October 9, 2025 • 26 mins
State police investigate death threats made against members of the Kentucky Parole Board following the release of Ronald Exantus, Amy McGrath talks about preparing for her third campaign, and a panel of lawmakers hear potential solutions for tackling truancy issues in Kentucky schools.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:08):
>> There's so many Kentuckians
that haven't given up, and I'm
not going to give up either.
>> We sit down with Amy McGrath
as she gets ready for campaign
number three.
>> There's not a day that I
don't want to be in the
classroom.
>> And what's special about
this Spencer County math
teacher?
>> I think that the river is
(00:30):
the root of how all of the
cities began.
>> And we'll take you to
northern Kentucky, where
festival goers are gathering to
celebrate their river roots.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
part by the KET Millennium Fund.
(01:03):
>> Good evening and welcome to
Kentucky Edition for this
Wednesday, October the 8th, I'm
Renee Shaw, and we thank you
for winding down your Wednesday
with us. State police are
investigating death threats
made against members of the
Kentucky Parole Board. The
threats follow the release of
Ronald Exantus. He served less
than half of a 20 year sentence
(01:25):
for the fatal stabbing of a six
year old boy in Versailles in
2015. News of his release
sparked outrage online. In a
statement, the Kentucky Justice
and Public Safety Cabinet said
the parole board did not
release Exantus and voted
unanimously for him to remain
in prison. Despite that, the
cabinet said state law required
(01:47):
he be released on mandatory
reentry supervision. The
cabinet added, quote, at a time
when political violence is on
the rise, it's more important
than ever that information
shared is accurate and threats
like these are taken seriously,
unquote. Already, one state
lawmaker is working to change
the law. Republican state
(02:08):
Representative TJ Roberts says
he intends to file legislation
that would abolish Kentucky's
mandatory reentry supervision
program, calling it a soft on
crime program. Representative
Roberts says his bill, quote,
will ensure that parole is not
granted automatically to
individuals who commit this
type of crime, unquote. Sports
(02:31):
and other extracurricular
activities are back on at Fort
Knox and Fort Campbell schools.
They had been suspended because
of the federal government
shutdown. U.S. Senator Mitch
McConnell appealed to Secretary
of Defense Pete Hegseth to
reverse that decision. Senator
McConnell says our service
members and their children
shouldn't have to pay the price
(02:52):
for Washington's failure to
fund the government. The field
of contenders to replace
Kentucky's retiring senior
senator, Mitch McConnell,
widened even more this week
with entry of a familiar face.
Former marine fighter pilot Amy
McGrath, who lost by 20 points
to McConnell back in 2020, is
attempting a comeback. She says
(03:13):
she's battle tested and ready
to stand up for Kentuckians and
not back down from President
Donald Trump. What's the
reaction that you've been
getting so far?
>> It's been great. It's been
great. I mean, so many people
are just exhausted. A lot of
people have checked out. A lot
(03:33):
of people are fearful about
what's going on, but they're
exhausted with the chaos, and
they want somebody to just
stand up and say, enough is
enough. Let's stop these food
fights. Let's stop. Let's have
some people get into office who
are decent and have courage.
And that has been what's
powered me in the last 48 hours.
(03:55):
Just everyday people who I've
met who are just saying, you
know what? We can do better.
>> For those who are skeptical
of your candidacy now, based on
past performances, what
specifically would you say to
them that makes you a better
candidate than you were in 2020?
And for the U.S. Senate in 2018,
(04:17):
in Congress?
>> Well, look, I think I think
things have changed in many,
many ways. You know, I'm
somebody that didn't grow up
within a political party. I'm
somebody who served my country
and simply believe in servant
leadership, and that we can
have better leaders with with
decency and courage. But from
(04:40):
2020, you know, when, when,
when I look at that race, I
mean, that was a that was a
really tough time. And we took
on Mitch McConnell, a 30 year
incumbent with all of his dark
money and all of his
establishment, you know, people.
And and that was in a
presidential. And we dealt with
(05:00):
that during Covid, you know,
when we couldn't even campaign.
And so I look at this now and I
think, wow, this is a midterm.
Mitch McConnell saw the writing
on the wall. People see that
they want change. That's why
Mitch McConnell saw the writing
on the wall and left this an
open seat. And Kentuckians have
proven that they will vote for
(05:21):
the best candidate, whether
it's a D or an R, because we
have a Democratic governor. And
so to me, I look and I say, you
know, there's so many
Kentuckians that haven't given
up and I'm not going to give up
either.
>> We'll have more with McGrath
tomorrow. When she talks about
how she came to the decision to
(05:41):
run again and her concerns
about the future of the country.
All of that is tomorrow night
on Kentucky Edition. As
expected, State Senator David
Yates resigned from his
Louisville seat today. Last
week, Louisville Mayor Craig
Greenberg appointed Yates as
interim Jefferson County clerk
after the death of Bobbie
Holtzclaw. Yates, a Democrat,
(06:03):
was the Kentucky Senate
minority whip. He had to resign
from the Kentucky General
Assembly in order to take the
job as clerk. Governor Andy
Beshear will now call a special
election to fill Yates's seat.
According to Johns Hopkins
University, if a ninth grader
misses just 18 days of school,
their chance of graduating
(06:24):
decreases by 80%. Truancy is a
serious issue in Kentucky, and
the numbers are going up. Today,
the Juvenile Justice Oversight
Council in Frankfort heard from
a program in Alabama on how it
was able to reduce truancy
numbers there. Our McKenzie
Spink has more on potential
solutions for tackling truancy.
