AGP Executive Report

McConnell Health Update: Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell was discharged from a rehabilitation center and will continue recovery at home, but he’s not ready to return to the Senate yet, keeping questions about transparency and timing in the spotlight. Fauci Contempt Push: A Senate committee voted along party lines to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer COVID questions, sending the matter to the Justice Department for possible criminal review. Hate Group Flyers: KKK rally flyers tied to a splinter group surfaced online, with a civil rights watchdog calling the tactic intimidation and warning it’s meant to look bigger than it is. Data Centers in Kentucky: Logan County approved a one-year moratorium on new high-water-use data centers, requiring studies before projects move forward, while other local actions continue to shape the debate over power and water impacts. Local Community & Events: Volunteers “Stuff the Bus” delivered school supplies across Warren County and beyond, and Logan County’s Patriot Memorial Plaza is taking sponsors for engraved pavers. Business/Transportation: Amazon is reshuffling logistics leadership across middle-mile and last-mile operations.

Kentucky Politics: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell says he’s been discharged from a rehabilitation center after a June fall and pneumonia, and will continue an “intensive” physical therapy regimen at home while staying in touch with staff during the August state work period. The announcement comes as his long absence has complicated Senate business and renewed calls from Gov. Andy Beshear for more health transparency. Federal Oversight: A Senate committee voted to hold former COVID czar Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt after he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times, setting up a high-stakes legal fight over whether the Justice Department should pursue charges. Public Safety/Health Policy: Kentucky Attorney General Alan Wilson is backing the “STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act,” urging Congress to expand states’ ability to investigate and prosecute Medicaid recipient fraud. Local Community: Appalachia Service Project work continues with youth and volunteers repairing homes across the region, including roof, ramp, and interior upgrades. Arts/Entertainment: A new horror thriller wrapped filming at Graves County’s Whippoorwill Manor, with producers citing Kentucky tax incentives and the area’s Southern Gothic feel.

Kentucky State Budget: Budget director John Hicks told lawmakers Wednesday Kentucky’s recently closed fiscal year ended with a $470M-plus surplus over revenue estimates, with the Budget Reserve Trust Fund now at $3B. Local Governance & Growth: Louisville-area lawmakers and councils keep wrestling with big-picture development, including data-center pushback and rules for delivery robots as communities weigh jobs against power, noise, and traffic impacts. Health & Research: UK researchers say a CBD-THC combo can reduce agitation in late-stage dementia patients, a potential quality-of-life boost for families caring at home. Sports & Racing: Churchill Downs and NYRA announced a new season-long Thoroughbred Championship Series starting in 2027, with Kentucky Derby-linked races helping crown a 3-year-old champion. Community Spotlight: Meredith Kelley was crowned Miss Hopkins County Fair 2026, with a year of parades and community service ahead. Public Safety: Kentucky State Police Post 4 plans periodic traffic safety checkpoints across several central Kentucky counties.

Kentucky Back-to-School Mental Health: With about 700,000 Kentucky kids heading back to class, mental health advocates are urging families to shift routines gradually—earlier bedtimes, steadier meals—and consider screenings before the semester ramps up. Lexington Water Worries: Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton says Kentucky American Water declined a public meeting request tied to the delayed Fontaine Road replacement project, with residents asking for answers and clearer timelines as work hours are debated. State Government Watch: The Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts says no issues were found in Floyd County Sheriff John P. Hunt’s settlement audit for 2023 taxes. Local Jobs & Manufacturing: Artisans Inc. held a Lexington grand opening for an $8.4 million facility creating 55 new Kentucky jobs. Health Research: UK researchers report a CBD/THC combo can reduce agitation in late-stage dementia patients, a potential quality-of-life boost for families. Triple Crown Shake-Up: Preakness will move to a Sunday in 2027 and shift later in the calendar, a change that could affect Kentucky Derby horses and the broader racing schedule. Business & Energy: Environ Energy acquired Louisville-based Beeson & Associates to expand energy procurement and risk management services.

