AGP Executive Report

Politics & 2028 Buzz: Gov. Andy Beshear drew cheers in Nashville when asked if he’s running for president, saying he has no announcement yet but pointing to continued work in the 2026 cycle. Health & Community: Paducah neurologist Joseph Ashburn, now cancer-free, plans a 150-mile ride of hope to the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. College Sports (Kentucky): Kentucky stunned South Carolina 35-34 in overtime after trailing 17-0, while a Senate bill could reshape college sports by changing NIL and transfer rules. Local Lottery Win: Two Bowling Green sisters won $50,000 on a scratch-off, taking home $18,125 each after taxes. Business & Jobs: Kentucky Castle CEO Wes Henderson was fired amid sealed lawsuit allegations involving secretly recording family members. Food Safety: A frozen berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people, with Kentucky among affected states. Policy Watch (Hemp): A looming federal ban threatens the $28B hemp THC market, with Kentucky producers warning a low THC cap could shut them down.

Hemp THC fight: Kentucky’s Cornbread Hemp leaders say a proposed federal cap of 0.4 milligrams would “toast” their business, warning the rule could wipe out even some non-impairing CBD products as Congress weighs a looming ban. Local business & jobs: The Bowling Green Area Chamber honored 29 companies at its Targeted Business Awards, including AKFA Aluminum Solutions as Business of the Year, citing $178 million in investment and 740 new jobs. State incentives watch: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill expanding major tax incentives for a planned $15 billion steel plant—an example of how states are competing for big industry dollars. Kentucky leadership & public safety: Danville recognized retiring Police Chief Tony Gray and named Assistant Chief Glenn Doan interim chief. Food safety: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak expanded to additional lots sold in Walmart and Trader Joe’s, with Kentucky included among affected states. Research & environment: UK entomologist Lynne Rieske-Kinney is developing RNA-based pest control to protect ash and pine trees from invasive beetles.

Data Centers at the Capitol: Lawmakers held a Frankfort “listening session” on hyperscale data centers, with dozens of Kentuckians urging stronger farmland, water, and ratepayer protections and more transparency around local approvals and tax breaks. Diesel Relief for Farmers: Kentucky Ag Commissioner Jonathan Shell asked Gov. Andy Beshear to pause a ban on untaxed diesel on public roads, saying high fuel costs are squeezing the 2026 fall harvest; the governor’s office said it’s reviewing the request. Power Plan Update: Big Rivers Electric told regulators it expects to keep its coal and gas plants running past 2050, focusing on reliability upgrades instead of retirement and replacement. Election Pressure Point: A new national polling roundup shows President Trump’s approval slipping in Kentucky, with the state’s net rating dropping sharply since 2025—raising stakes for the Nov. 3 midterms. Public Safety: Kentucky State Police Foundation continues fundraising for Trooper Hayden Phillips’ wife and children after his death in the line of duty. Local Business: Publix held a walkthrough ahead of its Saturday opening in Owensboro, including a major donation to Tri-State Food Bank.

FTC Settlement: The Federal Trade Commission settled with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits over claims it discriminated against smaller alcohol sellers by limiting access to discounts and rebates given to big retailers, with an independent monitor overseeing the deal for six years. Louisville Freight Plan: Louisville is mapping where trucks can safely travel and where they should be discouraged, including fixes for the low-clearance “can opener” bridge near Third Street and Eastern Parkway. Kentucky State University Meetings: Kentucky State University’s Board of Regents will hold Academic Affairs and Finance & Advancement committee meetings in Frankfort on Oct. 7. Voting Push: Kentucky saw 12,380 new voter registrations in September, the highest monthly total since 2024, with independents and third parties again leading. Local Business & Community: Publix is previewing its new Owensboro store ahead of opening, and Independence Bank promoted Travis Huff to market president in Hopkins County. Energy & Data Centers: Kentucky Power plans transmission improvements in Boyd County for the Muskie Data Center campus, with an open house planned for landowners and residents.

