AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Utilities: Storms knocked out power for thousands in Calloway County, with WKRECC reporting about 3,600 outages and crews dispatched. Flood Recovery: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky’s FEMA flood-relief request is a “slam dunk,” after touring damage in Cumberland and Madison counties where heavy rain left deaths and widespread flooding. Energy Regulation: The Kentucky Public Service Commission opened a management-audit case for Kentucky Power, citing “troubling” planning and decision-making concerns. Opioid Spending: A new report says most local opioid settlement money remains unspent in Kentucky, with about $1.7 million flagged as problematic. Healthcare Fraud: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman announced nearly $11 million in Medicaid fraud uncovered in a national takedown, with multiple Kentucky defendants charged. Local Business & Community: Purple Toad Winery & Distillery opened a new Bowling Green location, investing $5 million and aiming to build a local events hub. Economic Development & Infrastructure: Lancaster City Council will consider a data center resolution and updated building code adoptions. Heat & Consumer Impact: A Northern Kentucky family says a home warranty delayed their AC repair during the heat wave, highlighting pressure on service timelines. Transportation: Kentucky is urging drivers to celebrate July 4 responsibly, citing past holiday crashes involving impaired drivers.

Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Andy Beshear announced $5.5 million in bridge awards statewide, including $315,000 for Daviess County to replace the Old Highway 54 bridge and $480,000 for Calloway County to replace the Wrather Road bridge, part of the Team Kentucky County and City Bridge Improvement Program. Public Safety: Owensboro police say two people were injured in a Park Plaza Drive shooting; investigators are still working the case after a suspect allegedly fired a single round during an argument. State Oversight & Energy: Kentucky’s Public Service Commission opened an investigation into “troubling” Kentucky Power planning and management practices, including scrutiny of decisions tied to the Mitchell Power Plant. Healthcare Policy: Kentucky lawmakers softened a Medicaid bill that would have added co-pays and work-related requirements, aiming to keep coverage while meeting federal expectations. Gun Law Changes: A Louisville homicide victim’s mother says new concealed-carry age and sentencing changes leave her uneasy, especially over how violent offenders may be released. Politics & Transparency: As Sen. Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized nearly three weeks after a June emergency, Kentucky Democrats and supporters are pressing for clearer health disclosures. Tourism & Jobs: A new report says Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting about 8,600 jobs. Local Governance & Growth: Butler County approved a data center moratorium, joining other West Kentucky counties amid legal challenges and community concerns.

Kentucky Agriculture Funding: The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $3.69 million for agricultural diversification and rural development, including grants for on-farm markets, feed and meat processing upgrades, and a new farmers’ market pavilion in Middlesboro. Energy & Utilities Relief: West Kentucky Allied Services teamed with Atmos Energy for a natural gas utility assistance event in Paducah, helping customers with disconnections or notices apply credits on the spot. Workforce Training: Elizabethtown Community and Technical College launched a new advanced manufacturing program, Automation, Industrial and Robotics Technology (AIRT), built from existing tracks and shaped by employer input. Public Finance & Safety: Calloway County received a KACo Insurance Grant to improve emergency eyewash stations across county facilities, aiming to cut accidents and insurance risk. Local Budgets: Bullitt County Fiscal Court approved a $43 million 2026-27 budget, cutting $2.1 million from the prior year while funding EMS equipment and pay raises. Business Moves: Endries International acquired Erlanger-based Blue Chip Engineered Products, expanding Endries’ custom fastener and engineered component capabilities. Healthcare Branding: Flaget Memorial Hospital in Bardstown is renaming to CommonSpirit Saint Joseph Hospital – Bardstown as part of a statewide brand alignment. Community & Veterans: Project DieHard held a community engagement gathering in Paducah focused on veteran suicide awareness and support.

