♪ >> Well, I don't think it's a anti the measure because it doesn't do away with the officers searched the training.

>> A Senate Republican says diversity, equity and inclusion policies that Kentucky's colleges have gone too far.

>> It's going to be home for these girls is not a facility is not present at that.

It's a an actual home for them.

>> We'll take you to a place helping victims of human trafficking, a crime, more common than you might think.

And bond all off.

Some real went to weather is headed our way.

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

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION on this Thursday, January.

11th, thank you much so much for joining us.

I'm Renee Shaw, a high ranking Senate Republican pushes back against criticism over his bill, restricting diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

>> Kentucky's public colleges he claims is measure is not Anti Dei, but anti-discrimination Bowling Green Senator Mike Wilson says students and employees on college campuses across the state have complained the dei measures are divisive.

His Senate Bill, 6 outlines 16 concepts that would be considered divisive and prohibited and classes in trainings.

I talked to Senator Wilson earlier today from our Frankfort studios about what prompted the bill more about that in tonight's kickoff of our legislative update.

>> What we've seen in the eye across the country and even this, I've had people talk to me that are here in Kentucky that students are experiencing that, you know, having to take the training ascribe to a litmus test, the political ideology that goes beyond what our federal and state laws are in regards to racism in anti-discrimination, you know, measures which I I don't think that we need to be doing that.

>> So there are some substantiated cases of facing that.

Is that also coming from some of the university personnel?

Are you hearing that as well?

And has that been substantiated?

I am.

I'm hearing that from university personnel as well.

>> That are located here in Kentuckyian there are documented cases across the country where they've been denied promotion.

They've been denied hiring because of their statements to the guy that does not agree with the university in regards to you know, we we all believe in diversity.

Well, believe in being included.

We believe in quality, you know, opportunities and things like that.

So we're not trying to get rid of the guy, but we are trying to make sure that what we're doing is in line with our state and federal We're not trying to prohibit teaching history year, you know, slavery and all of those things that were being accused of that.

But we're not there probably be in addition to the bill to specifically state that that this bill does not prohibit that.

>> What I was just going to go to that Senator Wilson, that in the bill is fairly simple ours or seen a lot of it But it does not mention about the prohibition against teaching certain materials that could even be perceived as as offending a student who heard those and giving them grounds to file a case.

What have the higher education officials in the state of this republic universities.

Only that this applies to what have they said to you in response to Senate Bill they are still reviewing From my perspective, you know, off the record.

>> They still can't say that they disagree with any of the prohibited.

The provisions that are in the bill so as far as that goes will have to wait and say, I know they don't like one particular aspect of it, which is is the right of private action, which means which means that if a student or death, you know, an employee of the university feels like they've been discriminated based on this litmus test that they have.

They can right of action against the So they they they feel that gives up their sovereignty and they don't like that.

Of course, that recently happened with a bill that was passed with a student faces disciplinary action that their right of private action was in that too, as well.

Right?

>> And the penalties can be similarly steep is says in the bill excluding reasonable attorneys fees and litigation cause any prevailing claimant.

Shelby awarded no less than $10,000, but no more than $100,000.

Cume.

The cumulative Lee par Action.

Pretty state.

How did you arrive at those numbers?

>> Well, you know, in one of the things that if you do not limit the number, it could be a lot steeper.

In regards to these cases, especially if it's a jury award.

So we wanted to make sure that, you know, it was significant too motivate, I guess, accountability with our universities to practice those principles that we have in there that are excluded.

So that's kind of the book in there for accountability as well as reporting as well.

>> There is some concern that measures like these could disincentivize certain populations of students, underrepresented minorities, ethnic social minorities, from going to Kentucky, public universities and thereby that could exacerbate the labor shortages that Kentucky is experiencing from an economic development standpoint.

How wise how smart is this legislation?

>> You know, I don't really think that this is something that that really focus on.

Like I said, I think our federal laws.

State laws that we have that are on the books was doing a good job of this I think that this was something that's been developed over the last 8 to 10 years.

And that seems to be a lot of people adopting.

But I found that there are companies now that are getting rid of all their DIA because they say it creates such a toxic work environment their for their employees in its just not been beneficial for them.

So we say a lot of people doing away with it and that there seems to be a movement towards that because of that.

And I think that students want freedom of speech.

I think this is something that preserves that.

You know, I know for me, I lived to 17 years in Southern California.

The church I went to I was a you know, because we had so many different racial diversity within their church and it was great.

We love that.

I just think that's what we all want.

We all want to see.

And I just don't think this helps promote it.

>> The Kentucky Council on post-secondary education sent Kts statement about Senate Bill 6 quoted says Cpe is aware of the bill filed by Sen Wilson and we are monitoring its progress while engaging in conversation with legislators on the possible effects of this bill in its current form, unquote.

