AGP Executive Report

Local Tax Debate: Caverna Independent Schools is set for another public hearing and board vote on a proposed property tax rate that would raise revenue about 4%—with the district weighing a 74-cent-per-$100 assessed value option after earlier public pushback. Kentucky Jobs & Business: Gov. Andy Beshear joined U.S. Smokeless Tobacco to break ground on a new Christian County facility expected to create more than 200 Kentucky jobs. Education & Access: A new ProCare Therapy report ranks Vermont No. 1 nationally for school meals in 2026, with Kentucky’s readers likely watching how states expand lunch and breakfast reach. Law & Policy: The ABA accreditation council voted to eliminate a diversity and inclusion standard for law schools, effective immediately. Health Care Fight: Washington state joined a lawsuit seeking to block new federal Title X funding conditions tied to discriminatory requirements. Frankfort-Area Sports: Franklin County golfer Mary Clayton Rodgers earned Traditional Bank Athlete of the Week after a strong sophomore season. Research Spotlight: Kentucky State University published five new pawpaw studies, building on its long-running Frankfort research farm.

Kentucky Budget Watch: Kentucky missed the fiscal targets that would have allowed another income tax cut in 2028, with state Budget Director John Hicks saying General Fund receipts fell short by more than $1 billion. Economic Development: Gov. Andy Beshear touted Kentucky Product Development Initiative approvals, including nearly $5.3 million for site development in Trigg and Daviess counties plus a regional project serving Bourbon and Nicholas counties. Local Education & Student Life (UK): The University of Kentucky is rolling out “Wildcat First 8” to help students build belonging in the first eight weeks, and the Stuckert Career Center is pushing resume and employer-connection prep ahead of fall career fairs. Public Safety & Health: Kentucky hospitals are continuing coordinated work on faster sepsis recognition and treatment, emphasizing that minutes matter when symptoms start. Community & Sports: Owensboro will host the Special Olympics Kentucky State Softball Tournament Sept. 11-13, with more than 700 athletes and a Healthy Athletes Village offering free screenings. Business & Agriculture: Kentucky small businesses can apply for tax credits, while UK agriculture researchers are also working on microplastic removal techniques.

Economic Development: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky’s Kentucky Product Development Initiative is moving ahead with site-building upgrades, including a Trigg County I-24 Business Park push and Daviess County projects, with nearly $5.3 million approved. Public Safety & Community: A community group plans a finance-focused meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Frankfort Public Library District. Food Insecurity: Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland reports a fifth of Christian County residents lack consistent access to food, including 32.4% of children. Environment: Kentucky lawmakers heard testimony on microplastics and UK research aimed at removing them from water. Health & Housing Finance: VA Purchase Loans in Kentucky averaged $318,784 in Q2 2026, and a new study ranks Wisconsin highest for hospital patient experience. Local Business: Adelita Mexican Restaurant plans to expand in Louisville, moving to a larger Butchertown space in early October. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows Kentucky cities like Frankfort and Pewee Valley each logged scam reports in July. Politics: The Kentucky Democratic Party is selling Bevin arrest-themed merch after former Gov. Matt Bevin’s contempt-of-court jail sentence.

Kentucky Politics & Elections: New polling ahead of Labor Day shows President Donald Trump underwater nationwide, with approval down sharply in Kentucky and other swing states—setting the tone for the midterm push. Immigration Policy: The U.S. released DV-2026 Green Card Lottery selectee figures; Nigeria was again excluded, while the Kentucky Consular Centre registered about 129,516 prospective applicants. Public Safety & Community: A Lexington woman says a McDonald’s barred an unhoused man from cooling off inside after she bought him lunch—highlighting how corporate rules can collide with heat and homelessness. State & Local Education: New federal graduation-rate numbers show Kentucky counties with mixed outcomes, including Warren County’s 43% bachelor’s completion for students of two or more races and Fayette County’s 57.9% for the same group. Health & Local Impact: Paducah’s Book for Hope held its 11th annual Just Imagine Walk to raise awareness and support for childhood cancer families. Business & Energy: Essential Utilities (WTRG) reported steady revenue growth and dividend increases, even as profits slipped amid merger costs.

