>> Lifetime opportunity here.

We talked to come back around.

An opportunity now to help Kentuckians fighting addiction.

>> Well, here's to work with people coming in.

Not knowing >> But some students from Honduras will know English after spending time at this learning hub.

>> We know is most important we're having a positive impact.

>> A Kentucky school superintendent gets an A plus winning national honors for his leadership in education.

Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET and down that for Kentucky Productions.

Leonard Press Endowment for Public Affairs and the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION for this Friday.

>> October the 21st, I'm Renee Shaw.

Thank you for spending some of your evening with us.

>> COVID cases are up a little and some parts of Kentucky.

Let's look at the new map.

The CDC reports 4 counties have high COVID low levels.

The 4 are Floyd Johnson lecture and mug often last week.

It was just last year.

There are 26 other counties with medium levels.

You can see that and yellow.

Most of them are in eastern Kentucky.

There are few and central and southern Kentucky, including Fayette yesterday, Governor Andy Beshear was optimistic about current COVID trends, especially case numbers.

>> This last way and how it so much smaller than anyone we've seen before.

It's a direct result of vaccinations.

People get out there and get your booster, especially before Thanksgiving.

You're going to get together.

We never want the holidays to make people sick.

The new omicron booster not only works against what we're seeing right now, but the concerns about the new omicron variant that's out there.

That's hitting other countries.

But this is the 7th straight week of decrease cases or plateau in.

We're getting close again to some of the lowest numbers, though.

There's not as much reporting cases as there used to be.

So at this period that we're in, I think you should express an oblique.

all the numbers to be higher, but we certainly have more ways to treat it than we have ever had.

>> Candidates for governor in Kentucky are reacting to the CDC's latest action regarding the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, a CDC advisory committee voted that the agency should updated update its recommended immunization schedules to add the vaccine, including for children following the vote.

Representative Savannah Maddox released this statement.

Quote, unlike any other gubernatorial candidate in this race, I have fought COVID vaccine mandates from the very beginning as governor, I will put a stop to this dangerous agenda on day one, regardless of whichever mechanism may be used or abused to force you or your children to get the jab.

One of her challengers, though, Kelly.

Kraft also commented on the vote.

She tweeted, quote, I Promise you this, I will always have your back.

Parents are the only ones who should decide whether their children get the COVID-19 vaccine, not bureaucrats.

Under my watch.

There will not be a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in our schools, unquote.

To be clear, the CDC does not have the authority to set school immunization requirements.

That decision is left up to the states.

Flu season has only begun and one Kentucky community is already seeing an outbreak.

The Montgomery County Health Department reported 161 cases last week.

That's nearly 3 times as many cases from the previous week for comparison as of October, the 8th there are only 42 confirmed flu cases in the entire state.

Allison Napier is the public health director at the Montgomery County Health Department.

>> I can't say what I would think because with Bay Amina you know, still being in group events and gatherings with things like that.

They're still always a risk just like that.

But, you know, during the COVID pounds, it's just that time of year now that would more not wearing masks really anymore.

It's not mandated.

it spreads a lot easier.

>> Napier is encouraging everyone to get a flu shot sooner rather than later.

She also says wearing a mask and increased hand washing will help limit the spread.

Kentucky last 2,250 people to drug overdoses last year.

But a new initiative is hoping to curb that number.

The state is looking to identify recovery, ready communities.

These are communities that offer transportation support and employment services at no cost for residents seeking treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.

The Legislature heard an update on the program status yesterday as our Casey Parker Bell reports.

>> We really got a once in a lifetime opportunity here for communities.

This money doesn't come back around.

>> In 2020, the state legislature approved a bill to identify recovery, ready communities.

It sets a process in place for the state to work with communities to provide transportation, support and employment services at no cost for residents seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.

>> The recovery ready community said by Surrey Council's role is to develop a certification that will be used across the state.

And the Advisory Council is working hard to assure that the criteria of that certification includes evidence-based practices and interventions that are really geared toward establishing new and supporting existing local recovery or units, systems of care.

