AGP Executive Report

Arts & History: The Kentucky Historical Society is debuting “Revolution to Statehood: Kentucky’s Founding in History and Memory” at the Thomas D. Clark Center, tying America250 to a Kentucky-focused look at settlement, revolution, and statehood. Museum News: The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn plans “50 for 50,” lending more than 200 modern works to institutions across all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, with first loans expected to go on view by late 2026. Performing Arts: Louisville Ballet is gearing up for its 75th anniversary season with major growth plans, including its Ballet Bound audition tour and new access and scholarship opportunities for young dancers. Sports & Culture: Frankfort’s baseball run is being celebrated as it repeats as area champion, while Kentucky’s JB Holmes is named to the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Community Events: The Wayne County Fair kicks off with a full week of livestock, grandstand entertainment, and family contests, and Colonial Downs is set for a record summer racing schedule. Missing Person Alert: Kentucky State Police issued an IAN alert for missing 15-year-old Aiden Hill from Breckinridge County.

Independence Day & America250: Hopkins County is gearing up for a full summer of free and family-friendly events, starting with Madisonville’s 4th Fest and Praise in the Park (July 3-5), plus the Bluegrass Foodtruck Festival (July 11), Dawson Springs BBQ Festival (July 24-25), and the Hopkins County Fair (starting July 31). Local Arts & Culture: The Frazier Museum opens “I Too Am a Kentuckian” on July 4, asking what it means to belong in Kentucky through portraits of presidents, artists, and trailblazers. Music for the milestone: SKYPAC marks America’s 250th with a patriotic concert featuring Orchestra Kentucky and the Chorale in Bowling Green. Sports & Community Spirit: SKYPAC’s celebration and other local events are pairing performances with tributes to service members, while a World Cup watch party in Searcy drew a packed crowd for Team USA. Heat & Safety in Kentucky Sports: Ellis Park racing was paused due to dangerous heat, with officials citing rules aimed at keeping horses safe. Infrastructure & Civic Life: Gov. Beshear announced $480,000 for a Wrather Road bridge replacement in Calloway County.

Kentucky Arts & Community: Woodlawn Preschool Academy is opening registration for fall and school-year arts programs (including “Madagascar Kids” musical theater and dance signups) with financial assistance available on a sliding scale. Public Media: Friends of KET honored Benton volunteer Elizabeth G. Mudd with the O. Leonard Press Award for years of advocacy connecting viewers to KET services. Music & Culture: A Kentucky WWII veteran, Glenn Fisher of Bedford, received his Purple Heart 81 years after being wounded—presented at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville. Arts + Climate Activism: Louisville Visual Art will host the free “Human Nature” art show on July 11, launching a new partnership between Artists for Climate Awareness and Uniting Artists and Scientists for Climate Action. Heat & Events: Ellis Park rescheduled racing due to dangerous heat, a reminder that summer plans across the region may need to shift fast. Local History: A Kentucky 250th-themed piece spotlights Seventy Six, Ky., and a weekend “Spirit of ’76” celebration in Clinton County.

Kentucky State Fair shakeup: The Kentucky State Fair Board ousted CEO David Beck of Kentucky Venues, naming former Kentucky Derby Festival leader Mike Berry as interim president/CEO, with details still murky after a recent court fight over fair board appointment power. Sports & community spotlight: Bullitt East edged Bullitt Central by one point in a 3-D archery showdown at NASP Eastern Nationals, while Bowling Green’s Kiwanis hosted Thunderfest sponsor recognition ahead of the July 3 fireworks festival. College athletics moves: St. John’s will miss transfer Donnie Freeman for the 2026-27 season after an Achilles injury, and UK added three international swimmers—Valeria Tarin (Mexico), Gabrielle Idle-Beavers (England), and Yasmin Silva (Peru). Privacy & tech: Louisville’s Flock license-plate reader camera locations remain undisclosed, as DeFlock activists push for a transparency map and challenge deployments. Arts & history: A spotlight on John Dickinson’s legacy—especially his “forgotten” role around the Declaration—marks the 250th anniversary conversation. Local government: Marion County Fiscal Court approved a $30.491 million budget for 2026-27, including funding for roads, jail, EMS, and arts support.

