[♪♪] >> Bill: THE 2025 KENTUCKY LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN AND CUTTING THE STATE INCOME TAX AGAIN SEEMS TO BE AT THE TOP OF THE REPUBLICAN TO DO LIST.

KENTUCKY'S MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM BEGINS WITH NEW REVELATIONS ABOUT GUN OWNERSHIP.

GOVERNOR BESHEAR WILL BE GOING TO SWITZERLAND FOR A CHANCE TO SPEAK ON A WORLD STAGE.

REMEMBERING PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER INCLUDING HIS MANY TRIPS TO KENTUCKY.

HEADING TOWARD A RUN-IN WITH WINTER WEATHER, COMMENT IS NEXT ON KET.

[♪♪] GOOD EVENING I'M BILL BRYANT.

AND WE WELCOME YOU TO "COMMENT ON KENTUCKY".

A LOOK BACK AT AND SOME ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK'S NEWS IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

AND THE GUESTS ON OUR PANEL OF WORKING KENTUCKY JOURNALISTS ARE ISAIAH KIM-MARTINEZ, SENIOR REPORTER FOR W WHVMENT AS11 IN LOUISVILLE.

SARAH LADD, HEALTH AND POLICY REPORTER FOR THE KENTUCKY LANTERN.

AND ALEX ACQUISTO POLITICS AND HEALTH REPORTER FOR THE ALEX ACQUISTO HERALD LEADER.

THE POLICE UNION RAISESES QUESTIONS ABOUT A CONSENT DECREE INVOLVING LMPD AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

AND SOME NEW LAWS ARE IN EFFECT IN KENTUCKY BUT WE BEGIN WITH THE PREDICTIONS OF SEVERE WEATHER FOR THIS WEEKEND AHEAD.

SNOW AND ICE ARE PREDICTED FOR SUNDAY IN MUCH OF KENTUCKY.

GOVERNOR BESHEAR IS TELLING KENTUCKIANS TO BE PREPARED.

>> LET'S MAKE SURE THAT WE START 2025 BEING CAREFUL.

LOOKING OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER AND CHECKING THAT WEATHER REPORT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE SAFE GETTING TO THE PLACES WE NEED TO GO.

>> Bill: SO OUR FIRST REAL WINTER STORM OF THE SEASON COULD CAUSE ISSUES.

>> BILL, IT'S BEEN A WHILE AND IT'S BEEN WARM UNTIL THIS POINT WHICH IS WHAT IS CAUSING THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FOLKS IN OUR AREA TO RAISE SOME CONCERNS.

NOW, IT'S NOT GOING TO BE WHAT KENTUCKY SAW BACK IN 2009.

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS WITHOUT POWER THAT IS WHAT WE'RE TOLD BY THE EXPERTS.

HOWEVER, IT WILL DEPEND SEVERITY WISE AS TO HOW MUCH SNOWFALLS FIRST TO LAY THAT GROUND WORK BEFORE WE SEE THE ICE FROM SUNDAY INTO MONDAY THAT DO DICTATE HOW THE WEEK GOES FORWARD.

>> Bill: AND FOLLOWED BY A INTENSE COLD AND THAT ALWAYS COMES WITH ITS OWN SET OF ISSUES.

>> IT DOES AND WITH A BIG WINTER STORM LIKE THIS, A COLD-SNAP IT'S VERY GOOD TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO NOT ALLOW CARBON MONOXIDE IN YOUR HOUSE AND YOUR PIPES DON'T FREEZE AND CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS.

IF THERE ARE POWER OUTAGES BECAUSE OF THE ICE THAT WILL CAUSE MORE CONDITIONS BUT IT'S GOOD TO BE SMART.

>> Bill: AND CHECK AHEAD ON MONDAY.

THERE COULD BE CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS AND SO ON.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE UNHOUSED, T█OO, A LOT OF CITIES WILL HAVE WARMING CENTERS AND YOU CAN SEEK THAT OUT AS WELL.

>> Bill: WE HOPE EVERYBODY GETS THROUGH THIS SITUATION SAFELY.

THE LEGACY AND KENTUCKY CONNECTIONS OF FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER WHO DIED THIS WEEK AT AGE 100 ARE TOP OF MIND.

CARTER CARRIED KENTUCKY WHEN HE WON THE PRESIDENCY IN 1976 AND LOST IT IN 1980 WHEN DEFEATED BY REAGAN.

