November 26, 2025 • 29 mins
Kentucky Focus is back with a look at the decisions, challenges, and bright spots making headlines across the state. This week Scott Fitzgerald visits how Kentuckians build their futures, support one another, and keep creativity thriving. It’s a wide-ranging, forward-looking conversation you won’t want to miss.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
And welcome to Kentucky Focus, Sime SCN Fitzgerald.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
This week we're breaking down some of the biggest.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Conversations happening across the state, from a major new mortgage
promosa that could reshape home buying, to the children and
families uplifted when sometimes they're not always in that position.
And finally, we close with the celebration of the Kentuckians
whose creativity is powering this community and doing it well
and getting the attention of Governor Andy Bisheer. It's all
(00:28):
ahead right here on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
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 and history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
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Speaker 5 (00:58):
Glad you, speaker.
Speaker 4 (01:00):
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guiding them through the world, so one day they can
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(01:25):
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Become a dog's ink poppy raser, give a dog a purpose,
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Speaker 2 (01:45):
Learn more at dogsink dot org. Welcome back to Kentucky, Folcus.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
So, I'm Scott Fitzgerald, and today we're diving into a
topic that has home buyers, real estate professionals, and policymakers
talking the potential for fifty your mortgages. To help us
navigate this complex issue, we're joined by Rip Phillips, President
and Lack of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors, and Rip,
thanks so much for taking time to talk to us.
Speaker 7 (02:10):
Hey, it's my pleasure.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
It's great to be here, all right.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
First of all, can you give our listeners a quick
overview of what a fifty year mortgage is and why
it's sparking so much debate in the real estate world.
Speaker 7 (02:20):
It's a new product being put forth by the current administration.
It might help a small group of homeowners qualify in
the short term, but there are trade offs. They are significant.
Consumers will pay far more interest over time, they will
build equity more slowly, and the option doesn't really address
the core issue in housing, which is the national shortage
(02:42):
of available homes. Our housing market is somewhat moderately priced,
so I don't know that there's going to be a
whole lot of savings here in our market. And really
it's sort of a supply and demand issue. Fifty year
mortgage is intended to get people who may not qualify
for a mortgage now into the market. But the problem
that we're is we don't have the inventory. So bringing
(03:03):
more people into the market is not necessarily going to
fix It might be a short term and it might
help a few people, but it's not going to help
the underlying issues, which is basically inventory.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Interesting. We're talking with the Rip Phillips.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
He's President elect of the Greater louisvill Association of Realtors,
and we're talking in course about the fifty year mortgage
now ripped from a legal standpoint, there are rules like
qualified mortgage rule that currently cap loans at thirty years.
What would need to happen for a fifty year mortgage
to even become available to buyers?
Speaker 7 (03:34):
You know, I'm not an attorneys. Yeah, I'll give you
some insight. Before I became a realtor, I was in
the financial world, and I remember Dodd Frank is I
understand that Dodd Frank is really the legislation that would
need to be modified before we could get into fifty
year mortgages. At the same time, Fanny man Freddie Mack,
(03:55):
I don't think either of those have provisions for fifty
year mortgages now, so that would likely need to change
before we could get into such a product.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Makes sense.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
RD Phillips again joining us president elected the Greater Louisville
Association of Realtors, and we're talking about a controversial fifty
year mortgage that's hitting the market.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
We're looking at these raking.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Talking about a lot of people that are familiar with
the thirty or fifteen year mortgages. Can you explain in
simple terms how a fifty year mortgage compares in terms
of interest, total cost, and equity accumulation. I think what
a lot of people look at is probably, gee, is
that going to knock down my monthly payment? Maybe that'll
be worth it, or how does that all play out
compared to the traditional mortgages.
Speaker 7 (04:35):
Well, the mortgage rate right now is a roughly six
point three percent, maybe more and may be less. There
are different types of downpayment, but no matter what your
down payment. After ten years, the amount of principle that
you would recover remains the same no matter how much
you put down. So looking at the difference between a
thirty and a fifty year loan, okay, in a thirty
(04:57):
year loan now, and I'm going to use a ten
year time frame because our average mortgages last between seven
and twelve years before they're replaced, and it can be
replaced with the same kind of product. They may be
replaced with a lower mortgage rate if rates are coming down,
or they may be replaced with a shorter term product.
That it all depends. And let me put this disclaimer
(05:17):
in here. It's important that you understand all of the numbers,
not just your payment. A lot of people won't get
past the payment. I've got a family member who really
is not very good at math, and she looks to
my brother and me for advice. Okay, but it's important
that you understand exactly what this is going to cost
over the long run. And looking at that ten year
average time frame on a fifty year mortgage product, you
(05:41):
would have recovered roughly three point seven percent of the
principle that you borrow. Now, if you're on a thirty
year loan that's going to be fifteen point two percent.
Fifteen point two percent versus three point seven percent. You've
got four times more, principle that you've paid off in
a thirty year more mortgage after ten years than you
(06:01):
would at fifty. Wow, it's kind of eye opening.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
Yeah, that is.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
And again one of the remind folks we're talking with
Rip Phillips, he's President elect of the Greater Louisville Association
of Relators, spending some quality time explaining to us the
fifty year mortgage and why it's so controversial. Turning now
more to the housing market itself, the current housing market, Obviously,
we're never going to see interest rates down two and
(06:24):
three percent.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Ever, again, I don't.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Think at least what do you see in the real
estate and for folks that are thinking about maybe buying
a new home in the near future.
Speaker 7 (06:33):
In our market, we would need roughly six months of supply,
which means if we stopped putting new houses on the market,
it would take us six months to sell everything we have.
During COVID or soon after COVID, we were flirting right
around one month, and that's that's huge toward the seller's market.
It kind of puts buyers at a disadvantage when inventory
is that low, and right now we're around three So
(06:56):
I mean there's a number of different factors that could
change that. If rates go up, people may choose not
to buy, people may choose not to sell. And don't
forget that anybody who has a mortgage likely refinanced it
between twenty nineteen and today, so they're probably around two
to three percent. Why would you trade that mortgage in
(07:17):
for a six point three percent mortgage? So that helps
to keep some of the inventory off the market. But
if you're building new inventory, there's no mortgage attached to
it until somebody buys it. Okay, so we need to
build that inventory. How do I see things happening? You know,
anything can happen over the next six months to two years.
