♪ >> We don't build airplanes in >> On aerospace an aviation day, you can check out of field where the sky's the limit.

On the war's first anniversary here from a Ukrainian family on finding safety and support in Kentucky.

>> But down a living or the next day, one match report that they were free.

>> And being a mammoth cave tour guide really runs in the family.

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

Leonard Press Endowment for Public Affairs and the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION on this Friday, February.

The 24th I'm Renee Shaw.

Thank you for starting off your weekend with U.S.. >> Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency following last week's severe weather.

Heavy rain, hail, flooding and landslides caused damage in.

22 counties.

Many of those counties were impacted by last year's historic flooding.

Today's declaration will help the affected counties, access, state and federal resources.

Now on to our coverage of what's happening in the Kentucky General Assembly in Frankfort, the Kentucky Senate voted for Senate bill 94 today.

A bill that would let nurse practitioners prescribe controlled substances.

It's sponsored by Senator Julie Rocky Adams.

The bill also calls for establishing a committee that would review how prescriptions are used in Kentucky.

Republican State Senator Donald Douglas, a physician from Nicholas Ville voted no.

He said he was concerned patients wouldn't receive quality care.

>> Mister President, my only my only concern.

Our 4.

Those who we deliver the health care too.

My concern is that they are getting.

>> Optimal health care.

>> State Senator Phillip Wheeler, a Republican from Parkville, also voted against the bill.

He said he was concerned about allowing more providers to prescribe opioids.

But Senate President Robert Stivers who says his hometown of Clay County soft, 3 million opioid prescriptions filled and a single year and he said he was in favor of the bill because it provides more access to health care.

However, he added additional legislation may be needed to help make this bill work.

>> So in the next year, if we want to make this legislation work, which I'm voting for.

We need to look at a better mechanism for monitoring the individuals who write those prescriptions.

Then the requisite bodies be at the Attorney General.

Commonwealth Attorney Office of Inspector General in Ch if they asked to go after these individuals.

Because of those 3 million doses that were written in Clay County that year.

97% of them were Kentucky prescribers.

Think about that.

Some people look at me and said that's kind of political risk in your area will beat me if you can.

Has time to go home.

When you sit back and just watch the problem grow.

I think we need to vote for the bill.

But the bigger thing we need to focus on is the bottom.

It's how we Kerr the abuse of the substance.

That's the real problem.

>> Senate bill, 94 passed the Senate by a vote of 32 2 with one pass vote.

It's now headed over to the House for consideration.

There now, also heading to the House Senate Bill.

One.

35 that require state the state health cabinet to make information on postpartum depression and other related mental health disorders available on its Web site.

The Cabinet is also required to create a panel that would come up with ways to improve the quality of prevention and treatment of perinatal mental health disorders.

Supporters of the bill said it would help treat and damage maternal depression and other mental health disorders by identifying those challenges early.

A new Mason-Dixon poll suggests a majority of Kentuckyian oppose at least one part of a bill dealing with transgender students.

Here's the exact wording of the poll.

It says would you support or oppose a proposed Kentucky law that would allow the state to overrule parents decisions to obtain certain health care for their transgender teenagers such as certain medications that can regulate the onset of puberty.

And the question now, 71% of the respondents would oppose this.

21% said they would support it with another 8% undecided.

Kentucky students attending a welding or construction school would be eligible for a Kentucky educational Excellence Scholarship.

Also known as Keys if Senate Bill 54 becomes law state.

Senator Jarrett Carpenter says everyone would benefit students would get scholarship money and Kentucky would get more workers in fields that are often short of workers.

>> Many of us know during COVID how important these to these ideas and these.

>> These work forces were.

>> Many of us waited many days to get our products delivered.

Because of a lack of CDL drivers and one of these areas and transportation is that there's many institutions of these proprietary schools in Kentucky that offer CDL classes.

As we know.

We want to get people to work and I talk about it with my universities in district about making sure we provide.

Educational opportunities where the jobs are.

They are.

They can make good good careers and good money.

>> The Senate approved the measure sitting in on over to the House for consideration by the lower chamber.

