It's a special post-Derby edition of Kentucky Focus, featuring Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Congressman Morgan McGarvey, Mayor Craig Greenberg, and Derby Festival President Matt Gibson to reflect on Derby 151 and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth on this most sacred of weeks in the Commonwealth.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scuff Fitzgerald and if your
voice is just now coming back after a weekend of derby,
cheers and men, julips. While you're not alone. The one
hundred and fifty first running of the Kentucky Derby is
in the books, and what a celebration it was. And
while the eyes of the world were on the Twin Spires,
the conversations were plentiful behind the scenes were just as important.
(00:22):
And that's where we picked things up this week. All
last week at Churchill Downs, Kentucky's leaders we're talking not
just about the Derby, but the big picture issues facing
are commonwealth. The state's top leaders, from Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline
Coleman and Congressman Morgan McGarvey to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
and Kentucky Derby President Matt Gibson were on handmaking the rounds,
(00:43):
and the message was clear. The Derby is more than
a horse race. It's an economic engine, a cultural touchstone,
and a moment for reflection on where Kentucky stands. Of course,
where we're headed. On this week's Kentucky Focus, we look
back on those conversations from the track to the Capitol,
and again we'll hear about the Derby's economic impact, the
state of tourism, the future of workforce development, and the
(01:05):
role this iconic event plays in shaping policy and perception
far beyond Louisville. We even get some insight on how
education is shaping up in the state in the midst
of funding cuts. So, whether you're wearing that bow tie
still or just even still recovering from the infield, join
us as we take a look back and forward at
just how important the Kentucky Derby is to our state
(01:27):
and beyond. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and you're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
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(02:14):
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new lives.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be.
So we ask kids, what do you want your parents
to hear?
Speaker 5 (02:28):
I feel sometimes that I'm not listening to I would
just want you to listen to me more often and
evaluate situations with me and lead me towards success.
Speaker 6 (02:37):
We're not adults, so just just be there and like, listen.
I just want someone to yat too, And I just
feel like I'll be fine. Like if someone just hears
me talk, can talk and talk and talk and talk
and talk and talk.
Speaker 7 (02:50):
You're doing a really good job.
Speaker 8 (02:52):
And I don't think I tell you that.
Speaker 9 (02:53):
I don't know, and I know sometimes we get into it.
Speaker 10 (02:56):
And it's just hard on both of them us.
Speaker 8 (03:00):
But I'll try to understand me more and I'll try
to do the same. Listening is a.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
Form of love.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Find resources to help you support your kids and their
emotional well being at sound it out Together dot org.
That's Sounded out Together dot org. Brought to you by
the AD Council and Pivotal.
Speaker 11 (03:18):
We are Kentucky Broadcasters, your hometown radio and television stations.
We bring you breaking news, We keep you safe. We
serve your community in good times and in bad Your
local broadcasters are always there. We are deeply rooted in
your small towns and your big cities. We champion a
strong sense of civic pride. No matter how we connect
(03:40):
over the air, online and on your device, we are
Kentucky Broadcasters there when it matters.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. As Derby
one fifty one fades into the rear view. We're taking
you to the backside where the real conversations happening, beyond
the grand stands in the roses. On the back side.
We heard from Congressman Morgan McGarvey and asked if he
brought any of his Capitol Hill colleagues long for the
Derby festivities.
Speaker 12 (04:10):
You know, we were going to bring in a member
of Congress with this year, Unfortunately had to cancel at
the last minute. For me, the hosting duties, it's more
going around and talking to all the louivillions, to the
parties before and after the races. During the races, it's
going around the track and shaking hands and just celebrating
the day with as many louivillions as I possibly can.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
But as festive as the derby was, Congressman McGarvey knows
all too well that it comes in the middle of
a tense and unpredictable political climate. He talks about what
it's been like navigating such wild time in Washington.
Speaker 12 (04:41):
It's a wild time in Washington right now. You know,
what we've seen in the last three years has been
a real switch and so there are real concerents. And
let's talk about some of the Kentucky concerns first. I mean,
Trump's trade war isn't just tanking the economy nationally the
worst first hundred days of a president since nineteen thirty
two on the Dow Jones Industrial average. It is really
(05:02):
harmful to some of our signature industries. And I tell people,
like people get mad about it. Hey, Look, tariffs are
neither good nor bad. Tariffs are a tool. A hammer
is neither good nor bad. It's good for putting a
nail on a wall. It's not so good for fixing
your iPhone. How you use it matters. And so when
you're doing these things like we had one week with
(05:22):
the bourbon industry, where Trump said on Monday, the tariffs
are on on Tuesday, they're off on Wednesday, they're on
on Thursday, they're off. And the scrambling and the uncertainty people,
I mean families here in Louisville wondering if they're going
to have jobs, companies wonder how they're going to continue
to invest in their product, in the facilities, in things
like the Bourbon trail, the nine billion dollar economic impact
for our state. These things are really really concerning, and
(05:44):
so we're trying to restore some common sense and some
sanity to the process, as well as as protecting Kentuckians.
You know, this budget, they're proposing eight hundred and eighty
billion dollars potentially being cut from Medicaid. Forty six percent
of Kentucky's kids have their health insurance through Medicaid. That's
a really dangerous thing.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
One hot topic was former President Trump's recent comments about
turning FEMA operations over to the states, a move that
could have huge implications on how disaster recovery is managed,
especially in states like Kentucky that have faced major storms
in flooding in recent years.
Speaker 12 (06:18):
You know, I was in the State Senate for ten
years past several budgets when I was in the legislature.
Kentucky does not have the ability to borrow money, and
we're already cash strapped and underfunded as a state and
on the federal level. Look, this is this is not
a point I'm editorializing on. It's just a fact Kentucky
receives more from the federal government than it gives so
for better you know, for every dollar we give in
(06:39):
federal money, we get about a dollar fifty back. And
so we're able to do those things in part because
the federal government says, hey, it's in the public good
for us to have federal money available to areas all
over the country that are impacted on disasters they can't
plan for and can't handle by themselves. To get rid
of that and put on the states with the flooding
we've seen in Kentucky, with the tornadoes we've seen in
(07:00):
Kentucky the last several years, would be devastating to our
state and our budget.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
From policy to people, immigration was an issue on the
backside last week, with Trainer Deal Romans along with others
speaking about how changes in immigration laws and enforcement could
directly impact seasonal and support workers at places like Churchill Downs.
Speaker 13 (07:18):
We brought a group of people together because we want
to show the importance of immigrant workforce, not only in
the horse business, but all across different sectors of our country,
and how important they are and how much we need
to get together and get behind some immigration reform to
make it possible for these people to keep working. With
Rebecca's help with the American Business Immigration Coalition, we've got
(07:41):
to go to Washington last month and got to meet
with several Congressmen and senators, and it looks like it's
picking up some speed and like it's going to be
a good thing for everybody. But horse racing is very
much on the agenda, and it's so important for us
to have an immigrant workforce back here. We just cannot
get labor to to come back and work with these horses.
