[♪♪] >> WE EXPECT FOR OUR OFFICERS AND EVERYBODY IN METRO GOVERNMENT TO HAVE A CULTURE OF ACOUNTABILITY.

>> Laura: PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S JUSTICE DEPARTMENT DUMPS LOUISVILLE'S CONSENT DECREE CITY AND POLICE LEADERSHIP RESPOND.

>> KENTUCKY HAD MORE THAN ONE TORNADO LAST FRIDAY.

SEE THE DAMAGE IN ANOTHER PART OF THE STATE.

>> IF WE'RE NOT ABLE TO GET THIS IN AN EDUCATION CLASSROOM THEN AT LEAST WE ARE ABLE TO GET THE SOURCE OF INFORMATION.

>> Laura: AND THE LEXINGTON FREEDOM TRAIN PROJECT IS EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.

>> PRODUCTION OF "KENTUCKY EDITION" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE KET MILLENNIUM FUND.

[♪♪] >> Laura: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "KENTUCKY EDITION" FOR THIS WEDNESDAY, MAY 21ST I'M LAURA ROGERS FILLING IN FOR RENEE SHAW.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

MORE ON THE ONGOING CLEAN UP EFFORTS FOLLOWING LAST WEEK'S DEADLY STORMS IN A MOMENT.

BUT FIRST, THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS DROPPING A FEDERAL CONSENT DECREE MEANT TO IMPROVE LOUISVILLE'S POLICE FORCE.

BUT THE CITY SAYS IT WILL KEEP ITS PROMISE TO DO BETTER.

>> WE ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE COMMUNITY COMMITMENT LOUISVILLE'S CONSENT DECREE.

THIS IS AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT, THE LOUISVILLE METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITIZENS OF LOUISVILLE.

IT INCLUDES PROVISIONS TO HIRE AN INDEPENDENTS MONITOR FOLLOWING COMMUNITY INPUT.

THIS COMMUNITY COMMITMENT WILL LEAD TO THE SAME RESULTS WE WERE PUSHING FOR IN THE COURT ORDERED CONSENT DECREE.

>> ACCOUNTABILITY IS SETTING A STANDARD AND HOLDING OURSELVES TO IT.

AND EXPECTING THAT SOMEONE ELSE WILL HOLD US TO IT.

BECAUSE IF YOU DON'T TELL ME HOW TO GET BETTER, THEN YOU ARE TELLING ME ONE OF TWO THINGS: YOU ARE TELLING ME YOU DON'T THINK I'M CAPABLE OF ANYTHING BETTER.

OR YOU ARE TELLING ME YOU JUST DON'T CARE ABOUT ME.

WE EXPECT FOR OUR OFFICERS AND EVERYBODY IN METRO GOVERNMENT TO HAVE A CULTURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHALLENGE EACH OTHER TO BE BETTER THE NEXT DAY.

>> Laura: CITY OFFICIALS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE UNDER FORMER PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN SIGNED OFF ON A CONSENT DECREE EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT CAME YEARS AFTER THE POLICE KILLING OF BREONNA TAYLOR AND THE DOJ'S FINDINGS OF UNCONSTITUTIONAL POLICING.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RELEASED THIS STATEMENT THIS MORNING.

QUOTE WE ARE ENDING THE BIDEN CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISIONS FAILED EXPERIMENT OF HANDCUFFING LOCAL LEADERS AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS WITH UNJUSTIFIED CONSENT DECREES.

>>> DEMOCRATIC STATE LAWMAKERS REPRESENTING LOUISVILLE SAY IT IS A DISAPPOINTING DECISION.

>> I THINK A DISMISSAL IS WHAT WE EXPECTED GIVEN THE FEDERAL ELECTION.

BUT IT'S ALSO A HIT ANOTHER HIT THAT HURTS.

>> Laura: THE CITY COULD FIGHT THE DOJ'S MOVE TO DISMISS BUT CRAIG GREENBERG SAYS IT'S TIME TO MOVE PAST THE FEDERAL PROCESS AND FOCUS ON THE ACTUAL REFORMS.

