MILLION COVID VACCINATIONS BUT MANY ARE MISSING THEIR SECOND SHOT AS MORE RESTRICTIONS ARE L THE GOVERNOR FACES PRESSURE FRO ALL SIDES ON THE ISSUE OF ENHANCED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

A STATEWIDE TASK FORCE ON WARRANTS HAS ITS FIRST MEETING, AND A PROSECUTOR DECIDES NO CHARGES IN THE DEATH OF DAVID MCATEE IN LOUISVILLE.

A SCHOOL DISTRICT MAKES THE DECISION TO END SUSPENSIONS FOR YOUNGER STU ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, "COMMENT" IS NEXT ON KET.

GOOD .

I'M BILL BRYANT.

AND WE WELCOME YOU TO "COMMENT ON KENTUCKY," A LOOK BACK AT THE WEEK'S NEWS IN THE COMMONWEALTH, AND SOME ANALYSIS.

AND THE GUESTS ON OUR PANEL OF WORKING KENTUCKY JOURNALISTS TONIGHT AR JESS CLARKE, EDUCATION REPORTER FOR WFPL IN LOUISVILLE.

DEBORAH YETTER, REPORTER FOR THE Courier-Journal AND JACK BRAMMER, FRANKFORT BUREAU CHIEF FOR THE LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER ALSO TONIGHT, SENATE MINORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL'S REPUBLICANS PREVAIL IN WASHINGTON AND REJECT A COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE THE JANUARY 6TH INSURRECTION.

AND DEMOCRAT CHARLES BOOKER TALKS ABOUT HIS EXPLORE LOOK AT NEXT YEARS SENATE RACE.

SO WE HAVE A LOT TO DISCUSS TONIGHT.

LET'S BEGIN WITH THIS FIRST OFF, DEBBIE, KENTUCKY HAS NOW TOPPED AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE 2 MILLION VACCINATIONS.

SOME OF THE CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS ALSO LIFTED TODAY.

ARE WE BEGINNING TO PUT COVID IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR HERE IN KENTUCKY?

>> Deborah: I THINK BEEPER WE'RE SEEING A LOT MORE ACTIVITY ACTIVITY.

WE'RE LIFTING MASK REQUIREMENTS IN PLACES WITH THE CAVEAT YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE VACCINATED.

GOVERNOR BESHEAR HAS SET 2.5 MILLION.

THAT'S HIS GOAL FOR GETTING ENOUGH KENTUCKIANS VACCINATED TO OPEN EVERYTHING UP, BUT I THINK WE'RE WELL UNDERWAY, AND I KNOW THAT THERE WERE SOME CONCERNS ABOUT PEOPLE GOT NOT GETTING THEIR SECOND SHOT BUT OVERALL THINK IT'S GOING FAIRLY WELL.

THEIR ONLY CONCERN NOW IS GETTING TO YOUNGER FOLK IN FOR VACCINATIONS THAT MAY NOT FEEL AS CONCERNED AS THEIR ELDER RELATIVES.

AND SOME PLACES, INTERESTINGLY, HAVE MADE IT MANDATORY.

WE HAVE A COUPLE OF COLLEGES IN EXPELS UofL HEALTH BECAME THE FIRST HEALTH SYSTEM TO ANNOUNCE THAT WALK THAT IT'S GOING TO REQUIRE VACCINES FOR ALL ITS HEALTH WORKERS AT ITS FACILITIES.

MOST PLACES ARE GOING WITH THE SPRONG STRONGLY ENCOURAGING, INCLUDING THE UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER HOSPITALS.

>> Bill: THE BIG FUSH PASSWORD, DEB, IS JUNE 11th WHEN MOST OF THE RESTRICTIONS ARE GONE, THE MASK MANDATE WILL END, BUT TODAY THERE WAS SOME CHANGES THAT WERE MADE THAT ARE EFFECTIVE HEADING INTO THIS HOLIDAY WEEK.

>> Deborah: RIGHT.

THE BAR CURFEW HAS ENDED.

RESTAURANTS AND OTHER VENUES CAN GO TO 75% CAPACITY NOW.

AND A LOT OF ACTIVITY PICKING UP TONIGHT.

A PASSED A GAME GOING ANOTHER SLUGGER FIELD TONIGHT, AND I THINK A LOT OF THE ACTIVITY IS STARTING TO RESUME.

THE RESTAURANTS ARE GETTING BUSY AGAIN.

SO I THINK PEOPLE ARE FEELING HOPEFUL.

>> Bill: PEOPLE ARE CERTAINLY ON THE MOVE OUT THERE HEADING INTO THE HOLIDAY.

JACK, PRINCESS PRISONS AND BE JUVENILE DETENTION CENTERS WILL SOON BE ALLOWED TO HAVE VISITORS.