I don't see mortgage rates fluctuating wildly. It's going to
(07:41):
take something major for that to happen, and those things
are always unexpected. Rates will generally float. I would predict
around this level. We might get a rate cut in December,
but you know, after the last rate cut, the mortgage
rates actually ticked up. Don't forget the mortgage rates aren't
exactly tied to the FED rate decisions. Right they're kind
(08:04):
of on their own market. So you know, my advice
would be, if you can afford a house, now, buy
it now, start building that equity. I can tell you
my daughter, she's not even eighteen yet, and we've already
started a wroth Ira for her. Every dollar she made
last summer went into a roth Ira. Reason being it
(08:25):
has you know, benefits toward buying a house, especially for
first time home buyers. So you know, we're kind of
setting up that financial planning for her hopefully, because housing
prices just are amazing right now.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Again.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Rep.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
Phillips joining US President elect of the Greater Louisvie Association
of Realature's offering some great insight. We of course, are
talking about the fifty year mortgage, and it's somewhat controversial
in nature, and it certainly has people talking.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
If there's a young person.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
Out there now that's considering buying a house, they look
at the fifty years and they say, oh, I'm young enough,
I can outline this.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
What would you say to that person if you had
the rear.
Speaker 7 (09:02):
Perhaps the most eye opening number when you're looking at
a mortgage is what is it going to cost if
I hold it for the full term. The fifty year
mortgage just has so much interest. Like we talked about
a minute ago, equity builds so much slower, and the cost,
the end cost for the home or for the for
the loan itself, is so much higher in a fifty
(09:23):
year And you know people only live so long, right,
We need to build as much equity as we can.
If I would be over one hundred years old, if
I took out a fifty year mortgage now and held
it to term, right, you know, according to insurance tables,
I wouldn't exist it at over one hundred years old.
So to make that kind of mortgage, I'm not sure
you know. Something else to keep in mind is it
(09:45):
might be one hundred and twenty five one hundred and
fifty depending on the numbers less expensive for a three
hundred thousand dollars house on a fifty year loan versus
a thirty You might be able to keep one hundred
and fifty dollars in your power at each month. But
I think the trade off of having to pay so
much greater expense for the entire term and not being
(10:08):
able to build that equity is that worth it, and
you know that's up to the individual to decide, and
that's why you need to find somebody who will take
the time listen to you and make sure that you
understand the difference between the two products and help you
make that decision that is ultimately the best for you.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Spending some good time here with Rip Phillips, President elected
the Greater Louisville Association of Relators.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
And that leads me into my next question.
Speaker 7 (10:34):
Rep.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
I was going to say, somebody is listening to this
right now, going Okay, I'm kind of confused by all
the numbers.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
I just need someone to help me figure this out.
Can the folks reach out to you?
Speaker 7 (10:42):
Absolutely, I would love to take time to talk with them.
If it's mortgage numbers, if it's financial numbers. You know,
we've got contacts with the best people all over the world,
most of them right here in town. I personally like
to find somebody that I can go knock on their
office door and yeah, you know, that's why I'm here
and that's why I'm in this community. So absolutely, we'd
love to talk to them.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
And where can they go. Where's a good place to
find you?
Speaker 7 (11:05):
My website Ripphillips dot com is a great place to start.
Any kind of contact information you need, you can find
it right there.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
I appreciate you taking some time to really kind of
explain this fifty year mortgage stuff because on you know,
when you first hear it, you're like, wow, okay, that's
a whole monthly payment.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
But it turns out that may not be the way
to go. That's correct, all right, Rip.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Well, thank you so much, buddy, and let's talk again
soon because I'd love to pick your brain about some
more real estate stuff.
Speaker 7 (11:28):
You got it, I'm available, okay, anytime again.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Our thanks to Rip Phillips with the Greater Louivelle Relators
Association for helping us break down.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
And what if fifty year mortgage might mean for future
Kentucky home buyers.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Up next, we turn to an issue a little that
affects families across our commonwealth and some of those not
so fortunate. Won't break you down for you. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
You're listening to Kentucky folcas.
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Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
are employed, despite many having the skill set and desire
to work.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
they can do.
Speaker 9 (12:33):
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is a job for someone with autism?
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Oh, how about a healthcare worker?
Speaker 9 (12:45):
Yes, those are all jobs for someone with autism. The
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Introducing WIN the Workplace Inclusion Now Program by Autism Speaks,
(13:06):
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Speaker 1 (13:09):
Ooh, what about a ranch hand.
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Speaker 1 (13:24):
We welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. November is
National Adoption Month, a time to celebrate the power of
adoption and raise awareness for more than one hundred thousand
children waiting for a loving home across our great state.
Programs are making a real difference, including the Dave Thomas
Foundation for Adoption and their Wendy's Wonderful Kids Program. Here
in Kentucky, that program has helped over one thousand children
(13:45):
find permanent, loving families, and nationwide, more than fifteen thousand
kids have been adopted through this incredible initiative. Today, we're
joined by a very special guest to talk about, of course,
the importance of adoption and the success of the Wendy's
Wonderful Kids Program and how Kentucky families you can get involved. Well, welcome,
Rita soorn In, President and the CEO of the Dave
Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Thanks for joining us, Rita.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
Well, my gosh, Scott, it's great to be with you.
Thanks for having us Now.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
November is National Adoption Month. Can you share why this
month is so important for children in foster care and
the community at large.
Speaker 6 (14:17):
Well.
Speaker 5 (14:17):
National Adoption Month gives us a platform to really highlight
the children who are in foster care waiting to be adopted,
the systems, how people can get involved. Of course, we
do that each and every day, but when you have
a special month, then there's a particular emphasis making sure
everybody understands, you know that thousands and thousands of children
are simply waiting to be adopted in this country.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Today, Rita soorn And, President and CEO of the Dave
Thomas Foundation for Adoption is joining us, and of course Rita,
the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program has tremendous success here in Kentucky,
helping more than one thousand children find permanent homes.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
What makes this.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Program so effective compared to say, traditional adoption efforts.