Public Art: Georgetown unveiled the “Our Place, Our Story” mural on the Elkhorn Pottery building, a community-backed project celebrating bluegrass landscapes, agriculture, and downtown identity. Arts & Healing: The Bridge to Recovery brought the documentary Time Can’t Be Wasted to Bowling Green’s Capitol Theatre, pairing a filmmaker Q&A with a live performance by musician Trevor Bahnson. Music Calendar: The Stephen Foster Drama Association announced the 2026 Budweiser Live at the Park lineup at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown, kicking off with Johnny Folsom 4 on July 13. Mental Health Access: WHAS Crusade for Children awarded OneQuest Health a three-year, $23,000 grant to expand rural teen therapy and telehealth in Carroll, Grant, and Owen counties. Local Sports Leadership: UK athletics named Jason “J” Batt as its new athletics director/CEO of Champions Blue, with early plans to meet donors and fans across the commonwealth. Kentucky Craft Spotlight: A bourbon finished on a Big Green Egg earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Independence Day in Liberty: The city is planning a family-first July 4 celebration with concerts and fireworks, plus patriotic fun like a kiddie parade and free treats—though drought means no fire truck water spray or water balloon toss. America’s Block Party at Summerfest: Summerfest is one of the official host sites for America250’s nationwide July 3-4 “America’s Block Party,” tying local events into a bigger synchronized celebration. Bourbon spotlight: Frank August Case Study 07 is a bold Kentucky bourbon-and-rye blend finished in Calvados, Martinique rum, and Caribbean rum casks—another sign Kentucky’s blending scene keeps getting adventurous. Arts & community access: Bernheim’s Children at Play Network earned the A. Keith Inman Pediatric NeuroRecovery award for its accessible Playcosystem, including an ADA-built treehouse. Education & agriculture: UK cut the ribbon on its $60 million Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building, adding classrooms, advising, and student success spaces. Local governance: A Jefferson County precinct assignment error left some voters with wrong ballots in a House race decided by five votes. Sports on the move: Kentucky added seven men’s basketball home games at Rupp Arena, and WKU won the first-ever concrete canoe national championship.

Public Media & Politics: KET announced its Kentucky Tonight candidate schedule for the 2026 general election, with U.S. Senate, 6th, 4th, and 1st/2nd/3rd/5th district conversations set across October. Local Sports Leadership: Nelson County hired Kevin Perkins as its girls’ soccer coach, aiming to return the Cardinals to regional tournament contention. College Sports Loss: U of L mourns longtime athletics communications director Kenny Klein, a 40-year fixture behind Louisville’s stories. Pro Basketball Kentucky Pipeline: Otega Oweh, a Kentucky guard, begins his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being drafted and traded. Arts & Community Events: Bardstown and Nelson County plan “Red, White and Bardstown” for July 3-4, including a downtown parade, a 1976 time capsule opening, and Stephen Foster fireworks. Weather & Safety: An extreme heat warning expands, with heat index values topping 100+ and only spotty relief expected around the Fourth. Education Accountability: A state audit of JCPS found a “culture of fear” and a long-running lack of a cohesive financial plan. Athletics Honors: Campbellsville’s J.B. Holmes enters the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Boating Safety: Kentucky game wardens are stepping up patrols July 3-5 for Independence Day as part of Operation Dry Water, aiming to cut alcohol- and drug-related incidents on waterways. JCPS Leadership Shake-Up: Jefferson County Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Angela Hosch is resigning effective July 1 after saying job qualifications changed without her knowledge, adding to broader district turnover during an academic overhaul. Kentucky Basketball Buzz: Mark Pope’s staff is leaning into Milan Momcilovic’s elite shooting—while expecting his efficiency to dip as volume rises—and Justin McBride praised new forward Ousmane N’Diaye as “such a talented player.” Arts & Community: Paducah’s new “Nautical Stars” mural on a floodwall celebrates rivers and quilting heritage, translating a classic quilt design into public art. Local Events: Kingston is gearing up for a big Smokin’ the Water July 4 with vendors, music, family activities, and fireworks. Church Controversy: A Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Vacation Bible School skit in Lexington—featuring a mock “commandos” firing squad—has gone viral, sparking debate over faith, violence, and kids. Sports Spotlight: Churchill Downs jockey Corey Lanerie retires after more than 5,100 wins, including major riding titles at the track.

