AGP Executive Report

Federal Privacy Push: A House subcommittee held a hearing on the SECURE DATA Act, weighing how a federal privacy and data security law could work alongside Kentucky’s already-passed, consensus-based approach. Iran War Powers: The U.S. House voted 215-208 to force President Trump to end the Iran war unless Congress authorizes further action, with four Republicans—including Kentucky’s Thomas Massie—joining Democrats; the move is largely symbolic but signals growing GOP pushback. Kentucky Driver Services: Kentucky will close driver licensing regional offices June 4-5 for a new system rollout, with services resuming June 8 and a new myDrive portal for online requests. Local Community & Economy: A Hart County tourism update highlights regional attraction funding, while Elizabethtown’s Whiskey House of Kentucky announced 30% layoffs amid a bourbon/whiskey demand slump. Sports & Fundraisers: A Louisville youth sports trailer was stolen from Tom Sawyer Park, and a McLean County car-and-motorcycle show June 6 will raise money for SparKY animal rescue.

School Governance Fight: Fayette County Public Schools leaders are challenging Kentucky’s new law reshaping the Fayette County Board of Education, arguing Senate Bill 4 is unconstitutional and targets only their district, with a lawsuit seeking to block implementation. Agriculture Funding: Kentucky lawmakers approved major agriculture investments, including $20.9 million in general fund support for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for FY 2026 and $5 million annually for the Agricultural Economic Development Board, plus additional tobacco settlement dollars for grants and loans. UK Research: University of Kentucky researchers won a $650,000 USDA grant to study how modern pig genetics are outpacing uterine capacity, a hidden bottleneck in modern swine production. Medical Cannabis Expansion: Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order expanding Kentucky’s medical marijuana qualifying conditions, adding 15 conditions and directing emergency regulations to clarify access. Privacy Policy Pushback: A privacy watchdog group says a proposed federal Secure Data Act would be worse than having no national data privacy law, urging lawmakers to reject it. Northern Kentucky Business: A teen entrepreneur in the region is turning freeze-dried candy into a growing operation, including a new partnership with Disney. Local Government: Covington’s Economic Development Authority canceled its June 4 meeting with no new date announced.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: Bowling Green rejected a six-month moratorium on data center development but approved new regulations after a long debate, as officials warned about grid capacity, water use, and ratepayer impacts. Gas Tax Freeze Fallout: Kentucky lawmakers grilled Transportation Cabinet officials on the 10-cent gas tax cut and July increase freeze, with critics saying the move could drain road funding while drivers see only modest savings. Judicial Branch Overhaul: Kentucky’s court system is reorganizing specialty, family/juvenile, and pretrial services under HB 504 to streamline supervision and align spending with new funding. College Sports NIL Push: Senators Cruz and Cantwell unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at “restoring order” in college athletics compensation as NIL rules and transfer issues keep churning. Local Politics & Ballot Access: Kentucky AG randomly selected 12 counties for election integrity inquiry, and a Libertarian candidate secured enough signatures for the Nov. ballot in KY’s 4th District. Business & Jobs: Yum! Brands announced COO/Chief People & Culture Officer Tracy Skeans will retire later this year, and Louisville-based Source7 expanded its partnership with Lula for property maintenance workflows.

AI and Work: AMD CEO Lisa Su told MIT grads that AI can accelerate discovery, but humans must still choose which problems matter and take responsibility for outcomes. LGBTQ+ Climate in Kentucky: Out Leadership ranks Kentucky No. 35 for LGBTQ friendliness, noting national scores have declined for four straight years. Local History and Race: A Corbin expulsion presentation at the Laurel County African American Heritage Center revisited 1919-era racial violence and how the legal system responded. State Money Help: Kentucky State Treasurer’s Office brought its County Roadshow to Laurel County to help residents search for unclaimed property and file claims. Health Access in Rural KY: A UK-led study found nearly 60% of rural Kentucky people who inject drugs would use mobile syringe services, with demand highest among the most disadvantaged. Public Safety/Business: Railserve launched YardGUARD™, a railyard safety system aimed at reducing switch and derailment-related incidents. Economy at the Pump: A report highlights that easing pain at the pump could still mean more headaches on Kentucky roadways. Immigration Detention: A Sheboygan Falls mom returned home after ICE detention, but faces an uncertain legal future.

Reshoring Jobs: GE Appliances says it’s bringing back manufacturing to Louisville, aiming to start producing washer/dryer lines next spring and hire about 800 workers as part of a long domestic push. Fertilizer Costs: Kentucky farmers and national groups are pushing Congress to address fertilizer price spikes, with critics pointing to industry consolidation and markups rather than just supply issues. Road Funding Warning: A proposed extension of Kentucky’s temporary gas-tax cut could cost local governments roughly $27 million a month, threatening paving and bridge maintenance. Frankfort Watch: Lawmakers return for the 2026 interim period, with committee meetings and research work starting this week. Local Government & Safety: Florence leaders oppose a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet “road diet” on Dixie Highway, warning it could shift traffic into neighborhoods. Health & Business: Hardin County’s first licensed medical marijuana dispensary opens, while Meade County seeks a seasonal CDL driver for its solid waste center. Sports: Milan Momcilovic commits to Kentucky, and Evelyn Bliss qualifies for NCAA nationals in the javelin. Community: The Kuttawa Cannonball Run raises $86,000+ for local charities.

