>> I want to be clear.

This is an investigation of Joe Biden.

>> Kentucky Congressman James Comer is the new chair of the powerful House committee.

He plans to investigate the president.

>> And my hope is when when the inquest of a loved one is released that day continue to build on these bonds.

And they started here in this car.

>> How one program is helping incarcerated parents KET the connection with their children.

Anybody can play played in a parking lot.

Driveway is just one of those unique recreational opportunities.

We learn more about America's fastest growing sport.

Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET Endowment for Kentucky Productions.

Leonard Preston Down for Public Affairs and the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky.

Addition for Friday, November 18, I'm Casey Parker Bell filling in for Renee Shaw.

>> With Republicans winning control of the U.S. House this week.

It means Representative James Comer of Kentucky will likely become chair of the House Oversight Committee in a news conference yesterday, Representative Comer outlined a Republican investigation and to President Joe Biden and the Biden family Comer alleges the president was directly involved in questionable business deals with foreign countries and companies.

>> Committee Republicans have spoken with multiple whistleblowers from you or schemes involving the Biden family reviewed Hunter Biden's laptop and received previously previously unknown transactions.

What we found or business plans aimed at targets around the world based on influence peddling.

Including with people closely tied to foreign governments like China and Russia.

We also found plans bay to the United States where the Biden family swindled investors of hundreds of thousands of dollars all with Joe Biden's participation and knowledge.

>> The White House responded by calling the investigation a conspiracy theory.

Republicans have secured a slim majority in the house.

The full scope of the party's majority may not be clear for several more days or weeks as votes in competitive races are still being counted.

10 days after the midterm elections, one statehouse race is still too close to call Democrat Cherlynn Stevenson as a 35 vote lead over Republican Jim Coleman and House district.

88.

The district covers part of Scott and Fayette counties.

Clerks for both counties say Coleman requested a recanvass which was completed yesterday.

The vote total remain the same.

But there's more last year the state Legislature pass a law automatically requiring a recount.

If the race is decided by less than half of a percent.

A recount is different than a recanvass.

A recanvass is a review of the vote totals.

A recount includes examining the actual ballots.

The secretary of state's office says the recount will take place on Tuesday.

Election results will be certified by the state Board of Elections on November.

28th.

It's time for our end of the week.

Preview of some of the top political stories in Kentucky with a pair of political pundits this week.

We have 2 former Kentucky secretary of state and they're 2 of Katie's election night.

Commentators here in the studio with us is Bob Babbage, the founder of Baggage, co-founder and Trey Grayson, an attorney with Frost Brown Todd and managing director of the firm's government relations affiliate Civic Point.

Gentlemen, thanks for being here with us.

I want to start is abortion in Kentucky.

Of course Tuesday, the Kentucky Supreme Court heard oral arguments that the case but Kuroda tort determine abortion access the constitutional limit who failed in this year's general election.

What I'm really curious about is the reaction from the Kentucky General Assembly.

99 of Kentucky's 120 counties voted in favor of constitutional amendment.

2.

So, Trey, what are we hearing about what the General Assembly I do when they convene in January?

So I think there's a couple things.

One is the big picture with amendments.

I think both these allotments going down to the feet were in the were a reminder, the legislature that just because they put something on the ballot doesn't mean it's going to pass.

And >> my suspicions one, they're going to be more careful.

You know, what's the campaign to support and pass this amendment there?

There was some criticism of the the yes movement for getting outspent, not organize out message.

That's one thing.

The second thing is will you see because the political argument really focused on I'm not the amendment itself.

That was the impact.

The amendment with a trigger law.

And so there could be some discussion.

Would you change the state's trigger law, which is the one that's under review by the Supreme Court to maybe as some exceptions for rape or incest or something like that to maybe the political argument and then the try to bring it back that we can't have another amendment on the ballot until 2024, but they could pass it, you know, and that session.

So that will be interesting to see how that plays out.

Bob abortion access was a big deal in this year's general election.

A lot of states across the country.

Of course, Kentucky has constitutional officers being like the next year is abortion, something that's going to be an issue in that election smell election for half century probably will be again, it's permanent issue permit discussion.