(08:01):
It's a labor intensive job, it's a lot of hours,
and it has to be a labor of love, and
we haven't been able to find that.
Speaker 12 (08:08):
Let's start with we need safe and secure borders. Any
country needs safe and secure borders, we must have them
in the United States. Then let's talk about what's happening
in immigration, even like right now. Look look at Churchill Down.
Seventy percent of the workforce on the backside of Churchill
Downs that makes this happen are their immigrants. They're here
on visas. There's two different types of visas they can
be here on. There's no pathway to citizenship. They already
(08:30):
have to certify that these are jobs that are not
impacting the US workforce. We have to have an open
and honest conversation about this. I told you all the time.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. You're not entitled
to your own facts, and we've got to make sure
that you can have an opinion about something. Let's get
the common set of facts out there. Let's talk about
even in fact, our office deals with people who come
in and just zoom out macro level. When you come
(08:52):
into the United States, you basically go into a queue
and they say are we going to let you in
or are we not going to let you in? If
you're going if you're trying to do it's the legal channels.
And if they let you in, then there's all different
sort of ways you can be let in. One is
you're seeking asylum and they say, okay, what's your name? Hey,
my name is Tony.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
You know.
Speaker 12 (09:10):
Okay, Tony, where are you going? I'm going to Louisville, Kentucky.
All right, great, Tony, you're seeking asylum. We think you
have a case for asylum. Here you go.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
You're going to Louisville, Kentucky.
Speaker 12 (09:18):
We're giving you a court date two and a half
years from now in Louisville, Kentucky.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
And finally, a growing issue hitting everyday Kentucky in the
US insurance crisis, Skyrocketing premiums, shrinking coverage and if your
providers are making it harder than ever for families and
businesses to stay protected.
Speaker 12 (09:35):
I'm I had a group of student nurse anesthetists in
my office this week in Washington. And you know, a
nurse anesthetist is someone who's already become a registered nurse,
has a four year degree, has has worked as a nurse,
and then goes to three years of school to become
that specialized nurse, a nurse who can help with anesthesia.
When they're in school, they can't work as a nurse.
(09:56):
So all of these people are over twenty six, they
can't be on their parents insurance. And they said one
of the things I wasn't expecting to hear this from
students about issues that are impacting them, and said, one
of the issues is going to impact us. If there's
Medicaid cuts, we won't have health insurance. I met a
mom meg. Her daughter, June, is ten years old, has
been a really medically complicated child since birth. I can't
(10:18):
speak without a computer, can't hear without a cochlear implant,
can't move her body to be has to be in
a fully motorized wheelchair, has to have a device up
just to hold her head up right. Her mom works
four jobs, and on top of the four jobs she
works and the other kids they have, you know, her
daughter is taken care of through Medicaid dollars and there's
(10:39):
no way that any normal family can handle these bills
for our medically complex children.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
That's Congressman Morgan McGarvey offering insight from both the Capital
and the Clubhouse. More voices from the tracker coming up
as you're listening to a special post Kentucky Derby edition
of Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 14 (11:01):
Floodwaters in eastern Kentucky have destroyed homes and businesses, displaced families,
devastated communities and claim the lives of our fellow Kentuckians.
Radio and television stations across the Commonwealth have United's one
voice to help our fellow Kentuckians in need. Please consider
supporting the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund today. Simply
(11:22):
go to KBA dot org and click the donate now button.
This message of hope is provided by the Kentucky Broadcasters
Association and this station.
Speaker 7 (11:30):
The Native community is big for me. Makes me feel
good to pass on our Rapo traditions. My kids love
going up to the Sundance. I like to tell people
the sundance is about family. It's about the tribe. It's
not just about the dancer. It's kind of like life
as a sundancer. I'm just one spoke in the wheel.
I need my family there, I need my role models.
(11:53):
I need my people there, especially my children. Now coming
in that door, my family is ready to see me,
and they believe in me. Before I'd never seen that
from my people. But now when I walk in that
door and I see those smiling faces and they're happy
to see me, that's special. With my four kids, all
(12:13):
I ask for them and rapid ways is health and happiness,
nothing more and nothing less.
Speaker 11 (12:20):
Never stop being a dad. That's dedication. Find out more
on Fatherhood dot gov.
Speaker 10 (12:26):
Brought to you by the US Department of Health and
Human Services and the AD Council.
Speaker 15 (12:30):
Would you trust artificial intelligence with your credit card? Visa
is betting you will with a new tool it's calling
intelligent Commerce.
Speaker 16 (12:38):
So it has some information about what your insights are,
and then you can give a commission to bind your behalf.
Speaker 15 (12:45):
Mark Nelson is the head of Global Consumer Products at Visa.
He says intelligent commerce makes use of AI agents, that
is AI technology that can take action. In this case,
Visa says a person can tell an agent to buy
a gift for Mother's Day or book concert tickets, but
it's still very common for AI to make mistakes. A
particular concern when it has access to one's finances. Nelson says,
(13:08):
they've put in guardrails.
Speaker 16 (13:10):
If it's seven hundred dollars and the consumer only gave
it five hundred dollars, we would reject and de client
that transaction. So that's how we protected the consumer from
an agent that may be doing something it doesn't want
it to do.
Speaker 15 (13:21):
Earlier this week, MasterCard announced a similar AI agent with
tech Trends. I'm Mike Debuski.
Speaker 10 (13:27):
James was diagnosed at three months old with neuroblastoma. We
went from thinking we had a healthy three month old
little boy, all of a sudden we had this super
serious cancer. It was heartbreaking. He had chemotherapy until he
was just under a year old, and at that point
he was in remission.
Speaker 7 (13:45):
Went that way for a year and then relapsed February
of twenty twenty three, and here we are one year later.
Speaker 17 (13:52):
Couldn't send up treatment.
Speaker 10 (13:53):
Hopefully, their research is extremely important. The treatments that they're
developing here get shared with all the doctors the help
treat children worldwide.
Speaker 7 (14:05):
It's contributing something like one more piece of the puzzle
to curing a sportable disease.
Speaker 8 (14:13):
We all want the same thing. We all want our
children to live and have long, meaningful lives.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
Finding cures saving children.
Speaker 15 (14:24):
Learn more at Saint Jude dot org.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. As we
continue our derby week conversations, a few voices carry the
weight and personal experience in education, quite like Lieutenant Governor
Jacqueline Coleman a lifelong educator, former assistant principal, and advocate
for students and teachers across the Commonwealth. She stopped by
the backside to talk about the state of education in
(14:48):
the Commonwealth, starting with the man who's led Kentucky's largest
school district through some of its most challenging years, doctor
Marty Polio of Jefferson County Public Schools.