Fraud & Courts: A Louisville woman, Tracy Davenport, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for a pool-installation scheme that took large down payments from more than 50 customers and used the money for other purposes, with nearly $3.4 million in restitution ordered. Trade & Enforcement: U.S. Customs seized 375 counterfeit luxury watches at the Port of Louisville, with a fake retail value topping $54 million, underscoring how often counterfeiters target Kentucky routes. Public Safety & Health: Kentucky officials urged pet owners to avoid walking dogs when temperatures hit 90 degrees or more, warning about dangerous heat and hot pavement. Workforce & Education: Lindsey Wilson University named Courtney Carter to lead its new sport performance major, the first in Kentucky, aimed at turning athlete experience into structured academic study. Local Development: Newport cleared final financing for an Ann Street housing project, approving up to $7 million in industrial revenue bonds for 11 owner-occupied homes. Healthcare Access: Madisonville Community College expanded its paramedic program support with AHEC scholarships to help address western Kentucky EMS staffing shortages. Business & Growth: PowerUp and Kempower opened a high-performance EV charging site in Manchester, Kentucky, as part of a broader Southeast rollout. Community Safety: Barren River Area Safe Space launched a mobile advocacy unit to reach domestic violence survivors in areas without offices.

Economic Development & Jobs: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky earned a Silver Shovel Award again from Area Development, citing major private investment and GE Appliances’ manufacturing honor. Bourbon Tourism: National Bourbon Week drew visitors to Nelson County and Bardstown-area distilleries with events and tastings. Workforce & Education: Midway University will launch an online Computer Science degree for Fall 2026, and UK opened a $60 million Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building to expand teaching and advising. Local Infrastructure: Casey County lawmakers delivered $12.5 million to Liberty to expand wastewater capacity, while Liberty-Casey EDA is exploring repurposing former airport land for potential new businesses and about 150 jobs. Energy Costs & Affordability: Consumer and clean-energy groups urged the Kentucky PSC to study drivers of rising utility bills, including data-center impacts. Business Growth in Kentucky: Willett Distillery filled its first barrel at a new Springfield facility, with plans for more expansion and jobs. Healthcare Business Impact: IKS Health reported $12 million in annual cash impact for Axia Women’s Health tied to coding improvements.

Workforce & Training: The Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board won a three-year National Dislocated Worker Grant to retrain nearly 300 laid-off workers hit by BlueOval SK’s shuttering, plus other regional layoffs, using Kentucky Career Center services and on-the-job training. Affordable Housing: A new Kentucky-focused argument says the state can’t keep delaying affordable housing action as rent and mortgage costs squeeze families, worsen hiring, and push workers out of communities. Public Education Oversight: Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball released a special examination of Jefferson County Public Schools, citing years of financial and governance problems, including a “culture of fear” and lack of cohesive planning. Health Policy & Medicaid: A coalition of Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block Medicaid work requirements, arguing new guidance improperly narrows who qualifies as “medically frail.” Local Safety Net: Springhaven’s Elizabethtown domestic violence shelter avoided closure after a partnership with Caritas Care Solutions, adding transitional beds and 24/7 crisis response. Opioid Settlement Spending: A new report says most Kentucky opioid settlement money routed to local governments has not been spent, raising questions about planning and follow-through. Business & Growth: Kentucky’s utilities leaders highlighted planning for data center growth, while UK Athletics announced a three-year partnership with Hoot App to boost fan engagement.

Solar Investment: Waaree Solar Americas won a 236.22 MW utility-scale solar module supply contract for a project in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, with deliveries planned for FY28; the company will make N-Type G12R modules in Brookshire, Texas, underscoring the push for “Made-in-America” clean-energy components. Food & Consumer Safety: USDA’s FSIS issued a public health alert for Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer in multiple states, citing an undeclared egg allergen and misbranding; affected lots were distributed to Kentucky and others, and consumers are urged to discard or return the product. Local Business: Skyline Chili reopened in Covington with a new parlor at Fifth and Philadelphia—replacing the long-running Third Street location—adding drive-thru service and updated space while keeping the brand’s 1950s-inspired look. Elections & Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states may count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive afterward, leaving Kentucky’s current absentee deadline unchanged. Retail & Community: Kuegel’s Creamery is bringing Chaney’s Dairy Barn ice cream to Owensboro-area events via a new Kentucky-made ice cream trailer. Transportation: The Cave-In-Rock Ferry will suspend operations Tuesday night unless a new operating contract is signed, as the owner says proposed funding terms don’t cover rising costs.

