♪ >> There is hope there are opportunities and this is how we try to get that ground swell.

And that's it.

>> We're taking you to a Kentucky psychedelics summit to learn more about an experimental drug that could treat substance addiction.

>> I think we really need to figure out how we can make that system better ensure that kids are being protected.

>> I talked to a reporter who found children being hurt after being put in facilities that were supposed to protect them.

And how Senator Rand Paul put his doctors skills to work.

>> Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET Endowment for Kentucky Productions.

The owner Press Endowment for Public Affairs and the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION on this first day of December.

Can you believe it Friday, December one.

I'm Renee Shaw.

Thank you for starting off your weekend with us.

>> As Kentucky battles a deadly opioid crisis, some are looking at Ibogaine as a valuable weapon in that fight.

It's a psychedelic plant that's not FDA approved.

Kentucky's opioid abatement Advisory Commission is considering putting 42 million dollars toward researching Ibogaine therapeutic uses.

I will gain was the topic yesterday at a conference and La Grange, Kentucky.

>> We're very well aware of what was happening with the commission here and to see Kentucky take the pole position.

The leadership role to potentially allocate these funds in support of clinical research for I'm a game to us, represented a seismic opportunity.

But we also recognize that there heck of a lot more people on the outside of the psychedelics movement that are on the inside.

And that creates a massive education gap.

And so we're talking about communities that I don't know very little about psychedelics.

They're possibly misinformed about psychedelics.

And we felt that there was a strong draw to help bring quality education to the community.

So that as the conversation around this voting and the hopefuls Cecil vote down the road, that there would be an increase in the understanding of the community around.

What is it again, water, psychedelics and how can it help?

So that's the role that we want to fill here in Kentucky.

I'm again has a very different profile of the promises that a single administration >> can result and seemingly long term, absent certain least marked reduction in the amount of opioids are being consumed.

So that's what is really intriguing to us.

And that's why we want to you know, that's what we're interested in advancing this.

>> We wanted to bring people who might be far into other psychedelic conferences.

People who are practicing therapist, individuals from the change fees and it is a churches, community groups, policy advocates, people who've worked on drug policy, harm reduction and really bring this kind of content.

And I'm very happy to say, I think we've done a very good job of bringing those diverse perspectives to this a normal conference.

There's really 2 elements.

These compounds.

One is they cause Martin or plasticity because changes and the neurons the, you know, the things that fire within the brain.

>> They cause them basically rapidly change their connections to other neurons.

That's in your pasta city on that.

But they do that in the context of network disruption.

So there's alterations and how the different parts of the brain are firing.

And that's manifest as a psychedelic.

A fact.

Think of it as kind of a frozen snow glow.

You know, you thought you shake it up and then you freeze it again.

It's got a totally different configuration than it did a top priority.

That's the theory.

And it is just that my interest to start to fall number one, obviously have an interest in it again.

And a company that's developing in the game.

>> The other piece to it as I grew up here.

All right.

So that's an important element to it.

I grew up in Whitesburg, Kentuckyian thank you.

Note.

>> Over time I did see changes in outside left a long time ago.

My parents say they're playing until about 10 years ago, actually.

And when I go, I would go back to visit.

There is just >> more of a pervasive sadness in a weird way that I thought because of all of the impacts of the opioid crisis there.

I don't think anyone can look at the current response to our mental health crisis, which includes our addiction crisis.

>> And can sit here and tell you we're doing a good job of solving the problem.

We're not.

So to me this event and future conferences like this, we need to get to the individuals, not just the therapist and not just medical and behavioral health professionals, but individuals who have seen loved ones who are suffering and let them know there is hope there are opportunities and this is how we try to get that ground swell so it can be safe, legal and accessible here in the U.S.. >> We'll bring you more life changing testimonials, but also some skepticism about ibogaine next week on Kentucky edition.

Now turning to business news to health insurance Giants could be getting together.

The Wall Street Journal reports Louisville base to Meta is in talks about a merger with Cigna.

The newspaper says the 2 companies are discussing a stock and cash deal that could the final by the end of the year.

Cigna's market value was now about 83 billion dollars.

Humana is worth about.

62 Billion.

merged company could be worth 140 billion dollars.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to expel Congressman George Santos, a Republican from New York State.

The vote was 3.11 to one 14.

Two-thirds of the House had to vote against him.

Santos was expelled after an ethics report that said he's used campaign donations for personal use.

Here's how Kentucky's delegation voted.

Congressman Thomas Massie of the 4th district in northern Kentucky voted against expelling Santos.

The other 5 voted for it.

Santos is just the 6th congressman in U.S. history to be expelled by the House.