>>> THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS DENYING MORE THAN $10 MILLION EARMARKED FOR SIX KENTUCKY SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

IN MARCH, THE FEDERAL AGENCY SAID IT WOULD STOP SENDING STATE'S COVID-19 FUNDS THAT WERE APPROVED INSTEAD THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONSIDER RELEASING FUNDS ON A PROJECT BY PROJECT BASIS.

THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REQUESTED FUNDING FOR MULTIPLE PROJECTS ALREADY IN THE WORKS.

LAST NIGHT KENTUCKY'S COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION SAID THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DID APPROVE FUNDING FOR TWO SMALL PROJECTS IN BOONE COUNTY BUT DENIED NINE OTHERS.

THOSE PROJECTS WERE IN BOON, CHRISTIAN, CLINTON, JEFFERSON AND KNOX COUNTIES AND COVINGTON INDEPENDENTS.

THE LARGEST PROJECT TO BE DENIED WAS NEARLY $8 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CHRISTIAN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL.

>>> IN A STATEMENT COMMISSIONER ROBBIE FLETCHER SAID QUOTE WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR THE RESOURCES OUR SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS HAVE BEEN PROMISED BY THE U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO CONTINUE THEIR MISSION OF PROVIDING THE BEST EDUCATION POSSIBLE TO KENTUCKY'S STUDENTS.

>>> TURNING TO NATIONAL POLITICS, OVERNIGHT THE U.S. HOUSE DEBATED PRESIDENT DON'T TAX AND BUDGET PLAN.

DEMOCRATS SAY IT WILL MEAN CUTS TO MEDICAID IF PASSED.

TWO REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN HAVE DIFFERENT TAKES ON THE BILL.

>> THE TAX CUT IS TARGETED FOR THE MIDDLE INCOME OF AMERICANS AND FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

IF WE DON'T PASS THIS BILL, SMALL MAIN STREET BUSINESSES WILL FACE A 23% TAX INCREASE.

THIS IS THE LARGEST TAX CUT IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

>> LOOK I'M FOR THE TAX CUTS EXTENDING THOSE TAX CUTS.

I VOTED FOR THOSE IN 2017.

HERE'S THE PROBLEM... WE ARE CUTTING MORE TAXES AND WE'RE INCREASING SPENDING.

AND TO THE EXCEPT THEY SAY WE'RE CUTTING SPENDING THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN THE FIRST FEW YEARS.

THEY'RE SAYING WE WILL DO THAT IN THE LATER YEARS.

THE PROBLEM IS THE LATER YEARS NEVER COME.

>> Laura: THE ONLY DEMOCRAT IN KENTUCKY'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION CONGRESSMAN MORGAN MCGARVEY SAYS QUOTE THE NONPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE CONFIRMED THE REPUBLICAN BUDGET WILL HURT WORKING FAMILIES WHILE IT HELPS THE RICH GET EVEN RICHER UNQUOTE.

IT'S NOT CLEAR WHEN THE HOUSE WILL VOTE ON THE BILL.

>>> TURNING TO WEATHER NOW.

GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR IS ASKING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP TO EXPEDITE A MAIM DISASTER DECLARATION FOLLOWING THE STORMS.

IN THE LETTER KENTUCKY TODAY REPORTS BESHEAR IS SAYING 1500 HOMES WERE DESTROYED OR HEAVILY DAMAGED AND SUGGESTED THAT NUMBER COULD SURPASS 5,000.

THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAID DEBRIS REMOVAL ALONE WILL COST AT LEAST $59 MILLION.

19 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN FRIDAY'S STORMS INCLUDING 17 IN LAUREL COUNTY ALONE.

GOVERNOR BESHEAR IS REQUESTING EIGHT COUNTIES BE ELIGIBLE FOR INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE THROUGH FEMA.

THOSE COUNTIES ARE HIGHLIGHTED ON THIS MAP AND INCLUDE LAUREL AND PULASKI COUNTIES.

>>> THE LONDON SOMERSET TORNADO WAS NOT THE OPT ONE AN EF3 TORNADO PACKING WINDS UP TO 155-MILES-PER-HOUR HIT UNION COUNTY AND WESTERN KENTUCKY ON FRIDAY.