HE IS REMEMBERED FOR CAMPAIGNING IN KENTUCKY AND RETURNING AS PRESIDENT AFTER HIS YEARS IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

GOVERNOR CARROLL WAS ONE OF CARTER'S EARLY SUPPORTERS AND WELCOMED HIM BACK TO THE STATE IN THE 1970s.

>> KENTUCKIANS HAVE PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD TODAY.

THE HOSPITALITY OF KENTUCKY HAS BEEN AT ITS FINEST.

>> I WANT CONGRESS TO GIVE ME THE AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE UTILITY COMPANIES TO CUT IN HALF THEIR USE OF OIL AND TO SWITCH TO OTHER FUELS ESPECIALLY COAL.

>> Bill: YOU ARE REMINDED HOW LONG AGO THAT WAS.

DARTER TALKING ABOUT THE ROLE OF COAL AND THE NATION'S ENERGY MIX.

HE CHAMPIONED THE AGO THAT SET RULES AND PROVIDED MONEY FOR MINE RECLAMATION.

THAT WAS A VERY IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL PIECE FOR EASTERN KENTUCKY.

>> IT WAS FASCINATING AND TRULY WAS THAT 40 PLUS YEARS AGO.

IMAGINE A DEMOCRAT ON A NATIONAL SCALE ENCOURAGING THE USE OF COAL NOW.

IT REALLY SHOWS HOW THE TIMES HAVE CHANGED.

BUT IT WAS NOTABLE OUR DOUG PROFIT DID A PIECE SHOWING HOW MUCH PEOPLE WERE IN AWE OF THE PRESIDENT AS HE WAS SEEKING REELECTION.

WHETHER THEY AGREED WITH HIS POLICIES OR NOT.

BUT CERTAINLY IT WAS A SIGN OF THE TIMES WERE QUITE DIFFERENT.

AS WE ENTER THE 80s AT THE TIME.

>> Bill: AND CARTER RETURNED TO KENTUCKY IN THE POST PRESIDENCY IN FACT HE CAME TO BUILD HOMES FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.

HE MADE A LOT OF FRIENDS HERE.

I FOUND IT REMARKABLE HOW MANY KENTUCKIANS MADE THE TRIP TO PLAINS, GEORGIA, TO VISIT WITH HIM OR ATTEND HIS SUNDAY MORNING SCHOOL LESS LESSONS THERE.

>> HE HAD A REPUTATION FOR BEING APPROACHABLE WHILE HE WAS PRESIDENT AND CERTAINLY AFTER.

HE CAME HERE IN THE LATE 90s AS PART OF THE HABITAT PROJECT AT THE CARTER WORK PROJECT.

BUILT DOZENS OF HOMES IN EASTERN KENTUCKY.

MANY OF WHICH ARE STILL STANDING TODAY.

YOU DON'T VISIT COMMUNITIES LIKE THAT WITHOUT FORMING BONDS WITH THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE THERE THE LOCAL LEADERS AND IT'S NOT EVERYDAY THAT YOU CAN SAY A FORMER PRESIDENT HELPED BUILD YOUR HOUSE.

THEY CARRY THAT MEMORY FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.

>> Bill: SOME OF KENTUCKY'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION SPOKE OUT OF CARTER'S DEATH.

MITCH McCONNELL ISSUED A STATEMENT THAT SAID JIMMY CARTER'S CHARACTER AND COMMITMENT JUST LIKE HIS CROPS WERE FRUITS OF ALL AMERICAN SOIL.

IT WAS A VERY BIPARTISAN REACTION TO CARTER'S DEATH.

>> AND WHEN IT COMES TO BIPARTISAN, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP.

HE SHARED A STATEMENT ON TRUTH SOCIAL SAYING THE NATION OWES HIM QUOTING HIM, OWED HIM A DEBT OF GRATITUDE.

TRUMP WAS VOCAL SAYING HE HAS REALIZED REGARDLESS OF THE POLICY PHILOSOPHICAL DIFFERENCES, HE VERY MUCH HAD WITH JIMMY CARTER AND THAT WAS SHARED BOTH WAYS HE SAYS HE RESPECTED THE COUNTRY AND LOVED THE COUNTRY VERY MUCH AND STAYED TRUE TO HIS ROOTS.

TO THE VERY END SOMETHING THAT YOU'VE SEEN FOLKS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE AGREE WITH.

>> Bill: SERVICES FOR CARTER WILL BE HELD IN THE WEEK AHEAD IN WASHINGTON.

BACK HERE IN KENTUCKY THE 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.