College Sports Policy: The Protect College Sports Act is nearing a Senate vote, with Big Ten and SEC backing and provisions that could reshape transfers, conference expansion, coach departures, and revenue sharing. Agriculture & Trade: California’s Proposition 12 pork rules are pushing Kentucky farms to weigh higher costs and production changes to keep selling into the Golden State. Early Childhood Education: A new study finds fewer kids in Kentucky’s state-funded preschool, with leaders pointing to access limits even as classroom enrollment may not feel like a drop. State Services: Kentucky State Treasurer Mark Metcalf’s unclaimed property outreach in Lyon County highlighted more than $700,000 available for residents to recover. Local Economy & Jobs: Cornbread Hemp opened in Louisville while warning a federal ban could hit hemp-derived products unless Congress acts. Health Watch: Cyclospora-linked illness continues to spread, with a major salad chain closing after the outbreak hurt demand. Politics: Kentucky’s Fancy Farm brought sharp jabs across party lines, while a Senate committee is set to vote on holding Anthony Fauci in contempt. Energy/Industry: Ascend Elements reached a $7.5M settlement with the DOJ over alleged inflated DOE reimbursement claims tied to an EV battery project in Hopkinsville. Education Access: ECTC will hold Express Enrollment for classes starting Aug. 17. Sports & Culture: Churchill Downs and NYRA plan a new three-year-old championship series starting in 2027.

Tariff Fight in Court: A coalition of 25 states, including Kentucky, sued the Trump administration to block new 10%–12.5% tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners, arguing the move is a “pretext” after the Supreme Court struck down earlier tariff efforts; the states want the tariffs halted and refunds for duties already paid. Local Data Center Push: Louisville Metro Council advanced a proposed moratorium on new data center construction to the full council after months of delays, as residents and officials debate land-use impacts and public input. Kentucky Conservation Funding: Team Kentucky announced up to $336,000 in Environmental Grant Program money for county conservation districts, with applications due Nov. 15, aimed at reducing agricultural pollution and improving water quality. STEM Grants for Teachers: Educators in the TVA region (including parts of Kentucky) can apply for up to $5,000 for STEM classroom projects through Sept. 15. Mitch McConnell Transparency Backlash: McConnell’s continued absence from Fancy Farm and new “proof-of-life” photo scrutiny are fueling renewed calls for clarity about his health and office operations. Animal Cruelty Case: More than 240 dogs were removed from a Metcalfe County property in a suspected backyard breeding operation, with rescues citing severe medical conditions and injuries.

Tariff Lawsuit Hits Kentucky: A coalition of 25 states, including Kentucky, sued the Trump administration in federal court over new forced-labor tariffs on the EU and nearly 60 countries, arguing the move exceeds legal authority and is meant to recreate duties courts already struck down—Kentucky is named among the plaintiffs seeking to block the tariffs and get refunds. Frankfort Data-Center Debate: Kentucky’s push to attract data centers via tax breaks is colliding with public-protection concerns, after lawmakers advanced incentives but struggled to pass rules meant to stop utility costs from being shifted onto non-data-center customers. Fancy Farm Politics: Kentucky’s 2027 governor chatter stayed hot at the Fancy Farm Picnic as Secretary of State Michael Adams backed U.S. Rep. James Comer and urged Republicans to avoid a messy primary. McConnell Vacancy Fight: Kentucky leaders traded barbs over what happens if Sen. Mitch McConnell’s seat becomes vacant, with Beshear saying a key election deadline has “no legal impact.” Local Business & Community: Elkton unveiled new signage for the John E. Walton Business Park, funded by a state grant, while Graves County honored business owner Blake Kendall with the Pioneer Award at Fancy Farm. Health Care Trust Push: A bipartisan toolkit backed by former Gov. Steve Beshear urges rebuilding trust between elected officials and public health leaders after COVID-era damage. UK Faculty Recognition: Four University of Kentucky faculty members were named 2026-27 SEC Academic Leadership Development Program fellows.

Tariff Fight in Court: Kentucky is among 25 states suing the Trump administration over new tariffs on more than 80 countries, arguing the moves are unlawful and will raise costs for families and businesses. Privacy Lawsuit: Kentucky also appears in a broader wave of state legal challenges aimed at stopping federal efforts to expand access to sensitive personal data tied to public assistance programs. Local School Funding: Logan County’s school board approved ballot language for a proposed “nickel tax” levy (5.9 cents per $100) to fund facility improvements, with an estimated $1.15 million in local revenue and about $950,000 in state equalization. Northern Kentucky Business: ADM is investing $16 million to expand its Boone County operation, adding about 14,000 square feet and targeting completion in early 2027. Food Safety: Publix recalled GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries due to possible E. coli contamination, including products shipped to Kentucky. Health & Community: Indiana and Kentucky blood donors are being urged to help as the Red Cross declares a national blood supply crisis. Arts, Dining, and Events: Louisville’s House of Marigold’s NuLu restaurant is about 80% done and targets a late-September opening.