>> Jack: THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY SAD STORIES THROUGHOUT THIS PANDEMIC, AND ONE IS THE ISOLATION AND ESPECIALLY IN THE STATE PRISONS AND THE IF JUVENILE DETENTION CENTERS, AND THE GOVERNOR SAID THIS WEEK THAT VISITORS WILL BE ALLOWED THERE BEGINNING THE WEEK OF JUNE 20th.

THEY'LL HAVE TO BE VACCINATED, WEAR A MASK, PRACTICE THE SOCIAL DISTANCING, BE LIMITED TO TWO VISITORS AT A TIME.

THAT IS A BREAKTHROUGH FOR THE STATE PRISONS AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOVED ONES THERE.

THE COUNTY JAILS WILL BE SETTING THEIR OWN SCHEDULES.

>> Bill: AND THESE ARE FOLKS WHO ARE TRYING TO TURN THEIR LIVES AROUND, AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT THAT THEY HAVE HAD THIS TIME WITHOUT HAVING VISITORS.

>> Jack: I UNDERSTAND THAT SOME STUDIES SHOW THAT.

>> Jess: YEAH, THERE'S RESEARCH THAT SHOWS THAT VISITS ACTUALLY DO HELP PEOPLE NOT REENTER PRISON ONCE THEY GET OUT.

>> Bill: JESS, BY THE WAY, WELCOME.

GOOD TO HAVE YOU WITH US FOR THE FIRST TIME.

KENTUCKIANS SEEM TO BE QUITE GUIDE ON THIS ISSUE OF REQUIRING VACCINES.

DEB MADE REFERENCE TO OF THERE ARE SOME COLLEGES THAT APPARENTLY ARE GOING TO REQUIRE IT.

SOME OTHERS ARE LOOKING ALT AT IT, EVEN UK.

RIGHT NOW IT'S STRONGLY SUGGESTED BUT THEY AREN'T SAYING THEY WON'T REITERATE ONCE THEY GET CLOSER IF THEY GET MORE INFORMATION.

BUT YOU'VE SEEN SOME POLLING IN STATE AND BEYOND THAT SHOWS JUST HOW DIVISIVE THAT IS.

>> Jess: YEAH, THERE WAS SOME POLLING DONE IN MARCH AND APRIL SHOWING KENTUCKIANS ARE PRETTY EVENLY SPLIT ON THE QUESTION OF SHOULD BUSINESSES AND SHOULD K-12 SCHOOLS REQUIRE VACCINATION FOR STUDENTS AND LEASE.

IT'S PRETTY MUCH RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE.

>> Bill: ARE SCHOOLS GOING BACK TO FULL CAPACITY AND NO NTI DAYS IN THE FALL?

AND IS THERE A WAY THAT THEY CAN WORK AROUND THAT IF THERE ARE STUDENTS OR FAMILIES WHO ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH RETURNING?

>> Jess: YEAH, SO RIGHT NOW AS IT STANDS SCHOOL DISTRICTS DON'T HAVE ANY UNLIMITED NTI DAYS THEY HAVE HAD THIS PAST YEAR, SO THAT MEANS THAT SCHOOL DISTRICTS WILL HAVE TO GO BACK AND FULL CAPACITY FIVE DAYS A WEEK ESSENTIALLY BACK TO NORMAL UNLESS SOMETHING CHANGES AT THE STATE LEVEL.

THAT MAY NOTE FLY WITH SOME PARENTS.

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, FOR EXAMPLE, 40% OF STUDENTS ARE STILL REMOTE.

SO YOU CAN IMAGINE THERE MAY STILL BE SOME PARENTS, COME THE FALL, WHO WILL NOT WANT TO SEND THEIR KIDS BACK TO FULL CAPACITY CLASS ROOM.

AND SO WHAT THE DISTRICT HAS DONE HAS BEEN TO EXPAND THE EXISTING VIRTUAL SCHOOL, WHICH HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE THE MID-80s, AND SO THEY'LL EXPAND TO IT GRADES SIX THROUGH 12, AND SO FAMILIES WHO ARE NOT COMFORTABLE GOING BACK TO THE FULL CAPACITY CLASSROOM WILL HAVE THAT AS AN OPTION.

>> Bill: IT'S GOING TO BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT DISTRICTS DO ACROSS THE STATE WHO MAY ORE MAY NOT BE IN A POX TO OFFER THAT SORT OF OPTION.

JACK, ON THE ISSUE OF ENHANCED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, WE ALL SEE THE WANTED SIGNS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH, EMPLOYERS SAY THEY ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND WORKERS.

WE KNOW OF RESTAURANTS THAT ARE HAVING TO SHORT THEIR HOURS AND EVEN DAYS OF OPERATION.