Governor Andy Beshear today defended Dei policies.

He sought to clarify how dei is defined and who exactly benefits from it.

>> So the federal put out an executive order that has these definitions and equity.

If you put up there means consistent and systematic fair, just and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to this.

These are the 2 important words.

Underserved communities.

So this bogeyman that people are using called Dei.

Who is this post to benefit right now?

Our state legislature is pushing back against a concept that has meant to help people, including rural Americans, veterans and areas adversely affected by persistent poverty.

That is almost all of Kentucky.

The way that this is defined federally.

Should give us an advantage.

Just securing federal grants.

>> The governor also praised new numbers showing strong enrollment gains and higher education with Kentucky ranking first overall from the fall of 2022.

To the fall of last year, Doctor Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Post-secondary Education, says that's good news for people who've been left behind in the past, including people who are of color and people from rural areas.

A bill that some are calling Kentucky's version of a red flag.

Law has yet to be filed in Frankfort, Republican state Senator Whitney Westerfield is working on the so-called car act, which stands for crisis, aversion and rights for tension.

The bill seeks to protect those in mental or emotional distress from hurting themselves or others.

Today, a group of advocates called a safer Kentucky network rallied in the Capitol Rotunda and supported the proposed legislation.

They were joined by members of 2 other groups, Whitney, Strong and Moms Demand Action.

>> Are is a bipartisan bill that has had support as far back as 2019.

That is focused on helping gun owners.

Gun owners have crisis moments just like anybody else.

And we need a tool to be able to press pause and get them help and make sure that they do not have access to a farm when they're in the best solutions come when both sides of the aisle work together.

But secondly, it's important because the makeup of the state, you know, in order for any policy to really move in the state, you're going to need to get both sides involved.

And so we're happy to represent, doing work in that way.

>> I am a republic and I am a gun owner.

I am from a girl part of this state and I am so overwhelmed and distressed by the amount of gun tragedies that we're seeing every day that what might previously been seen as a division, Republican, Democrat, urban world, kind known or not.

Those divisions have all broken away because we are so heartbroken.

And frankly, we're so scared about gun violence that now those divisions are really of the past and the future is this new majority that just wants common sense.

>> Groups in favor of the car at say they have plans to continue pushing lawmakers to consider moving the legislation forward.

Few employers in Kent hockey offer paid family leave.

That's time off for parents to spend with their newborns or for people to care for their sick relatives.

A bill to expand paid family leave options in Kentucky is gaining traction early in the legislative session.

Kentucky additions June Leffler has more.

Kentucky employers don't have to offer paid family leave that Representative Samarra have run, says this benefit is barely an option in the state.

>> The biggest questions for what can we come up with?

That strengthens Kentucky families doesn't hurt Kentucky.

Small business as it can pass the Kentucky General Assembly.

Her bill would give Kentucky employers the option to expand their insurance benefits to include paid family leave.

Something lawmakers have to sign off on.

This is a market driven policy proposal that includes no mandates on the specific no mandates on employers.

Workers are families.

My family leave insurance will provide a temporary wage replacement for workers who need to take leave to provide care for a sick family member bonds, the child after the child's birth adoption or placement for foster care care for a family member in the military or first responders who are injured in the line of duty or for other reasons outlined in the employer's plan, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce supports this bill saying Kentucky has to KET up with other states to attract and retain workers.

>> Employers in Tennessee will soon be allowed to authorize this or offer this type of benefits.

Employers in Virginia are already able to do so.

We know Indiana is taking a close look at this states like Texas, Florida, Arkansas, the states have already passed legislation to authorize this.

So anytime we see a tool that employers and other states can use.

We always want to make sure that that becomes available to Kentucky employers as well.

>> The representative Tom Smith worries expanding paid family leave, could hurt small businesses when competing for We don't want.

>> To introduce things and cause things to pull people away from our area.

just be mindful of that and incentives do that.

And I don't blame people for trying to take the best.

You know, you can find the best abilities for the family.

>> Still Smith and all members of the House banking, an insurance committee voted to advance the bill.

Democrats say the bill could go further.

But I understand not putting a mandate on is something that we need to do at this moment.

I just really hope that we have a lot of people that take advantage of this in hope state government takes advantage of this.

I think that we as state government should be setting the example of how we want small businesses, large corporations, anybody to be treating their employees.

House Bill.

One 79 needs further readings on the House floor.

If it were to become law, it would go into effect immediately for Kentucky edition of John Leffler.

Thank you, June.

Just one in 5 workers in Kentucky can get paid family leave through their job according to the National Partnership for Women and Families.

>> A federal law says workers who've been on the job for at least a year are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid family.

Leave.

