AGP Executive Report

Teen Driver Safety Research: UK and the Kentucky Transportation Center are digging into why Kentucky has the nation’s highest teen fatal crash involvement rate, aiming for better, multi-factor prevention strategies. Family & Fertility Trends: New U.S. data shows women over 40 are having more babies than teenagers, with Kentucky’s broader context tied to education, delayed marriage, and housing costs. Poetry & Queer Sanctuary: A new collection, Skeletons, Sequins, and Kin, centers trans/non-binary identity and “chosen family” found in nightlife spaces. Frankfort Arboretum Recognition: The Arboretum Tree Walk in downtown Frankfort earned national arboretum registry listing from ArbNET, highlighting community education through QR maps and tree plaques. Leadership Kentucky Class of 2026: The program named its 52 participants, including five from Franklin County, with sessions spanning arts, tourism, education, healthcare, and social issues. Baseball in Lexington: Jayce Tharnish is returning for his senior season, giving Kentucky a key offensive and defensive piece. Outdoor Culture: Major League Fishing announced the 2027 Bass Pro Tour will stop at Caddo and Cross Lakes (Stage 2). Appalachian Photo Exhibit: Madison County Arts Council is spotlighting Black Appalachian life in Aluka Berry’s Affrilachia: Testimonies exhibit. Sports & Community: SCHS assistant coach Robb returns to Scott County High School, bringing a worldwide basketball journey back home.

Appalachian Arts Spotlight: Aluka Berry’s Madison County Arts Council exhibit, “Affrilachia: Testimonies,” lifts up Black Appalachian life through photos and stories drawn from six years of visits across the region. Local Craft & Heritage: Erlanger honored Stewart Iron Works during a July 7 city council meeting, celebrating the 1862 company’s ornamental metalwork legacy and its community impact. Public Health & Community Care: Researchers are convening on alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-bite allergy to meat that’s rising and raising new questions about treatment and prevention. Kentucky Culture Beyond the Bluegrass: A look back at Ark Encounter’s 10 years in Williamstown tracks both the tourism boom and the long-running controversy around creationist claims. Politics With Kentucky Stakes: The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham reshapes national headlines as Kentucky’s Sen. Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized amid calls for more transparency.

Local Education & Tech: Roblox and the Congressional App Challenge brought a hands-on coding and game design workshop to Bowling Green students at Western Kentucky University, aiming to build early coding skills and problem-solving through games. Community Arts & Learning: Paducah’s McCracken County Public Library hosts “Revolutionary War in a Trunk” (July 16), a free interactive program with period items and equipment. Senior Spotlight: Auditions are open for Morning Pointe Foundation’s “Seniors Got Talent” showcase, with performances on the Lexington Opera House stage and a $1,000 winner prize supporting Kentucky healthcare scholarships. Youth & Civic Support: Frankfort Rotary Youth Fund awarded scholarships to 11 local students, including a new return-to-community bonus for graduates who come back to work or start businesses. Faith & Institutions: Asbury Theological Seminary was removed from the United Methodist Church’s approved schools list for ordination after denominational changes on same-sex marriage and LGBT clergy. Public Safety: Kentucky’s “Not So Fast, Kentucky” speed awareness campaign runs through July 31, pairing education with speed enforcement statewide. Culture & Tourism: Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame announced its fall inductees, honoring leaders who shaped bourbon’s global tourism and storytelling.

Renewable Energy & Jobs: Edelen Renewables marked a $200M Bright Mountain Solar investment in Perry County with a community celebration, pitching workforce and economic growth for Eastern Kentucky. Local Governance: Nelson County leaders moved to calm data-center rumors by approving a one-year moratorium on data centers of any size. Community & Culture Calendar: Bardstown’s African American Heritage Museum Library Series spotlights Black business entrepreneurs July 18, and the Kentucky Railway Museum offers a locomotive cab ride July 11. Public Health & Family Support: Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center will host its first resource fair July 23, bringing multiple services together for clients in Eastern Kentucky. Education & STEM: Liberty Park Middle School teacher Amy Hollar was named a 2026 National STEM Scholar, recognized for hands-on classroom impact. Arts & Tourism: Paducah’s chamber held a “Salute to the Arts” breakfast, highlighting local arts groups’ community and economic pull. Sports & Community Pride: Newport schools, Learning Grove, and EducateNKY launched a full-day, year-round childcare partnership starting 2026-27. Road Safety: Kentucky’s “Not So Fast, Kentucky” speed awareness campaign runs through July 31 to curb speeding-related crashes.