>> The certification process will include a community application.

Those applications will include information on the community's prevention treatment and recovery support options.

There will be an assessment of each community.

The Volunteers of America are helping with the certification process and we'll provide the assessment.

And then the recovery Ready.

Communities Advisory Council to make a decision.

The executive director for the Office of Drug Control Policy says the program can help communities access resources from the state to improve recovery assistance.

>> I don't think it's going to be a heavy lift to get communities to participate.

I really don't.

>> Representative King Mosher said she understands why some people are frustrated that more strides are made towards solving addiction issues but said grassroots work is central to solving the problem.

>> What exactly does the certification allow for or bring to a community?

That's my first question.

>> And we have for the council because they haven't voted with what some of these things are.

They'll be a list of things that a community can check off.

Improve the area for mention.

To be a list of things they can check off years of treatment and recovery support.

Just a basic things we always talk about like transportation and housing employment and all those things.

Recovery support.

But they will have to check every box will be a lot, you know, to be a list of 10 or 15 items and they have to meet so many of them for Kentucky edition.

I'm Casey Parker Bell.

>> Thank you.

Casey Van Ingram says communities could begin receiving their certifications early next year.

The Lexington Police Department says a new pilot program meant to reduce crime in Fayette County is proving successful.

The department updated Lexington's our Urban County Council members on the first audit of the flock safety security System program which launched in May.

The council entered into a one-year agreement with the company now under the program.

25 license plate reader cameras were placed around Lexington areas identified by police as having high crime rates.

The license plate readers also known as LP ARES Capture Images and run the license numbers through crime databases.

Lexington Police Commander Matthew Great House told the council since the program started, the cameras have helped officers locate 11 missing persons and 82 stolen vehicles sees 30 firearms and furthered 30 a criminal investigations, including 7 homicides that happened in 2022. as part of the agreement, Lexington Police are not allowed to disclose where the cameras are located when the program was first announced, some groups expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and whether it was disproportionately focused on neighborhoods with a large minority Population Council member James Brown has great house.

If the audit showed that to be the case.

>> And we tale.

>> Who is The evidence is being used against in where they live and to address some of those concerns disproportionately impacted neighborhoods that is or is that already included?

Not him.

Then if is that an element we can add to the hot it is the turn.

If you're looking for that specific data, that would be something.

The arrest report that you could look at all that that yes.

So so really the audit is focused on how the police department is using That's not necessarily the information is garnered from the tool.

That is correct.

Okay.

>> Brown along with other council members expressed their support for the program saying the council plans to authorize the purchase of 75 more cameras.

Tom members and the 1971 Republican nominee for governor has died in a Metcalf County House fire.

The coroner says Amber 10 helped his wife out of the home went back inside and didn't make it back out.

And Burton was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1987 and became chief judge of the appellate court before retiring in 2004 and Burton was 90 in a statement.

Kentucky House speaker David Osborne said, quote, he will be remembered as a man who chose to live both his personal and professional life with integrity, honor and selflessness.

Time now for our end of week review of political news this week.

Tonight we have 2 national heavy hitters with the screen right is Republican strategist and CNN commentator Scott Jennings who rejoins us again this week.

>> And we're glad to welcome for the first time to Kentucky Edition, Mark Riddell, president a future majority and a partner of Murphy Riddle Strategic Advisors.

Thank you both for being with us.

Some closure.

So let's talk about Kentucky's U.S. Senate race first, which many believe lack the dynamism and the competition that many thought might have happened just over a year ago.

Mark Riddell, I want to go to you to ask you about what are the chances?

Give me an over under here for Charles Booker to upset Rand Paul November 8.

>> Sure.

I think it's a long shot.

Charles is a great candidate.

I'm really inspirational human.

I'm a big supporter.

Charles is but you know, nothin, these things actually matter.

And I think it's an uphill battle right?

>> So for a Charles Booker right now, is he looking maybe to firm up a spot on the national stage with the National Democratic Party?

I mean, could that be the next leg of his political journey?

>> We saw an election that goes all the voters decide in a few weeks.