Fuel Prices & Policy: States are moving to curb diesel and gasoline costs as supply disruptions squeeze prices, with the White House weighing regulatory changes and some governors loosening rules around red-dyed diesel. Flood Insurance Gap: A new look at Kentucky’s 2022 flood finds only about 2.1% of affected properties had federal flood insurance—far below the share facing severe risk. Frankfort Data Center Fight: Kentucky lawmakers heard residents’ concerns at a Capitol listening session over data centers and long tax breaks, with critics citing higher bills, environmental worries, and neighborhood impacts. Agriculture Cost Pressure: Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell urged Gov. Andy Beshear to pause a ban on using untaxed diesel on public roads to help farmers during the fall harvest. Education & Title IX: The U.S. Department of Education rescinded Title IX protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, after a Kentucky court had already blocked the rules. Local Health & Grants: Lexington and partners announced a major AED mapping push, and Kentucky received $10M for maternal health initiatives. Politics on the Ground: Candidate forums in Owensboro and McCracken County highlighted competing plans for local leadership. Sports & Community: UK’s Big Blue Madness returns Friday night, and posters will be distributed statewide starting this weekend.

Kentucky Politics & Voting: With Election Day Nov. 3 looming and the Oct. 5 voter registration deadline, West Kentucky leaders are urging turnout for the Senate race replacing Mitch McConnell, plus the 1st District contest between James Comer and Drew Williams. Data Centers & Power: Frankfort is weighing the future of Flock Safety camera contracts as data-center growth keeps heating up local debate, including Frankfort’s 5-2 vote backing DataOne’s proposed $7 billion project and broader arguments about how Kentucky should plan for power demand. Local Government: Lebanon Junction officials say a Highway 434 pavement problem is now up to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet after a bus accident highlighted the safety stakes; the city also floated a 12-month data center moratorium. Public Safety: Lawrenceburg police made arrests tied to vandalism of Flock cameras, including a reported shotgun attack in nearby Woodford County. Community & Culture: WKMS and partners mark the 50th anniversary of “Harlan County USA” with a new hourlong audio special. Business: A Kentucky couple’s Pink Lily story shows how a $300 eBay start grew into $141 million in sales a decade later.

Fuel Relief Push: With gas and diesel costs biting ahead of the midterms, Ohio lawmakers approved a 90-day gas tax holiday, joining a growing list of states offering fuel tax breaks or targeted diesel relief. China Cars Stalled: A bipartisan Senate bill to permanently ban Chinese connected vehicles is on hold until after November, as lawmakers negotiate around a Kentucky GOP holdout. Kentucky Weather Tech: The Kentucky Mesonet opened its 87th site near Owensboro, adding real-time weather and soil data for Daviess County. UK Campus Safety: The University of Kentucky released its 2026 Annual Campus Safety and Security Report covering 2023-2025 crime stats and safety procedures. Local Jobs & Industry: Speed Kentucky will open a $1.47M UTV manufacturing and distribution facility in Owsley County, creating 60 full-time jobs. Consumer Pressure: Consumer confidence fell to a 12-year low as prices squeeze household budgets, according to the latest data. Health Care Watch: Researchers report only 60% of liver transplant recipients are vaccinated against hepatitis B, raising risk for serious complications.

Politics & Elections: Sabato’s Crystal Ball shifts 11 House races toward Democrats, including Kentucky’s 6th moving to “Leans Republican,” while Democrats also pour cash into Nevada ahead of 2028. AI & Democracy: Lawmakers and voters are increasingly alarmed about AI deepfakes and election misinformation, with concerns rising about how people will know what’s real. Homelessness Policy: The Trump administration is moving away from “Housing First,” favoring shorter-term housing tied to required programs—leaving local groups worried about outcomes. Kentucky Flood Risk: A new AP analysis finds flood insurance coverage is extremely low in parts of eastern Kentucky despite severe risk, as climate-driven flooding strains the federal program. Local Public Safety/Community: Calloway County reminds residents that Oct. 5 is the voter registration deadline. Business & Jobs: Target is cutting prices on nearly 2,000 items for the holiday season, and a report says job hunts are getting longer, with long-term unemployment rising. Defense/Industry: Raytheon won a $247.1M contract for Phalanx weapons work, with a third of the effort in Louisville.