Kentucky Early Learning: UK is launching a statewide kindergarten readiness pilot tied to House Bill 6, using performance-based incentives to see what helps more kids start school ready to learn. Public Health & Home Life: A new study says cockroach infestations persist in apartment buildings because of shared plumbing, hidden wall spaces, building disrepair, and gaps in effective pest control—an issue tied to allergies and asthma. Local Arts & Community: Paducah’s Chamber held its “Salute to the Arts” breakfast, highlighting regional arts groups and presenting a check to Paducah Cooperative Ministry. Aging & Caregiving: Massey Springs Senior Center in Bowling Green hosted its annual carnival and barbecue Alzheimer’s fundraiser, supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and local resources. Rural Development Recognition: Blueprint Kentucky’s Alison Davis received the Bonnie Teater Community Development Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern Rural Development Center. Education Outdoors: Registration is open for Enviropods, a free middle-school summer program in Hazard, Frankfort, and Somerset where students track floods, map landslides, and chase storms with drones and VR.

McConnell Health Transparency: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is asking Sen. Mitch McConnell for an update after weeks of hospitalization and mounting GOP questions about what’s going on behind the scenes. Progressive Politics in the Spotlight: A new look at the rise of Democratic Socialists of America and Justice Democrats points to growing momentum in primaries nationwide, fueled by issues like universal healthcare and opposition to certain military support. Arts & Education: Winners of the American Heroes Student Art Contest were honored in Washington, D.C., with students creating handmade works and short statements tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Kentucky Community Life: Western Kentucky University’s VAMPY camp wraps its 42nd year, pairing tougher classes (including pop culture and presidential politics) with no-phone camp fun. Local Culture & Dining: Covington’s RiverCenter welcomes 6 ‘N The Mornin’ on July 11, bringing southern-inspired breakfast and brunch favorites to the NKY riverfront. Health Access: A national survey flags delays and costs from limited access to high-flow home oxygen—an issue that can keep patients in hospitals longer. Whiskey & Heritage: The Semiquincentennial is driving a wave of commemorative bourbon and whiskey releases, with Kentucky distilleries among the brands leaning into history.

Kentucky Culture & Community: Paducah’s Hotel Metropolitan is getting a new executive director, Dr. MarTeze Hammonds, who says he “lives and breathes Black history” and plans to preserve African American stories rooted in Kentucky. Faith & Institutions: In Wilmore, the United Methodist Church breaks ties with Asbury Theological Seminary over Asbury’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, a move that reshapes how clergy are trained. Arts + Activism: Kentucky Foundation for Women awarded 33 Art Meets Activism grants totaling $256,113, including Frankfort’s Backwoods Literary Press and partners for Rural Feminist Story Circles. Education + Safety: Kentucky schools prepare to implement a new law requiring expulsion for students who intentionally assault staff, and advocates say rising sex-offense reports may reflect more survivors seeking help. Youth Programs: UK’s Enviropods opens registration for middle-schoolers in Hazard, Frankfort, and Somerset, teaching students to map hazards and track storms. Local Giving: Bluegrass Realtors handed out $10,000 in Good Neighbor Grants to regional nonprofits. Sports Culture: Marcus Spears Jr. reclassifies and commits to Texas, while Louisville’s ISCO Championship has Lucas Glover near the top early.

Food Security: Kentucky data show SNAP cuts hitting Floyd County hard since H.R.1—about 7% of recipients lost benefits, including thousands of children, as eligibility rules tighten. Corporate Accountability: Kentucky Attorney General Raoul joined a multistate $45M settlement with Block over Cash App—allegations say the company misled users about safety and didn’t do enough to stop or resolve fraud. Local Health Access: OneQuest Health opened a new Louisville outpatient behavioral health clinic, expanding therapy and intensive outpatient services amid statewide mental health shortages. Community Fundraiser: Williamsburg’s Fourth of July duck race drew 500+ rubber ducks and raised over $1,900 for the Police “Shop with a Cop” program. Animal Welfare & Consumer Watch: A new report says Kroger backtracked on its 2016 promise of 100% cage-free eggs by 2025, revising targets to 2030. Arts & Culture: Catholic Extension named 46 nominees for its Lumen Christi Award, highlighting faith-based service across dioceses nationwide. Sports & Outdoors: Major League Fishing announced Norris Lake will host Stage 3 of the 2027 Bass Pro Tour. Education Leadership: Southeast Kentucky CTC named Dr. Erin Reasor its new Chief Academic Officer, continuing a family legacy at the school.