Data Centers & Local Planning: A developer, Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC, sued Cave City and Barren County over a 12-month data center moratorium, seeking an injunction to lift the ban ahead of a July hearing. Transportation & Construction: Brent Spence Bridge corridor work is driving more permanent ramp closures on the Ohio side that will still affect Northern Kentucky drivers, including a U.S. 50/South Street Viaduct to Second Street closure and an I-75 South to Second Street ramp shutting late Monday night. Food Safety: USDA issued a public health alert for mislabeled raw chicken-breast products containing undeclared egg allergen, shipped to Fred Meyer and Kroger stores including in Kentucky—consumers are told to discard or return the affected items. Retail & Local Economy: Skyline Chili opened a new Covington location with a drive-thru, replacing an older spot and partnering with The Point Arc for the grand opening. Kentucky Business Growth: 502 Film is accepting applications for its second annual Front Porch Film Lab, a 10-day Louisville incubator for Kentucky filmmakers with stipends and mentorship. Courts & Governance: The Kentucky Supreme Court backed Gov. Beshear in rulings striking down GOP lawmakers’ moves that shifted executive power to other officials. Public Support & Costs: Kentucky Center for Economic Policy says about 42,000 Kentuckians lost SNAP benefits since HR1, raising pressure on local food banks and retailers.

Kentucky Flood Response: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky is still in search-and-rescue mode after severe flooding, with 18 counties and cities under local emergency declarations and 4 casualties reported; he’s also pushed non-emergency callers to a state warning line and announced emergency pharmacy refills and the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief fund. Local Business Impact: In Metcalfe County, Edmonton-area flooding damaged roads, school property and businesses, including Honeysuckle Consignment Shop, where the owner estimates about $10,000 in damage after water surged in minutes. Public Safety & Communications: Murray State University’s Amateur Radio Club held an ARRL Field Day-style demo to show how ham radio can support emergency communications when internet and other infrastructure fail. State Finance Recognition: Kentucky’s County Employees Retirement System (CERS) and Kentucky Retirement Systems (KRS) earned top reporting honors from the Government Finance Officers Association for FY2025 annual financial reporting. Healthcare Leadership: Beacon Health System named Jamie Easterling president of Memorial Hospital of South Bend, bringing more than 30 years of hospital operations experience, including Kentucky ARH leadership. Energy & Industry Watch: International Paper plans to close or wind down multiple North American packaging operations, including ending preprint work in Richwood, Kentucky, by the end of Q3 2026.

Flood Disaster: Kentucky’s Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency after flash flooding killed at least four people, with rescues underway and more rain expected; officials urged residents to avoid driving after dark as saturated ground raises the risk of worsening conditions. Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC’s fight with Kentucky over Kalshi and Polymarket continues as regulators press for tighter oversight while Polymarket reports losses rising to about $3.1M after a frontend vendor hack and refund plans face scrutiny. State Finance Spotlight: Kentucky’s County Employees Retirement System (CERS) and Kentucky Retirement Systems (KRS) earned top marks from the Government Finance Officers Association for FY2025 financial reporting, with work compiled by the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority. Economic Development / Jobs: Space Tango is set to expand its Lexington HQ with a $7.4M investment and 25 new high-wage jobs, as state and federal partners back additional site and building development funding across multiple counties. International Paper Restructuring: International Paper announced North American packaging footprint changes, including ending preprint work in Richwood, Kentucky, as it streamlines operations and targets completion by Q3 2026. Gun Purchase Privacy Bill: A GOP-led federal proposal would limit payment processors’ ability to track lawful gun purchases, drawing praise from Second Amendment groups and setting up a new policy fight in Congress.