Many people from feel very strongly.

Lot of interest in the amendment, of course.

And now the court case.

You asked originally with the Legislature, then take action.

Likely they will very carefully measured action.

So if they get the result, they want.

I think one thing that's different about today's buzz, right?

It would be important and we ran.

We were asked our views on this, but the big difference now in the Dobbs environment is that state decision-makers opinions matter a little bit more are a lot more because it ultimately determine if so whether the courts or the state legislature, state courts, the Legislature or state executive branch.

So there's more consequences now.

And and we're a little bit of unchartered waters as to what's the right position for them in some of the swing voters?

Well, we'll find out as elections continue to happen.

Of course, the governor just earlier this week signed an executive order that would allow medical marijuana in Kentuckyian are some instances that go out of state to buy that could bring it back.

If you meet the right criteria >> and so what I'm curious some people are asking, is this something the governor has the power to do?

It's not You know, one of the things I think we've learned in the last couple of years is even if things like past governors have done.

>> But they haven't been challenged answer is it's not clear.

You know, I'm an attorney who's my client a good week.

He's using a there's a power in the Constitution that gives the put the power the governor to do some pardoning in communication.

And he's arguing that that gives them the power because affective I'm saying I'm not, you know, you can't get sentence for this, you know, kind of a prosecutorial discretion.

He used the power earlier in his term for and must controversial manner restore voting rights for can go a large class, a convicted felon.

Snow buddies challenge that in court.

This one wouldn't shock me if it were challenged in courts.

And ultimately we may ask the 7 folks in court chambers to decide whether he, in fact, has the power.

It's probably good politics given the popularity.

The issue and it does box and the general Assembly of that, the boxes in the General Assembly.

Could this give the governor a bump as he works toward re-election?

Apparently so because from what we know and what we hear this poll as well.

Almost up and down the line and young.

>> Urban, rural, given that it's a political issue, not just for the governor's race for the General Assembly, but any setting officer, Democrat or Republican.

Local where they may is going to ask this question about this and abortion and other things.

That the key issues for the moment.

Yeah, of course, the General Assembly has not been able to get medical marijuana cross.

The finish line is this executive order make it possible that it could?

>> It could.

It also could cause the leadership team or You know, someone like Jason, the mess, you just got elected to House leadership.

He's been the biggest proponent among Republicans and of lead this fight in the state House is really mad at the governor for this.

And so it does put the gun.

As I said earlier, it puts a little bit of a box like if you're a policy maker, do you want to advance this in an election year for for governor that might boost the governor or and it's also a 30 day session on and with a lot of new members.

So it's it's unclear that will be enough votes actually do this and the next session.

it's a reminder that the governor, you know, the legislature is taking the lead by the policy of the last couple of years because of the veto proof majorities out of the governor has some, you know, has that pen.

And as an executive order power still and he can.

He can do some things to shape That could be good politics track.

Bob, thank you both for being here.

Thank you.

>> More help could soon be on the way to Kentucky flood victims.

The Herald leader reports President Biden is requesting Congress include 100 million dollars and its end of the year budget to help Eastern Kentucky recover from flooding in July.

Heavy rains caused dozens of deaths and damaged thousands of homes.

Congress has until December 13th to pass the end of the year budget.

♪ Some good health news just in time for Thanksgiving.

Almost every Kentucky county is in the green for COVID-19 activity last week, 3 counties were in the red.

Now no county is red and there are just 10 yellow, meaning medium level of spread.

Attorney General Daniel Cameron is asking the Biden administration to end a vaccine mandate for certain health care workers.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in healthcare settings that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding.

Cameron is joining 22 other attorneys general in a petition which argues the mandate is unconstitutional.

In a statement he says lifting the mandate, quote, would allow health care facilities to re-hire health care workers who left the industry due to the mandate and alleviate the burnout.

So many existing health workers are experiencing more than one-third of Kentuckians are covered by the Medicaid program.

Soon.

Children in rural areas who need specialized medical care won't have to travel far to get it.