WE'LL SEE IF THE INCOMING WEATHER IMPACTS THE START OF THINGS IN FRANKFORT.

IT IS A SHORT 30-DAY SESSION BUT IT'S CLEAR THERE ARE LOTS OF TOPICS SWIRLING OUT THERE.

AT THIS POINT, DAYS AWAY, DOES IT APPEAR THAT CUTTING THE STATE INCOME TAX ANOTHER HALF PERCENT IS THE TOP PRIORITY?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I MEAN IT'S ACTUALLY, BILL, ONE OF THE FEW ISSUES PRIORITIES THAT REPUBLICANS WHICH WE'VE SEEN THEM BE FRACTURED AT TIMES ON OTHER ISSUES, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE MAJORITY CAN GET BEHIND OR.

WE'RE GETTING DOWN TO 3.9%.

THE GOVERNOR IS SAYING ALTHOUGH HE BELIEVES THERE IS A POT WHERE YOU START TO DO A DISSERVICE TO OTHER SERVICES IN KENTUCKY HE BELIEVES THAT GOING DOWN TO 3.5% IS DOABLE GIVEN THE TRIGGERS THAT HAVE BEEN MET ECONOMICALLY.

>> Bill: WE ALL KNOW THAT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION ARE LIKELY TO RESURFACE.

NOTHING PASSED LAST YEAR.

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY SINCE ENDED ITS PROGRAM.

BUT DOESN'T THERE SEEM TO BE STILL MOMENTUM FOR A STATE STATUTE ON THIS?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

AND EVEN AFTER THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY ANNOUNCED THAT THEY WERE CLOSING THAT OFFICE AND SEVERAL OTHER INSTITUTIONS FOLLOWED SUIT.

BUT THERE WAS DISCUSSION FROM PEOPLE IN FAVOR OF CUTTING PROGRAMS LIKE THAT WHERE THEY BASICALLY FELT BECAUSE YOU CLOSED AN OFFICE BUT DIDN'T FIRE ANYONE OR GET RID OF ANY PEOPLE, THAT THE MISSION WOULD CONTINUE.

I THINK U.K. ITSELF IN MAKING THAT ANNOUNCEMENT SAID THEY WOULD CONTINUE THE WORK.

AND SO SOME PEOPLE WERE NOT PLEASED WITH THAT BECAUSE THEY FELT LIKE THE NAME WAS GONE BUT THE PURPOSE WOULD CONTINUE.

SO THEY REALLY WANT MORE SPECIFIC LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS THAT.

>> IN SPEAKING WITH SENATE MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER MAX WISE, HE TOLD ME THIS IS DEFINITELY AN ISSUE THAT REPUBLICANS HOPE TO BRING UP POLICY THEY HOPE TO PASS.

OF COURSE THIS IS ONE OF THE LAST BILLS LEFT ON THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR WHEN THE CLOCK STRUCK MIDNIGHT LAST YEAR'S SESSION.

WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE IS MORE UNCLEAR.

WHETHER IT WILL TARGET HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS LIKE U.K., WHETHER IT WILL TAKE AIM AT K-12 SCHOOLS LIKE ONE OF THE ANTI-D.E.I.

BILLS DID LAST YEAR.

WE DON'T KNOW THE PARAMETERS OF IT BUT IT'S BOUND TO COME UP AGAIN.

>> Bill: WHEN YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THE UNIVERSITIES IT'S GENERALLY ENROLLMENT AND PROGRAMS.

BUT K-12 LEVEL IT WOULD HAVE TO BE CURRICULUM.

>> IT LOOKS DIFFERENT BECAUSE YOU DON'T HAVE ADMISSIONS IN K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

DEPENDING ON WHICH LEVEL YOU INSTITUTED POLICY YOU WOULD HAVE TO GET INTO THE CLASSROOM CURRICULUM I BELIEVE ONE OF THE BILLS FILED LAST YEAR TOOK AIM AT TRAUMA INFORMED THERAPY.

IT'S BOUNDLESS WHAT YOU CAN TARGET.

AND WE KNOW THERE'S REPUBLICAN MOMENTUM BEHIND IT.

IT'S JUST A MATTER OF HOW FAR WILL THEY GO.

>> ON THAT POINT, TOO, IT WILL BE INTERESTING TALKING ABOUT K-12 WILL WE SEE A BILL WHERE REPUBLICANS SAY SCHOOL DISTRICTS ABOVE 75,000 OR CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT WE KNOW THE SUPREME COURT ALLOWED SENATE BILL ONE TO BE ENACTED PAVING THE WAY FOR LEGISLATION TO SPECIFICALLY TARGET LOUISVILLE.

