♪ One of the most disappointing.

>> Times in my entire career in this legislature.

>> Frustration and Frankfort as lawmakers try to address the need for services for locked up Kentucky.

You.

>> We are in the middle of the summer surge, if you will.

And we will unfortunately have a winter surge as well, too.

>> And infectious disease expert tells us when's the best time to get the new COVID vaccine.

>> This is stuff that we all compete to be with was just doing our job for our citizens.

These are the late that decide to take it a step further.

>> It's a competition where seconds matter, both on the course.

And in the real world.

>> Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ Good Evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION for this Monday.

August 26th.

>> I'm Laura Rogers filling in for Renee Shaw.

Thank you so much for being here with us.

Kentucky's legislative task force on housing that today in Frankfort, where lawmakers heard an update on the housing needs facing the state.

Those needs are different depending on where you are in Kentucky.

Our Clayton Dalton kicks off tonight.

Legislative coverage from Frankfort.

>> Communities across the Commonwealth.

Whether large or small, urban or rural east or west are struggling to meet the housing needs of the residents today.

And Frank, for officials from Lexington, Kentucky's second largest city.

Explain how they're encouraging developers to build more multifamily housing to meet the needs of people who are near or below the median income level.

>> But the new the most recent zoning ordinance, text provides for if you're doing affordable housing or workforce housing, which means under the ordinance affordable housing would be 80% of average median income and then workforce 320% of average median income.

They automatically get the zone higher without going through its own change.

So it's a it's almost it's both a density bonus, but it's also a process.

What we can do, there's make those for the land you have in certain zones easier to increase density on by not requiring zone change for the next highest level.

If you're providing the level of housing that reference.

>> The housing needs of urban communities like Lexington aren't necessarily the same as rural communities like Elliott County, Judge executive Myron Lewis explains La County's new found need for housing.

Lee County has been suffering from a diminishing population for several decades.

Dougan on job growth.

>> In and around our area.

For many years.

We've watched good families pack up and leave.

They'll have to chase the American dream elsewhere because it could not be realized here at home.

However.

The catalyst of a blessing to this is our general singling under governor in a bipartisan partnership, committed 114 million dollars to double the size of the little Sandy Correctional complex.

This investment back into Elliott.

We'll send a generational ripple into homes right here by assuring a much more respectable living wage.

Is available to those who choose to stay and find their version of the American dream right there in Sandy Hook.

To my knowledge.

Elliott has never sought after or been offered median income housing of any kind.

And quite honestly, it is possible that we never needed.

However, with new investments in people comes new challenges for people.

Once construction is completed, our prison lsc see will be adding up to 150 new jobs.

The clock for demand of quality housing for prison workers is now taking and so far we're already late.

>> Although the style of housing may look different in rural and urban areas, there is one consistent truth.

Kentucky communities big and small are looking to build.

For Kentucky edition.

I'm Clayton Dalton.

>> The state's two-year budget passed by the General Assembly earlier this year includes 10 million dollars for affordable housing in Lexington and 10 million dollars for the Kentucky role Housing Trust Fund.

Staffing challenges in Kentucky's Department of Juvenile justice are improving.

Lawmakers serving on the juvenile Justice Oversight Council heard from Djj staff late Friday afternoon.

They said staff increased by more than 100 positions from July 2023.

To July of this year.

55 of those positions were for security.

Marisa Ridder, who's an HR manager for Djj credited Senate Bill 162 for the increased staffing that bill was passed by the legislature in 2023 and among other things raised starting pay from 30,000 to $50,000 a year.

The funding provided through Senate Bill.

162 has been instrumental in expanding our candidate pull and ensuring our dedicated staff are compensate sated with fair and competitive wages.

>> Senate Bill 162 provided an additional funds for us to allocate 3.2 million for youth worker salaries.

4.8 million for salaries for other positions within the department.

30 million was allocated to increase salaries for department of Correctional Correctional officers.