It should actually want to get on that U.S. Senate race.

I think Charles is running a hard fought race.

Like I said, I think it's an uphill battle.

Again.

Senator Paul I think, Charles, if he doesn't win, has a look at options is really talented person.

>> So Scott Jennings, you know, Rand Paul is campaigning like he's 5.10, points behind.

I mean, there's a final push with all these crisscrossing the state on these bus tours.

He's going to be and central Kentucky this weekend.

I tell us about his strategy and some of the ads that were saying coming from his campaign.

>> Yeah.

And run a really aggressive Raise a lot of money been hustling here lately and you know, the generic environment, you know, Marc's marks being nice about it.

But the generic environment is very clear.

Republicans are on offense and a key.

You know, I expect rampaul the win by double digits.

And I think the ad campaign that he's running is really complimentary to the kind of a style of a senator that he's been taking on some of issues that are very motivating for Republicans right now.

So it's good to see ran out there and lay on the campaign trail in Kentucky.

I think it also helps the rest of the ticket.

I think he's going help some of these well trending down stream.

If the maximizes I expect a big grand or and went on election night.

>> And I was going to ask about the downtick in effect of a Rand Paul of sweeping victory.

But also to your point about the type of issues, transgender issues, we know that he just had an ad this week.

We're talking about Rand Paul here, Charles Booker on his position on defunding the police, which he has said at least at appearance on Kentucky tonight that that's not what he's for.

Although that's still unclear about where he really is on that.

So the types of issues, when you say that are really appealing to the Republican base, they seem to be more cultural in nature.

Then some of those bread and butter economic issues.

>> Yeah, I mean, no doubt Rand has been at the forefront of driving some of these cultural conversations, whether that was during the COVID pandemic on some of his positions that taking on doctor Fauci on that, a you know, people that surround You mentioned that one.

So brands never been shy about putting some of these hotter matters.

And I think in Kentucky they play right now.

I do think inflation, I should just say is by far the number one issue and all the campaigns that everywhere in America.

But certainly Rand knows how to cap those hot button Baynes and he's a he's doing that to close out the race and and you never know it may.

It may just a few a few extra vote out there for people maybe we're going to turn out, but but feel strongly about these issues, but that that's kind of is never being too shy to a hot issue.

>> Mark, I want to ask you about the national races in the Senate.

There's a 50, 50 split.

You know, Democrats are optimistic.

Republicans are optimistic.

So tell us of the races that you're watching, which states, you know, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, which are the ones are they all just close?

>> They're all close.

I think the Senate is a total jump ball today.

If you look at the national average is that may end up being fifty-fifty.

I like where we're headed in Nevada, ranks on the ground.

I think we're a couple points.

There are often the Pennsylvania I would give us the 51 looks like, you know, the Walker Warnock race in Georgia as an advantage for or not right now, but likely to go to a you know, still a lot of votes to get out there.

But I think we're headed in the Senate right now.

It is a jump ball.

But I like where the Democrats are going and there's some sleeper is really I think North Carolina certainly is on the map.

And Tim Ryan is running a great race in Ohio and their son.

You know, all polling out there in Utah please race in the mall and saying malls are running as an independent because of the kind the Democratic line there.

So think on on election night, I think the Democrats hold the Senate.

>> OK, Scott, Janice, what say you?

>> I disagree.

I think Republicans have a home in a nationally.

If you look at the national generic ballot, if you look at the issue set right now, the top issues and all the big national polls are inflation, economy, immigration, crime and the issue Democrats take their entire strategy on abortion has fallen way down the list both nationally and in all the states.

The market just rattling off any Republicans are on offense.

I do think he's raced close.

I think that role the Senate is on a knife's edge.

But right now I'd rather be Republicans and Democrats in terms of momentum heading into the stretch, drive here.

>> But what go ahead, Mark.

Go ahead.

Mark.

>> On now, Scott inflation point, I think there's a lot of mixed signals on the economy right now under Joe Biden, we've created over 400,000 jobs jobs a month, 10 million jobs under Democratic presidents lost 43 million jobs created.

have been under Democratic presidents we've seen and what rising wages and inflation is a global problem.