Speaker 18 (14:57):
Look at what doctor Polio has done as a in
the largest district in Kentucky, one of the largest in
the states, and I've always thought that he had a
great vision, he hired good people around him, and has
the right demeanor to do a really, really tough job.
I mean, that job is a hard one and he
knew it going in and he did it well. And
so I want to say thank you to doctor Polio
(15:18):
for leading JCPS the way that he has.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
That said, where does public education in Kentucky stand today?
With teacher shortages, funding challenges, and shifting student needs. Lieutenant
Governor gave an on his take on the state of
education in our commonwealth.
Speaker 18 (15:33):
Whether it is JCPS or it's Bergen Independent, which is
where I grew up. We have four hundred kids K
through twelve and one building from the.
Speaker 8 (15:40):
Biggest to the smallest districts.
Speaker 18 (15:42):
You've got shortages in every single area, bus drivers, teachers, custodians,
all of it. We have remedied that in state government.
So we had a shortage of state employees, we a
shortage of Kentucky State troopers, and we had a shortage
of social workers. And guess what fixed all three of
those things, deificant races. We were able to secure significant
raises for all of those groups, and it fixed the shortages.
(16:06):
So if we want to fix those shortages in education,
we've got to put our money where our mouth this
We've got to invest where it matters. And there's no
more important role in your child's life outside of your
home than their teacher.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
And recently voters faced an important decision proposed Amendment I
on the ballot that would have directed funds toward private schools.
Speaker 18 (16:27):
Yeah, so I was a high school teacher. I was
a high school girls basketball coach and an assistant principal. Actually,
when the governor asked me to run with him, I
was an assistant principal. And what I'll tell you is,
while government may be divided, the population of Kentucky spoke
with one very clear voice in November when they really
voted against Amendment II, which would have given public dollars
(16:48):
to private schools. It was defeated by double digits in
all one hundred and twenty counties except for one, and
it still was defeated in all one hundred and twenty counties.
And so I think that's a mandate from the public. Look,
I think that's what we call those as mandates to
make sure that our public schools are well protected and
they have what they need for our kids. And so
(17:09):
that will continue to be mine and Governor Bushier's focus.
It's been our focus all along. I just hope that
folks who are elected listen to that when they see
just how soundly Amendment TO was defeated in Kentucky.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
And finally, perhaps the most fundamental question of all, why
year after year does Kentucky continue to struggle to probably
fund education, stay budget to local tax structures. What's standing
in the way of real progress and what will it
take to change the conversation?
Speaker 8 (17:33):
Well, we can, we've just chosen not to.
Speaker 18 (17:36):
Since I was in the classroom, we haven't had textbooks, technology,
transportation fully funded in Kentucky, and the governor has moved
to do that every year with his budget, and so
we've allocated those funds, but the legislature has removed it.
Every time we allocated raises for teachers, just like we
did state employees, and the legislature removed it. And so
(17:57):
we've got to make sure that we are electing people
who value public education, and when we do that, we
will invest where it matters and our schools will thrive.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
That's Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman offering a candid look
it's challenges and opportunities facing public education in our state.
A perspective as both a policymaker and a former educator
brings valuable insight to a conversation that affects every Kentucky family,
from the classroom to the city streets. Our next stop
takes us right into the heart of Derby weekend. Louisville
(18:27):
Mayor Craig Greenberg had a front row seat to it all,
helping lead the city through one of the most high
profile events in the country. Up next, we'll hear from
the mayor about what Derby one fifty one meant for
Louisville now. The city is navigating growth, public safety, and
the Spotlight. Also what's ahead for the river City That
conversation just ahead on Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald Smokey
(18:53):
the Bar.
Speaker 8 (18:53):
After eighty years of learning his wildfire prevention tips, Smokey
Bear lives within us.
Speaker 19 (18:58):
All.
Speaker 8 (18:58):
Learn more at Smokey Bear Dots and remember, only you
can prevent wildfires. Brought to you by the USDA for
Service or State poster in the AD.
Speaker 12 (19:06):
Council Michael Eric Dyson for the Bail Project.
Speaker 19 (19:10):
Our founders drafted the Eighth Amendment to prohibit excessive cash bail.
They never meant for it to hold people in jail.
They knew excessive bail would create one system of justice
with the rich and one for everyone else. But today
cash bail traps people in jail before they've even had
their day in court. That's why the Bail Project helps
those who can afford it while fighting to end cash
(19:33):
bail because freedom should be free.
Speaker 12 (19:36):
Brought to you by the AD Council.
Speaker 20 (19:37):
Everything I have I owed to the Adult Lyriacy Center
and getting my high school diploma at age twenty two.
Speaker 5 (19:42):
Find free and supportive adult education centers near you at
Finisherdiploma dot org brought to you by Dollar General Literacy
Foundation and the AD Council.
Speaker 21 (19:52):
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Speaker 1 (20:10):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald as Derby
one fifty one brought the world's attention to Kentucky. No
one had a busier week than Louisville's mayor, and no
one with a bigger role in shaping the city's image
to that global audience. Mayor Greenberg wait in on what
it means for the city. He leads from who's coming
to town to how the Derby helps position Louisville as
(20:32):
a destination for both tourism and business, and beyond who's visiting.
What kind of guests from CEOs to celebrities come to
Louisville during Derby Week and what kind of impression does
the city make on them.
Speaker 22 (20:43):
You know, it's always a unique opportunity that we have
to bring people to Louisville that might not otherwise come
to Louisville to fall in love with our city and
our state. And so we have some folks that are
coming in from the entertainment industry. You know, Kentucky has
this great incentive program to film movies and TV shows.
Here we have some folks coming in that are in
that world. And then also some folks that own the
(21:04):
Louisville Bats that are getting ready to invest two hundred
and fifty million dollars in downtown Louisville in a whole
new living excuse me, living in hotel and restaurant venue
right next to the Slugger Field on that parking lot
between I sixty five and Slugger Field. And so we
want them to see what great excitement Louisville has Kentucky
Derby Week and how it's going to spill out to
(21:25):
the entire year.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Of course, one of the most powerful ways Louisville is
showcased is through the lens of national television, with NBC
broadcasting to millions. Mayor Greenberg talks about the impact of
that exposure and what kind of story they're telling about
the commonwealth.
Speaker 22 (21:40):
They have us certainly shining. I haven't seen as many
NBC broadcasts. I've been coming to the Derby for a
long time myself, but I remember during the COVID years
when I didn't come and was watching the broadcast, you
just felt so proud to be a Louisvillion, to be
a Kentuckian. And that's what it's all about. And what
I love about the Derby is that, And it brings
our community together every year and we shine, We look great,
(22:03):
the city looks great, but also you know, something to
be proud of and bring the city together.