WLKY REPORTS THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN ON BUNGER ROAD IN THE WESTERN PART AND TRAVELED EAST CAUSING HEAVY DAMAGE TO DOZENS OF HOMES.

IT TRAVELED ALMOST 10 MILES AND CAUSED FOUR MINOR INJURIES BUT NO DEATHS.

>>> THERE WERE FOUR TORNADOES THAT TOUCHED DOWN IN KENTUCKY ON FRIDAY.

OUR CHRISTIE DUTTON BREAKS DOWN WHERE THEY WERE AND LOOKS AAT THE HISTORIC NATURE OF THEIR STRENGTH.

>> WE NOW HAVE THE FINAL REPORTS FROM THE TORNADOES THAT MOVED ACROSS KENTUCKY LAST FRIDAY.

EF3 TORNADO IN UNION COUNTY MERE MORGAN FIELD HAD FOUR INJURIES DID DAMAGE TO HOMES RIPPING OFF ROOFS AND THE OUTER WALLS.

WE HAD TWO EF2 TORNADOES ONE IN CHRISTIAN COUNTY TO TODD COUNTY AND DID DAMAGE ON BLUE HOLE ROAD.

AND NOW THE TORNADO THAT MOVED THROUGH PULASKI AND LAUREL COUNTY IT WAS A PRELIMINARY EF3 AND UPGRADED TO AN EF4 TORNADO.

AND THAT UPGRADE IN THE OFFICIAL REPORT OUT OF JACKSON KENTUCKY IN EASTERN KENTUCKY, THAT EF4 HAD WIND SPEEDS OF 170-MILES-PER-HOUR.

THE PATH OF THAT TORNADO WAS JUST OVER 55 MILES LONG AND IN ONE AREA OF THAT PATH IT GET UP TO BE A MILE WIDE.

THE TOUCHDOWN WAS 11:49PM FRIDAY NIGHT AND I SPOKE WITH A METEOROLOGIST IN HAZARD KENTUCKY WHO IS TRACKING THIS TORNADO AND HE SAYS THAT, OF COURSE, THE POWER AND STRENGTH OF THIS TORNADO MADE IT VERY DANGEROUS BUT SO DID IT THE FACT IT WAS A NIGHTTIME TORNADO.

>> THEY ARE WORSE BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE IN BED.

THIS IS GOING ON AT 11:00 AT NIGHT GOING INTO MIDNIGHT.

A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE IN BED AND HAVE THEIR PHONE ON DO NOT DISTURB AND YOU CANNOT SEE WHAT IS GOING ON.

THE ONLY VIDEO WE HAD THAT CAME IN AT THE TIME SOMEBODY HAPPENED TO CATCH THE TORNADO BECAUSE OF A LIGHTNING STRIKE.

AND THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY WE WERE ABLE TO SEE IT.

>> THE LAST TIME LAUREL COUNTY HAD A F4 TORNADO WAS IN 1974.

PULASKI WAS 1971.

FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" I'M CHRISTIE DUTTON.

>> Laura: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

AND RECOVERY EFFORTS ARE UNDERWAY IN LONDON.

NONPROFITS AND VOLUNTEERS ARE HELPING BRING FOOD AND SUPPLIES TO THE SURVIVORS.

>> WE ARE DOWN HERE TRYING TO HELP FEED SOME FIRST-RESPONDERS AND SOME OF THE COMMUNITY THAT IS EXPERIENCED THIS TRAGIC TORNADO THAT WENT THROUGH THIS WEEKEND.

THIS PROGRAM'S CALLED PIZZA TO THE RESCUE AND WE REALIZE THAT PIZZA MAKES PEOPLE SMILE.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR COMPANY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES THAT SELL OUR PIZZA.

>> WE FIRST CAME, IT WAS A LITTLE OVERWHELMING TO SEE THE DEVASTATION, TALKING WITH THE PEOPLE, SEEING WHAT THEY'VE LOST WHERE THEY ARE AT THEIR FAMILIES.

WE STARTED OFF AND WE BEGAN TO FEED IN THE DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

AFTER THAT SESSION WAS OVER, THEN WE WENT OUT TO THE DIFFERENT SUBDIVISIONS AND BEGAN TO HELP WITH THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CLEAN UP.