You know, Joe Biden inherited a lot of these global message through the pandemic and the war in Ukraine and what not.

So I think there's, you know, we have record on employment.

I think there's a lot of mixed signals in the economy.

So he's going inflation, inflation, inflation is not the path on I would also I'm not be doing my job if I didn't point out that the Republicans are the ones are actually walk the police funding in the House bill and on Marcus, the best you can find a lot of local.

>> Communities which one police officer said I know folks like prime time prime beef and the place is just not true.

>> Scott, I let you get the final word on that, sir.

Real quickly.

>> Well, mark, is living in a different universe than I am.

I think of the 2 parties on crime.

A beach take that position.

Democrats want to let criminals out of jail.

Republicans don't.

And that is hurting Democratic candidate in Wisconsin.

Turning them in Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina.

It's cratering these campaigns and all the states.

And as it relates to inflation, don't think anybody's going into the store in Kentucky Mark and saying, well, at least are also paying 1000 bucks for a head of lettuce in Argentina.

Nobody cares.

The bottom line is inflation is out of control.

Democrats are in full control in Washington.

They're going to pay the price.

>> All right, gentlemen, we'll have to leave it there.

But I think we should have this another rematch.

he did before or after the election in the water.

It's going to be great.

Thank you so much.

Mark Riddell, Scott Jennings, appreciate you both.

Have a great weekend.

>> Thanks, Renay.

Say it could ♪ >> For students learning became more difficult during the pandemic, but one group suffered the most from school closings.

That's newly immigrated families.

The people of law school to a learning hub for Spanish speaking children in Louisville is changing that.

♪ >> My school leave to began.

>> As a direct response to the situation of COVID-19 lot of families had trouble doing NTI at home that severely impacted new immigrants to the U.S.. >> Look up at Don't know English.

Some don't know how to read or write in Spanish.

>> The one that ongoing been.

>> And when they were on a screen, the children didn't understand what the teacher was sent in school and the and the parents can't help that.

>> Wilson also the pens I'm with AK.

>> So we thought that it was important to create a space to serve as a bridge between the school and the families.

>> That's why me.

The Trump Presbyterian opened up this learning how specifically to do NTI with the kids with home sort of dealing with.

We put a bilingual teacher like that.

You know, got that yesterday we have about 15 or 20 minutes for a child to read or write and the look at the end and get those who have to do homework, do your homework.

And if they have questions, we help them get what they want.

But if you have 3 children here who are receiving the program here, they help them to do their homework, which I can do because on the left and a lot.

>> I will be in something that I could not have custody or an education.

That is what I want most for my children.

>> The kids we serve have so many barriers because we are such a monolingual country we are not really geared to work with people who come in not knowing English.

>> NEC will in the end up on >> The school tries to put teachers who speak Spanish to speak both languages.

Love to see come on.

But since they're so much to do with school for a child But don't you and local what the school offers to care for the child who does not speak English is very little a new book at that.

The we're focused on veterans that are under then the that the committee is the reality of these families is that they are fleeing from something in Central America.

I love my about that.

you know, most of them are children who have been fleeing something or violence or poverty in Central America.

This and America.

But those that love the media and so their dignity is very low.

The bubble, the hottest time of the time, though they that I get the new we're trying to help these children to raise their game because he feel that as human beings, there were a lot of he kept was a year that they can move forward and says it brings in this country if they put their minds to its people, lover, education is key as and that is the point at which we're working because and my kids.

But it is more than that.

It is more than just education is that it's creating an environment that they feel that they are loved and appreciated.

And that makes them feel that they're worth a lot.

>> Lasky to is open Monday through Thursdays, whatever JCPS schools are in session.

The National Association of School Superintendents has given top honors to a school administrator right here in Kentucky, superintendent of Warren County Public Schools, Rob Clayton was named Superintendent of the Year for his leadership efforts.

>> Our earlier this year, he was 9 the Kentucky state superintendent from KSA and and now this is the National Serpent end of the year.

