♪ >> I will not seek this honor in a time.

Well, current term in the Senate.

Will be violent.

>> He's represented Kentucky for more than 40 years now.

Senator Mitch McConnell says it's time for him to step aside.

I'm I'm I'm interested in taking that statewide.

With McConnell out who's in?

>> If a Christian landlord decided they did not want to wish or Muslim tenants because our beliefs were in court were important to them.

Would that be permissible under this bill?

Kentucky lawmakers debate whether a religious liberty bill will mean less liberty for some Kentuckians.

>> The good news with the weather as we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

>> And after days of terrible weather, we may finally catch a break.

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

♪ ♪ >> Good Evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION on this Thursday, February, the 20th, I'm Renee Shaw.

We thank you for spending some of your Thursday night with us.

He's the longest serving U.S. Senate leader and American history.

>> And he's the longest-serving senator in Kentucky.

History serving 7 terms.

And today U.S.

Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican announced he would not seek reelection in 2026.

There have been speculations for months now about Senator McConnell's plans after falls and other health concerns.

Senator McConnell announced his plans today on the U.S. Senate floor.

>> 7 times while fellow Kentuckians who sent me to do so in the every day in between been humbled by the trust placed in the the they're doing their business.

The right to the representing our Commonwealth's has been they on the lawn in I will not seek this autumn.

The data come.

While current term.

And so what they do not want to show the only appropriate and then to take away.

Did I do?

Apart from a healthy dose of There's dry.

The immense gratitude.

But the opportunity to good take part and the consequential business you.

And the nation.

So lesson in a bar college filled out my intentions.

The reminder road.

I have some unfinished business to attend to.

>> Senator McConnell's announcement today came on his 83rd birthday.

He was first elected to the U.S. Senate back in 1984.

We have reactions to Senator McConnell's decision and a statement to the Republican Party of Kentucky said, quote, It offers its deepest gratitude to Senator Mitch McConnell for his extraordinary and steadfast service to our state and nation from his early days as county judge executive to becoming the longest-serving Senate party leader in history.

He has faithfully served the people of Kentucky with integrity and dedication, unquote.

The race to replace McConnell is already underway.

Daniel Cameron, the former Republican attorney general who ran for governor in 2023.

Posted this on X, quote, Kentucky.

It's time for a new generation of leadership in the U.S. Senate.

Let's do this end quote.

Congressman Andy Barr of Central Kentucky's 6th district released this statement.

Quote, Senator McConnell reshape the federal judiciary, including the United States Supreme Court to preserve the original meaning of our Constitution.

Davis and I thank him for his service to Kentuckyian our country and extend our best wishes as he serves out his term in the Senate, end quote.

While Congressman Barr didn't announce he was running for McConnell seat, his spokesperson is already critical of former Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Tyler Steak or put out a statement today.

Colin Cameron quote, A failed politician.

Staker says that when Trump endorsed bars reelection campaign to Congress in 2018 Barwon Staker says when Trump endorsed Cameron's run for governor in 2023 Cameron still lost.

Kentucky Edition spoke to Congressman Barr on Monday.

That's before Senator McConnell's announcement today that he isn't running for reelection.

I asked Congressman Barr then whether he was interested in the U.S. Senate race.

>> And my view is the only way a Democrat can win statewide in Kentucky is to do it the way Governor Beshear did.

And when the 6th district a central Kentucky district, the fact that we've been able to lock down this purple swing district over and over again showcases not only that were in step with the values of the people of Kentucky, but also that we have a record of success, a record of competency, a record of constituent service of delivering for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

And if so, the Democrats and independents will cross over and vote for me and my team.

>> So this is a yes.

So it is.

It is.

It is a lot of encouragement.

And I you know, I I I felt cold to represent the Central Kentucky district over these last 10 years.

It has been the privilege of my lifetime to get a chance to go and fight for these families and fight for the people of Toyota and fight for the researchers at the University, Kentuckyian fight for the bourbon industry and fight for our farmers.

You know, and fight for the horse.

Our signature horse industry.

And I think we've done a pretty good job.