WILL WE SEE IF NOTHING ELSE, A K-12DAY.

ANTI-D.E.I.

BILL.

THEY WERE NOT HAPPY WITH THE CHIEF EQUITY OFFICER AND HIS STATEMENTS ON-LINE.

>> Bill: ALL RIGHT.

WE'LL WATCH THAT.

AND DEMOCRATS ARE SPARSE IN THE LEGISLATURE RIGHT NOW AS WE KNOW.

THEY DO INTEND TO BE HEARD ON SOME ISSUES INCLUDING ON THIS ONE.

MINORITY CAUCUS CHAIRMAN SENATOR REGGIE THOMAS TOLD ME HE OPPOSES THEDAY.

LEGISLATION AND CALL IT IS UNNECESSARY AND SAYS IT IS IMPORTANT TO GO ON RECORD ON SOME ISSUES EVEN WHEN THE MAJORITY CAN RUN OVER THE MINORITY.

>> HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT YOU ARE ON THE RECORD WHEN YOU DISAGREE?

>> WELL, THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT.

WHEN I SPEAK I DON'T THINK I SPEAK BY MYSELF.

I THINK THERE ARE MILLIONS OF OTHER KENTUCKIANS WHO AGREE WITH WHAT I'M SAYING.

AND I SPEAK FOR THEM.

AND EVEN IF I'M OVERRIDDEN BY A VOTE AT LEAST AT THE END OF THE DAY, I CAN FEEL GOOD THAT I EXPRESSED MY OPINION AND REPRESENTED MY SENATE DISTRICT AND OTHER KENTUCKIANS WHO AGREE WITH ME.

>> Bill: SO THOMAS MENTIONED THINGS THAT HE WILL OPPOSE IN THE UPCOMING SESSION.

AND AT LEAST BE HEARD ON THOSE ISSUES.

BUT HE ALSO HAS A COUPLE OF THINGS HE IS FOR INCLUDING AN INCREASE IN THE STATE'S MINIMUM WAGE WHICH IS CURRENTLY $7.25 AN HOUR.

>> IT'S BEEN 7.25 AN HOUR FOR A LONGTIME.

LISTEN, WHEN IT COMES TO REGGIE THOMAS THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME HE CALLED FOR AN INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM WAGE.

WE'VE HEARD HIM THROW OUT NUMBERS IN THE PAST, $10, $15 TO BRING KENTUCKY CLOSER TO OTHER STATES.

BOTTOM LINE, WILL THERE BE AN APPETITE FROM THIS IN THE SHORT SESSION?

I DON'T KNOW.

WE KNOW IN THE PAST THAT THEY HAVE KIND OF SKIRTED AROUND THAT AND MORE SO TALKED ABOUT AGAIN LOWERING THE STATE INCOME TAX AND LEAVING MORE MONEY IN PEOPLE'S POCKETS.

>> Bill: WE KNOW MANY SURROUNDING STATES HAVE A HIGHER MINIMUM.

TENNESSEE DOES NOT HAVE A STATE MINIMUM WAGE.

DOES IT APPEAR WILL WILL BE TRACTION FOR A BILL TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS TO THE ABORTION BILL?

>> THERE WILL BE A BILL FILED AND FOR VIEWERS TO REMIND OUR ABORTION BAN DOES NOT INCLUDE EXCEPTIONS FOR RAPE, INCEST OR NONVIABLE PREGNANCIES THAT DO NOT IMMEDIATELY THREATEN A PREGNANT PERSON'S LIFE OR A FETAL HEART BEAT.

SO THE BIG QUESTION IT'S BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE ROE WAS OVERTURNED THERE IS A FACTION OF THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS THAT WOULD SUPPORT AN EXCEPTIONS BILL.

I STILL THINK IT IS A LOFT GOAL TO TRY AND GET A MAJORITY TO.

IF THEY DID FILE IT WOULD DEMOCRATS SUPPORT IT?

PROBABLY.

BUT I THINK, YOU KNOW, NOBODY REALLY HAS SO FAR STUCK THEIR NECK OUT TO SAY LISTEN WE SHOULD RECONSIDER THIS LET'S DO IT THIS YEAR.

REMAINS TO BE SEEN.