Thanks to a new clinic on wheels, Kentucky Children's Hospital along with the Colonel Harland Sanders Foundation and the Coaches for Kids Foundation unveiled the mobile clinic on Thursday.

The clinic will take medical providers and staff from several pediatric specialties to hospitals, county health departments and other community locations throughout the state.

Eliminating the need to travel for hours to receive medical care.

>> We look at it one in 4 Kentucky children.

A pediatrician in their hometown, wanted to.

We don't have a pediatrician county, but also many Kentucky families do not have access to transportation.

So think about you don't have a pediatrician and you don't have access to transportation.

So thank you.

As a child who lives in Harlem account.

Would have to travel 3 hours to Lexington to be seen by.

Say if you get your cardio or other yet.

This is an except.

This mobile front.

Will help us meet our mission to create healthier content.

>> Kentucky Children's Hospital says the mobile clinic will begin operating in January.

An overwhelming number of children in Kentucky are experiencing what is known as shared sentence.

The term is used to describe the negative impact separation caused by parental incarceration can have on a child.

Kentucky is showing improvement but still has a long way to go when it comes to supporting children with incarcerated parents.

According to a recent report by Kentucky Youth Advocates, the organization conducted a survey to find out what steps communities and jails are taking.

If any, to minimize harms children with incarcerated parents.

>> We have been.

Looking at this issue for a number of years actually win the N E Casey Foundation for but a report out in Kentucky was one of the highest states in the country are having children who experience parental incarceration.

Unfortunately, we haven't made a lot of progress over those years.

Are standing its change compared to other states.

We now rank 11th in the nation overall, but probably more due to other states doing worse than to any specific improvement here in Kentucky.

Here in Kentucky, we have about one out of every 10 kids that it had the experience of having a parent incarcerated at some point when you think about that like a classroom, the kids, if we're talking about one out of every 10 with the round 2 or 3 students on average.

So a lot of children across the state of had this experience and have been impacted by this.

We've seen community partners really take the lead and step up on supporting kids.

They've been the ones that have been initiated conversations with the jail and brought ideas for programming are different ways to support the incarcerated parent or the children in the community.

We've seen a lot of different approaches across Kentucky that are working.

It really isn't a one size fit.

It's all type of situation.

And so there are lots of different ways and opportunities for communities to get involved and make an impact.

>> In its report, Kentucky Youth advocates highlights programs that support children with incarcerated parents.

One of the programs is a partnership between Save the Children and the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Perry County.

More cars rated parents and their children are staying connected through letters.

Art activities and reading.

>> I was a mask, really?

I didn't know what I was doing with my life.

I didn't know which way to go at it.

I just didn't know what to do.

>> Megan Koza 16 when she began using drugs, she became an addict.

Dogs took over her life.

They took her out of the lives of her children.

>> Got a couple drug charges and ended up here.

I was here for 2 months.

When I got in here, I realize that this isn't the life that I want to live anymore.

I didn't get to see my kids for 2 months.

So it open my eyes and my me want to change.

>> Come says change came thanks to a program started at the Kentucky River Regional Jail by Wendy Hall.

The program coordinator for Save The Children.

>> I wanted to come into the Kentucky River Regional Jail parenting classes with and the incarcerated people here.

So that's kind of where it started.

When someone comes here and I've been on substances for a long they may have been a parent this I don't know what it's like to be a sober parent.

So this gives him like that little glance of what what they could have.

So it it this to work harder so they can get to that full time.

>> The programs, they're very helpful.

And I was learning how to bond with my child.

I was parenting tips about it.

No.

>> GDL earned a B about school like the other opportunities that there was.

>> Substance use disorders are a major, major factor in lot of incarceration.

It has it.

You know, it's a detrimental effect on the children in every way, you know, ranging from their development to their education, to future opportunities and resources.

>> And the Sun says funding projects and organizations that assist children of incarcerated parents, particularly in rural areas, has become the focus of the foundation.

She chairs the Kentucky Social Welfare Foundation.

It has partnered with Kentucky Youth Advocates to identify develop programs like the one at the Kentucky River Regional Jail.

