AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Watch: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says a $255 million budget surplus will stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement through June 2027, and will also fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots—after providers warned the changes could hit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Access to Care: A March of Dimes report finds nearly half of Kentucky counties are maternity care deserts, with more than 100,000 mothers traveling over 30 minutes for labor and delivery. Overdose Prevention: Ahead of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, Medical Center EMS highlights Narcan access and what to do while waiting for 911. Public Health Alerts: FDA upgraded Publix frozen berry recalls to its highest risk level over E. coli concerns, reminding shoppers not to eat products that may still be in freezers. Foodborne Illness: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak has spread to 32 states with 431 cases and 57 hospitalizations; Kentucky is among the affected states. Child Safety in Court: Kentucky is part of a multistate lawsuit accusing Meta of designing Instagram and Facebook to addict children, with trial testimony describing a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach for kids under 13. Maternal Tragedy: Police say a 10-month-old died after being left in a hot car for about eight hours at a Kentucky clinic—no charges filed as the investigation continues.

Medicaid Watch: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut through the end of FY 2027, and to fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots after providers warned of impacts. Measles & Vaccines: Jefferson County Public Schools reported nearly a 30% jump in kindergarten MMR vaccination rates for 2025-26, tied to better outreach and fixing missing records in the state immunization registry as Kentucky’s outbreak remains a top concern. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix frozen GreenWise blueberries and mixed berries to a Class I recall over possible E. coli contamination; the products were distributed in Kentucky and other states, and shoppers are urged to check freezers. Social Media & Kids: A landmark trial in Oakland continues with Kentucky among the states suing Meta, as whistleblower Arturo Béjar testified that Instagram used a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach for users under 13 and that safety was treated as an afterthought. Veterans Care Access: The VA signed a lease for a new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in LaGrange, with construction targeted for winter 2027 and care starting in spring 2028.

Measles in Kentucky: Kentucky health officials say the state has its highest measles total since 1991, with 19 confirmed cases this year across Christian, Owen, Todd, Trigg and Washington counties (plus earlier Jessamine cases). All known patients are unvaccinated or status is unknown, and two hospitalizations have been reported. Officials warn the outbreak is likely to grow and urge MMR vaccination. Medicaid reimbursement: Gov. Andy Beshear says a $255 million budget surplus will reverse a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, including support for Medicaid waivers and senior meal programs. Food safety recalls: The FDA upgraded a Publix frozen GreenWise blueberry and mixed-berry recall to its highest risk level after an E. coli outbreak sickened 12 and hospitalized four; the affected products were sold in eight states including Kentucky. Social media youth harm trial: A landmark multistate case against Meta over alleged child addiction and mental health harms is underway in California, with Kentucky among the states involved. Detention health oversight: Kentucky lawmakers opened an investigation into Campbell County Detention Center conditions after an oversight visit, including concerns about medical care and hunger-strike treatment.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates through the end of fiscal year 2027, after notices were set to go out to providers starting Aug. 1; the move also funds senior meal programs and additional Michelle P. Waiver slots for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Measles Outbreak Watch: Kentucky health officials confirmed a growing measles outbreak, with cases now spread across multiple counties including Christian, Todd, Trigg and Washington; officials urge MMR vaccination, noting most patients are unvaccinated and some have been hospitalized. Meta Youth Safety Trial: A landmark federal trial in Oakland opened with states including Kentucky alleging Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to “hook” children and misled the public about risks, with prosecutors seeking major penalties and platform changes. Northern Kentucky Neurosurgery Expansion: Mayfield Brain & Spine added two fellowship-trained physicians in NKY, expanding care for brain and spine conditions at local hospitals and surgery centers. Public Safety Tech Pushback: Fort Mitchell announced it will dismantle its Flock automated license plate readers after resident privacy concerns. Food Safety Recalls: A frozen dog food recall linked to salmonella contamination was reported as distributed in Kentucky, and other food recalls were also circulating nationally.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement through June 2027, and to fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots—after providers were warned about the Aug. 1 reduction. Measles Alert: Kentucky health officials confirm the state’s largest measles outbreak since 1991, with 19 cases in 2026 (all unvaccinated), including recent spread across Christian, Owen, Todd, Trigg and Washington counties, plus at least two hospitalizations. Big Legal Fight for Kids Online: A landmark federal trial begins in Oakland as 29 states—including Kentucky—accuse Meta (Facebook/Instagram) of designing addictive features for children and misleading the public; Meta denies the claims. Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine recalls Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in Kentucky and 28 other states due to possible Listeria contamination. Public Health & Access: Kentucky advocates warn Medicaid and SNAP changes are coming, including new work-reporting and more frequent renewals for some expansion adults starting Jan. 1, 2027. Local Safety Watch: Northern Kentucky leaders urge caution with e-bikes and e-scooters after multiple child crashes and injuries reported this year. Caregiving Recognition: A Health at Home nurse in Madisonville earns Caregiver of the Year honors across a multi-state region. Justice Update: Kentucky State Police investigate the death of an inmate at Marshall County Detention Center; autopsy and toxicology are pending.