Election Integrity: Kentucky has removed 318,918 deceased voters from its rolls since Secretary of State Michael Adams took office, with 3,233 deceased voters cleared in August alone. State Politics: Fox News urged Sen. Mitch McConnell to return to work or resign amid his long absence, as Republicans face pressure heading into the fall. Public Safety & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Kentucky cities still seeing online purchase scams, including Frankfort (8 reports in July) and Cynthiana (five reports, with losses totaling $51,092.48). Local Economy & Jobs: Kentucky small businesses can now apply for tax credits, part of a broader push to spur hiring and investment. Agriculture & Health: A Danville ostrich farm is growing after people with alpha-gal syndrome—who can’t eat red meat—turn to ostrich as a substitute. Education Outcomes: Rowan County’s Morehead State bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic/Latino students was 57.7% by 2024, while other county-by-county figures highlight uneven progress. Community Life: Louisville’s WorldFest returned for its 24th year, spotlighting global food and culture at the waterfront.

Local Arts & Tourism: Homestead Resort is expanding its art scene with a new permanent gallery and rotating works tied to the Oliver Art Center, featuring artist Adam VanHouten and regional creators. Charity & Food: Clifty Farm Country Meats’ 16.7-pound ham won $10 million at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction, with proceeds earmarked for major Kentucky nonprofits. Sports Facilities: KG’s Hoop House is set to open in Owensboro as a 24/7 basketball training facility with reservation-based court access and shooting machines. Education Leadership: Palo Alto Unified Superintendent Jason Glass, formerly Kentucky Education Commissioner, says community voices and legislative support must shape public education’s future. Community Events: Grand Rivers Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival returns for its 50th year with 125+ vendors, live music, and specialty foods. Public Safety & Elections: A new report warns election threats this fall are increasingly tied to federal actions and voter access pressure. State Consumer Watch: Kentucky ABC is auctioning 70 confiscated bourbon bottles online, with proceeds supporting alcohol responsibility programs.

Local Politics: Pikeville mayoral candidates Bob Shurtleff and Steve Hartsock used a live podcast to address concerns about a proposed data center and the city’s Flock camera program, with Hartsock arguing the right site could bring “tremendous” economic impact if handled transparently. Education & Equity: New federal data show Fayette County’s University of Kentucky had a 54.7% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black or African American students entering in 2018, while Morehead State (Rowan County) posted 40.5% and Western Kentucky (Warren County) 34.4%. Public Safety & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Kentucky cities including Frankfort (8 reports in July) and other small communities with low but persistent scam activity, as national fraud losses keep climbing. Statewide Economy: Kentucky football is adding a UK Invests jersey patch under new NCAA rules allowing limited sponsor logos, aiming to promote student financial wellness. Sports: Kentucky opens the Will Stein era against Youngstown State on Saturday.

Trade & Tariffs: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on more than $27.6B of U.S. goods are set to hit next week, with analysts warning consumers could pay more as the U.S.-Canada fight escalates. Kentucky Health Care: CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz visited Lexington to discuss Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation program, touting $50B over five years to reshape rural care. Fraud & Consumer Protection: Louisville’s Heuser Health agreed to a $2.6M settlement in the “Operation Skin Scam” over alleged overbilling for skin substitute wound treatments. Local Justice: Former Gov. Matt Bevin was arrested in Bourbon County while working as an extra on a Christian movie set, tied to a contempt-of-court bench warrant. Public Safety Tech: Kentucky lawmakers debated limits on automated license plate reader cameras, with calls for stronger safeguards and warrants. Sports & Community: Special Olympics Kentucky’s state softball tournament returns to Jack C. Fisher Park with 40 teams and about 750 athletes expected. Agriculture & Culture: Kentucky author Wendell Berry died at 92, leaving a legacy of agrarian writing and environmental ethics.

Rural Healthcare Funding: Kentucky is set to receive $213M through the Rural Health Transformation Program, with federal leaders visiting Glasgow’s T.J. Health Pavilion to discuss how the money will expand access and improve outcomes in rural communities. Public Safety Tech Oversight: Kentucky lawmakers are weighing whether to add more rules to automated license plate readers after HB 58 took effect, focusing on privacy and guardrails. State Budget Watch: Kentucky missed key fiscal targets tied to future income tax cuts, according to a letter from the state budget director, keeping the 2028 cut in doubt. Utility Rates Scrutiny: Senate Republicans backed a Kentucky Public Service Commission investigation into electric and natural gas rates, arguing affordability needs closer review. Former Gov. Matt Bevin: A judge ordered Matt Bevin to serve 60 days in jail for contempt of court in a child support case after he failed to provide required financial records. Local Development & Growth: Construction is expected to begin this fall on a new 520-bed student housing project near UK, and Elkton received $240,060 in federal funds for Public Square safety improvements. Education Tech: Russellville Independent Schools voted to join the Dataseam network, bringing workforce training and Apple-based tech tied to statewide research computing. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters disclosed a breach involving its C-Track system that may have exposed sensitive personal data tied to court records across multiple states, including Kentucky.

