Hillbilly Crime Investigates

Is Appalachia Being Set Up for Bitcoin & Data Centers?

This video, created by Hillbilly Crime, addresses the concerns of residents in Eastern Kentucky regarding rising electricity rates and the potential impact of new large-scale energy projects, specifically data centers. The discussion explores whether these projects truly benefit the local community or if they are just another example of Appalachia being exploited. Key themes and discussions include: * The Energy Crisis in Appalachia: The host highlights that families in Eastern Kentucky are already struggling with high power bills, leading to difficult financial choices for many, including seniors (11:05-12:55). * Data Centers and Electricity Costs: The video examines the push for data centers in the region. While utility providers argue that large-scale industrial customers help stabilize the grid and spread fixed costs, the host expresses skepticism about these claims, noting that residential customers often continue to face rate hikes (25:48-31:47). * Transparency and Accountability: The host criticizes the "fair, just, and reasonable" standard used by regulators, arguing that it often favors the utility companies over the struggling consumer (11:57-12:55, 47:45-48:21). * Corporate and Political Influence: The discussion touches on the role of politicians and organizations in shaping energy policy, citing Senator Brandon Smith and the involvement of Kentucky Power and AEP in promoting these projects (13:00-14:54). * Local Economic Reality: There is a deep dive into the "economic development" narrative, where the host challenges whether these highly automated data centers actually create meaningful, high-paying jobs for local residents (36:48-37:05, 57:25-57:47). * Preparation and Self-Reliance: Throughout the episode, the host encourages viewers to look toward self-sufficiency and homesteading as a way to prepare for future economic and energy uncertainties (49:22-50:22, 1:08:00-1:08:21). The episode concludes with a prayer and a reflection on the importance of community awareness and critical thinking regarding these systemic issues (1:15:54-1:17:21).

London Kentucky Speaks Out

This video from Hillbilly Crime (Elizabeth) focuses on a city council meeting in London, Kentucky, specifically highlighting public comments regarding police accountability and transparency. The show aims to provide a platform for citizens to voice concerns that they feel have been ignored by local leadership. * Slap Gate (17:39 - 18:35): The community is deeply concerned about an incident where a police officer allegedly used excessive force against a 20-year-old with autism. Residents are demanding answers regarding policy, de-escalation, and why officers were allowed to resign instead of facing termination. * The Doug Harless Case (26:21 - 31:15): The show examines the 2024 incident where police executed a search warrant for a stolen weed eater at the wrong address, resulting in the death of Doug Harless. Citizens and the host question the competence of the department and the lack of disciplinary action taken against the involved officers. * Public Trust and Leadership (3:39 - 4:22): A significant theme of the video is the erosion of public trust. The host argues that when citizens feel unheard by their city council, these public meetings become the only venue for demanding accountability. * Public Testimony (11:25 - 15:34): A retired law enforcement officer confronted the council about the inconsistency in handling misconduct cases, specifically comparing the outcomes of the Doug Harless case and the Slap Gate incident. * Council Conflict (35:42 - 38:09): The video captures internal friction within the council, with some members arguing that the mayor has not been transparent about officer resignations and that council members were kept in the dark regarding key details. * Procedural Disputes (49:45 - 1:03:30): The council engaged in a heated debate regarding bidding processes for municipal projects, such as cemetery mowing and infrastructure improvements, highlighting ethical concerns about how public funds and contracts are managed. The host emphasizes the importance of maintaining an "evidence room" by documenting these meetings and public records to ensure that the public's concerns are not dismissed by officials. Key Issues Discussed:Council Meeting Highlights:

Will The Real Senator Brandon Smith, Please Stand Up, Please Stand Up

In this episode of Hillbilly Crime, the host analyzes a Fiscal Year 2025 executive branch spending review released by the Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts (6:02). Rather than just reporting the figures, the host investigates the lack of transparency, competitive bidding, and potential waste in state spending. Key takeaways from the audit review: * Advertising Expenditures: The report notes nearly $40 million in advertising costs, with concerns raised about the lack of competitive bidding for certain service contracts (12:04-13:34). * Travel Expenses: The host questions the necessity and public benefit of over $7 million in out-of-state travel (including high-end hotel stays) and over $23 million in in-state travel, conferences, and catering (17:42, 20:18). * Vague Spending: The host highlights an "Other expenses" category totaling $118 million that lacks sufficient detail or categorization, describing it as a "hiding place" for potential mismanagement (39:34-40:13). * DCBS Outsourcing: The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is scrutinized for spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on outside legal and evaluation services despite already having extensive internal staff (42:25-46:33). * Policy Critique: The host shares personal experiences regarding the treatment of Suboxone patients and questions the effectiveness and justification of mandatory counseling requirements within the Medicaid system (50:51-54:42). The host concludes by calling for viewers to provide any relevant public records, invoices, or documentation to help follow the "money trail" from Frankfurt to the mountains, emphasizing that the goal is not gossip but a demand for accountability and receipts (54:42-55:41).

Can You Live Without Electricity?

Public Comments meeting in Hazard Kentucky during a rate increase request by Kentucky Power. These meetings are not required and the Public Service Commission, by law cannot deny a rate increase request if the company can show it is an operating need. They already fixed it from the inside I am learning. Who do you think runs these companies? People they have hired as President and COO's of AEP and Kentucky Power came straight out of the Supreme Court legal community. Knowledge is power.

Deputy Kisses Drug Court Participant

Yes, we have the deposition where Ben is accused by Brianna Cornett, the third woman in that case of kissing her in his official capacity. Why was she not more of a central figure in that case?