And then 9.7 million was allocated to fund 146 additional positions within the department.

We are seeing positive signs from the investments made over the last 2 years.

And there's no doubt that raising the pay and improving the safety and operations at the facilities has had a positive impact on our recruitment and retention efforts.

>> SB 162 also allow the state to under contracts with third-party organizations to provide mental health services for incarcerated juveniles on that issue, one state lawmaker criticized his colleagues for not doing more.

>> One of the most disappointed.

Times in my entire career in this legislature occurred last session over this.

>> Republican state Senator Danny Carroll of Benton was referring to Senate bill 242, the bill he sponsored would have set aside 22 million dollars for a special mental health juvenile detention center.

It passed to the Senate but died in the House.

>> So we as a legislature, we have pointed fingers at Djj.

We have pointed fingers at the governor and now we have some culpability in this problem because we had the opportunity to finish this out.

We had the opportunity to establish mental health detention center to treat the most severe kids that are detained and we didn't do it.

We let the bill die.

We have a crisis in this commonwealth that everybody agreed was a crisis until it came time to pay for it.

And then all of a sudden it wasn't a crisis in the bill dies.

>> Kentucky's youth detention centers have been under a microscope in recent years following reports of violent riots and attacks and may the U.S. Department of Justice announced it is investigating the state's juvenile detention centers for alleged abuse and neglect.

Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball is taking the governor to court.

It's the latest in a back and forth argument over access to a state database.

The database is called.

I Twist End.

It contains information about child abuse and neglect cases in Kentuckyian how they're handled for weeks now.

The ombudsman's office has not had full access to the database balls says the change started July 1st, 2023 state law took effect moving the ombudsman's office from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the auditor's office and a statement released today Ball said, quote, We've tried everything in our power to reach an agreement with the Cabinet to restore.

I twist access.

But unfortunately, Governor Beshear and the cabinet are more interested in placing unworkable and unlawful constraints on our access than helping the commonwealth's endangered children and adults.

In past statements, the Beshear administration has said it supports restoring full access but said a legislative fix was needed, adding that the administration is following the current law as written.

But local Democratic Party is taking applications in the race for State House district.

40.

The seat is currently held by Representative Nima Kulkarni.

She easily won her may primary, but the win was challenged in court because one of the 2 Ko signers on her filing paperwork was a Republican and June that Kentucky Supreme Court vacated her win last week.

Secretary of State Michael Adams said he will certify the vacancy and leave it to the 2 parties to nominate candidates for a special election.

A local Democratic party said a Thursday deadline to apply for the candidacy.

They plan to interview applicants on Friday and say the special election will be on November 5th, the same day as the general election Carney's attorney told the Courier Journal that Kulkarni is eligible to seek the Democratic nomination for a special election and will do so.

It's not clear if there will be a Republican candidate on the ballot.

Senator JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, is in Kentucky today.

The Herald-Leader reports Vance will be in Lexington, not Pikeville for a campaign fundraiser for his running mate.

Former President Donald Trump.

The event is being hosted by Trump's former ambassador to the United Nations and onetime Republican candidate for Kentucky.

Governor Kelly Craft and her husband Joe Craft, Congressman Andy Barr and how Rodgers are listed as co-host tickets begin at $2500 per person with photo ops available for 15,000 per couple.

Last week.

A similar invitation featuring Vance was sent out with the fundraiser scheduled to take place in Pikeville.

It's not clear why the event was moved to Lexington that Kentucky Democratic Party is reacting to the news in a statement.

Party Chair Coleman Elrich called Vance a quote out of touch, phony, adding, quote, JD Vance can try to KET pretending to be an Appalachian, but a ritzy fundraiser moved out of Pikeville to Lexington isn't doing his sherae.

Danny Justice.

As we first reported last week, Kentucky's income taxes on track for another cut.

It will be the latest cuts since the General Assembly passed a bill in 2022.

Calling for the income tax to gradually be phased out on Friday.

