families and Children Committee unanimously — and with bipartisan support — passed a resolution to establish the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Kentucky Task Force.
The task force would be composed of eight legislative members — four from the Senate and four from the House — including two Democrats and six Republicans, appointed by each chamber’s leadership, who would meet at least once a month during the interim.
The task force would also include the Cabinet for Health and Family Services secretary, Kentucky Department for Public Health commissioner, Department for Community Based Services commissioner, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education and the chair of the Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists, or their designees.
By Dec. 1, the task force would submit a report with recommendations to the governor and the Legislative Research Commission outlining ways to improve the health of Kentuckians.
Primary sponsor Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, acknowledged the federal plan isn’t finalized yet but said “this is our starting point” to start addressing Kentucky’s dismal health statistics. Kentucky is one of the least healthy states in the nation, with high rates of diabetes and cancer deaths, maternal mortality and more.
President Donald Trump’s Feb. 13 executive order gave the federal MAHA commission 100 days to submit a report on their findings into a slew of health issues, including antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), weight-loss drugs and more.
While waiting on more federal direction, Funke Frommeyer said, her MAHA Kentucky goals include:
Reevaluate Medicaid drug approvals.Scrutinize drugs like ozempic and propose a thorough review of the Medicaid approval process “to ensure that the high cost for forever medications like ozempic are only used when truly necessary.” Promote preventative and alternative therapies. Encourage the adoption of less invasive, more holistic treatments “consistent with … restoring American health over corporate profit.” Revamp medical and dental curricula to “(ensure) future providers are educated on addressing the root causes of chronic illness, rather than solely relying on pharmaceuticals.”
Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, praised the parts of the resolution that encourages reduction of environmental pollutants and increased access to nutritious food.
“I know that in my district, and in Louisville, that there is a lack of access to fresh food, grocery stores and then there’s a lot of environmental issues,” said Herron, who voted in favor of the resolution. “I look forward to learning more about this and working with you all to really get down to those root causes, to make sure that all Kentuckians have access to be healthy.”
The federal commission’s report should come out in late May.
“We want to communicate the vision, clearly articulate that the goal is to enhance public health and prevent over medication,” Funke Frommeyer said, “not to attack agriculture, not to attack pharmaceutical companies, not to attack processed food industries.”
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Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.
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News from the South - Kentucky News Feed
WKU VB: WKU Falls to Drake in Five Sets
SUMMARY: WKU Volleyball lost a close 3-2 match against Drake after pushing them to five sets. Freshman Kaira Knox led offensively with 21 kills and was named WKU Invitational MVP, while junior Gabby Weihe dominated defensively with a career-high eight blocks in the match. The Hilltoppers excelled in sets one and three but fell short in sets two, four, and the decisive fifth. Defensive specialist Tayler Baron added 16 digs and earned all-tournament honors alongside Knox. WKU improves to 2-1 overall and will next compete at Marquette, facing Marquette, #24 Dayton, and Buffalo on the road.
The post WKU VB: WKU Falls to Drake in Five Sets appeared first on www.wnky.com
News from the South - Kentucky News Feed
McIvor named CUSA Offensive Player of the Week for second straight week
SUMMARY: WKU quarterback Maverick McIvor was named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive time in 2025. In a 55-6 win over North Alabama, McIvor threw for 305 yards and five touchdowns in just two and a half quarters, marking the best half by a CUSA QB since 2022. Through two games, he has 706 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and one rushing score. WKU leads CUSA and ranks nationally in multiple offensive categories. The Hilltoppers, undefeated with 96 points scored, will play their first road game at Toledo Saturday, streamed on ESPN+.
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The post McIvor named CUSA Offensive Player of the Week for second straight week appeared first on www.wnky.com
News from the South - Kentucky News Feed
LMPD: 2 dead after 4 vehicle collision on Dixie Highway
SUMMARY: A deadly four-vehicle collision on Dixie Highway near Valley Station in Louisville resulted in two fatalities. The crash occurred Sunday morning when a southbound car changed lanes, hitting another vehicle, then crossed into oncoming traffic, striking a third car before crashing into a utility pole. The first vehicle’s driver died at the scene; the third vehicle’s driver died later at the hospital. The other two drivers were unharmed. The crash shut down both directions of Dixie Highway for hours. Neighbors described the area as dangerous and hope the tragedy prompts safety improvements, such as adding stoplights, to prevent future accidents.
LMPD: 2 dead after 4 vehicle collision on Dixie Highway
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