AGP Executive Report

AI & Energy Investment in Western Kentucky: Brookfield and NextEra plan a roughly $100B AI data center campus at the DOE’s former Paducah site, targeting more than 1.2 GW of compute and dedicated on-site power generation, with partners including Big Rivers Electric, Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative and Paducah Power System. Workforce & Training: Madisonville Community College unveiled its first electric training aircraft—Pipistrel Velis Electro—marking a milestone for KCTCS’s aviation program and expanding hands-on pilot training. Public Health & Food Costs: Feeding America data shows food insecurity is rising in Kentuckiana, with Dare to Care reporting the highest levels in its history. Disaster Aid Push: Kentucky’s congressional delegation asked President Trump to approve a major disaster declaration tied to June flooding, tornadoes and storms that damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure. Local Business & Community: Warren County Water District celebrated the opening of its new headquarters as the region’s growth drives higher demand for water and wastewater services. Sports & Events: Special Olympics Kentucky Region 1 softball tournament is set for Paducah, with state berths on the line. Politics & Accountability: Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing led by Kentucky’s Rand Paul, renewing calls for contempt and potential legal fallout.

McConnell Health Pressure: Gov. Andy Beshear says photos and written updates aren’t enough and demands Sen. Mitch McConnell prove he can still serve or resign, arguing he hasn’t appeared publicly or participated in Senate business since his June hospitalization. Bardstown Bourbon Tourism: Boundary Oak Distillery is opening a new downtown tasting room in Bardstown, adding another stop for visitors in the Bourbon Capital. Data Center Backlash: Campbellsburg’s council unanimously approved a resolution to pause data center applications and approvals, while a separate legal fight continues over a proposed hyperscale project near Mammoth Cave. Regional Public Safety Hiring: A North Central Kentucky Drug Task Force has narrowed 14 director applicants to screen the top seven next month. Healthcare Fraud: Kentucky Addiction Centers executives and managers were sentenced in a $4.8M Medicaid/Medicare fraud case involving alleged upcoding and prescriptions tied to a relative’s credentials. Spirits Deal Watch: Sazerac says it will keep pursuing a takeover of Louisville-based Brown-Forman after two rejections of a $15B offer. Fauci vs. Rand Paul: Rand Paul subpoenaed Dr. Anthony Fauci for a Senate hearing and released more than 1,000 pages of Fauci diary material ahead of the showdown. Gas Prices: Kentucky average gas rose 13.6 cents to $3.64 per gallon, per GasBuddy. Hemp Policy: Rep. Andy Barr introduced the Lawful Hemp Protection Act to set a federal framework for hemp-derived products while protecting Kentucky farmers and restricting sales to adults. Digital Innovation: U of L launched the Kentucky Center for Digital Innovation with $10M in state funding to advance cybersecurity and AI research and workforce development.

Transportation & Infrastructure: I-65 through Louisville will reopen to traffic Wednesday, three days ahead of schedule, restoring two lanes each direction as the I-65 Central Corridor Project finishes accelerated bridge replacements. State Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear urges Sen. Mitch McConnell to release more health details or resign, citing his continued absence from work. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge remanded a UPS wrongful-death lawsuit tied to the Louisville airport crash back to Kentucky court, rejecting UPS’s bid to move the case to federal jurisdiction. Business & Finance: Kentucky First Federal Bancorp declared a $0.05 quarterly dividend payable Sept. 21, with First Federal MHC waiving its right to receive dividends for the next 12 months. Workforce & Education: A new CPE report says Kentucky produces skilled graduates, but many tech grads leave for higher pay elsewhere; it recommends stronger retention efforts in computer science, information systems, and engineering. Food Safety: Health officials continue tracking the cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce and a separate salmonella outbreak linked to recalled shell eggs, with timing differences helping distinguish the illnesses. Local Economy: Prestonsburg earned Kentucky Trail Town designation, a long-running effort aimed at boosting tourism and local commerce. Health & Community: Calloway County’s rainfall has flipped from drought conditions to about 2 inches above normal for July after repeated storm systems.