(06:45):
That story starts off tonight's
legislative update.
>> Two years ago, the General
Assembly passed House Bill 611,
which required that students
with 15 or more unexcused
absences be reported to the
county attorney. From there,
the student could receive a
diversion agreement, a case
plan tailored to the student's
(07:06):
needs, or go to court. School
officials say they're starting
to see positive change because
of the bill.
>> After year one of House Bill
611, we certainly saw more kids
in the court system, which is
never good. But looking at some
of the numbers and some of the
DPS that I have spoken with,
we're starting to see some of
(07:27):
our first encouraging signs,
potentially with our statistics.
>> Although truancy rates went
down in some counties statewide,
there was an increase of about
600 truancy complaints since
last year. John Tyson leads the
Helping Families Initiative, a
program that has seen success
in reducing truancy rates in
Alabama. The program partners
(07:48):
truant families with the DA's
office, which creates tailored
intervention plans for the
family and connects them to
community services like
counseling and Mobile County.
There was a 50% reduction in
truancy over the course of two
years, which educational
leaders in Alabama attribute to
the program.
(08:08):
>> Helping Families initiative
is preventive. It is not
punitive. We actually consider
it to be a failure if one of
our kids gets involved in the
court system. What we're trying
to do is avoid that altogether.
>> Kentucky already has a
similar initiative through the
(08:29):
court designated worker program
called Truancy Diversion
Program. It focuses on early
support for truant students, as
well as more intense
interventions.
>> We develop these TDP teams,
and it encompasses the Friskies,
our law enforcement partners
that are in the school, mental
(08:49):
health providers, both that are
school based and those that
come into the school to offer
services and supports to those
students.
>> There are only 28 active
truancy diversion programs in
the state. A council member
representing Commissioner of
Education, Robbie Fletcher,
asked about expanding the
service statewide.
>> Can you say a little bit
(09:10):
more about why that would be,
that we wouldn't be able to
offer this in every county in
the state? Is a is it a funding
issue? Is it a resource issue?
Services?
>> We just don't have the staff
support the number of school
systems. Even in my rural area,
it would be impossible.
>> Alabama's program is also
not yet statewide, but hopes to
(09:31):
expand to that point. For
Kentucky edition. I'm Mackenzie
Spink.
>> Thank you. Mackenzie. Even
though truancy complaints
increased this year, the
administrative office of the
court says the numbers are
lower than they were
pre-pandemic. Flash flooding
hit Louisville and Lexington
yesterday, and flooding will
pose an even greater liability
(09:52):
for homeowners now that the
federal government is shut down.
This insurance representative
explains.
>> A couple key things to watch.
The first is the National Flood
Insurance Program, which goes
from year to year and is now
hobbled by the shutdown of. We
need a long standing us.
(10:17):
Authorized for multiple years
rather than a single year
National Flood Insurance
program, and funded otherwise.
You have the situation where
you do today where I think in
closing, there can't be
closings that require flood
insurance programs because of
the government shutdown. So
this is an example of where we
(10:37):
need to work together to to
tighten federal programs. Nfip
is one.
>> The insurance representative,
Dave Snyder, there spoke to
Kentucky's Disaster Prevention
and Resiliency Task Force today
in Frankfort with more
catastrophic weather events
nationwide, insurance providers
say their margins are shrinking,
(10:58):
causing them to leave certain
markets.
>> What is the prognosis for?
Carriers exiting markets? But
what if nobody does anything?
Where are we headed as far as
market availability?
>> I think companies want to do
(11:19):
business and I think they want
to do business in Kentucky. And.
And we're grateful for the fact
that there was there were some
years where the losses were far
less than they were in that
awful, horrific time period
when there was one natural
(11:40):
catastrophe after another.
>> Dave Snyder said. For every
dollar insurance companies
received in premiums in
Kentucky in 2023, they paid out
$1.50 for claims. The Oldham
County Board of Education is
reconsidering whether to offer
an off campus Bible study class
(12:00):
to students during school hours.
The renewed debate follows
Kentucky Attorney General
Russell Coleman issuing a legal
opinion about how to interpret
Senate Bill 19. The new law
passed by the Kentucky General
Assembly this year, allows
organizations, including
churches and religious entities,
to provide what's called moral
(12:21):
instruction. Lifewise Academy
and Ohio based Christian
Education Group is seeking
approval from several school
boards across Kentucky,
including in Oldham County. In
his legal opinion, Attorney
General Coleman concluded,
school boards are not required
to approve an organization's
request, but adds boards may
not discriminate solely based
on the group being a particular
(12:43):
religious group. He goes on to
say that if boards do approve
of such organizations, they
can't deny a parent's request
for their child to participate.
The opinion also states anyone
transporting students for the
purpose of moral instruction is
not required to adhere to
another new law this year
intended to limit electronic
(13:03):
communications between school
staff and students, something
that is required of teachers,
coaches and school volunteers.
Following the passage of Senate
Bill 181, the Oldham County
Board chair told the Kentucky
Lantern the opinion gives them
more clarity. The board was
scheduled to discuss the issue
during a special called meeting
(13:23):
this evening. Time now to check
in on some major political
stories. So far this week in
Kentucky, we have a new face to
our airwaves, but not to
Lexington, because you've seen
her before, Karolina Buczek,
who is the political reporter
for WLS TV channel 18, in
(13:45):
Lexington. Good to have you.
>> Thank you so much for having
me. It's a pleasure.
>> It's good. We've been trying
to get together for a little
bit, so I'm glad to welcome you
in our studio. Lots of kind of
stuff to chew on. Let's start
first with the governor,
Governor Andy Beshear in New
Hampshire this week. Of course,
he's been on these other
notable stops to other very
important political places like
South Carolina and Nebraska.