Pride in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in Kentucky, highlighting past actions including a ban on conversion therapy for minors and vetoes of bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights. Frankfort policy work: Kentucky lawmakers are set to return for the 2026 interim period, with committee meetings beginning next week and livestreams through KET and the Legislative Research Commission. Local government: Hanover hired retired educator Michael Hicks as its new code enforcement administrator, and the town also reviewed ordinances on livestock, private-property violations, and burn rules. Business & jobs: The SBA launched the Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch competition, offering a $1 million prize pool for small businesses, with a live pitch event in Washington, D.C. Kentucky courts: A federal stay in a challenge to the CFPB’s 2023 small business lending rule is set to run until June 30, when a revised rule takes effect. Sports in Louisville: Organizers say the ISCO Championship is back in Louisville July 9-12 with a focus on building on last year’s successful debut at Hurstbourne.

Kentucky School Social Media Settlement: Meta and other social media companies will pay about $27 million to settle a Kentucky school district’s lawsuit claiming addictive design worsened teen mental health, with terms disclosed in records; the deal reportedly includes no admission of liability and no required platform changes. Gov. Beshear Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear told NBC’s Meet the Press he hasn’t ruled out a 2028 presidential run, while pushing Democrats to win by focusing on “kitchen-table” issues and backing a broader fix to partisan redistricting. Public Safety in Kentucky: Cynthiana’s police department is using a licensed social worker to connect residents to mental health and substance treatment, aiming to reduce repeat crises that end in jail or emergency rooms. State Services Update: Kentucky’s driver licensing regional offices will close June 4-5 for a new system rollout, with offices reopening June 8 and customers urged to renew early. Big Road Work in Louisville: Crews are preparing for an I-65 shutdown in Louisville starting after midnight June 1, with detours and towing company staging for the disruption.

Politics & 2028 Outlook: Gov. Andy Beshear says Democrats should see Texas as “in play” after Ken Paxton’s GOP Senate primary win, arguing Paxton’s corruption record makes him uniquely vulnerable. He also told NBC’s “Meet the Press” he hasn’t ruled out a presidential run but is focused on 2026, while backing a broader fix for partisan redistricting. Dem Party Strategy: Beshear is pitching a Southern Democratic revival, pointing to record early voting and more contested races as proof the party can rebuild its national coalition. Tech & Schools: Meta, TikTok, Snap and YouTube agreed to pay about $27 million to settle Kentucky school district claims that social media harms teens, with added teacher training from YouTube. Public Safety: A North Baltimore man was indicted for vehicular assault after an alleged crash caused serious injuries to another driver. Local Infrastructure: Southcentral Kentucky is set for major road work under the state’s 2026-2028 highway plan, including a U.S. 31-W widening project in Warren County.

Kentucky Housing: A new report argues Kentucky can’t keep delaying affordable housing action, pointing to how high costs are reshaping where families can live and work. Data Centers & Costs: Utilities say as many as 30 data centers are under discussion in Kentucky, while lawmakers and residents push over who pays for power, grid upgrades, and water impacts. School Social Media Lawsuit: Breathitt County’s case is now tied to a disclosed $27 million settlement—Meta $9M, Snap $8M, TikTok $8M, YouTube just over $2M—with broader fallout for 1,300+ similar school district suits. Health & Research: UK is rolling out a one-stop shop website to help woodland owners manage forests, and a Kentucky mom is spotlighting DIPG after losing her son to the rare brain tumor. Veterans Housing: VA home purchase loans in Kentucky rose 16.4% in Q1 2026, totaling $309.5M across 1,023 purchases.

Epstein Files Fallout: Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi again refused to answer House questions about President Trump’s role in the release of Jeffrey Epstein case files, while Democrats pressed for answers and survivors protested “redaction errors.” Kentucky Schools & Social Media: A rural Breathitt County school district reached about $27 million in settlements with Meta, Snap, YouTube and TikTok over claims of student mental-health harm, with Meta paying $9 million. Local Government Budgets: Grant County fiscal court held a first reading of the 2026-2027 budget, including raises tied to department salary history and plans to seek state road funding with a required match. Public Safety & Courts: Former Gov. Matt Bevin faces another contempt-related arrest warrant after failing to appear in person in his family court case, with a judge citing trust in the court system. Infrastructure & Travel: Louisville-area commuters brace for I-65 closure detours, while Paducah and other cities move forward on budgets and courthouse security upgrades. Economic Growth: Henry County approved zoning for two large industrial warehouses on a 217-acre farm, contingent on traffic and stormwater studies. Hunger Relief: God’s Pantry Food Bank announced a leadership change, with COO Danielle Bozarth stepping in as interim CEO.