UPS court fight: Families suing UPS over a Nov. 2025 Louisville plane crash say a federal judge rejected UPS’s claim it isn’t Kentucky-based, keeping the case on track in federal court. Healthcare governance: Kentucky nurses are pressing the Kentucky Nurses Association board for transparency after the CEO’s departure, arguing silence undermines trust and accountability. Medicaid fraud: Addiction Recovery Care agreed to a $16M+ settlement with the DOJ over Kentucky Medicaid fraud allegations, resolving claims under the False Claims Act. Education & AI: A national school-district wave of social media lawsuits continues, with Kentucky’s Breathitt County Schools cited as an early bellwether settlement; meanwhile, Kentucky healthcare leaders warn against AI replacing nurses. Energy & utilities: Hopkinsville is weighing proposed data center zoning rules amid public pushback over power, noise, water use, and infrastructure costs. Business & jobs: ISCO Industries opened a $12.75M Riverport facility in Louisville, creating 50 jobs. Public policy: Kentucky Gov. Beshear reversed 4% Medicaid provider cuts, easing pressure on access. Food safety: The Cyclospora outbreak keeps expanding, with Kentucky tied to lettuce-linked cases and ongoing recalls. Tobacco manufacturing: Philip Morris opened its $1.2B Aurora, Colorado ZYN campus, expanding domestic production. Politics: Sen. Mitch McConnell remains not medically cleared to leave rehab and will miss Fancy Farm.

Medicaid Budget Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear says an “unanticipated” corporate income tax payment and revenue surplus will reverse 4% Kentucky Medicaid provider cuts, delaying any reimbursement reductions through the end of the next fiscal year and also funding senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots. Manufacturing & Jobs: Louisville’s ISCO Industries cut the ribbon on a new $12.75 million Riverport facility, doubling space and creating 50 full-time jobs. Energy Infrastructure: Atmos Energy will start two Dawson Springs pipeline replacement projects, including bare-steel main work affecting dozens of service lines. Local Business & Growth: Louisville-based ISCO expands; Riverport facility expected to bring about 20 truckloads of pipe in and out daily. Public Safety & Privacy: Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and others push back on Flock Safety-style license plate reader surveillance, seeking limits on deployment and funding. Health & Consumer Impact: The cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps widening nationally, with former FDA chief Scott Gottlieb warning it’s not fully under control as cases climb. Politics & Governance: Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers rules out a 2027 governor run, while Sen. Mitch McConnell remains in rehab and continues missing Senate votes. Community & Culture: Grace Christian Church opened “The Well,” a 23,000-square-foot athletic and community center in Lexington.

Kentucky Politics & Governance: Questions about Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health kept swirling after Republican colleagues said they haven’t spoken with him directly, with updates coming through intermediaries rather than personal contact—while his absence continues to complicate Senate work. Local Power & Utilities: 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. Public Safety: A 47-year-old man died after a motorcycle crash in Boone County; investigators cited speed and alcohol and said he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Business & Growth: WILDE, the high-protein snack maker, opened a 130,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Winchester to triple production and add nearly 200 jobs. Community & Housing: Construction began on Ann Street Limited in Newport, a nonprofit-led infill project of 11 homes with EV chargers, targeting the upper $500,000s. Civic Recognition: Seven Kentuckians were honored by the Legal Services Corporation for expanding access to civil justice, including Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Michelle Keller.