One of the other 5 is from Kentucky.

Henry Burnett was a congressman from Kentucky's first district in western Kentucky.

The House expel him and 18 61 for making what it considered to be treasonous remarks about President Abraham Lincoln.

After leaving the U.S. House Burnett served in Confederate Congress.

U.S.

Senator Mitch McConnell offered thoughts today on the passing of Sandra Day O'Connor.

The first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

She was 93 President Ronald Reagan appointed her in 1981.

She served until 2006 and his statement.

Senator McConnell said, quote, Sandra Day O'Connor lead with a brilliant saint conviction that disarmed resistance.

Her vote on the court frequently determine the majority of landmark cases and the legacy of her role in landmark decisions.

Reviving federalism during her first several terms on the court continues to resound and constitutional jurisprudence, end quote.

As we told you yesterday, the United Auto Workers wants the Georgetown Toyota plant to go union.

>> The UAW is pushing for workers at more than a dozen auto plants to join the union.

The Georgetown plant with its 7,000 workers.

Plus.

>> Is one of them, Georgetown workers received a raise after the UAW strike ended against for General Motors and Stellantis.

Yesterday a reporter asked Governor Andy Beshear about the union effort in Georgetown.

>> I'm a pro union governor here in Kentucky.

I'm grateful for UAW at what they've done to ensure that so many Kentucky families can put food on the table that have better benefits and better wages.

A Toyota is also a important employer here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

And they recently made some really significant commitments.

This will ultimately be decided if if it reaches a vote by the by the workers within the facility and they don't have the right to make that decision that all of these you know, I do want to compliment Toyota for having a very attractive wage and benefit package, but certainly know that the UAW is is out there committed to their members.

And their one goal is to try to create a better life for older workers.

>> Now, here's how this works.

According to the Courier Journal, when 30% of workers at a plant signed union cards, a committee of Plant workers go public to say a plant is working toward unionizing when 70% have signed a committee will demand Union recognition from the company if the company doesn't recognize the union.

The workers filed with the National Labor Relations Board and workers at the plant vote on whether to join a union.

One of country music's biggest stars will perform at Governor Andy Beshear's second inauguration on Tuesday, December.

The 12th Tyler Childers is a native of Lawrence County.

Just a few weeks ago, he was nominated for 5 Grammy Awards.

The governor said yesterday he got to know Childers when he performed at an Appalachian Regional Commission Conference.

Now you can see a full inauguration coverage throughout the day on December.

12th Live right here on KET.

It was Senator Rand Paul to the rescue yesterday.

The Courier Journal reports when Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa began to choke during a Senate luncheon, Senator Paul perform the Heimlich maneuver on our for that.

He's being called a hero by his Republican colleagues.

Time now to review some major political developments in Kentucky this week with a dynamic pair that we always have on Friday on screen left.

We have will.

Carly, who is a Democratic strategist and consultant and president of Open strategies and on screen, right.

We have Tre Watson who was a former spokesperson for the Republican Party of Kentuckyian is the founder of Capitol reins PR.

Still a Republican strategist.

Good to see you both.

>> Great to hope.

You had a good Thanksgiving and a good holiday.

We're first day of December.

So it's on.

But let's talk about some news this or state lawmakers are deciding that maybe they want to head home and even do some work back home.

And I want to start with you.

Try watch son Kevin Bratcher who's been in the General Assembly for quite a while.

Yes, he's deciding he wants to do something else.

And what is that something else and why is he leaving for Metro Council?

Robin Engel, longtime metro councilman in Louisville's retiring.

>> He's going for that.

See, you know, a lot of representative Bratcher Ys efforts and General Stanley have been geared towards Louisville, specially the south local area for in creek where he's from.

>> I think he's he's looking forward to going back and and working on some of the issues could take on what is that in Frankfort and really applying it in the Metro to Metro Council and into Jefferson County?

I think it's interesting.

You know, you have old was that they were mentioned as rain as well.

I wonder, you know, if maybe the side of the Metro Council pays a little more, it's more of a full-time job.

And I wonder the wear and tear on legislators is the latest towards having a conversation about full-time legislature.

But that's that's a conversation.

We can have it all the time.

But it's it's it's in cinci people living from the legislature to counsel to the city council because it many people think that's going backwards, not forwards.

Depends on your perspective.

And I want to go to you will call and ask about State Representative Josie Raymond, a Democrat Louisville, who is also saying this is her last She'll be in the session for the 24 session, but then she's going to hang it up and head back home.

And she too.

>> Is running for Louisville Metro Council.

So what's the appeal for her that you've heard?

>> Well, first of all, Josie Raymond represented Britain is a powerhouse and star in our party.