>> What we hope is that the Perry County.

Staff there, people who are doing this program can help right up a little road map.

You know that other jails could use.

>> With the help of the Kentucky Social Welfare Foundation.

Hall's expanded the program to include face-to-face visitations where inmates can read books with their children.

>> The current caregiver brings the or children in some cases and and we like for them to pick up the the end.

They and their incarcerated loved one gets a copy of the book and they get a copy of the book and that's kind of where their visit and it's kind of around this book.

You know, some of the relationships were nonexistent somewhere really strain.

So watching these relationships, build up and go, it's it's really cool.

Experience to watch.

And my hope is when when the inquest a loved one is released that day continue to build on was that they started here in this program.

>> For Combs, the program not only showed her how to be a better mother to 2 children, but how to live a productive drug-free life.

>> I have 3 years clean.

Now my office work full time as a peer support specialist working with recovering addicts.

I go to college to become a substance use.

Counselor.

>> Just had a house built.

Through the housing Development Mon Home also.

It's an amazing feeling.

It really is.

>> Also therapy is also offered to incarcerated parents, their children and their caregivers.

♪ >> This week is national apprenticeship Week recognizing Trey students will spend part of their time in the classroom and part of their time on the job bluegrass community and Technical College hosted an apprenticeship fair today at their Georgetown campus for local high school students.

Got to hear how skills-based mentorship can lead to a lifelong career.

>> We see a lot of apprenticeship opportunities in the area of electrical industrial maintenance technicians also HVAC heating ventilation and air-conditioning technicians.

I'm also seeing an increase in for machining, Computerize manufacturing, a machining appliances.

I'm learning how to work with hand tools have been how to run power from here to there pending on the day.

I've got later on leave the job wherever I am to get to my classes have class and then either go back to the job site or >> go home and start the homework.

No relation should be.

Got it.

>> According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 4,000 Kentucky students are actively enrolled in an apprenticeship program.

The Ignite Academy launched by Madison County Schools includes 2 new campuses where students can receive technical training in a variety of disciplines.

We visited the Ignite Academy North campus to get a better look at this updated space.

The mask, a board of education realizes the importance of workforce development, vision itself talks about being in partnership with the community.

>> And providing the skills needed for success.

So based off of that we realize that we needed upgrade or a rebranding of career technical education.

We have a North and South campus and the district has created these candidates to hopefully better prepare the kids to transition into their next.

Their next phase of life.

>> Everything's hands on whether or not you've got a mouse in your hand or a hammer in your hand.

>> That's a good learning in the building.

Cars working on cars and getting to work.

Hands-on left parts tools and computers.

That's good news, your imagination to build things that you just want to build per warm-up era.

Part about being here.

>> When you give them something that's hands on when you give them something that is interactive, you're going to retain that information faster.

You're going to enjoy it.

What you're doing and you're going to find that reward at the end of it, that satisfaction?

I didn't know I could do that.

And now I do.

And that's that's why we're the first thing that programs like these 2 as it develops student interest industry today is significantly different than what it was in the.

>> You know, 1950's 1960's.

So we want to build a new facility so that would shed a new light on the career Tech education.

>> It's very cool.

I really like the new building, the CNA class and like beds in means and they have a lot of new in the pharmacy tech right now.

And then in January asked RSC So by the time I graduate, I'll have my certificate in both and I can go work in a hospital or pharmacy.

That's just really great.

Community cause mean a lot of people out of college for that.

And they're offering those classes here to take for free.

>> I forgot that.

Choose to do it again on and the 10 times over here.

You learn about that.

You want to learn about mine goals and going to be seen to and fax machine and agree.

And I move the Bowling Green and decor engineer and is on the court that gives them the skills are going to need to navigate the workplace or navigate applying for college.

We just want to >> go alongside advise the kids the best we can to align with their goals for the future and set them up to be successful.

Make a good living for them and their families and the contributing members to the community.

>> The New York Times recently published article with the headline Wise Pickleball so popular.

We decided to post that same question and South Central Kentucky.

