Northern Kentucky Forum

08/20/2026

Check out our August newsletter! We have lots of exciting things coming up in September and October – from both us and our partners. As well, we highlight some important Election information.

If you haven't joined our email list already, make sure to do that at the very top of the email! By joining, you'll never miss a Northern Kentucky Forum event.

Email from NKU Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement Plus, Important Election Information Inside!   The Northern Kentucky Forum is a collaboration of NKU's Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagem

08/18/2026

𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Today, our partners with KYTC District 6 informed the County contractors will be onsite beginning Tuesday, Aug. 18, to complete work in front of the Kenton County Government Center related to the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project. As a result, the entrance to the Government Center from Simon Kenton Way will be closed for the duration of the work, which is expected to last until the spring of 2027.

Those needing to access the Government Center can do so using the entrance off 𝗣𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁.

And as a reminder, residents can access many local government services at the Historic Kenton County Courthouse, located at 5272 Madison Pike in Independence. Services available there include:
- Kenton County Sheriff’s Office
- Kenton County Clerk’s Office
- Kenton County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA)

We appreciate your understanding and patience.

08/12/2026

With power outages still happening all over the region, check out this graphic for a reminder on what to do if a traffic light isn’t working.

Get storm updates at the link in our comments.

08/11/2026

Kenton County - Government is updating their Transportation Plan and invites input from the public.

Drop in to any one of the upcoming public meetings to hear more about the plan and share your thoughts.

Join us:
August 13, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Kenton County Government Center

August 17, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Erlanger City Building

August 18, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Historic Kenton County Courthouse

Learn more: https://greshamsmithplanning.com/kctp

07/30/2026

School will be back in session soon! 🚌

Let's make safety a top priority by knowing the rules of the road. Drivers need to know how a new Kentucky law (KRS 189.370) impacts what they should do if they see a bus with red flashing lights and an extended stop arm:

• When this occurs on a road with more than two lanes that doesn't have a raised or unpaved median, traffic in all directions and lanes must stop.

• The only exception to this law is on a four-lane or more road that includes a raised or unpaved median. In this instance, traffic opposite to the extended stop arm may proceed.

The Kentucky State Police's top priority is keeping everyone safe at school, work, home and on the road.

07/22/2026

07/17/2026

It is batty out there. No, seriously. We've already tested 75 percent of the number of bats for rabies so far this summer as we do in the course of a year.

Bats can be carriers of rabies, and rabies is nothing to mess around with. It affects the central nervous system and is fatal if not treated immediately.

Bats are nocturnal animals, so those found during daylight hours or otherwise seeming to have trouble flying have a higher likelihood of being infected with rabies. So do not handle bats if they are still alive. Their teeth are also so tiny and sharp, you often don't even know you've been bitten.

Learn more about rabies and what to do if you encounter a bat at NKYHealth.org/animalbites.

07/02/2026

Stay cool, NKY!

This heat wave has been brutal. The only people who should be outside right now are ice cream truck drivers. It can actually be deadly. Heat-related deaths have gone up significantly in recent years, from less than 500 in 2015 to more than 2,200 last year.

We realize, though, that not everyone can be inside an air-conditioned location--or that everyone even has air conditioning. So take precautions and protect your health. Here's what you need to know:

1. Don’t pay attention to just the temperature. It's the humidity, air quality, wind, solar radiation, and how long you're exposed as well. The danger is when your body makes more heat than it can release. Sweat is the main release valve, but in humid air, sweat can’t evaporate, so your body can’t cool itself, and risk climbs fast.

2. Medications matter. Some medications, including OTC drugs, can make you more sensitive to heat or make it harder to sense when you’re overheating.

3. Certain conditions make you more vulnerable: Pregnant women, kids with asthma, people with cardiovascular disease, and older adults.

4. Drink plenty of fluids, although avoid surgary drinks. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already behind. Thirst doesn’t kick in until you’ve lost about 1–2% of your body weight in fluids. In older adults, that signal arrives even later.

5. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Be sure and check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or disabled. Check on outdoor pets, too. Make sure they have shade and plenty of water.

05/05/2026

Today, May 5th, is Primary Election day in both Ohio and Indiana. Polls are open in Ohio from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm and Indiana from 6 am to 6 pm. As long as you are in line by the time the polls close you will be able to vote – remain in line!

Make sure you have your state-issued photo ID or other form of identification as allowed by your state. To find a sample ballot before going to the polls, or to find your local polling station, go to vote411.org.

Thanks for doing your part to make our democracy stronger!

05/01/2026

Purple People Bridge access update: Repairs are taking place on the Cincinnati approach from May 4 through June 8.

During this time, there will be no full crossing between Newport and Cincinnati. The bridge remains accessible from the Newport side, but visitors must turn around before reaching the Cincinnati approach.

This is an unfortunate inconvenience for pedestrians and cyclists, but it is necessary to move toward a long-term solution for the bridge.