I am.

I'm interested in taking that statewide because I love Kentucky.

I love the people of Kentuckyian I'm getting a lot of green lights.

>> Now, Congressman Barr also talked about Doe's the department on government efficiency.

U.S. a I D if he agrees with all of Trump's actions so far and his take on tariffs and potential impacts to Kentucky's bourbon industry.

You can see the full interview online and on demand at KET Dot Org and on KET YouTube Channel.

And it's not just Republicans and the running for the U.S. Senate seat.

State Representative Pam Stevens Cent of Louisville, a Democrat to run for who ran for attorney general in 2023.

Posted this quote.

It's time Kentucky has new leadership in DC that dedicated to serving them.

I fully intend to seek the office and will make my formal announcement in a few weeks, unquote.

And Steven Senne serves right now as the House minority floor leader.

Now turning to our weather, Governor Andy Beshear says the death toll from recent floods snow and cold remains at 14, but he says that could increase later today.

He also says there's better weather news on the way.

>> The good news with the weather is we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Again, the tunnel might be a couple days long but better temperatures are coming.

One still going to be very cold tonight with temperatures ranging from ranging from 3 to 10 degrees.

>> We're going to see the sun and the temperatures will be around 30 degrees.

Then Saturday through Monday, we're going to see temperatures move from the mid 30's to maybe nearly 60 degrees.

That's great news is going to melt a lot of the snow.

We don't expect that snow melt to significantly increase the riverbed.

>> Flooding.

>> The governor again urged people to check out go K why DOT K Y DOT Gov online to find out the latest on closed roads in Kentucky.

Now turning to state legislative news, a granite monument of the 10 Commandments could soon be returned to the Capitol in Frankfort yesterday, the full House passed a joint resolution to allow the monument to be on display on the Capitol grounds in Monument Park.

The monument was a gift from the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Back in 1971, an amendment put forward by a Lexington Democrat that would ensure other organizations can also donate monuments that related to other religions for display was defeated.

And today state lawmakers advanced a religious liberty bill.

Much to the dismay of LGBTQ and civil rights advocates.

Our June Leffler is in Frankfort and has more.

>> Senate bill 60 would empower citizens to sue their government when they feel their religious beliefs are under attack.

A northern Kentucky Republican explains his bill.

>> Government actions that burden religious exercise must be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest.

And then there's expanded remedies, individuals who really whose religious exercise has been burdened may seek appropriate relief, which shall include costs and attorneys fees, constitutional law professor who worked for a federal Civil Rights Commission says this bill does not ensure liberties for all.

>> And so I come to you today, very much sympathetic to the idea that religious freedom needs to be protected.

Religious liberty against government intrusion or burdening.

But Kentucky already does that an LGBTQ organization in Kentucky also testifies against Senate Bill 60 saying it would erode local fairness ordinances.

>> This protect housing and employment of gay and transgender people, which more than 20 Kentucky cities have adopted.

>> Senate bill 60 allows all state and local laws ordinances rules, regulations and policies to be subverted by someone asserting religious freedom, including domestic violence laws.

Property laws, trespass laws, civil rights laws, contract laws and so many more.

>> Louisville rabbi, questions at this bill would harm Jews and other religious minorities as a religious minority.

That experience is an unfortunate level of hate.

I'm disturbed XP SP 60 could be interpreted to supersede local anti-discrimination laws and ordinances.

If a Christian landlord decided they did not want Jewish or Muslim tenants because our beliefs were and heart were important to them.

Would that be permissible under this bill if a person were to aggressively solicit my synagogue attempting to convert a something that happens through mail and in person to the point of harassment.

But the police officer who arrived decided that his own religious views aligned with those who are doing the harassing, where would be our redress under this law?

The Alliance defending Freedom speaks in favor of the bill.

The national group litigated and one cases in the U.S. Supreme Court for Baker and Web designer who refuse to serve gay clients.

>> Jacques Phillips.

>> Of the Masterpiece.

Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado welcomes gay customers.

He sold baked goods to get customers.

He sold them to same sex couples.