AND AGAIN IT IS A SHORT SESSION SO THEY COULD USE THAT EXCUSE AND THERE IS AN ACTIVE LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE BAN SO THEY COULD DO WHAT THEY DID, WE WILL LET THE COURTS DECIDE BEFORE WE ALTER THE LAW IN ANYWAY.

>> IT'S INTERESTING TOO, WITH PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP TAKING OFFICE ON A FEDERAL LEVEL REPUBLICANS CONTROLLING BOTH CHAMBERS OF CONGRESS HAS IT TAKEN THE PRESSURE OFF REPUBLICANS HERE IN THE STATE TO VOICE WHETHER IT BE THEIR FEELINGS ON ABORTION OR THEY SEE IT PASSING.

ULTIMATELY I WAS TOLD BY TOMORROW PROMINENT LAWMAKERS THAT THEY DON'T SEE THIS LIKE ALEX MENTIONED TRULY REFLECTING THE VALUES OF KENTUCKIANS.

>> Bill: SO YOU DON'T SEE THE TRACTION?

>> NO.

AND FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROWLINSY BURKE A DEMOCRAT IS GOING TO INTRODUCE A BILL NOT FOR EXCEPTIONS BUT TO RESET THE CLOCK UNTIL TO BEFORE WHEN KENTUCKY'S TRIGGER LAW WENTNA EFFECT.

OPEN UP ABORTION ACCESS ACROSS THE BOARD.

SHE SAID HERSELF SHE HAS NO DELUSION THAT IT WOULD GO ANYWHERE BUT SHE SEES IT AS THE RIGHT THING TO DO AND SHE WILL KEEP FILING IT.

>> Bill: YOU ARE FOLLOWING A PUSH TO ALLOW CAMERAS IN RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES.

AND PRIVACY ISSUES ARE ALL MIXED UP IN THAT DISCUSSION?

>> YES.

THE CLASSIC PRIVACY VERSUS SAFETY WHICH ONE MATTERS MORE DISCUSSION.

THIS SORT OF CENTERS AROUND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES SUPPORTED BY SUPPORTS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING MEDICAID WAIVERS.

AND SO PEOPLE IN THOSE FACILITIES CAN ALREADY APPLY TO GET CAMERAS.

AND THE PEOPLE WHO DECIDE THAT ARE ON A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE AND THEY LOOK AT THIS AT THE CASE THAT'S AND SAY IS IT APPROPRIATE TO WAIVE A RIGHT THIS PERSON HAS TO PRIVACY AND THEY CAN PUT THE CAMERA IN THERE.

SOME PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN THAT.

SOME PEOPLE CAN'T GET THAT FOR WHATEVER REASON.

BUT A MOTHER IN OWENSBORO CONCERNED ABOUT HER DAUGHTER'S SAFETY IS ASKING THE LEGISLATURE TO LET ANYONE OPT INTO CAMERAS TO LET ANYONE WHO IS THE GUARDIAN FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN'T SPEAK FOR THEM HE SELF OR ANYONE TO SAY WITHOUT APPLYING I WANT A CAMERA.

AND YOU HAVE ALL THE CONCERNS ABOUT WHO HAS ACCESS TO THE FOOTAGE, WHO CAN SEE IT WHO CAN ACCESS THE CAMERA.

IT'S MESSY.

BUT SENATOR THOMAS IS SPONSORING THE BILL AND HE IS A DEMOCRAT.

WE'LL SEE HOW THAT TURNS OUT.

>> Bill: THE STATE'S MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM IS NOW OFFICIAL.

AT LEAST ON THE CALENDAR.

ALTHOUGH THE PRACTICALITY OF ROLLING IT OUT IS OBVIOUSLY GOING TO TAKE SOMETIME.

SARAH WE HAVE THE REVELATION NOW THAT FEDERAL LAW DOES NOT ALLOW SOMEONE TO HAVE A MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD AND ALSO BE A FIREARMS OWNER.

HOW DO WE EXPECT THAT TO PLAY OUT.

>> IT'S SORT OF TRICKY BECAUSE MARIJUANA IS A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.

AND SO YOU'VE CAN'T BUY OR OWN A GUN.

AND TAKE A MARIJUANA EVEN THOUGH IT IS IN KENTUCKY FOR MEDICAL USE IN KENTUCKY IT'S FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE CANCER, THINGS LIKE PTSD WHEN YOU SAY PTSD PEOPLE THINK ABOUT VETERANS WHO MAYBE LIKELY TO OWN GUNS AND HAVE GUNS.

