AGP Executive Report

Federal Relief: President Trump approved $9.1 million in FEMA disaster aid for Kentucky after June 17-30 storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, with Rep. Andy Barr saying the money will help recovery in eligible counties. Local Government: Winchester voted unanimously to pause data center development for one year while officials study impacts and gather community input, though the moratorium doesn’t cover the whole county. Education & Work: JCPS substitutes protested pay cuts and tougher long-term substitute requirements, arguing the changes could push workers out of classrooms. Public Safety: Kentucky schools boosted security after viral “Cat in the Hat” AI threat posts, and Kentucky State Police are seeking a man wanted on felony warrants tied to an alleged sexual assault case. Economy & Jobs: MegaFit Meal plans a Marshall County expansion with a $9.25 million investment and 40 expected new jobs. Health: Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital says the FDA approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib) for chemotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer, calling it a breakthrough. Sports: UK football coach Will Stein held his first weekly pregame news conference ahead of the season opener.

Amazon Lawsuit: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills says a multi-agency case targets Amazon’s alleged deceptive ad auctions that overcharged advertisers, with claims that higher costs can flow to consumers. Surveillance Scrutiny: Kentucky and national attention keeps growing around Flock Safety-style license plate reader misuse, including a Shively officer accused of thousands of unauthorized searches. Public Safety & Courts: Frankfort police say a 77-year-old man convicted in a minors case is now in custody after missing a bond hearing. Health & Community: Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort marks 75 years with a free Oct. 1 open house. Agriculture & Research: Kentucky State University researchers present indoor crop and water-saving work, while KSU and Iota Phi Theta launch an MBA pathway for eligible alumni. Remembering Wendell Berry: The Kentucky writer and environmental activist died at 92, prompting tributes for his defense of rural life and land stewardship. Kids’ Safety: Kentucky State Police report an 11-year-old scooter rider died after being hit in Breckinridge County. Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker lists multiple Kentucky cities with reported losses, underscoring ongoing fraud risk.

Boone County Taxes: The Boone County School Board voted unanimously to lower property tax rates, but state lawmakers warn many homeowners will still pay more because property assessments jumped about 21.9%. Public Safety: Louisville leaders and activists renewed calls for stronger safety after a 16-year-old was fatally shot at a JCPS bus stop, with some pushing for safer pickup locations and more funding for youth programs. Courts: Kentucky’s Supreme Court denied AG Russell Coleman’s bid to halt long-running death-penalty litigation, allowing the case to continue. Wildlife Management: Kentucky is considering doubling the bobcat bag limit and adding nighttime thermal hunting, but advocates say the state lacks population data to justify the change. Health: Kentucky health officials reported measles exposures and the outbreak continues to grow. Culture: Wendell Berry, the Kentucky-born writer and agrarian who championed small farms and warned against industrial agriculture, died at 92.

Opioid Response in Eastern Kentucky: Mountain Comprehensive Care Center’s Opioid Quick Response Team visited the Pikeville Walmart parking lot Aug. 26, handing out harm-reduction supplies like Narcan, overdose education, and fentanyl/xylazine test strips across five counties. Frankfort Trail Plan: City of Frankfort partners are working on a connector trail linking downtown to Prairie Creek Park, TPA Park, Frankfort Commons, Wesley Manor, the Frankfort Lagoons and the Milky Way. Local Politics: Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets says she’ll seek re-election in 2027. Public Safety at Schools: Fleming County police found no credible threat tied to the viral “Cat in the Hat” social media trend and will keep monitoring. Health & Community: Kentucky Blood Center will hold a Sept. 8 drive in Harrodsburg, and a local nonprofit is distributing Daniel Boone biographies to WCS classrooms. Education & Taxes: Dayton Independent Schools adopted new property tax rates expected to raise about $262,000 more for instruction and infrastructure. Business & Giving: Schneider’s and Barleycorn’s launched “Sweetness for a Purpose” to benefit Chicks & Chucks.

