Matt Kelley

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will be hosting “In the Tradition” to perform an African centered jazz concert on Friday to conclude their Juneteenth celebrations. Spokesman Chris Miller says the Detroit-based ensemble will perform music that captures the spirit of the struggle for freedom.

The official start to summer is just a few weeks away, but with the warm weather, the number of people reporting near-drowning incidents increases. Ohio Department of Health spokesperson Mary Clifton says most cases could’ve been prevented. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Ms. Clifton if there have been more occurrences this spring than in past years. ( get information at www.odh.gov )

The Northern Kentucky Health Department is promoting bicycling and combating obesity with a new initiative this summer. Spokesperson Kelly Schwegman says grant money will help transform the department’s six locations into more bike-friendly destinations. Ms. Schwegman explained where the money came from, and what else it will be used for, to WNKU’s Matt Kelley. (get more information at www.nkyhealth.org )

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is announcing a new initiative to help teens and young adults who’ve been involved in the foster care system make the transition to adulthood. Director Michael Colbert  says kids  are often unprepared for life on their own. WNKU’s Matt Kelley talked to Mr. Colbert about how the “Connect the dots” program works. (get more information at www.jfs.ohio.gov )

More than twenty-thousand volunteers from several states will be participating in this weekend’s Ohio River Sweep. Great Parks of Hamilton County spokesperson Kimberly Whitton says they’ll be hosting two clean-up locations. Ms. Whitton talked to WNKU’s Matt Kelley about how it came about; and what will be happening during River Sweep. ( get more information at www.greatparks.org or www.orsanco.org )

Mainstrasse Village in Covington Kentucky will be hosting the 13th annual Goettafest this weekend. Spokesperson Donna Kremer says there are countless ways to serve the traditional German staple. Ms. Kremer talked to WNKU’S Matt Kelley about what people will be dishing up at Goettafest this year. (Get more information at www.mainstrasse.org )

People who are visually impaired and those who have a difficult time driving due to their age have a new option to get around. The Independent Transportation Network is a non-profit ride providing service in Cincinnati. Spokesperson Kathy Nafus explained how the network is different from cab companies to WNKU’s Matt Kelley. (Get more information at www.itngreatercincinnati.org )

The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber will be hosting the “Schmooza-Palooza” this afternoon at the Horseshoe Casino downtown. Event spokesperson Jessalyn Reid says more than fifty local companies are participating, and it’s a great opportunity to expand your contact list. WNKU’s Matt Kelley talked to Ms. Reid about what people will see and do. (Get more information about this event and the Cincinnati USA Chamber at www.cincinnatichamber.com )

The Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati is hosting an exhibit featuring daguerreotype images on loan from Kansas City’s Nelson-Atkins Museum. Spokesperson Mary Ladrick says the collection represents some of the earliest images of nineteenth century life in America. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Ms. Ladrick to describe what people will see at the exhibit. (get more information at www.taftmuseum.org )

Saving money to pay for a child’s college education is becoming more and more difficult due to the slumping economy and rising enrollment costs. In response to the problem, the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority is offering a plan to help people prepare.