AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Local Rules: Murray City Council voted to impose a one-week moratorium on data center permit applications and set up an ordinance first reading next week, after a packed planning commission hearing drew 19 speakers and officials said they need clear standards before any proposals move forward. More Data Center Governance: Warren County approved a first reading of a zoning ordinance aimed at regulating data centers, including limits on location and protections around utilities, with officials arguing a moratorium alone could invite legal fights. Workforce Development: Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted Team Kentucky workforce training for more than 7,400 Kentuckians through the Bluegrass State Skills Corp., citing recent approvals across major employers. State Budget Moves: A week after announcing cuts to Medicaid and other social services, Beshear said he’s shifting $30 million from projects labeled outdated or ineffective to restore some funding. Healthcare Pricing Transparency: Hospitals in eastern Kentucky responded to a federal push for clearer price information, saying technical issues—not missing data—were behind CMS concerns. Food & Consumer Safety: A frozen pizza recall tied to metal contamination expanded across 21 states, with families reporting a three-week gap before the FDA finalized the recall’s risk classification.

Rail & Jobs: Gov. Andy Beshear announced $1.8 million for five Kentucky railway projects, including track repairs and safety upgrades meant to improve industrial access and spur hiring. Local Governance & Data Centers: Warren County magistrates advanced first-reading data center rules, setting distance limits from property lines and residences and requiring closed-loop cooling plus developer-funded utility costs. Workforce Development: Bluegrass State Skills Corp. approved training funds impacting 7,400 Kentucky workers, including 232 Sumitomo employees in Edmonton. Middle-Class Math: A new analysis using Pew and 2024 Census data puts Kentucky at No. 46 for the income needed to be “middle class,” with Louisville’s range higher than the state average. Tourism & Community: Mayfield’s Downtown Farmers Market is launching “Tuesdays Together,” a summer series with local vendors and food trucks. Federal Policy Crosscurrents: The House failed to pass a short-term FISA Section 702 extension, as lawmakers tied the fight to the Trump administration’s acting DNI appointment of Bill Pulte.

Data Centers & Local Control: Lexington and Louisville moved toward tighter rules on hyperscale data centers, with Lexington suspending approvals via a moratorium and Louisville releasing a draft ordinance—both amid concerns about utility costs and limited job creation. Kentucky Policy & Health: CMS rolled out Medicaid work requirements starting June 1, setting an 80-hour-per-month engagement rule for many adults, while Kentucky also tightened vets’ list timelines and expanded mental health access through the 988 lifeline. Energy & Transportation Costs: Gov. Andy Beshear extended a 10-cent gas tax cut for 33 local jurisdictions through June 30, while Hillview declined to extend—raising questions about road funding impacts. Tourism Economy: Kentucky hit a new tourism record in 2025, generating $14.6B in economic impact and supporting 96,993 jobs. Business & Jobs: EPIC’s Eric King was appointed to the National Petroleum Council, and Ford’s aluminum supplier Novelis restarted a hot mill after fires, helping stabilize F-Series production. Federal Aid: Kentucky received $19M for storm recovery, including Jeffersontown tornado damage, and Perry County could see up to $24M for airport and housing projects.

Energy & Industry: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, using Defense Production Act authorities, a move that’s likely to keep Kentucky’s power and fuel policy debate front and center. Tourism: Kentucky hit record tourism again, with 81.1 million travelers spending $10.4 billion in 2025, driving $14.6 billion in total economic impact for the fourth straight year. Public Policy & Health: Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said the New World screwworm risk to people and the food supply is very low, while state and federal teams monitor detections. Local Government & Infrastructure: KYTC and Illinois DOT are still negotiating funding to keep the Cave-in-Rock ferry running beyond June 30, with a new agreement needed before July 1. Business & Community: OneQuest Health will host the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights in Covington on June 11, spotlighting culturally competent care and the role of CEO Rick Wurth as a state commissioner. Economy Watch: Gas prices stayed volatile in late May, with multiple Kentucky counties reporting standout lows for regular and diesel. Politics & Accountability: Bill Gates told Congress Epstein tried to blackmail him with information about his personal life, calling the meetings a “grave error in judgment.”

Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization plus two new coal plants, with Kentucky projects included under Defense Production Act authority—an “all-of-the-above” push that supporters say protects reliability and jobs, while critics call it an unnecessary subsidy. Local Government & Housing: Covington moved to solicit developers for city-owned parcels to create new homeownership options, while Benton discussed sewer upgrades needed to support a planned housing development—showing how infrastructure approvals can make or break growth. Energy Costs & Relief: Gov. Beshear extended Kentucky’s 10-cent wholesale gas tax cut for 33 cities and counties through June 30, as the broader statewide break is set to expire. Business & Development: Lexington and other areas continue grappling with data center expansion and moratoriums; in Covington, small businesses are bracing for multi-year Brent Spence corridor construction impacts. Health & Consumer Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recall coverage. Workforce & Education: EKU set 2026 home football themes and game times, and Kentucky’s Kids Count report ranked the state 36th for child well-being, citing education, health coverage, child deaths, and housing pressures. Industry & Research: UK researchers won a $650,000 USDA grant to study uterine crowding in modern swine production. Local Economy Watch: A Madisonville Nissan dealership abruptly closed without pay, with employees citing bounced checks and a Nissan-related lawsuit alleging unpaid vehicle financing.

Energy Policy & Costs: Gov. Andy Beshear extended a 10-cent gas tax cut for 33 Kentucky communities through June 30, including Louisville, after the May order was set to expire June 10; areas that didn’t request the extension are set to see prices rise by 10 cents. Fuel Prices Snapshot: GasBuddy reported the lowest regular gas in Nelson County at $3.95 (week ending May 30) and premium lows like $4.77 in Whitley County and $4.84 in Caldwell County, as crude volatility tied to the Iran situation continues to ripple into Kentucky pumps. Data Centers & Local Control: Franklin-area residents protested data centers at the state capitol, while in Cave City a lawsuit says a specific data center plan was submitted before a one-year moratorium was adopted—raising questions about process and transparency. Higher Ed & Enrollment: Kentucky State University expects a 20% drop in undergrads by spring 2027 as tougher academic/financial rules and program cuts take effect. Business & Retail: Publix announced five new store openings across Florida and the Southeast; Chick-fil-A opened its first Florida delivery-only “ghost kitchen” in Miami’s Wynwood. Public Works: U.S. House committee approval clears about $85 million in Eastern Kentucky projects, including $7 million for Southern Water and Sewer tank repairs. Construction Compliance: Bowling Green-Warren County Contractor’s Licensing Board warned the public about an unlicensed seal-coating business, Kentucky Pavement Seal & Coating.

Data Centers & Local Economy: A Lexington group called “No Kentucky Data Centers” is organizing after the former Lexmark site on New Circle Road was sold to DartPoints, arguing AI-driven profits could mean higher local power costs and accountability gaps. Local Governance: In Northern Kentucky, KYTC paused the “road diet” on Dixie Highway after pushback, opting to move ahead with summer resurfacing instead—an outcome residents said could protect nearby businesses. Education & Workforce: Kentucky lawmakers are in interim committee work in Frankfort, with economic development, workforce, tourism and small business priorities—plus a spotlight on Eastern Kentucky job creation and infrastructure. Housing Affordability: A guest column warns Kentucky’s housing costs are reshaping family budgets, hurting hiring and pushing young adults out. Public Records: Commentary says Kentucky’s open records protections are eroding via HB 520 and a Supreme Court narrowing of what counts as a public record. Business & Courts: A bourbon company tied to The Kentucky Castle faces $1.5M in lawsuits over alleged unpaid bills for design and consulting work. Energy Costs: A report says extreme heat is now treated as a design baseline for the grid, raising reliability and infrastructure pressure. Agriculture: Kentucky State University research finds supplemental nitrogen may not pay off for drought-prone, low- to moderate-yield soybean conditions.

Energy & Infrastructure: East Kentucky Power Cooperative broke ground on a new $500 million Liberty Station natural gas plant in Casey County, aimed at boosting grid reliability and serving about 95,000 Kentucky homes annually. Broadband Expansion: Kinetic says it has passed 2 million fiber premises across its 18-state footprint, with the milestone reached in the greater Lexington area. Public Safety & Local Business: Charter named Chris Hacker head of corporate security, replacing retiring Jane Rhodes, as the telecom firm updates its security leadership. Community & Health: Republic Bank hosted its sixth annual Juneteenth celebration at the Republic Bank Foundation YMCA, pairing culture with health and education partners. Education & Kids: Kentucky Kids Count reports the state ranks 36th, with education still a strength but reading and math proficiency slipping for fourth and eighth graders. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy price reports show diesel and midgrade prices in several Kentucky counties hovering around the mid-$4 range in the week ending May 30, with volatility tied to global oil and refinery conditions. Sports Business: Golden Tempo won the 2026 Belmont Stakes, completing the Derby-to-Belmont sweep and adding another Kentucky racing headline for the business of horse racing.