Fancy Farm Politics: Kentucky’s 146th Fancy Farm Picnic turned into a spotlight on Sen. Mitch McConnell’s prolonged absence, with Democrats chanting “Where’s Mitch?” while Republicans also traded barbs over Gov. Andy Beshear skipping the event for his son’s baseball game. GOP Leadership Watch: Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. Roger Marshall publicly urged confidence in McConnell’s return as health scrutiny grows, while Beshear pressed for more transparency. Statewide Elections: Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams ended speculation about a 2027 governor run by endorsing U.S. Rep. James Comer at Fancy Farm. Local Transit: Louisville riders are adjusting to TARC’s new route network, with fewer stops but more frequent service and a new downtown timed-transfer hub. Media Business: E.W. Scripps completed its $15.8M acquisition of WTVQ in Lexington, creating a duopoly with WLEX. Community & Housing: A Franklin County fiscal court meeting advanced plans for future affordable housing and community rooms, with rent targets aimed at easing pressure on families. Economic Development: KOI Superior Walls opened a new Northern Kentucky manufacturing facility, adding 73 jobs in Boone County. Public Safety/Support: A West Liberty food truck added an “Angel Tater” code to help people in dangerous domestic situations signal for assistance.

Affordable Housing: Franklin County fiscal court heard plans for a future affordable housing project on Holmes Street, with Winterwood Inc. pitching about 30 apartments and aiming for Kentucky Housing Corporation housing tax credits. Local Economy & Jobs: KOI Superior Walls opened a new Northern Kentucky manufacturing facility in Boone County, creating 73 full-time jobs. Healthcare Accountability: The U.S. and Kentucky AG offices announced a $16.2 million civil judgment against Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) over alleged Kentucky Medicaid billing fraud. Politics at Fancy Farm: Kentucky’s political spotlight stayed on Fancy Farm, where Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and others traded barbs, while Gov. Andy Beshear and Sen. Mitch McConnell’s absences fueled chants and criticism. State & Federal Policy: Senate debate on a Russia sanctions bill is stalled by disagreements over granting Trump tariff authority, with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul opposing. Business & Sports: Churchill Downs reported record Kentucky Derby Week viewership and revenue, and outlined new 2027 infield amenities. Public Safety: Police identified a Broadway fatal crash victim and said the driver ran a red light, killing one pedestrian and injuring three others. Energy & Tech: The DOE is moving ahead with a $100 billion AI data center complex at Kentucky’s Paducah uranium site, paired with new power generation.

Fancy Farm Politics: The 146th Fancy Farm Picnic put Kentucky’s U.S. Senate race front and center, with Andy Barr and Charles Booker trading barbs as Gov. Andy Beshear skipped the event and still got roasted online. McConnell Health Scrutiny: The weekend also kept spotlight on Mitch McConnell’s absence, with fresh calls for proof he can serve and more debate over transparency. GOP Hypocrisy on Ceuta: Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and others accused Republicans of hypocrisy over the migrant surge at Spain’s Ceuta border, pointing to prior House votes. Data Centers vs. Homes: A growing national fight over data centers hit Kentucky too, where residents say they’re being pushed out or pressured to sell for major projects. Flood Recovery Fatigue: Across the country, repeated storms are turning disaster recovery into a recurring grind, stretching local budgets and services. Local Community Wins: Louisville’s back-to-school giveaway topped 1,000 backpacks, and Owensboro’s The Groove Lab shows how a new arts program can take off fast. Sports Chaos: NCAA eligibility changes are already reshaping Kentucky roster planning as fall camp nears.

Fancy Farm Picnic: The 146th St. Jerome Parish Fancy Farm Picnic kicks off Saturday in Graves County with speeches starting 2 p.m. Central/3 p.m. Eastern, and WKYT’s Dave Baker emceeing; organizers expect more than 10,000 people and 18,000–19,000 pounds of pork and mutton. Weather Watch: Louisville and Fancy Farm both face storm chances, with NWS Louisville warning of damaging winds up to around 60 mph and possible spin-up tornadoes, while Paducah forecasts only a modest shower chance around the event. McConnell Health & Transparency: As Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized, Kentucky leaders and national media keep pressing for clearer proof of his condition; his office has shared “proof of life” photos, but questions persist over missing photo metadata and whether a disaster letter was signed by him or via autopen. Medicaid Fraud Settlement: Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) and affiliates agreed to a $16.2 million civil judgment to resolve allegations of Kentucky Medicaid fraud. Local Growth: Oak Grove won $2 million through a state KY WWATERS grant toward a new water tank, aiming to reduce debt and support retail development, including a planned Buc-ee’s.