Renee Shaw asked some of our regular political pundits about the implications of the latest cut and about who is getting the credit.

They didn't.

State budget director also testified this week that the income thresholds and that triggers the fight, fiscal conditions have been met.

>> For an income tax reduction that would go into effect 2026 right to take it down.

A 3.5%.

This is good news, right?

It's good that, yeah, it is good news that shows that the state has been budgeting wisely.

One of the triggers it 10% of a surplus.

And that's a big I mean, from what I was in office, we had budget cuts, I think make mid-year almost every year.

And certainly from year to year.

>> So we're in a different era in for Republicans.

We've been really focused on responsible budgeting to try to make sure we don't have an artificial balance budgets.

And also so we can cut this tax and I don't know how much lower will go to the House speaker is already said they're starting to like set expectations.

But the interesting those and she is the governor like bragged about this, even though he voted against House Bill 8 a couple years ago.

>> Which again is, you know, the governor and legislature just battling over these kinds of issues.

Now.

>> But he did support previous or subsequent were just in the words of one he?

Yeah, because what they have to do is pass they thought about and that will do that the next session and he's signed the last one byte.

That's right.

>> So, yeah, this is a big issue, but we still have other progressive groups.

Bob Babich are saying, you know, hold the phone here.

This is going to imperil other funding for government resources, services, crucial programs.

If we KET going in this direction.

>> Right handed thrower in great shape financially.

We've had boom years and look to have some more ahead of us.

Suu Kyi are reserved to make sure you can cut that tax and then you may have additional money that could be spent where the letter comes back.

Even 25, but for sure.

26, we have the budget time we were at 6.

We got to 5 and then we got down to now it looks like 3 and a half and approaching 3 and the key leaders starters and Osborne, President speaker, have said, you know, that's the goal as the little one.

Others have said the same thing.

But when you get to 3, the numbers start to crunch a little bit differently.

And that's where other states have made similar kinds of moves, went to a higher sales tax.

So they could KET the personal income tax coming down or KET it down significant level or about to see if cut probably too half from 6 to 3.

And as time goes on.

But there is an acknowledgement now we're a big part of our team discovered this last year said, you know, when you get to that halfway, mark, you look at what Tennessee did.

They have a higher sales to?

That's right.

So it's based on consumption growth in income.

And that's the direction of the legislature seems to want to go.

But as you note, there are many groups who say there are so many needs housing is becoming a dominant issue.

How do we spend for the high?

We do that nationally and other was how do we had said of us that I guess I should say.

>> The decision to further reduce the income tax will need to be acted on by the General Assembly next year.

Once approved, the reduction would take effect in January of 2026.

♪ The FDA has approved the latest COVID vaccines for those 6 months and older.

The approval comes amid a summer surge in COVID cases.

The Herald-Leader reports University of Kentucky Hospital had 40 COVID patients on Friday which is triple the number it had a month ago.

But should you rush to get the latest vaccine?

Not necessarily says University of Louisville, infectious disease expert Doctor Mark Burns.

He says timing the vaccination right can mean a stronger immune system during the winter.

Another peak time for COVID cases.

More on that in today's health news >> starting to see more patients coming in with COVID and it's been increasing.

Somewhat says it's about the end of June beginning of July.

But over the past 2 to 3 weeks is the has increased exponentially.

So again, that tells me that we are in the middle of the summer surge, if you will.

And we will unfortunately have a winter surge as well, too, as it as we have the past several years, primarily what people are are the kids are back in school.

And in addition during the holiday season as well when it comes to vaccinations, if you're healthy, you know, the person he as far as timing of vaccination.

If you wanted to wait until a September October time period, that would be OK, because what would you like to do is his core late your peak amount of antibodies with the respiratory center.

They respiratory season.

That is usually it peaks around maybe November December and buy it by giving your vaccines around in September, October, your antibodies you you get him in an initial boost, but then didn't do it does tend to sort of waned over time that initial boost can't quarterly very closely with peak season.