Local Health Access: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky’s mental health access is expanding as Mental Health Awareness Month ends, citing doubled licensed providers and 988 Lifeline growth, with 265,000 calls/chats/texts handled since 2022. Foster Care & College: A new report finds more Kentucky foster and adopted youth are using the state’s college tuition waiver, with graduation rates rising to about 40% from roughly 8% a decade ago, though attendance and high school graduation challenges remain. Driver Services Update: Kentucky driver licensing offices will close June 4-5 for a new system rollout, reopening June 8, alongside the myDrive portal for pre-application and license/ID services. Workplace Safety: A federal chemical safety report says a Louisville food-coloring plant’s 2024 explosion was “catastrophe waiting to happen,” pointing to safety missteps and a pressure relief system not designed for a runaway reaction. Politics Watch: In a closed-door House Oversight interview, former AG Pam Bondi refused to answer questions about Trump’s role in the Epstein files release, while acknowledging DOJ “redaction errors” and blaming a deputy for oversight. Business & Bourbon: A story on bourbon’s taste differences highlights how climate and aging conditions across states can change flavor, reinforcing Kentucky’s role while showing the category’s wider reach.

Massie’s GOP shakeup: Rep. Thomas Massie lost Kentucky’s Republican primary to a Trump-backed challenger, a win that underscores Trump’s grip on the party and leaves Massie still in Congress until January. DEI fight in education: A medical watchdog group is demanding the Council on Social Work Education remove DEI requirements from its accreditation standards, arguing they push “identity politics” into curricula. Public safety in Covington: Covington’s ABC board revoked Hat Trick’s Sport Bar liquor license after a shooting tied to the bar, with the owners facing shutdown and possible appeal. KSU threat response: Kentucky State University closed its main campus and farm after a “potential threat to campus safety,” then lifted the all-clear later that day. Local economy & services: Graves County is set to receive $45,727 from the County Agricultural Incentive Program, while Kentucky driver licensing offices will close June 4-5 for a new system and myDrive portal rollout. Crime update: An 18-year-old accused in a deadly Berea bank shooting pleaded not guilty in federal court; a trial date is set for July. Frankfort community: A new Islamic Center of Frankfort opened with an interfaith open house, following recent mosque attacks elsewhere.

Kentucky Health & Research: UK researchers say rural Appalachians are hit hardest by sleep disorders, with insomnia affecting 64.9% of participants—far above the national average—and rates climbing sharply as income drops. Public Safety: Kentucky State University evacuated its main campus after a “potential threat to campus safety,” with classes and work shifting to remote while the research and demonstration farm was unaffected. Local Economy & Jobs: Trucking and logistics firms are expanding, including Averitt’s plan for a new Louisville campus with a cross-dock terminal and warehouse space, aiming to add jobs by 2028. Energy & Data Centers: TeraWulf is advancing a major data center project near Ashland, projecting heavy electricity needs and prompting local leaders to prepare for community pushback. Politics & National Policy: Reports say Trump Treasury officials are pushing a new $250 bill featuring his face for America’s 250th anniversary, raising legal questions about living portraits on U.S. currency. Sports & Education: The SEC is requiring student-athletes to complete a sports-betting education video before the 2026-27 season.

I-65 Bridge Overhaul: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews begin a two-month I-65 central corridor shutdown Monday, replacing aging bridges near Louisville and setting detours via I-264; officials say it should add about 15–20 minutes and urge drivers to plan ahead. Frankfort/Local Roads & Scholarships: Hanson’s commission approved the annual Municipal Road Aid Co-op resolution, discussed upcoming state road funding for specific streets, and renewed a $500 scholarship for Hanson students. Hemp Business Uncertainty: An Owensboro hemp shop story highlights how “2018 Farm Bill compliant” products still leave operators worried about shifting rules and enforcement. Prediction Markets Pushback: Ohio AG Dave Yost and other attorneys general urged the CFTC to treat sports-related prediction markets as gambling under state control, challenging federal jurisdiction. Education After Layoffs: Lexington is hosting a virtual job fair June 17 for former Fayette County Public Schools employees affected by budget cuts. Kentucky Bourbon Court Ruling: A judge ordered a Garrard County distillery property auction after a nearly $27.9M debt judgment, potentially reshaping a stalled bourbon project. Invasive Ant Alert: Kentucky residents are being warned about the Asian needle ant’s painful sting and allergy risk as it spreads.

Texas Politics: President Trump’s late endorsement helped Texas AG Ken Paxton crush Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP Senate runoff, setting up a November showdown with Democrat James Talarico and underscoring how fast Trump can reshape the party. Health Scrutiny: Trump also spent more than three hours at Walter Reed for a preventive medical and dental checkup, then said “Everything checked out PERFECTLY,” while critics press for more transparency. Kentucky Education & Growth: Murray State says its Education Abroad program is up 9.7% with 260 students participating, while UK opened a new $60 million Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building aimed at boosting student success. Local Sports: Murray High’s baseball season ended with a 2-0 regional loss to McCracken. Business & Power: TeraWulf announced a 1+ GW AI data center plan in northeastern Kentucky, a sign of the region’s growing push for electricity-hungry tech.