>> I BROUGHT ABOUT 10 CASES OF WATER, ABOUT 10 BOXES OF BREAKFAST BARS.

I'M RETIRED I GOT THE TIME.

I'M ONLY ONE STATE AWAY IN TENNESSEE.

THERE I AM IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD IT'S WHAT I WAS MADE TO DO.

>> I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE WANT TO BE DOWN HERE DOING SOMETHING THIS WEEK.

WE ALL CAN'T DO EVERYTHING BUT EVERYBODY CAN DO SOMETHING.

AND PIZZA IS SOMETHING WE DO WELL.

SO WE COUNT IT A BLESSING TO SHOW UP AND ACTUALLY BLESS THE FAMILIES DOWN HERE WITH LOVE AND PIZZA.

>> WE HAVE BOXES THAT WE'RE GIVING OUT NONPERISHABLE FOOD AND CLEANING SUPPLIES AND THE BASIC TOILETRIES SO WE HAVE ANOTHER SHIPMENT TODAY WITH BOXES THAT WE'RE ABLE TO GIVE OUT.

I TELL YOU, I THINK IT'S MORE REWARDING FOR US THAN EVEN IT IS FOR THEM BUT THEY ARE SO RECEPTIVE.

WE HAD PEOPLE IN TEARS THAT SOMEONE WAS COMING TO HELP.

THEY NEED THAT HOPE AND THAT LOVE THAT SOMEBODY IS WITH THEM.

>> KEEP THE FAITH.

KEEP PRAYING LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER.

>> Laura: ABSOLUTELY.

AND EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A BILL PROVIDING 100 MILLION DOLLARS FOR DISASTER RELIEF.

SOME OF THE LAWMAKERS WHO VOTED FOR THE BILL ARE ROLLING UP THEIR SLEEVES TO HELP WITH CLEAN UP IN THEIR DISTRICTS.

>> THERE IS A LOT OF DEVASTATION.

SOME PEOPLE LOST A LITTLE AND SOME PEOPLE LOST EVERYTHING AND UNFORTUNATELY PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES IT IS HEARTBREAKING SITUATION HERE IN THE AREA.

>> WE HAD A TORNADO COME THROUGH SEVERAL YEARS AGO BUT TO THE EXTENT OF THIS DAMAGE, NO.

WHEN WEST KENTUCKY TORNADOES HAPPENED, A GROUP OF US WENT OUT TO DAWSON SPRINGS AND THIS REMINDS ME OF THAT.

SOME OF THE HOMES WERE LEVELED.

WHEREAS YOU MIGHT HAVE ONE HOME COMPLETELY FINE AND THE OTHER ONE GONE.

AND YOU WOULDN'T KNOW A HOME WAS THERE.

>> I'VE NEVER DAMAGE LIKE THIS BEFORE.

THIS IS BEYOND BELIEF.

WHAT IS EQUALLY ASTOUNDING IS THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND SUPPORT I'VE SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE.

WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES GETTING OUR HANDS DIRTY AND ALL THE CHURCHES TO SUPPORT IT'S SOMETHING THAT MADE ME PROUD TO BE APPALACHIAN AND PROUD TO BE FROM SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY.

IT'S BEEN AMAZING ALL THE SUPPORT WE'VE GOT.

>> WE ARE ALL WORKING TOGETHER ON THIS.

A PARTY DOESN'T MATTER WE'RE HERE TO HELP THE PEOPLE GET THE RELIEF THEY NEED.

I WOULD SAY EVERYBODY IS HELPING IN THEIR OWN CAPACITY.

THE LEGISLATORS EVERYBODY THAT HAS A PIECE OF LAUREL COUNTY WE'RE TEXTING WITH EACH OTHER AND HELPING EACH OTHER AND KEEPING EACH OTHER INFORMED WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT AND MAKE SURE THE PEOPLE ARE TAKEN CARE OF.

>> THERE WILL BE ASSESSMENTS GOING ON CURRENTLY AND IN THE FUTURE.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE AS FAR AS WHAT THE NEEDS ARE.

HOUSE BILL 544 PROVIDED $100 MILLION ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR DISASTER RELIEF.

