♪ >> It says whatever the governor's interested in a yo, I mean, attorney general.

>> Could Governor Andy Beshear and often are kamala harris Cabinet.

What our political experts are saying.

With Kentucky wants to have a bright future and we need to recognize the impact of the dress and physical health pass on that teacher.

>> At this Kentucky school immigrant students are getting a shot at a healthier school year.

>> A big blue wins gold in Paris.

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

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION on this Friday, August, the 9th, I'm Renee Shaw.

Thank you so much for starting off your weekend with us.

>> A new state program designed to protect victims of domestic violence is seeing an uptick in participation last year the Kentucky General Assembly passed the Safe At Home Act.

It allows people fleeing domestic abuse to shield their home addresses from the public record without a court order.

A year after the law went into effect, Republican secretary of state Michael Adams says more than 100 people are now participating in the program.

That's an increase of 460%.

The Safe at Home Act builds on the Secretary of State's address confidentiality program which allows victims to shield their addresses from voter rolls.

The new law provides the same protections on other government records without requiring a protective order.

Governor Andy Beshear made $214,000 in salary and stock dividends in 2023.

The governor announced today he had released his tax returns for the 8th year in a row dating back to his time as Attorney general and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman and her husband, Chris O'Brien, filed a joint return indicating an income of $224,000.

Governor Beshear urged other statewide office holders to release their tax information has been on.

All week.

We brought you stories from the National Conference of State Legislatures or in csl summit that was held in Louisville.

This is the second time the summit has been held in Kentucky's largest city since 2010.

Thousands of lawmakers and their staff from around the country convened in Louisville to learn from each other and to get a taste of Kentucky's generous hospitality.

While we were there, we had a chance to catch up with several Kentucky lawmakers.

We want to know what they were taking away from the conference and how it might shape future legislation.

KET see Parker-bell spoke with Carter County Democratic Senator Robin Webb.

As Kentucky Edition goes on the road.

>> So what are some of the issues facing Kentucky that you're helping them?

Here's potential solutions for.

>> We have been on the nuclear energy Task force.

I how we diversify our energy mix, our grid, stability, and the access and calls are always going to be paramount in an ongoing discussion and then some AG issues and again, going back to solar sighting and the on farmland and a loss of farmland.

Our issues that are important to me that I think we'll be talking about.

Yeah, it.

>> Any particular potential solutions that you've heard this week you think might help solve one of those.

>> We've heard some other states and I think we're going to explore I think we need them for more information.

>> Yeah, I guess that's part of the purpose of and csl is sir.

Figure out what other states are trying sudden you can try and work on it as you go and identify strategies are expert for people to come for for the committee process or whatever.

Yeah.

Now this is one of the other benefits of NC cells.

When you have success, you can tell other people they should look to your state.

So what I did that yesterday, what you say to our Sportsmen's caucus, the only we have, I don't know how several states that came to our reception.

And we talked real project in Southeast Kentucky, the cooperative effort between Virginia and Tennessee.

>> And and the Mitchell stakeholders and partners that we have from the federal government to the Nature conservancy.

And I had several states asked me how to replicate that conservation easement initiative in their state.

I know there are sometimes new emerging topics.

>> One that everyone has mentioned, it seems to me has been artificial intelligence.

But is there is there been anything surprising to you or KET that you now have ideas about the might not have before?

>> I I was we're talking about the lunch table.

I mean, that's h*** intrusive.

I guess it's becoming in fearing the loss of jobs, the impact on the economy, the validity information and how to best without in painting First Amendment rights or other other row rights that we have sold.

The bows are all emerging issues that's going to I think, be consuming what you're looking forward to the next legislative session.

What what do you anticipate?

Kentucky is going to be trying to tackle energy continuing education and health care issues.

Juvenile juvenile justice and corrections I think are are going to take to the forefront, especially in light of House Bill 5 and intended and unintended consequences of that legislation.

>> You mention nuclear energy is one of the things that Kentucky is working on right now with your work on the task force how close are we to seeing potentially change legislation towards nuclear energy?

Is that is that changing in front of us who he is and the public manage.

Okay.

Did in the technologies being Our neighbors in West Virginia are, you know, we're for an example of a coal state transitioning.

