November 24, 2025 • 26 mins
A Kentucky lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would compel local police and sheriff departments to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Kentucky Parole Board orders Ronald Exantus to serve out prison sentence, and the state's largest public school district proposes closing and consolidating certain schools to help with its budget deficit.
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(00:09):
>> What we are seeing in
multiple places and cities is
that individuals are literally
being kidnaped off the streets.
>> Should police in Kentucky be
required to help ice. The
debate over immigration
enforcement arrives in
Frankfort.
>> The cost of preparation and
(00:33):
resiliency will save our
Commonwealth so much money in
the long run.
>> Preventing a disaster is
cheaper than dealing with one.
What the state's disaster
prevention Task force is
recommending to Kentucky
lawmakers.
>> The world is going to the
devil. We are going to all die
if the reefer madness is
exploded.
(00:53):
>> Senator Rand Paul says. Hemp
critics, including Mitch
McConnell, are from the Stone
age.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
part by the KET Millennium Fund.
(01:21):
>> Good evening and welcome to
Kentucky Edition for Friday,
November the 21st. I'm Kelsie
Starks filling in for Renee
Shaw. Thanks so much for being
here. Well, we have all seen
Ice raids all over the U.S. in
the last few months. Now a
Kentucky lawmaker wants local
police and sheriff's
departments in Kentucky to
assist U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement. Draft
(01:41):
legislation would compel local
law enforcement to share
information and manpower with
Ice when called upon by the
federal agency. Our June
Leffler has more. As we begin
tonight's legislative update.
>> This has been used to
address identity theft rings.
This has been used to address
human trafficking. This has
(02:02):
been used to address gang
violence as well.
>> This Northern Kentucky
Republican proposes a law
requiring state and local
police and county sheriffs to
sign a 287 agreement with Ice,
specifically the task force
model.
>> The task force model does
not change the day to day
operations of law enforcement.
This is not independent raids.
(02:23):
This is if they pull someone
over for supposed DUI. They are
called for any other type of
case that they are then able,
upon reasonable, reasonable
suspicion, to investigate to
whether or not the individuals
involved are here legally.
>> 14 counties have signed some
(02:43):
agreement with Ice. Most
including the task force model,
including Bracken County, whose
sheriff says, quote,
immigration enforcement is not
the primary mission of local
law enforcement. As of this
date, the sheriffs office has
not had a need to utilize this
enforcement authority. But
Democrats in Frankfort pushed
back, citing chaotic ice scenes
(03:04):
elsewhere.
>> What we are seeing in
multiple places and cities is
that individuals are literally
being kidnaped off the streets
by individuals who are not
showing identification, who are
not improperly marked vehicles,
who are not providing warrants.
>> Folk are concerned about Ice
(03:24):
and ICE's relationship to our
law enforcement and to our
citizens. And it is real
important that we do not go
into, in my opinion, something
that removes. Due process.
>> The American Civil Liberties
Union of Kentucky also opposes
this, saying, quote, this
attack on local control will
(03:46):
undermine public safety, erode
constitutional rights, strain
law enforcement resources, and
damage community trust across
Kentucky.
>> Am I correct that they can
already enter into these
agreements without this
legislation?
>> They are permitted, yes, but
right now, right now, with the
areas that have it, we don't
have these agreements in the
areas that need it most.
(04:07):
>> We don't have it in areas
that need the most. What do you
mean by that?
>> Northern Kentucky for one,
where I where I reside, we are
right along a major, major
highway. Those are areas where,
especially whenever we're
talking about other areas, such
as what task force models have
been particularly used for
trafficking, smuggling
operations. Those are the areas
(04:29):
that particularly need it.
>> I think this really gets
down to being a local control
issue for me. If our law
enforcement agencies, I think
they know their jurisdictions
best, they know where their
resources need to be allocated.
They already have this tool.
I'm not really sure why we need
to require everyone to be a
part of it.
>> Kentucky's largest cities
don't have these agreements.
(04:50):
Louisville police have policies
to limit involvement with Ice,
though Louisville's jail does
hold Ice detainees for up to 48
hours, something Louisville's
mayor and the president of the
United States agreed to this
year for Kentucky edition. I'm
June Leffler.
>> Well, today, the Disaster
Prevention and Resiliency Task
(05:12):
Force gathered in Frankfort for
the last meeting of the interim
session. The group made its
recommendations to the Kentucky
General Assembly ahead of the
2026 legislative session, which
begins in January. We've got
more on their top priorities as
we continue tonight's
legislative update.
(05:34):
>> The number one thing is to
establish a state resilience
office. Like I said, many
states have this already. It
would be a coordinating body
for preparedness, resilience
and mitigation efforts. It
would focus initially primarily
on data. I think data is the
(05:54):
key word that we've heard all
over the country, in the world
in regard to this, as far as
tracking, mapping history,
projections.
>> Creating a new division of
government always makes people
a little uneasy. But when
you're looking at the cost of
rebuilding time after time, the
(06:16):
the cost of preparation and
resiliency will save our
Commonwealth so much money in
the long run. We had a speaker
from maybe Pew Charitable
Trusts, some nonprofit that
came and spoke to us, and for
every dollar we spend, I
believe it was something like
$13 will be saved in in. Yeah.
(06:40):
In response to these things.
>> You see evacuations occur
after these disasters sometimes.
And what that does, it has a
lot of impact on school systems
and and other infrastructure.
And it it's harder to attract a
replacement a population and
business. So there's a big
fiscal side to this that
affects state. Bottom line.