AND THOSE FUNDS ARE IN ADDITION TO WHAT IS IN THE EK SAFE FUNDS THOSE WILL BE ACCESSIBLE TO THE GOVERNOR AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO USE NOW.

IF THERE ARE ADDITIONAL NEEDS THEN WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THOSE NEEDS AT THAT TIME.

>> PEOPLE LOOK AT NORTH CAROLINA FEMA MOVED SWIFT AS OPPOSED TO AS THEY HAVE IN THE PAST.

YES, I'M HOPEFUL AND I KNOW CONGRESSMAN ROGERS OFFICE AND McCONNELL'S OFFICE THEY HAVE BEEN SPEAKING WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.

ALSO THE GOVERNOR AS WELL.

AND SO YES I AM HOPEFUL THERE WILL BE SWIFT ACTION AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

>> AS WE RECOVER AND PEOPLE REBUILD THERE ARE THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES AND FAMILIES WHO NEED PRAYER.

AND THEY NEED HEALING.

SO JUST DON'T FORGET THOSE FAMILIES.

THE PHYSICAL NEEDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND THEY ARE IMPORTANT BUT THOSE EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL NEEDS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD ARE GREATER.

>> Laura: THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL CONVENE IN JANUARY.

IT IS A 60-DAY BUDGET SESSION.

[♪♪] TIME NOW FOR OUR MIDWEEK CHECK IN ABOUT NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO'S RYLAND BARTON.

AND LET'S BEGIN WITH THAT MASS SHOOTING THAT TOOK PLACE TWO YEARS AGO IN LOUISVILLE AT OLD NATIONAL BANK.

WE LEARNED A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE SELLER OF THE GUN INVOLVED IN THAT SHOOTING WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE JUDGE'S DECISION IN THIS RULING.

>> YEAH, IN THAT FATAL SHOOTING THAT FIVE PEOPLE DIED AND OTHERS WERE INJURED IN OLD NATIONAL BANK IN DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE.

THE LAWSUIT FROM THE VICTIMS ALLEGE THAT THE STORE THAT SOLD THE SHOOTER THE GUN RIVER CITY FIREARMS WHAT WAS NEGLECT JENTS WHEN IT FAILED TO IDENTIFY WARNING SIGNS AND TARGETS THE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE ACCESSORY COMPANY THAT MADE THE RED DOT SIGHT THE GRIP THAT HE USED THE LARGE CAPACITY MAGAZINES HE USED.

IT DESCRIBES EYEWITNESSES TO THAT SALE WHO SAY THEY HAD CONSIDERED CALLING POLICE BECAUSE THEY SAW HIS DEMEANOR AND QUIET TONE, SUPPOSEDLY LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERIENCE ABOUT GUNS AND YET HE WAS SOLD THE GUNS AND THE EQUIPMENT.

BUT THERE'S A FEDERAL LAW ON THE BOOKS THAT PROTECTS FIREARMS MANUFACTURERS PASSED IN 2005.

AND DEALERS FROM LIABILITY OF THE CRIMES COMMITTED WHEN THE GUNS THEY SELL ARE USED IN SHOOTINGS.

ALTHOUGH IT DOES PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS AND THAT IS WHAT THE LAWSUIT IS GOING AFTER HERE.

THIS RULING IS JUST THE LAWSUIT CAN PROCEED.

IT IS NOT A RULING ON THE MERITS OF THE CASE.

NOW THAT THOSE MERITS CAN BE ARGUED, THE JUDGE HERE IN THIS CASE, MITCH PERRY HE SAID THAT THERE IS A DANGER IN CASES LIKE THIS OF WHAT HE CALLED A NOTICEABLY DISTURBED WOULD BE SOLD ACCESSORIES THEY DON'T NEED.

HE SAID ON OUTCOME SHOULD HAVE BEEN FORESEEABLE.

LAWSUITS LIKE THESE ARE RARELY SUCCESSFUL.

BUT GUN SAFETY ADVOCATES HAVE SEEN HOPE AFTER FAMILIES OF THE SANDY HOOK SCHOOL SHOOTING THEY SUCCESSFULLY SUED REMINGTON THAT MANUFACTURED THE RIFLE USED IN THAT SHOOTING AND AWARDED $73 MILLION.