Speaker 5 (14:56):
Yeah, one, it's the partnership. We're so proud to be
in partnership with the Kentucky de part Artment for Community
Based Services. It's a real effort and an evidence based
model that we are able to help the department hire
right now about forty five adoption professionals across the state
who carry smaller caseloads of these longest waiting children, develop
(15:16):
deep relationships with them and do a deep dive into
finding the right family for these children. And keep in mind,
these are older children, these are children with special needs,
these are children and sibling groups. They're the ones that
have waited in care the longest. And this evidence based
model works up to three times better than any other
business as usual. But it's really the power of partnership,
(15:37):
this public private partnership that has moved one one hundred
children in Kentucky to permanency.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Rita Sarona and joining us again on this National Adoption
Month here in Kentucky again. She is president and CEO
of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, And you hit
on something, Rida, I was going to talk about. The
program focuses on children often considered hard to place, including
as you mentioned, older kids, sibling groups, and those with
special needs. Can you explain why it's critical to give
these children equal opportunities for adoption.
Speaker 5 (16:05):
So critical because these are the kids who, unfortunately, without
this program, may have lingered and then aged out of
care in other words, left foster care at eighteen without
a permanent family. What we know is not because they're
bad kids or are there any less than any other child,
but when you're on your own at eighteen, this is
a difficult society to live in on your own, and
(16:26):
so they are at much higher risk of homelessness, of unemployment,
of being under educated, becoming early parents, of jumping back
into systems, not because they can't thrive, but because they
don't have that safety net of family. They can't make
a mistake. We all need family, but particularly at that
(16:47):
very delicate stage of older teens and young adults, we
still need that family for support.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
Rita Sarona and joining us, President and CEO of the
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. We're talking about adoption here
in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as November is nash Adoption Month,
and Rita, let's talk a little bit about the role
of recruiters. You have adoption professionals who work one on
one with children in families. What does a typical recruitment
process look like and how do you matage kids with
the right families.
Speaker 5 (17:13):
Yeah, it's a great question, and it's really good social work.
And they work in partnership with the caseworkers as well
in the agency. So what they do is, for example,
a child comes onto their caseload. Let's say they're fourteen
years old and they've been in care for three years,
and the child may have given up on themselves, may
have given up on this notion of family already. Look,
they've suffered through layers of trauma, the abuse they've experienced,
(17:37):
being pulled from their family or perhaps even their community,
moving multiple times, and so the recruiter begins to vary,
very deliberately and slowly, sometimes develop a relationship with this child,
develop a trust relationship, and then does a deep dive
into that child's case file to find potential extended family members,
people who are already known to this child, teachers, former
(17:59):
foster parents, people that understand the journey the child has
gone through and if they had known that this child
was available for adoption, would step forward. And so the
recruiter begins to make those matches. But what they're looking
for is is this family good for this child? Can
this family accommodate perhaps the needs that this child has,
(18:20):
Do they understand the trauma this child's experience, and are
they committed to forever. This isn't just a test. This
becomes a forever child in their family, and so the
recruiter sticks with that family, helps them understand, helps the
child understand the dynamics, and then begins to work that
match and they will stick with this child and tell
(18:40):
an adoption is finalized. So it's really that effort of
relationship building with all the people involved in the system,
but particularly with the child, and then doing that diligent
search for which family will be very good for this child.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
We're spending some quality time now with Rita Sarona, President
and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, and
we're talking about adoption National Adoption Month here in Kentucky
and how critical it is to fill that need and
Rita for those that are listening and they want to help,
either as adoptive parents or supporters, what opportunities are available
for them to get involved.
Speaker 5 (19:12):
So many opportunities, everything from just becoming aware and talking
about the fact that in Kentucky children are waiting to
be adopted. The knowledge drives action, right, So we need
to get used to what this maybe foreign concept of
the child welfare system and foster care and foster care adoption,
and then reach out to the Department of Community Based
Services and ask how do I get involved? What classes
(19:36):
might I need to take? If I'm interested in becoming
a foster parent? Do I need to go through a
background check? And the answer is yes. Do I need
to have a home study done to make sure my
house is safe? And the answer is yes. And then
get all that information and then begin to think, all right,
can I foster a child or can I move to
adopting a child? What is my family circumstance? Do I
(19:56):
have the support I need from extended family members or
community men members or my faith based community. Do I
have the support I need to bring perhaps a fourteen
year old into my home and then just dive in,
you know, dive in and say, look, I've got room
in my heart, I've got room in my home. I'm
going to make this big step and I'm going to
make sure that, for example, this Thanksgiving, this one child
(20:18):
has the opportunity for family and home and RITA.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
Looking ahead, With more than fifteen thousand adoptions through Wendy's
Wonderful Kids nationwide, what's next for the foundation and of
course the mission here in Kentucky.
Speaker 5 (20:29):
Well, we're continuing to make sure that this program is
available for every child across the United States that could
benefit from this intervention. So we're doing that like we
are in Kentucky by scaling the program, and what that
means is there is an adoption recruiter available for every
child that needs it, and we're scaled in Kentucky. We're
now scaled in twenty one states including Kentucky. We've got
(20:49):
a few more states to go, and so our goal
is all fifty states in the District of Columbia. But
we're also working a process of making sure that once
a child is adopted, that the families have access to
resources post adoption, whatever that might be, whether it's information,
community or our true services, you know, physical or mental
health services. We want to make sure there's that connection
(21:10):
now between not only adopting, but making sure this family
can thrive.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
Rita Saronan, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation
for Adoption, thank you so much for joining us and sharing,
of course, the incredible work that the Foundation is doing.
The stories children finding permanent and loving families are nothing
short of inspiring, Rita, and so is the work that
you do, and we want to wish everybody you know,
want a very happy Thanksgiving. But also, you know, think
(21:35):
of these children that are out there, and if folks
want more information readA where can they go?