I mean, it's just like, >> All right.

You got any time you can be recognized as a being at the top of the work that you do.

It's very gratifying and something that we all share a product.

He told us that he was going to make Warren County great and he's done that.

And he said he was only going to get on the local and state levels go down on the national level.

We want to.

I'd be in a position where we're looking out for the needs of all 18,000 plus students.

And it is a huge challenge when you have an organization of this size.

But again, it goes back to having systems and processes in place where the leadership canned that support our students and support our staff.

And it's like Mister Klein says it's not an individual award.

It's it's a team effort, but it does start at the top is in the in the the leader of everything.

It's but it's 3,000 employees and 18,000 kids all working together for what's best for for office.

Folks here go about their of their daily work behind the scenes, really having a positive impact on our students across the district.

But as you see room for folks here, we're all in this together.

He had them a J. Tornado year ago.

The devastated so much of Warren County.

Talk often as a leadership group that when challenges occur, that's really the best opportunity to distinguish yourself and your value as a first of all, compliment you on how well you said the carpet out.

>> But I couldn't think of a better person that could have led us to the pandemic and the tornado.

Then Rob Clutch.

Something about the superintendent.

Okay.

When you look just the last 2 years in general.

There's hardly a person that doesn't see the value of our local school systems throughout the Commonwealth.

If anything, they've learned were key cog.

It's just continuing to KET your nose to the grindstone.

Mister play in our teachers and our classified staff.

All have a love for the children of Warren County.

For students are growing each and every day and we measure that daily because that's that's why that's why we're here as to see them.

Much even have success.

>> Congratulations.

Superintendent Clayton, the Warren County Public School system is the 4th largest and fastest growing public school district in Kentucky.

♪ >> Take advantage of some pleasant weekend weather and check out some of the many activities planned this weekend and beyond, including some early Halloween fun.

Toby Gibbs has a look at what's going on around the Commonwealth.

♪ >> Columbus, Belmont, State Parks.

Unbelievable Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday and Columbus enjoy a fun-filled weekend with trick or treating a costume contest.

The decorated campsite contest and even haunted lantern walk.

down to Campbellsville the Saturday for the first home place.

Halloween enjoy arts and crafts games, fairy houses and even a hayride.

And don't forget to decorate your own pumpkin was grown right there in Campbellsville.

Barren River.

Lake State Park's Halloween speak out as this weekend.

And Lucas listen to live music from local artist.

Trick or treat with the kids and the costume contest for joining in on the campsite decorating contest for a spooktacular time.

Enjoy Kentucky's premier beverage at unions.

Bourbon in the bluegrass on Saturday with popular garments live bluegrass music, food trucks and more sure to be an event you don't want to miss.

Travel back to the Roaring 20's and ends more homesteads farm to table mystery dinner this Saturday.

Enter the White House speakeasy and enjoy farm fresh produce local spirit and desserts all while trying to solve a classic whodunit murder mystery.

The 4th annual boat suburban Nashville songwriter festival is in Lawrenceburg this Saturday here from well-known artists like Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley and fresher all while enjoying Kentucky bourbon event that keeps getting better with age.

Put your logic and reasoning to the test of the Nolan State Park Escape room game at Mammoth Cave this weekend saw the series of rentals includes with your fellow SLU Thursday to escape and this family friendly event.

And that's what's going on around the Commonwealth.

Timeto begins.

>> Thank you.

To be gives nothing beats food grown right on the farm.

Western Kentucky University students are about to find that out firsthand.

A new program since food from Westerns Research Farm, the restaurants on campus, the benefits of the farm to campus program.

That's Monday night on Kentucky edition, which we hope you'll join us for Monday night at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, such central where we inform connect and inspire.

Subscribe to our weekly Kentucky Edition email newsletter and watch full episodes of KET.

He Dot Org can also find clips on the PBS video app on your mobile device and smart TV.

>> Thank you so much for watching this week.

Hopefully all talk a little bit better next week.

I'm Renee Shaw.

Take good care and have a great weekend.

So long.

♪