On the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

U.S.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is again arguing for continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

He says it's in America's best interest, quote.

It is not an active charity for the United States and our NATO allies to help supply the Ukrainian people.

Self defense.

It is a direct investment in our own core national interests, our security and prosperity are deeply intertwined with a secure and stable Europe.

If Putin were given a green light to destabilize Europe, invading and killing it, will the long-term cost to the United States and both dollars and security risks would be astronomically higher than the miniscule fraction of our GDP that we have invested in Ukraine's defense thus far, end quote.

The United Nations estimates that since the war began, almost 9 million Ukrainians have left the country while a majority are living as refugees in Europe, the U.S. has taken in more than 100,000 Ukrainians.

Some of those refugees have found safety and support in Central Kentucky.

Thanks to the efforts of one Jessamine County church.

>> I think you want me my shot.

>> the Friday night at the Ukrainian Pentecostal church in Douglasville.

Hundreds of people in one space in the home with one prayer.

>> She what praying for peace.

For Ukraine.

>> He's still with you shot the >> Our conversation mainly from the people and people from Ukraine after the Russian invasion.

Many key people came here.

So right now we have around 300 people, you know, can ration.

And the Board of United States was open for Ukrainian.

>> But it's more than prayers.

A church is offering the newest members of his congregation.

>> The charge to be helping people.

But though she can, it's food loging and also paying for stuff are small.

So friend program and helping to the 40's.

It was closed in both because some people K you have nothing to do.

>> Mila New Tech Center, Tucson Slob 17 and Daniel 14 are among the Ukrainian refugees.

A church is helping.

This is a role reversal for Libya.

She and her husband who is a pastor were helping those who fled to their city in the central part of Ukraine when Russia invaded.

>> Was national news Bill.

Through our city as many refugees want to one part of Ukraine to go I mean, Chauvin.

We put those acquitted on.

My solution we serve the women and the children who came to us show that the most.

It's a blunder and it was very painful.

When you hear someone's children, someone's parents killed someone's rodents to be a blue wave.

But people here blue always.

She and her sons left the country over concerns about her health and their safety.

>> She said her husband stayed in the Ukraine to continue ministering to those in need >> the scope do it on his working very hard to win.

And I'm worried about him.

Loose is a new home.

Camila Anderson said they are able to talk to him almost daily, but it does little to ease their fears about his safety.

That's the situation is very difficult because a lot of men have died in the situation will continue to be very difficult.

Pastor Terry Bollea to cope.

So the fears are understandable.

>> During the war time I was price.

I was twice in Ukraine.

Okay.

the scary picture.

>> Blanche Co and other church leaders have traveled to the war torn country to help volunteers and deliver supplies donated by the community or bought with money collected through fundraisers held by the church.

>> The community responded very well.

We surrounded the very good people.

That's people you never know them.

>> Ali oop to cram Lee said they have felt the support of the community and the people of Kentucky.

>> All part of it.

So so this moment.

>> I like that.

It is nice, calm and beautiful here.

The Spurs told in my book this years ago.

But it was very kind people very nice people.

Only one disadvantage is that you do not understand the language.

Is that the that the medicine you're very open, all the dishes that country, too.

>> But Miller says she doesn't of Kentucky will become their permanent home, but she does know her home country and its people will never be the same because of the war.

Yeah, it by have many people who have lost relatives at home.

Please give everything is destroyed psychologically and morally people are in a very difficult conditions.

Time.

>> We believe they got Bill.

We'll help to end the war.

We also hope.

Always you pray, but for right now and it's really hard to see them do that.

>> On Thursday, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution calling for Russia to withdraw its forces in Ukraine.

The vote was 141 to 7 with 32 countries.

Abstaining U.S.. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the vote was, quote and overwhelming demonstration of support for Ukraine and a clear defense of freedom for people everywhere, end quote.

Time now for into we check and of major political developments, especially in the state Capitol this week inside Kentucky politics.

We're glad to have joining us by Skype.

>> Julia Bright Kreidler, who is the founder of Bright Strategies and a Republican strategist.