(07:01):
>> Since 2020, the billions of
dollars of damage that has been
done. And if we can invest a
little bit of money and a lot
of effort, I think we can do a
lot of things to help Kentucky
and to help the people here.
>> Senator Robin Webb also
recommended that the Disaster
Prevention and Resiliency Task
Force be continued in some
(07:21):
capacity, whether as a regular
committee or as a task force,
she said the General Assembly
needs to be involved when it
comes to budgeting for and
managing natural disasters.
Ronald Exantus will stay in
jail. The Kentucky Parole Board
made that decision yesterday,
killed six year old Logan
Tipton and injured other
members of the family in
(07:42):
Versailles in 2015. He was
found not guilty of the murder,
but by reason of insanity. But
he was found guilty of assault
and sentenced to 20 years in
prison. He was released October
1st of this year under a 2012
state law. That prompted
outrage here in Kentucky and
nationwide. Police arrested
Exantus in Florida, saying he
hadn't properly registered as a
(08:03):
convicted felon. Because of
that, the state parole board
revoked his mandatory
supervised release, meaning he
will remain behind bars. The
state's largest public school
district is proposing to close
and consolidate certain schools.
The news comes as Jefferson
County Public Schools is facing
a budget deficit of more than
(08:24):
$180 million. If it is approved
by the school board, the
district will close. Zachary
Taylor Elementary and Liberty
High School after this current
school year, King Elementary
would also be merged into
Maupin Elementary.
Superintendent Brian Yearwood
said these were difficult but
necessary decisions. The
district is hosting three
forums for family and staff to
(08:45):
share their feedback. The board
is expected to make a final
decision on December the 9th.
Louisville and Lexington will
get almost $9 million to
upgrade their bus systems. The
money is from the U.S.
Department of Transportation.
The Lexington Bus System
Lextran will get more than $6
million to buy new busses. The
(09:05):
Louisville system, called Tarc,
gets $2.6 million to create a
new bus break maintenance shop.
U.S. Senator Rand Paul of
Kentucky is reacting to
President Donald Trump's
remarks about six Democratic
members of Congress who put out
a video reminding U.S. service
members they can refuse to obey
illegal orders. Here's a little
(09:26):
part of that video.
>> The threats to our
Constitution aren't just coming
from abroad, but from right
here at home. Our laws are
clear. You can refuse illegal
orders.
>> You can refuse illegal
orders.
>> President Trump reacted to
that video by saying the six
Democrats were guilty of
sedition. He said that's a
(09:46):
crime punishable by death.
Senator Paul responded to
President Trump's remarks by
saying, quote, it isn't really
a good idea to talk about
jailing your political
opponents or hanging them or
whatever else. End quote.
Senator Paul is also critical
of his Kentucky colleague,
Senator Mitch McConnell, all
over him, McConnell and most
(10:07):
other Senate Republicans
supported a hemp provision to
the budget bill that limits
products with a certain level
of THC. Paul says it will put
the hemp industry out of
business. He says McConnell and
others are overreacting.
>> And then people from the
Stone age, like McConnell, who
saw Reefer Madness in 1925 live
(10:28):
at the matinee, are still
thinking the world's going to
the devil. We are going to all
die if the reefer madness is
exploded. And really, it's it's
a lot more complicated than
that. I had people come up to
me on the floor of the Senate
and they said, well, my my mom
takes a gummy to sleep at night,
and it's like, who am I to tell
(10:49):
somebody, mom or grandma or
them self that has trouble
sleeping? Half of America has
trouble sleeping. Who am I to
say, oh, you can take Ambien,
you can take Percocet, you can
take whatever legal heroin the
pharma pharmaceutical companies
will sell you. But you can't
take a gummy with a little bit
of THC in it from a plant. So I
(11:10):
don't know. I'm disappointed in
it, but it's a big industry.
It's a $25 billion industry is
going to be wiped out. And
there's a lot of people who use
these products that are mad now.
And I tell them, call Mitch
McConnell and frankly, call
some of the Democrats who voted
to ban it, too. It was a I
don't know, I'm not done
fighting on it. We're going to
(11:30):
see if we can get it reversed.
>> If it isn't reversed, the
hemp provision would take
effect in 2027. Well, central
(11:52):
Kentucky is seeing a lot of
growth and it's not just
contained to Lexington. Cities
like Nicholasville and Mount
Sterling are experiencing their
own growth spurts. WKYT's Renee
Shaw talked earlier today with
economic development folks in
Jessamine and Montgomery
counties about their recent
wins and ideas on what could
advance and manage that kind of
(12:13):
growth. That is in tonight's
Business Beat segment. Renee,
over to you.
>> Thank you so much, Kelsey.
Good to be with you all on a
Friday. And we're going to be
talking some business beat. And
we've got two economic
development experts with us
today. We're glad to have back
with us. Jason Rainey, who is
(12:33):
executive director of the Mount
Sterling Montgomery County
Economic Development and
adjunct faculty at the
University of Kentucky, Gatton
College of Business and
Economics. And Russ Meyer,
who's with us now. You're going
to say he looks really familiar
where he is, the former mayor
of Nicholasville, former state
lawmaker, recent retiree from
the Kentucky state parks
commissioner there, and now the
executive director of the
Jessamine County Joint
(12:54):
Industrial Development
Authority. Welcome, gentlemen.
>> Thank you for having us.
>> Good day. So, Jason. Yeah,
good to have you here. And
congratulations on on being
back home and doing another in
another capacity.
>> That is exciting. Yeah. Back
home is exciting. And I've
enjoyed all these roles. But
and being in Frankfort and
being a part of this
(13:14):
administration has been great.
