AGP Executive Report

Health & Politics: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84, was admitted to a hospital Sunday morning and is “receiving excellent care,” but his office did not say what prompted the visit or his condition. The Kentucky Republican has had multiple health scares in recent years, including a February hospital stay for “flu-like symptoms.” Transportation: Owensboro’s “Blue Bridge” (Glover Cary Bridge) will see lane restrictions Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19 for its annual inspection, with traffic reduced to a single lane using flaggers. Weather: Tornado warnings were issued for parts of Butler and Clarion counties, with additional severe thunderstorm watches and warnings affecting the region. Education: Breathitt County reported 142 preschool students enrolled in 2024-25, down 10.7% from the prior year. Business/Consumer Safety: The FDA classified a recall of Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states as a Class I risk due to possible Salmonella contamination. Local Government: The Madison County School Board approved bids for new tennis courts at Madison Central High School and renamed the old Madison Middle School building.

Kentucky Politics & Policy: Kentucky’s next athletics director hunt is heating up again, with multiple reports saying UK is targeting Michigan State AD J Batt as Mitch Barnhart’s retirement approaches, though negotiations aren’t finalized. Public Safety & Courts: A Grant County grand jury handed down 22 indictments this week, including multiple drug trafficking and meth-related charges. Community & Local Government: A Bullitt County event drew residents to learn about data centers—how they work, why they’re spreading, and the tradeoffs communities are weighing. Sports: Kentucky’s Emmi Scales competed at the NCAA outdoor championships after a dramatic hurdles moment, while the state’s track scene also saw standout performances from Kentucky athletes at the national meet. Health & Business: Humana said it has signed an agreement to divest its remaining minority stake in Gentiva, valuing the stake at about $900 million, as the insurer continues exiting end-of-life care. Roads & Tragedy: Kentucky State Police reported a fatal I-75 crash in Rockcastle County after a driver’s escaped pet led the victim into active lanes.

Prediction Markets Tax Fight: A coalition of prediction market firms sued Kentucky over the state’s new 14.25% tax on prediction markets, arguing it’s unlawful and challenging the policy’s rollout. Tragedy on I-75: Kentucky State Police say a California woman died after entering active lanes of I-75 to retrieve an escaped pet following an earlier crash, then was struck by a vehicle in Rockcastle County. Local Culture: The Philippine Independence Day Festival brought Southeast Asian food, performances, and vendors to downtown Louisville. Frankfort Sports: Frankfort’s baseball team is set for the Class AA state title after beating Logan 5-2, while Trinity repeated as state baseball champion with a 12-0 win over Boyd County. Louisville Zoo: The Louisville Zoo welcomed three Amur tiger cubs, its first tiger births in more than two decades. Family & Safety: Kentucky Kingdom temporarily closed several water attractions after abnormal water test results, with reopening dependent on follow-up testing. Business/Health: Humana announced it will sell its remaining minority stake in Gentiva, valuing it at about $900 million, as it continues exiting end-of-life care.

Prediction Markets Tax Fight: A coalition of major prediction market platforms sued Kentucky to block the new 14.25% excise tax on prediction-market transactions, arguing it’s discriminatory, unconstitutional, and conflicts with federal law; Kentucky’s attorney general says the state will fight back. Medical Cannabis Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear hit back at GOP lawmakers pushing for prosecutions tied to expanded qualifying conditions, calling the rhetoric a “lack of humanity” and warning it could jeopardize the program. Local Government & Ethics: In Eminence, a tied city council vote on an ethics ordinance was broken by the mayor, clearing the way for a promotion involving his son. Public Health & Water: Kentucky’s 2025 drinking water compliance report says public systems met Safe Drinking Water Act requirements at a high rate, with most violations tied to monitoring and reporting. Business & Community: FNB Bank welcomed Roman Harris back as a mortgage specialist in Mayfield. Education & Safety: Williamstown Board of Education approved multiple district agreements and policy updates, including threat assessment policy. Sports: Kentucky football continues to draw preseason attention, with multiple Wildcats named to All-SEC lists and several players flagged as breakout candidates.

Abortion & Environment: Republican attorneys general, including Kentucky’s, are urging the EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it threatens waterways—while health and environmental experts say there’s no proof medication abortion harms drinking water or wildlife. Louisville Health Care: Lee Specialty Clinic says Medicaid funding cuts could force it to downsize and end services for more than 1,000 patients after July 15. Public Safety: A Lebanon-area Frankfort Police K-9 sergeant faces animal cruelty and official misconduct charges tied to an alleged aggressive act toward his partner dog. Local Crime: A Murray insurance company owner accused of theft and fraud pleaded not guilty at arraignment. Weather: Drier, less humid air moves in for the weekend, with mostly dry conditions expected. Road & Community: Hopkinsville plans North Main Street closures for milling and paving. Business & Growth: Kentucky tourism spending data shows continued gains for Murray/Calloway County, and Christian County reports another record year. Sports: Trinity baseball is one win from back-to-back state titles after a semifinal win over Apollo.

