AGP Executive Report

McConnell Health Update: Sen. Mitch McConnell is still not medically cleared to leave rehab after his June fall, and he’ll miss Kentucky’s Fancy Farm Picnic this Saturday. His office says he’s doing intensive physical therapy and that childhood polio remains a mobility factor. Kentucky Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear is pressing for more transparency, demanding McConnell explain his condition or resign, as new “proof-of-life” photos fuel questions. Education & Health: UK researchers say Alzheimer’s sleep loss is driven by brain immune cells (microglia), and targeting them restored about two hours of sleep in study subjects—potentially pointing to earlier detection. Public Policy: Kentucky’s House Primary and Secondary Education session work highlights continued K-12 funding priorities, including the Education Freedom Tax Credit. Justice Department: DOJ confirmed a $16.2M settlement with Kentucky’s Addiction Recovery Care over Medicaid fraud allegations. Local Governance: Hopkinsville is weighing proposed data center zoning rules after a public hearing drew utilities, developers, and residents. Business/Community: A Small Scale Forestry Expo is set for Sept. 18-19 in southwest Virginia, drawing landowners from Kentucky and beyond.

Kentucky Politics: Sen. Mitch McConnell remains in rehab and is still “not yet medically cleared” to leave, meaning he’ll miss the Fancy Farm Picnic—his office says he’s doing “intense physical therapy” after a June fall. Local Economy/Jobs: ISCO Industries cut the ribbon on a new $12.75 million Louisville manufacturing facility, aiming to create 50 full-time jobs and expand capacity. Hemp Policy: Kentucky congressmen are pushing to delay upcoming hemp product restrictions, while Rep. Andy Barr’s Lawful Hemp Protection Act would set a federal framework for intoxicating hemp products and child safety standards. Public Safety/Legal Fight: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson joined a coalition suing FEMA and DHS over grant conditions tied to election and immigration policies, with Kentucky named among the governors involved. Community & Culture: Shelbyville residents got a preview of Col. Harland Sanders’ personal artifacts ahead of a July 28 auction. Media/Schools: The Kentucky Kernel and KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion won six awards at the Associated Collegiate Press College Media Mega Workshop.

Pentagon Iran-war tally change: The Pentagon quietly moved four U.S. deaths out of its main Iran casualty count into a new “Overseas Operations” category, while also adding 142 more wounded to its database—prompting fresh outrage in Congress over how the war’s costs are being tracked. McConnell health controversy: Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell remains out of public view nearly six weeks after hospitalization, with Republicans facing mounting pressure to provide clearer proof of his condition and whether he’ll return for key votes. Water utility deal in Kentucky: The Kentucky Public Service Commission approved the sale of Black Mountain Utility District to Kentucky American Water, with KAW pledging major infrastructure investment and liability coverage. Local safety: A 47-year-old man died after being ejected in a Boone County motorcycle crash; investigators say speed and alcohol were factors. Justice access honored: Kentucky legal leaders were recognized for expanding access to justice and pro bono work. Cyclospora outbreak hits Kentucky: The lettuce-linked outbreak tied to Taco Bell and Taylor Farms has spread to nine states, with Kentucky among those reporting cases and economic fallout. Community & housing: Newport’s Westside starts an 11-home Ann Street Limited development, and Kentucky Kingdom hosted foster and adoptive families for Wednesday’s Child Day.

SEC Football Preview: A new preseason look at every SEC team’s 2026 record has the league set for a tougher grind under the nine-game schedule, with multiple contenders eyeing Atlanta. Midterm Politics: National party committees marked 100 days to the Nov. 3 midterms with sharply different messaging—Democrats leaning on cost-of-living, Republicans pairing affordability claims with election-security themes. Kentucky Data Centers: Kentucky’s approach is being defended as “full-cost allocation,” arguing developers—not ratepayers—should pay for grid upgrades and other impacts, while critics keep pressing on water and bills. McConnell Health Questions: Sen. Mitch McConnell’s prolonged absence continues to spark GOP frustration as his office offers broad claims of Senate work but no clear proof. Fancy Farm Lineup: Democrat Rocky Adkins will speak at the Aug. 1 Fancy Farm Picnic, joining a crowded slate as Beshear skips the event. DOJ Immigration Tuition Suits: The Justice Department is challenging in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrants again, adding to a growing list of states in court. Public Safety Tech Fight: Rep. Thomas Massie says he’ll push to cut federal funding for police using Flock-style license plate reader surveillance. Food Safety: This week’s recalls include cyclospora-linked lettuce concerns and other summer food alerts.