Flooding & Emergency Response: Gov. Andy Beshear declared a statewide state of emergency as heavy rain and flooding hit central Kentucky, with reports of multiple deaths and rescues across counties including Madison and Bullitt; officials urged residents to avoid driving after dark and to use 911 only for life-threatening emergencies. Local Business & Community: Kentucky Craft Bash returned to Louisville’s Waterfront Park, bringing 50+ Kentucky breweries and about 150 samples, with proceeds supporting the Kentucky Guild of Brewers and the independent craft brewing scene. Healthcare & Medicaid Impact: Cuts to Kentucky Medicaid reimbursement starting Aug. 1 are expected to pressure nonprofits statewide, including the Marshall County Exceptional Center, which says Medicaid waivers are a meaningful part of its budget even as community support has dipped. Education & Food Services: Monroe County School District named Emmanuel “Manny” Gomez Santa as director of food services, bringing U.S. Army experience and food-safety credentials. Sports Business Angle: OKC’s draft picks include Kentucky wing Otega Oweh, adding another Kentucky-to-pro pipeline story for the region’s sports economy.

Flood Response: Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency for Kentucky as widespread flooding from heavy rain hit multiple counties, with officials urging residents to avoid driving after dark and reporting at least one death while fatalities are being confirmed. Public Safety & Local Impacts: Flash flooding was reported across central Kentucky, including flooded roads and blown transformers in Garrard County, with Richmond and Mercer County also seeing rising water that disrupted homes and businesses. Economic Development: The Nature Conservancy acquired 1,700+ acres in Eastern Kentucky to protect a key Appalachian natural corridor, with the land expected to be transferred to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for low-impact public use. Jobs & Investment: Space Tango plans to expand in Lexington with a $7.4 million project and preliminarily approved incentives tied to creating 25 full-time jobs. Infrastructure Planning: KYTC said it is pausing a proposed Clark Memorial Bridge lane reconfiguration while it focuses on I-65 work through Aug. 1, after Jeffersonville raised concerns about traffic impacts. Education & Energy Savings: SWEPCO delivered a $49,505 incentive check to support energy-efficient upgrades for Kilgore ISD’s new high school, targeting major annual electricity savings. Water Projects: Eastern Kentucky counties Knott, Perry and Wolfe are set to receive more than $6 million in federal funds for water and wastewater improvements. Business & Community: Up There, a new rooftop lounge in Covington, is set to open June 27 as part of the city’s ongoing downtown revitalization. Local Governance: Pike County Fiscal Court adopted its 2026-2027 budget totaling $113.1 million and advanced economic development funding tied to the Wolfpit Industrial and Technology Park.

Kentucky Supreme Court Ruling: The state’s high court struck down 2021 and 2022 laws that shifted appointment power away from Gov. Andy Beshear, saying the changes “fragment” executive oversight and leave the governor without meaningful authority. State Budget & Infrastructure: Henry County Fiscal Court approved an $8.8M budget, including a $1.3M sewer project, while also moving opioid litigation participation forward. Education Funding Review: Kentucky’s Postsecondary Education Working Group kicked off a review of the performance funding model, with monthly meetings through November and recommendations due Dec. 1. Public Safety & Crime: Two former Winchester Youth Soccer League board members were arrested on alleged banking-related charges tied to a months-long KSP investigation. Agriculture Costs: Farmers are feeling pressure as rising input costs push farm bankruptcies to a six-year high, with fertilizer and fuel costs cited as major drivers. Immigration Fallout: An AP report highlights fear among Haitian communities after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status protections. Local Business & Community: Kentucky’s disability providers warn Medicaid reimbursement cuts could ripple across waiver programs and day centers, affecting services for more than 40 provider groups.