And joining us on set, the organiza Democrat strategist who was an education policy consultant.

Busy weekend, Frankfort, ladies, and let's start with you, Julia.

We know that this week the filing deadline for new bills expired in the House and the Senate and we are at the midpoint of the session.

So talk to us about the themes that were saying, the types of issues that are emerging so far this session.

>> We did.

Yeah, it's it's been somewhat of a slow burn this session until probably this week.

And once we got to this week, we we saw 2 major pieces job.

But I think folks have been anticipating the total ban on grain machines filed by Representative Killian Timoney.

In addition to sports, wagering filed by Michael Lee, Meredith.

So the those are the ones folks have been really looking out for this session.

In addition to a number of shell bills being filed.

So folks wondering, are they going to open back up?

The budget is one of the show Bill is going to become medical marijuana.

So lots of questions still not not answer the session and.

>> So, Julie, I forgot to introduce our 3rd guest, which is Sergeant the lovely canine in the foreground.

So we see him.

We love our little four-legged friends.

And so if we see him occasionally, our viewers will he's very sad, I think on a gun and frank for too what we understand, we understand.

So when you said the term Shell Bill and Morgan, you can jump in here.

That may not be a term that is familiar to our audience.

What does a shell bill me?

>> A shell bill has essentially they'll file a bill before the filing deadline.

Typically it's adding gender neutral language to amend the statute and match your key to know there are some other priorities that may be coming down the pipeline.

They just didn't have the time to fully form those ideas and that legislation prior to the filing >> line and we know that could even extend to issues like really for eastern Kentucky flood victims, right?

The Senate President Robert Stivers this week kind of alluded to that that there is not already.

I have specific bill for that cause, but there is a vehicle or a shell bill that could be used for that.

There are other things, though, Morgan, that we've noticed this session.

What have you picked up on as an emerging issue or set of issues?

General Assembly's occupied with?

>> I it's it's a set of issues we can politely call the culture wars.

You know, things are surrounding transgender The use of pronouns and schools, education parent complaints for curriculum and materials in schools.

These are things that are only training in Kentucky, but nationwide in state legislatures.

that hasn't missed Frankfort.

They're alive and well.

And that's really been the focus and sort of the headline grabbers thus far in the session.

>> Julia, you mentioned about sports betting and a gray machines.

So we know that there is a House Republican that filed a bill to ban for all intents and purposes.

Gray machines.

But there's also another House Republican that filed a bill to regulate gray machines.

So is this going to cause some rift in the House Republican Caucus?

>> I think it's yet to be seen.

Fresh friend Steve don't out of northern Kentucky filed a bill to regulate and tax payments sheens and then you had Representative Tim Killian to money out of Lexington who filed the total they and so I think it will definitely bring some healthy debate within that caucus for for in terms of confusion.

I think there there's there's enough difference and that green machine issue was out there last year as a total ban.

So I think members members will have a hard time I think it will just it.

It will be some spirited conversation.

>> Yeah.

And so we're talking about 2 gambling-related measures legalizing sports betting and then doing whatever they decide to do about gray machines.

If there's enough time in bandwidth for the lawmakers to actually get both of those measures through this time and the 14 just in.

>> Absolutely.

There's 14 days left in this session.

Plenty of time to for bills to go through the committee process.

Have a thorough vetting by members and and make it over to the other chamber and plenty of time.

You know, people are I think there's some wondering to what bills might make it in before me do days versus which ones they might hold in reserve until after so a lot of debate still yet to be had.

>> For sports betting, we know that the House Democratic Caucus leadership all join together filed a sports betting bill.

So it seems don't know where gray machine stands of the Democratic caucus, but it seems like sports betting has more people who are 4 that are least they know where they are as opposed to gray machines, which still may have some great, you know, matter area of great.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I think you're You know, sports betting seems to have the better consensus.

We know that Governor Beshear is for sports betting and Representative Meritus bill.

>> Actually probably is a bit more palatable to maybe some of those more conservative folks who a little bit of issues with some online sports wagering and and things like that that were in Representative Kay Nugs bill from last year.

I think he made the move to make it a little bit more palatable this year.