Speaker 1 (22:07):
Shifting gears now to the Kentucky Derby Festival. It wasn't
just the weather that brought changes this year. After reports
of youth disturbances at some events, the festival made the
call to require adult chaperones from miners attending certain events
in the evening, and of course the challenges it resented
to everyone. Kentucky Derby President Matt Gibson talking about the
(22:27):
changes that were made.
Speaker 23 (22:29):
That's the difference now we see because it started with
a small group and then it expanded very very quickly,
and social media a lot of phones out. That's why
there's as many videos as there are that contributes to it.
It's tough, I'm sure being a kid growing up these
days because I'm glad we weren't exposed to the things
that these kids deal with, and I think it's growing
pains our generation, every generation in every community. When teens
(22:52):
get together, it could be a great thing, or it
can go a little south, and unfortunately this would sell.
Speaker 1 (22:57):
That's a look back at some of the fascinating conversation
that took place outside of handicapping the horses on the
special post Kentucky Derby additional Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgeral.
We're back after this on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 9 (23:14):
Most people out here think that taking care of one
another is important, and most people would step up for
a neighbor going through a tough time. Most people around
here help out friends and family when they need it.
But the funny thing is most of us won't look
for help when we need it. If you're struggling with
mental help, you should know that there are resources out
(23:36):
there that can help, and it's okay to talk about
it if you need to. One place to get started
with information is Love Yourmind Today dot org, Loveourmind Today
dot org. Offers a range of guides, instructions, and insights
for dealing with difficult situations or getting through a tough time.
If you're struggling with mental health, get the help you
(23:58):
need because most people out here really care. Visit Love
your Mind Today dot org. That's Love your Mind Today
dot org brought to you by the Huntsman Mental Health
Institute and the AD Council.
Speaker 24 (24:12):
We are discussing child development with some experts. Tell me
what's the normal development of say a two year old?
Speaker 1 (24:18):
Hi's so saying two.
Speaker 24 (24:20):
To forward phrases and engaging in pretend to play? And
what about social development? Ah being enthusiastic about the company
of other children.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
Thank you.
Speaker 5 (24:30):
It's time to change how we view a child's growth.
It's not just physical. There are milestones your child should
reach in how he plays, learns, speaks, and acts. A
delay in any of these areas could be a sign
of a developmental problem, even autism. The good news is
the earlier it's recognized, the more you can do to
help your child reach his full potential. Talk with a doctor.
(24:51):
Visit CDC dot gov, slash act early or call one
eight hundred CDC Info. A message from the US Department
of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease cont in Prevention.
Learn the signs. Act early in Kentucky.
Speaker 17 (25:03):
Call five h two eight five two seven, seven nine
nine or visit kyautism dot org.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. After a
week of excitement, anticipation and let's be honest, a few surprises,
we've come full circle. The one hundred and one Kentucky
Derby has come to an end. But the stories and
the moments and the memories are here to stay. After
the years, weeks and months, working tyrestly as it does
every year, it all comes down to this.
Speaker 25 (25:34):
Journalism is all the hoves they turn for Hovid sovereignty
it is coming with him on the outside.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
The two of them go.
Speaker 25 (25:43):
Right by with um plo journalism and sovereignty, nose to
nose down to the last sixteenth of a mile. Sovereignty
has taken the lead. Journalism is second tour, the good
Son my Aslos third, but it will be sovereignty to
roll fuck the ducky turn a little bit byns We're
(26:03):
next final.
Speaker 14 (26:04):
Devin was fourth.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
The final time put.
Speaker 25 (26:07):
Two O two good gree one seconds.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
There you have it. Congratulations to Sovereignty and his crew,
the one hundred and fifty first winner of the Kentucky Derby.
A big thank you to Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Congressman
Morgan McGarvey, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, and Kentucky Derby Festival
President Matt Gibson for sharing their valuable insights with us
on the backside all week. And of course to all
(26:31):
the guests from there on the world who called Kentucky
home for a few days this historic for Saturday in May,
we were proud to show you what makes this state
so special. And of course to all of you listening,
thank you for tuning into Kentucky Focus each week. We're
fortunate enough to live in a state so rich in history,
beauty and opportunity, and when we may not be perfect,
(26:53):
we do have a lot to be proud of here
in Kentucky, and I will forever be grateful to be
part of this amazing com unity and this amazing For
Saturday in May until next week, for all of us
at Kentucky Focus and the Kentucky News Network, I'm Scott
Fitzgerald saying take care, stay focused on what makes Kentucky
great and most importantly, stay safe. We'll talk to you
(27:14):
next week on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (27:16):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 1 (27:36):
My name is Teresa Barber.
Speaker 17 (27:37):
I was in the United States Navy and I served
overseas in the Middle East in Africa. Early on in
my career, I had a commander that taught our suicide
prevention training and the very next day he took his
own life. Ninety percent of suicide attempts involving a gun
are fatal. My way of continuing my service is to
help protect my community by being a responsible gun owner
(27:58):
and by storing firearms safely. Store all your guns securely,
help stop suicide.
Speaker 1 (28:03):
Brought to you by En Family, Fire and the AD Council.
Speaker 26 (28:05):
You wanted to be cool, which led you to smoking,
which led to a pack a day. Then you met
that special someone, which led to starting a life with them,
which led to wanting to live longer, which led to quitting.
Then you heard you maybe at risk for lung cancer,
which led you to getting a low dose CT scan.
(28:26):
If you smoked, get scanned, talk to your doctor and
learn more at Saved bythscan dot org, brought to you
by the American Lung Association and the AD Council.
Speaker 20 (28:35):
And we're live here outside the Perez family home, just
waiting for the and there they go, almost on time.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
This morning.
Speaker 20 (28:43):
Mom is coming out the front door, strong with a
double arm kid carry. Looks like Dad has the bags.
Daughter is bringing up the rear. Oh, but the diaper
bag wasn't closed. Diapers and toys are everywhere.
Speaker 1 (28:56):
Ooh, but Mom has just.
Speaker 20 (28:58):
Nailed the perfect car seat buckle for the toddler. And
now the eldest daughter, who looks to be about nine
or ten, has secured herself in the booster seat. Dad
zips the bag closed and they're off.
Speaker 2 (29:10):
Ah.
Speaker 20 (29:10):
It looks like Mom doesn't realize her coffee cup is
still on the roof of the car and there it goes. Oh,
that's a shame. That mug was a fam favorite.
Speaker 19 (29:20):
Don't sweat the small stuff, just nail the big stuff,
like making sure your kids are buckled correctly in the
right seat for their agent's eyes.
Speaker 12 (29:26):
Learn more at NHTSA dot gov.
Speaker 8 (29:27):
Slash the Right Seat visits NHTSA dot gov.
Speaker 1 (29:31):
Slash the Right Seat
Speaker 19 (29:33):
Brought to you by NITZA and the AD Council
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scuff Fitzgerald and if your
voice is just now coming back after a weekend of derby,
cheers and men, julips. While you're not alone. The one
hundred and fifty first running of the Kentucky Derby is
in the books, and what a celebration it was. And
while the eyes of the world were on the Twin Spires,
the conversations were plentiful behind the scenes were just as important.