Teen Driver Safety Research: UK and the Kentucky Transportation Center are digging into why Kentucky’s teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes at far higher rates than the national average, aiming to build better, targeted safety strategies. Public Health Transparency: Kentucky’s opioid abatement dashboard is now live, letting Kentuckians track how settlement money is spent across prevention, treatment, and enforcement. Community Arts & Leadership: VOICES of Kentuckiana announced an artistic leadership transition, with Mason Rice stepping in as Artistic and General Director and Kimcherie Lloyd moving to Artistic Partner and Principal Guest Conductor. Mental Health & Suicide Awareness: An Irish organization is working to break the silence on suicide, highlighting stigma and the need for early, honest conversations. Local Culture & Events: Harrodsburg’s “Friday Night On Main” returns July 10, with more family-friendly fun planned for July 17, including Fun and Sun Fest and tractor pull events. Bourbon Lifestyle: Buffalo Trace is launching “Camp Buffalo Trace,” an adult bourbon camp with workshops, tastings, and a limited overnight option via sweepstakes. Civic Life: Kentucky’s Main Street program could expand, with Lebanon Junction exploring certification steps. Veterans Care: A new Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center is nearing completion, preparing to open for eligible Kentucky veterans needing skilled nursing.

Kentucky Education Policy: Lawmakers in Frankfort are weighing limits on classroom screen time after testimony tied one-to-one tech to lower math and reading results, with critics arguing digital learning can be “shallower” than traditional instruction. Disability & Community Care: Marshall County Schools received a $6,000 WHAS Crusade for Children grant for adaptive tools like iPads, communication software, and gyro chairs to boost participation for students with disabilities. Local Arts & Tourism: Paducah’s CVB partnered with the West Kentucky Film Commission to attract more productions, while the Paducah Photography Club raised restoration funds for the Columbia Art House through a gallery at Piper’s. Public Life & Transparency: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asked for an update on Sen. Mitch McConnell’s hospitalized health as rumors and calls for “proof of life” continue to swirl. School District Governance: Fayette County Public Schools moved forward with contract talks and a redefined top finance role after a major budget shortfall and long-running financial mismanagement investigations. Summer Culture: Cincinnati Burger Week returns July 13–19 with app-based check-ins and prizes, including Kentucky Cattlemen’s beef and restaurant gift cards.

Independence Day in Kentucky: Liberty’s America 250 celebration drew big crowds despite a brutal heat wave, with a kiddie parade, free food and drinks, inflatables, and face painting on the Village Green behind Liberty City Hall. Education Leadership: Washington County Schools named Eric Sagrecy principal of Washington County High School, promoting from assistant principal (and former head football coach) for the 2026-27 school year. Local Arts & Community: Louisville’s Highlands liquor-license fight keeps widening, with Baxter’s 942 owner Kevin Strnatka saying his own license denial mirrors Atomic’s case—both tied to claims of racial discrimination and ongoing disputes over “moist” election rules. Sports & Culture: Ole Crazy Bone returns to graded company in the Bowling Green Stakes at Saratoga, while Kentucky’s youth sports scene also stays active with events like the Race to crown new champs at Pine Ridge. Public Life & Privacy: The ongoing questions around Sen. Mitch McConnell’s hospitalization and limited updates continue to dominate national conversation, including reports of phone calls with GOP leaders.

Kentucky Politics & Civic Life: Questions are still swirling around U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health after his June 14 hospitalization, with his office repeating only that he’s “continuing his recovery” and working with staff while the Senate is out of session—while EMS dispatch audio and renewed scrutiny over limited updates keep the spotlight on Kentucky’s pivotal seat and the need for clarity. Local Community Safety: Marshall County reported a surprisingly calm Fourth of July on Kentucky Lake, with only a few incidents including a swimmer mishap that led to hospitalization, and resort owners crediting boater-safety education for helping keep crowds safe. Education & Culture: A new IU Southeast outcomes survey says 97% of graduates from 2024-25 were employed or in grad/professional school within a year, highlighting strong career pathways from the region. Voting Rights Explained: A guide on the SAVE Act breaks down what the measure is and isn’t, noting many states already require some form of voter ID or identity verification. Arts & Film: Louisville’s Flyover Film Festival expanded to two weekends, spotlighting Kentucky and “flyover state” storytelling alongside national and international documentaries.