(14:07):
And he says he's just out there
drumming up support for
Democratic candidates for 2026.
But what do you make of all of
these very notable stops?
>> Well, he is certainly
traveling a lot, isn't he? Yeah.
And it's interesting that he's
making a lot of these trips to
very important primary states.
We we can't ignore the fact
that, you know, there's New
Hampshire, South Carolina.
(14:28):
These are very important states
for Democrats. And he is making
those trips. And when he's
speaking to crowds, the one
thing I am always doing when
the camera does that wide shot
and pans away, I am watching
what the supporters there are
looking like. Are they
interested in what he's saying?
Because we know how Kentuckians
respond to Governor Andy
Beshear, but how do other
(14:49):
Americans respond to him? So
that's something that I'm
really closely watching. I know
what the governor is going to
say. He's going to stay on
message. He never leaves his
message. He is always pretty
solid. Exactly. So how are the
other Americans going to
respond? Because I know how
Kentuckians are going to
respond to him. But I'm always
(15:09):
very curious. Does that message
translate elsewhere?
>> Well, and I think that's a
good point you make. How do you
see Kentuckians? Because you're
out on the road with him when
he's out, how do they respond
to him?
>> Well, the governor has this
really interesting ability to
kind of meet people in the
middle. There are a lot of
people that are like, I don't
love the fact that he's a
Democrat, but I can tolerate
him. And there's a lot of that
(15:31):
type of mentality in Kentucky.
So people may cross over on the
ballot and they may actually
vote for him. And we've seen
that that's how he has won
elections here in Kentucky. So
he has that innate ability to
do that to meet people in the
middle. But will that be enough
for 2028?
>> That's the big question. If
he does decide to run for
president. And of course, he's
already ruled out U.S. Senate
(15:53):
because he's been asked because
we'll get to that race in a
moment, because many were
saying and even there was a
story in the Courier Journal a
while back by a very high
profile louisvillian with deep
pockets, saying, Andy, Andy
Beshear is our best bet, is
Democrats for recapturing that
Senate seat, the U.S. Senate
seat. So the fact he says, I'm
not going to do that, but who
(16:15):
knows about 2028? And now he
has his own channel on Sirius
XM. I mean, a lot a lot of high
profile moves he's making. I'm
sure there's a book in the
works or something.
>> Absolutely. He is getting
his name out there, and if he
is interested in the presidency,
that's exactly what he needs to
do.
>> Yeah, he's following the
playbook and how you kind of
get your name out nationwide
and been on Seth Meyers. I mean,
(16:37):
you do late night TV. That's a
sign you got higher ambitions.
>> Absolutely. And he is an
ambitious politician. That's
what everyone says. Yeah.
>> So let's talk about the U.S.
Senate race in Kentucky. This
has gotten even more of a wider
field. Just this week, Amy
McGrath, a retired fighter
pilot in the military, had two
unsuccessful terms or two
(16:58):
unsuccessful runs before for
Congress and for the U.S.
Senate. She's back at it again.
What's different this time? And
what are you seeing as the
response to her bid?
>> So the response that I'm
seeing is actually something
that Kentucky experts have said
was going to happen.
Kentuckians are very skeptical
with someone that returns after
(17:21):
losing a race or two.
>> And by pretty good
substantial deficit.
>> And she spent a lot of money.
However, that money did earn
her quite a bit of name
recognition. The last time she
ran for this very exact same
seat. So will that be enough to
carry her? I don't know, that's
something that Kentuckians will
ultimately have to decide, but
(17:41):
the reaction is probably not
what she was anticipating. And
Kentucky experts warn about
this all the time. Kentucky
voters are very skeptical and
for good reason.
>> And do you think it's
different? One, because she has
had two unsuccessful bids
before and lost the U.S. Senate
race. Double digits, 20%. Right?
Or is it or is there a gender
(18:03):
factor in here? I mean, what do
you think are the reasons why
Kentuckians seem to be maybe
siding? And we're talking about
Democrats here, not the general
population, but even some
Democrats are kind of side
eyeing this move.
>> Absolutely. And it's hard to
say. There's probably a
multitude of factors that are
factoring into all of this.
However, with Kentucky, when
she ran for the sixth
Congressional District
(18:24):
originally, she did pretty well
in that race.
>> Right? Right. That's right.
>> And people were excited
about her. But then when she
came back for that U.S. Senate
race, I mean, it just the
momentum fell flat. So what
happened there? Was it a gender
factor? It's really hard to
tell. I think it's a multitude
of things that are coming in.
But Kentuckians are very
skeptical. When someone pops up
(18:45):
one time, loses, then comes
back, loses again the third
time, they're definitely going
to say, whoa, what's happening
here?
>> Right? But you wonder, I
mean, Daniel Cameron lost
pretty significant, not by as
much of a margin as Amy McGrath
to McConnell. But you know,
he's coming back again. But it
is maybe perhaps different. And
now it's an open seat. Right.
(19:07):
It's not going up against a
very tenured high profile
senior senator. This is an open
seat. So we'll have to see.
>> Absolutely.
>> Well, Karolina Buczek, it
has been a pleasure to meet you
and sit with you. And we hope
to have many encore
presentations with you. Thank
you so much for being with us.
>> Thank you.
(19:33):
>> The Kentucky Department of
Education announced its 2026
teacher of the Year Tuesday
during its annual award
ceremony for teachers. A
mathematics instructor from
Spencer County Middle School
took home the top prize and
will represent Kentucky in the
National Teacher of the year
competition.