So we'll see where it goes.

Sergeant Pepper, I think concurs.

>> Last night, I'm not a laughing matter.

There was a bill filed about exceptions on abortion, rape and incest.

Representative Jason, a missile got through that to you real quickly, Julia, too, respond to so we could see some movement there.

>> Sure, absolutely.

I I think there's also some misconceptions out there.

This is not a new issue for representative me, Mister Kerry.

He actually filed these amendments originally to the abortion bills.

We saw the last 2 years.

So I think this is really just he's a duration of doing a standalone bill, especially in the wake of Spring court And a lot of those court cases still kind of working themselves out.

Why no one came to the Supreme Court recently.

So I think this is just his way to try to address it as as best as possible.

>> And we know that Representative Rachel Roberts of Northern Kentucky is now and House Democratic leadership.

She had filed an amendment to the trigger law or to the measure last year.

So our previous year, so they would be in line with us right directly.

I think Democrats would pile on the support.

Representative May misses Bill, which quite frankly, is risk as reactive to what we've The majority of Kentuckians want.

I want those exceptions.

>> So definitely they would have the Democrats support on that.

We hope to get the Republicans as well.

KET.

>> Always a less time that we needed to talk about what's happening in Frankfort.

Thank you, Morgan Eaves and thank you.

Julie.

Bright red color for your time today.

Have a great weekend.

Rest stop.

Thank you.

♪ >> Yesterday was aerospace and Aviation Day at the state Capitol in Frankfort, pilots and professionals from across the commonwealth gathered to show students and legislators what the industry has to offer.

This is the fun date because you get to go up and look at all the stuff that happens in Kentucky around aviation and space.

I mean, it's been talking aviation.

It's been talking aerospace.

It's an exciting time or space manufacturing has been Kentucky's largest industry and continued.

>> We don't build airplanes in Kentucky with the no fly zones, we build their parts.

And so we've got to be quite proud that in the past couple years we've had a lot of pieces of legislation that we propose or that we've looked at.

And that's it conjunction with out is it came from each and every one of you in the in our state.

And and I see that continuing.

There's definitely 8 passion and enthusiasm for aviation.

And so hopefully that will continue on aviation and aerospace and such a big part of our commonwealth that it would behoove us not to continue to move aviation and aerospace in Kentucky forward.

All of it is be proud of what you want and KET up the good work because it's so hot.

>> In 2019, Kentucky export of more than 14 billion dollars in aerospace products and parts.

Although the industry collapsed in 2020.

And 21 Robert Riggs says exports have climbed to more than 10 billion and the past year and are increasing.

♪ It may be known as the world's longest cave, but there is so much more to learn and explore than its underground passages.

This Black History Month, we highlight the work of African-Americans whose efforts led to the guided tours offered today at Mammoth Cave National Park.

M*** and Matt.

>> That's my great, great grandfather.

They're bought up from Nashville, Tennessee in 18, 38.

>> Jerry Bransford enslaved ancestors were among the first in modern times to re discover and explore men.

Okay.

>> And this label is what helped the tricks of the trade.

And they seem to have done quite well.

They learn to explore.

>> These guys got really famous.

And if the baby is calling them an okay that I was almost even to be my guy want matter.

Nick, we're Alford.

>> Upon his retirement in 2004 grants for chose to continue as family's legacy becoming a cave guide himself, sharing stories of historical importance.

>> You know, I'd read about some history, but there's some things I could never have known about until I can walk in the footsteps.

And I can imagine the get up and go that you had to have to want to go that far in Reddit uncleared case.

>> With slavery, legal thing in 18, 64.

Yes, it was.

It was slaves who did much of the difficult work of traversing uncharted territory and underground maze of tunnels and passages.

>> But down into the earth and that, okay, they were matched up for grabs and they love free.

Is courting kings and Queens to the case.

Ralph Waldo Emerson.

General George Custer.

The work brought the men much pride.

>> And even after Jerry's great, great Uncle Nick was able to buy his freedom papers returning to Nashville, Tennessee.

He would choose to come back to Mammoth Cave a year later.