What he would not do was create a custom cake in celebration, same sex wedding because that was inconsistent with his religious beliefs.

The Senate judiciary passed the measure the Constitution the way I understand it is in place to protect the people from the government, not the government from the people.

>> One Democrat voted against the measure in committee Senate Bill 16 now heads to the full Senate.

The bill sponsor pushed a similar bill last year that did not become law for Kentucky edition of John Leffler.

>> Thank you.

June at another friend for developments, a moment of silence and reflection, maybe a required part of the school day.

If Senate Bill 19 passes this session, state lawmakers and religious leaders discuss the bill today in committee as our McKenzie spank reports.

Backers of the bill say it does not infringe on students, religious freedoms.

>> Currently in Kentuckyian the public school teacher may choose to begin the day with a moment of silence or reflection.

Senate Bill 19 would change the current law to make it a requirement.

Proponents of the bill say taking a beat of quietness at the beginning of the school day has many benefits for students.

>> Research contestant consistently demonstrates.

At such moments enhance cognitive abilities, concentration, emotional well-being.

Studies indicated implementing a moment of silence leads to a measure decline school violence in juvenile violence with police reporting in districts that have instituted as much as 15 to 20%.

25% drop in juvenile violence.

Arrests.

>> Students would have the choice to pray.

Meditate or otherwise spend the one to 2 minute moment as they choose.

And the bill includes language that encourages parents to, quote, provide guidance to their peoples regarding the moment of silence or reflection, end quote, opponents of the bill believe the current law which allows teachers the choice to initiate a time of reflection is sufficient.

A portion of the existing law, which is not under consideration in this bill, allows for the recital of the Lord's Prayer in the classroom.

Rabbi Dan Freed from the Knesset, Israel congregation in Louisville finds the relationship between the statute and the proposed bill to be concerning.

I find that to be somewhat problematic for a Jewish kid who would be in a in a classroom in what even though they would not be required to say the Lord's prayer, but that the Lord's prayer could be announced and said by the classroom, followed by a moment of silence to me would make that child feel either compelled to do something that was not a part of their religious tradition or at least at the very least feel very left out.

Rabbi Litvin responded that Senate Bill 19 does not make students to anything.

They do not want to do.

And he noted that several civil liberty organizations have voiced their support regarding that claim.

The foundation for individual rights and expression fire affirmed this.

Every year that has been put forward and one foot first before the ACLU of Kentucky stated and I quote to Kentucky currently has no serious concerns of this bill because it does not mandate school prayer.

>> In the past, this measure has been met with bipartisan support and this year is no different.

The bill passed unanimously out of committee, including by Lexington, Democrat Senator Reggie Thomas who had this to say when casting his yes vote.

>> I see statues were religious beings, the sort to promote bigotry, discrimination and hate.

I want to pose.

I'm going to pose those bills.

But when you really just you've been using the she'll provide comfort.

Constellation or or just a moment, a peaceful person?

Not that I'm gonna I'm gonna allow that.

And that's what this bill does.

>> Senate Bill 19 will now head to the upper chamber for consideration by the full membership for Kentucky edition.

I'm McKenzie Spank.

>> Thank you.

McKenzie Senate Bill 83 also passed out of the Senate Education Committee today.

It would allow a home-schooled students, a CT score to be translated into a GPA for the purpose of receiving KET scholarship money.

Now, according to Kentucky Youth Advocates data from 2023, it found more than 100,000 kids in Kentucky have experienced apparent being incarcerated and fact the state has one of the highest parental incarceration rates in the country.

A bill advancing in the state legislature 6 to give judges more sentencing options for primary caregivers this morning, the House Families and Children Committee heard testimony from a woman who saw her mother go to jail and was later imprisoned herself.

Describe the impact it had on her family >> I know all my mistakes and deeply regret.

Many of my choices.

But I truly believe the access to help and resources would have done far more for me and my boys than the trauma of incarceration.

While being locked up was painful by far the worst pain was being separated from my >> State Representative Nick Wilson is the sponsor of House Bill 291.