>> In a rational, a man or they're probably ahead of us.

But certainly it is going to be part of the diversified mix of energy, which it's going to take everything.

And I think we're going to continue to have conversations and more enabling even low.

The time frame may not be immediate.

You get it.

We should have been prepared and probably a 5 or 10 years ago.

And this is coming from a coal miner that never was to how nuclear energy, but but it's changed a lot.

It's changed a lot and saw safer.

Still have a few issues waste and on a potential risk watershed.

And those are all concerns will be studying for.

>> Louisville Republican Ken Fleming has a deep interest in helping to improve mental health services and access.

And in addition to the growing use of artificial intelligence, technology or AI states across the country are grappling with child care issues and dwindling revenue from fuel taxes due to electric vehicle.

Use.

I spoke with Representative Fleming about those matters on Wednesday.

childcare is a big we're we're starting here and see a lot of challenges throughout the country.

There's a big increase in some single mothers and the polls single fathers and trying to get them back in the workforce.

When you think the more creative I know the General Assembly has passed some things to be about doing that.

That's been really creative.

Yeah, I think raises transportation when we're looking at decreased revenues in 80's and all those things coming in.

And the are are deteriorating and are and we're in the worst position several several years ago.

It comes to bridges and given the aerial survey mapping grant background, I know for sure that the infrastructure is in bad shape.

And so.

We've got one.

There are some interesting ideas that still need to be because it's it becomes a service.

Sticky wicket.

Yeah.

In terms of trying to set up a different revenue stream or in that short things up now, not one thing.

Of course, I'm a I'm a pilot and aviation.

Ah, I than people think I'm crazy this night.

There will be a time will have hovercraft.

You know, it may not really made up.

It obviously want to be next 15, 20 year, right?

Right.

But it will be introduced because you're lookin at a hovercraft that would transport in major cities from one point to another part like a taxi to the right, right, right.

So you'll see that.

And that will take this pressure off the roads.

>> Oh, wow.

Well, yeah.

Hopefully help them alive to see that.

What are you thinking in terms of as we get to have many months from the start of the legislative session 2025, what do you see as being some of the issues that will be tackled?

It's not a budget year so that opens up some bandwidth.

What do you think?

Just from conversations here that could be topics of discussion that?

>> Well, I I when it comes to take care of the family in terms of a trip, prescription drugs helping the elderly in there and a nursing homes and so forth.

There's been talk about, you know, these tax credits and so forth.

But you know that that's a great idea.

But as we continue to move from 6 to 4 looking at 3 and a half, you know, those tax credits not not not be that significant.

But you know, for next it's it's going to be I mean, we're still going through and trying to look at what those times are going to be in terms of important port.

And this is the during this off in off session.

This is where we talk to our constituents.

We do our We talk about ourselves saying what's bubbling up where we say or not, only that, we always a look back side.

What needs to be corrected but need to be modified.

And the last General Assembly, if not the last one, even the one before that.

So as you know, 30 sessions is not a budget year.

It's more of a cleanup, but that as we move forward on it seems like it's coming a little more.

A little more was guys, >> but it is.

It is.

It is.

Pat.

Tell you what, Kentucky's in a in a in a good situation from a financial standpoint.

>> We just witnessed a to focus a lot on.

I mean, well, for me, a look at more mental health, mental health from my fund am a policy standpoint is still taboo.

We have made significant prize strides in that.

I've worked with my across the aisle.

We come together.

We come up with some solution to removing thanks for so when it comes to health and we're looking at mental health issues.

Yeah.

>> Well, we'll be looking to see how it all that advances in the next legislative session has been a pleasure.

Representative Ken Fleming to have a few minutes of your time.

>> Very much.

Appreciate.

I think you take care.

You too.

>> You can see more of our conversations and even special features stories about the NCSL summit online on demand at K E T Dot Org.

3 Kentucky lawmakers to the Democrats and Republicans say their bipartisan bill would help Kentucky schools and Kentucky Farmers.

State Representative Chad.

All a Democrat from Lexington and State Representative Sean MacPherson, a Scottsville Republican are sponsoring the bill with state Senator Kasey Chambers.

Armstrong, a Democrat from Louisville.

If passed, it would help local school districts with their food costs and it would increase the amount of locally grown food used by Kentucky schools.