(00:22):
And that's where we picked things up this week. All
last week at Churchill Downs, Kentucky's leaders we're talking not
just about the Derby, but the big picture issues facing
are commonwealth. The state's top leaders, from Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline
Coleman and Congressman Morgan McGarvey to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
and Kentucky Derby President Matt Gibson were on handmaking the rounds,
(00:43):
and the message was clear. The Derby is more than
a horse race. It's an economic engine, a cultural touchstone,
and a moment for reflection on where Kentucky stands. Of course,
where we're headed. On this week's Kentucky Focus, we look
back on those conversations from the track to the Capitol,
and again we'll hear about the Derby's economic impact, the
state of tourism, the future of workforce development, and the
(01:05):
role this iconic event plays in shaping policy and perception
far beyond Louisville. We even get some insight on how
education is shaping up in the state in the midst
of funding cuts. So, whether you're wearing that bow tie
still or just even still recovering from the infield, join
us as we take a look back and forward at
just how important the Kentucky Derby is to our state
(01:27):
and beyond. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and you're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Hey, I'm your mountain bike. Been a minute since we
hit the trail. Why not roll me over to Goodwill?
Donating me helps Goodwill's mission to provide career training and
support services right here in the community, and that keeps
us all moving. Donate today on your left. To find
your nearest Goodwill locations and to learn more about our mission,
(02:14):
please visit Goodwill dot org. Goodwill where your things start
new lives.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be.
So we ask kids, what do you want your parents
to hear?
Speaker 5 (02:28):
I feel sometimes that I'm not listening to I would
just want you to listen to me more often and
evaluate situations with me and lead me towards success.
Speaker 6 (02:37):
We're not adults, so just just be there and like, listen.
I just want someone to yat too, And I just
feel like I'll be fine. Like if someone just hears
me talk, can talk and talk and talk and talk
and talk and talk.
Speaker 7 (02:50):
You're doing a really good job.
Speaker 8 (02:52):
And I don't think I tell you that.
Speaker 9 (02:53):
I don't know, and I know sometimes we get into it.
Speaker 10 (02:56):
And it's just hard on both of them us.
Speaker 8 (03:00):
But I'll try to understand me more and I'll try
to do the same. Listening is a.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
Form of love.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Find resources to help you support your kids and their
emotional well being at sound it out Together dot org.
That's Sounded out Together dot org. Brought to you by
the AD Council and Pivotal.
Speaker 11 (03:18):
We are Kentucky Broadcasters, your hometown radio and television stations.
We bring you breaking news, We keep you safe. We
serve your community in good times and in bad Your
local broadcasters are always there. We are deeply rooted in
your small towns and your big cities. We champion a
strong sense of civic pride. No matter how we connect
(03:40):
over the air, online and on your device, we are
Kentucky Broadcasters there when it matters.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. As Derby
one fifty one fades into the rear view. We're taking
you to the backside where the real conversations happening, beyond
the grand stands in the roses. On the back side.
We heard from Congressman Morgan McGarvey and asked if he
brought any of his Capitol Hill colleagues long for the
Derby festivities.
Speaker 12 (04:10):
You know, we were going to bring in a member
of Congress with this year, Unfortunately had to cancel at
the last minute. For me, the hosting duties, it's more
going around and talking to all the louivillions, to the
parties before and after the races. During the races, it's
going around the track and shaking hands and just celebrating
the day with as many louivillions as I possibly can.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
But as festive as the derby was, Congressman McGarvey knows
all too well that it comes in the middle of
a tense and unpredictable political climate. He talks about what
it's been like navigating such wild time in Washington.
Speaker 12 (04:41):
It's a wild time in Washington right now. You know,
what we've seen in the last three years has been
a real switch and so there are real concerents. And
let's talk about some of the Kentucky concerns first. I mean,
Trump's trade war isn't just tanking the economy nationally the
worst first hundred days of a president since nineteen thirty
two on the Dow Jones Industrial average. It is really
(05:02):
harmful to some of our signature industries. And I tell people,
like people get mad about it. Hey, Look, tariffs are
neither good nor bad. Tariffs are a tool. A hammer
is neither good nor bad. It's good for putting a
nail on a wall. It's not so good for fixing
your iPhone. How you use it matters. And so when
you're doing these things like we had one week with
(05:22):
the bourbon industry, where Trump said on Monday, the tariffs
are on on Tuesday, they're off on Wednesday, they're on
on Thursday, they're off. And the scrambling and the uncertainty people,
I mean families here in Louisville wondering if they're going
to have jobs, companies wonder how they're going to continue
to invest in their product, in the facilities, in things
like the Bourbon trail, the nine billion dollar economic impact
for our state. These things are really really concerning, and
(05:44):
so we're trying to restore some common sense and some
sanity to the process, as well as as protecting Kentuckians.
You know, this budget, they're proposing eight hundred and eighty
billion dollars potentially being cut from Medicaid. Forty six percent
of Kentucky's kids have their health insurance through Medicaid. That's
a really dangerous thing.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
One hot topic was former President Trump's recent comments about
turning FEMA operations over to the states, a move that
could have huge implications on how disaster recovery is managed,
especially in states like Kentucky that have faced major storms
in flooding in recent years.
Speaker 12 (06:18):
You know, I was in the State Senate for ten
years past several budgets when I was in the legislature.
Kentucky does not have the ability to borrow money, and
we're already cash strapped and underfunded as a state and
on the federal level. Look, this is this is not
a point I'm editorializing on. It's just a fact Kentucky
receives more from the federal government than it gives so
for better you know, for every dollar we give in
(06:39):
federal money, we get about a dollar fifty back. And
so we're able to do those things in part because
the federal government says, hey, it's in the public good
for us to have federal money available to areas all
over the country that are impacted on disasters they can't
plan for and can't handle by themselves. To get rid
of that and put on the states with the flooding
we've seen in Kentucky, with the tornadoes we've seen in
(07:00):
Kentucky the last several years, would be devastating to our
state and our budget.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
From policy to people, immigration was an issue on the
backside last week, with Trainer Deal Romans along with others
speaking about how changes in immigration laws and enforcement could
directly impact seasonal and support workers at places like Churchill Downs.
Speaker 13 (07:18):
We brought a group of people together because we want
to show the importance of immigrant workforce, not only in
the horse business, but all across different sectors of our country,
and how important they are and how much we need
to get together and get behind some immigration reform to
make it possible for these people to keep working. With
Rebecca's help with the American Business Immigration Coalition, we've got
(07:41):
to go to Washington last month and got to meet
with several Congressmen and senators, and it looks like it's
picking up some speed and like it's going to be
a good thing for everybody. But horse racing is very
much on the agenda, and it's so important for us
to have an immigrant workforce back here. We just cannot
get labor to to come back and work with these horses.