I know the caucus hates to lose her to the Metro Council, but we're really we're really looking forward to her working with the those folks down there to continue to move a little forward.

Little continues to be the progressive begin in a place where we're making great but distillation great laws to further promote economic Similar rates being able to be an inclusive community and a growing community across Kentucky.

I think that's appealing for someone coming from the legislature that really doesn't work that to be a part of a group that does.

So we're excited to have a son or running from Metro Council.

I feel strongly she's going to win and I said no to talk about race.

I think Wick which was I think it is time for a full-time legislature.

We're asking a lot of people to do a lot of work put in a lot of effort for very little money with now dedicated full-time staff breach And that I think hurts constituent services.

And so I really would have to, you know, both parties would say that it's probably time that we professionalize the legislature.

>> And both say just as a side note that they are pretty robust in their schedule all year round, the interim coverage that starts in earnest in June goes all the way through December without much break and those can be pretty intense meetings and good background for people who are either new or just a refresher.

But also to another point about Representative Ray much.

There's a couple of names that are being tossed around.

Tell us about that.

Well.

>> So I know Mary and former Representative Mary Lou Marzian, a has also to run again for her old seat, which she was redistricted out of it.

Then they joined a Representative Raymond in her back during redistricting.

And I've also heard rumors that a former Miss Kentucky Miss USA, Heather.

French Henry is also interested in running for that seat.

I ought to be an interesting Sounds like there's going to be a host of really good candidates running and I look forward to, you know, being supportive of whoever the nominee will be and whoever wins that primary Republican Party of Kentucky is having some change in leadership.

We learned this week that Mack Brown is stepping down Tre Watson.

How significant is this and who could be his replacement?

>> You know, I think Mac What I love it.

I I worked worked for over 3 and a half years at the pleasure to be kind of his.

His mouth did a great job, guys.

The party a very steady hand when there's a lot of different factions in the party.

And Mack was able to navigate that in.

>> Hold everything Yeah, I think it's significant.

But at the same time, the bench is so big and so I think we're we're at a point of the party.

Should shifting Aires.

I think America is getting at it a good time for him.

And a good time to let the party figure out what step is for itself.

The couple of names I'm hearing as potential candidates for for chair are for state Representative Robinson Aetn long time.

Not an executive committee member Bob Hutchison.

His firm is Kentucky's a businessman.

I'm a little bit of the U.S. and see how that plays out.

And we've had since probably got a leg up because he's been on the executive committee and he's just kind of get that profile of what they want to trim and typically is.

But I think they'll be a robust discussion and then we'll see who comes that that that the with the votes.

Yeah.

When will that be I think it will be in I haven't seen the day but it will be at the next state to state Central Executive Committee meeting which in which a quarterly.

Yeah.

So we'll be watching for that.

And we thank you guys for always keeping your eyes on the political ball here in Kentucky.

Will Carly and Tre Watson as always.

Good to see >> Could be on think so.

>> what happens when children are removed from their families and placed in facilities that are supposed to protect them but end up in even more danger.

A journalist with the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting and Louisville, Public Media dog through reports of abuse or neglect by children in state custody, housed in Louisville's residential care homes.

What Jasmine Demars found is alarming and reveals the state's failing investigating abuse allegations while turning a deaf ear to the young victims.

Jasmine joined us earlier today to tell us more.

>> Jasmine, thank you for a few minutes of your time to talk about this extraordinary investigative work.

Unheard.

Louisville.

Foster kids say they were harmed in residential care and few were believed.

That was the headline.

Tell us, first of all, what inspired you to take a deep dive into this issue?

>> Yeah, So we heard last year in July of 2022, that age a young boy who was 7 years old, had died out.

Lot of which is a residential care facility for foster kids in Louisville and from there, I just there were so many questions that I had at the time.

You know, the state shut down that facility for a while.

They stopped placing kids there.

They eventually result that facility is licensed to operate the type of unit that this little boy was living in.

But there are still so many questions for me.

And for folks, I'm in my We wanted to understand why JC.

I'm Terry.

That was his name.

Why he needed to be placed under strict in the first place.

We want to understand whether things like this were happening at other foster care facilities.

We also want to understand how the state was regulating these facilities and making sure they were being held accountable when children were harmed in their Because in Jason's case he was placed in a physical sold for several and he lost consciousness and died.

And so we I requested records from the state and I've received hundreds of pages of these investigations into facilities in the show and what we found is that most of the cases that the state looks and they are they don't substantiate them, meaning most of them.

They don't have enough evidence to consider whether or not I'm something happened to the And in most of these cases, what we're seeing is that it was coming down to something very simple, which is that it was staff members, word versus a child board.