Representative all calls it a win-win for schools and farmers and says he thinks it has a great chance to become law during the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly.

>> Time now to recap some of the big political news of the week as we go inside Kentucky politics.

We have Abby Piper and Jared Smith.

The Piper Smith government relations boutique and they do so much more than that.

And it's always good to have them.

Good to say, yeah.

Yeah, OK?

So when the 7 minutes we have here, let's run through it.

We've Kamala Harris, Tim was governor of Minnesota size up that pick.

And the fact that Governor Andy Beshear was overlooked this time.

Yeah, well, you know, I don't think I'm too tremendously shocked that this year was not the pick just because >> you're looking for somebody who can give you a little gas in the engine on the electoral map.

And, you know, at this year's popularity is great, but it's not going to flip the for Harrison said that doesn't make a lot of sense.

I was a little surprised that they didn't choose Mark Kelly out of Arizona to leave Arizona off of the electoral map for me was a misstep but, you know, they they've got a good pick is really qualified and to put him up against JD Vance is going to be fun to watch.

>> He's kind of funny, right?

And very funny, you know.

And and let's talk about the JD Vance, because I haven't got a chance to ask you publicly about that.

And some of the recent clips that have come out that have not been so flattering about him.

>> I mean, you know, JD Vance it.

I read his book either parts that that really resonated with me and parts that didn't obviously.

But, you know, he's he's gone out with this childless cat lady thing, any double down on it.

And then he said his wife out of the media to defend them.

It's a really bad look at it.

You know, it's not just that it was very stiff and smart because 2 of the most famous people I know their childless cat ladies are Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift and they command an Army.

So we've seen on the ticket on the When you go after women and women's issues, Republicans tend to suffer.

So that was a misstep for sure.

It will be fun to watch him go up against Mister.

Also see where we go from here.

Yeah.

And so we know that the ABC debate is scheduled for I think in September 10th.

>> But when Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and we'll see how that goes and there's more to follow.

>> Yeah, that the questions and the morphology of Trump called a press conference yesterday where he just ran to the raid, made stuff up.

And, you know, you can tell that they are not adjusting well to Harris being the nominee to the Plumpton nominee.

Now that really know to do with her, they feel very comfortable.

Biden, you know, was comes on the breezes Midwestern, you know, I can fix anything to do, you know, and he called them weirdos and that stock and so, you know, I'm I'm surprised that repair was impacts because at this point with a look toward the map, you take Pennsylvania off the map, probably win.

Now, I did hear from the Harris camp that they told her she could win with all 3 of them.

Kelly Shapiro also so she went with the person that she's most comfortable with comfortable with.

And on the Nancy Pelosi was back in, which is was so yes.

So tell us a bit more about the Pelosi fact.

>> So Pelosi is we've heard this tense, probably single-handedly saving You know, she got a job.

She got President Biden stepped down to about that.

She demanded the poll numbers that could say they had.

>> Nobody could produce the poll numbers.

You know, she will to push for wants to be picked.

How stands felt kind of locked out of the White House under Biden because of his close relationship with a senator's never really needed to house them to just do it through the Senate so closely.

And Jeffries, like we kind of wants one of our own.

And that was it.

You know, it's or 10 years, I believe.

Yeah, it is very well-liked.

So, yeah.

>> So where does this leave Andy Beshear, right?

I mean, he was on the shortlist, which that's great.

but could there be some possible political ascension even more for him later?

If there is Harris was victory.

>> When you make it to that sort of a list, you're already vetted and you already have some sort of relationship with whomever may become president.

So it it happens throughout history.

Those people in the being Cabinet positions.

I am Pete Buttigieg, former candidate.

As you know, Transportation secretary is doing a great job.

You know, so I guess it's whatever the governor's interested.

And, you know, I mean, Attorney general, his father came very close to the Health and Family Services are healthy.

He was service have arisen.

The federal level Cabinet secretary and Obama second term.

So you know that I think there's stuff that I sing.

Yeah.

Yeah.

>> Okay.

So let's shift and talk about some more like guess local news and that concerns a Louisville Democrat Daniel Grossberg who is facing ethics investigations for misconduct or inappropriate behavior toward women and the caucus has temporarily suspended which the force of that is effectively what I mean, not in session.