Data Centers & Local Control: Kentucky’s data-center boom is colliding with community pushback, with a Kentucky land developer suing Cave City over a rushed data-center moratorium near Mammoth Cave, while Kentucky Power’s CEO argues the projects can benefit regular customers too and GOP leaders urge a “full-cost” approach that avoids shifting infrastructure costs to ratepayers. Public Safety vs. Surveillance Tech: Rep. Thomas Massie says he’ll introduce legislation to strip federal funding from police using automatic license plate readers like Flock, escalating the debate over mass surveillance and privacy. Food Safety & Local Economy: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states including Kentucky, and the fallout is hitting restaurants and lettuce sales—while some Kentucky farmers report more shoppers seeking local greens. Health & Transparency: Questions keep growing around Sen. Mitch McConnell’s prolonged absence after hospitalization, as his office offers broad claims of Senate work without clear proof. Business Recognition: Heaven Hill Brands was named a 2026 U.S. Best Managed Company for a third straight year, highlighting continued investment in innovation and digital transformation. Policy Watch: Kentucky’s Medicaid funding gap is in focus as Gov. Beshear taps unexpected revenue to reverse Medicaid cuts.

Public Media Funding Shock: NPR and PBS stations are still scrambling after Congress stripped nearly all federal support, triggering layoffs and forcing heavier reliance on donors—an especially tough hit for rural outlets. Kentucky Politics & Privacy: Rep. Thomas Massie says he’ll push to cut federal funding for police using automatic license plate readers and mass surveillance tech like Flock. McConnell Health Transparency: Calls for answers are growing as Sen. Mitch McConnell remains out of the Senate nearly six weeks after a fall, with his office offering limited updates. Recovery & Harm Reduction: Turning Point is expanding west Kentucky outreach with its first Recovery Roadshow and a mobile access van distributing Narcan and fentanyl testing. Food Safety & Local Impact: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak has spread to nine states, including Kentucky, tied to iceberg lettuce; local farmers report more shoppers seeking “safer” local greens. Data Centers Clash: A Kentucky land developer sues Cave City over a rushed moratorium on data centers near Mammoth Cave. Community Support: “Stuff the Bus” wrapped up in Bowling Green, collecting school supplies for southern Kentucky students. Bourbon Business: Old Forester released Triple Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon, highlighting production at its Main Street Louisville distillery.

Privacy & Public Safety: Rep. Thomas Massie says he’ll introduce legislation to strip federal funding from municipalities and police departments that use automatic license plate readers like Flock, arguing mass surveillance targets law-abiding drivers. Health & Food Supply: The CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce to nine states, including Kentucky, with at least 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations; investigators are tracing the supply chain and warning consumers not to eat the implicated lettuce. Kentucky Agriculture Impact: Local farmers at markets say shoppers are shifting toward locally grown produce amid safety concerns, even as some crops like leafy greens are seasonal. U.S. Immigration & Higher Ed: The DOJ sued Colorado over in-state tuition and aid for illegal immigrants, adding to a growing list of states facing similar challenges. Politics & Governance: Questions are mounting around Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health and absence as his office offers updates without clear proof of his day-to-day work. Business & Industry: Heaven Hill Brands was named a 2026 U.S. Best Managed Company for a third straight year, citing investments in innovation and digital transformation.

Medicaid Budget Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear says an “unanticipated” corporate income tax payment and revenue surplus will prevent a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, while also funding senior meal program and Michelle P. Waiver slots. Data Center Backlash: Bullitt County is pausing new data center proposals for a year as officials weigh water and power strain, while Carrollton faces local opposition over a Louisville developer’s hyperscale plan. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: The CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell to nine states, including Kentucky, as Taylor Farms issues new statements and recalls. Trade & Bourbon Spillover: Tariff-free Scotch shipments to the U.S. are set to resume after the U.S. lifts whisky tariffs, a potential tailwind for Kentucky’s bourbon supply chain. Local Economy & Housing: Frankfort visitor spending hit $174.7 million, up 6% year over year, as Kentucky also sees new affordable housing units in west Louisville. Workforce & Business Growth: Kentucky’s Chamber launches an entrepreneurship initiative, and a one-on-one Democratic gubernatorial primary spotlights competing visions for the state’s economy.