(08:01):
It's a labor intensive job, it's a lot of hours,
and it has to be a labor of love, and
we haven't been able to find that.
Speaker 12 (08:08):
Let's start with we need safe and secure borders. Any
country needs safe and secure borders, we must have them
in the United States. Then let's talk about what's happening
in immigration, even like right now. Look look at Churchill Down.
Seventy percent of the workforce on the backside of Churchill
Downs that makes this happen are their immigrants. They're here
on visas. There's two different types of visas they can
be here on. There's no pathway to citizenship. They already
(08:30):
have to certify that these are jobs that are not
impacting the US workforce. We have to have an open
and honest conversation about this. I told you all the time.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. You're not entitled
to your own facts, and we've got to make sure
that you can have an opinion about something. Let's get
the common set of facts out there. Let's talk about
even in fact, our office deals with people who come
in and just zoom out macro level. When you come
(08:52):
into the United States, you basically go into a queue
and they say are we going to let you in
or are we not going to let you in? If
you're going if you're trying to do it's the legal channels.
And if they let you in, then there's all different
sort of ways you can be let in. One is
you're seeking asylum and they say, okay, what's your name? Hey,
my name is Tony.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
You know.
Speaker 12 (09:10):
Okay, Tony, where are you going? I'm going to Louisville, Kentucky.
All right, great, Tony, you're seeking asylum. We think you
have a case for asylum. Here you go.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
You're going to Louisville, Kentucky.
Speaker 12 (09:18):
We're giving you a court date two and a half
years from now in Louisville, Kentucky.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
And finally, a growing issue hitting everyday Kentucky in the
US insurance crisis, Skyrocketing premiums, shrinking coverage and if your
providers are making it harder than ever for families and
businesses to stay protected.
Speaker 12 (09:35):
I'm I had a group of student nurse anesthetists in
my office this week in Washington. And you know, a
nurse anesthetist is someone who's already become a registered nurse,
has a four year degree, has has worked as a nurse,
and then goes to three years of school to become
that specialized nurse, a nurse who can help with anesthesia.
When they're in school, they can't work as a nurse.
(09:56):
So all of these people are over twenty six, they
can't be on their parents insurance. And they said one
of the things I wasn't expecting to hear this from
students about issues that are impacting them, and said, one
of the issues is going to impact us. If there's
Medicaid cuts, we won't have health insurance. I met a
mom meg. Her daughter, June, is ten years old, has
been a really medically complicated child since birth. I can't
(10:18):
speak without a computer, can't hear without a cochlear implant,
can't move her body to be has to be in
a fully motorized wheelchair, has to have a device up
just to hold her head up right. Her mom works
four jobs, and on top of the four jobs she
works and the other kids they have, you know, her
daughter is taken care of through Medicaid dollars and there's
(10:39):
no way that any normal family can handle these bills
for our medically complex children.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
That's Congressman Morgan McGarvey offering insight from both the Capital
and the Clubhouse. More voices from the tracker coming up
as you're listening to a special post Kentucky Derby edition
of Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 14 (11:01):
Floodwaters in eastern Kentucky have destroyed homes and businesses, displaced families,
devastated communities and claim the lives of our fellow Kentuckians.
Radio and television stations across the Commonwealth have United's one
voice to help our fellow Kentuckians in need. Please consider
supporting the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund today. Simply
(11:22):
go to KBA dot org and click the donate now button.
This message of hope is provided by the Kentucky Broadcasters
Association and this station.
Speaker 7 (11:30):
The Native community is big for me. Makes me feel
good to pass on our Rapo traditions. My kids love
going up to the Sundance. I like to tell people
the sundance is about family. It's about the tribe. It's
not just about the dancer. It's kind of like life
as a sundancer. I'm just one spoke in the wheel.
I need my family there, I need my role models.
(11:53):
I need my people there, especially my children. Now coming
in that door, my family is ready to see me,
and they believe in me. Before I'd never seen that
from my people. But now when I walk in that
door and I see those smiling faces and they're happy
to see me, that's special. With my four kids, all
(12:13):
I ask for them and rapid ways is health and happiness,
nothing more and nothing less.
Speaker 11 (12:20):
Never stop being a dad. That's dedication. Find out more
on Fatherhood dot gov.
Speaker 10 (12:26):
Brought to you by the US Department of Health and
Human Services and the AD Council.
Speaker 15 (12:30):
Would you trust artificial intelligence with your credit card? Visa
is betting you will with a new tool it's calling
intelligent Commerce.
Speaker 16 (12:38):
So it has some information about what your insights are,
and then you can give a commission to bind your behalf.
Speaker 15 (12:45):
Mark Nelson is the head of Global Consumer Products at Visa.
He says intelligent commerce makes use of AI agents, that
is AI technology that can take action. In this case,
Visa says a person can tell an agent to buy
a gift for Mother's Day or book concert tickets, but
it's still very common for AI to make mistakes. A
particular concern when it has access to one's finances. Nelson says,
(13:08):
they've put in guardrails.
Speaker 16 (13:10):
If it's seven hundred dollars and the consumer only gave
it five hundred dollars, we would reject and de client
that transaction. So that's how we protected the consumer from
an agent that may be doing something it doesn't want
it to do.
Speaker 15 (13:21):
Earlier this week, MasterCard announced a similar AI agent with
tech Trends. I'm Mike Debuski.
Speaker 10 (13:27):
James was diagnosed at three months old with neuroblastoma. We
went from thinking we had a healthy three month old
little boy, all of a sudden we had this super
serious cancer. It was heartbreaking. He had chemotherapy until he
was just under a year old, and at that point
he was in remission.
Speaker 7 (13:45):
Went that way for a year and then relapsed February
of twenty twenty three, and here we are one year later.
Speaker 17 (13:52):
Couldn't send up treatment.
Speaker 10 (13:53):
Hopefully, their research is extremely important. The treatments that they're
developing here get shared with all the doctors the help
treat children worldwide.
Speaker 7 (14:05):
It's contributing something like one more piece of the puzzle
to curing a sportable disease.
Speaker 8 (14:13):
We all want the same thing. We all want our
children to live and have long, meaningful lives.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
Finding cures saving children.
Speaker 15 (14:24):
Learn more at Saint Jude dot org.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. As we
continue our derby week conversations, a few voices carry the
weight and personal experience in education, quite like Lieutenant Governor
Jacqueline Coleman a lifelong educator, former assistant principal, and advocate
for students and teachers across the Commonwealth. She stopped by
the backside to talk about the state of education in
(14:48):
the Commonwealth, starting with the man who's led Kentucky's largest
school district through some of its most challenging years, doctor
Marty Polio of Jefferson County Public Schools.
Speaker 18 (14:57):
Look at what doctor Polio has done as a in
the largest district in Kentucky, one of the largest in
the states, and I've always thought that he had a
great vision, he hired good people around him, and has
the right demeanor to do a really, really tough job.