Speaker 5 (21:40):
Yeah, very easy, Dave Thomas Foundation, all one word dot
org and they'll find a Beginner's Guide to Adoption. They'll
find information about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program, They'll find
all kinds of videos, whatever they need to really build
their briefcase of knowledge about foster care and foster care adoption.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
I like that term briefcase of knowledge. And Rita, thank
you so much.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
We appreciate you and look forward to catching up with
you down the road to talk talk about more about
what's so important here in Kentucky. Thank you again to
Rita Sarnin for her inside in the incredible work happening
across the commonwealth. During this National Adoption Month still ahead,
we spotlight the Kentuckians whose creativity and leadership are shaping
the cultural heartbeat of our state. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This
(22:23):
is Kentucky, folks.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
We didn't know what to expect. We were just just
left in a hotel. My mom was doing drugs in
the house.
Speaker 10 (22:34):
Tay and Brianna spent years of their childhood in homes
that weren't safe. They were placed in foster care and
longed for a permanent, loving home.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
I didn't know what my future was.
Speaker 11 (22:48):
I wouldn't speak to anyone.
Speaker 9 (22:49):
I was afraid of everything.
Speaker 10 (22:51):
With help from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Brianna
and Tay were adopted and now feel excited about.
Speaker 11 (22:59):
Their few I'm studying to be a chef and I
really want to travel the world.
Speaker 12 (23:04):
I'm going to be a mechanic, and I could focus
on my career right now.
Speaker 10 (23:09):
In the United States, there are more than one hundred
thousand children in foster care, just like Brianna and Tay,
who need a family.
Speaker 1 (23:19):
Now.
Speaker 10 (23:20):
Learn how you can help at Dave Thomasfoundation dot org.
Speaker 13 (23:25):
In Iraq, our truck hit a roadside bomb. Had about
sixteen surgeries on my hand so that I could regain function,
and when I came home, I needed a new proof
due to a storm, and my electrical was deemed unsafe
and I was about to lose homeowners insurance as well.
I didn't really know where to go in order to
(23:47):
get help, and so I applied for Operation home Front
Critical Financial Assistance program. They've really been a blessing. Operation
Homefront is the safety net a lot of veterans. They
fall through the cracks sometimes and Operation home Front they
catch us. It's been a blessing to us, it's a
blessing to other veteran families. And it's good to know
(24:08):
that when we come full there are people who are
there that care about us and want to see us
doo well and want to see us succeed. And we
feel it and we appreciate that. I would say, you
guys are angels behind closed doors.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
Visit Operation Homefront dot org to learn more.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
And welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 2 (24:31):
Kentucky's arts community took center stage this week. Is Governor
Andy B.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
Shehaer announced the recipients of the twenty twenty five Governor's
Awards in the Arts, the common most highest artistic garners.
These awards recognize individuals and organizations who's more against strength
in Kentucky six point nine billion dollar arts industry and
supports more than fifty one thousand jobs across the state.
Governor bishare noted that each honoy contributes to a stronger,
(24:55):
more vibrant Kentucky, helping create jobs, build community, and attract
visitors from our on the country. This year's Milner Award,
the state's top botter, goes to Steve Wilson and Lawre
Lee Brown, the visionary philanthropists behind the twenty one Sea
Museum Hotels. Their work has transformed how Kentucky communities experienced
contemporary art, and their efforts at the Hermitage Farm in
(25:16):
Oldham County celebrate Kentucky's heritage through Horace's Bourbon and of course,
local cuisine. The Artist Award went to Appalachian sculpture Sam McKenney,
who's hand carb works captured the landscapes and spirit of
eastern Kentucky. His storytelling through sculpture reflects the resilience of
the region and the community.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Arts Award honors.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
The Owensboro Art Guild, the oldest continuously operating visual arts
organization in Kentucky. Run entirely by volunteers, the Guild has
supported artists for more than six decades and continues to
host one of the state's longest running juried art shows
and for more than fifty years. Wilma Bethel, recipient of
the Education awardist Champion Arts Education in louisvoll Her work
(25:56):
has introduced generations of students to creativity, cultural understanding, and
the importance of arts in daily life. The Full Heritage
a Word went to Lakashimi sar Rahman, a Lexington based baratana, dancer,
choreographer and visual artists whose performances and teaching deeping cultural
connections across communities and This year's national ward recognizes Teddy Abrams,
(26:19):
music director of the Louisville Orchestra. Abrams continues to redefine
what a modern American orchestra can be, expanding the ensembles
reach and elevating Kentucky's cultural profile on the national stage.
This year's awards themselves were created three two one. This
year's awards themselves were created by artist Aletta Stone, whose
custom pieces incorporate debris from the London tornado last May
(26:42):
a meaningful tribute to the lives and communities impacted. These
honorees are celebrated not just for their artistry, but for
the role in strengthening Kentucky's tourism industry, which by the way,
reached a record fourteen point three billion in economic impact
last year. Cultural investment continues to be a major driver
here in Kentucky. I'm Scott Vince Gerald. We're back to
(27:04):
wrap things up after this. You are listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 11 (27:11):
Time out, all right, Remember we're attaining the place together.
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Listen, the winning will take care of itself.
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We just have to get everyone involved.
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In interscholastic sports. We celebrate what makes every one of
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everyone in the huddle, in the bleachers, and in the
community comes together. Brought to you by the Kentucky High
School Athletic Association and the Kentucky Athletic Administrators Association.
Speaker 1 (27:41):
And that brings us to the end of this week's
Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (27:45):
A special thank you to our guest, Rip.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Phillips, President elected the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors, reminding us, hey,
that fifty year mortgage everybody's talking about may not be
everything it's cranked up to be. And of course Rita Saronan,
President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation or Adoption
if you want to be a part of this, give
a look at some of those who don't necessarily get adopted.
May could sure you's your hope, That's for sure, and
(28:08):
thank you for spending part of your week with us.
We'll be back next week with more stories that shape Kentucky,
our community, our families, and our future for all of us.
Said Kentucky News Network and Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Have a great week.
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Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
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And welcome to Kentucky Focus, Sime SCN Fitzgerald.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
This week we're breaking down some of the biggest.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Conversations happening across the state, from a major new mortgage
promosa that could reshape home buying, to the children and
families uplifted when sometimes they're not always in that position.