Kentucky Medicaid Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear says a $255 million budget surplus will reverse a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates, and will also fund senior meals and “Michelle P. Waiver” slots for Kentuckians with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Youth Safety in Court: A landmark federal trial begins Tuesday in Oakland where Kentucky and other states accuse Meta (Facebook/Instagram) of designing addictive features that harm kids’ mental health and of improper data collection; states seek up to $1.4 trillion and major platform changes. New Anti-Grooming Law in Action: Kentucky’s grooming law went into effect July 15, and within weeks law enforcement used the new code to investigate and arrest a middle school teacher in Graves County over an alleged improper relationship. McConnell Health Questions: Kentucky’s political spotlight stays on Sen. Mitch McConnell as officials and allies trade claims about his condition and the lack of clear public updates. Campus Safety Upgrades: UK and UK HealthCare are expanding lighting, cameras, emergency towers, and badge access points to improve safety across key campus areas. Measles Watch: Kentucky continues reporting measles cases tied to outbreaks in multiple counties, with health officials urging immunizations.

Medicaid Relief in Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear says a $255 million budget surplus will reverse a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates, keeping waivers and senior meal funding intact through the 2027 fiscal year. Measles Alert: Kentucky health officials report a growing measles outbreak in western Kentucky, including confirmed cases in Christian, Todd, Trigg, and Washington counties, with at least two hospitalizations; residents are urged to check MMR vaccination status. Youth Social Media Trial: A landmark case over alleged social media addiction and child privacy violations is set to begin Tuesday in California, with Kentucky named among plaintiffs seeking up to $1.4 trillion and platform changes. Food Safety Recall: The FDA announced a recall of Walmart-sold Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states due to possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported so far. Mental Health Court Options: Kentucky’s new law expands court-ordered mental health treatment options, adding outpatient pathways aimed at getting people help earlier. Public Health & Prevention Funding: Marion County Heartland Coalition received a federal Drug-Free Communities grant to strengthen youth substance-use prevention efforts. Road Safety: Kentucky State Police are searching for a tow truck driver after a fatal I-65 crash in Bullitt County.

Medicaid Funding: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates, and to fund senior meals plus Michelle P. Waiver slots for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Social Media & Youth Health: Kentucky is among states suing Meta over alleged harms to children and teens; a landmark federal trial begins Tuesday in California, with plaintiffs seeking up to $1.4 trillion and major changes to Facebook and Instagram. Lexington Violence & Community Support: Lexington police say a 16-year-old died and four others were injured, including two children, in a shooting during East End Day; a local violence-prevention nonprofit has launched crisis support and an emergency fundraiser. Public Health Watch: FDA reports a July 17 inspection at Kentucky Equine Research in Woodford County found “No Action Indicated.” Mental Health & Justice: A Frankfort woman with severe mental illness has spent hundreds of days cycling between jail and short hospital stays, prompting a court-appointed guardian ad litem and calls for better care. Storm Impacts: Severe storms knocked out power for thousands in the Louisville area and caused tree and property damage.