So we and even if they were still voting represent his constituents.

But what does it mean really to expel are temporarily suspend someone from a caucus.

It's a message procedurally.

It doesn't mean much.

in terms of going forward, it's a message that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior.

>> You know, this is not new for the Kentucky House and we've seen it over the years on both sides of the aisle, quite frankly.

And this is the reason people don't like politics and they don't trust politicians.

We've got to have people like that are going to do a better job than then that that they're supposed to be a part of service to be in our best interest, not to be doing whatever they think that they would prefer to be doing.

And so it's definitely.

It's a hit.

Kentucky consistently ranks in the bottom of all of our states in terms of corruption it that's he's not.

>> Not the look.

We want to an election year with Reno, 90 something days to go and Democrats are ready and really minuscule numbers when it comes to the Kentucky General Assembly.

This kind of news doesn't help.

>> Yeah, that's right.

You know this.

We saw this.

I think the last time this happened was a Senator.

Julian Carroll was kicked after that article broke favors for art school.

And so basic that a caucus meeting, not a caucus meeting.

So you don't you don't know what the strategy is.

You don't you know, you don't know who's going to vote, what which ways.

But you like you said we're out of session.

So it's more of a message.

More of you know, it's a message and, you know, represent Grossberg first officers before due process.

And that's what it is.

He barely won his primary.

He does not have a general.

And so the question is when this investigation is complete and if the allegations are, some are found to be true, like then the caucus may publicly ask him to You know, especially since there seems to be.

And that district is people that already like somebody else, you know, now that he did shoot and when he didn't win, but you got to talk to both sides of the right, right, right.

And they get Kentucky.

Young Democrats have already called for him to resign.

Yes.

So that's, you know.

>> And just like, like Abby says, like your legislator.

>> And I'm not saying this.

Members of gross income say about in general your legislator, you should be up there to serve the needs of your people and to behave in an ethical manner.

And so, you know, we should be the best of the best should be up there.

Acting inappropriate ways.

>> The chances that the Legislative Research Commission Ethics Commission, they would have all of this.

Investigated and their conclusions before the session.

Start to thank.

Well before the election.

I think it's unlikely it just it takes a long time to investigate this kind of thing.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You know, this may be something maybe had hanging around when session gavels in.

>> Yeah.

Well, a lot to Even still on our home front.

And of nationally.

So we thank you guys for giving your perspective sea us anytime anytime.

♪ >> Back to school.

Time comes with backpacks and pencils.

But it also means making sure your child has the required vaccines.

This week, the students at Newcomer Academy in Louisville received some help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention making sure their back-to-school ready.

The CDC's director stop by the school to check up on the program that gives immigrant students a shot and a better school year.

Details and tonight's look at medical news.

>> I am in Love Bill today on a back to school for reminding families all across the country to make sure the kiddo's are up-to-date on their routine vaccinations.

We want to make sure folks are getting the best defense they can against things like measles and polio and chickenpox.

And it is a great success story here in Jefferson County where they're partnering with the school and public health together.

Make sure that kiddos are >> Children our future.

If Kentucky wants to have a bright future and we need to recognize the impact of the dressing physical health has on that future.

And so we have children from all over the world at this school.

There's over 120 languages spoken in JCPS this school has a large representation of that number.

And so we have to realize children that are coming to us are coming from situations that weren't necessarily good situation.

So we have children come to this district and spent their life in a refugee camp where they don't have access to vaccines at all.

And we have children from lots of different circumstances and backgrounds.

They're vulnerable people in every community we really needed to learn that lesson from comes in.

But there's people out there around us every day who are on chemotherapy, who are on immunosuppressive drugs to have have challenging illnesses.

And so protecting our kids against those illnesses also protects the Well, it's great to be here in Louisville to see this wonderful partnership.

I do think it's a model for other places.

I certainly as I travel around the country have seen lots of very unique them, an individualized partnerships.

I think this is one that is tailored to what the community here needs.

That I think is wonderful.

But I also think it's a teachable model for other places throughout the country.

People in this day in age really haven't seen some of these catastrophic illnesses that like my grandparents experienced.

And so they really don't necessarily understand the impact that had children.