State Tax & Industry: Gov. Beshear is pushing to end Kentucky’s tax incentives for data centers, arguing the deals don’t help rural hospitals and could be reversed. Environment & Courts: Kentucky’s attorney general is challenging a Biden EPA air-quality rule, setting up a legal fight over how the state will meet federal standards. Public Health: Kentucky health officials say the measles outbreak is still spreading, with new cases reported and warnings about possible exposures. Safety & Schools: Authorities are investigating online threats aimed at Kentucky schools, while districts respond with added security steps. Local Crime: A man was arrested at the Kentucky State Fair after police said he was intoxicated and carrying a handgun. Sports: Kentucky women’s basketball finalized its non-conference schedule, and Kentucky’s volleyball team kept rolling with another win in the early season.

Education & Achievement: Sayre School students posted strong results on the 2026 AP exams, with an 80% overall pass rate and the Class of 2026 at 85%; Spanish and Psychology hit 100%, and 69% of scores were 4s or 5s. Politics & Corruption: Senate candidate Charles Booker is blasting Mitch McConnell, framing the race as a fight against entrenched corruption and arguing Kentucky’s affordability problems are tied to Washington’s power structure. College Sports Eligibility: Kentucky basketball’s Mark Mitchell could be ruled ineligible under an SEC intraconference transfer rule after a court order let him enter the portal outside the usual window. Public Health: Kentucky’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with health officials warning of possible exposures. Local Community & Health Access: A nonprofit called All Kids Bike is bringing balance bikes and training to kindergarten PE classes in several JCPS schools, aiming to help kids who may not get the chance at home. Business & Jobs: Apple and Corning are expanding in Central Kentucky, with plans for a new innovation center and 200 permanent production jobs at Corning’s Harrodsburg glass plant. Sports & Entertainment: Two sisters from western Kentucky are set to compete on CBS’ “The Amazing Race,” with the season premiering Sept. 30.

Meta Settlement Fallout: Kentucky’s share of the landmark $17.1B Meta deal is tied to new teen-safety rules after 47 states alleged addictive design harms kids’ mental health, with parents and lawmakers pushing for tougher protections. Public Health Alert: Kentucky health officials say the state’s measles outbreak has surged to nearly 20 confirmed cases in southwest Kentucky, with additional exposure concerns reported in Richmond and Olive Hill. Local Community Support: A Louisville Nepali community held a candlelight vigil for flood victims in Nepal, saying “our heart is there” as rescue efforts continue. Sports Milestones: Kentucky volleyball coach Craig Skinner earned his 500th career win as the Wildcats swept South Florida 3-0, while Kentucky State opened with a 38-point unanswered surge to beat Central State 41-14. Outdoors & Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is gearing up for Labor Day on the waterways and the start of dove season, after a deadly Herrington Lake boat crash earlier this summer. Education Snapshot: Kentucky schools enrolled 932 American Indian or Alaska Native students in 2024-25, and state data points to ongoing funding and staffing gaps.

Supreme Court Push: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Biden-era EPA rule tightening the soot pollution limit, arguing the agency lacked authority and ignored costs. SEC Eligibility Fight: A Louisiana court expanded a restraining order to block the NCAA and SEC from punishing schools for adding former pros; LSU can proceed while a broader eligibility case heads to a Thursday hearing. Road Work Disruption: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 will close part of U.S. 41 in southern Todd County starting Sept. 2 for about two weeks while crews widen U.S. 79, with KY 181 detours and expected delays. Health & Safety: Whole Foods recalled Mild Guacamole Dip nationwide after FDA classified it as highest-risk due to possible salmonella contamination. Local Watch: In sports, Kentucky football’s 2026 season begins soon under new coach Will Stein, while Kentucky-area high school football wrapped Week 2 action with more results and recaps.