>> The 2026 Kentucky Teacher of
(19:55):
the year. It's been teaching
for 22 years, most of them at
Spencer County High School.
Please join me in
congratulating the 2026
Kentucky Teacher of the year,
Michelle Gross.
>> If you are only thinking
about yourself and we often do
that, we think about the
problems we have and all the
(20:16):
things we're going on. But if
we can get outside of ourselves
and start thinking of each
other and lifting each other up,
we're going to be stronger. And
so I hope to do that this year.
I'm so, so thankful.
>> I got into teaching when I
was when I was in high school,
I was asked to be a peer tutor,
and I wanted to I wanted to do
a good job, but I didn't
(20:38):
necessarily know I wanted to be
a teacher, and I had the
opportunity to tutor several
students, one of which who was
at risk for graduate of
graduating. And when he
graduated with me, and to to
see him walk across the stage
was was so cool. But knowing
that there were teachers behind
me, like looking back later, I
saw the teachers behind me that
put me in those positions that
(21:00):
helped shape me, build me, help,
help, encourage me along the
way. Helped me to want to be a
teacher. There's not a day that
I don't want to be in the
classroom, and I can say that
because I stepped out of the
classroom for a couple of years
to do instructional coach, and
I missed it. I missed the
students. I missed not being
with them. And so when I had an
opportunity to get back into
(21:21):
the classroom, I took it. And
so I've been in there 22 years
and I like the kids bring me
energy, the kids bring me joy.
When I walk in the classroom,
they make me laugh. If you want
to laugh, teach middle school
and just the opportunity to
just make connections with kids
and help them to see their
potential and their value and
their worth means a lot to be
standing here to represent
(21:41):
Kentucky as a middle school
math teacher who, you know,
some of my students don't even
know. And I'm just like, it's
it's it's exciting. It's so
exciting, so rewarding. I am
honored to serve the state of
Kentucky this year. And I just
I really hope to make Kentucky
proud. I really hope to build
community across the state of
(22:03):
Kentucky, to shine a light on
teachers and students and what
they're doing in the schools. I
want to promote the good work
that's being happen, but also
just to bring people together
to know that they, you know,
what they're doing is making a
difference. Just thankful that
I can represent Spencer County
and I can represent Harlan
County, where I grew up,
represent Middlesboro, where I
(22:23):
got my roots and started. So
I'm just so thankful for that
opportunity.
>> Well, the gratitude is
evident. Congrats to her. As
the 2020 teacher of the year,
gross will receive a $10,000
stipend, a commemorative glass
award, and a professional
sabbatical. The USA is
(22:55):
celebrating a big birthday next
year. It will turn 250 years
old, but the celebrations are
starting early today. Northern
Kentucky kicked off the
America's River Roots Festival,
which is bringing a taste of
the river culture to the region.
Our Emily Sisk has details from
Newport, America's River.
(23:16):
>> Roots Festival is making its
way to northern Kentucky this
week. The festival is a kickoff
for the 250th birthday of the
United States. Newport Mayor
Tom Dooley said the festival is
celebrating history and
recognizing the significance of
waterways like the Ohio River.
>> I think that the river is
the root of how all of the
(23:38):
cities began in early days.
That was the way that you
traveled quickly and
effectively, especially
downriver, and you found new
communities.
>> This is about who we are and
where we came from. It's a
story of this region, Northern
Kentucky, and it is a story of
the American River culture that
(23:59):
has led to so many things that
make this country successful.
>> Organizers said the Ohio
River contributed greatly to
the success of Newport, and
that's one of the reasons
Newport wanted to be the host
on the Kentucky side of the
river.
>> If you think about this
region, if you know its history
before the railroad, this was
(24:21):
the sixth largest city in
America.
>> Right here in this spot was
the Newport Barracks. That's
where people connected. And
this was a port of safety that
protected the entire region.
>> That historic location will
transform over the next few
days, bringing in music. Food,
(24:41):
and of course, riverboats.
>> As a child, I can remember
seeing the steamboat Natchez in
New Orleans and hearing those
sounds. So to see that in my
own town is really, really
unique. The first thing you're
going to experience is both
sides of a river activated and
very, very easy to travel
between both sides. We will
(25:02):
have a major bourbon tent with
distilleries from all over the
Commonwealth. Nobody's going
away hungry or bored. After
this event.
>> Festival organizers expect
to see visitors from all across
the state, along with
neighboring Tennessee and Ohio.
The River roots celebration
will come to a close on Sunday
for Kentucky Edition. I'm Emily
(25:23):
Sisk.
>> Thank you Emily, we'll have
more on the history of the Ohio
River and how one business is
keeping the riverboat tradition
alive. That story tomorrow
night on Kentucky Edition and
plus tariffs have affected one
of Kentucky's signature
industries. What is the impact
on the bourbon and whiskey
industry, and how is our
(25:44):
neighbor Canada responding to
the tariff war? Well, we'll ask
expert Janet Patton of the
Lexington Herald-Leader to
break it all down for us.
That's tomorrow night on
Kentucky Edition at 630 eastern,
530 central, where we inform,
connect and inspire. We sure
hope that you'll connect with
us all the ways you see on your
screen Facebook, Instagram and
X to stay in the loop. And we
(26:05):
encourage you to send us a
story idea by email to the
address on the screen. Public
Affairs at Ket.org, and look
for us on the PBS video app and
the KET app that you can
download on your mobile device
and smart TV. Thanks so very
much for watching tonight. I'm
Renee Shaw and I will see you
actually on Friday. Christie
Dutton will be with you
(26:26):
tomorrow reporting from
Louisville. And until I see you
again, take really good care.