And finally, we close with the celebration of the Kentuckians
whose creativity is powering this community and doing it well
and getting the attention of Governor Andy Bisheer. It's all
(00:28):
ahead right here on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
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 and history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
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Learn more at dogsink dot org. Welcome back to Kentucky, Folcus.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
So, I'm Scott Fitzgerald, and today we're diving into a
topic that has home buyers, real estate professionals, and policymakers
talking the potential for fifty your mortgages. To help us
navigate this complex issue, we're joined by Rip Phillips, President
and Lack of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors, and Rip,
thanks so much for taking time to talk to us.
Speaker 7 (02:10):
Hey, it's my pleasure.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
It's great to be here, all right.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
First of all, can you give our listeners a quick
overview of what a fifty year mortgage is and why
it's sparking so much debate in the real estate world.
Speaker 7 (02:20):
It's a new product being put forth by the current administration.
It might help a small group of homeowners qualify in
the short term, but there are trade offs. They are significant.
Consumers will pay far more interest over time, they will
build equity more slowly, and the option doesn't really address
the core issue in housing, which is the national shortage
(02:42):
of available homes. Our housing market is somewhat moderately priced,
so I don't know that there's going to be a
whole lot of savings here in our market. And really
it's sort of a supply and demand issue. Fifty year
mortgage is intended to get people who may not qualify
for a mortgage now into the market. But the problem
that we're is we don't have the inventory. So bringing
(03:03):
more people into the market is not necessarily going to
fix It might be a short term and it might
help a few people, but it's not going to help
the underlying issues, which is basically inventory.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Interesting. We're talking with the Rip Phillips.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
He's President elect of the Greater louisvill Association of Realtors,
and we're talking in course about the fifty year mortgage
now ripped from a legal standpoint, there are rules like
qualified mortgage rule that currently cap loans at thirty years.
What would need to happen for a fifty year mortgage
to even become available to buyers?
Speaker 7 (03:34):
You know, I'm not an attorneys. Yeah, I'll give you
some insight. Before I became a realtor, I was in
the financial world, and I remember Dodd Frank is I
understand that Dodd Frank is really the legislation that would
need to be modified before we could get into fifty
year mortgages. At the same time, Fanny man Freddie Mack,
(03:55):
I don't think either of those have provisions for fifty
year mortgages now, so that would likely need to change
before we could get into such a product.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Makes sense.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
RD Phillips again joining us president elected the Greater Louisville
Association of Realtors, and we're talking about a controversial fifty
year mortgage that's hitting the market.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
We're looking at these raking.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Talking about a lot of people that are familiar with
the thirty or fifteen year mortgages. Can you explain in
simple terms how a fifty year mortgage compares in terms
of interest, total cost, and equity accumulation. I think what
a lot of people look at is probably, gee, is
that going to knock down my monthly payment? Maybe that'll
be worth it, or how does that all play out
compared to the traditional mortgages.
Speaker 7 (04:35):
Well, the mortgage rate right now is a roughly six
point three percent, maybe more and may be less. There
are different types of downpayment, but no matter what your
down payment. After ten years, the amount of principle that
you would recover remains the same no matter how much
you put down. So looking at the difference between a
thirty and a fifty year loan, okay, in a thirty
(04:57):
year loan now, and I'm going to use a ten
year time frame because our average mortgages last between seven
and twelve years before they're replaced, and it can be
replaced with the same kind of product. They may be
replaced with a lower mortgage rate if rates are coming down,
or they may be replaced with a shorter term product.
That it all depends. And let me put this disclaimer
(05:17):
in here. It's important that you understand all of the numbers,
not just your payment. A lot of people won't get
past the payment. I've got a family member who really
is not very good at math, and she looks to
my brother and me for advice. Okay, but it's important
that you understand exactly what this is going to cost
over the long run. And looking at that ten year
average time frame on a fifty year mortgage product, you
(05:41):
would have recovered roughly three point seven percent of the
principle that you borrow. Now, if you're on a thirty
year loan that's going to be fifteen point two percent.
Fifteen point two percent versus three point seven percent. You've
got four times more, principle that you've paid off in
a thirty year more mortgage after ten years than you
(06:01):
would at fifty. Wow, it's kind of eye opening.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
Yeah, that is.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
And again one of the remind folks we're talking with
Rip Phillips, he's President elect of the Greater Louisville Association
of Relators, spending some quality time explaining to us the
fifty year mortgage and why it's so controversial. Turning now
more to the housing market itself, the current housing market, Obviously,
we're never going to see interest rates down two and
(06:24):
three percent.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Ever, again, I don't.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Think at least what do you see in the real
estate and for folks that are thinking about maybe buying
a new home in the near future.
Speaker 7 (06:33):
In our market, we would need roughly six months of supply,
which means if we stopped putting new houses on the market,
it would take us six months to sell everything we have.
During COVID or soon after COVID, we were flirting right
around one month, and that's that's huge toward the seller's market.
It kind of puts buyers at a disadvantage when inventory
is that low, and right now we're around three So
(06:56):
I mean there's a number of different factors that could
change that. If rates go up, people may choose not
to buy, people may choose not to sell. And don't
forget that anybody who has a mortgage likely refinanced it
between twenty nineteen and today, so they're probably around two
to three percent. Why would you trade that mortgage in
(07:17):
for a six point three percent mortgage? So that helps
to keep some of the inventory off the market. But
if you're building new inventory, there's no mortgage attached to
it until somebody buys it. Okay, so we need to
build that inventory. How do I see things happening? You know,
anything can happen over the next six months to two years.