So again, if you're relatively healthy.

With no co-morbidities again, if you want to wait until September October time period to get vaccinated.

That's okay.

But the key is to make sure you get vaccinated.

However, if you've not had COVID in green greater 3 months, time and you may have some type immunocompromised and condition.

You may have a chronic health condition like heart, lung, liver, kidney disease.

Are you pregnant or you just elderly.

And that's classified as a 75 on up, then you should definitely get the vaccine immediately.

Then the other things that can be done besides vaccination.

Of course, the regular public mitigating measures such as washing hands, social distancing when appropriate being in good been allayed areas.

When you can is that is it is an activity.

You can do outdoors by maybe have to do indoors.

Make sure you're within of the bill late area and also cleaning off services and the natural with icon respiratory etiquette.

Such as bike.

If you cough, you know, cover Mao sneeze, covering mouth wife services off that could be contaminated.

And also one last thing I would strongly recommend it.

If you're ill with with a respiratory disease that is be recall, sort through.

Stay home.

>> Pfizer and Moderna are expected to begin shipping the new COVID vaccines to pharmacies, hospitals and clinics this week.

Meanwhile, free COVID test KET will soon be available again.

The federal government plans to restart its mail order program sometime in late September.

U.S.. >> And tonight's Education news, western Kentucky University and Fayette County Public Schools are partnering to develop future leaders and education.

Western was recently awarded a 1.3 million Dollar Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The grant will be used to support Fayette County's grow your own program, helping to develop a pipeline of principles and the district WKU President Timothy Caboni and at CPS Superintendent Demetrius Leganes announced the partnership last week.

>> We know the traditional principal preparation models often create what is called a preparation again for aspiring leaders.

Many times these programs have a significant focus on leadership.

Very, but they have pop in highfield experiences which are typically low risk or scenario.

Bates candidates do not necessarily engage in robust or continuous real world experiences where they can apply for learning in the context of the school done.

We also know that option 6 principles while well intentioned walking into lead our schools simultaneously to the start of their academic preparation to become a principal.

And so this can leave schools with well-intentioned leaders, but those who are perhaps underprepared on day one.

So project elevate on the other hand, Ford's a different preparation for next generation of principles.

We're The Apprentice serves the role of a school leader under the careful supervision and mentoring of a master principal in real time.

By immersing the principal apprentice in the day-to-day operations of the school-based administration, a mentorship program and then apartment in these experiences with content.

In theory, The Apprentice can grow into the principal role with the support, the safety net of the men too.

We all know that teaching is the the only profession that creates all other professions.

And so to have the opportunity to further the things that we're doing in order to continue to make sure that we're on the cutting edge of what's happening in the sealed, something that I'm extremely proud of and extremely grateful to be able to provide.

Not only to our staff.

>> And aspiring leaders and the teachers, but also to ultimately impact student achievement, which indeed is what it's all about.

>> The federal grant designed to establish apprenticeship.

Sfer principles is only the 3rd in the nation and the first in Kentucky educators who participate can also earn graduate credit hours at Western.

And if they choose to pursue their principal certification WKU and Fcps will each pay for one 3rd of the tuition.

♪ For the first time since 2018, the Firefighter Challenge League return to Lexington for the Southeast Regional Classic event that competition saw firefighters from around the world gathered to compete in a rigorous obstacle course meant to put their abilities to the test.

>> This is stuff that we all compete to be with with just doing our job for our citizens.

These are the Ali that decide to.

>> Take it a step further.

It is.

It's all sport sometimes, you know, you look at your buck up that bad and I want to get out there.

You realize that it's it's a lot of effort, hard work, determination to get for it.

We wear full turnout here with that SUV.

Apex.

This crime.

>> And with the mask here on air, but you would be in a fire.

>> We're going to carry a packed all the way to the top of the tower.

And a whole point step.

A 42 pound.

I know.

And your come down the towers fast, you can onto their Kaiser.