>> There's so many Kentuckians
that haven't given up, and I'm
not going to give up either.
>> We sit down with Amy McGrath
as she gets ready for campaign
number three.
>> There's not a day that I
don't want to be in the
classroom.
>> And what's special about
this Spencer County math
teacher?
>> I think that the river is
(00:30):
the root of how all of the
cities began.
>> And we'll take you to
northern Kentucky, where
festival goers are gathering to
celebrate their river roots.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
part by the KET Millennium Fund.
(01:03):
>> Good evening and welcome to
Kentucky Edition for this
Wednesday, October the 8th, I'm
Renee Shaw, and we thank you
for winding down your Wednesday
with us. State police are
investigating death threats
made against members of the
Kentucky Parole Board. The
threats follow the release of
Ronald Exantus. He served less
than half of a 20 year sentence
(01:25):
for the fatal stabbing of a six
year old boy in Versailles in
2015. News of his release
sparked outrage online. In a
statement, the Kentucky Justice
and Public Safety Cabinet said
the parole board did not
release Exantus and voted
unanimously for him to remain
in prison. Despite that, the
cabinet said state law required
(01:47):
he be released on mandatory
reentry supervision. The
cabinet added, quote, at a time
when political violence is on
the rise, it's more important
than ever that information
shared is accurate and threats
like these are taken seriously,
unquote. Already, one state
lawmaker is working to change
the law. Republican state
(02:08):
Representative TJ Roberts says
he intends to file legislation
that would abolish Kentucky's
mandatory reentry supervision
program, calling it a soft on
crime program. Representative
Roberts says his bill, quote,
will ensure that parole is not
granted automatically to
individuals who commit this
type of crime, unquote. Sports
(02:31):
and other extracurricular
activities are back on at Fort
Knox and Fort Campbell schools.
They had been suspended because
of the federal government
shutdown. U.S. Senator Mitch
McConnell appealed to Secretary
of Defense Pete Hegseth to
reverse that decision. Senator
McConnell says our service
members and their children
shouldn't have to pay the price
(02:52):
for Washington's failure to
fund the government. The field
of contenders to replace
Kentucky's retiring senior
senator, Mitch McConnell,
widened even more this week
with entry of a familiar face.
Former marine fighter pilot Amy
McGrath, who lost by 20 points
to McConnell back in 2020, is
attempting a comeback. She says
(03:13):
she's battle tested and ready
to stand up for Kentuckians and
not back down from President
Donald Trump. What's the
reaction that you've been
getting so far?
>> It's been great. It's been
great. I mean, so many people
are just exhausted. A lot of
people have checked out. A lot
(03:33):
of people are fearful about
what's going on, but they're
exhausted with the chaos, and
they want somebody to just
stand up and say, enough is
enough. Let's stop these food
fights. Let's stop. Let's have
some people get into office who
are decent and have courage.
And that has been what's
powered me in the last 48 hours.
(03:55):
Just everyday people who I've
met who are just saying, you
know what? We can do better.
>> For those who are skeptical
of your candidacy now, based on
past performances, what
specifically would you say to
them that makes you a better
candidate than you were in 2020?
And for the U.S. Senate in 2018,
(04:17):
in Congress?
>> Well, look, I think I think
things have changed in many,
many ways. You know, I'm
somebody that didn't grow up
within a political party. I'm
somebody who served my country
and simply believe in servant
leadership, and that we can
have better leaders with with
decency and courage. But from
(04:40):
2020, you know, when, when,
when I look at that race, I
mean, that was a that was a
really tough time. And we took
on Mitch McConnell, a 30 year
incumbent with all of his dark
money and all of his
establishment, you know, people.
And and that was in a
presidential. And we dealt with
(05:00):
that during Covid, you know,
when we couldn't even campaign.
And so I look at this now and I
think, wow, this is a midterm.
Mitch McConnell saw the writing
on the wall. People see that
they want change. That's why
Mitch McConnell saw the writing
on the wall and left this an
open seat. And Kentuckians have
proven that they will vote for
(05:21):
the best candidate, whether
it's a D or an R, because we
have a Democratic governor. And
so to me, I look and I say, you
know, there's so many
Kentuckians that haven't given
up and I'm not going to give up
either.
>> We'll have more with McGrath
tomorrow. When she talks about
how she came to the decision to
(05:41):
run again and her concerns
about the future of the country.
All of that is tomorrow night
on Kentucky Edition. As
expected, State Senator David
Yates resigned from his
Louisville seat today. Last
week, Louisville Mayor Craig
Greenberg appointed Yates as
interim Jefferson County clerk
after the death of Bobbie
Holtzclaw. Yates, a Democrat,
(06:03):
was the Kentucky Senate
minority whip. He had to resign
from the Kentucky General
Assembly in order to take the
job as clerk. Governor Andy
Beshear will now call a special
election to fill Yates's seat.
According to Johns Hopkins
University, if a ninth grader
misses just 18 days of school,
their chance of graduating
(06:24):
decreases by 80%. Truancy is a
serious issue in Kentucky, and
the numbers are going up. Today,
the Juvenile Justice Oversight
Council in Frankfort heard from
a program in Alabama on how it
was able to reduce truancy
numbers there. Our McKenzie
Spink has more on potential
solutions for tackling truancy.
(06:45):
That story starts off tonight's
legislative update.