I don't see mortgage rates fluctuating wildly. It's going to
(07:41):
take something major for that to happen, and those things
are always unexpected. Rates will generally float. I would predict
around this level. We might get a rate cut in December,
but you know, after the last rate cut, the mortgage
rates actually ticked up. Don't forget the mortgage rates aren't
exactly tied to the FED rate decisions. Right they're kind
(08:04):
of on their own market. So you know, my advice
would be, if you can afford a house, now, buy
it now, start building that equity. I can tell you
my daughter, she's not even eighteen yet, and we've already
started a wroth Ira for her. Every dollar she made
last summer went into a roth Ira. Reason being it
(08:25):
has you know, benefits toward buying a house, especially for
first time home buyers. So you know, we're kind of
setting up that financial planning for her hopefully, because housing
prices just are amazing right now.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Again.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Rep.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
Phillips joining US President elect of the Greater Louisvie Association
of Realature's offering some great insight. We of course, are
talking about the fifty year mortgage, and it's somewhat controversial
in nature, and it certainly has people talking.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
If there's a young person.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
Out there now that's considering buying a house, they look
at the fifty years and they say, oh, I'm young enough,
I can outline this.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
What would you say to that person if you had
the rear.
Speaker 7 (09:02):
Perhaps the most eye opening number when you're looking at
a mortgage is what is it going to cost if
I hold it for the full term. The fifty year
mortgage just has so much interest. Like we talked about
a minute ago, equity builds so much slower, and the cost,
the end cost for the home or for the for
the loan itself, is so much higher in a fifty
(09:23):
year And you know people only live so long, right,
We need to build as much equity as we can.
If I would be over one hundred years old, if
I took out a fifty year mortgage now and held
it to term, right, you know, according to insurance tables,
I wouldn't exist it at over one hundred years old.
So to make that kind of mortgage, I'm not sure
you know. Something else to keep in mind is it
(09:45):
might be one hundred and twenty five one hundred and
fifty depending on the numbers less expensive for a three
hundred thousand dollars house on a fifty year loan versus
a thirty You might be able to keep one hundred
and fifty dollars in your power at each month. But
I think the trade off of having to pay so
much greater expense for the entire term and not being
(10:08):
able to build that equity is that worth it, and
you know that's up to the individual to decide, and
that's why you need to find somebody who will take
the time listen to you and make sure that you
understand the difference between the two products and help you
make that decision that is ultimately the best for you.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Spending some good time here with Rip Phillips, President elected
the Greater Louisville Association of Relators.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
And that leads me into my next question.
Speaker 7 (10:34):
Rep.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
I was going to say, somebody is listening to this
right now, going Okay, I'm kind of confused by all
the numbers.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
I just need someone to help me figure this out.
Can the folks reach out to you?
Speaker 7 (10:42):
Absolutely, I would love to take time to talk with them.
If it's mortgage numbers, if it's financial numbers. You know,
we've got contacts with the best people all over the world,
most of them right here in town. I personally like
to find somebody that I can go knock on their
office door and yeah, you know, that's why I'm here
and that's why I'm in this community. So absolutely, we'd
love to talk to them.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
And where can they go. Where's a good place to
find you?
Speaker 7 (11:05):
My website Ripphillips dot com is a great place to start.
Any kind of contact information you need, you can find
it right there.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
I appreciate you taking some time to really kind of
explain this fifty year mortgage stuff because on you know,
when you first hear it, you're like, wow, okay, that's
a whole monthly payment.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
But it turns out that may not be the way
to go. That's correct, all right, Rip.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Well, thank you so much, buddy, and let's talk again
soon because I'd love to pick your brain about some
more real estate stuff.
Speaker 7 (11:28):
You got it, I'm available, okay, anytime again.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Our thanks to Rip Phillips with the Greater Louivelle Relators
Association for helping us break down.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
And what if fifty year mortgage might mean for future
Kentucky home buyers.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
Up next, we turn to an issue a little that
affects families across our commonwealth and some of those not
so fortunate. Won't break you down for you. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
You're listening to Kentucky folcas.
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Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
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Ooh, what about a ranch hand.
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That's Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
We welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. November is
National Adoption Month, a time to celebrate the power of
adoption and raise awareness for more than one hundred thousand
children waiting for a loving home across our great state.
Programs are making a real difference, including the Dave Thomas
Foundation for Adoption and their Wendy's Wonderful Kids Program. Here
in Kentucky, that program has helped over one thousand children
(13:45):
find permanent, loving families, and nationwide, more than fifteen thousand
kids have been adopted through this incredible initiative. Today, we're
joined by a very special guest to talk about, of course,
the importance of adoption and the success of the Wendy's
Wonderful Kids Program and how Kentucky families you can get involved. Well, welcome,
Rita soorn In, President and the CEO of the Dave
Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Thanks for joining us, Rita.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
Well, my gosh, Scott, it's great to be with you.
Thanks for having us Now.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
November is National Adoption Month. Can you share why this
month is so important for children in foster care and
the community at large.
Speaker 6 (14:17):
Well.
Speaker 5 (14:17):
National Adoption Month gives us a platform to really highlight
the children who are in foster care waiting to be adopted,
the systems, how people can get involved. Of course, we
do that each and every day, but when you have
a special month, then there's a particular emphasis making sure
everybody understands, you know that thousands and thousands of children
are simply waiting to be adopted in this country.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Today, Rita soorn And, President and CEO of the Dave
Thomas Foundation for Adoption is joining us, and of course Rita,
the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program has tremendous success here in Kentucky,
helping more than one thousand children find permanent homes.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
What makes this.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Program so effective compared to say, traditional adoption efforts.
Speaker 5 (14:56):
Yeah, one, it's the partnership. We're so proud to be
in partnership with the Kentucky de part Artment for Community
Based Services. It's a real effort and an evidence based
model that we are able to help the department hire
right now about forty five adoption professionals across the state
who carry smaller caseloads of these longest waiting children, develop
(15:16):
deep relationships with them and do a deep dive into
finding the right family for these children. And keep in mind,
these are older children, these are children with special needs,
these are children and sibling groups. They're the ones that
have waited in care the longest. And this evidence based
model works up to three times better than any other
business as usual. But it's really the power of partnership,
(15:37):
this public private partnership that has moved one one hundred
children in Kentucky to permanency.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Rita Sarona and joining us again on this National Adoption
Month here in Kentucky again. She is president and CEO
of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, And you hit
on something, Rida, I was going to talk about. The
program focuses on children often considered hard to place, including
as you mentioned, older kids, sibling groups, and those with
special needs. Can you explain why it's critical to give
these children equal opportunities for adoption.