A lot of big accomplishments
going on. But to get back home
and to go to work for your
community and where you live is
there's nothing like it. Yeah.
Nothing like.
>> So talk to us a little bit
about Jessamine County and some
of the great economic
development wins already
happening there.
>> Yeah. Well I mean hey we are
(13:35):
growing, growing, growing and
have been for quite a long time.
We're now the fifth fastest
growing city in the state. When
I was mayor, we were the ninth.
So our mayor, Alex Carter, has
done a great job. But you know,
there's a lot of big economic
(13:55):
wins. One thing that we've done
is we've got 162 acre economic
development industrial park on
US, 27 on the south side, the
south light on on Main Street
onto 27. So we're working hard
to get that completed. We're in
(14:17):
phase three right now, and
that's going to open up a lot
of opportunities, you know, for
industry, for business,
commercial business to keep
growing in our community as you
as you know, coming to
Nicholasville, you know,
Brandon Crossing has been a big
hit. That's been a big land for
(14:38):
us. You know, over a thousand
jobs. And and, you know, with
that, in a five mile radius of
Brandon Crossing, there's
150,000 people. So that's an
opportunity in its own. So you
don't really realize that.
>> But you don't think about
that at all.
>> That's a biggie. Yeah. And
you know, we don't have a major
(14:59):
interstate. Of course. You know,
I hope to see us resurrect I-75
connector. Again if we can do
that. But we'll see. We'll see
what happens. But, you know,
there's a lot going on, but
hopefully, you know, we can
continue to play the role of
being a great partner in the
region with Mount Sterling,
(15:19):
with Fayette, with all the
surrounding counties. And and
that's where we really win is
when we all come together and
work as a region. And, you know,
Jason gave me a call to come on
with with you all. And I
appreciate that, Jason. But,
you know, hey, let's action
(15:40):
creates action. We all do it
together. That's right.
>> It's all up from here. And
you talked Jason about that.
The regionalism that's
happening when it comes to
economic development space. And
also there's been some good
news recently, Governor Andy
Beshear announced there was a
$700,000 community Development
Block grant fund that was
coming to you, all of a company
that specifically to lease
(16:01):
equipment to a company called
Ripe Technologies. So tell us
about this. And what kind of
gains you expect from this.
>> Yeah, this is a company that
we were able to recruit in from
Miami, Florida to Mount
Sterling, Kentucky. They moved
all the operations there. We're
real excited to have them as
part of the community. But this
equipment loan is very
significant because through
(16:22):
partnership with Department of
Local Government, the executive
branch, everybody in Frankfort,
you know, we're able to do this
equipment loan. It's going to
create several jobs, 35 jobs,
at least in a certain 51% of
those will be low to moderate
income people. So we're able to
try to bring folks up and give
them more job economic
opportunity for their for their
(16:43):
families. But when they pay the
money back, ultimately, the
industrial authority, our
office will have those funds to
reinvest in economic
development. As far as the
significance of that CDBG
program, you know, this will be
the third one in the last ten
years in our Gateway Area
Development District region. So,
(17:03):
you know, kudos to our fiscal
court members. Judge Haddox,
you know, all the folks in
Frankfort, Commissioner Sawyer,
working with us to be able to
get get this through and
especially the Gateway Area
Development District, we
couldn't do it without their
help. And Josh Farrow, his team,
they're really outstanding.
>> Yeah. So what is it that you
(17:23):
all may be asking state
lawmakers to do when they go in
for their 60 day budget session?
When it comes to economic
development, what do you hope.
>> To see? Well, I think
continuing to make sure we have
a priority with the Kentucky
Product Development Initiative
that that's funded in the
biennium budget. You know, we
were talking before we came.
>> Which means what I mean.
>> You know, well, it's the.
>> It's to be able to develop a
(17:45):
product for Kentucky for
economic development sites.
Right. And and we were talking
before we came in, you know, my
new industrial park. None of
that's possible without the
without that program the
legislature put in place. They
put funding in place. And then
all the folks in the executive
branch, Secretary Noel Rocky,
(18:05):
being able to go to bat to say,
hey, you know, Mount Sterling
deserves a chance to, to really
elevate. So we appreciate them
and the teamwork.
>> So yeah.
>> That's right. I would add to
that. That's he's spot on Jason.
Spot on I would add to that
infrastructure water, sewer
(18:26):
road projects that that are
important vital assets to to
our communities and to the
longevity of economic
development in the region. And
if we look at all our projects
regionally and the impact of
them, that's that's a big deal.
But I would have to call that
one in my mind.
(18:47):
>> Yeah.
>> 1 in 1 a right.
>> And some would say, well,
central Kentucky seems to have
good roads and good
infrastructure, but you say
there's more to be done there.
>> There is more to be done.
There always is. And that is
our vision. Yeah. That is our
clear vision is our
infrastructure.
>> And we know that lawmakers
did make a sizable commitment
to that in the last budget
session in 2024. Right. And we
(19:08):
know that there were counties
who really needed some
additional help because they
had some issues. So it would be
interesting to see what happens.
They've got 60 days to figure
it out. Begins January the 6th.
And I'm sure we'll be seeing
you all in the halls. Well,
it's a different hall this time
because it's a temporary
capital, but we'll see in the
annex. How about that? And I
hope you all have a great
holiday season.
(19:29):
>> We'll be there.
>> Thank you. Yeah. Good to.
>> See you.
>> Happy Thanksgiving. Thank
you gentlemen.
>> Thanks, Renee. We're talking
economic development and
tourism on Monday's Kentucky
Tonight. Join Renee and a panel
of tourism and economic
development experts to talk
about how tourism can bolster
the Eastern Kentucky economy.