Birth Options Expand: Kentucky cleared the way for freestanding birthing centers, giving low-risk moms a third choice beyond hospitals and home births as regulations approved this week. Public Health Watch: Kentucky’s measles situation keeps climbing, with officials reporting more active cases. State Policy & Costs: Gov. Beshear renewed calls to end state tax incentives for data centers, while the Kentucky Public Service Commission opened an investigation into rising electricity costs and affordability. Local Justice: A Hart County jury sentenced Ashley Anderson to 10 years for child abuse after Kentucky State Police investigated injuries reported in 2024. Federal Charges: An Elizabethtown woman, Melissa Farris, was indicted in connection with World War II Memorial vandalism in Washington, D.C. Community & Safety: Kentucky Career Center set a Paducah job fair for Sept. 1, and Washington County deputies seek a driver who nearly hit a child getting off a school bus. Sports (UK): Kentucky volleyball opened strong with a sweep of Utah State, led by Lizzie Carr’s efficient middle-blocking.

Eastern Kentucky Civic Event: The Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 72nd annual Civic Night Sept. 3 at Hazard Community and Technical College, honoring the Craft family with the William D. Gorman Award; tickets are $30. Trade & Prices: A Canada-U.S. tariff fight is escalating, with Kentucky among states that could feel “double whammy” pressure as retaliatory Canadian tariffs hit key industries. Public Safety & Courts: A Northern Kentucky deputy, Jason Walker, is accused of using police databases and his uniform to stalk and sexually abuse a woman tied to a domestic violence complaint; he’s charged and held on bond. Local Government: Louisville Metro Council passed new zoning rules to limit liquor store clustering, requiring 1,000-foot separation from each other and from places serving children and families. Immigration Enforcement: DHS published 10 more Nigerians on its “Worst of the Worst” deportation register, including one listed in Louisville. Energy Infrastructure: The U.S. Army selected Fort Campbell, Ky., for nuclear microreactor development under a program worth up to $2.2 billion. Sports & Community: Kentucky volleyball opens at home vs. Utah State tonight (7 p.m., SEC Network+), and UK’s 2026-27 basketball preseason exhibitions are set, including Central Florida at Rupp Oct. 28.

School Safety: Jefferson County Public Schools is rolling out automated stop-arm cameras with BusPatrol to ticket drivers who pass stopped school buses, with human review before any footage goes to police. Public Health: The cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now been confirmed in 20 states, with cases reported in Georgia, Tennessee and Texas as the total sickened climbs past 11,000. Local Economy: Valvoline Global Operations will move its headquarters from Lexington to Cincinnati, with up to 120 employees expected to relocate and about 400 jobs staying in Lexington. Education & Community: Kentucky’s statewide school safety report says the state has 937 school resource officers on campuses—nearly 100 more than last year. State & Federal Policy: ICE awarded a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 electric shock gloves, drawing backlash from civil rights groups. Arts & Culture: Shakespeare in the Park returns Sept. 28 to Hopkinsville, with a free outdoor performance of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Sports: WKU opened strong with a 2-0 shutout over Union (Kentucky).

Title X Lawsuit: Kentucky is part of a 22-state push to block new federal Title X conditions that would force providers to drop nondiscrimination protections and discourage contraception, with AGs arguing the rules are unlawful and discriminatory. Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B (with Kentucky expected to receive $358M) and will add child-safety changes like night curfews and daily limits for teens on Facebook and Instagram, though Meta denies wrongdoing. Public Health: Kentucky’s measles outbreak climbed to 29 confirmed cases, mostly among people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status, prompting renewed vaccination reminders. Local Politics & Agriculture: At the Kentucky Farm Bureau Ham Breakfast, a grand champion ham sold for $10M split by Joe and Kelly Craft and Central Bank, with proceeds headed to charities statewide. Technology & Privacy: A national backlash over Flock license-plate cameras continues, with Kentucky-related reporting tied to alleged misuse by an officer tracking an ex-girlfriend. Safety/Community: Owensboro will host the Kentucky Opioid Symposium Oct. 5-6 to bring prevention and response partners together.