THE DRUM KEEPS BEATING LOUD ARE ON BOTH SIDES, AND -- LOURDE ON BOTH SIDES, AND GOVERNOR BESHEAR IS NAUGHT MIDDLE OF THIS.

REPUBLICANS AND SOME BUSINESS LEADERS OBVIOUSLY WANT THAT ENHANCED $300 PER WEEK ADDITIONAL FEDERAL MONEY TO BE DROPPED NOW.

BUT MEANWHILE, 17 NON-PROFITS AND UNIONS ISSUED A CALL THIS WEEK FOR THOSE TO CONTINUE.

>> Jack: SO FAR THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN KEEPING -- KEEP THAT PROGRAM GOING AND IT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST THROUGH THE FALL, SOY PERSONALLY DON'T SEE THE GOVERNOR ENDING THIS ABRUPTLY.

IF HE EVER ENDS IT BEFORE IT EXPIRES, THEN I THINK HE WOULD GIVE SOME WARNING, MAYBE A MONTH OR SOME TIME SO PEOPLE WHO WOULD BE LOSING THIS $300 A WEEK ENHANCED INCOME WOULD BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THAT, SO I THINK IT WILL GO ON FOR A LITTLE WHILE.

WON'T SIGHT END ABRUPTLY BUT THE GOVERNOR MAY INDICATE IN A MONTH OR TWO.

>> Bill: DEBBIE, DO YOU GET A SENSE OF THAT AND DEFINED PLEASURE THE GOVERNOR IS FACING ON THAT ISSUE?

>> Deborah: I THINK THAT'S RIGHT.

JACK IS RIGHT.

GOVERNOR BESHEAR HAS BEEN PRETTY OUTSPOKEN THAT HE WANTS PEOPLE TO GET ALL THE BENEFITS THEY'RE ENTITLED TO AND HELP DURING THIS TIME, AND HIS ADMINISTRATION BEING A DEMOCRAT IS DEFINITELY MORE ALIGNED WITH THE LABOR UNIONS THAN WITH THE REPUBLICAN SIDE, SO I WOULD EXPECT HE WOULD TRY TO KEEP IT GOING.

IT'S LARGELY BEEN DROPPED IN REPUBLICAN-LED STATES WHERE THERE'S BEEN NO PRESSURE FROM BUSINESS INTERESTS.

>> Bill: WHEN THE GOVERNOR SAYS THAT THIS WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF, WHICH IS WHAT HE HAS SAID RECENTLY, HOW SO?

DO WAGES COME UP?

DO PEOPLE DECIDE THAT, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE JUST READY FOR THE WORKFORCE AGAIN?

DEB?

>> Deborah: I HAVE HEARD REPORTS, MORE NATIONAL NEWS REPORTS, OF EMPLOYERS IN ORDER TO COMPETE AND DRAW PEOPLE BACK ARE FINALLY STARTING TO OFFER HIGHER WAGES FOR THINGS LIKE SERVICE SECTOR JOBS, FAST FOOD, THAT SORT OF THING, SO THAT COULD BE A FACTOR TOO.

I KNOW THAT SOME OF THE PEOPLE IN THE MORE PROGRESSIVE SIDE OF THE SPECTRUM HAVE ARGUED IF YOU PAY PEOPLE MORE, THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE SOME OF THESE JOBS MORE QUICKLY.

>> Bill: SO WE'RE ALL KEEPING A WATCH ON THAT.

JESS, LET'S TALK SOME SCHOOL ISSUES.

THAT'S WHAT YOU COVER PRIMARILY, IT IS YOUR BEAT.

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS ENDING SUSPENSIONS FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS.

WHAT LED TO THAT?

AND WHY IS THE HOPE IN TERMS OF THE OUTCOME?

>> Jess: RIGHT.

SO A LOT OF PEOPLE MAY BE STRIDES PURSUED TO HEAR BUT PRESCHOOL STUDENTS ARE SUSPENDED IN MANY SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY.

BUT JCBS IT WASN'T TO END MOST OF THOSE SUSPENSIONS.

SO RIGHT NOW HUNDREDS, UP TO SOME YEARS THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS FROM PRESCHOOL TO THIRD GRADE ARE SUSPENDED.

MOST OF THOSE REASONS FOR SUSPENSION, MOST OF THOSE BEHAVIORS ARE NON-VIOLENT.

THEY'RE DISRUPTIVE.

IT MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR A TEACHER TO MANAGE BUT THEY'RE NOT CREATING AN UNSAFE SITUATION.

AND SO WHAT JCPS WANTS TO DO OR HAS DONE IS SAYS NEXT YEAR, STARTING NEXT YEAR STUDENTS IN THOSE GRADES, PRE-K THROUGH THIRD GRADE, WITH ONLY BE SUSPENDED IF THE BEHAVIOR IS CREATING SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE STUDENTS AND FOR THE STUDENT THEMSELVES.