McConnell Health Transparency: Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office says he’s “continu[ing] to improve in rehab” and meeting with staff on Senate and Kentucky business, but the updates still lack clear proof like fresh video or photos, as Gov. Andy Beshear and others press for more details nearly six weeks after his June 14 hospitalization. Kentucky Politics: Rocky Adkins, newly launched in the governor’s race, is set to speak at the Aug. 1 Fancy Farm Picnic, joining a crowded lineup that includes Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and other statewide and federal candidates. Local Community & Schools: Stuff the Bus wrapped up at Crossroads IGA in Bowling Green, collecting school supplies for southern Kentucky students, with donations accepted year-round. Appalachian Culture: The Highlands DO!zeum will host “Echoes of the Hills” featuring traditional Appalachian music and a talk by UK professor emeritus Dr. Ron Pen. Public Safety & Privacy: Rep. Thomas Massie says he’ll introduce a bill to cut federal funding for police using automatic license plate readers and similar surveillance tech. Food & Health Alerts: A cyclospora-linked lettuce outbreak continues to expand, and this week also brought multiple food recalls.

McConnell’s Senate stall: Republicans are growing anxious as Sen. Mitch McConnell’s prolonged absence keeps high-stakes legislation stuck, with the party’s razor-thin 53-47 Senate edge making every vote critical and raising shutdown worries tied to the Sept. 30 appropriations deadline. Fancy Farm lineup: Rocky Adkins, fresh off his governor bid, will speak at the Aug. 1 Fancy Farm Picnic, joining a crowded slate that includes Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Rand Paul, Andy Barr, Charles Booker, James Comer and others; organizers say McConnell and SOS Michael Adams are still pending, while Beshear declined. DOJ immigration tuition fight: The Justice Department sued Colorado over in-state tuition and aid for illegal immigrants, arguing the policy unlawfully treats non-citizens differently; similar cases are part of a broader multistate crackdown. Kentucky politics, Democrats: Kentucky Democrats kick off a one-on-one gubernatorial primary between Jacqueline Coleman and Rocky Adkins, setting up a generational and rural-vs-urban contrast. Public health: The cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce keeps widening, with CDC adding states and health officials urging caution as cases climb. Local business & community: Heaven Hill Brands earned a third straight “U.S. Best Managed Company” nod, while ARH employee Cameron Faris was selected for the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2026. Frankfort-area records: A roundup of property transfers and the Franklin County Fair 2026 exhibit hall results highlighted local activity.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says an “unanticipated” corporate income tax payment and revenue surplus will prevent Kentucky’s 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, delaying any provider cuts through the fiscal year and funding senior meals plus Michelle P. Waiver slots. Data Center Backlash: Bullitt County is pausing new data center proposals for a year over water and power strain, while Carrollton-area residents and local officials are clashing over a hyperscale project near the Kentucky River and I-71. Local Government Pushback: Campbellsburg’s City Council approved a resolution to refuse data center applications and permits while it reviews rules. Kentucky Hemp Uncertainty: A federal law set to take effect Nov. 12 would reclassify many hemp products as Schedule I, leaving farmers stuck with unsold inventory and urging Congress to pass a protection bill. Public Safety Funding Fight: Kentucky’s leaders are among states suing the Trump administration over disaster and counterterrorism grant conditions tied to election and immigration requirements. Business & Community: Kentucky Chamber launches a statewide effort to strengthen entrepreneurship, and west Louisville broke ground on Opportunity Village, a 76-unit affordable housing project with support services.

Kentucky Politics & Courts: A coalition of 24 states plus D.C., with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and others involved, sued the Trump administration over new DHS/FEMA grant conditions that would require election changes and cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, arguing the rules unlawfully tie public safety money to unrelated political demands. Local Governance: Mercer County residents packed a planning meeting to oppose a proposed data center ordinance, warning about farmland, water and public safety as commissioners weigh zoning limits and caps. Public Health: A Louisville-led clinical trial found individualized treatment for babies with opioid withdrawal can speed recovery, with symptom-based care and family-centered “Eat, Sleep, Console” reducing hospital stays by about 2.3 days. Business & Finance: Republic Bancorp reported strong second-quarter results, highlighting continued growth in core bank net interest income. Food Safety: The multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce continues to expand, with confirmed cases in the original cluster nearly tripling in a week. Sports & Culture: Mark Pope’s Kentucky players now earn their jerseys through conditioning tests, a throwback twist in today’s NIL era. Community Spotlight: Logan County’s Women in Business luncheon honored local leaders and awarded an emerging leader scholarship.