IT'S SORT OF MESSY IN THAT WAY.

>> Bill: BE ONE TO WATCH.

>> FOR SURE AND IT'S INTERESTING BECAUSE WE'VE SEEN ON A NATIONAL LEVEL THIS CONCERN FROM SOME LIKE THE FDA TRYING TO RESCHEDULE MARIJUANA AS A WHOLE TO NOT BE A SCHEDULE ONE DRUG.

AND IT'S ALMOST YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS COMING TO SOME DEGREE A LOST US DIDN'T THINK ABOUT IT.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE EFFECTS WHEN IT'S CLASSIFIED A CERTAIN WAY ON A NATIONAL LEVEL EVEN IF MEDICAL OR RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA IS LEGAL ON A STATE LEVEL.

AND YOU MENTIONED THIS, JANUARY THIRD, THIS IS TECHNICALLY BEEN LEGAL FOR TWO DAYS RIGHT NOW ALL FOLKS CAN DO IS GET THEIR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD.

THEY CAN'T GO TO ONE OF THESE DISPENSARIES BECAUSE THE LICENSES HAVE JUST BEEN GIVEN OUT.

THIS IS GOING TO TAKE LONGER.

>> Bill: THIS FIREARMS ISSUE IS TIED UP IN THE ISSUES THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE HAVING TO MAKE.

THERE WAS INITIAL TALK ABOUT DO WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT POLICE OFFICERS USING MEDICAL CANNABIS AND BEING ON THE STREETS.

AND SO MANY CITIES DECIDED THAT THEY DON'T WANT THAT AND THEY HAVE GONE FURTHER AND SAID THAT THE ENTIRE CITY GOVERNMENT WILL BE BANNED IN MANY CASES.

>> I THINK IT WILL PROBABLY LEAD TO A LOT OF PROCEDURAL SNARLS HOW DO WE IMPLEMENT THIS AND HOW DO WE POLICE IT.

YOU MENTIONED POLICE OFFICERS.

ANY NUMBER OF PROFESSIONS REQUIRE THEIR EMPLOYEES TO CARRY GUNS SECURITY GUARDS.

WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA BUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

DOES THAT MEAN IF YOU LIVE IN A PARTICULAR TOWN UNDER THIS NEW POLICY WOULD YOU HAVE TO GET A DIFFERENT JOB BECAUSE YOU CARRY A GUN AND YOU CAN'T HAVE A CARD.

IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN BUT IT WILL BE TRICKY TO IMPLEMENT AND POLICE.

BUT WE'RE A WAYS AWAY FROM THAT.

>> Bill: SARAH OTHER HEALTH NEWS.

NORO VIRUS IS ON THE RISE IN KENTUCKY.

>> IT'S ON THE RISE NATIONWIDE.

AND I TALKED TO A DOCTOR TODAY WHO SAID THIS IS REALLY RELATED TO COVID-19 LOCKDOWNS FOR A COUPLE YEARS PEOPLE WERE ISOLATING IN THEIR HOMES.

THAT IS ENDING.

PEOPLE ARE TRAVELING MORE AND SEEING MORE PEOPLE WE ARE GOING TO SEE MORE SPREAD OF THINGS LIKE FLU AND RSV WHICH WE'VE SEEN AN NORO VIRUS WHICH CAN SPREAD EASILY IT'S VERY CONTAGIOUS AND IT'S SPREAD THROUGH BEING IN CONTACT WITH AN INFECTED PERSON AND THROUGH UNWASHED PRODUCE LIKE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, EATING RAW OYSTERS HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE SAYING DON'T EAT OYSTERS, WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER AND STAY HOME IN YOU ARE STICK.

>> Bill: AND SARAH, YOU'VE REPORTED WHITNEY WESTERFIELD HAS A NEW JOB.

AND HE WILL BE IN THE HEALTH PROFESSION.

>> IN MENTAL HEALTH.

AND SO HE'S MOVING TO LIFE SKILLS WHICH IS A MENTAL HEALTH CENTER IN WESTERN KENTUCKY.

IT SERVES 18 COUNTIES.

HE IS GOING TO DO LEGAL AND GOVERNMENT WORK INTERMLY AND RELATIONAL STUFF OUTSIDE OF THAT.

WESTERFIELD DID NOT RUN FOR REELECTION AND NOW HE'S MOVING INTO THAT SECTOR.

