AGP Executive Report

Louisville Community Spotlight: The Cabbage Patch Settlement House is marking 115 years of free support for children and families, with founder Louise Marshall’s trust still keeping programs like education help and family assistance accessible. Local Tourism & Economy: Marshall County fiscal court heard tourism updates showing $88 million in 2025 tourist impact, plus parks and playground discussions tied to visitor spending. Paducah Retail & Travel Draw: Bass Pro Shops’ Paducah outpost construction is progressing, now expected to open in spring 2027—good news for shoppers and regional visitors. Family Health & Back-to-School: Kentucky experts are urging back-to-school vaccines as kindergarten immunization rates show mixed trends, with providers citing confusion and declining uptake. Outdoor Events: Jets Over Kentucky returns as a long-running RC aircraft “pilgrimage,” with organizers noting strong local tourism support. Weather Watch: A tornado touched down in Owen County, damaging a barn and property while one couple escaped injury. Health Access: CVS in Marion will close Saturdays for a couple months due to staffing challenges, with patients directed to other nearby locations.

Road & Safety Updates: KYTC says overnight alternating lane closures on I-64 West in Franklin County start Sunday, with nightly work from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Aug. 7 between mile markers 53 and 58 for asphalt paving, plus bridge repairs. Local Travel Disruptions: KY-1081 in Magoffin County will close for 90 days starting July 29 for a box culvert replacement; detours are KY-40 and KY-1437. Community & Weather: A tornado touched down in Owen County Tuesday, destroying a barn and damaging property; a couple took shelter in their pantry as debris blocked their exit. Tourism & Bourbon: Visit Frankfort is teaming up with Franklin, Woodford and Lawrenceburg for the “Heart of Bourbon” campaign, aiming to roll out first visuals this fall ahead of Keeneland. Outdoor & Walkability: Hodgenville’s Lincoln Farm Road project will use a “road diet” to add a center turning lane and dedicated bike/ped path, targeting safety after 50 collisions in five years. Arts Destination: SKyPAC in Bowling Green reports record FY2026 performance, with major gains in ticket sales and economic impact across the Barren River region. Health Alert for Travelers: Kentucky is among states watching a national cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce; officials urge caution with fresh produce and medical care for prolonged watery diarrhea.

Food Safety & Travel Health: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases hit a record high in 2026, with 4,173 confirmed infections across 41 states since May 1 and 308 hospitalizations, tied in part to shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms; health officials urge travelers to avoid recalled lettuce and wash produce well. Severe Weather: Tornadoes and storms battered the East, with Kentucky reporting a tornado hitting an animal shelter (no injuries) and widespread power outages and flight cancellations nationwide. Kentucky Politics: Rocky Adkins launched his 2027 governor bid in Lexington, pitching himself as a “fighter” focused on education, affordable healthcare, and cost-of-living pressures. Local Community & Tourism: Kentucky Blood Center is hosting a blood drive in Williamsburg today (10 a.m.-noon). Sports & Rivalries: Mark Pope’s Kentucky men’s basketball rivalry matchups for 2026-27 look more favorable on paper, setting up key games for Big Blue fans. Road & Safety: A three-car crash on Perryville Road sent two people to the hospital with injuries.

School Bus Safety Update: A new Kentucky law (KRS 189.370) expands when drivers must stop for school and church buses with red lights and the stop arm out, including more situations on multi-lane roads. Bridge & Road Closures: KYTC says the U.S. 60 (Capital Avenue) bridge in Frankfort closes 7 p.m. Fri., July 24 to 5 a.m. Mon., July 27, with a signed detour; also expect more weekend closures as work continues. Flooding on I-65: Kentucky State Police report left lanes flooded at the 61-mile marker in Hart County, with multiple collisions—use the right lanes and drive carefully. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Owen County, damaging barns and a home; shelters opened across multiple counties as storms moved through. Family Travel Picks: Chimney Corners Resort in Frankfort is promoting summer stays with multiple unit types, tennis, a beach, and weekly barbecues. Local Festival Fun: The Mary Draper Ingles Festival runs July 24-26 in Radford, with history, music, tours, and kids’ activities. Backroads Shopping: The 127 Yard Sale returns Aug. 6-9, stretching across six states and linking major Kentucky stops like Harrodsburg. Food Safety Note: The cyclospora outbreak remains in the spotlight as FDA clarifies some Taylor Farms test results were false positives, while the voluntary lettuce recall continues.