>> Vaccines are one of the biggest things that helped children get through childhood, which is not the case in years past.

And so there are vitally important.

Not only is it important for life for life or keeping the kids healthy.

But if kids are sick, they're not in school.

And if they're not in school, they're not learning.

And that sounds very basic.

But it's very true.

We want to address chronic absenteeism in the country.

And we need to look at all the factors that make kids absent.

And health is an integral part of right now is a great time to focus on those routine vaccines like measles and polio.

Chickenpox in a couple weeks as we get into fall and winter, you want to make sure you're getting that updated.

COVID shot that updated flu shot.

We want to stay healthy as we can.

And vaccines provide that best defense that we can against the film.

The Jefferson County Public Schools chose to budget for district-wide health services after federal funding ended last school year.

>> The district will employ 15 nurse practitioners to help the district students.

>> With health care needs.

♪ >> We have some biking, stargazing and as always, some wonderful theater options for you are Toby Gibbs looks at all that and much more in tonight's around the Commonwealth.

♪ >> More than 300 community leaders and advocates will be at Transylvania University this week for the 2024 Bike Walk.

Kentucky summit.

There will be speakers from across the country as well as educational activities for all ages.

If you're passionate about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists to Kentucky, this conference is for you.

Constellation connoisseurs should head our Park Arboretum tomorrow evening for a star party.

Take advantage of the telescope's and expertise from Ross War plan as he leads you through a sky presentation.

See what the summer sky holds in store for you at this fun evening event.

Shelbyville Summer Sound Series continues this weekend.

Grab the chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy some free live music, delicious food trucks, prize giveaways and more.

This is a kid friendly event.

So bring out the family and have a great time.

If you've ever wondered what the children of classic Disney villains have been up to the Bluegrass players are putting on the perfect show for you descendants.

The musical follows these infamous children as they navigate a school for heroes.

This musical is for all ages, make it to the spotlight Playhouse in Berea this weekend.

The Barn lot theater in Edmonton also has a great show opening this week.

Neil Simon's rumors recalls around the wealthy group of friends of the dinner party who are thrust into chaos when the host is shot in the air low.

This past pace, comedy will have your side splitting and that's no rumor.

Kicking off a national and on Tuesday is the Boyd County Fair?

Don't miss quite events.

Motorsports rodeo and more from 4 h to fine arts.

This pair has a little bit of everything.

Bring the family down for some classic, fair fun this week.

Next weekend in Carlisle is the anniversary celebration of the battle of Blue Lakes 242 years ago, Kentucky militia members gravely fought in what's considered the last battle of the Revolutionary War.

The battle reenactment will be on Saturday, but there's a lot of fun and educational activities happening all weekend.

Another important event in Kentucky history is being remembered this weekend.

The 8th of August has been celebrated as a day of an anticipation for black Kentuckians since the 18 60's.

The origins of the holiday.

Very many communities celebrate this day of freedom every year, particularly in western Kentucky.

A new cause emancipation Celebration Parade is tomorrow morning at 10:00AM.

And that's what's happening around the Commonwealth.

I'm Toby Gibbs.

>> Thank you as always to.

It was always Toby and Sports News.

Another huge win for an American athlete with the Kentucky connection.

>> Sydney McLaughlin Love Roni, broke her own world record for a 6th time and winning the women's 400 meter hurdle.

Final yesterday at the Olympic Games in Paris.

The former UK wildcat easily distance herself from the competition, including fellow team USA team mate Anna Cockrell, who wants silver McLaughlin Love Roni is now the first woman to ever win 2 gold medals in the 400 meter hurdle.

Congrats to her.

We had to the polls in less than 90 days as Americans elect a president members of Congress and more.

Kentucky is a state with a sizable percentage of rule voters.

But are those rule voters and small town voters sometimes misunderstood and stereotypes.

A podcast series looks at rural voters.

What they're thinking and the difference they could make in November.

We'll tell you more about that Monday night on Kentucky edition, which we hope will say you're for at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central where we inform connect and inspire.

Connect with us all the ways you see on your screen, Facebook, X and Instagram to stay in the loop.

Send us a story idea.

Public affairs at K E T Dot Org as well.

>> Thanks so very much for watching this week.

I'm Renee Shaw.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you Monday night.

♪