Frankfort & Kentucky Economy: Target’s first Franklin County store is now open, anchoring the $150M Paddocks of Frankfort mixed-use project and bringing about 200 jobs at the site, with broader projections of 1,085 permanent jobs and $28M in annual wages. Medicaid Pressure: Kentuckians with disabilities and advocates rallied in Frankfort over a looming 4% Medicaid waiver reimbursement cut, warning it threatens services and provider stability starting Aug. 1. War Powers in Congress: The U.S. House narrowly passed a nonbinding resolution to halt Iran war powers, with Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie among four Republicans voting with Democrats; the Senate blocked a similar measure. Data & Elections Fight: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined a lawsuit challenging Trump administration efforts to pressure states into sharing raw voter data tied to disaster aid. Local Public Safety: Elsmere’s Norfolk Southern bridge weight limit was cut from 27 tons to 13, raising concerns about slower emergency response routes. Health & Food Safety: A Taco Bell cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce continues to hit Indiana, Kentucky and nearby states, with FDA warnings and a $1 lettuce-free menu push. Business/Utilities: PPL Corporation signed the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge, saying data centers should pay their fair share without shifting costs onto existing customers in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Corrections: Barren County jail staff got a new Aramark “Micro Market” break room vending setup for employees.

Local Roads & Budgets: Whitley County Fiscal Court approved a Local Area Road Program agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and gave a first reading to a budget amendment. Kentucky Education Finance: Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams opted the state into the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill scholarship tax credit, setting up rules for Scholarship Granting Organizations so families can access the federal dollar-for-dollar credit. Kentucky Politics & Health Care: Kentucky families and advocates are pushing back against looming Medicaid waiver reimbursement cuts, while Gov. Beshear says surplus funds will be used to prevent provider cuts. Iran War Powers (National, with KY tie): The U.S. House passed a war powers resolution to require Congress to authorize continued Iran hostilities; four Republicans joined Democrats, including Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, while the Senate rejected a similar measure. Public Safety Funding Lawsuit: Kentucky AG Dan Rayfield joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over new conditions attached to FEMA counterterrorism and disaster grants. Business & Growth: IKO Commercial expanded its sales network with new independent agencies covering Kentucky and surrounding states. Community & Schools: Mercer County celebrated the grand opening of a new elementary school, while the district weighs what to do with the old building.

Medicaid Rescue: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use unexpected surplus funds to prevent a looming 4% Medicaid cut, committing about $255M to keep services steady while lawmakers still face long-term Medicaid funding work ahead. New State Rules: More than 100 Kentucky laws that passed this session took effect July 15, including changes touching schools, concealed carry, gaming, first responders, criminal justice, and consumer protection. Frankfort Education Tax Credit: Kentucky opted into the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill” scholarship tax credit, with Secretary of State Michael Adams signing paperwork and setting up rules for scholarship-granting organizations. Hemp Products Ahead of Federal Ban: U.S. Rep. Andy Barr is backing a bipartisan plan to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products (THC-containing edibles and beverages) with age limits and FDA-set limits as a federal ban approaches. Local Economy & Tourism: Marshall County fiscal court heard tourism data showing 2025 visitor impact at about $88M, with weather blamed for a slight dip from 2024. Public Safety Contract Crackdown: Lyon County Sheriff Brent White warns storm-damage scams, pointing to new state rules requiring contractor registration through the attorney general’s office. Senate Scrutiny: Mitch McConnell’s 39-day absence is raising Senate rule questions after his prolonged hospitalization.

Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says a 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut will be reversed after an unexpected $255 million corporate tax payment and a budget surplus, keeping providers and services from being at risk this fiscal year. School Finance Transparency: Kentucky’s School Report Card now adds audited 2024-25 financial transparency data, letting families and taxpayers see spending per student and local funding details. Data Center Pushback: Shelbyville is considering a moratorium on large-scale data centers after county action, with officials saying they want clearer rules before more “AI or hyper” projects move in. Local Government Updates (Covington): Covington approved changes and added costs for the new City Hall, including design work, signage, and security contracts, plus a plan to convert nearby land into a parking lot. Public Health Watch: Kentucky’s child overdose panel reports child overdose deaths have doubled in five years, with fentanyl and other substances driving the rise. Business & Redevelopment (Newport): Newport approved a $3.8 million purchase to redevelop downtown parcels, including closing the Brass Ass and Brass Bull.