(19:50):
You'll hear from them. You can
also send us your questions and
comments. That's Monday at
eight eastern, seven central
right here on KET. Well, it's
the last day of the Big Blue
Crush, an annual blood drive
competition between Kentucky
and Tennessee. It's been a back
(20:11):
and forth contest. Kentucky
retook the lead yesterday.
Kentucky leads the series 22 to
14 with one tie. We'll have the
final results for you here on
Monday. The drive helps blood
centers in both states restock
their blood supplies for the
Thanksgiving holiday. You know,
it's also a good time of year
to give food. The annual Cram
(20:31):
the Cruiser campaign started
earlier this week that runs
until December the 5th. You can
drop off nonperishable food
items at any of Kentucky's 16
state police posts, and
troopers will be stationed at
stores throughout the state
accepting donations. Yesterday,
Kentucky First Lady Brittany
Beshear talked about the
importance of this food drive,
(20:51):
especially now.
>> Last year, Team Kentucky
showed up like they always do,
collecting over 204,000 pounds
of food. I'm confident this
year will be just as successful.
These opportunities remind us
we can all help. Every donation,
every can will make a
difference. The Cram the
(21:13):
cruiser food drive comes at the
perfect time. As we all know,
the Trump administration used
the federal shutdown to
withhold Snap benefits from our
people. More than 600,000
Kentuckians rely on Snap. Those
are our neighbors. Those are
our friends. Those are families.
We know people are still
hurting. We're approaching the
(21:35):
Christmas season. And to me,
Christmas is about the spirit
of giving the cram. The cruiser
food drive is the perfect way
to show that spirit. So let's
cram the cruiser, make the
holidays a little bit easier
and a lot brighter for our
friends and family across the
Commonwealth. More information
can be found at Kentucky State
police.ky.gov.
(21:56):
>> Last year's Cram the Cruiser
campaign brought in more than
204,000 pounds of food
statewide. We are just a few
days away from Thanksgiving,
(22:16):
but there are already plenty of
Christmas themed activities
around the state. Our Toby
Gibbs has some of them. In
tonight's look at what's
happening around the
Commonwealth.
>> Harlan County is gearing up
for the holidays with the
annual Jingle Bell ride. Riders
(22:36):
get the chance to kick up a
little dust and a little
holiday cheer by exploring more
than 7000 acres of trails and
terrain while helping fill
local toy drives. Riders can
hit the road starting next
Thursday. Lexington is on track
for a weekend full of nostalgia
as the model trains, Hot Wheels,
(22:58):
slot cars and diecast show
rolls into town, bringing
collectors and hobbyists under
one roof. Visitors can browse
trains, cars and diecast pieces,
and even catch some slot car
racing and demonstrations
throughout the day. The event
takes place this Saturday.
Madisonville is getting ready
to deck more than the halls
(23:18):
this season. Deck the Park
returns to City Park, turning
the space into a nightly winter
scene filled with lights, rides,
and holiday displays. The free
attraction opens each evening,
giving families a chance to
stroll or drive through the
glowing setup and soak in some
seasonal spirit. Skip the
(23:40):
crowds and go underground on
Black Friday with Carter Cave's
first ever Turkey Crawl. The
guided trip through Cascade
Cave is designed for beginners
looking to build a little
confidence underground, wear
sturdy shoes and warm layers.
All the gear is provided.
They're rolling out the holiday
spirit this weekend in Dawson
(24:01):
Springs, as the city hosts an
old fashioned horse drawn
Christmas parade and tree
lighting. See festive horse
drawn carriages, make their way
through downtown, do a little
holiday shopping at the Jingle
Mingle shopping event before
catching the official Dawson
Springs tree lighting ceremony.
The festivities happen on
Sunday. There will be a flurry
(24:23):
of holiday activities in the
foothills of Clinton County
next Saturday, with the second
annual Christmas in the
foothills celebration. Carriage
rides, ice skating, mechanical
reindeer rides, a Christmas
tree court and craft and food
vendors are all part of the one
day festival. If you're hoping
to carve out some time for
(24:45):
tradition this holiday season,
then check out Harlan's
Festival of the Mountain
Masters. The event showcases
Appalachian artistry with local
craftspeople from across the
southeast, sharing their
handmade work and demonstrating
the skills behind their craft.
It's a chance to find one of a
kind gifts, listen to live
music and celebrate the
region's rich heritage. The
(25:06):
festival runs November 28th and
29th. Louisville's once again
rolling out an annual tradition
that truly shines beneath the
surface. Lights under
Louisville turns the Mega
Cavern into an underground
holiday landscape glowing with
more than 7 million points of
light. Visitors can travel
through themed displays while
(25:28):
listening to holiday music
echoing through the cavern. The
show runs through January 3rd.
And that's what's happening
around the Commonwealth. I'm
Toby Gibbs.
>> By the way. Comment on
Kentucky is preempted tonight
for Ken Burns American
Revolution. It will be back
(25:49):
here next week. You can join us
Monday. It's Thanksgiving week
and many of us will be
traveling for the holiday.
We'll have a Thanksgiving
travel preview and all the days,
of course, Monday on Kentucky
Edition, and we do hope you'll
join us Monday night at 630
eastern, 530 central for
Kentucky Edition, where we
inform, connect, and inspire.
You can subscribe to our
(26:10):
Kentucky Edition email
newsletters and watch full
episodes and clips at ket.org.