>> Bill: THIS SO WE'LL SEE WHAT HE DOES NEXT.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> Bill: THIS AGREEMENT THAT WOULD BE HISTORIC BETWEEN LMPD AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE THE CONSENT DECREE, ISAIAH, YOU KNOW, IS ALL BUT DONE.

BUT NOW THE RIVER CITY FOP HAS CONCERNS INCLUDING CONFLICTS THERE MAYBE WITH THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.

>> I'M SURPRISED DESPITE THE HOLIDAYS IT TOOK THIS LONG.

THE POLICE UNION MADE THEIR POSITION VERY CLEAR WHEN IT COMES TO THE POLICE REFORM AGREEMENT.

THEY BELIEVE THAT IT UNLAWFULLY SUPERSEDES WHAT THEY HAVE OUTLINED IN THEIR CONTRACT WITH THEIR MEMBERS BEING LOUISVILLE POLICE OFFICERS.

AND THEIR BIG CONCERN IS SOME OF THESE MANDATED REFORMS BY THE DOG IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL SHACKLE OFFICERS FROM BEING ABLE TO DO THE MOST BASIC DUTIES OR MAKE THEM MUCH MORE TEDIOUS SOMETHING THEY'VE TALKED ABOUT IS EXTRA DOCUMENTATION WE'VE SEEN IN OTHER CITIES.

DOING ROUTINE THINGS SUCH AS A TRAFFIC STOP WHICH WE KNOW HAS BEEN PART OF THE ISSUE OUTLINED IN THE REPORT.

THE DOCUMENTATION AND THE STEPS THEY HAVE TO TAKE SIGNIFICANTLY HAS INCREASED IN OTHER CITIES.

THAT IS A CONCERN.

FROM THE POLICE UNION THAT COULD THAT LEAD TO OFFICERS LEAVING.

COULD THAT LEAD TO SOME OF THEM NOT BEING ABLE TO DO THEIR JOBS.

>> Bill: THIS IS LEGAL ACTION TO TRY TO STOP IT?

>> THIS IS A MOTION THAT IS FILED IN FEDERAL COURT JUDGE BEATEN WILL BE OVERSEEING THIS THE CITY HAS UNTIL JANUARY 6, MONDAY, TO RESPOND.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING BECAUSE ULTIMATELY IF THE JUDGE GRANTS IT THE POLICE UNION WILL HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE WHICH COULD MAKE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS A LITTLE BIT MORE INTERESTING.

>> Bill: ALL RIGHT.

IF WE HAD ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT WEATHER GOVERNOR BESHEAR WOULD BE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION WE KNOW INSTEAD HE WILL BE IN SWITZERLAND AND WILL BE SPEAKING TO THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM.

SARAH WHAT IS THE STATED INTENTION OF THE GOVERNOR'S TRIP OVERSEAS?

>> WE KNOW GOVERNOR BESHEAR PRIDES HIMSELF ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

HE TALKS A LOT ABOUT THAT.

SO THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN SWITZERLAND INVITED HIM TO COME BE A SPEAKER AND HE ACCEPTED.

SO HE IS GOING TO TALK ABOUT KENTUCKY'S ECONOMY AND THE JOBS THAT HE OFTEN DISCUSSES HIS ADMINISTRATION SORT OF BRINGING IN.

AND HE SAID HE WANTS TO INTRODUCE THE NEW KENTUCKY TO THE WORLD STAGE.

>> Bill: ISAIAH, THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN ON ATTACK ABOUT THIS TRIP?

>> CERTAINLY.

AND THEY'VE BEEN ATTACKED ON A LOT MORE.

SPECIFICALLY WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THE CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN HEAVILY CRITICIZED, SCRUTINIZED BY REPUBLICANS SPECIFICALLY THIS STORY THAT WHAS REPORTED IN 2023 OF SOME OF THE MOST I DON'T WANT TO USE TROUBLED BUT KIDS WHO HAVE HAD ROUGH TRAUMATIC UP BRINGINGS, FOSTER CHILDREN HAVE BEEN HOUSED IN GOVERNMENT BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE.

WE KNOW THAT WAS HAPPENING.

THE GOVERNOR ACKNOWLEDGED IT.

HE SAID IN MANY CASES IT'S THE ONLY SAFE PLACE FOR THEM TO GO THERE IS NOWHERE ELSE FOR THEM TO GO.

REGARDLESS IT'S HAPPENING TOO MUCH.

THERE'S TOO MANY.

TOO MANY NIGHTS.