Kentucky Economic Development: Space Tango is expanding its Lexington operations with a nearly $7.5 million investment and 25 new jobs, supported by state incentive approvals tied to wage and hiring targets. Energy & Utilities: The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Duke Energy up to $61.8 million for reliability and refurbishment at Kentucky and North Carolina coal plants, bringing total DOE funding for the sites to nearly $96 million. Public Safety Tech: The FCC adopted new rules for Next Generation 911 reliability and redundancy as Kentucky moves toward a statewide NG911 rollout by 2027. Housing & Permits: Kentucky’s single-family building permits lag in the region, with May permit activity showing affordability pressure signals. Local Government & Finance: Louisville approved an amended 2026-2027 budget and a major $62M state-financed development milestone, while other local bodies weigh budgets and staffing needs. Workforce & Community: Meade County is hiring for E-911 telecommunicator roles, and The People’s Bank marked June Dairy Day with community events highlighting local agriculture. Legal & Accountability: A letter to the editor calls for investigation into a tiny home business’s compliance and customer handling, while separate reporting highlights ongoing disputes over municipal debt and wastewater obligations.

Supreme Court & Consumer/Ag Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court sided with Bayer in the Roundup weedkiller fight, blocking thousands of state failure-to-warn lawsuits and limiting how far states can require new pesticide warnings. Federal Food Assistance: A new USDA SNAP report says Kentucky’s payment error rate is 4.7% (better than the national 10.62%), with South Dakota leading accuracy—important as federal penalties kick in for states above a 6% threshold. Kentucky Education & Legal Costs: Fayette County Public Schools’ leadership turmoil is escalating: Superintendent Demetrus Liggins filed whistleblower complaints, and attorneys warn the dispute could turn into a million-dollar-plus legal fight. Louisville Budget & Local Investment: Louisville Metro Council approved the amended 2026-2027 budget, adding funding for housing, paving, parks maintenance, and public safety tracking. Economic Development Watch: Gov. Beshear said Ford is considering a possible $2B expansion at the Kentucky Truck Plant in east Louisville. Water & Drought Impacts: Casey County is tightening water use as Lake Liberty hits critically low levels, forcing at least one business to haul water. Infrastructure Grant Path: Covington advanced steps toward funding the Singing Bridge replacement, including a BIP grant application seeking major federal match. Local Business Reliability: Kinetic launched AlwaysOn Wi‑Fi with eero Signal, aiming to keep customers online during outages. Sports & Community: Louisville athletics lost longtime sports information director Kenny Klein, while Kentucky’s Steve Rogers was inducted into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame.

SNAP Oversight: A new federal hearing zeroed in on waste, fraud, and abuse in SNAP, with testimony warning about EBT skimming and retailer misuse, while USDA says SNAP payment errors hit $10.1B in fiscal 2025, raising the odds of tougher state penalties. State Economic Development: Gov. Andy Beshear announced Space Tango’s $7.4M Lexington expansion creating 25 jobs, plus $6.1M in KPDI site-and-building support across five counties. Louisville Real Estate Finance: Kentucky’s Economic Development Finance Authority approved up to $62M in state TIF incentives for Louisville’s $1.4B One Park project, a key step toward construction. Healthcare & Courts: Kentucky Supreme Court reinstated a $3.5M judgment in Dr. John Farmer’s contract dispute with Baptist Health Madisonville. Local Government Services: Franklin City moved to avert a sanitation lapse with an emergency meeting, while Logan County expanded ambulance coverage in a $530,500 Com-Care deal. Immigration Impact in Kentucky: A SCOTUS ruling could disrupt deportation protections for Haitians and Syrians, putting hundreds of Louisville-area refugees at risk again. Workplace Safety Funding: Public Citizen urged lawmakers to reject proposed OSHA cuts, warning reduced funding could endanger workers. Data Centers: Woodford County moved to draft an ordinance blocking data centers in unincorporated areas, citing quality-of-life and resource strain concerns.