You can send us a story idea at
Public Affairs at Ket.org. You
can always follow KET on
Facebook, formerly known as
Twitter and Instagram, to stay
in the loop. Thanks for having
thanks for joining us. We hope
you have a great weekend.
>> What we are seeing in
multiple places and cities is
that individuals are literally
being kidnaped off the streets.
>> Should police in Kentucky be
required to help ice. The
debate over immigration
enforcement arrives in
Frankfort.
>> The cost of preparation and
(00:33):
resiliency will save our
Commonwealth so much money in
the long run.
>> Preventing a disaster is
cheaper than dealing with one.
What the state's disaster
prevention Task force is
recommending to Kentucky
lawmakers.
>> The world is going to the
devil. We are going to all die
if the reefer madness is
exploded.
(00:53):
>> Senator Rand Paul says. Hemp
critics, including Mitch
McConnell, are from the Stone
age.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
part by the KET Millennium Fund.
(01:21):
>> Good evening and welcome to
Kentucky Edition for Friday,
November the 21st. I'm Kelsie
Starks filling in for Renee
Shaw. Thanks so much for being
here. Well, we have all seen
Ice raids all over the U.S. in
the last few months. Now a
Kentucky lawmaker wants local
police and sheriff's
departments in Kentucky to
assist U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement. Draft
(01:41):
legislation would compel local
law enforcement to share
information and manpower with
Ice when called upon by the
federal agency. Our June
Leffler has more. As we begin
tonight's legislative update.
>> This has been used to
address identity theft rings.
This has been used to address
human trafficking. This has
(02:02):
been used to address gang
violence as well.
>> This Northern Kentucky
Republican proposes a law
requiring state and local
police and county sheriffs to
sign a 287 agreement with Ice,
specifically the task force
model.
>> The task force model does
not change the day to day
operations of law enforcement.
This is not independent raids.
(02:23):
This is if they pull someone
over for supposed DUI. They are
called for any other type of
case that they are then able,
upon reasonable, reasonable
suspicion, to investigate to
whether or not the individuals
involved are here legally.
>> 14 counties have signed some
(02:43):
agreement with Ice. Most
including the task force model,
including Bracken County, whose
sheriff says, quote,
immigration enforcement is not
the primary mission of local
law enforcement. As of this
date, the sheriffs office has
not had a need to utilize this
enforcement authority. But
Democrats in Frankfort pushed
back, citing chaotic ice scenes
(03:04):
elsewhere.
>> What we are seeing in
multiple places and cities is
that individuals are literally
being kidnaped off the streets
by individuals who are not
showing identification, who are
not improperly marked vehicles,
who are not providing warrants.
>> Folk are concerned about Ice
(03:24):
and ICE's relationship to our
law enforcement and to our
citizens. And it is real
important that we do not go
into, in my opinion, something
that removes. Due process.
>> The American Civil Liberties
Union of Kentucky also opposes
this, saying, quote, this
attack on local control will
(03:46):
undermine public safety, erode
constitutional rights, strain
law enforcement resources, and
damage community trust across
Kentucky.
>> Am I correct that they can
already enter into these
agreements without this
legislation?
>> They are permitted, yes, but
right now, right now, with the
areas that have it, we don't
have these agreements in the
areas that need it most.
(04:07):
>> We don't have it in areas
that need the most. What do you
mean by that?
>> Northern Kentucky for one,
where I where I reside, we are
right along a major, major
highway. Those are areas where,
especially whenever we're
talking about other areas, such
as what task force models have
been particularly used for
trafficking, smuggling
operations. Those are the areas
(04:29):
that particularly need it.
>> I think this really gets
down to being a local control
issue for me. If our law
enforcement agencies, I think
they know their jurisdictions
best, they know where their
resources need to be allocated.
They already have this tool.
I'm not really sure why we need
to require everyone to be a
part of it.
>> Kentucky's largest cities
don't have these agreements.
(04:50):
Louisville police have policies
to limit involvement with Ice,
though Louisville's jail does
hold Ice detainees for up to 48
hours, something Louisville's
mayor and the president of the
United States agreed to this
year for Kentucky edition. I'm
June Leffler.
>> Well, today, the Disaster
Prevention and Resiliency Task
(05:12):
Force gathered in Frankfort for
the last meeting of the interim
session. The group made its
recommendations to the Kentucky
General Assembly ahead of the
2026 legislative session, which
begins in January. We've got
more on their top priorities as
we continue tonight's
legislative update.
(05:34):
>> The number one thing is to
establish a state resilience
office. Like I said, many
states have this already. It
would be a coordinating body
for preparedness, resilience
and mitigation efforts. It
would focus initially primarily
on data. I think data is the
(05:54):
key word that we've heard all
over the country, in the world
in regard to this, as far as
tracking, mapping history,
projections.
>> Creating a new division of
government always makes people
a little uneasy. But when
you're looking at the cost of
rebuilding time after time, the
(06:16):
the cost of preparation and
resiliency will save our
Commonwealth so much money in
the long run. We had a speaker
from maybe Pew Charitable
Trusts, some nonprofit that
came and spoke to us, and for
every dollar we spend, I
believe it was something like
$13 will be saved in in. Yeah.
(06:40):
In response to these things.
>> You see evacuations occur
after these disasters sometimes.
And what that does, it has a
lot of impact on school systems
and and other infrastructure.
And it it's harder to attract a
replacement a population and
business. So there's a big
fiscal side to this that
affects state. Bottom line.
(07:01):
>> Since 2020, the billions of
dollars of damage that has been
done. And if we can invest a
little bit of money and a lot
of effort, I think we can do a
lot of things to help Kentucky
and to help the people here.