THAT WAS UNDER A CONNECTICUT STATE LAW THAT BANNED IRRESPONSIBLY MARKETING GUNS.

WE'LL SEE IF THERE'S ANY SORT OF STATE PROVISIONS THAT COULD BE USED HERE.

KENTUCKY AND MANY STATES HAVE NOT ALLOWED SUCH LAWSUITS GOING FORWARD.

>> AND LET'S MOVE TO THE HORSERACING INDUSTRY WHICH WE KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS TO THE STATE OF KENTUCKY AND IT'S ALSO AN ECONOMIC DRIVER IN OTHER STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS WELL.

AND THEY ARE SORT OF BRACING FOR A CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN THE LABOR IS CRUCIAL TO THE HORSERACING INDUSTRY.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTS THAT WE COULD POTENTIALLY SEE IN THIS INDUSTRY.

>> NPR REPORTED OUT THIS STORY DURING THE KENTUCKY DERBY HOW MUCH THE HORSE INDUSTRY RELIES ON IMMIGRANT WORKERS ON H2B VISION SAS AND PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE LEGAL STATUS.

IMMIGRATION LEFT THE INDUSTRY UNTOUCHED ESPECIALLY DURING THE FIRST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION INDUSTRY LEADERS SAID THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE HUGE IMPACT IMMIGRANT LABOR HAS ON AGRICULTURE 42% OF FARM WORKERS DON'T HAVE LEGAL STATUS BY SOME ESTIMATES.

THE INDUSTRY IS WORRIED THAT THAT COULD CHANGE NOW IN THIS NEW TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, THE NEW CRACKDOWN ON UNDOCUMENTEDMY GRANTS.

MY GRANTS AND USUALLY RELIABLE WORKERS ARE STARTING TO SELF REGULATE THEMSELVES.

SOME ARE NOT COMING TO WORKOUT OF FEAR BEING CAUGHT.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL THOROUGHBRED RACING ASSOCIATION SAYS HE IS WORRIED AND HOPES THE PRESIDENT WILL NOT RATCHET UP ENFORCEMENT BECAUSE THE HOTELS AND BUSINESSES RELIED ON THE SAME LABOR FROM IMMIGRANTS AND UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS.

THE PRESIDENT SAID HE HAS AT TIMES HE WANTS IT TO MAKE IT EASIER TO SECURE WORKERS FOR FARMS AND HOTELS WITH TEMPORARY VISAS AT THE SAME TIME AS RATCHETED UP CRACKS.

THERE HAVE NOT BEEN PLANS TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

>> Laura: AND MOMENTS AGO WE WERE TALKING ABOUT CONGRESSMAN THOMAS MASSIE VOICING CONCERNS ABOUT PRESIDENT TRUMP'S BUDGET PLAN AND HEARD CRITICISM OF MASSIE FROM THE PRESIDENT THIS WEEK.

AND SO WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THIS SORT OF RIFT BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESSMAN MASSIE EVEN IN PAST PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS SUGGESTED THAT SO MUCH A PRIMARY MASSIE UP FOR REELECTION.

>> THIS HAS HAPPENED TIME AND TIME AGAIN DURING TRUMP'S FIRST ADMINISTRATION AND HAPPENING IN THE SECOND ONE.

THIS ROUND, MASSIE OPPOSES THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL, THE BUDGET BILL BECAUSE IT WOULD ADD TWO TRILLION TO THE DEBT IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

AND CRITICIZED THE PRESIDENT SAYING HE DOESN'T WANT TO CUT MEDICAID WHICH IS FISCAL HAWKS HAVE BEEN CALLING FOR.

TRUMP CALLED MASSIE A GRANDSTANDER SOMETHING HE HAS CALLED HIM BEFORE.

HE CALLED HIM THAT BACK WHEN MASSIE OPPOSED HIS COVID RELIEF BILL IN 2020.

SAID HE SHOULD BE VOTED OUT OF OFFICE AND DOESN'T THINK THAT MASSIE UNDERSTANDS GOVERNMENT.