Kentucky Higher Ed: The Council on Postsecondary Education urged colleges to prove the value of credentials to students and employers as Kentucky faces a shrinking pool of high school graduates, calling for more enrollment from traditional-age students and adult learners. Transportation/Local Economy: In Somerset, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers announced an $85 million INFRA grant for the Northern Bypass, adding to prior earmarks to move the 8-mile project toward the next phase. Public Safety & Community: Glasgow City Council paused for a moment of silence after a Kentucky State Police trooper was shot and killed, with officials also advancing local rules for electric bikes and scooters. State Politics: Kentucky voters will weigh a constitutional amendment limiting the governor’s pardoning power in the 60 days before a general election. Health Disparities: A new study highlights sharply rising stroke rates among adults under 55, with young Black women facing especially high risk. Education Funding Fight: Attorney General Raoul led a multistate push against a proposed Education Department rule that would expand political control over federal school grant decisions. Sports Policy: The Protect College Sports Act cleared the Senate with Kentucky’s Sen. Rand Paul voting no.

Cancer as a campaign issue: Iowa candidates are spotlighting rising cancer rates as a bipartisan midterms talking point, with voters linking the spike to pollution concerns. Trade war hits Kentucky makers: Canada retaliated against Trump tariffs by targeting politically sensitive products, including a new tariff on washer-dryers that could land on Kentucky’s GE appliance footprint—adding fresh pressure for local Democrats. Data centers face more local pushback: Scott County Fiscal Court extended a data center moratorium through March 13, 2027, while residents and planners press for tougher rules; Mercer County also sent a data-center zoning ordinance back for another review. Food insecurity help: Scott County Schools’ summer feeding program distributed 323,000+ meals, with federal reimbursements helping the district’s budget. Public safety and courts: The Kentucky Supreme Court is seeking more details before advancing a child support case involving former Gov. Matt Bevin. Local services: A Louisville nonprofit, Pets4Life, is expanding low-cost veterinary care to help pet owners in the west end avoid shelters. Healthcare costs politics: A new push for Medicare for All is framed as a response to steep premium hikes and rising health costs.

Kentucky Arts & Economy: Gov. Andy Beshear opened the Governor’s Office of Music at Bourbon & Beyond, launching kymusic.ky.gov and a Kentucky Music Industry Directory to connect artists, venues, festivals and music businesses. Campus Tech & Privacy: The University of Kentucky is testing Alcatraz AI facial “Rock” scanners for optional dorm and facility entry, aiming to replace key cards while improving security. Public Safety & Justice: A judge ordered another hearing in Matt Bevin’s child support case, seeking more documents tied to his son Jonah Bevin. Healthcare & Research: UK researchers reported that medical marijuana use is common among Kentucky cancer patients and that most users say it improves symptoms and quality of life. Data Security: A multistate settlement reached by 44 attorneys general resolves a Labcorp-related breach investigation, with Labcorp paying nearly $2.3 million and facing new vendor security requirements. Local Government Recognition: Madisonville Assistant City Administrator Brad Long was named Kentucky League of Cities 2026 City Employee of the Year. State Services: Kentucky’s Unclaimed Property Roadshow will stop in Louisville Oct. 7-8 to help residents find and claim forgotten assets.

Data Center Ethics Fight: Carroll County residents are filing ethics complaints after claims that city council members voted on a hyperscale data center deal while having financial ties to LG&E-KU, raising questions about conflicts of interest and open-meetings compliance. State Politics & Costs: In Washington, Senate Republicans are lining up votes tied to cost-of-living concerns, including a data-center “ratepayer protection” push, as Democrats argue the standard doesn’t go far enough. Kentucky Film Incentives Debate: Kentucky’s film boom is boosting local economies, but critics say state tax credits can funnel money to private companies with limited returns. Local Tech & Privacy: Bowling Green students and residents are pushing back on Flock camera use, calling it an invasion of privacy and unnecessary tracking. Business & Jobs: GE Appliances is investing $1 billion in Louisville to expand appliance manufacturing, including bringing dryer production back from Mexico. Health & Education: UK’s Alumni Association honored Great Teacher Award recipient Patrick Lee Lucas, while a national measles surge continues to track to falling vaccination rates.