>> Bill: WHAT'S THE COMMUNITY RESPONSE BEEN?

I UNDERSTAND THAT THAT MAY DEPEND ON SEVERAL FACTORS.

>> Jess: YES.

SO THE REASON JCPS IS DOING THIS IS BECAUSE IT FOR A LOANING TIME HAS PROBLEM WITH THE DISPROPORTIONALITY WITH WHICH IT SUSPEND BLACK STUDENTS AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.

SO BLACK STUDENTS MAKE UP ABOUT 35 FIRST OF JCPS BUT THEY ACCOUNT FOR 70% OF THE STUDENTS IN THIS AGE GROUP WHO ARE SUSPENDED.

>> Bill: THE YOUNG CHILDREN.

>> Jess: THE YOUNG CHILDREN.

FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, THEY MAKE UP ABOUT 13% OF JCPS BUT THEY MAKE UP 40% OF THE STUDENTS WHO ARE SUSPENDED IN THIS AGE GROUP.

SO THAT'S THE DISPROPORTIONALITY THAT THEY'RE TRYING TO SOLVE WITH THIS.

SO, YOU KNOW, THIS MOVE HAS A LOT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT, ESPECIALLY IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY, BECAUSE THEIR CHILDREN HAVE BORNE THE BRUNT OF THESE DISPROPORTIONATE SUSPENSIONS.

THERE IS SOME CONCERN AMONG SOME PRINCIPALS, I HEAR, WHO ARE WORRIED THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVES TO SUSPENSION WHEN A STUDENT IS DISRUPTIVE, SO, FOR EXAMPLE, BE THEY'RE WORRIED THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH COUNSELORS OR THEY DON'T HAVE A SPACE TO TAKE THE CHILD TO COOL DOWN AND TALK IT OUT.

AND SO THERE ARE NOW DISCUSSIONS AT THE DISTRICT, HOW DO WE -- HOW DO WE PROVIDE THE RESOURCES FOR THE THESE SCHOOLS TO BE ABLE TO PULL THIS OFF SUCCESSFULLY.

>> Bill: MOST OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE ALSO BEING ASKED TO PROVIDE DO-OVER YEARS.

THIS WAS PASSED IN FRANKFORT AS LEGISLATION TO ALLOW SCHOOLS TO MAKE A LOCAL DECISION ABOUT WHETHER THEY WOULD DO THAT.

MOST OF THEM HAVE BEEN ASKED TO DO IT ARE PROVIDING THAT BECAUSE THE LEARNING THAT WAS LOST IN THE PANDEMIC AND SOME OF THE KIDS FEELING LIKE THEY VERY SIMPLY ARE BEHIND.

ARE WE GETTING AN IDEA HOW THAT WILL LOOK IN THE FALL?

>> Jess: WE DON'T REALLY KNOW FROM THE DISTRICTS THAT I'VE COVERED WHAT EXACTLY THAT WILL LOOK LIKE.

THE STATE HAS PROVIDED SOME GUIDANCE, ESSENTIALLY SAYING THAT THE CLASS -- IT REALLY SHOULD BE ESSENTIALLY A REPEAT.

IT SHOULD BE A DO-OVER YEAR.

SO ANY CLASSES THAT STUDENT TOOK, THE CLASSES THAT'S TAKE THIS NEXT YEAR IF THEY'RE DOING THAT DO-OVER YEAR, SHOULD EXPECT EVERYTHING THEY SHOULD BE COMPARABLE OR THE HER THE SHOULD BE THE SAME CLASSES.

IT'S REDOING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

>> Bill: THE NUMBERS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY WERE A LITTLE LOWER THAN WHAT WAS PROBABLY ANTICIPATED.

>> Jess: YEAH, JEFFERSON COUNTY IS AN ENORMOUS DISTRICT.

IT'S LIKE 92,000 KIDS, AND ONLY 777 STUDENTS SIGNED UP FOR THIS DO-OVER YEAR, AND THEY STILL STILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE THEIR MIND SO IT NIGHT EVEN BE HALL OF THOSE STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE.

>> Bill: DEBBIE, WE'VE COVERED WHAT APPEARS TO BE A CULTURAL CLASS AROUND A STATE CONTRACT INVOLVING FOSTER CARE AND AN ADOPTION AGENCY.

DOES THAT STANDOFF CONTINUE?

>> Deborah: YES, IT DOES.

THERE DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE A RESOLUTION.

SUNRISE CHILDREN'S SERVICES, WHICH IS AFFILIATED WITH THE KENTUCKY BAPTIST CONVENTION, IS ASKING THE STATE TO REMOVE FROM THE STANDARD CONTRACT LANGUAGE A CLAUSE THAT PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF SEXUAL ORE YEN TIGERS GENDER IDENTITY, SAYING THAT IT WOULD VIOLATE THEIR RELIGIOUS CONVICTIONS, AND THEY ALSO ARGUE THAT IN THE PAST PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS HAVE BEEN WILLING TO EITHER NOT ENFORCE THAT OR LEAF IT OUT OF THE CONTRACT.