Medicaid & State Budget: Gov. Andy Beshear said Kentucky Medicaid providers won’t take a 4% cut after a $255 million corporate income tax payment, with the governor stressing it wasn’t tied to data centers. Affordable Housing: Louisville broke ground on a west Louisville Goodwill Opportunity Campus project adding 76 apartments, priced from $695 to $1,300, aiming to expand nearby health and support services. Entrepreneurship Push: The Kentucky Chamber launched “Start Here, Grow Here,” a statewide initiative with JPMorganChase to study and strengthen Kentucky’s entrepreneurial economy, with community listening sessions this fall and a report next year. Jobs & Workforce Barriers: Lexington’s 4th annual Jubilee Jobs Fair matched employers with job seekers facing hurdles like criminal records or substance use recovery, emphasizing career pathways and higher-than-minimum pay. Public Health: The CDC and FDA expanded the cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell to nine states, now including Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, with 1,947 linked cases and 98 hospitalizations reported. Local Governance & Data Centers: Mercer County residents packed a zoning meeting to oppose a proposed data center ordinance, citing farmland, water and public safety concerns. Education Policy: Graves County schools approved updated policies aligning with new state legislation on child safety, literacy instruction and student transportation requirements.

Tariffs & inflation jitters: New Trump tariffs on Canada and other countries are stoking fears of higher costs and retaliation, with lawmakers warning the moves could worsen the affordability crunch. National security & Kentucky politics: The House voted 214-208 to halt U.S. military action in Iran unless Congress approves it, while the Senate blocked a similar measure—Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie backed the House effort. Public health: Kentucky is among states tied to a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico served at Taco Bell; officials say Kentucky has reported cases and the FDA is tracing and screening product. Local business & jobs: Aramark opened an employee micro market at the Barren County Detention Center, letting jail staff buy snacks and meals on-site. Energy & land-use conflict: A proposed Eastern Kentucky gas pipeline extension is drawing opposition from nearby residents concerned about safety and wildlife impacts. Healthcare & community safety: Oldham County Detention Center became the first Kentucky jail to offer free ONEbox™ naloxone kits with multilingual instructions. Tech & infrastructure: PPL signed the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge, aiming to balance data-center growth with protections for existing utility customers. Aviation industry: GE Aerospace/CFM’s LEAP engine order for IndiGo—1,000+ engines—signals continued manufacturing demand across states including Kentucky. Local events: Lexington’s Flood With Love Music Festival is raising money for Madison County flood relief, while Owensboro’s Christmas Parade theme is “Sounds of Christmas” with registration opening Aug. 1.

Ford & Apple Maps: Ford says its next-gen electric pickup platform in Kentucky will embed Apple Maps directly in vehicles starting in 2027, with EV-aware routing and charging-stop planning. Kentucky Food Security: New state data shows Kentucky is near the top for food insecurity, with advocates warning SNAP losses and costs could worsen hunger. UofL Innovation Push: The University of Louisville unveiled a $70M bioscience hub as the first building in a planned innovation park, aiming to speed biomedical research and commercialization. Data Center Tax Break Debate: A Kentucky policy analysis questions whether the state’s data center sales-tax exemption could cost more than $1B if large projects land. Local Water Access Partnership: A Louisville nonprofit WaterStep is partnering with Israeli firm Galmobile to expand mobile water purification capacity for disasters. Pipeline Opposition in NKY: Boone County leaders and residents are pushing back on a proposed Texas Gas Transmission pipeline crossing into Kentucky, citing water-well and routing concerns. Bourbon Ownership Question: With Kentucky rickhouses holding 16M+ barrels, a new look at buying/selling bourbon barrels raises real tax and retirement-income considerations. Business/Banking Updates: SB Financial Group reported stronger Q2 results, while other public-company earnings updates continued across the region.