Kentucky Politics & Jobs: Gov. Andy Beshear is in Iowa to back Democratic nominee Rob Sand, arguing his own wins in a redder state prove Democrats can compete statewide and flip the governor’s seat in 2026. Local Business Disruption: Covington’s Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is triggering ramp closures starting June 8, with a nearby bookstore owner saying the traffic hit is forcing a relocation. Bourbon Industry: Larrikin Bourbon Co. brought home multiple ASCOT Awards (Double Platinum, Platinum and Gold) and named Susanna Westerfield as Director of Hospitality and Brand Engagement to lean harder into bourbon tourism and customer experiences. State Revenue Watch: Kentucky collected $221.2 million in insurance premiums sales taxes in 2024, up from $212.2 million the year before. Energy & Consumer Costs: GasBuddy reports show Kentucky fuel prices staying volatile, with several counties posting “lowest” regular, midgrade, premium and E85 figures for the week ending May 30. Data Center Policy: Murray planners are moving toward local data center zoning rules, aiming to create “guardrails” before any proposals arrive.

Belmont Stakes Business & Sports: Golden Tempo closed from 12 lengths back to win the 158th Belmont Stakes, adding another major payday to Kentucky’s racing spotlight and extending trainer Cherie DeVaux’s historic run as the first woman to win multiple Triple Crown races. Local Planning & Development: Grant County’s Planning Commission reviewed map amendments and plats tied to a proposed truck stop, gas station, fast-food and strip-center concept in Corinth, plus another development on Humes Ridge Road in Williamstown. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy data show Kentucky regular gas averaging $4.16 for the week ending May 30, with Scott County’s low at $3.69 and Marshall County’s low regular at $3.89; diesel prices averaged $5.17 statewide, with Campbell County’s low at $5.19. Consumer Spending Pressure: Retailers say shoppers are still spending, but are subtly changing routines—especially around fuel—while economists warn cutbacks could broaden as higher costs stack up. Workforce & Training: Logan County Schools is starting a roughly $10.4 million expansion to its Career and Technical Center to add diesel and plumbing programs for fall 2027, funded through an expansion grant. Regional Economic Effort: SOAR’s new leadership says a nuclear-industry training partnership has hired 52 workers who stay in Eastern Kentucky, aiming to curb brain drain.

Nursing Home Watch: CMS data show Signature Healthcare of Elizabethtown (Hardin County) owned by SHC KY Holdings since 2014 earned a 5-star overall rating in Q1 2026, with no fines/penalties and 117.3 residents served daily on 124 beds. Nursing Home Watch: In Warren County, Signature HealthCARE of Bowling Green also posted a 4-star overall CMS rating in Q1 2026 under SHC KY Holdings, with no fines/penalties and 139.3 residents served daily on 176 beds. Nursing Home Watch: Owensboro’s Wellington Parc earned a 4-star overall CMS rating in Q1 2026, with no fines/penalties, averaging 66.9 residents served daily on 80 beds. Consumer Spending: Retailers say U.S. shoppers are still spending, but are subtly changing routines—especially around gas—and cutting back on discretionary trips like clothing and furniture, with pressure expected to grow as tax refunds fade. Tech/Policy: The U.S. Senate blocked a procedural vote to extend FISA Section 702, pushing the program toward a June 12 expiration; a House anti-CBDC rider is now stuck in legislative limbo. Local Economy & Community: Volunteers joined Paducah’s Four Rivers Clean Sweep to remove trash along the riverfront, citing the economic and recreation value of a clean Ohio River. Sports & Kentucky Business: Golden Tempo won the 2026 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, adding $1.2 million to his Derby earnings and cementing trainer Cherie DeVaux’s historic run as the first woman to win two Triple Crown races.

Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy data for the week ending May 30 shows Kentucky premium prices averaging $5.16 a gallon, down from the prior week, with standout lows like $4.54 in Bell County and $4.67 in Letcher County. Diesel Snapshot: Diesel averaged $5.17 statewide, with low points including $4.81 in Clark County and $4.89 in Daviess County. Midgrade & Alternative Fuels: Midgrade averaged $4.74 statewide; lows included $4.09 in Bullitt County and $4.12 in Christian County. E85 averaged $3.73 statewide, with a low of $3.54 in Boyle County. Belmont Stakes Business Angle: The 158th Belmont Stakes (June 6, 7:04 p.m. ET on FOX) is set at Saratoga Race Course for a third straight year, with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (9-2) and Derby runner-up Renegade (2-1) among the top contenders. Local Workforce/Networking: North Kentucky’s week ending June 13 features multiple business and networking workshops through the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, plus Toastmasters at the Kenton County Public Library (Erlanger). Health Inspections: Jefferson County’s Health Department reported 43 food inspections for the week of May 24, with scores ranging from 75 to 100. Energy Policy: The Trump administration plans nearly $700 million for coal projects, including Defense Production Act funding for existing coal plants in Kentucky and neighboring states.