HOWEVER, THE BESHEAR ADMINISTRATION IS NOT DOING SO, AND GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR SAID AS RECENTLY AS MONDAY THAT THEY CANNOT DO THAT.

THAT'S REQUIRED BY FEDERAL REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN THE USE OF MONEY THAT FUNDS THESE ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE SERVICES THAT SUNRISE PROVIDES.

SO THE STANDOFF AT THIS POINT CONTINUES.

THE STATE HAS SAID THEY WILL STOP PLACING CHILDREN WITH SUNRISE BY JULY 1st IF A RESOLUTION CONSTANT REACHED.

>> Bill: DO THEY HAVE ALTERNATIVES?

>> Deborah: THE STATE HAS COUPLE PROVIDERS THROUGHOUT KENTUCKY.

LARGELY NON-PROFIT, MANY OF THEM FAITH-BASED THAT PROVIDE FOSTERS AND ADOPTION CARE IN RESIDENTIAL TREATMENTS FOR JUVENILE SERVICES OR FOR FOSTER AND ADOPTION SERVICES.

SUNRISE IS ONE OF THE LARGER ONES.

THEY CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 600 CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE.

BUT I THINK THAT WOULD -- THE STATE WOULD HAVE TO START FINDING -- LEAN MORE HEAVILY ON THEIR OTHER PROVIDERS OR FIND OTHER WAYS TO ARRANGE FOR THESE CHILDREN IF THAT COMES ABOUT ON JULY 1st.

>> Bill:Y DEBBIE, JUST SO WE WILL HAVE PERSPECTIVE, I REMEMBER THE NUMBER WAS APPROACHING 10,000 OR SO CHILDREN THAT WE HAVE IN FOSTER CARE RIGHT NOW.

IS THAT ABOUT WHERE WE ARE?

>> Deborah: THERE WERE AS MANY AS 10,000 OR MORE THAN THAT, BUT IT'S NOW DOWN TO AROUND 9,000.

THE STATE HAS REALLY, REALLY BEEN WORKING TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF KIDS IN CARE AND KEEP THEM AT HOME WHEN POSSIBLE.

AND THERE IS NEW FEDERAL LAW THAT THE STATE HAS KIND OF BOUGHT INTO CALLED THE -- I SAY FAMILIES ACT.

I CAN'T REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE FEDERAL LEGISLATION.

BUT IT DOES REQUIRE THE STATE TO PUT MORE OF ITS RESOURCES INTO KEEPING CHILDREN IN THE HOME AND PROVIDING FAMILIES WITH THERAPIES OR SERVICES OR WHATEVER THEY NEED TO TRY TO KEEP FAMILIES INTACT.

>> Bill: LET'S TALK SOME WASHINGTON-KENTUCKY CONNECTIONS HERE.

JACK, REPUBLICANS IN THE SENATE MANAGED TO REJECT JANUARY 6th COMMISSION TO LOOK INTO THE INSURRECTION AT THE U.S. CAPITOL.

THERE WAS A LOT OF LOBBYING CERTAINLY.

THE MOTHER OF THE ONE OF THE FALLEN CAPITOL POLICE OFFICERS WENT TO CAPITOL HILL.

SENATOR McCONNELL WORKED VERY HARD BEHIND THE SCENES TO -- IN FACT, THERE WAS A REPORT HE SAID THAT WAS A PERSONAL FAVOR THAT HE WAS SIGNIFY OTHER SENATORS TO VOTE AGAINST THIS.

-- HE WAS ASKING OTHER SENATORS TO VOTE AGAINST THIS.

WHAT MOAT ACCELERATED NOT TO HAVE THAT COMMISSION?

>> Jack: PARTISANSHIP IN ONE WORD.

FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS SAID HE WAS AGAINST IN INVESTIGATION.

A LOT OF REPUBLICANS WANT TO KEEP IN HIS GOOD GRACE.

I THINK THAT INFLUENCED MANY OF THEM.

ALSO, McCONNELL IS INTERESTED, FOR THEY SENATE TO GO REPUBLICAN NEXT YEAR, MAYBE GET BACK HIS LEADERSHIP POSITION, SO IT ALL JUST BOILED DOWN TO PARTISAN POLITICS.

>> Bill: McCONNELL MADE THE POINT, HE SAID THERE WERE VARIOUS INVESTIGATIONS WENT ON WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THERE WERE MANY PEOPLE, HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE FACING CHARGES AND THAT CONGRESS HAS LOOKED INTO THIS.