FOR MACY'S PART IN INTERVIEWS HE SAID HE DID NOT FEEL ATTACKED BY TRUMP'S WORDS IT WAS A CLOSED DOOR MEETING TRYING TO CONVINCE REPUBLICANS TO COME TO HIS SIDE AND SUPPORT THE BILL.

AND MASSIE SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT TRUMP WAS TRYING TO PERSUADE PEOPLE AND SAID HIS MIND IS NOT CHANGED.

HE IS ONE OF TWO REPUBLICAN HOLDOUTS IN THE HOUSE.

THIS IS THE LATEST TIME THIS HAPPENED.

WE SAW HIM OPPOSED TO THE REPUBLICAN SPENDING BILL AND TRY AND AVOID THE GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN.

HE OPPOSED MIKE JOHNSON'S BID.

AND OF COURSE, DURING THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY HE ACTUALLY ENDORSED RON DESANTIS OVER TRUMP.

I THINK MASSIE FOUND HIMSELF IN A POSITION AND A POWERFUL ONE BEING A HOLD OUT AND NEGOTIATORS HAVE TO LISTEN TO WHAT HIS ISSUES ARE AND TRY TO BRING HIM OVER.

THE MARGIN IS SO NARROW IN THE HOUSE.

>> Laura: RYLAND BARTON WITH NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> THANKS, LAURA.

[♪♪] >> Laura: LEWIS AND HARRIET HAYDEN WHO WERE ONCE ENSLAVED IN LEXINGTON BECAME PROMISE NENTS FIGURES IN THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.

THE LEXINGTON FREEDOM TRAIN PROJECT HAS BEEN HOSTING A LYCEUM SERIES TO EDUCATE PEOPLE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF SLAVERY AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN LEXINGTON AND TO SPARK COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ABOUT THESE TOPICS.

WE HAVE MORE ABOUT THAT IN THIS WEEK'S ARTS AND CULTURE SEGMENT WE CALL TAPESTRY.

>> I SEE IT.

IT'S A 19TH CENTURY TERM IN A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH IT IN THIS 20TH CENTURY.

BUT IT IS AN EDUCATIONAL FORMAT THAT WILL ALLOWS INTRODUCTION OF SPOKEN WORD, WHICH IS ART POETRY, MUSIC, AND PRESENTATION BY A NOTED AUTHORITY.

AND IT IS A WAY TO OPEN A DISCUSSION WITH YOUR AUDIENCE AS PRESENTING THEM INFORMATION THAT WILL ENCOURAGE CONVERSATION.

>> I THINK PART OF WHAT THIS EVENT IS DESIGNED TO DO AND THE SERIES IS EDUCATE PEOPLE ABOUT THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MONUMENT PROJECT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HISTORY IN KENTUCKY AND LEXINGTON SPECIFICALLY.

THAT MOST PEOPLE DIDN'T LEARN IN SCHOOL.

>> ALL OF OUR PRESENTERS FOR THE LYCEUMS ARE PH.D.'S HAVE DONE THE RESEARCH AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS THAT FOLLOW USUALLY BRING FORWARD QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.

WE HAVE CHOSEN THE VENUES THAT WERE HERE ON-SITE, HERE IN LEXINGTON DURING THE TIME THAT LEWIS AND HARRIET HAYDEN WERE GROWING UP.

LEWIS WAS BORN 1811, HARRIET 1815.

AND THEY LIVED IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE.

>> I'M READING POEMS FROM THE TIME PERIOD OF LEWIS AND HARRIET HAYDEN.

>> THAT SONG, I READ BY STEVEN FOSTER BECAUSE I KNOW THE STORY OF THE SONG, AND HOW IT'S TIED TO ENSLAVEMENT I DON'T GET NOSTALGIC I DON'T WEEP FOR KENTUCKY.

I THINK ABOUT ENSLAVEMENT AND THE WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE TO BE AWAY FROM YOUR FAMILY YOUR WIFE AND CHILDREN, AND IMAGINE AND WISHING TO BE BACK HOME BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT MISSING A CABIN.

YOU ARE MISSING YOUR FAMILY.