We're at the sledgehammer head and then you go through these got a call from the hall.

I'm Joe Water and then head over to rescue Randy and just hold on and tell us that you can tell you that.

Yeah.

>> It allows him to challenge themselves to get a little bit faster little bit faster.

So what they would normally be prepared to do and the first 10 minutes some of these guys are.

But in record numbers up there, 2 minutes or last egg competitors are getting so much faster.

The sports getting faster.

>> All the women are getting faster.

So it's just it's just such a fun energy.

Yesterday I ran against a fireman and that, you know, it's just it's nice to be able to to stick with the guys and push them and and be a partner like the whole team sport because it's not easier for girls all the way to the same.

It is the same race.

So being able to, you know, push that barrier closer, DARPA's the barrier for their way and get closer to the time it is.

It's it's awesome.

And I'm really happy that I'm able to walk and to do that, especially, you know, per carry.

If humans are here, it's showing them that, you know, if we put our heads county work and we will let you those cool times that we're changing one.

>> For that matter level, they're able to do the skills that most of us can do an 8 to 10 minutes they're doing in 2 minutes.

It allows them to see how far they can push their body no different than the Olympics.

This is their Olympics.

Exciting.

>> It's a it's a community that growing.

And it's here in your city, your town, your local firefighters.

>> It's all all that on one eye, one field and it's awesome.

Everybody is so giving, you know, people will help you if you want tips.

There's that.

No secrets in this part.

Everyone just wants to see everyone KET.

Well.

>> It's really neat to say because of firefighters from all over the world, we have the same drive and purpose.

A lot of the same training.

Last thing techniques.

But we're all from different cultures and backgrounds the way they do things as a little different than the way we do things.

But our goals are still the same.

And a lot of the techniques that we use are still the same.

So they they learned some things from us.

We learned some things from Napa and I saw a these guys are competing.

They want to beat each other.

Again each other when it's over and they call each other brother and I call each other sister and they are telling each other that I am glad I'm debating the issue when they they never met before.

But they're very much aware of what the other one trying to get here.

And it's really neat to see most every fire butter.

Your Remy when they made.

Another firefighter is the brother sister that they've known forever.

>> Impressive display a fitness.

Thank you to our first responders for all they do.

The firefighter Challenge League U.S. nationals will be held September 20th through the 28th and Hoover, Alabama.

♪ And more forces lawmakers to flee Frankfort and a record worth breaking on a hot August day.

Our Toby Gibbs has a look at some of the events that happened this week in Kentucky.

History.

♪ >> 25 people died as an EF 2 tornado hit Louisville on August 27th 18.

54 another 100 people were hurt of the 25 dead.

18 were from the 3rd Presbyterian Church.

It's believed that Ron Ada was 800 yards wide and stayed on the ground for 2 miles.

>> A civil war battle of Richmond began on August.

29 18 62.

It was an overwhelming Confederate victory and left Lexington and Frankfort vulnerable to Confederate attacks.

As a result.

The Kentucky General Assembly in session at the time adjourned on August 31st.

18 62 and moved from Frankfort to Louisville as Confederate forces approached.

Nancy Green.

The model for Aunt Jemima died in a car accident on 8/30/1923.

She been born into slavery in Montgomery County in 18, 34.

The RT Davis Milling Company of Saint Joseph, Missouri, hired agreed to portray the Aunt Jemima character starting in 18.

93.

The University of Kentucky was home to the world's biggest water balloon fight on August.

27th 2011, almost 9,000 people who total of 175,000 balloons.

>> And that's a look back at this week in Kentucky history.

I'm Joe begins.

>> Thank you so much.

Toby gives we hope that you'll join us again tomorrow night at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central for Kentucky edition where we inform connect and inspire.

You can subscribe to our Kentucky Edition.

E-mail newsletters also send your story.

Ideas.

The public affairs at Aetn Dot Org and follow us on social media.

Thank you for joining us.

Have a good evening.

♪