>> Jack: THERE WERE MANY INVESTIGATIONS WHEN THE HILLARY CLINTON WAS SECRETARY OF STATE ON THE BENGHAZI SITUATION, BUT THEY FELT COMPELLED THEN TO INVESTIGATE IT.

>> Bill: DEMOCRATS INDICATE THAT THIS MAY COME BACK FOR ANOTHER VOTE.

>> Janet: SENATOR SHUMAN WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT.

JOE SEE THE RESULTS CHANGING.

>> Bill: THE STATE'S OTHER SENATOR RAND PAUL WAS ALSO IN THE HEADLINES THIS WEEK AFTER A PACKAGE WI A POWDERY SUBSTANCE THAT TURNED OUT TO BE HARMLESS ARRIVED AT HIS HOME IN BOWLING GREEN, AND PAUL SAYS PEOPLE ARE TAKING HIS STANCE ON VACCINES.

>> IT'S MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND STOP SENDING PISS TO MY HOUSE.

I MEAN, WHO ARE D. POISON TO MY HOUSE.

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

WHAT KIND A WORLD ARE WE LIVING IN WHEN PEOPLE CAN'T HAVE A DISCUSSION.

AND DISAGREE ABOUT THINGS?

>> Deborah: DEBBIE, PEOPLE SAID PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE VIRUS HAVE NATURAL IMMUNITY AND DON'T NEED THE VEIN AND SKI HEAD THIS PACKAGE IS PUSHBACK FROM PEOPLE THAT DISAGREE WITH HIS STANCE.

>> Deborah: THAT COULD BE TRUE.

I DON'T KNOW IF WE LEARNED THE MOTIVE FOR THIS PACKAGE SITUATION.

SENATOR PAUL DOES TEND TO MAKE CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENTS, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT HE DOESN'T NEED THE VACCINE BECAUSE HE HAS INVOLVED COVID.

THAT, IN FACT, IS NOT KNOWN AND THERE HAVE BEEN CASES OF PEOPLE BEING REINFECTED WELL COVID WHO HAD IT.

THEY DO KNOW THAT ONCE YOU HAVE HAD COVID, YOU ESTABLISH SOME IMMUNITY.

IT'S JUST NOT KNOWN ARE HOW MUCH OFFER OUCH WHO ARE FOR HOW LONG.

>> Bill: I THINKY HE SAID HE IS OPEN TO THE VACCINE IF IT DOES PROVIDE MORE IMMUNITY.

KENTUCKY POLITICS NEVER TAKES MUCH OF A BREAK.

FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES BOOKER IS EXPLORING A DEMOCRATIC U.S. SENATE RACE.

WE TAKING OUT PROGRESSIVE ISSUES ON SEVERAL ISSUES INCLUDING CALLING FOR UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME.

>> THE BIGGER THING FOR ME AND WHY I SUPPORT WHAT DR. KING LIFTED UP, A GUARANTEED ANNUAL INCOME, I BELIEVE WE NEED TO INVEST IN PEOPLE.

NOBODY SHOULD HAVE TO RATION THEIR INSULIN TO DO IT.

I'VE HAD TO DO IT.

I'M A TYPE 1 DIABETIC AND NEARLY DIED FROM THAT.

NOBODY >> Bill: JACK, BOOKER IF HE GOES THROUGH THIS WILL BE CHALLENGING SENATOR RAND PAUL WHO WILL BE SEEKING A THIRD TERM AND BOOKER CERTAINLY IS NOT HIDING HIS PROGRESSIVE AGENDA.

PAUL CERTAINLY IS CONSERVATIVE, LIBERTARIAN LEANING.

THIS CAMPAIGN WOULD BE A REAL COMPARISON OF IDEAS, WOULDN'T IT?

>> Jack: DEFINITELY.

FOR YEARS IN KENTUCKY WE HAVE SEEN REPUBLICANS ALWAYS TRY TO PAINT THEIR DEMOCRATIC OPPONENTS AS EXTREMELY LIBERAL, CALLING THEM -- BRINGING UP PELOSI, HILLARY CLINTON, THOSE NAMES.

WELL, I DON'T THINK BOOKER WILL SHY AWAY FROM BEING CALLED A LIBERAL.

IT'S HIS POLICIES, AND WE'RE GOING TO SEE A TRUE TEST HOW WELL HE COULD FARE AGAINST A CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE.

>> Bill: DOES IT APPEAR HE'S THE LIKELY DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE OR DO WE HEAR OTHER NAMES?

>> Jack: AT THIS TIME.

TWO WEEKS IN POLITICS IS AN ETERNITY.

WE'VE GOT SEVERAL MORE MONTHS TO GO BEFORE THE JANUARY FILING DEADLINE AND WE'LL SEE IF ANOTHER DEMOCRAT EMERGES.