>> Senator Robin Webb also
recommended that the Disaster
Prevention and Resiliency Task
Force be continued in some
(07:21):
capacity, whether as a regular
committee or as a task force,
she said the General Assembly
needs to be involved when it
comes to budgeting for and
managing natural disasters.
Ronald Exantus will stay in
jail. The Kentucky Parole Board
made that decision yesterday,
killed six year old Logan
Tipton and injured other
members of the family in
(07:42):
Versailles in 2015. He was
found not guilty of the murder,
but by reason of insanity. But
he was found guilty of assault
and sentenced to 20 years in
prison. He was released October
1st of this year under a 2012
state law. That prompted
outrage here in Kentucky and
nationwide. Police arrested
Exantus in Florida, saying he
hadn't properly registered as a
(08:03):
convicted felon. Because of
that, the state parole board
revoked his mandatory
supervised release, meaning he
will remain behind bars. The
state's largest public school
district is proposing to close
and consolidate certain schools.
The news comes as Jefferson
County Public Schools is facing
a budget deficit of more than
(08:24):
$180 million. If it is approved
by the school board, the
district will close. Zachary
Taylor Elementary and Liberty
High School after this current
school year, King Elementary
would also be merged into
Maupin Elementary.
Superintendent Brian Yearwood
said these were difficult but
necessary decisions. The
district is hosting three
forums for family and staff to
(08:45):
share their feedback. The board
is expected to make a final
decision on December the 9th.
Louisville and Lexington will
get almost $9 million to
upgrade their bus systems. The
money is from the U.S.
Department of Transportation.
The Lexington Bus System
Lextran will get more than $6
million to buy new busses. The
(09:05):
Louisville system, called Tarc,
gets $2.6 million to create a
new bus break maintenance shop.
U.S. Senator Rand Paul of
Kentucky is reacting to
President Donald Trump's
remarks about six Democratic
members of Congress who put out
a video reminding U.S. service
members they can refuse to obey
illegal orders. Here's a little
(09:26):
part of that video.
>> The threats to our
Constitution aren't just coming
from abroad, but from right
here at home. Our laws are
clear. You can refuse illegal
orders.
>> You can refuse illegal
orders.
>> President Trump reacted to
that video by saying the six
Democrats were guilty of
sedition. He said that's a
(09:46):
crime punishable by death.
Senator Paul responded to
President Trump's remarks by
saying, quote, it isn't really
a good idea to talk about
jailing your political
opponents or hanging them or
whatever else. End quote.
Senator Paul is also critical
of his Kentucky colleague,
Senator Mitch McConnell, all
over him, McConnell and most
(10:07):
other Senate Republicans
supported a hemp provision to
the budget bill that limits
products with a certain level
of THC. Paul says it will put
the hemp industry out of
business. He says McConnell and
others are overreacting.
>> And then people from the
Stone age, like McConnell, who
saw Reefer Madness in 1925 live
(10:28):
at the matinee, are still
thinking the world's going to
the devil. We are going to all
die if the reefer madness is
exploded. And really, it's it's
a lot more complicated than
that. I had people come up to
me on the floor of the Senate
and they said, well, my my mom
takes a gummy to sleep at night,
and it's like, who am I to tell
(10:49):
somebody, mom or grandma or
them self that has trouble
sleeping? Half of America has
trouble sleeping. Who am I to
say, oh, you can take Ambien,
you can take Percocet, you can
take whatever legal heroin the
pharma pharmaceutical companies
will sell you. But you can't
take a gummy with a little bit
of THC in it from a plant. So I
(11:10):
don't know. I'm disappointed in
it, but it's a big industry.
It's a $25 billion industry is
going to be wiped out. And
there's a lot of people who use
these products that are mad now.
And I tell them, call Mitch
McConnell and frankly, call
some of the Democrats who voted
to ban it, too. It was a I
don't know, I'm not done
fighting on it. We're going to
(11:30):
see if we can get it reversed.
>> If it isn't reversed, the
hemp provision would take
effect in 2027. Well, central
(11:52):
Kentucky is seeing a lot of
growth and it's not just
contained to Lexington. Cities
like Nicholasville and Mount
Sterling are experiencing their
own growth spurts. WKYT's Renee
Shaw talked earlier today with
economic development folks in
Jessamine and Montgomery
counties about their recent
wins and ideas on what could
advance and manage that kind of
(12:13):
growth. That is in tonight's
Business Beat segment. Renee,
over to you.
>> Thank you so much, Kelsey.
Good to be with you all on a
Friday. And we're going to be
talking some business beat. And
we've got two economic
development experts with us
today. We're glad to have back
with us. Jason Rainey, who is
(12:33):
executive director of the Mount
Sterling Montgomery County
Economic Development and
adjunct faculty at the
University of Kentucky, Gatton
College of Business and
Economics. And Russ Meyer,
who's with us now. You're going
to say he looks really familiar
where he is, the former mayor
of Nicholasville, former state
lawmaker, recent retiree from
the Kentucky state parks
commissioner there, and now the
executive director of the
Jessamine County Joint
(12:54):
Industrial Development
Authority. Welcome, gentlemen.
>> Thank you for having us.
>> Good day. So, Jason. Yeah,
good to have you here. And
congratulations on on being
back home and doing another in
another capacity.
>> That is exciting. Yeah. Back
home is exciting. And I've
enjoyed all these roles. But
and being in Frankfort and
being a part of this
(13:14):
administration has been great.
A lot of big accomplishments
going on. But to get back home
and to go to work for your
community and where you live is
there's nothing like it. Yeah.
Nothing like.