Speaker 5 (16:05):
So critical because these are the kids who, unfortunately, without
this program, may have lingered and then aged out of
care in other words, left foster care at eighteen without
a permanent family. What we know is not because they're
bad kids or are there any less than any other child,
but when you're on your own at eighteen, this is
a difficult society to live in on your own, and
(16:26):
so they are at much higher risk of homelessness, of unemployment,
of being under educated, becoming early parents, of jumping back
into systems, not because they can't thrive, but because they
don't have that safety net of family. They can't make
a mistake. We all need family, but particularly at that
(16:47):
very delicate stage of older teens and young adults, we
still need that family for support.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
Rita Sarona and joining us, President and CEO of the
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. We're talking about adoption here
in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as November is nash Adoption Month,
and Rita, let's talk a little bit about the role
of recruiters. You have adoption professionals who work one on
one with children in families. What does a typical recruitment
process look like and how do you matage kids with
the right families.
Speaker 5 (17:13):
Yeah, it's a great question, and it's really good social work.
And they work in partnership with the caseworkers as well
in the agency. So what they do is, for example,
a child comes onto their caseload. Let's say they're fourteen
years old and they've been in care for three years,
and the child may have given up on themselves, may
have given up on this notion of family already. Look,
they've suffered through layers of trauma, the abuse they've experienced,
(17:37):
being pulled from their family or perhaps even their community,
moving multiple times, and so the recruiter begins to vary,
very deliberately and slowly, sometimes develop a relationship with this child,
develop a trust relationship, and then does a deep dive
into that child's case file to find potential extended family members,
people who are already known to this child, teachers, former
(17:59):
foster parents, people that understand the journey the child has
gone through and if they had known that this child
was available for adoption, would step forward. And so the
recruiter begins to make those matches. But what they're looking
for is is this family good for this child? Can
this family accommodate perhaps the needs that this child has,
(18:20):
Do they understand the trauma this child's experience, and are
they committed to forever. This isn't just a test. This
becomes a forever child in their family, and so the
recruiter sticks with that family, helps them understand, helps the
child understand the dynamics, and then begins to work that
match and they will stick with this child and tell
(18:40):
an adoption is finalized. So it's really that effort of
relationship building with all the people involved in the system,
but particularly with the child, and then doing that diligent
search for which family will be very good for this child.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
We're spending some quality time now with Rita Sarona, President
and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, and
we're talking about adoption National Adoption Month here in Kentucky
and how critical it is to fill that need and
Rita for those that are listening and they want to help,
either as adoptive parents or supporters, what opportunities are available
for them to get involved.
Speaker 5 (19:12):
So many opportunities, everything from just becoming aware and talking
about the fact that in Kentucky children are waiting to
be adopted. The knowledge drives action, right, So we need
to get used to what this maybe foreign concept of
the child welfare system and foster care and foster care adoption,
and then reach out to the Department of Community Based
Services and ask how do I get involved? What classes
(19:36):
might I need to take? If I'm interested in becoming
a foster parent? Do I need to go through a
background check? And the answer is yes. Do I need
to have a home study done to make sure my
house is safe? And the answer is yes. And then
get all that information and then begin to think, all right,
can I foster a child or can I move to
adopting a child? What is my family circumstance? Do I
(19:56):
have the support I need from extended family members or
community men members or my faith based community. Do I
have the support I need to bring perhaps a fourteen
year old into my home and then just dive in,
you know, dive in and say, look, I've got room
in my heart, I've got room in my home. I'm
going to make this big step and I'm going to
make sure that, for example, this Thanksgiving, this one child
(20:18):
has the opportunity for family and home and RITA.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
Looking ahead, With more than fifteen thousand adoptions through Wendy's
Wonderful Kids nationwide, what's next for the foundation and of
course the mission here in Kentucky.
Speaker 5 (20:29):
Well, we're continuing to make sure that this program is
available for every child across the United States that could
benefit from this intervention. So we're doing that like we
are in Kentucky by scaling the program, and what that
means is there is an adoption recruiter available for every
child that needs it, and we're scaled in Kentucky. We're
now scaled in twenty one states including Kentucky. We've got
(20:49):
a few more states to go, and so our goal
is all fifty states in the District of Columbia. But
we're also working a process of making sure that once
a child is adopted, that the families have access to
resources post adoption, whatever that might be, whether it's information,
community or our true services, you know, physical or mental
health services. We want to make sure there's that connection
(21:10):
now between not only adopting, but making sure this family
can thrive.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
Rita Saronan, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation
for Adoption, thank you so much for joining us and sharing,
of course, the incredible work that the Foundation is doing.
The stories children finding permanent and loving families are nothing
short of inspiring, Rita, and so is the work that
you do, and we want to wish everybody you know,
want a very happy Thanksgiving. But also, you know, think
(21:35):
of these children that are out there, and if folks
want more information readA where can they go?
Speaker 5 (21:40):
Yeah, very easy, Dave Thomas Foundation, all one word dot
org and they'll find a Beginner's Guide to Adoption. They'll
find information about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program, They'll find
all kinds of videos, whatever they need to really build
their briefcase of knowledge about foster care and foster care adoption.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
I like that term briefcase of knowledge. And Rita, thank
you so much.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
We appreciate you and look forward to catching up with
you down the road to talk talk about more about
what's so important here in Kentucky. Thank you again to
Rita Sarnin for her inside in the incredible work happening
across the commonwealth. During this National Adoption Month still ahead,
we spotlight the Kentuckians whose creativity and leadership are shaping
the cultural heartbeat of our state. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This
(22:23):
is Kentucky, folks.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
We didn't know what to expect. We were just just
left in a hotel. My mom was doing drugs in
the house.
Speaker 10 (22:34):
Tay and Brianna spent years of their childhood in homes
that weren't safe. They were placed in foster care and
longed for a permanent, loving home.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
I didn't know what my future was.
Speaker 11 (22:48):
I wouldn't speak to anyone.
Speaker 9 (22:49):
I was afraid of everything.
Speaker 10 (22:51):
With help from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Brianna
and Tay were adopted and now feel excited about.
Speaker 11 (22:59):
Their few I'm studying to be a chef and I
really want to travel the world.