Medicaid Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to reverse a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates, and will also fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Public Safety: A Lexington park shooting left 1 dead and 4 injured, including two children (ages 4 and 14), as police urged anyone with information to come forward; separate reports also describe a fatal roadway incident after a suspected medical emergency and a Warren County shooting with one person in critical condition. Food & Pet Safety: The FDA posted that Kentucky Equine Research in Versailles passed an inspection with “no action indicated,” while a salmonella-linked frozen dog food recall (Oma’s Pride) includes Kentucky among the affected states. Health Policy & Politics: Beshear renewed pressure on Sen. Mitch McConnell to provide a public health update, saying he’s received “absolutely nothing” back. Legal/Health Tech: Meta faces a major youth mental health addiction trial in federal court, with Kentucky listed among participating states.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates, delaying any reductions through the end of fiscal year 2027 and also funding senior meal programs and Michelle P. Waiver slots for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Gun Violence and Trauma in Lexington: One person was killed and four others were hurt, including a 4-year-old and a 14-year-old, after gunfire erupted at Charles Young Park during an outdoor concert in downtown Lexington; police say injuries are not life-threatening and investigations continue. Public Health Policy Clash: Kentucky Health and Family Services Sec. Steven Stack’s office says there’s “no evidence” to support claims tied to a Trump vaccine order that would change childhood immunization schedules, adding Kentucky will keep following recognized pediatric standards. Maternal Care Milestone: Med Center Health in Bowling Green opened its $119 million High Street Tower on its 100th anniversary, consolidating women’s and children’s services, including labor and delivery and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit. Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores over possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Community Support for Recovery: Louisville hosted the first West Louisville Community Field Day, with local groups sharing resources including Narcan education and services aimed at behavioral health and substance use prevention.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates through the end of the 2027 fiscal year, and to fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Health Watch: Kentucky health officials confirmed a measles case in Christian County with a high number of community exposures and urged MMR immunizations as they track potential spread. Youth Substance Prevention Funding: McCracken County ASAP received a $625,000 federal Drug-Free Communities grant aimed at reducing youth nicotine and alcohol use in local school districts. Maternal Care Expansion: Med Center Health dedicated its new $119 million High Street Tower in Louisville, expanding Women’s and Children’s services including labor and delivery, postpartum care, C-section suites, and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit. Local Health Spending Detail: A report highlights Hazard County Medicaid spending on non-oral drug services rising to $105,307 in 2024. Housing & Health Access: Frontier Housing opened a new facility in Morehead to help families afford repairs and safer living conditions, including ventilation fixes after a resident’s RSV hospitalization. Safety & Care in the Community: Kentucky State Police reported a 40-foot cliff fall during a standoff while arresting a murder suspect, with the injured man treated at UK Chandler.