>> I REALLY ENJOYED HOW WE WERE ABLE TO GIVE VOICES TO THE INDIVIDUALS WHO DID NOT HAVE THAT VOICE AND IT GAVE US CONTEXT AS TO WHAT EXACTLY THE PERSPECTIVES WERE DURING THAT TIME.

AND I FELT LIKE IT SOLIDIFIED KENTUCKY'S PLACE WITHIN THE OVERALL SLAVERY CONTEXT IF THAT MAKES SENSE.

IT SHOWS THAT, YES, KENTUCKY DID HAVE SLAVERY AND IT WAS AS IMPACTFUL.

>> WE TRY TO MAKE IT MORE PERSONAL.

AND HOPEFULLY THE PERSON READING TRIES TO INHABIT OR EMBODY THE PERSON SO THAT YOU FORGET THAT IT IS A POET READING AND YOU BELIEVE IT IS A LITTLE BIT OF THEATER AND YOU CAN BUY INTO THE PERSONALITY OF THE PERSON READING.

AND BECAUSE YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO BELIEVE IT IT MAKES IT MORE OF A MEMORABLE AND EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE.

AND HOPEFULLY A LITTLE BIT LIKE CINEMA.

PEOPLE MIGHT NOT REMEMBER THE EXACT WORDS BUT IF YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT WHEN YOU HEARD THOSE WORDS THAT IS BETTER.

>> I GOT THREE AT MY WAIST, ONE ON MY HIP AND ONE IN MY BELLY RIGHT NOW.

BUT DON'T COUNT THE CHILDREN.

LOOK AT THE SCARS ON MY FACE.

THESE AIN'T FROM MY HUSBAND'S HAND.

I SPARED MY BABY GIRL NOT FROM THIS LIFE BUT FROM MY LIFE.

>> I THINK EVENTS LIKE THIS ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT BRINGS COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN AS WELL AS STUDENTS AND EVERYONE IN GENERAL COULD COME TOGETHER AND RECOGNIZE THAT THIS HISTORY IS IMPORTANT AND THIS TRUTH MATTERS.

AND IF WE'RE NOT ABLE TO GET THIS IN AN EDUCATIONAL CLASSROOM AT LEAST WE'RE ABLE TO GET THE SOURCE OF INFORMATION THAT THERE IS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE MUST UPHOLD THIS HISTORY AND ALLOW IT TO STILL BE PRESENT WITHIN OUR EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS.

>> KEEP THIS HISTORY ALIVE WITHIN THE CLASSROOM.

>> AND I ALSO THINK WITHIN THAT, YOU NEED TO OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND BE EMPA THICK AND REALLY TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE STORIES THAT WERE ERASED AND THE EMOTIONAL WAY IT STILL HOLDS PRESENTLY TO THIS DAY.

>> Laura: THE LAST EVENT IS COMING UP FRIDAY NIGHT MAY 23 AT 6:30 AT SAINT PAUL AME CHURCH THE TOPIC IS NETWORK TO FREEDOM.

ALSO LOOK OUT FOR THE UNVEILING OF A STATUE IN HONOR OF LEWIS AND HARRIET HAYDEN CREATED BY ARTIST BASIL WATSON IN CELEBRATION OF JUNT JUNETEENTH.

IT IS A LESSON HOW TO EAT.

>> EVEN IF IT'S SPINACH AT 8:30 IN THE MORNING IT IS STILL AN EXCITING THING FOR LOTS OF OUR KIDS.

>> COMING UP TOMORROW ON "KENTUCKY EDITION", SEE HOW ONE FRANKLIN COUNTY SCHOOL IS PLANTING THE SEEDS FOR HEALTHIER HABITS.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT PERHAPS.

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT AT 6:30 EASTERN 5:30 CENTRAL FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION."

WHERE WE INFORM, CONNECT, AND INSPIRE.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR "KENTUCKY EDITION" E-MAIL NEWSLETTERS AND WATCH EPISODES AND CLIPS AT KET.ORG.

YOU CAN FIND US ON THE PBS VIDEO APP ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE AND SMART TV.

SEND US A STORY IDEA AT PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT KET.ORG AND FOLLOW KET ON FACEBOOK, X AND INSTAGRAM TO STAY IN THE LOOP.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING.

HAVE A GOOD EVENING.