Speaker 12 (23:04):
I'm going to be a mechanic, and I could focus
on my career right now.
Speaker 10 (23:09):
In the United States, there are more than one hundred
thousand children in foster care, just like Brianna and Tay,
who need a family.
Speaker 1 (23:19):
Now.
Speaker 10 (23:20):
Learn how you can help at Dave Thomasfoundation dot org.
Speaker 13 (23:25):
In Iraq, our truck hit a roadside bomb. Had about
sixteen surgeries on my hand so that I could regain function,
and when I came home, I needed a new proof
due to a storm, and my electrical was deemed unsafe
and I was about to lose homeowners insurance as well.
I didn't really know where to go in order to
(23:47):
get help, and so I applied for Operation home Front
Critical Financial Assistance program. They've really been a blessing. Operation
Homefront is the safety net a lot of veterans. They
fall through the cracks sometimes and Operation home Front they
catch us. It's been a blessing to us, it's a
blessing to other veteran families. And it's good to know
(24:08):
that when we come full there are people who are
there that care about us and want to see us
doo well and want to see us succeed. And we
feel it and we appreciate that. I would say, you
guys are angels behind closed doors.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
Visit Operation Homefront dot org to learn more.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
And welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 2 (24:31):
Kentucky's arts community took center stage this week. Is Governor
Andy B.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
Shehaer announced the recipients of the twenty twenty five Governor's
Awards in the Arts, the common most highest artistic garners.
These awards recognize individuals and organizations who's more against strength
in Kentucky six point nine billion dollar arts industry and
supports more than fifty one thousand jobs across the state.
Governor bishare noted that each honoy contributes to a stronger,
(24:55):
more vibrant Kentucky, helping create jobs, build community, and attract
visitors from our on the country. This year's Milner Award,
the state's top botter, goes to Steve Wilson and Lawre
Lee Brown, the visionary philanthropists behind the twenty one Sea
Museum Hotels. Their work has transformed how Kentucky communities experienced
contemporary art, and their efforts at the Hermitage Farm in
(25:16):
Oldham County celebrate Kentucky's heritage through Horace's Bourbon and of course,
local cuisine. The Artist Award went to Appalachian sculpture Sam McKenney,
who's hand carb works captured the landscapes and spirit of
eastern Kentucky. His storytelling through sculpture reflects the resilience of
the region and the community.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Arts Award honors.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
The Owensboro Art Guild, the oldest continuously operating visual arts
organization in Kentucky. Run entirely by volunteers, the Guild has
supported artists for more than six decades and continues to
host one of the state's longest running juried art shows
and for more than fifty years. Wilma Bethel, recipient of
the Education awardist Champion Arts Education in louisvoll Her work
(25:56):
has introduced generations of students to creativity, cultural understanding, and
the importance of arts in daily life. The Full Heritage
a Word went to Lakashimi sar Rahman, a Lexington based baratana, dancer,
choreographer and visual artists whose performances and teaching deeping cultural
connections across communities and This year's national ward recognizes Teddy Abrams,
(26:19):
music director of the Louisville Orchestra. Abrams continues to redefine
what a modern American orchestra can be, expanding the ensembles
reach and elevating Kentucky's cultural profile on the national stage.
This year's awards themselves were created three two one. This
year's awards themselves were created by artist Aletta Stone, whose
custom pieces incorporate debris from the London tornado last May
(26:42):
a meaningful tribute to the lives and communities impacted. These
honorees are celebrated not just for their artistry, but for
the role in strengthening Kentucky's tourism industry, which by the way,
reached a record fourteen point three billion in economic impact
last year. Cultural investment continues to be a major driver
here in Kentucky. I'm Scott Vince Gerald. We're back to
(27:04):
wrap things up after this. You are listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 11 (27:11):
Time out, all right, Remember we're attaining the place together.
Speaker 9 (27:16):
Listen, the winning will take care of itself.
Speaker 2 (27:19):
We just have to get everyone involved.
Speaker 12 (27:21):
In interscholastic sports. We celebrate what makes every one of
us unique and in the pursuit of a common goal,
everyone in the huddle, in the bleachers, and in the
community comes together. Brought to you by the Kentucky High
School Athletic Association and the Kentucky Athletic Administrators Association.
Speaker 1 (27:41):
And that brings us to the end of this week's
Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (27:45):
A special thank you to our guest, Rip.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Phillips, President elected the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors, reminding us, hey,
that fifty year mortgage everybody's talking about may not be
everything it's cranked up to be. And of course Rita Saronan,
President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation or Adoption
if you want to be a part of this, give
a look at some of those who don't necessarily get adopted.
May could sure you's your hope, That's for sure, and
(28:08):
thank you for spending part of your week with us.
We'll be back next week with more stories that shape Kentucky,
our community, our families, and our future for all of us.
Said Kentucky News Network and Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Have a great week.
Speaker 3 (28:23):
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 kN N.
Speaker 10 (28:40):
Being blind doesn't always look how others may think.
Speaker 5 (28:44):
Stargart disease was supposed to define me.
Speaker 11 (28:48):
Ritinitis pigmentosa aimed to overwhelm my family.
Speaker 2 (28:53):
It tried to cut me down.
Speaker 6 (28:55):
A blinding eye disease intended to force me away from
doing what I.
Speaker 3 (29:00):
Was born to do.
Speaker 9 (29:01):
Buddy cannot stop me.
Speaker 2 (29:04):
I have the tools.
Speaker 11 (29:07):
I will keep moving forward, pushing past the limits of
this disability.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
I know where to find support and where I can
be seen.
Speaker 11 (29:18):
Great vision doesn't require great sight, Innovative research, educational resources,
supportive community. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is leading the charge
and finding treatments and cures for blinding diseases. Make your
impact today. Donate now at Fighting Blindness dot org. A
public service message from the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Speaker 14 (29:39):
Snakes, Zombies, public speaking. The list of fears is endless,
but the real danger is in your hand when you're
behind the wheel. Distracted driving is what's really scary and
even deadly. Eyes forward, don't drive distracted. Brought to you
by Nitze and the AD Council.
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