In other news, one of the victims of last year's mass shooting at Old National Bank in Louisville is being honored through a donation that will bring clean drinking water to millions.

>> I'm so moved.

Tuesday's me by >> Anonymous donation in Tommy's memory.

It is truly a selfless and generous act and a beautiful way to honor him and what he did for this community.

>> That was Marianne Elliott widow of Tommy Elliot, who accepted a $500,000 donation made in his honor to water step a Louisville based nonprofit the provide safe water to communities in developing countries.

Also on hand of you see there is Governor Andy Beshear, a longtime friend of the Eliot.

You had a message for the anonymous donor.

>> really grateful.

I'm really grateful both that you're recognizing Tommy and Marion and I'm really grateful that you're doing something in their honor.

That's truly helping.

Not just one generation, but everyone that comes after it so to speak for.

>> The founder of Water Step said the donation will go toward expanding its clean water technology developed in Louisville, which will provide clean water for millions of people around the world.

Today is national human Trafficking Awareness Day.

It's a day set aside to raise awareness that this crime often happens in our own backyards by those and against those released suspect suspect and Madison County, a nonprofit is working to educate people about human trafficking and provide a safe space for survivors.

>> How this got started was from a >> and my daughter was In February of 20 >> I didn't want to live.

So I got my pear cause it and I tell God, if you're going to make me live, you're going to have to give me something to do for you until allowed to come to him.

So it was shortly after that that I got a message from a friend of mine and he asked me if I'd pray about do in the U.S. Jordan.

She was an assistant prosecuting attorney in northern Kentucky at one time and she was on the Human trafficking Task force.

okay, that's why this is this is why this is my job for the rest of my Have dedicated to this.

It's going to be home for these girls may have to feel like home should be like what their home.

But they should have been failing, you know, sit down and eat together, watch TV together.

Actually love each other and and the cast.

And it's just a big foster home is all basically what it is, except we're hoping to be able to KET them until the age out.

It's strictly for goes 14, so high school age.

>> Because it will it will be easier to educate them, whether they are because we want him home or in how schooling there trauma therapy there they have access.

24 hour their peak needs wanting Kwan.

They're p they're a way for them to learn life skills and to continue.

To heal from the experiences that they've had.

We want to be extremely focused on healing for sexual trauma, sexual trauma sugar.

Some of the things in your brain that not necessarily fiscal council does and I believe everybody has different experiences when it comes to that sexual trauma.

So having a psychologist on call in a specific therapist there that can do CBT or any type of therapy that the girls might need strictly trauma based therapy as long as trauma based therapy.

That's the difference with I believe this house and how it's going to be great.

Each one will be a case-by-case basis.

So showing them that their needs are important.

They are important as an individual, but also how to integrate with other people to develop that.

Safe community.

Human trafficking looks different.

We have.

Parents or caregivers that are on drugs who are using their children, too.

Or trucks who rainy out their children.

For money or renting out their children for food and all that running out was down to trafficking.

People really don't know.

>> How bad human trafficking is, especially Kentucky.

So in 2019, Kentucky, right number 9 in the nation for human trafficking.

And that was the federal cases report is the awareness we feel it's really important out without always hear about human trafficking.

And I'm thankful I don't somebody is sent in.

But then I've learned we are the somebody not just me, but you also everybody.

It takes us all every everybody.

But ever, Kentucky needs to stay at that and try to get that out of here.

♪ ♪ >> Get that heavy coat ready.

A winter blast is headed to Kentucky with wind rain, snow and plummeting temperatures.

Our Kristie dot and finds out hit and what we should expect.

>> Wild weather moves in this weekend.

We start with the wind advisory.

We end up in the deep freeze.

Michael coach asked if he's the warning cordinator from the National Weather Service in Louisville joins us.

Okay, Michael, what the system is bringing these big weather changes in this weekend.

>> So we have a big low pressure system.

We called a bomb cyclone where it just becomes massively love.

Those moves across the state.

And that's why we're going to see that big win.

Maybe some storm potential to be a little snow and definitely that cold air coming in by next week.

>> Okay.

So this bomb cyclones, we're really going to start feeling the effects really tomorrow for Friday.

So Friday we go under an advisory.

What can we expect is a lot of people are starting to head into a long weekend.

>> Sure is that we have very high confidence that you're going to see wind gusts between 45 55 miles per hour, maybe even higher than that and some storms.

So not a great travel day.

If your travel of the higher profile vehicle specially be very careful as you roadways.

>> We're expecting rain to for Friday.

So it's windy and rainy.

Any flooding potential.

>> Parting the waters most who are concerned with on the highways.

So it will be a good inch or 2 to see that before.

So we're not really expecting any flooding.

Flash flooding like that.