Energy & Jobs: President Trump says the federal government will spend $700M to build or refurbish coal power infrastructure using the Defense Production Act, aiming to extend 13 plants and add two more; Kentucky is listed among the states receiving DPA funding. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Pikeville signed a preliminary 120-day agreement with MD Squared Power LLC to explore a potential data center at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park, with no land transfer and no final commitment. Business & Compliance: Kroger agreed to a $2.5M DOJ settlement over Clean Air Act allegations tied to refrigerant leaks, and says it will spend $100M over three years to reduce coolant leaks and upgrade refrigeration systems. Healthcare Oversight: CMS reports mixed results across Kentucky nursing homes, including a 2-star rating for Somerwoods (Pulaski) and a 1-star rating for Kensington (Hardin), while several others earned 5-star scores. Politics & Courts: A judge issued a new arrest warrant for former Gov. Matt Bevin in a family court case after he failed to fully turn over financial records; his adopted son Jonah Bevin spoke about the impact. Health Policy: A medical cannabis dispensary opened in Bowling Green, expanding local access as Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive order adds qualifying conditions. Community & Housing: A new higher-ground neighborhood, Chestnut Ridge, opened in Knott County with 56 flood-survivor homes built for affordability and energy efficiency.

Belmont Stakes Watch: Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo heads to Saratoga for the 158th Belmont on Saturday, with the race likely shaped by whether a pace materializes for his closer style versus Derby runner-up Renegade. State Courts & Accountability: A judge ordered another arrest warrant for former Gov. Matt Bevin after he missed a deadline to turn over financial records in a family court child-support dispute, setting up 60 days in jail unless he complies. Agriculture: Kentucky lawmakers heard a briefing on farm strengths and risks, including steady cash receipts but pressure from working capital declines, input-cost uncertainty, weak grain prices, and barriers for young farmers. Energy & Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile statewide in late May, with multiple counties reporting “lowest” regular or diesel prices around the mid-$4 range, tied to global oil and refinery conditions. Data Centers & Policy: Kentucky’s neighbors are debating data-center growth and ratepayer protections, with Illinois pausing new tax incentives while pushing for reforms. Local Business: Four Henry County farms were accepted into the Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market program, giving consumers a “trusted signal” of Kentucky-grown products.

Data Centers & Power Demand: A new state report warns Kentucky’s data-center boom could push electricity demand beyond what the state can generate, while Louisville communities debate ratepayer protections and draft rules that are still overdue. Local Economic Development: Lexington’s UofL launched a community webinar series on data centers after a zoning moratorium was tabled, and DartPoints plans to expand a former Lexmark site in Lexington for cloud and AI computing. Energy Policy: President Trump announced $700M in federal support for coal plants and export infrastructure, including Defense Production Act funding aimed at keeping multiple coal facilities operating in Kentucky and other states. Agriculture & Jobs: Farm bankruptcies hit a six-year high as rising input costs squeeze operators, with Kentucky farmers saying the stress is building. Healthcare & Seniors: CMS ownership and staffing/care ratings were detailed for several Kentucky nursing homes, including Hillcrest (3-star) and Greenwood (2-star). Community & Events: Lexington expects thousands for Railbird, and Downtown Frankfort’s Bourbon Week runs June 12-19. Politics: The U.S. House voted to curb Trump’s Iran war powers in a rare bipartisan rebuke. Business Climate: Kentucky lobbying spending for the 2026 session totaled about $13.77M, with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce the top spender.

Road Infrastructure: A new analysis flags that Kentucky’s major roadways still need urgent repair, warning that expiring federal road funding could slow safety and shipping-cost improvements. Energy & Consumer Costs: GasBuddy data shows diesel and regular gas prices varied across Kentucky in the week ending May 30, with Union County’s lowest diesel at $4.89 and Casey County’s lowest regular at $3.99—another reminder of how fast fuel costs can swing. Economic Development: Gov. Beshear kept up the state’s speed-to-market push with multiple site, workforce, and expansion announcements, including a $43 million E. Hofmann Packaging facility in Hopkins County (164 jobs) and new investments tied to manufacturing and logistics across several counties. Workforce & Training: Bluegrass State Skills Corp approvals would support nearly 2,300 Kentuckians with industry-specific training. Public Safety & Health: A Kentucky addiction treatment CEO faces federal wire fraud and money laundering charges tied to alleged misuse of COVID-era IRS tax credits. Policy Watch: Kentucky’s data-center debate continues as a state energy planning report warns that electric customers could absorb infrastructure costs without clear rules.