Privacy & Surveillance: Kentucky readers are seeing the national debate over automatic license plate readers heat up, after states and cities moved to restrict or end contracts with Flock Safety over misuse and mass-surveillance concerns. Agriculture & Culture: Wendell Berry, the Henry County writer-farmer who taught at Georgetown College and championed working landscapes, died at 92. Utilities & Cost of Living: Residents pushed back at a Kentucky PSC hearing against Bluegrass Water’s proposed rate increases, with the plan projecting steep jumps for average households. Education & Workforce: UK’s TEK Faculty Fellows program named its 2026-27 cohort to help faculty build transdisciplinary, career-skill-focused courses. Energy & Defense: BWX Technologies was selected to deploy its advanced nuclear reactor tech for the Army’s Janus program, with Fort Campbell in Kentucky slated for the first deployment. Politics & Accountability: Former Gov. Matt Bevin was arrested on a warrant tied to a child support contempt order. Business Incentives: Kentucky is reminding small businesses to apply for the Small Business Tax Credit, offering credits up to $25,000 based on jobs and investment. Local Spotlight: Hazard-Perry County Civic Night honored community leaders, including Joe Craft as Humanitarian of the Year. Community & Food: The Breathitt County Honey Festival returns this Labor Day weekend in Jackson.

Immigration Enforcement: Kentucky has seen nearly 5,000 ICE arrests since the Trump administration began, with the surge tied to 287(g) deals that let local agencies enforce federal civil immigration rules—55 agreements statewide, including 50 using the “Task Force Model.” Local Economy/Jobs: GE Appliances and IUE-CWA announced a $1 billion Louisville investment to expand Appliance Park, including major dryer and washer production shifts from Mexico to Kentucky. State Politics/Health: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman sued New York group Mayday Health over illegal ads for mail-order abortion pills tied to the Kentucky State Fair. Public Safety/Finance: Logan County’s audit flagged improper recording of a $1.6 million transfer and urged tighter controls over inter-account and inter-fund moves. Community & Culture: Kentucky State University unveiled a new logo for its 140th anniversary, and the Food School in Bowling Green held a ribbon cutting focused on bringing neighbors together through cooking. Sports & Culture: UK Athletics named Heaven Hill brands as official bourbon partners, with Elijah Craig and Evan Williams getting spotlight roles at Kroger Field and Rupp Arena.

Local Government: Massac County has a new state’s attorney, with Mark Hunter sworn in after the commission appointed him to finish Josh Stratemeyer’s term through 2028. Public Safety & Health: A Kentucky student, Anikaa Sharma of Pikeville High, urged lawmakers to modernize school recycling rules and divert food waste to composting, including phasing out expanded polystyrene trays by 2028. Economy & Jobs: GE Appliances and IUE-CWA announced a $1 billion expansion at Appliance Park in Louisville to boost laundry production, positioning the site as the nation’s largest home appliance manufacturing hub. Finance & Community: Lake Chem Community Federal Credit Union won a statewide “Excellence in Outreach” award at the Kentucky Credit Unions Annual Meeting. Tech & Privacy: Thomson Reuters confirmed a breach tied to its C-Track court case system, with unauthorized access affecting multiple states including Kentucky. Education Policy: Gov. Beshear says he won’t block a Prichard Committee plan to steer education donations toward public schools, even after vetoing a federal tax-credit route that favored private schools.