Education & Workforce: The Prichard Committee released new resources to help Kentuckians understand House Bill 257 as schools roll out major K-12 assessment changes. Adult Learning: A Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education report says thousands of adults who left college early may be closer than they think to finishing a credential. Tax Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky’s real property tax rate dropped for the sixth straight year to 10.3 cents per $100 in 2026. Child Care Capacity: Rep. Samara Heavrin secured a $1.1M earmark for LTADD to expand regional childcare, aiming for 25 new programs and more capacity at existing providers. Public Safety & Local Government: Livingston County accepted a KACo insurance grant for security upgrades; Lyon County Sheriff Brent White warned about storm-damage contractor scams under new state law. Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases tied to iceberg lettuce keep climbing nationwide, with Kentucky included among affected states. Business & Tech: Addiction Recovery Care announced a DOJ civil claims resolution and a separate dispute settlement; Kentucky’s LRC named attorney Katie C. Comstock as its next director.

Kentucky Politics: Former Beshear advisor Rocky Adkins filed to run for governor in 2027, joining Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman in the Democratic field. Medicaid & Health Care: Kentucky families and lawmakers are pushing back on proposed Medicaid waiver reimbursement cuts, warning the changes will cost Kentuckians care. Food & Public Health: The FDA narrowed its cyclospora focus to lettuce tied to Taco Bell locations in several states including Kentucky, while officials say earlier “false positive” testing results have been corrected. Local Economy & Business: A new film is filming in Shelbyville, using Kentucky’s film incentive program and local crews. Community & Culture: Louisville’s Iroquois Park pumpkin show is changing hands, with the Parks Alliance partnering for a new “Jack’s Lantern Glow” fundraiser. State Agriculture & Consumer News: Pawpaw Ale-8 returns for a limited second summer run, pairing Ale-8-One with Kentucky State University’s pawpaw research. Elections & Tech: Kentucky is among states facing pressure over election security and federal overreach, as AI deepfake election laws face their first big test in 2026.

Kentucky Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear says “trusted sources” told him Sen. Mitch McConnell had already died, though McConnell hasn’t been declared dead and no proof has been offered—Beshear called the silence “concerning” and urged McConnell to appear publicly. Food Safety: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taco Bell iceberg lettuce continues to roil consumers after FDA said a Taylor Farms lettuce test was a “false positive,” even as the recall and illness reports spread across multiple states. Public Health: A Louisville-led study finds individualized treatment for opioid withdrawal in newborns (using Eat, Sleep, Console plus symptom-based medication) can speed recovery and shorten hospital stays. Local Economy: Franklin’s Kroger distribution center is moving forward after the city approved a $3.44 million economic development fund disbursement, with hundreds of jobs expected. Education: Franklin County Schools will offer tuition-free full-day pre-K to all district 4-year-olds next year as part of a state pilot. Business/Tech: Compass Group reaffirmed profit guidance after another strong quarter, citing steady growth and new contracts, including work tied to UK education. Data Privacy: Kentucky is set to receive about $259,375 from a multi-state 23andMe genetic data breach settlement.

Kentucky Politics: Rocky Adkins has filed paperwork signaling a run for governor in the 2027 Democratic primary, after stepping down as Gov. Andy Beshear’s senior adviser and getting appointed to the Kentucky State Fair Board. Energy Costs: Sierra Club Kentucky and partners urged the Public Service Commission to open a formal affordability docket to tackle rising residential energy bills, including concerns about extending costly coal plant operations. Food Safety: The FDA reversed a key cyclospora finding tied to Taylor Farms lettuce, calling it a false positive, but the outbreak investigation and recall guidance remain in place as lawsuits mount. State Government: Kentucky’s Soil and Water Conservation Commission will meet July 27 in Louisville (in person and via Zoom). Economy/Business: Big banks’ 2Q results were broadly strong, with credit quality and loan growth helping performance. Local Notes: Pet Passages opened in La Grange, and Louisville Rickhouse Whiskey Co. opened in NuLu. Sports/Community: Western Kentucky Speedway hosted racing action across multiple divisions.