Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 15, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on the 2028 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Trials, the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization Program, a new driver licensing system and portal, American Sign Language Awareness Day, the Kentucky State Police Cover the Cruiser fundraiser, Donate Life Month and where to buy the 2026 Governor's Derby Celebration poster. The Governor named the Montgomery County High School Mock Trial Team as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Louisville To Host 2028 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Trials
Earlier today, the Governor was in Louisville to make the major announcement that Louisville will host the 2028 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Trials at the KFC Yum! Center. The 2028 Summer Olympics will be the first Summer Olympics held in the United States in more than 30 years - and the Olympic gymnastics trials will be the first time the Olympic rings have ever been displayed in Kentucky. The Governor noted this event will spur economic activity in Louisville and the entire state, with visitors boosting local businesses, restaurants and hotels.

"This is a major win for this city and our entire commonwealth - and we worked hard to make it happen. I want to thank all the leaders who made this possible," said Gov. Beshear. "In 2028, the tourism dollars spent here, as well as media coverage, will make a big impact. Our New Kentucky Home is beating record after record, and this is yet another step into the future."

Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization Program
The Governor recognized the 10th anniversary of the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program, which has improved workforce training, supported small businesses and attracted new industries across Eastern Kentucky. In the last decade, over $282 million in AMLER program funds have been awarded in the commonwealth. On April 13, the federal government announced $29.5 million in new funding for Kentucky in 2026 - and for this round of funding, opportunity is being extended to coal communities in Western Kentucky. Learn more and apply for funding here. Applications are open through May 11.

New Driver Licensing System
The Governor announced that a new, modernized driver licensing system and online portal will be launching this June, providing online services that help reduce wait times at regional offices and minimize paperwork. The improved system will replace the current, nearly 40-year-old system and allow Kentuckians to create accounts through the new portal, myDrive, that will enable them to pre-apply for a license, permit or ID, request a card replacement, check their current license standing, and more. For more, see the full release.

In March, the Governor announced that, since spring of 2025, average walk-in wait times at driver licensing regional offices have decreased from 49 to 12 minutes, and average appointment wait times have decreased from 25 to 10 minutes. The new system will help Team Kentucky build on this progress.

American Sign Language Awareness Day
Gov. Beshear recognized April 15 as American Sign Language (ASL) Awareness Day. The Governor honored the late Viriginia Moore for her advocacy to include ASL interpreters at government news conferences, as well as Rachel Morgan from the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, who currently serves as the ASL interpreter at Team Kentucky Updates.

"I want to thank my late friend Virginia, as well as our friend Rachel. Thanks to their efforts, they've undoubtedly helped save lives by getting important information to those who so often had been left out before," said Gov. Beshear. "To every ASL interpreter across the commonwealth: Thank you. Your work ensures information is accessible to all Kentuckians - and we are grateful."

Cover the Cruiser Fundraiser
The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to participate in the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Cover the Cruiser fundraiser, where KSP teams up with Special Olympics Kentucky athletes to collect donations. Through April 17, Kentuckians can visit participating grocery stores and donate a dollar to place a custom sticker on a KSP cruiser. The stickers represent Kentuckians' support for athletes competing in the upcoming Special Olympics Kentucky Summer Games - and every dollar donated benefits Special Olympics Kentucky. Find participating KSP posts and grocery stores where you can donate here.

Donate Life Month
Gov. Beshear recognized April as Donate Life Month. The Governor highlighted that there are over 100,000 Americans in need of an organ transplant, including more than 1,000 Kentuckians. To learn more or to register to become a donor, visit RegisterMe.org or visit your regional driver licensing offices or circuit court clerk's office. The Governor was joined by advocates from Donate Life KY, Network for Hope, Second Chance at Life, the National Kidney Foundation, UofL Health and UK Healthcare.

2026 Governor's Derby Celebration Poster Now On Sale
The Governor announced that the 2026 Governor's Derby Celebration poster, featuring a painting by artist Alexandrea Pangburn, is now available for purchase by the public through the Historic Properties Online Store.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named the Montgomery County High School Mock Trial Team as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars. The team won the High School Mock Trial state championship in February. This is the team's fourth time winning this title in five years. Additionally, the team's courtroom artist, Olivia Robinson, won State Courtroom Artist for the third year in a row.

"To recognize this impressive team, I am naming them all, including their teachers and parents, as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars," said Gov. Beshear. "Next month, this talented group will head to Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the National Championship. Congratulations and good luck! All of Kentucky is cheering you on."

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