Catholic Church in Northern Kentucky: Our Lady of the Assumption in Walton faces fallout after the Vatican excommunicated priests and bishops tied to the Society of St. Pius X, warning lay Catholics could face excommunication too. Community & Culture Calendar: Frankfort’s Liberty Hall-er brought America 250 music and history to Riverview Park, with local performers and speakers. Arts & Entertainment: Bowling Green’s SKYPAC landed on Pollstar’s global mid-year top-grossing theatre list, a big win for South-Central Kentucky’s live scene. Local History Storytelling: Hickory Ridge History Museum hosts a July 11 presentation on the kidnapping and rescue of Daniel Boone’s daughter, Jemima. Public Life & Safety: A Bullitt County family seeks answers after a dog was shot and killed following a Fourth of July gender reveal party; neighbors posted a $1,200 reward. Workforce & Everyday Life: Kentucky job scams are rising—Better Business Bureau tips highlight how to spot fake listings. Health & Community Care: PAWS in Lyon County teamed up with the Kentucky Humane Society for a spay/neuter push, stressing responsible pet ownership. Tech & Infrastructure: Anthropic’s $19B lease for AI computing capacity at TeraWulf’s Hawesville, KY site raises new local questions about power and impacts.

Kentucky Education & Equity: Kentucky’s state auditor released a scathing report on Jefferson County Public Schools, calling out poor communication and a learning gap between Black and White students, reigniting the usual partisan education fight. Civic Safety: CriticalArc and the University of Kentucky brought higher education, healthcare, and public safety leaders together to push a safer, more connected Kentucky through SafeZone. Faith & Housing: Frankfort passed HB 333, easing zoning and regulatory barriers for faith-based groups to develop affordable housing and shelter services on church-owned property. Local Leadership Change: The Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Communications Center announced a director transition, with April Dunbar succeeding retiring director Beverly Harbison. Arts & Identity: Wednesdae Reim Ifrach debuted the poetry chapbook Skeletons, Sequins, and Kin, centering queer identity, nightlife as sanctuary, and chosen family. STEM for Teachers: WKU launched INSIGHT, a five-day STEM innovation program for K-12 teachers aimed at rural and under-resourced districts. Kentucky Culture in the Spotlight: Lexington made Travel + Leisure’s top 50 travel destinations list, praised for its “pilgrimage-worthy” culinary and cultural scene. Whiskey Heritage: ASW Distillery and John Deere unveiled a “Soil to Still” whiskey partnership, tying Kentucky-style craft heritage to American agriculture. Community Memory: A Louisville librarian and distance-learning architect, Sharon Davison Midkiff Edge, died at 81, leaving a legacy across UK and beyond.

STEM for Teachers: WKU is launching INSIGHT, a five-day STEM teacher professional development camp for K-12 educators in rural and under-resourced districts, funded by a $100,000 TOP Grant and built to turn emerging tech into classroom-ready lessons. Faith & Housing: HB 333 becomes law in Kentucky, easing zoning and permitting barriers for faith-based groups to develop affordable housing, warming centers, and shelters on church-owned property. Education Accountability: Kentucky education officials are moving ahead with a new school accountability system that emphasizes student growth, reduced testing, attendance, and locally developed performance measures. Local Arts & Storytelling: Pikeville Creative Community hosted Prose in the Park, featuring author Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr., with discussion focused on identity and rural Appalachia. Community Support: Floyd County Community Foundation awarded four Betsy Layne High School students scholarships through the Dr. Bertee and Mrs. Retta Faye Adkins Scholarship Fund. History & Service: A 99-year-old WWII veteran, Glenn Fisher, finally received the Purple Heart in Louisville after waiting more than 80 years. Culture on Screen: Netflix’s Worst Neighbor Ever revisits a Kentucky case involving Frances Zaayer and her neighbors in Mount Sterling.

Education Policy: Kentucky education officials are moving ahead with a new school accountability system under House Bill 257, aiming to boost student growth, cut state testing, and let districts use locally developed performance measures tied to Kentucky Academic Standards. Community Scholarships: Floyd County Community Foundation awarded four $1,000 scholarships from the Dr. Bertee and Mrs. Retta Faye (Jett) Adkins Scholarship Fund to Betsy Layne High School students, continuing a fund created to help close the gap for college-bound graduates. Local History & Memory: A Knox County history column looks at how Kenyon College became a hub for anti-slavery progressive movements before tracing how one Lost Cause architect, Albert Taylor Bledsoe, got his start there. Arts & Culture Reading: A Bookshelf roundup highlights new summer thrillers and mysteries, including releases by Atlanta authors. Sports & Culture: France advanced to World Cup quarterfinals after Kylian Mbappé scored a penalty against Paraguay in Philadelphia, with the match played under extreme heat and a physical edge. Public Life: Questions about Mitch McConnell’s health are renewing scrutiny of Kentucky Senate succession rules after his hospitalization and limited public details.