>> Bill: IT COULD POSSIBLY BE A DEMOCRATIC PLIER IN THE 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

>> Jack: IN LOUISVILLE.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE ATTICA SCOTT HAS SAID SHE'S CONSIDERING, JUST SAYING CONSIDERING, A BID AGAINST THE DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT JOHN YARMOUTH.

>> Bill: AND A SUMMER IS ON THE DOCTOR IS PLANNING TO CHALLENGE DR. RICHARD.

>> Jack: DR. RICHARD DAN VAM HAS INDICATED HE'S READY TO GO AFTER REPUBLICAN ARE HAL ROGERS.

>> Bill: STATE SENATE MINORITY LEADER MORNING McGARVEY HAS BEEN POUT A GROUP THAT'S LOOKING AT VOTING ACCESS.

HE BRINGS THE PERSPECTIVE HAVE KENTUCKY HAVING EXPANDED VOTING OPTIONS AT A TIME WHEN OTHER STATES ARE TIGHTENING THE PROCESS.

>> Jack: NI THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THIS GROUP IS TO COMBAT VOTER SUPPRESSION.

WE HAVE HEARD IT THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

AND THEY'RE SYMPATHET TO COME UP WITH SOME STRATEGIES TO DO THAT.

>> Bill: JACK.

ATTORNEY GENERAL DANIEL CAMION'S OFFICE ISSUED A SLEW OF OPINIONS RECENTLY ABOUT STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES VIOLATING OPEN MEETINGS LAWS.

DID YOU A STORY THAT RAISES SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER, THE CONTRACT THAT WAS APPROVED, AND THERE'S AT LEAST TECHNICAL QUESTIONS.

>> Jack: FOR OVER A YEAR THE BESHEAR ADMINISTRATION HAS ARGUED WITH THE FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION ON WHO HAS AUTHORITY TO APPOINT THE COMMISSIONER, AND THE COMMISSION SO FAR LEADS IN THAT FIGHT BECAUSE THEY GOT GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUPPORT TO GIVE THEM THE AUTHORITY.

BUT THEY HAD THREE, AT LEAST THREE MEETINGS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS, THAT THEY DID NOT PROPERLY OPEN THE MEETINGS, DID NOT STATE THE PURPOSE HAVE THEIR CLOSED SESSIONS, SO HE RULED THAT THEY VIOLATED THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW WHICH CARRIES THE SUPPORT OF LAW.

NOW WE'LL SEE WHAT THE COMMISSION DOES IF ANYTHING ABOUT THAT.

>> Bill: IT'S BEEN ONE YOU'RE E. YEARS SINNERS THE FIRST PROTEST AFTER THE DEATH OF BREONNA TAYLOR IN LOUISVILLE, JACK.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ALSO EMPANELED A COMMISSION TO LOOK AT I HAVE SEARCH WARRANTS STATEWIDE AND POLICIES AND THEY HAD THEIR FIRST MEETING THIS WEEK.

>> Jack: THEIR FIRST MEETING THIS WEEK.

IT LASTED ABOUT AN HOUR.

THEY'RE SUPPOSED COME UP WITH SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JANUARY.

>> Bill: DWEEB THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF DAVID MCATEE IS NEXT WEEK.

IT WAS A FEW DAYS INTO THE PROTESTS GOING ON IN LOUISVILLE.

AND THE PROSECUTOR IN JEFFERSON COUNTY HAS DECIDED AGAINST CHARGES IN HIS DEATH.

>> Deborah: YES, DAVID MCATEE, AS PROBABLY MOST PEOPLE RECALL, OPERATED THE BARBECUE RESTAURANT OUT OF HIS HOME IN REST LOUISVILLE, AND AFTER THE PROTESTS BEGAN, GOT INVOLVED IN AN ALTERCATION WITH A POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS FIRING PEPPER BALLS APPARENTLY, AND HE RETURNED FIRE AND THEN HE WAS SHOT BY ONE OF TWO NATIONAL GUARDSMEN WHO WERE ON THE SEEN.

TOM, THE COMMONLY ATTORNEYS HERE LOOKED AT IT PRETTY 67 AND DECIDED AGAINST BRINGING ANY CHARGES AGAINST ANYONE OVER MCATEE'S DEATH SAYING THERE WERE SOME POLICY VIOLATIONS THAT OCCURRED ON BEHALF OF LOUISVILLE POLICE BUT HE DIDN'T SEE A CRIME.

THAT, OF COURSE, WAS NOT A POPULAR DECISION WITH SOME OF HIS SUPPORTERS OR SOME OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS, MCATEE'S.

>> Bill: JESS, YOU COVERED SOME OF THOSE PROTESTS LAST YEAR.

DOES IT FEEL LIKE A YEAR?

>> Jess: YOU IT FEELS LIKE -- NOT REALLY.