Medicaid Rescue: Gov. Andy Beshear will use about $255M in unexpected revenue to prevent Kentucky’s 4% Medicaid cuts, with lawmakers still needing a longer-term fix. Public Media Pressure: Louisville Public Media says it’s adapting after federal funding was rescinded, losing $376,000 and shifting to a new three-year local-donor plan. Food Safety & Local Impact: Kentucky health officials are investigating a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated lettuce, with 100 reported cases and 61 confirmed, as recalls and guidance spread. State Policy Watch: More than 100 Kentucky laws took effect July 15, including changes affecting schools, gaming, first responders, criminal justice, and consumer protection. Education Funding: Kentucky opted into the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill scholarship tax credit, setting up rules for scholarship-granting organizations and donor credits. Economic Development & Land Use: Madison County planners advanced a rezoning proposal for a business park using state funds, sparking debate over jobs versus farmland loss. Local Business Growth: Biscuit Belly is taking over and rebranding Maple Street Biscuit Company locations, signaling continued expansion for the Louisville-based chain. Data Center Debate: A developer is seeking to build a hyperscale data center at a former Eastern Kentucky steel mill site, drawing questions about power and local impacts. Tourism Dollars: Marshall County reported $88M in 2025 tourism impact, while fiscal court discussed grants and local projects.

Medicaid Funding: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will reverse a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut using $255 million from state surplus, averting the Aug. 1 reduction that he warned could hit providers and services for about 1 million people. Hemp Regulation: Rep. Andy Barr (R-Lexington) introduced the Lawful Hemp Protection Act to create a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumer products while protecting Kentucky farmers and restricting synthetic cannabinoids and child-directed marketing. Prescription Drug Policy: The House Oversight Committee advanced legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug costs and curbing pharmacy benefit manager practices, with Kentucky’s James Comer highlighting PBM transparency and patient choice. EV Charging Dollars: Beshear announced $2.5 million to expand fast-charging EV stations statewide, funded through Kentucky’s Volkswagen environmental settlement. Education Tax Credit: Kentucky opted into the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill scholarship tax credit, setting up procedures for scholarship-granting organizations so donors can claim federal dollar-for-dollar credits. Food Safety Watch: The FDA continues investigating cyclosporiasis outbreaks as case counts climb; Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall remains tied to the broader outbreak even as regulators address false-positive testing confusion. Local Business & Tourism: Frankfort’s “Heart of Bourbon” campaign is set to launch this fall with regional marketing among Franklin, Woodford and Anderson counties, while Pawpaw Ale-8 returns for a limited run highlighting Kentucky State research. Agriculture: USDA data show broiler placements running about 2% ahead of last year, and UK experts say winter bale grazing is helping cattle producers cut costs while improving pasture fertility.

Public Health & Food Safety: The CDC says U.S. cyclosporiasis cases hit a record 4,173 confirmed infections across 41 states since May 1, with 767 travel-linked cases and 308 hospitalizations, as investigators keep probing multiple possible sources tied to shredded iceberg lettuce and ongoing recalls. Kentucky Workforce & Child Care: Rep. Samara Heavrin secured a $1.1 million earmark for the Lincoln Trail Area Development District to expand child care capacity—aiming for 25 new programs and growth at up to 50 providers. Economic Development: Trimble County is weighing creation of a local economic development board to coordinate growth needs, including a new rural health clinic and tourism planning. Western Kentucky Layoffs: Western Kentucky communities are responding to layoffs affecting hundreds, with local agencies helping workers find new employment. State Tax Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky’s real property tax rate fell for the sixth straight year to 10.3 cents per $100 assessed value. Education Policy: The Prichard Committee released resources to help Kentuckians understand House Bill 257’s major K-12 assessment and accountability changes. Local Government & Safety Grants: Livingston County received a Kentucky Association of Counties insurance grant for security cameras and EMS equipment. Business & Compliance: Addiction Recovery Care announced resolution of U.S. DOJ civil claims tied to historical Medicaid billing practices.