AND THIS IS SOMETHING THE ADVOCACY GROUP SAYS THIS IS NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION.

>> Bill: THE FOSTER SYSTEM IS TOUGH.

>> IT IS AND THE REPUBLICAN CRITICISM IS HOW DARE THE GOVERNOR GO STAY IN A FIVE-STAR HOTEL FOR THIS EVENT WHERE THERE ARE FOSTER KIDS SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR AND ON THE TAXPAYERS' DIME.

IT IS AN EASY CRITICISM TO MAKE.

>> Bill: FORD SAYS THE BATTERIES FROM THE 150 TRUCK WILL BE SHIPPED OUT OF THE PLANT IN ELIZABETHTOWN LATER THIS YEAR AND FORD MADE THE POINT F150 IS THE BEST SELLING TRUCK IN AMERICA IN 48 YEARS.

AND KENTUCKY HAS THE PIECE WITH THE ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

>> THE LIGHTNING HAS BEEN SOMETHING THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN EXCITED ABOUT.

I THINK BIG PICTURE MOVING FORWARD THERE HAS BEEN AN UNDERSTANDING THAT SALES GROWTH HASN'T BEEN WHAT IT WAS BACK IN 2021, 2022, COMING OUT OF COVID.

WE KNOW THAT THE SECOND ELECTRIC BATTERY PLANT WAS DELAYED.

SO THEY ARE REAS ISING SOME OF THEIR -- REASSESSING THE DEMAND.

>> Bill: I DID WANT TO GET THIS IN.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY HAS A DEATH FROM RABIES?

>> THE LAST TIME KENTUCKY HAD A CONFIRMED HUMAN CASE OF RABBIS WAS 1996.

SO THIS WAS A BIG DEAL.

A NORTHERN KENTUCKIAN DIED FROM RABIES AND THIS WAS ANNOUNCED FROM THE CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES ON DECEMBER 27.

IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW THIS PERSON GOT IT.

WE DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM AND WE DON'T KNOW HOW THEY GOT IT.

BUT THE C.D.C.

IS INVESTIGATING AS IS OHIO AND KENTUCKY.

>> Bill: BUSY TIME IN WASHINGTON PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP WILL TAKE OFFICE JANUARY 20TH.

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING FROM A KENTUCKY PERSPECTIVE?

>> A COUPLE OF HIS CRITICS INDIRECTLY.

CONGRESSMAN THOMAS MASSIE SAID HE WOULD NOT VOTE FOR SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON WHO WAS REELECTED.

THAT GOES DIRECTLY AGAINST SOMEONE WHO IS TRUMP ENDORSED.

HE HAS BEEN CRITICAL ON EFFORTS TO RAISE THE DEBT CEILING, RAND PAUL HAS' ALWAYS BEEN HIS BIGGEST FAN IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW KENTUCKY'S DELEGATION WORKS WITH THE PRESIDENT-ELECT ONCE HE TAKES OFFICE.

>> Bill: AND TO SEE HOW SOME OF THE KENTUCKY ADMINISTRATION WILL WORK WITH THE NEW ADMINISTRATION.

>> FOR SURE.

YOU KNOW THERE'S NO LONGER THAT INTRINSIC FRICTION YOU FEEL WHEN YOU HAVE A SUPER MAJORITY PARTY IN A STATE AND A DIFFERING PARTY AT THE STATE LEVEL.

NO LONGER ARE KENTUCKY REPUBLICANS GOING TO TRY TO MAKE THE STATE A SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY STATE BECAUSE THEY DON'T NEED TO.

>> Bill: PAT CROWLEY IS REMEMBERED FOR HIS SENSE OF HUMOR AND PERSONALITY AND HIS HARD WORK IN THE MEDIA.

HE SPENT 27 YEARS COVERING NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND CINCINNATI POLITICIANS WOULD TAKE HIS CALLS WHEN THEY WOULD IGNORE OTHERS.

OTHER REPORTERS ENJOYED BEING AROUND HIM AND LEARNED FROM HIM.

HE WROTE MAJOR STORIES ON THE POLITICAL AND BUSINESS BEATS HE COULD BE A FORCE IN FRANKFORT AND OFTEN APPEARED ON THIS PROGRAM BACK IN THE TIME.

AFTER HIS TIME, HE GOT INTO PUBLIC RELATIONS.

HE DIED THIS WEEK AT AGE 63.

THAT IS "COMMENT ON KENTUCKY".

HAVE A GOOD WEEK AHEAD.