I mean, that job is a hard one and he
knew it going in and he did it well. And
so I want to say thank you to doctor Polio
(15:18):
for leading JCPS the way that he has.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
That said, where does public education in Kentucky stand today?
With teacher shortages, funding challenges, and shifting student needs. Lieutenant
Governor gave an on his take on the state of
education in our commonwealth.
Speaker 18 (15:33):
Whether it is JCPS or it's Bergen Independent, which is
where I grew up. We have four hundred kids K
through twelve and one building from the.
Speaker 8 (15:40):
Biggest to the smallest districts.
Speaker 18 (15:42):
You've got shortages in every single area, bus drivers, teachers, custodians,
all of it. We have remedied that in state government.
So we had a shortage of state employees, we a
shortage of Kentucky State troopers, and we had a shortage
of social workers. And guess what fixed all three of
those things, deificant races. We were able to secure significant
raises for all of those groups, and it fixed the shortages.
(16:06):
So if we want to fix those shortages in education,
we've got to put our money where our mouth this
We've got to invest where it matters. And there's no
more important role in your child's life outside of your
home than their teacher.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
And recently voters faced an important decision proposed Amendment I
on the ballot that would have directed funds toward private schools.
Speaker 18 (16:27):
Yeah, so I was a high school teacher. I was
a high school girls basketball coach and an assistant principal. Actually,
when the governor asked me to run with him, I
was an assistant principal. And what I'll tell you is,
while government may be divided, the population of Kentucky spoke
with one very clear voice in November when they really
voted against Amendment II, which would have given public dollars
(16:48):
to private schools. It was defeated by double digits in
all one hundred and twenty counties except for one, and
it still was defeated in all one hundred and twenty counties.
And so I think that's a mandate from the public. Look,
I think that's what we call those as mandates to
make sure that our public schools are well protected and
they have what they need for our kids. And so
(17:09):
that will continue to be mine and Governor Bushier's focus.
It's been our focus all along. I just hope that
folks who are elected listen to that when they see
just how soundly Amendment TO was defeated in Kentucky.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
And finally, perhaps the most fundamental question of all, why
year after year does Kentucky continue to struggle to probably
fund education, stay budget to local tax structures. What's standing
in the way of real progress and what will it
take to change the conversation?
Speaker 8 (17:33):
Well, we can, we've just chosen not to.
Speaker 18 (17:36):
Since I was in the classroom, we haven't had textbooks, technology,
transportation fully funded in Kentucky, and the governor has moved
to do that every year with his budget, and so
we've allocated those funds, but the legislature has removed it.
Every time we allocated raises for teachers, just like we
did state employees, and the legislature removed it. And so
(17:57):
we've got to make sure that we are electing people
who value public education, and when we do that, we
will invest where it matters and our schools will thrive.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
That's Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman offering a candid look
it's challenges and opportunities facing public education in our state.
A perspective as both a policymaker and a former educator
brings valuable insight to a conversation that affects every Kentucky family,
from the classroom to the city streets. Our next stop
takes us right into the heart of Derby weekend. Louisville
(18:27):
Mayor Craig Greenberg had a front row seat to it all,
helping lead the city through one of the most high
profile events in the country. Up next, we'll hear from
the mayor about what Derby one fifty one meant for
Louisville now. The city is navigating growth, public safety, and
the Spotlight. Also what's ahead for the river City That
conversation just ahead on Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald Smokey
(18:53):
the Bar.
Speaker 8 (18:53):
After eighty years of learning his wildfire prevention tips, Smokey
Bear lives within us.
Speaker 19 (18:58):
All.
Speaker 8 (18:58):
Learn more at Smokey Bear Dots and remember, only you
can prevent wildfires. Brought to you by the USDA for
Service or State poster in the AD.
Speaker 12 (19:06):
Council Michael Eric Dyson for the Bail Project.
Speaker 19 (19:10):
Our founders drafted the Eighth Amendment to prohibit excessive cash bail.
They never meant for it to hold people in jail.
They knew excessive bail would create one system of justice
with the rich and one for everyone else. But today
cash bail traps people in jail before they've even had
their day in court. That's why the Bail Project helps
those who can afford it while fighting to end cash
(19:33):
bail because freedom should be free.
Speaker 12 (19:36):
Brought to you by the AD Council.
Speaker 20 (19:37):
Everything I have I owed to the Adult Lyriacy Center
and getting my high school diploma at age twenty two.
Speaker 5 (19:42):
Find free and supportive adult education centers near you at
Finisherdiploma dot org brought to you by Dollar General Literacy
Foundation and the AD Council.
Speaker 21 (19:52):
If only life had a remote control, you could pause
or rewind at the big of the lad well. Life
doesn't always give you time to change the outcome, but
pre diabet does. Take the one minute risk test today
at do I Have Prediabetes dot Org, brought to you
by the AD Council and it's pre Diabetes Awareness partners.
Speaker 1 (20:10):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald as Derby
one fifty one brought the world's attention to Kentucky. No
one had a busier week than Louisville's mayor, and no
one with a bigger role in shaping the city's image
to that global audience. Mayor Greenberg wait in on what
it means for the city. He leads from who's coming
to town to how the Derby helps position Louisville as
(20:32):
a destination for both tourism and business, and beyond who's visiting.
What kind of guests from CEOs to celebrities come to
Louisville during Derby Week and what kind of impression does
the city make on them.
Speaker 22 (20:43):
You know, it's always a unique opportunity that we have
to bring people to Louisville that might not otherwise come
to Louisville to fall in love with our city and
our state. And so we have some folks that are
coming in from the entertainment industry. You know, Kentucky has
this great incentive program to film movies and TV shows.
Here we have some folks coming in that are in
that world. And then also some folks that own the
(21:04):
Louisville Bats that are getting ready to invest two hundred
and fifty million dollars in downtown Louisville in a whole
new living excuse me, living in hotel and restaurant venue
right next to the Slugger Field on that parking lot
between I sixty five and Slugger Field. And so we
want them to see what great excitement Louisville has Kentucky
Derby Week and how it's going to spill out to
(21:25):
the entire year.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Of course, one of the most powerful ways Louisville is
showcased is through the lens of national television, with NBC
broadcasting to millions. Mayor Greenberg talks about the impact of
that exposure and what kind of story they're telling about
the commonwealth.
Speaker 22 (21:40):
They have us certainly shining. I haven't seen as many
NBC broadcasts. I've been coming to the Derby for a
long time myself, but I remember during the COVID years
when I didn't come and was watching the broadcast, you
just felt so proud to be a Louisvillion, to be
a Kentuckian. And that's what it's all about. And what
I love about the Derby is that, And it brings
our community together every year and we shine, We look great,
(22:03):
the city looks great, but also you know, something to
be proud of and bring the city together.