Kentucky State Fair Board Updates: Gov. Andy Beshear appointed three new members—Rocky Adkins, Jimmy England, and Brent Tolle—adding fresh leadership to the 18-member Kentucky State Fair Board, with a focus on agriculture and tourism events. Tourism Spotlight (Western KY): TVA offered rare “inside the dam” tours at Kentucky Dam as part of America’s 250th anniversary, giving lottery-selected residents a close-up look at how the hydro facility regulates water levels, moves barges, and generates power. Outdoor & Family Fun: The Hopkins County Sportsmen and Sportswomen Club unveiled an Outdoor Recreational Educational Trailer to teach wildlife conservation and hunter education, with its first local stop planned for the Hopkins County Fair Aug. 1–3. Food Safety Watch: The FDA says a lab test tied to the Cyclospora outbreak returned a false positive, but the Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce recall remains in effect as cases climb nationwide. Local Travel/Events: Eastern Kentucky travel inspiration is in the spotlight, with a roundup pointing readers to regional stops and experiences.

SEC Football & Travel: Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz says the SEC’s move to a nine-game conference schedule makes the Tigers’ path to the College Football Playoff tougher, with Mizzou adding a key conference opener at Mississippi State in Starkville. Public Health & Food Safety: Alabama reported 28 cyclosporiasis cases as of July 20, with federal partners still investigating a national outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. More Outbreak Updates: Mississippi confirmed five cyclosporiasis cases; health officials say don’t panic while the CDC investigates clusters that include Kentucky. Outdoor Safety: An Indiana couple hiking in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge was caught in a storm; lightning struck one hiker, and search-and-rescue helped get him to care. Road & Visitor Planning: Dixie Highway resurfacing is underway in Kenton and Boone counties with single-lane closures during daytime work. Local Attractions: Colonel Sanders’ Kentucky Fried Chicken home and memorabilia are set for auction in Shelbyville, giving visitors a new way to connect with Kentucky food history.

Public Health & Travel Safety: The CDC says U.S. measles cases have hit 2,260 across 44 jurisdictions, with summer travel flagged as a high-risk period for new outbreaks. COVID Watch: A new COVID “Nimbus” subvariant is driving higher ER visits in 27 states, including Kentucky, as summer travel ramps up. Foodborne Illness Alert: Cyclosporiasis linked to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to spread across states; Canada even issued a U.S. travel advisory over the “explosive” outbreak. Kentucky Outdoors & Animals: Eastern Kentucky’s free-roaming horses are growing in number, creating safety and land-management challenges and pushing more population-control efforts. Family-Friendly Events: The Summer Music Games drum corps competition returns to Mason with a major DCI lineup and out-of-state travel built in. Road Trip Practicalities: GasBuddy reports Kentucky fuel prices are still volatile heading into peak travel season, with some counties seeing notably low regular and premium rates.

Food Safety & Travel Disruption: Taylor Farms expanded its iceberg lettuce recall tied to a Cyclospora outbreak, with affected products distributed in 27 states including Kentucky; the FDA/CDC advisory so far names five states (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia) linked to a Taco Bell cluster, so travelers should check fridges and avoid recalled shredded/chopped lettuce. Local History & Tourism: Milton College’s former Main Hall now displays a weathered American flag preserved from its abolitionist-era roots, adding a new stop for history-minded visitors in Milton. Outdoor Planning: Extreme heat advisories are active across 22 states including Kentucky, with “stay inside” guidance as heat index values may top 112—plan hikes and outdoor events early or reschedule. Community & Family Fun: The Kentucky Brotherhood Ride memorial ride starts July 22 in Paducah, honoring fallen first responders with a four-day route through western Kentucky. Festivals & Visitor Appeal: Inkcarceration in Mansfield continues to draw international fans, with travelers coming for the lineup and festival atmosphere. Road & Water Alerts: Clarksville Gas and Water plans a Stone Mountain Road water outage and road closures July 23 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.).