>> You realize just because you have a paper, this is your free.

Doesn't mean people treat you any different He's at if I'm to be a slave, I would be a slave in a place where people recognize me as a God.

>> He created this hotel.

This is over on Flint Ridge.

>> And my great uncle Madison.

Bradford had a hotel and a summer resort right down there was nicer things you've ever seen.

I've got pictures to outfit says it's right was a rate in 1924, which was a lot of money.

>> When the federal government decided to make Mammoth Cave National Park, they declare eminent domain.

>> My grandfather received about $30 make up for 17 acre farm.

He was given 16 months to be out there.

>> Not only did they lose their homeland, but they were expelled as tour guides.

>> But I do wonder how would it have been?

2 grew up in a cave.

Working at 30 years.

We've got people from all of the world.

And I want you no longer qualified to do a job.

You've done all your life.

>> When Jerry discovered the Bransford cemetery where many of his relatives are buried the week took.

>> The high to Brad Wills and pistols.

And finally get back here.

This cemetery was grown up.

You know, maybe feel a little over plan and sad.

So I had in my heart that I was going to clean the >> and that's what he did with the help of volunteers and co-workers and received approval for a monument to commemorate the resting place.

>> The Staples Street.

But this memorial to me sets the tone of the re creation of the best, >> It is hoped that the cemetery will serve as a reminder of the black history that laid the foundation for the National Park.

It sits upon.

>> KET the story alive.

That's what's most important to me that so much was taken from them.

Their land in some cases, their children, their job.

I can't go back and get anything but I can speak in their behalf.

>> For Kentucky edition, I'm Laura Rogers.

Thank you, Laura.

You can see this history up close and in person tomorrow afternoon, there's a Ranger lead hi to the Bransford cemetery.

>> It leaves from the Mammoth Cave visitor center at 1 o'clock Central Time.

♪ >> If you like Peter Pan, Paddington or pancakes, we have some ideas for you.

Our guide to begin says details as we look at what's up around the Commonwealth.

♪ >> It's the last battle of Kentuckyian the Louisville versus Lexington comedy Battle tonight in Louisville.

Laugh along.

As for Louisville comics only Duke it out with 4 Lexington Comics to determine which city is funnier.

Have you ever wondered where the classic tale of Peter Pan came from?

Well, look, no further.

The lead center for the Arts in Winchester is putting on Peter and the Starcatcher this weekend.

And next from marauding Pirates to jungle tyrants, unwilling comrades, 2 unlikely heroes.

See how a young orphan becomes the boy who won't grow up.

>> Celebrate Black History month Saturday evening in Ashland with good trouble.

A Black History Month celebration.

Test your knowledge with Black History Month trivia this into a musical performance by Jonathan, the artist and explore the history of black Resistance in America.

A space like never before or during Morehead State's star theater, cosmic colors this Saturday learn why the sky is blue line.

Ours is red and what the actual color of a dinosaur is this amazing cause make colorful adventure.

Join your furry friend.

Paddington at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg next Monday.

Addington gets in a jam is a family friendly show full of mischief and mayhem.

A whole lot of masks and even more laughs.

The classic board game comes to life during barn lot.

Peters production of clue this weekend.

And next in Edmonton joined Scarlet Plum Green, White Peacock and mustard as they race to answer the age old question of who done it.

See the classic Jane Austen tale Pride and prejudice Come to life in Henderson.

Next Monday joined the Bennett sisters as they navigate the difficult waters toward love and marriage and his social satire filled with with romance and a whole lot of dancing.

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

I'm Colby.

Good rules.

>> As always, thank you, Joe Gibbs join us again Monday for Kentucky Edition, you'll meet the newest member of the Kentucky General Assembly.

As we sit down with state Sen elect Kasey Chambers.

Armstrong, just days after her win in a Jefferson County special elections.

See that interview Monday night.

>> Of course, at what time, 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central where we inform connect and inspire subscribe to our weekly Kentucky Edition email newsletter and watch full episodes and clips online at KET Dot Org.

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

If you've got a story idea, get us up there as well.

Thank you for watching this See you next.

♪