But if you're traveling with a win, like you mentioned, slick roadways with the rain, not a great travel day.

So don't travel if you don't have to.

But if you are, you have to careful.

>> Okay.

The wind, the rain Friday.

Then what happens on Saturday?

>> So Saturday, that's when the cold air starts coming in.

You might see a little bit of snow flakes Saturday morning.

Maybe a 10th of an inch or so nothing.

Not a big deal that are tense is really turning towards Sunday night into Monday.

We're seeing a lot of cold air coming in.

Probably the coldest since Christmas of 20 to that real cool air came in was something that, yeah, we're going to see the 0 degree temperatures.

Maybe wind chills up to -15 -20.

So very cold.

Be sure to bundle up.

So I know that most of January's record low temperatures are in the negative numbers of this may not be record breaking but certainly cold enough to have an impact on a lot of plants probably too, like we saw a couple years ago.

>> Last year was the 4 Bucks less.

They're not doing too good because that cold temperatures.

So if you have any sense of place, you know, try to protect him as best it can.

But that Cole is going to deep freeze.

>> Yeah, absolutely.

Okay.

What about roadways, especially for folks may be traveling you know, is that Friday would be a bad day.

But what about once those temperatures drop in, there might be a few snowflakes flying.

>> Sure.

So there's a lot of for the next week system into Monday.

Martin Luther King Day, we're seeing anywhere from weekend.

It was 0.

We could end up with 4 to 6 inches of snow.

So there's still a lot of uncertainty and we recommend people stay current on their their their forecast apps or go to weather dot Gov.

And click on the map for our latest forecast information.

We're still quite uncertain at this point, but there could be some impacts, you know, across the area roadway.

And if you're out traveling about it could be slick.

>> At home, I don't you stay warm.

We'll try to do the same.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

Thank you.

>> Thank you, Christine.

Here are a few things to KET in mind as the winds pick up and the mercury drops tomorrow as winds could cause power outages for some never run generators indoors.

The faucets dripping to prevent pipes located along outside walls from freezing dress in warm layers and wear a hat and gloves and last but not least bring those pets inside and cover those box which this time around.

♪ ♪ >> January has seen a sharp uptick and non-fatal drug overdoses in Lexington.

That's according to the overdose detection.

Mapping application system or odd map.

>> 29 non-fatal overdoses were reported between January 4th and January, 7th.

And that's after 17 reported the previous week.

Fayette County had not received an alert from the odd map system since February of 2023. officials with the Fayette County.

Harm reduction team are urging caution.

>> The best thing that people can do, particularly people who are using drugs or their friends and family around them would be to never use the around.

We always tell people to low and go slow.

You can always take more drugs, but you can't take them out once you've taken them.

Part of our program is to distribute Narcan throughout the community and to our participants.

And we want everybody that may encounter an overdose or maybe overdose themselves to have Narcan on hand we also encourage people to go to treatment.

We have recovery resources.

We determine what's best for that person based on their needs and help them find somewhere that's going to fit for them.

We know that people will not recover from substance use disorder and till they're ready.

And so trying wrested away or force them into anything is not going to work.

It needs to be their choice in on their time.

>> Since its founding in 2015, the Lexington, Fayette County Health Department, harm Reduction Clinic has seen over 94,000 visits and distributed more than 32,000 doses of Narcan.

More than 3 times as many people die by suicide each year in Kentucky, then died by homicide.

That's according to the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

If you or someone you know, is thinking about suicide, you can reach out to the suicide and crisis lifeline by dialing 9, 8, 8, on the next episode of Kentucky Health Doctor Wayne talks and talks with a psychiatrist at the University of Louisville about how you can help someone struggling with suicidal thoughts.

>> The that are can be categorized a couple different ways.

The main one is removal of access.

Okay.

So if if an individual has weapons at home, you know, if they have a history of attempting suicide by a specific weapon or a specific methodology, then trying to mitigate and control for those factors by removing the access to that is quite beneficial and then access to health care.

If they do have a health care provider.

But there's a PCP, a psychiatrist and therapist, whomever, then a lot advocating for that individual to go and talk to their professionals about seeking treatment you can help quite a bit.

And most of all, it's the change of the conversation around mental illness.

You know, this is mental illness is excess and neurological.

The problem, it's not you're not seeking help.

You're seeking treatment.

And there's a difference between those 2 things.

>> An important topic and you can learn more on doctor toxins, conversation that's on Kentucky Health this Sunday at one, 30 Eastern 12, 30 central right here on KET.

Well, that'll do it for us tonight.

Thank you so very much for watching.

We hope to see you right back here again tomorrow night at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central for Kentucky edition where we inform connect and inspire.

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Thank you so very much for watching.

And I'll see you right back here again tomorrow night.

Have a good evening.

♪