Meta Teen Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17B (and as much as $18B) to settle lawsuits claiming Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to kids, with new limits like a two-hour daily cap and overnight blocks for teens. Kentucky Politics & Elections: Iowa Democrats said “no” to Kamala Harris campaigning in the state, while Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is cited as a contrast. SEC College Sports: The SEC clarified its new pro-return policy, saying it shouldn’t hurt Kentucky commitment Mark Mitchell’s eligibility. SEC Transfer Rules: Still, the SEC reaffirmed intra-conference transfer restrictions that could put former Missouri forward Mark Mitchell’s Kentucky transfer at risk. Public Health: Norton Children’s opened Kentucky’s first dedicated fetal care center in Louisville for complex prenatal diagnoses. Local Government: Oldham County schools proposed the maximum tax-rate increase allowed under state law. Energy & Defense: The U.S. Army awarded $2.2B for nuclear microreactors at bases including Fort Campbell, Ky. Agriculture: Kentucky cattlemen criticized a Trump pause on tariffs for imported ground beef. Health Facilities: Paducah/McCracken County plans a $15.6M new health department building. Crime: A Shively officer was charged for allegedly using Flock to track a woman’s vehicle movements more than 2,000 times.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $16.68B and overhaul Facebook and Instagram after states alleged the platforms were designed to be addictive to children and mishandled kids’ data; the deal includes daily limits and nighttime blocks for teens and Kentucky is set to receive $358M. Local Law Enforcement: In Shively, a police officer was suspended after investigators said he used Flock cameras for 2,048 unauthorized searches tied to a woman with no active case. Dolly Parton in Kentucky: Gov. Beshear ordered flags lowered statewide for Dolly Parton, honoring her Imagination Library impact. Lottery: A $50,000 Powerball ticket was sold in Hopkinsville; the jackpot is now about $96M. Arts & Community: Kentucky’s Arts Council is sending $51,175 in grants to 15 nonprofits for performing artists. Animal Welfare: Kentucky State Police report rescuing 200+ dogs from poor conditions in Metcalfe County; two people face charges.

SEC Eligibility Crackdown: The SEC banned athletes with certain pro ties from returning to college sports, expanding beyond football to cover basketball too, and warning schools could face penalties—an eligibility fight that could hit high-profile cases like Kentucky’s Mark Mitchell. KHSAA Leadership Shakeup: KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett and Senior Associate Commissioner Butch Cope announced retirements later this school year, setting up major changes for Kentucky high school sports administration. Meta Teen Safety Trial: Meta and state attorneys general discussed a possible mid-trial settlement in the case accusing Instagram/Facebook of addicting teens; Kentucky is one of the states involved. Dolly Parton’s Kentucky Legacy: Gov. Andy Beshear ordered flags half-staff statewide for Dolly Parton, whose Imagination Library expanded to all 120 Kentucky counties in 2024. Local Impact: Downtown Louisville road closures near hospitals tied to I-65 work sparked major traffic backups. Public Safety: UK police are investigating multiple electric scooter thefts near residence halls.

Ag Tag Boost: Kentucky drivers topped $940,000 in donations to the Ag Tag Program this year, bringing the total since 2024 to more than $2.8 million, with funds split among 4-H, FFA and the agriculture department. Fall Hunting Preview: Kentucky’s fall hunting seasons are set to ramp up, with dove season and squirrel season kicking off the next wave of opportunities for hunters statewide. State Fair Safety: A horse was electrocuted at the Kentucky State Fair after electrical concerns were raised in 2023; officials say an investigation is underway. Road Work & Traffic: KYTC scheduled traffic signal and sign work on U.S. 68X in Bourbon County, including a conversion to an all-way stop at Main Street and Fifth Street in Millersburg. Public Safety: A pregnant Kentucky woman in Louisville underwent an emergency C-section after a violent assault, and authorities charged the suspect with multiple felonies. Data Center Power Deal: Kentucky regulators approved a 482-MW electric-service agreement for TeraWulf’s Justified Data Campus, clearing a key hurdle for redevelopment in Hawesville. Local Arts: A Danville downtown mural has advanced to the final round of a statewide beautification contest, with online voting now open.