IT FEELS LIKE, YOU KNOW, IT HAPPENED YESTERDAY ALMOST.

>> Bill: AND THE CONVERSATION HAVE BEEN ONGOING.

AND A REFLECTION ON POLICE POLICIES AND SO FORTH.

AND YOU DID A STORY ON HOW MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS MAY START RESPONDING TO SOME 911 CALLS IN LOUISVILLE.

>> Jess: YEAH.

I MEAN, I THINK A BIG DIPLOMA THAT WE HAVE SEEN IN THIS COUNTRY IS MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS BEING CRIMINALIZED, SO SOMEONE CALLS 911 BECAUSE SOMEONE IS HAVING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS, WHETHER THAT'S SUBSTANCE USE, SOMETHING LIKE THAT, POLICE SHOW UP AND THAT PERSON ENDS UP IN JAIL AND SOMETIMES DEAD.

AND SO WHAT THIS WORKING GROUP IN LOUISVILLE IS TRYING TO DO IS COME UP WITH AN ALTERNATIVE TO SENDING JUST THE POLICE.

THAT MAY BE A MEDIC AND SOMEONE TRAINED IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT SO THAT INSTEAD OF TAKING THAT PERSON TO JAIL, THAT PERSON WOULD BE CONNECTED TO SOCIAL SERVICES.

>> Bill: DEESCALATION.

>> Jess: DEESCALATION, YES.

>> Bill: JACK, SOME JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS, MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT IS WHITLEY COUNTY WHERE FIRESTONE IS ADDING 250 JOBS, $50 MILLION INVESTMENT THEIR PLANT IN WILLIAMSBURG, AND THERE WAS ALSO AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN SHELBY COUNTY THIS WEEK.

>> Jack: A COPPER RECYCLING CENTER THERE.

THE GOVERNOR'S HAD A BUNCH OF THESE ANNOUNCEMENTS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS.

>> Bill: TODAY IS THE 4th ANNIVERSARY OF BEVERLY HILLS SURP CLUB FIRE.

OVER 100 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES ON THAT EVENING.

SOME CHANGES WERE MADE IN CODES AND SO FORTH.

STILL A LOT OF QUESTIONS BY SOME OF THOSE FAMILIES.

>> Jack: ABSOLUTELY.

THERE'S PANN PIECE IN THE CINCINNATI INQUIRY THIS WEEK THAT RAISES SOME QUESTIONS ABOUTS WAIT AN ACCIDENT OR WAS IT STARTED BY THE MOB.

>> Bill: DEBBIE, IT REALLY IS STILL SOMETHING THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE JUST FEEL THAT IT HAS NOT ALL COME OUT EVEN 44 YEARS LATER.

>> Deborah: THAT WAS A STUNNING EVENT, AND THE LEVEL DEATH WAS UNIMAGINABLE.

AS YOU SAID, 165 PEOPLE.

AND WHETHER THEY -- I KNOW THEY FOUND THINGS LIKE FAULTY WIRING AND MAYBE SOME THINGS THAT WEREN'T DONE TO CODE AND CROWDED CONDITIONS, BUT AS JACK SAID, THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE WONDERING HOW THAT MANY PEOPLE COULD DIE SO QUICKLY IN THAT INFERNO.

>> Bill: THIS IS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND.

WE ALL KNOW THAT IT WAS THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE BE WITH JACK, GIVEN BY SO MANY THAT GIVES US THE RIGHT TO COFFER THE NEWS AND EXPRESS OUR THOUGHTS.

>> Jack: IT'S CALLED A HOLIDAY, AND WE CELEBRATE IT, BUT IT'S REALLY A COMMEMORATION OF THESE PEOPLE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR OUR FREEDOM AND OUR LIBERTIES.

>> Bill: AND A DEVOUT THANK YOU TO THEM CERTAINLY.

22 MORE COUNTIES ARE ADDED TO THE LIST OF THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR INDIVIDUAL FLOOD ASSISTANCE FROM THE HEAVIER RAINS EARLIER THIS YEAR.

AND PAXTON MEDIA GROUP, WHICH OWNS WPSD IN WESTERN KENTUCKY AND THE PADUCAH SUN HAS PURCHASED LANDMARK COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS.

IT INCLUDES 47 PAPERS.

20 OF THOSE ARE IN KENTUCKY, INCLUDING ELIZABETH DOWN, SHELBYVILLE, LEBANON AND BARDSTOWN.

>> JACK: >> IN SHELBYVILLE IN 1976 HIRED A YOUNG REPORTER FROM MAYSVILLE, KENTUCKY WHO IS ON "COMMENT ON KENTUCKY" TONIGHT.

>> Bill: PMG HEADQUARTERED IN PADUCAH HAS 120 LOCATIONS IN 14