He says the bill is intended to expand the court's options for nonviolent offenders and ultimately KET families together.

But at least one judge said while she agrees with the bill's intent, she's worried there will be unintended consequences.

>> Lots of letters to say my husband is a wonderful man.

I need him at home.

And but I don't know that those are true.

Most of those are self reporting.

I don't have anyone to cross examine them.

So I mean, the hearing without that kind of information, so I would ask, thank you.

Take that into consideration about the series this which with it and not the other circuit judges take making findings of fact and determination.

They have a valid point, a criminal judge.

They don't want the ruling to are there any way they want to step on the family courts toes.

We added the section that the determination that's being made under this bill.

Is not admissible as evidence in a family court.

It's not determinative.

Caretaker status in another court.

It is only.

About the sentencing about that hearing there that day.

But at the end of the day, judges make rulings.

They make findings.

That's what they do.

And we're asking for them to find whether a person is a productive period or not.

And some of them already do.

But I want all of them to do that.

That's the that's the reason for this bill.

>> House Bill, 291 unanimously passed out of committee.

It now heads to the full House for consideration there.

Thousands of Kentuckians can't afford a place to live.

House Democrats today push for passage of House Bill 583, which they say addresses Kentucky's housing shortage and what can be done about it.

State rivers, tentative, Joshua Watkins of Louisville discuss the Bills reach alongside his colleagues and housing advocates.

>> Kentucky is grappling with a significant housing shortage.

The Kentucky Housing Task Force reported in deficit of over 200,000 units.

>> By 2029, this number is projected to grow by 40% to over 287,000 units.

So what does it take to turn the tide on the housing crisis, especially on the affordable housing crisis to create the housing that Kentuckians need today, 3 things land money and political will.

And we are in luck because House Bill 583, incorporate all 3 of these key issues.

Representative Burke and I have found HB 583.

>> Otherwise known as the Kentucky House, an opportunity at and it's crafted to meet these challenges.

Head on through a comprehensive, a multifaceted approach that includes 4 major areas.

The first increasing housing supply because we're committed to closing the housing gap by funding the construction and rehabilitation of homes.

This isn't about a temporary fix, but about creating a long-term solutions that will serve Kentuckians for generations.

Secondly, enhancing infrastructure and development support because we recognize that high development costs can stifle growth and this act includes strategic investments to reduce these expenses by subsidizing the cost of essential infrastructure.

We make it more feasible for developers to build affordable housing without compromising on quality.

Thirdly, homeless prevention and housing stability.

The act also strengthens programs aimed at preventing homelessness and ensuring housing stability by providing rental assistance and other supportive services.

We helped ensure that temporary setback do not lead to homelessness and forth expanding affordable housing options with emphasis on inclusivity.

The act promotes the development of diverse housing options to cater to the varied needs of our population.

This bill is for every Kentuckian who has ever felt the anxiety of unaffordable rent increase or the despair of the house and search that comes up empty.

It's for our young people who are just starting out out elderly who deserve peace in their retirement and our family striving to provide stability for their children.

It's about building a Kentucky where everyone has a fair shot at a safe and affordable home.

House Democrats are asking for more than 100 million dollars to address Kentucky's affordable housing shortage.

>> Fluoride in your water is it good or potentially bad for you?

>> Well, today members of the House Health Services Committee discussed the merits of House Bill 16.

That bill would remove Kentucky's fluoridation mandate for drinking water advocates for the bill say that it's about leaving fluoride, use up to local control with some also arguing that high levels of the naturally occurring mineral could harm a child's intellectual development.

But the bill's critics argue that removing fluoride would lead to an increase in tooth decay and increased Medicaid costs for Kentuckians.

>> I hear testament that we visit all these places that.

That don't have running water, but they throw in and don't have access to fluoride.

>> So we do have access to fluoride.

I remember it the bringing trees around when we were in school of fluoride in cups that we would switch.

Spit it back in the cup and it so saying that we don't have access to fluoride.

It just doesn't.

It's in.

It's just not true.

So so lumping us.

And and that that doesn't that doesn't make a case for me.