>> So talk to us a little bit
about Jessamine County and some
of the great economic
development wins already
happening there.
>> Yeah. Well I mean hey we are
(13:35):
growing, growing, growing and
have been for quite a long time.
We're now the fifth fastest
growing city in the state. When
I was mayor, we were the ninth.
So our mayor, Alex Carter, has
done a great job. But you know,
there's a lot of big economic
(13:55):
wins. One thing that we've done
is we've got 162 acre economic
development industrial park on
US, 27 on the south side, the
south light on on Main Street
onto 27. So we're working hard
to get that completed. We're in
(14:17):
phase three right now, and
that's going to open up a lot
of opportunities, you know, for
industry, for business,
commercial business to keep
growing in our community as you
as you know, coming to
Nicholasville, you know,
Brandon Crossing has been a big
hit. That's been a big land for
(14:38):
us. You know, over a thousand
jobs. And and, you know, with
that, in a five mile radius of
Brandon Crossing, there's
150,000 people. So that's an
opportunity in its own. So you
don't really realize that.
>> But you don't think about
that at all.
>> That's a biggie. Yeah. And
you know, we don't have a major
(14:59):
interstate. Of course. You know,
I hope to see us resurrect I-75
connector. Again if we can do
that. But we'll see. We'll see
what happens. But, you know,
there's a lot going on, but
hopefully, you know, we can
continue to play the role of
being a great partner in the
region with Mount Sterling,
(15:19):
with Fayette, with all the
surrounding counties. And and
that's where we really win is
when we all come together and
work as a region. And, you know,
Jason gave me a call to come on
with with you all. And I
appreciate that, Jason. But,
you know, hey, let's action
(15:40):
creates action. We all do it
together. That's right.
>> It's all up from here. And
you talked Jason about that.
The regionalism that's
happening when it comes to
economic development space. And
also there's been some good
news recently, Governor Andy
Beshear announced there was a
$700,000 community Development
Block grant fund that was
coming to you, all of a company
that specifically to lease
(16:01):
equipment to a company called
Ripe Technologies. So tell us
about this. And what kind of
gains you expect from this.
>> Yeah, this is a company that
we were able to recruit in from
Miami, Florida to Mount
Sterling, Kentucky. They moved
all the operations there. We're
real excited to have them as
part of the community. But this
equipment loan is very
significant because through
(16:22):
partnership with Department of
Local Government, the executive
branch, everybody in Frankfort,
you know, we're able to do this
equipment loan. It's going to
create several jobs, 35 jobs,
at least in a certain 51% of
those will be low to moderate
income people. So we're able to
try to bring folks up and give
them more job economic
opportunity for their for their
(16:43):
families. But when they pay the
money back, ultimately, the
industrial authority, our
office will have those funds to
reinvest in economic
development. As far as the
significance of that CDBG
program, you know, this will be
the third one in the last ten
years in our Gateway Area
Development District region. So,
(17:03):
you know, kudos to our fiscal
court members. Judge Haddox,
you know, all the folks in
Frankfort, Commissioner Sawyer,
working with us to be able to
get get this through and
especially the Gateway Area
Development District, we
couldn't do it without their
help. And Josh Farrow, his team,
they're really outstanding.
>> Yeah. So what is it that you
(17:23):
all may be asking state
lawmakers to do when they go in
for their 60 day budget session?
When it comes to economic
development, what do you hope.
>> To see? Well, I think
continuing to make sure we have
a priority with the Kentucky
Product Development Initiative
that that's funded in the
biennium budget. You know, we
were talking before we came.
>> Which means what I mean.
>> You know, well, it's the.
>> It's to be able to develop a
(17:45):
product for Kentucky for
economic development sites.
Right. And and we were talking
before we came in, you know, my
new industrial park. None of
that's possible without the
without that program the
legislature put in place. They
put funding in place. And then
all the folks in the executive
branch, Secretary Noel Rocky,
(18:05):
being able to go to bat to say,
hey, you know, Mount Sterling
deserves a chance to, to really
elevate. So we appreciate them
and the teamwork.
>> So yeah.
>> That's right. I would add to
that. That's he's spot on Jason.
Spot on I would add to that
infrastructure water, sewer
(18:26):
road projects that that are
important vital assets to to
our communities and to the
longevity of economic
development in the region. And
if we look at all our projects
regionally and the impact of
them, that's that's a big deal.
But I would have to call that
one in my mind.
(18:47):
>> Yeah.
>> 1 in 1 a right.
>> And some would say, well,
central Kentucky seems to have
good roads and good
infrastructure, but you say
there's more to be done there.
>> There is more to be done.
There always is. And that is
our vision. Yeah. That is our
clear vision is our
infrastructure.
>> And we know that lawmakers
did make a sizable commitment
to that in the last budget
session in 2024. Right. And we
(19:08):
know that there were counties
who really needed some
additional help because they
had some issues. So it would be
interesting to see what happens.
They've got 60 days to figure
it out. Begins January the 6th.
And I'm sure we'll be seeing
you all in the halls. Well,
it's a different hall this time
because it's a temporary
capital, but we'll see in the
annex. How about that? And I
hope you all have a great
holiday season.
(19:29):
>> We'll be there.
>> Thank you. Yeah. Good to.
>> See you.
>> Happy Thanksgiving. Thank
you gentlemen.
>> Thanks, Renee. We're talking
economic development and
tourism on Monday's Kentucky
Tonight. Join Renee and a panel
of tourism and economic
development experts to talk
about how tourism can bolster
the Eastern Kentucky economy.