THC Hemp Uncertainty: Florida hemp shops say a planned federal ban on most THC products (effective Nov. 12) could wipe out much of their business, just as more customers are discovering hemp-derived options. Severe Weather Help for Visitors: In Nashville, volunteer-run “Nashville Severe Weather” streams calm, real-time storm guidance that’s drawing huge audiences—an easy reminder to plan for Kentucky summer weather too. Lake Cumberland Tragedy: A 28-year-old man drowned at Lake Cumberland while camping, with his family describing him as someone who always tried to help others. Public Safety Update: Kentucky State Police released details on a Whitesburg laundromat shooting where a woman was critically wounded and the suspected shooter later died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Food Safety for Travelers: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary iceberg lettuce recall tied to a cyclospora outbreak affecting 27 states, including Kentucky—check your fridge and follow health advisories. Memorial Ride: The Kentucky Brotherhood Ride starts July 22 in Paducah, honoring fallen first responders across western Kentucky through July 25. Road/Utility Disruptions: Clarksville Gas and Water scheduled water outages and road closures for valve work on Stone Mountain Road and Wilma Rudolph Boulevard.

Food Safety & Travel Alerts: The CDC says the current cyclospora outbreak is tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, with health officials urging people not to eat that lettuce from the affected supplier; Taco Bell says the ingredient is being removed from its supply chain nationwide. Local Tourism & Events: Bardstown Burger Week returns July 20–27 with 21 participating spots and “passport” deals available at the Visitor Center on Court Square. Community & Family Travel: The Kentucky Brotherhood Ride memorial ride kicks off July 22 in Paducah, then rolls through western Kentucky with stops including Bowling Green and Bardstown by July 25. Road & Water Planning: Clarksville Gas and Water schedules a Stone Mountain Road water outage with road closures July 23 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.), and a Wilma Rudolph Boulevard lane closure July 21 (10 p.m.–6 a.m.) for valve work. Safety Note: Kentucky State Police and Whitesburg PD are investigating a multi-victim shooting in Whitesburg.

Public Health Alert: The CDC and FDA say a multistate Cyclospora outbreak is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with more than 1,600 cases reported and dozens hospitalized—health officials advise people not to eat that specific lettuce from those locations while investigators continue tracing the source to a Mexico supplier tied to Taylor Farms. Local Healthcare & Families: About 100 Kentucky families rallied at the Capitol against proposed 4% Medicaid waiver reimbursement cuts, warning the change could reduce caregiver availability and disrupt autism and disability services. Tourism & Entertainment: Glasgow’s Marquee Cinemas is getting a full renovation under new ownership, aiming to reopen in spring 2027 as Crowne Pointe Theatre. Travel Planning: Southwest is launching new Saturday-only Caribbean routes from Nashville to Aruba, Montego Bay and St. Thomas, plus a Columbus-to-Punta Cana nonstop—good news for Kentucky travelers planning winter getaways. Community Events: Bardstown and New Haven farmers markets and a Loretto Motherhouse concert are on the calendar for mid-July.

Food Safety & Travel Alerts: The CDC and FDA say shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia is linked to a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with more than 1,600 confirmed illnesses and 94 hospitalizations; health officials advise skipping that lettuce in affected states while investigators trace the likely Mexico supplier. Local Health Watch: Kentucky’s Department for Public Health is investigating 192 reported cases statewide (108 confirmed), and officials say symptoms can hit 2 to 14 days after exposure. Business & Supply Chain Response: Taco Bell says it’s voluntarily removing potentially impacted lettuce from its U.S. supply chain, and Taylor Farms says it’s pulling iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Family Impact at the Capitol: About 100 Kentuckians rallied in Frankfort against a proposed 4% cut to Kentucky Medicaid waiver reimbursement rates, warning it could mean fewer services and longer waits for people with disabilities, including autism therapy. Roads & Detours: I-65 construction in Louisville remains on track for an Aug. 1 reopening, while KYTC District 3 lists ongoing July roadwork and lane impacts. River Tourism Disruption: The Cave-In-Rock Ferry in western Kentucky/Illinois remains closed as lawmakers work to break a contract impasse, affecting commuters and visitors. Community Recovery: Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief continues flood recovery work in Jackson County, including cleanup and repairs after severe flooding.