Flood Relief & Community Impact: Kentucky’s flash flooding has killed at least four people, with Gov. Andy Beshear declaring a state of emergency as heavy rain leaves roads underwater and rescue teams search hard-hit areas. Local Sports Leadership: Bowling Green High School named Jay Eastridge its new head baseball coach, a “reload” after a strong Purples season. Adult Education Milestone: Goodwill of Kentucky Excel Center held a graduation for 100+ adult learners, highlighting tuition-free paths to diplomas and certifications. County Tech Partnerships: Balcony expanded in Kentucky with multi-year Keystone agreements with several county clerks’ offices, aiming to unify property records for faster access and fewer mismatches. Arts & Entertainment Spotlight: Churchill Downs’ Stephen Foster Stakes delivered a big weekend, with Magnitude winning the $2 million Grade I race—another Kentucky racing moment for fans.

Flooding & Safety: Gov. Andy Beshear declared a statewide emergency after deadly flash floods across Kentucky, with reports of four deaths and widespread road damage as heavy rain moved out. Local Impact: Spencer County emergency officials pegged flood damage at nearly $1 million, including culvert shifts and buckled pavement. Boating Tragedy: A 19-year-old woman, Marly Kinney, was found dead in Grayson Lake after a pontoon-boat disappearance; authorities arrested a 23-year-old man on intoxication-related charges. Travel/Infrastructure: Two southbound lanes of I-65 in Louisville reopened early, along with several ramps, after progress on overpass replacements. America250 Arts & History: Kentucky Historical Society’s July 4 celebration in Frankfort (10 a.m.–10 p.m.) brings live music, living history, family activities, and free tours. Churchill Downs Racing: Irad Ortiz Jr. won his first Churchill Downs Spring Meet riding title, while Magnitude surged to an early Breeders’ Cup Classic favorite role after the Stephen Foster Stakes. Community Arts: The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence marks 15 years with a July 9 celebration in Frankfort.

Severe Weather: Kentucky’s flash floods turned deadly, with Gov. Andy Beshear confirming at least four deaths (three in Madison County, one in Jackson County) and warning of more rain as rescues and evacuations continue. Arts & Culture (Kentucky): Churchill Downs honored Derby-winning trainer Cherie DeVaux with engraved trophies for Golden Tempo, spotlighting her historic Kentucky Derby win and the bourbon-and-broadcast buzz around it. Music (Eastern KY): Lawrence County musicians David and Teresa Prince were added to the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway sign, celebrating the Laid Back Country Picker and Luna and the Mountain Jets. Sports & Draft Buzz: Former Kentucky guard Otega Oweh took fans behind the scenes of his NBA Draft day, ending with the Oklahoma City Thunder selecting him. Tech/Entertainment: A University of Kentucky-linked team helped virtually “unroll” a Vesuvius-era scroll, revealing new readings from ancient philosophy. Local Community Picks: Northern Kentucky’s Fourth of July plans are rolling out with regional event roundups, from parades to fireworks.

Kentucky Flood Crisis: Gov. Andy Beshear declared a statewide state of emergency after flash flooding from severe storms killed four people, with three deaths in Madison County (Richmond) and one in Jackson County, as roads flooded and teams conducted rescues; officials urged people to avoid driving, especially after dark. Churchill Downs & Horse Racing: Magnitude made it look easy in the $2 million Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs, winning wire-to-wire on a sloppy track and securing an automatic Breeders’ Cup Classic berth. Local Beer Scene: The Kentucky Craft Bash returned to Louisville’s Waterfront Park, bringing 50+ Kentucky breweries and about 150 samples, with proceeds supporting the Kentucky Guild of Brewers. Frankfort Baseball Honors: Lanson Orndorf capped his Frankfort career with the Lowery Award as West Virginia’s top baseball player, adding to a storybook run that included state titles. Arts & Nightlife in NKY: Covington’s new rooftop lounge, Up There, is set to open after a ribbon-cutting, aiming to bring curated live music and elevated cocktails to the skyline spot.