(19:50):
You'll hear from them. You can
also send us your questions and
comments. That's Monday at
eight eastern, seven central
right here on KET. Well, it's
the last day of the Big Blue
Crush, an annual blood drive
competition between Kentucky
and Tennessee. It's been a back
(20:11):
and forth contest. Kentucky
retook the lead yesterday.
Kentucky leads the series 22 to
14 with one tie. We'll have the
final results for you here on
Monday. The drive helps blood
centers in both states restock
their blood supplies for the
Thanksgiving holiday. You know,
it's also a good time of year
to give food. The annual Cram
(20:31):
the Cruiser campaign started
earlier this week that runs
until December the 5th. You can
drop off nonperishable food
items at any of Kentucky's 16
state police posts, and
troopers will be stationed at
stores throughout the state
accepting donations. Yesterday,
Kentucky First Lady Brittany
Beshear talked about the
importance of this food drive,
(20:51):
especially now.
>> Last year, Team Kentucky
showed up like they always do,
collecting over 204,000 pounds
of food. I'm confident this
year will be just as successful.
These opportunities remind us
we can all help. Every donation,
every can will make a
difference. The Cram the
(21:13):
cruiser food drive comes at the
perfect time. As we all know,
the Trump administration used
the federal shutdown to
withhold Snap benefits from our
people. More than 600,000
Kentuckians rely on Snap. Those
are our neighbors. Those are
our friends. Those are families.
We know people are still
hurting. We're approaching the
(21:35):
Christmas season. And to me,
Christmas is about the spirit
of giving the cram. The cruiser
food drive is the perfect way
to show that spirit. So let's
cram the cruiser, make the
holidays a little bit easier
and a lot brighter for our
friends and family across the
Commonwealth. More information
can be found at Kentucky State
police.ky.gov.
(21:56):
>> Last year's Cram the Cruiser
campaign brought in more than
204,000 pounds of food
statewide. We are just a few
days away from Thanksgiving,
(22:16):
but there are already plenty of
Christmas themed activities
around the state. Our Toby
Gibbs has some of them. In
tonight's look at what's
happening around the
Commonwealth.
>> Harlan County is gearing up
for the holidays with the
annual Jingle Bell ride. Riders
(22:36):
get the chance to kick up a
little dust and a little
holiday cheer by exploring more
than 7000 acres of trails and
terrain while helping fill
local toy drives. Riders can
hit the road starting next
Thursday. Lexington is on track
for a weekend full of nostalgia
as the model trains, Hot Wheels,
(22:58):
slot cars and diecast show
rolls into town, bringing
collectors and hobbyists under
one roof. Visitors can browse
trains, cars and diecast pieces,
and even catch some slot car
racing and demonstrations
throughout the day. The event
takes place this Saturday.
Madisonville is getting ready
to deck more than the halls
(23:18):
this season. Deck the Park
returns to City Park, turning
the space into a nightly winter
scene filled with lights, rides,
and holiday displays. The free
attraction opens each evening,
giving families a chance to
stroll or drive through the
glowing setup and soak in some
seasonal spirit. Skip the
(23:40):
crowds and go underground on
Black Friday with Carter Cave's
first ever Turkey Crawl. The
guided trip through Cascade
Cave is designed for beginners
looking to build a little
confidence underground, wear
sturdy shoes and warm layers.
All the gear is provided.
They're rolling out the holiday
spirit this weekend in Dawson
(24:01):
Springs, as the city hosts an
old fashioned horse drawn
Christmas parade and tree
lighting. See festive horse
drawn carriages, make their way
through downtown, do a little
holiday shopping at the Jingle
Mingle shopping event before
catching the official Dawson
Springs tree lighting ceremony.
The festivities happen on
Sunday. There will be a flurry
(24:23):
of holiday activities in the
foothills of Clinton County
next Saturday, with the second
annual Christmas in the
foothills celebration. Carriage
rides, ice skating, mechanical
reindeer rides, a Christmas
tree court and craft and food
vendors are all part of the one
day festival. If you're hoping
to carve out some time for
(24:45):
tradition this holiday season,
then check out Harlan's
Festival of the Mountain
Masters. The event showcases
Appalachian artistry with local
craftspeople from across the
southeast, sharing their
handmade work and demonstrating
the skills behind their craft.
It's a chance to find one of a
kind gifts, listen to live
music and celebrate the
region's rich heritage. The
(25:06):
festival runs November 28th and
29th. Louisville's once again
rolling out an annual tradition
that truly shines beneath the
surface. Lights under
Louisville turns the Mega
Cavern into an underground
holiday landscape glowing with
more than 7 million points of
light. Visitors can travel
through themed displays while
(25:28):
listening to holiday music
echoing through the cavern. The
show runs through January 3rd.
And that's what's happening
around the Commonwealth. I'm
Toby Gibbs.
>> By the way. Comment on
Kentucky is preempted tonight
for Ken Burns American
Revolution. It will be back
(25:49):
here next week. You can join us
Monday. It's Thanksgiving week
and many of us will be
traveling for the holiday.
We'll have a Thanksgiving
travel preview and all the days,
of course, Monday on Kentucky
Edition, and we do hope you'll
join us Monday night at 630
eastern, 530 central for
Kentucky Edition, where we
inform, connect, and inspire.
You can subscribe to our
(26:10):
Kentucky Edition email
newsletters and watch full
episodes and clips at ket.org.
You can send us a story idea at
Public Affairs at Ket.org. You
can always follow KET on
Facebook, formerly known as
Twitter and Instagram, to stay
in the loop. Thanks for having
thanks for joining us. We hope
you have a great weekend.
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