The sport is seeing such increase interest.

The Warren County Parks Recreation conducted a study on better ways to serve those who love the sport.

>> It's explosive like pickleball is one.

The fastest growing sports across the nation.

We're trying to facility usage because of that volume with all the other activities that we offer.

That was becoming popular because it works with all ages.

>> All skill levels.

So you can have advanced people playing brand-new people playing.

>> I think pickleball provides that unique experience.

Think of badminton and tennis and pickleball ask how like that.

Happy medium.

>> The friend was going to play one day and I was interested that came along with her and started hitting the ball.

It was real reminiscent of playing ping pong when I was a kid.

It's got me off the couch.

>> It help me meet new friends.

I really, really enjoy it.

It was something that I could pick up easily.

And I think that was the catch.

>> This court's that guard size of a tennis court, the size of a badminton court.

For people to get out there.

And as I love running older people love it.

That's what who really picked apart the older The seniors.

>> If you are over and played tennis back in the day, it's a slow or easier on the joints type of sport.

The last them 2 months, we've had several public meetings.

>> Getting input doing a community survey to gather more input on what direction the public wants us to go.

>> They're doing a lot here in Warren County, too, make more courts available and more places, more that there are a lot outdoor places.

They've increased the amount, of course, that you can play out.

>> We have a lot of new beginner clinics bringing in new I started running leads.

It's very social.

>> Once you start playing with a group of people, the kind of fast friends and and people tend to like that.

>> With job.

>> Help your mind helps your memory.

>> brain game as much as it is physical today.

It's at very thanking game places like New York, Nashville, even their on top of buildings underneath and an 8th building.

Subway trains.

>> All these different recreational opportunities are coming about in pickleball is one of the fastest growing in our region and throughout the state and where we want to make sure that we're position to meet that growing the for that recreational sport.

♪ >> In favor of Turkey trot and a Christmas village, Toby Gibbs has a look at what's happening this weekend.

>> Around the Commonwealth.

♪ >> Calling all bourbon fans, General Butler, State Resort Parks Bourbon favorite event is this weekend in Carrollton.

Enjoy a bourbon theme dinner.

Musical entertainment, a paint and sip class and so much more in this adults-only event.

Let it go with the spotlight.

Playhouses performance of frozen Kids this weekend.

Join Elsa Anna Olaf and Kristoff on this epic ice filled adventure about love and family.

With catchy musical numbers and a little bit of magic sprinkled on top.

The 44th annual Turkey trot is this Saturday in Glasgow Square.

This Thanksgiving tradition includes 3 different races.

Runners are encouraged to dress in their favorite holiday attire.

Tom Turkey will be running a challenge issue to try to beat it.

More than 50 eastern and southern Kentucky artists will showcase their work at the 28th annual Shell.

Towey Artists, an art fair and Somerset this weekend browse the vast collection of hand-crafted baskets, ceramic squelch photography and more to get your holiday shopping off to a beautiful start.

Enjoy a night of murder with a side of history at Barren River, Lake State resort parks, murder, mystery dinner and show this Saturday could in to see if all the guests will walk away with their money or it's awful to even walk away at all.

Crafts, gifts, food and Santa are all part of Wayne County's extension homemakers, a Christmas village in Monticello the Saturday.

Go up on Yummy.

Baked goods and tasty treats shot from a quality selection of items and get your picture taken with the Jolly man himself at the children's Village.

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

I'm told the Good News.

>> Corporal punishment is still taking place and some Kentucky schools and the report breaks down where this practice is taking place on Monday will introduce you to a student who is working to end corporal punishment in Kentucky.

We hope you'll join us again Monday night at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central for Kentucky.

Addition for we inform connect and inspire subscribe to our weekly Kentucky Edition email newsletter and watch full episodes and clips a cake E T Dot Org.

You can also find Kentucky Edition on the PBS video app and on your mobile device and smart TV.

>> And fall.

KET on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay in the loop.

I'm Casey Parker Bell filling in for Renee Shaw this week.

Have a good weekend.

Take good care and thank you for joining us.

♪ ♪ ♪