Kentucky Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear defended his transgender sports record on CNN, arguing Democrats “don’t throw anybody under the bus” and warning against “put[ting] government in charge” of sports. State Government: Kentucky Treasurer Mark Metcalf is expanding his unclaimed property push with in-person stops statewide, saying the program has returned more than $123 million in two years and now totals about $1.2 billion. Local Growth & Land Use: Hopkinsville is holding a public hearing on proposed zoning rules for commercial data centers, setting definitions, siting standards, and districts before City Council review. Public Safety/Health: A federal judge ordered Addiction Recovery Care (ARC), formerly based in Louisa, to pay nearly $18.4 million to creditors in a case tied to prior Medicaid billing fraud. Economy & Housing: Zillow reports Robertson County’s typical home value rose 7.3% to $204,451 in August 2026, while Clinton County fell 8.9% to $151,907. Arts & Jobs: Beshear announced a new Governor’s Office of Music to support Kentucky musicians, venues, and festivals, including a new website directory and a specialty license plate.

Opioid Policy Watch: A looming federal proposal to ban 7-OH has Illinois providers bracing for a surge in patients as the DEA weighs Schedule I status for high-dose kratom products. Cybersecurity & Health Privacy: Maryland reached a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 breach tied to a debt collector, affecting 451,558 Marylanders. Kentucky Politics & Economy: Kentucky’s new Governor’s Office of Music aims to boost artists and venues, while economists warn the state’s revenue growth faces “much uncertainty.” Public Safety: A Henderson juvenile faces charges after police say AI-generated nude images of classmates were created and shared, echoing a national school-safety trend. Local Culture: Cynthiana’s “Witches Day Out” drew crowds and vendors, highlighting how small events can matter for downtown businesses. Sports: Week 4 college football shook up the rankings, with Florida’s big win over Ole Miss and LSU’s volatile path after SEC results.

Politics & Oversight: House Democrats are lining up a sweeping oversight push on a potential post-midterm Trump agenda, with impeachment on the table if they gain control, while Kentucky’s name is showing up in national polling shifts. Kentucky Economy & Housing: Zillow reports mixed county trends, including Casey County up to a typical $164,007 (+1.3%) and Ballard County down to $140,757 (-7.9%), underscoring uneven local markets. State Government & Jobs: Gov. Andy Beshear announced a new Governor’s Office of Music to back Kentucky’s musicians and venues, aiming to protect the state’s live-music economy. Local Community & Culture: Frankfort-area listings highlight upcoming events like a Wendell Berry remembrance and a local artist reception. Public Safety & Tech: A Henderson juvenile faces charges tied to AI-generated sexually explicit images shared among classmates, reflecting a broader national pattern. Regional Infrastructure: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun marked progress on I-69’s Ohio River Crossing, setting up the next steps toward connecting Evansville and Henderson, KY.

Immigration Enforcement in Kentucky: Kentucky State senior Aminata Seck was reportedly abducted by ICE at Louisville’s airport Aug. 7 and moved through multiple detention sites, with her lawyer citing a missed student-visa deadline and lack of proper medical care for an ACL injury; ICE arrests in Kentucky are up 70% this year. Public Safety & Health: A federal judge ordered Addiction Recovery Care to pay $18.4 million to creditors after bankruptcy and Medicaid billing fraud allegations. A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been detected in 18 states, including Kentucky, tied to dozens of deaths in East Tennessee. Economy & Cost Pressures: Rising diesel prices are squeezing Kentucky farmers and the broader food supply chain. Local Infrastructure: Louisville interstate lighting outages tied to copper theft have led the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to test solar-powered lights. Business & Community: KFC opened a new “Open House” concept in Texas as a test lab; in Frankfort, a historical marker was placed at the former Atkinson Industrial College site. Politics: Polling shows Donald Trump’s approval among white voters has fallen sharply in Kentucky, with a 19-point drop cited.