Big Investment for Kentucky Jobs: Gov. Andy Beshear touted GE Appliances and IUE-CWA’s $1 billion plan to expand Louisville’s Appliance Park, including major upgrades to dryer and washer production that could add hundreds of jobs. Local Tax Relief: Bullitt County school board members approved a second straight year of lower property tax rates, cutting the real property rate to 73.1 cents per $100,000. Frankfort Community Fundraiser: The 17th annual Tee It Up With C.O.C.O. ladies charity golf scramble is set for Sept. 15 at Frankfort Country Club, supporting ovarian cancer screening and research. Kentucky Agriculture Showcase: Kentucky State Fair exhibits highlighted KSU research in indoor farming, including aquaponics and soilless systems aimed at growing high-demand foods. Health Disparities in Western Kentucky: A new survey found major gaps for LGBTQ+ Kentuckians, including limited access to regular care and high HIV testing gaps. Business & Community Events: Astemo Americas announced a $112 million Madison County expansion creating 114 jobs, and Animal Alliance of East Kentucky held its ninth annual Woofstock fundraiser.

Kentucky Politics & Health Care: Gov. Beshear and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr kept trading barbs over rural hospital funding, with Beshear warning Medicaid changes could “gut” access while Barr questioned where state money is going. Local Government & Growth: Winchester voted unanimously to pause data center development for one year to study impacts and gather input, while a Kentucky court fight over a hyperscale data center tests who can challenge zoning decisions under a 2025 law. Workforce & Schools: JCPS substitutes protested pay cuts and tougher requirements, arguing the changes could push educators out of classrooms. Business & Jobs: MegaFit Meals plans a $9.25 million Marshall County expansion expected to add 40 jobs. Public Safety & Community: Casey County trained on a portable water treatment system that can process up to 10,000 gallons a day. Food Insecurity: The Little Red Blessing Food Box is seeking donations and volunteers to expand across Kentucky. Sports Safety: New national guidance urges different training for football linemen to prevent exertional heat stroke, but Kentucky hasn’t made it mandatory. Consumer Fraud Watch: Frankfort-area scam reporting data shows ongoing fraud risk, with Frankfort listed among Kentucky cities with scam reports in July.

Local Tax Update: Barren County will keep its property tax rate at 12.2 cents per $100 of assessed value after the fiscal court voted down a proposed bump to 12.4 cents, while also setting the motor vehicle and watercraft rate at 15.3 cents. Immigration Enforcement Oversight: Lawmakers are pushing DHS to cancel its $16.7 million contract for electric shock gloves used by ICE, raising questions about tracking and accountability. Tech & Privacy: Indiana’s BMV is moving toward mobile driver’s licenses, with supporters citing convenience and critics warning about privacy and tracking risks. Kentucky Business & Jobs: Astemo Americas announced a $112 million expansion in Berea, adding 114 jobs, as it ramps up hybrid EV motor production. Consumer Protection: The FTC and 22 states, including Kentucky, sued Amazon over alleged “hidden surcharges” in ad pricing, claiming an artificial bidding setup inflated costs for advertisers. Public Safety/Health: HealthFirst Bluegrass is tied to a data breach investigation after a vendor security incident exposed patients’ Social Security numbers and health records. State Culture & Community: Kentucky’s ABC will auction 70 confiscated bourbon bottles online starting Sept. 15, with winners picking up in Frankfort during “Bourbon on the Banks.”

Local Tax Policy: Scott County Fiscal Court cut its 2026 property tax rates—real property from 5.28 to 5.13 cents per $100 and tangible property from 5.10 to 4.84—while approving a joint reimbursement deal with Georgetown for about $280,000 tied to pad-ready sites at Lanes Run Business Park. Public Safety Construction: Daviess County’s planned Public Safety Facility drew seven bids from about $15.7M to $18M, all under the earlier $20M estimate, as the county moves forward with state funding and its detention center expansion. Healthcare Access: Centerpoint Health – Paris joined UK Golisano Children’s at UK’s affiliate network, aiming to bring more specialized pediatric care closer to families in Bourbon County. State Government & Families: Kentucky’s kinship care law is finally being implemented after a two-year funding fight, with the cabinet rolling out procedures for families raising minor relatives. Kentucky Politics: A report says Kentucky’s kinship care is back on track, while another story flags concerns that President Trump’s waning popularity could affect how Kentucky’s midterm races play out. Business & Economy: Valvoline Global is moving its global HQ from Lexington to Cincinnati, adding to a broader pattern of major employers leaving the Bluegrass. Big Tech Legal Fight: Kentucky is among states joining a sweeping FTC-led lawsuit accusing Amazon of secretly inflating ad prices through “hidden surcharges.” Kentucky Culture: Wendell Berry, the influential Kentucky writer and farmer, died at 92.