And even if it did, we're not giving a blanket approval for water companies to put whatever chemicals in that they want.

Just because we're saying that some chemicals are acceptable.

So I think it should be at 2 local municipalities to make their case about whether they want it or not.

>> The vast majority of the study say that 0.7, which is the level that we use in Kentucky.

That those neg, those negative effects do not occur.

And then we get the benefit of the fluoride in the developing teeth.

The infants and young children which helps protect those teeth this age.

If we give the ability for that decision to be made locally.

Who's actually going to be making that decision?

Will they be elected in truly represented?

Truly representing the local population or not.

There is data from the public health people that show that for every 10% of Kentuckians that are taken off water fluoridation.

We can anticipate at 19.1 million dollar increase and Medicaid expenses.

>> House Bill 16 is sponsored by Representative Mark Heart of found that the Republican who sponsored a similar bill that did not pass either chamber in 2024.

Kentucky is one of 13 states that mandate fluoridated drinking water.

♪ ♪ >> Now more on the weather.

There are lingering effects of heavy rain and flooding flooding in Kentucky, including for farmers.

>> It's impacting both small and large scale operations.

Our Laura Rogers spoke to a couple of producers and Warren County and has this report.

I raise tax chickens, geese and >> Haley, Neysa, Bowling Green has more than 100 birds.

I really wanted to build like a peaceful lifestyle here where I can provide a boost to the flu that peaceful lifestyle was disrupted during recent flooding.

Throughout the day, the water kept getting higher.

That came up to about 40 feet nice and her fiance live about 300 yards from the barren river.

I was definitely surprised.

I really couldn't believe it when we I typically looks like this there and was completely underwater work like this after record rainfall this past Saturday, February 15 that could have drowned.

Luckily, nice took precautions.

It was pretty stressful man in the group are 20 dogs to gaze and a host or a pill to the chicken run.

Tory live, then we can even get to around because the water was so deep already raise corn.

>> So it pains employee Ronnie Ken's.

There is a grain farmer and Warren County.

We probably got some lead under water will probably get some damage on our way.

He had 2 calves born during the downpour and last one of them the way just so hard and everything.

It was just born during the storm.

And good night.

>> Kinzer says too much rain last year left him with 100 acres of corn and beans.

He couldn't plant.

They would just rotten Agram with never sprout a German.

It is now just hoping weather conditions improve leading into spring.

If it was a month from now, did they really get critical?

>> We're getting a crop planted that right now.

Not too bad.

You notice what for go down and win it as it will get busy.

>> In the meantime, Haley Nace is busy cleaning up a muddy mess.

It looks like Silver Springs in the same so we might have to find the really won't know until we get in there.

But I'm thinking I'm gonna have to take everything out and replace it.

>> That's our ducks.

Chickens and geese.

Live in close quarters.

It's really crowded in there right now.

And they don't have all the used to.

She says it will take a couple of weeks to get everything cleaned up and somewhat back to normal.

>> I was really thankful we got them out of there for Kentucky edition.

I'm Laura Rogers.

Thank you.

Laura Haley says she was concerned the stress of relocating her docks would affect egg production.

>> But thankfully, that hasn't been the case.

Experts say it's going to be a hard year for grain farmers with market prices and this flooding gets us off to a tough start.

♪ We observe one of the iconic moments of World War 2 this Sunday.

It's been 80 years since the raising of the American flag, the And there's a Kentucky connection to that famous image will tell you all about it Friday on Kentucky.

Addition along with going inside Kentucky politics.

But Bob Babbage and Trey Grayson to talk about the week's Political news.

All that coming your way tomorrow night at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central on Kentucky.

Addition, we inform connect and inspire.

Connect with us all the ways you see on your screen.

Facebook X, formerly Twitter and Instagram to see what's happening on social media.

I'm KET and T. >> Send us a story idea by email to public affairs at KET Dot Org and look for us on the PBS app.

It you can download on your smart device and phone.

Thanks again for watching.

I'm Renee Shaw skids a big way you this evening.

Take really good care and I'll see you tomorrow night.

♪