>> Two years ago, the General
Assembly passed House Bill 611,
which required that students
with 15 or more unexcused
absences be reported to the
county attorney. From there,
the student could receive a
diversion agreement, a case
plan tailored to the student's
(07:06):
needs, or go to court. School
officials say they're starting
to see positive change because
of the bill.
>> After year one of House Bill
611, we certainly saw more kids
in the court system, which is
never good. But looking at some
of the numbers and some of the
DPS that I have spoken with,
we're starting to see some of
(07:27):
our first encouraging signs,
potentially with our statistics.
>> Although truancy rates went
down in some counties statewide,
there was an increase of about
600 truancy complaints since
last year. John Tyson leads the
Helping Families Initiative, a
program that has seen success
in reducing truancy rates in
Alabama. The program partners
(07:48):
truant families with the DA's
office, which creates tailored
intervention plans for the
family and connects them to
community services like
counseling and Mobile County.
There was a 50% reduction in
truancy over the course of two
years, which educational
leaders in Alabama attribute to
the program.
(08:08):
>> Helping Families initiative
is preventive. It is not
punitive. We actually consider
it to be a failure if one of
our kids gets involved in the
court system. What we're trying
to do is avoid that altogether.
>> Kentucky already has a
similar initiative through the
(08:29):
court designated worker program
called Truancy Diversion
Program. It focuses on early
support for truant students, as
well as more intense
interventions.
>> We develop these TDP teams,
and it encompasses the Friskies,
our law enforcement partners
that are in the school, mental
(08:49):
health providers, both that are
school based and those that
come into the school to offer
services and supports to those
students.
>> There are only 28 active
truancy diversion programs in
the state. A council member
representing Commissioner of
Education, Robbie Fletcher,
asked about expanding the
service statewide.
>> Can you say a little bit
(09:10):
more about why that would be,
that we wouldn't be able to
offer this in every county in
the state? Is a is it a funding
issue? Is it a resource issue?
Services?
>> We just don't have the staff
support the number of school
systems. Even in my rural area,
it would be impossible.
>> Alabama's program is also
not yet statewide, but hopes to
(09:31):
expand to that point. For
Kentucky edition. I'm Mackenzie
Spink.
>> Thank you. Mackenzie. Even
though truancy complaints
increased this year, the
administrative office of the
court says the numbers are
lower than they were
pre-pandemic. Flash flooding
hit Louisville and Lexington
yesterday, and flooding will
pose an even greater liability
(09:52):
for homeowners now that the
federal government is shut down.
This insurance representative
explains.
>> A couple key things to watch.
The first is the National Flood
Insurance Program, which goes
from year to year and is now
hobbled by the shutdown of. We
need a long standing us.
(10:17):
Authorized for multiple years
rather than a single year
National Flood Insurance
program, and funded otherwise.
You have the situation where
you do today where I think in
closing, there can't be
closings that require flood
insurance programs because of
the government shutdown. So
this is an example of where we
(10:37):
need to work together to to
tighten federal programs. Nfip
is one.
>> The insurance representative,
Dave Snyder, there spoke to
Kentucky's Disaster Prevention
and Resiliency Task Force today
in Frankfort with more
catastrophic weather events
nationwide, insurance providers
say their margins are shrinking,
(10:58):
causing them to leave certain
markets.
>> What is the prognosis for?
Carriers exiting markets? But
what if nobody does anything?
Where are we headed as far as
market availability?
>> I think companies want to do
(11:19):
business and I think they want
to do business in Kentucky. And.
And we're grateful for the fact
that there was there were some
years where the losses were far
less than they were in that
awful, horrific time period
when there was one natural
(11:40):
catastrophe after another.
>> Dave Snyder said. For every
dollar insurance companies
received in premiums in
Kentucky in 2023, they paid out
$1.50 for claims. The Oldham
County Board of Education is
reconsidering whether to offer
an off campus Bible study class
(12:00):
to students during school hours.
The renewed debate follows
Kentucky Attorney General
Russell Coleman issuing a legal
opinion about how to interpret
Senate Bill 19. The new law
passed by the Kentucky General
Assembly this year, allows
organizations, including
churches and religious entities,
to provide what's called moral
(12:21):
instruction. Lifewise Academy
and Ohio based Christian
Education Group is seeking
approval from several school
boards across Kentucky,
including in Oldham County. In
his legal opinion, Attorney
General Coleman concluded,
school boards are not required
to approve an organization's
request, but adds boards may
not discriminate solely based
on the group being a particular
(12:43):
religious group. He goes on to
say that if boards do approve
of such organizations, they
can't deny a parent's request
for their child to participate.
The opinion also states anyone
transporting students for the
purpose of moral instruction is
not required to adhere to
another new law this year
intended to limit electronic
(13:03):
communications between school
staff and students, something
that is required of teachers,
coaches and school volunteers.
Following the passage of Senate
Bill 181, the Oldham County
Board chair told the Kentucky
Lantern the opinion gives them
more clarity. The board was
scheduled to discuss the issue
during a special called meeting
(13:23):
this evening. Time now to check
in on some major political
stories. So far this week in
Kentucky, we have a new face to
our airwaves, but not to
Lexington, because you've seen
her before, Karolina Buczek,
who is the political reporter
for WLS TV channel 18, in
(13:45):
Lexington. Good to have you.
>> Thank you so much for having
me. It's a pleasure.
>> It's good. We've been trying
to get together for a little
bit, so I'm glad to welcome you
in our studio. Lots of kind of
stuff to chew on. Let's start
first with the governor,
Governor Andy Beshear in New
Hampshire this week. Of course,
he's been on these other
notable stops to other very
important political places like
South Carolina and Nebraska.