And so there wasn't any and a lot of these cases there wasn't any that you evidence there was a another corroborating what the child said happened to them.

And in almost all of those cases, the state was room to get the child and that's significant for a lot of reasons because I mean, because it it shows us that the state is not you know what, let's not evidence that child sort of perspective of what happened is not being weighed the same as the second or the adult in the situation.

But we also found is that the state oftentimes isn't even bothering to talk to the child when they say something happens to them.

A lot of the time they go when they open a case, they talked to the staff member who was involved in the situation they review any available evidence.

If there is they look at the child's history and they close.

The case has ups and unsubstantiated and we know that.

We we talked to experts who said that.

Kids do not often a lie about experiencing abuse.

So we know that there's a significant disparity there.

>> What have those in the social services industry said about what should be done?

I have not had a conversation around Secretary Friedlander who is the leader of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

>> I haven't had the chance to speak with him on this yet, but it he has told other people he's told advocates within our community that they certainly will be looking into the issue of kids not being I think that needs to be the first and most important step is just simply ensuring that kids are having the opportunity to talk about what they said happened to them and I'm giving them the ability to do too, to talk to talk their feelings about a I think that's step number one.

I've also spoken to.

Other people, not necessarily within the child welfare Cabinet but folks was in the legislature and advocates who say that we really need to make sure that.

The state is moving tour toward a more independent investigative process.

Because also in the in the process of doing this.

This story we.

2 found that these investigations are really not they're really not very independent.

And there are a lot of conflicts of interest involved you know, when the state is placing a child, I'm in one of these facilities.

They they are creating a relationship with those facilities.

The contract with these they really need that and they rely on them a whole to ensure that kids have a place to be and that creates the sort of incentives whether intentional or not too, maybe not thoroughly investigate abuse.

Jasmine, thank you so much.

Not just for your time today, but for your excellent reporting.

And we look forward to more.

>> Thank you for telling this story.

Thank you so much.

>> It's the first day of December and as you would expect, we have plenty of Christmas themed activities this weekend all over Kentucky.

Our Toby Gibbs has that.

And this look at what's happening around the Commonwealth.

♪ >> Highland counties kicking off December with all day Christmas activities at its annual Christmas at the center event, joined the Ugly Sweater contest.

Enjoyed music and games.

Even meet Santa.

Starting tomorrow with the jingle Bell Jog at 09:00AM and ending at 06:00PM with a Christmas parade.

This event is chock full of Christmas spirit.

Calling all Scott County ends.

It's time to come home for the holidays tomorrow evening in downtown Georgetown.

Witness the Tree Lighting and Christmas parade amongst the beautiful Victorian architecture.

200 buildings are listed on the National Registry of Historic places.

So this is a great event to get in the Christmas spirit and to connect with the history of Georgetown.

Speaking of the Victorian style that you know Louisville has the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the country this weekend is your chance to tour some of these historic homes on the old Louisville holiday home tour.

This self-paced walking tour will take you inside 10 beautiful town homes and mansions all dressed up for the holidays.

Don't miss this unique Christmas event.

Tomorrow is the Calvert City Christmas Bazaar.

More than 180 vendors will be set up across 5 locations.

Plus a 6 for do it yourself workshops.

This event gives you the chance to explore Calvert City as well.

The shot from local entrepreneurs, the bizarre benefits, the Calvert Sharp Family Resource Center.

>> So it's not just a great way to Christmas shop.

It's also a great way to give back to the community.

Well, Christmas shopping is in full swing and the city farm in Colombia has a great Christmas event tomorrow starting at 09:00AM tape and selected 80 vendors to bring you their finest pottery candles, jewelry and more.

There will be food trucks, a winery and a cigar bar to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable come down to Colombia to check it out.

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

I'm Toby Good >> Thank Youto.

Big Ed's coming up next week.

More of our Mondays on Maine series.

>> When you hear Main Street, no matter who you are and what business you are, I think you think of the energy and heartbeat and commerce of your community.

>> We take you to the city of Glasgow, all decked out for the holidays.

Downtown is home to more than a dozen new businesses.

We'll talk to some of the city's movers and shakers about that growth Monday night on Kentucky edition, which we hope you'll join us for after a great weekend at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central where we inform connect and inspire.

>> Subscribe to our Kentucky Edition email newsletters and watch full episodes and clips of KET DOT Org.

You can also find us on the PBS video app on your mobile device and smart TV.

Send us a story idea at the address on your screen and also follow KET on Facebook X, formerly known as Twitter and Instagram to stay in the loop.

Thank you so much for watching Kentucky Edition this week.

We hope to see you next week.

In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend and take good care tonight.

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