Public Health Alert: The CDC and FDA say shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell is behind a multistate cyclospora outbreak, warning people not to eat it in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia; the parasite is causing watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea, and officials are still tracing the supplier and monitoring what remains on shelves. Travel Safety: Mexico issued a preventive advisory for travelers heading to the U.S. for the World Cup final, pointing to the same cyclospora surge and urging extra hygiene and caution with food and water. Road Trip Update: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the U.S. 51 Ohio River “Cairo” Bridge between Wickliffe and Cairo, Illinois is expected to reopen late Friday afternoon (July 17), but drivers should expect one-lane alternating traffic during a specialized inspection July 20–24. Local Tourism Spotlight: TVA invited visitors for America250 behind-the-scenes tours at the Kentucky Dam, highlighting its history, power generation, flood control, and navigation role. Fuel Watch: AAA reports the national regular gas average rose to $3.94 this week, with prices still mostly under $4.

Cyclospora/Cyclosporiasis Watch: Kentucky health officials are investigating 192 reported cyclosporiasis cases statewide, with 108 confirmed, as the multistate “explosive diarrhea” outbreak continues to grow; officials urge careful produce handling and staying alert for symptoms. Public Health & Travel Safety: A separate update from Chaffee County, Colorado, says the outbreak there isn’t confirmed locally yet, but residents are being told not to bring produce to testing sites and to keep food-safety habits tight. First Responders & Roads: Dispatch audio details how Scott County firefighters jumped into action after a crash on I-75—then were struck themselves—highlighting the risks on Kentucky highways. Tourism & Dining: Louisville’s Hotel Bourré Bonne earned a top national spot in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 Worlds Best Awards, and Frankfort’s Doc Crow’s Social opened downtown, adding another stop for bourbon-and-bites travelers. Outdoor Plans: Kentucky’s forecast calls for a return of scattered storms with locally heavy rain risk, so hikers and weekend drivers should plan around weather. Local Events: Simpson County’s America250 living history program is set for July 21 in Franklin, with a free Revolutionary War-focused presentation. Road Work: KYTC will fully close KY 3395 (Isaac Park Road) in Lawrence County July 21–28 for an embankment repair.

America 250 in Western Kentucky: McCracken County Public Library keeps the birthday-year momentum going with “Revolutionary War in a Trunk,” a hands-on history program led by Revolutionary War historian Geoff Baggett. Road-Trip Disruptions: Kentucky drivers should plan ahead as KYTC ramps up work—northbound I-169 Exit 11 closes for about 4–5 weeks, and Cincinnati’s I-71 north ramp to Second Street shuts as part of the Brent Spence Bridge corridor project. Equestrian Tourism Spotlight: Shelbyville hosts the 2026 USA Saddle Seat World Cup, where riders compete with randomly assigned horses—an event that’s drawing international attention to Kentucky’s horse culture. Maker’s Mark Travel Retail: Maker’s Mark rolls out an airport-only TREX “City Edition” series with artist-designed bottles inspired by destinations worldwide. Health Watch for Travelers: A growing cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to salad greens/lettuce has sickened thousands across the U.S., with Kentucky among states reporting higher-than-usual cases—wash produce well and avoid pre-mixed salad kits. Local Summer Fun: Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys & Girls Ranch opens its 51st camp season, offering free outdoor activities for kids across multiple counties.

Public Health Alert: The CDC has confirmed a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak, with Kentucky named in a linked cluster as cases surge nationwide; health officials are still tracing the source, but Michigan investigators are pointing to lettuce or salad greens and advising people to skip bagged lettuce and pre-mixed salad kits, wash thoroughly, and discard outer layers. Fall Travel Weather: The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Kentucky’s fall 2026 should be cool and dry, with September cooler than average before temperatures return closer to normal in October—good news for outdoor plans. Tourism Boost: Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, welcoming 9.3 million visitors and supporting 8,600 jobs. Bourbon & Shopping: Maker’s Mark is launching an airport-exclusive “City Edition” artist series with custom labels inspired by destinations worldwide. Road & Access Updates: A northbound I-169 ramp closure at Exit 11 in Hopkinsville starts July 17 for 4–5 weeks as crews connect new interchange ramps. Local Events: North Fork Music Festival returns to downtown Hazard July 17–18 with live music, family activities, and food along Main Street. Bourbon Industry Recognition: Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame will induct five new leaders in September, including KDA President Eric Gregory.