(14:07):
And he says he's just out there
drumming up support for
Democratic candidates for 2026.
But what do you make of all of
these very notable stops?
>> Well, he is certainly
traveling a lot, isn't he? Yeah.
And it's interesting that he's
making a lot of these trips to
very important primary states.
We we can't ignore the fact
that, you know, there's New
Hampshire, South Carolina.
(14:28):
These are very important states
for Democrats. And he is making
those trips. And when he's
speaking to crowds, the one
thing I am always doing when
the camera does that wide shot
and pans away, I am watching
what the supporters there are
looking like. Are they
interested in what he's saying?
Because we know how Kentuckians
respond to Governor Andy
Beshear, but how do other
(14:49):
Americans respond to him? So
that's something that I'm
really closely watching. I know
what the governor is going to
say. He's going to stay on
message. He never leaves his
message. He is always pretty
solid. Exactly. So how are the
other Americans going to
respond? Because I know how
Kentuckians are going to
respond to him. But I'm always
(15:09):
very curious. Does that message
translate elsewhere?
>> Well, and I think that's a
good point you make. How do you
see Kentuckians? Because you're
out on the road with him when
he's out, how do they respond
to him?
>> Well, the governor has this
really interesting ability to
kind of meet people in the
middle. There are a lot of
people that are like, I don't
love the fact that he's a
Democrat, but I can tolerate
him. And there's a lot of that
(15:31):
type of mentality in Kentucky.
So people may cross over on the
ballot and they may actually
vote for him. And we've seen
that that's how he has won
elections here in Kentucky. So
he has that innate ability to
do that to meet people in the
middle. But will that be enough
for 2028?
>> That's the big question. If
he does decide to run for
president. And of course, he's
already ruled out U.S. Senate
(15:53):
because he's been asked because
we'll get to that race in a
moment, because many were
saying and even there was a
story in the Courier Journal a
while back by a very high
profile louisvillian with deep
pockets, saying, Andy, Andy
Beshear is our best bet, is
Democrats for recapturing that
Senate seat, the U.S. Senate
seat. So the fact he says, I'm
not going to do that, but who
(16:15):
knows about 2028? And now he
has his own channel on Sirius
XM. I mean, a lot a lot of high
profile moves he's making. I'm
sure there's a book in the
works or something.
>> Absolutely. He is getting
his name out there, and if he
is interested in the presidency,
that's exactly what he needs to
do.
>> Yeah, he's following the
playbook and how you kind of
get your name out nationwide
and been on Seth Meyers. I mean,
(16:37):
you do late night TV. That's a
sign you got higher ambitions.
>> Absolutely. And he is an
ambitious politician. That's
what everyone says. Yeah.
>> So let's talk about the U.S.
Senate race in Kentucky. This
has gotten even more of a wider
field. Just this week, Amy
McGrath, a retired fighter
pilot in the military, had two
unsuccessful terms or two
(16:58):
unsuccessful runs before for
Congress and for the U.S.
Senate. She's back at it again.
What's different this time? And
what are you seeing as the
response to her bid?
>> So the response that I'm
seeing is actually something
that Kentucky experts have said
was going to happen.
Kentuckians are very skeptical
with someone that returns after
(17:21):
losing a race or two.
>> And by pretty good
substantial deficit.
>> And she spent a lot of money.
However, that money did earn
her quite a bit of name
recognition. The last time she
ran for this very exact same
seat. So will that be enough to
carry her? I don't know, that's
something that Kentuckians will
ultimately have to decide, but
(17:41):
the reaction is probably not
what she was anticipating. And
Kentucky experts warn about
this all the time. Kentucky
voters are very skeptical and
for good reason.
>> And do you think it's
different? One, because she has
had two unsuccessful bids
before and lost the U.S. Senate
race. Double digits, 20%. Right?
Or is it or is there a gender
(18:03):
factor in here? I mean, what do
you think are the reasons why
Kentuckians seem to be maybe
siding? And we're talking about
Democrats here, not the general
population, but even some
Democrats are kind of side
eyeing this move.
>> Absolutely. And it's hard to
say. There's probably a
multitude of factors that are
factoring into all of this.
However, with Kentucky, when
she ran for the sixth
Congressional District
(18:24):
originally, she did pretty well
in that race.
>> Right? Right. That's right.
>> And people were excited
about her. But then when she
came back for that U.S. Senate
race, I mean, it just the
momentum fell flat. So what
happened there? Was it a gender
factor? It's really hard to
tell. I think it's a multitude
of things that are coming in.
But Kentuckians are very
skeptical. When someone pops up
(18:45):
one time, loses, then comes
back, loses again the third
time, they're definitely going
to say, whoa, what's happening
here?
>> Right? But you wonder, I
mean, Daniel Cameron lost
pretty significant, not by as
much of a margin as Amy McGrath
to McConnell. But you know,
he's coming back again. But it
is maybe perhaps different. And
now it's an open seat. Right.
(19:07):
It's not going up against a
very tenured high profile
senior senator. This is an open
seat. So we'll have to see.
>> Absolutely.
>> Well, Karolina Buczek, it
has been a pleasure to meet you
and sit with you. And we hope
to have many encore
presentations with you. Thank
you so much for being with us.
>> Thank you.
(19:33):
>> The Kentucky Department of
Education announced its 2026
teacher of the Year Tuesday
during its annual award
ceremony for teachers. A
mathematics instructor from
Spencer County Middle School
took home the top prize and
will represent Kentucky in the
National Teacher of the year
competition.