Arts & Community Calendar: Frankfort’s Art in the Park returns July 4 with dozens of makers, plus a Main Street parade, sandcastle contest, DJ set, and fireworks. Theater: Pioneer Playhouse in Danville stages “The Iron Baby Angel” (June 30–July 18), a Danville-rooted story adapted from Charles R. McDowell’s novel with a mix of veterans and new local performers. Local Sports Spotlight: Frankfort’s Lanson Orndorf caps his high school baseball run by winning West Virginia’s Lowery Award. Public Safety & Weather: Madison County officials urge “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” as flash flooding continues, while Louisville remains under a flash-flood threat through June 27. Health & Disability Services: Gov. Beshear announces funding cuts hitting medical/dental services for over 1,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, plus a 4% Medicaid reimbursement reduction for waiver programs. Transportation: KYTC says it’s pausing a Clark Memorial Bridge lane reconfiguration during the I-65 work period.

Kentucky Veterans Access: Elizabethtown broke ground on a new VA outpatient clinic, aiming to bring more care options closer to home for central Kentucky veterans. Sports & Community: The Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys & Girls Ranch opened its 51st camping season, offering free summer weeks with arts, sports, swimming, and enrichment. Local Entertainment: Bowling Green’s Hot Rods celebrated National Dairy Month with Dairy Night at the Ballpark, spotlighting Kentucky dairy families and giveaways. Arts & Culture: Frankfort’s Lanson Orndorf capped a standout high school baseball run with the 2026 Lowery Award from the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. Roads & Travel: RiverLink tolls on the Ohio River bridges rise July 1, with higher rates for cars without transponders and for larger trucks. Public Safety: West Liberty police used a training simulator for high-stress scenarios, inviting community leaders to experience it firsthand. Independence Day Build-Up: Marion’s “Legacy of Liberty” kicked off America’s 250th with rain forcing parade cancellations, but indoor events and tomorrow’s schedule remain on track.

Arts & Culture: Heart vocalist Ann Wilson and her band Tripsitter announced a second collaborative album, Consecrated Ground, due Aug. 14, and shared the psych-rock single “I Will Not Be Coming Back.” Music Spotlight: Ricky Skaggs released his first new song in more than a decade, “Say a Prayer,” blending country, bluegrass, and rock. Local Arts/History: Gov. Andy Beshear is inviting Kentuckians to “Kentucky Celebrates America250” on July 4 at the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort, with live music, kids’ activities, tours, and fireworks. Sports & Community: Louisville mourns longtime UofL basketball sports information director Kenny Klein, who died June 25 at 66 after nearly four decades in the role. Transportation (Louisville): Two southbound lanes of I-65 in Louisville are set to reopen early by 6 a.m. Monday, June 29, as crews make progress on the I-65 Central Corridor project. Kentucky Sports: Warren Central four-star linebacker Sean Fox committed to Kentucky. Film/Tech (Big Picture): AI-assisted imaging helped researchers read hidden philosophy from Herculaneum scrolls burned by Vesuvius.

Arts & Community: The Louisville Orchestra brought its free In Harmony Tour to downtown Glasgow, turning the courthouse lawn into a concert space and pairing the night with the Frazier Museum’s “120: Cool KY Counties” exhibit. Sports (UofL): Beloved longtime University of Louisville sports information director Kenny Klein, the voice behind 1,300+ men’s basketball games, died at 66. Local Government: Louisville Metro Council approved an amended $1.1B FY27 budget, with public safety still the biggest line item and added support for community projects. Public Safety: A Louisville teen’s death spotlights how illegal gun pipelines can reach felons and juveniles, with ATF pointing to theft and straw purchasing. Music & Entertainment: Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame honored Bengals QB Joe Flacco with the Blanton Collier Award for integrity. Sports (Kentucky athletics): UK announced its 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class, featuring Paul Calhoun, Tim Duckworth, Leah Edmond, Patty Jo Hedges-Ward, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Asia Seidt. Film/TV (WKU): WKU film students are producing a proof-of-concept children’s series, “Dream Planets,” blending painting, music, dance and song.