Speaker 1 (22:07):
Shifting gears now to the Kentucky Derby Festival. It wasn't
just the weather that brought changes this year. After reports
of youth disturbances at some events, the festival made the
call to require adult chaperones from miners attending certain events
in the evening, and of course the challenges it resented
to everyone. Kentucky Derby President Matt Gibson talking about the
(22:27):
changes that were made.
Speaker 23 (22:29):
That's the difference now we see because it started with
a small group and then it expanded very very quickly,
and social media a lot of phones out. That's why
there's as many videos as there are that contributes to it.
It's tough, I'm sure being a kid growing up these
days because I'm glad we weren't exposed to the things
that these kids deal with, and I think it's growing
pains our generation, every generation in every community. When teens
(22:52):
get together, it could be a great thing, or it
can go a little south, and unfortunately this would sell.
Speaker 1 (22:57):
That's a look back at some of the fascinating conversation
that took place outside of handicapping the horses on the
special post Kentucky Derby additional Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgeral.
We're back after this on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 9 (23:14):
Most people out here think that taking care of one
another is important, and most people would step up for
a neighbor going through a tough time. Most people around
here help out friends and family when they need it.
But the funny thing is most of us won't look
for help when we need it. If you're struggling with
mental help, you should know that there are resources out
(23:36):
there that can help, and it's okay to talk about
it if you need to. One place to get started
with information is Love Yourmind Today dot org, Loveourmind Today
dot org. Offers a range of guides, instructions, and insights
for dealing with difficult situations or getting through a tough time.
If you're struggling with mental health, get the help you
(23:58):
need because most people out here really care. Visit Love
your Mind Today dot org. That's Love your Mind Today
dot org brought to you by the Huntsman Mental Health
Institute and the AD Council.
Speaker 24 (24:12):
We are discussing child development with some experts. Tell me
what's the normal development of say a two year old?
Speaker 1 (24:18):
Hi's so saying two.
Speaker 24 (24:20):
To forward phrases and engaging in pretend to play? And
what about social development? Ah being enthusiastic about the company
of other children.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
Thank you.
Speaker 5 (24:30):
It's time to change how we view a child's growth.
It's not just physical. There are milestones your child should
reach in how he plays, learns, speaks, and acts. A
delay in any of these areas could be a sign
of a developmental problem, even autism. The good news is
the earlier it's recognized, the more you can do to
help your child reach his full potential. Talk with a doctor.
(24:51):
Visit CDC dot gov, slash act early or call one
eight hundred CDC Info. A message from the US Department
of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease cont in Prevention.
Learn the signs. Act early in Kentucky.
Speaker 17 (25:03):
Call five h two eight five two seven, seven nine
nine or visit kyautism dot org.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. After a
week of excitement, anticipation and let's be honest, a few surprises,
we've come full circle. The one hundred and one Kentucky
Derby has come to an end. But the stories and
the moments and the memories are here to stay. After
the years, weeks and months, working tyrestly as it does
every year, it all comes down to this.
Speaker 25 (25:34):
Journalism is all the hoves they turn for Hovid sovereignty
it is coming with him on the outside.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
The two of them go.
Speaker 25 (25:43):
Right by with um plo journalism and sovereignty, nose to
nose down to the last sixteenth of a mile. Sovereignty
has taken the lead. Journalism is second tour, the good
Son my Aslos third, but it will be sovereignty to
roll fuck the ducky turn a little bit byns We're
(26:03):
next final.
Speaker 14 (26:04):
Devin was fourth.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
The final time put.
Speaker 25 (26:07):
Two O two good gree one seconds.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
There you have it. Congratulations to Sovereignty and his crew,
the one hundred and fifty first winner of the Kentucky Derby.
A big thank you to Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Congressman
Morgan McGarvey, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, and Kentucky Derby Festival
President Matt Gibson for sharing their valuable insights with us
on the backside all week. And of course to all
(26:31):
the guests from there on the world who called Kentucky
home for a few days this historic for Saturday in May,
we were proud to show you what makes this state
so special. And of course to all of you listening,
thank you for tuning into Kentucky Focus each week. We're
fortunate enough to live in a state so rich in history,
beauty and opportunity, and when we may not be perfect,
(26:53):
we do have a lot to be proud of here
in Kentucky, and I will forever be grateful to be
part of this amazing com unity and this amazing For
Saturday in May until next week, for all of us
at Kentucky Focus and the Kentucky News Network, I'm Scott
Fitzgerald saying take care, stay focused on what makes Kentucky
great and most importantly, stay safe. We'll talk to you
(27:14):
next week on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (27:16):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 1 (27:36):
My name is Teresa Barber.
Speaker 17 (27:37):
I was in the United States Navy and I served
overseas in the Middle East in Africa. Early on in
my career, I had a commander that taught our suicide
prevention training and the very next day he took his
own life. Ninety percent of suicide attempts involving a gun
are fatal. My way of continuing my service is to
help protect my community by being a responsible gun owner
(27:58):
and by storing firearms safely. Store all your guns securely,
help stop suicide.
Speaker 1 (28:03):
Brought to you by En Family, Fire and the AD Council.
Speaker 26 (28:05):
You wanted to be cool, which led you to smoking,
which led to a pack a day. Then you met
that special someone, which led to starting a life with them,
which led to wanting to live longer, which led to quitting.
Then you heard you maybe at risk for lung cancer,
which led you to getting a low dose CT scan.
(28:26):
If you smoked, get scanned, talk to your doctor and
learn more at Saved bythscan dot org, brought to you
by the American Lung Association and the AD Council.
Speaker 20 (28:35):
And we're live here outside the Perez family home, just
waiting for the and there they go, almost on time.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
This morning.
Speaker 20 (28:43):
Mom is coming out the front door, strong with a
double arm kid carry. Looks like Dad has the bags.
Daughter is bringing up the rear. Oh, but the diaper
bag wasn't closed. Diapers and toys are everywhere.
Speaker 1 (28:56):
Ooh, but Mom has just.
Speaker 20 (28:58):
Nailed the perfect car seat buckle for the toddler. And
now the eldest daughter, who looks to be about nine
or ten, has secured herself in the booster seat. Dad
zips the bag closed and they're off.
Speaker 2 (29:10):
Ah.
Speaker 20 (29:10):
It looks like Mom doesn't realize her coffee cup is
still on the roof of the car and there it goes. Oh,
that's a shame. That mug was a fam favorite.
Speaker 19 (29:20):
Don't sweat the small stuff, just nail the big stuff,
like making sure your kids are buckled correctly in the
right seat for their agent's eyes.
Speaker 12 (29:26):
Learn more at NHTSA dot gov.
Speaker 8 (29:27):
Slash the Right Seat visits NHTSA dot gov.
Speaker 1 (29:31):
Slash the Right Seat
Speaker 19 (29:33):
Brought to you by NITZA and the AD Council
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