>> The 2026 Kentucky Teacher of
(19:55):
the year. It's been teaching
for 22 years, most of them at
Spencer County High School.
Please join me in
congratulating the 2026
Kentucky Teacher of the year,
Michelle Gross.
>> If you are only thinking
about yourself and we often do
that, we think about the
problems we have and all the
(20:16):
things we're going on. But if
we can get outside of ourselves
and start thinking of each
other and lifting each other up,
we're going to be stronger. And
so I hope to do that this year.
I'm so, so thankful.
>> I got into teaching when I
was when I was in high school,
I was asked to be a peer tutor,
and I wanted to I wanted to do
a good job, but I didn't
(20:38):
necessarily know I wanted to be
a teacher, and I had the
opportunity to tutor several
students, one of which who was
at risk for graduate of
graduating. And when he
graduated with me, and to to
see him walk across the stage
was was so cool. But knowing
that there were teachers behind
me, like looking back later, I
saw the teachers behind me that
put me in those positions that
(21:00):
helped shape me, build me, help,
help, encourage me along the
way. Helped me to want to be a
teacher. There's not a day that
I don't want to be in the
classroom, and I can say that
because I stepped out of the
classroom for a couple of years
to do instructional coach, and
I missed it. I missed the
students. I missed not being
with them. And so when I had an
opportunity to get back into
(21:21):
the classroom, I took it. And
so I've been in there 22 years
and I like the kids bring me
energy, the kids bring me joy.
When I walk in the classroom,
they make me laugh. If you want
to laugh, teach middle school
and just the opportunity to
just make connections with kids
and help them to see their
potential and their value and
their worth means a lot to be
standing here to represent
(21:41):
Kentucky as a middle school
math teacher who, you know,
some of my students don't even
know. And I'm just like, it's
it's it's exciting. It's so
exciting, so rewarding. I am
honored to serve the state of
Kentucky this year. And I just
I really hope to make Kentucky
proud. I really hope to build
community across the state of
(22:03):
Kentucky, to shine a light on
teachers and students and what
they're doing in the schools. I
want to promote the good work
that's being happen, but also
just to bring people together
to know that they, you know,
what they're doing is making a
difference. Just thankful that
I can represent Spencer County
and I can represent Harlan
County, where I grew up,
represent Middlesboro, where I
(22:23):
got my roots and started. So
I'm just so thankful for that
opportunity.
>> Well, the gratitude is
evident. Congrats to her. As
the 2020 teacher of the year,
gross will receive a $10,000
stipend, a commemorative glass
award, and a professional
sabbatical. The USA is
(22:55):
celebrating a big birthday next
year. It will turn 250 years
old, but the celebrations are
starting early today. Northern
Kentucky kicked off the
America's River Roots Festival,
which is bringing a taste of
the river culture to the region.
Our Emily Sisk has details from
Newport, America's River.
(23:16):
>> Roots Festival is making its
way to northern Kentucky this
week. The festival is a kickoff
for the 250th birthday of the
United States. Newport Mayor
Tom Dooley said the festival is
celebrating history and
recognizing the significance of
waterways like the Ohio River.
>> I think that the river is
the root of how all of the
(23:38):
cities began in early days.
That was the way that you
traveled quickly and
effectively, especially
downriver, and you found new
communities.
>> This is about who we are and
where we came from. It's a
story of this region, Northern
Kentucky, and it is a story of
the American River culture that
(23:59):
has led to so many things that
make this country successful.
>> Organizers said the Ohio
River contributed greatly to
the success of Newport, and
that's one of the reasons
Newport wanted to be the host
on the Kentucky side of the
river.
>> If you think about this
region, if you know its history
before the railroad, this was
(24:21):
the sixth largest city in
America.
>> Right here in this spot was
the Newport Barracks. That's
where people connected. And
this was a port of safety that
protected the entire region.
>> That historic location will
transform over the next few
days, bringing in music. Food,
(24:41):
and of course, riverboats.
>> As a child, I can remember
seeing the steamboat Natchez in
New Orleans and hearing those
sounds. So to see that in my
own town is really, really
unique. The first thing you're
going to experience is both
sides of a river activated and
very, very easy to travel
between both sides. We will
(25:02):
have a major bourbon tent with
distilleries from all over the
Commonwealth. Nobody's going
away hungry or bored. After
this event.
>> Festival organizers expect
to see visitors from all across
the state, along with
neighboring Tennessee and Ohio.
The River roots celebration
will come to a close on Sunday
for Kentucky Edition. I'm Emily
(25:23):
Sisk.
>> Thank you Emily, we'll have
more on the history of the Ohio
River and how one business is
keeping the riverboat tradition
alive. That story tomorrow
night on Kentucky Edition and
plus tariffs have affected one
of Kentucky's signature
industries. What is the impact
on the bourbon and whiskey
industry, and how is our
(25:44):
neighbor Canada responding to
the tariff war? Well, we'll ask
expert Janet Patton of the
Lexington Herald-Leader to
break it all down for us.
That's tomorrow night on
Kentucky Edition at 630 eastern,
530 central, where we inform,
connect and inspire. We sure
hope that you'll connect with
us all the ways you see on your
screen Facebook, Instagram and
X to stay in the loop. And we
(26:05):
encourage you to send us a
story idea by email to the
address on the screen. Public
Affairs at Ket.org, and look
for us on the PBS video app and
the KET app that you can
download on your mobile device
and smart TV. Thanks so very
much for watching tonight. I'm
Renee Shaw and I will see you
actually on Friday. Christie
Dutton will be with you
(26:26):
tomorrow reporting from
Louisville. And until I see you
again, take really good care.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!