Paducah Data Center Push: Gov. Andy Beshear says he “hasn’t been briefed” on DOE’s July 29 plan to redevelop parts of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant into a Brookfield data center campus, raising questions about power, environmental impact, jobs, and taxes. Frankfort Alcohol Licensing: Frankfort’s Board of Commissioners approved an increase in quota retail licenses, moving from one available package license to three (totaling four), affecting liquor sales for developments like the Paddocks. Local Schools Finance: Frankfort Independent Schools reported bonding capacity of just over $24 million and passed the recallable nickel tax for fiscal year 2026, with uncertainty ahead on whether future nickels will be equalized. Fancy Farm Weekend: Organizers expect thousands for the 146th St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic, with political leaders gathering ahead of Saturday’s big events. Public Health & Food Safety: Publix expanded a GreenWise blueberry recall after possible E. coli contamination, including shipments to Kentucky. Business/Community: Kentucky Fried Stitches brings handmade crochet creations to local markets, while Gov. Beshear announced $5.2M in state site-and-building development funding across eight counties. Tech & Privacy Debate: A national backlash over Flock automated license plate readers continues, with reports of vandalism and renewed Fourth Amendment concerns.

Pension Leadership: Murray State professor Dr. Ben Littlepage was elected chair of Kentucky’s Teachers’ Retirement System board, overseeing a system with more than $32 billion in assets and about $2.7 billion paid annually to educators. State Transportation Planning: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s draft 2026 STIP is open for public comment Aug. 1–30, laying out federally funded highway, bridge, transit, and safety projects for the next four years. Data Center Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear says he wasn’t briefed on a $100 billion Paducah-area AI data center and energy campus, raising questions about power, environment, jobs, and taxes. Local Education & Community: A Fancy Farm Picnic lineup is set for Aug. 1, with Beshear and Sen. Mitch McConnell not attending; and in West Louisville, AMPED and partners host a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway Aug. 1. Health & Safety: Publix expanded a frozen blueberry recall in multiple states, including Kentucky, tied to E. coli hospitalizations.

Kentucky Economy & Jobs: Gov. Andy Beshear announced $5.2M in state funding through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative for site and building upgrades in eight counties (Adair, Ballard, Clinton, Floyd, Madison, Magoffin, Monroe, Montgomery), aiming to attract investment and create jobs. Local Development: Beshear also backed a $90,000 due-diligence project in Ballard County for a 30-acre Mississippi River site in partnership with Wickliffe. Workforce & Training: Murray officials dedicated the Mark A. Manning Training Center, a new facility for skilled-trades training and workforce recruitment in the Murray West Industrial Park. Public Safety & Courts: A Kentucky man, Preston H. Biggs, faces felony charges in a check-fraud scheme after allegedly using a brother’s information to steal $4,069 from a West Virginia resident. Food Safety: Publix expanded a recall of GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries over possible E. coli O145 contamination, including distribution to Kentucky. Health & Policy: Kentucky’s Food Is Medicine initiative is highlighted as a way to connect patients with healthier foods while supporting local farmers. Politics Watch: The spotlight stays on Sen. Mitch McConnell’s prolonged absence and calls for more transparency, while national attention continues on Anthony Fauci after he invoked the Fifth during a Senate COVID hearing.

Kentucky Economic Development: Gov. Andy Beshear announced $5.2 million in state funding through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative for site and building work in eight counties—Adair, Ballard, Clinton, Floyd, Madison, Magoffin, Monroe and Montgomery—aimed at setting up future investment and jobs. Paducah AI Power Push: The U.S. Department of Energy unveiled a $100 billion AI data center campus at the DOE Paducah site, with Brookfield leasing 785 acres and partners planning dedicated energy infrastructure; construction jobs and a timeline for operations were outlined. Rural Broadband: Cornerstone Connectivity is expanding fiber broadband in western Kentucky with federal and USDA support, highlighting efforts to close the digital divide. Local Infrastructure Planning: KYTC’s draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan lays out a four-year schedule of federally funded road projects starting in 2027, including major potential upgrades in Christian County. Politics & Health: Dr. Anthony Fauci’s Senate hearing fallout continues as Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins backs Florida AG James Uthmeier’s investigation, while Kentucky’s Rand Paul presses for contempt after Fauci invoked the Fifth. Business & Food Safety: Yum Brands reported Taco Bell sales dipped 2% amid the cyclospora outbreak, with officials investigating the lettuce supply chain.