Medicaid & disability care: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to reverse a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates, delaying any reductions through the fiscal year ending June 2027, after hundreds of residents rallied in Frankfort over impacts to Medicaid waivers. Immunization push: Kentucky health officials are urging families to get up to date on vaccines as measles spreads, including a confirmed case in Christian County tied to an unvaccinated person exposed by an out-of-state visitor, with more suspected exposures. Food safety alerts: Walmart shoppers in Kentucky and 28 other states face a recall of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits over possible Listeria contamination, while Oma’s Pride recalled a frozen raw dog food lot in 11 states after Salmonella was found. Public health research: U of L received NIH funding and a new Medical Scientist Training Program designation to expand its physician-scientist training. Community health & stability: Louisville’s food pantries report strain from rising costs and federal cuts, and Frontier Housing opened a new Morehead facility to help families with repairs tied to health impacts like RSV. Immigration & civil liberties: ACLU-KY reports a nearly 300% jump in ICE detainer requests after Louisville reinstated a detention policy. Local policy: Louisville Metro Council approved a six-month moratorium on new data center projects, with planning pauses starting immediately.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut through the end of fiscal year 2027, and to fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots after providers warned the cuts would hit people with disabilities. Food Safety Watch: Walmart shoppers should check for recalled Kettle Cuisine Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits due to possible listeria; separate recalls continue as Oma’s Pride pulls a frozen raw dog food lot for salmonella risk in 11 states, including Kentucky. Cyclospora Update: FDA and CDC are sending officials to Taylor Farms’ Mexico plant in the ongoing cyclosporiasis investigation tied to recalled iceberg lettuce; the outbreak now spans 17 states with thousands of reported illnesses. Measles Concern: Kentucky health officials report a confirmed measles case in Christian County and suspect an outbreak after additional exposure reports. Community Health & Access: Frontier Housing opened a new facility in Morehead to expand affordable housing and home-repair support, including help for residents managing serious health impacts from unsafe housing. Public Health in Emergencies: The Kentucky National Guard upgraded MEDEVAC helicopters to HH-60M Black Hawks to extend rescue flight range during disasters. Local Safety Incidents: KSP is investigating an in-custody incident in Marshall County where a detained man became unresponsive and was taken to Louisville in critical condition.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates through the end of fiscal year 2027, and to fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots after hundreds gathered to protest. Public Health—Measles Watch: Kentucky health officials confirmed a measles case in Christian County and suspect a wider outbreak after a high number of community exposures, urging people to check vaccination status. Foodborne Outbreak Update: The CDC reports cyclospora cases linked to iceberg lettuce have climbed to 9,481 across 17 states, with Maine and Massachusetts added; Taylor Farms is still under scrutiny. Blood Supply Strain: The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis as donations hit a four-year summer low; Kentucky Blood Center says it can’t fully meet hospital orders and is urging donors, especially for low-stock types like O+ and O-. Homelessness Policy Shift: Federal agencies promoted a “Treatment First” model that prioritizes addiction recovery and mental health care over “Housing First,” pushing phased housing options. Local Health Care Recognition: Centerpoint Health Georgetown’s emergency department received a 2026 Lantern Award for emergency nursing innovation. Jail Costs Rising: A report highlights Kentucky counties absorbing higher jail expenses as state jail funding declines, with medical care and food mandates driving local budget pressure.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to reverse a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates, delaying changes through the end of fiscal year 2027 and funding senior meals plus Michelle P. Waiver slots. Measles Alert in Christian County: Kentucky health officials confirmed a measles case in Christian County and suspect a wider outbreak after additional unconfirmed reports; the patient was not vaccinated and exposure is linked to an out-of-state visitor. Rabies Reminder After Bat Test: A rabies-positive bat found in Warren County prompted veterinarians to urge pet owners to keep vaccinations current and avoid wildlife contact. Parasite Diarrhea Watch: National cyclosporiasis counts keep climbing, with CDC reporting thousands of confirmed cases nationwide; Kentucky readers are reminded to follow food-safety guidance as investigations continue. ICE “Shock Gloves” Controversy: ICE plans to spend up to $20 million on electric shock gloves made by a Kentucky company, drawing civil liberties concerns and questions about training and rules. Medicaid Waste Scrutiny: Kentucky’s auditor testified that Medicaid may have paid more than $800 million in waste, while the Medicaid agency disputes the analysis. Health Tech Funding: The VA is seeking to extend its Oracle EHR modernization contract as money runs out, with deployments still incomplete.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to reverse a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, delaying any changes through the end of fiscal year 2027 and also funding senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots. Food Safety Watch: Whole Foods expanded a salmonella recall tied to jalapeños, pulling select dips and prepared foods sold in 12 states including Kentucky; no illnesses reported so far. Public Health Update: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Kentucky among states reporting rising numbers as health officials urge caution with potentially linked produce. Rural Care in Pharmacies: A pilot program using rural Kentucky pharmacies to screen for stroke and heart disease risk is credited with preventing hospitalizations and saving lives. Nutrition in Medical Training: Kentucky medical schools are adding at least 40 hours of nutrition education across all four years, aiming to better address chronic disease. Workforce & Community Health: Kentucky’s Energy and Environment Cabinet is accepting applications for grants to clean illegal dumps and reduce litter that can threaten public health. Controversial ICE Gloves: ICE plans to buy electric shock gloves made by a Lexington company, drawing criticism and raising misuse concerns, including a pending Kentucky wrongful-death lawsuit.