Local Roads & Gas Tax: Scott County and Georgetown won’t extend Gov. Andy Beshear’s 10-cent gas tax cut, putting an estimated $27M a month hit on road aid funds and raising the odds of higher pump prices. Drug Enforcement: Flock Safety cameras helped lead to a marijuana trafficking charge against Lexington resident Jeremy Kenney, after officers say his travel story didn’t match surveillance data. Courts & Tuition Equity: Two new court orders show the legal fight over “tuition equity” for undocumented students is far from settled, with questions that could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Health Care Trial: Airiver Medical says it treated the first patient in its RESTORE-2 trial for a drug-coated balloon therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis in Louisville. Public Safety: Kentucky State Police are searching for Calain Myers after he escaped from Madison County Detention Center. Business & Growth: A Publix supermarket property in Aiken, South Carolina, sold for $21.25M in an eight-figure deal—highlighting continued retail expansion in the region. Sports & Community: Frankfort advanced in the state baseball tournament, while the Blue Bridge Boys are one step from the Earl Scruggs “Battle of the Banjos” finals.

Workforce Boost: Gov. Andy Beshear says Team Kentucky, through the Bluegrass State Skills Corp., is funding training for more than 7,400 Kentucky workers, with approvals spanning major employers statewide. Healthcare Pricing Pressure: UofL Health Jewish Hospital and other Kentucky facilities received federal notices tied to price transparency rules, with potential penalties for noncompliance. Tariff Fight in Court: Kentucky AG Ford is joining a multi-state effort defending a court win blocking Trump’s tariff moves, arguing they unlawfully raise costs for families. Work Zone Safety: Kentucky lawmakers heard updates on a pilot using cameras to curb speeding in work zones, tied to House Bill 664. Ferry Uncertainty: Negotiations continue to keep the Cave-in-Rock ferry running after June 30, with funding talks between Kentucky and Illinois. Arts Across the Commonwealth: The Louisville Orchestra received $3.2 million to expand its In Harmony Tour through 2028, reaching more counties and residents. Local Human Services: A Shelbyville nonprofit is renovating a veterans housing complex to provide transitional shelter and support. Public Safety: A boil water advisory was issued for part of Warren County after a water main break.

Middle-Class Math: SmartAsset/Pew methodology puts Kentucky households in the middle class at $43,017 to $129,052 (ranked 46th), with Louisville’s range $44,834 to $134,502. Food Costs From Out of State: A California pig/egg welfare rule (Prop. 12) could raise prices for Kentucky farmers selling into the Golden State, with critics warning it effectively exports higher costs nationwide. State Higher Ed Pressure: Kentucky State University projects about a 20% enrollment drop next spring after a new law requires disenrollment for students owing $1,000+ for over 60 days. Public Safety & Health: CMS work requirements for many Medicaid adults begin June 1, with Kentucky’s Medicaid enrollment figures showing a large expansion population potentially affected. Mental Health Hotline Use: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky’s 988 Lifeline has handled 265,000 calls/chats/texts since 2022, with more routed to in-state centers. Local Government Watch: Beshear extended a 10-cent gas tax cut for 33 cities/counties through June 30, while at least one city (Hillview) chose not to extend. Sports Spotlight: Louisville Kings surged from 0-3 to the UFL United Bowl, and Time named Lexington trainer Cherie DeVaux to its 100 Most Influential People in Sports after Golden Tempo’s Derby and Belmont wins.

I-65 Disruption: KYTC says Interstate 65 bridge work is still on schedule after a summer shutdown, with crews working “around the clock” despite heavy rain and a target reopening of Aug. 1. Louisville Truck Woes: As drivers reroute, Louisville Metro Police report at least 11 large-truck crashes at the “can opener” overpasses near 3rd Street and Eastern Parkway. Bridge Detour in Floyd County: Ky. 979’s Mud Creek bridge will close June 15 through August for an accelerated replacement, with a temporary route set via Ky. 979 South, Ky. 122 and Ky. 3680. Local Safety & Crime: AAA Bluegrass warns summer travelers to make homes look lived in and use deadbolts to slow break-ins. Food Insecurity Help: Soul Food in Floyd and Johnson counties received a $15,000 Pallottine Foundation grant to expand its weekend backpack program. Tourism Numbers: Gov. Beshear touts 2025 as Kentucky’s biggest tourism year ever, with $14.6B in economic impact. Consumer Watch: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles in Kentucky-area states over possible rear suspension subframe corrosion.

Kentucky Politics & Policy: A Louisville coalition of LGBTQ+ groups is pushing back on the proposed “Safe Haven Law,” arguing the process and potential statewide fallout—not the goal of protecting residents—could backfire. Public Safety: Kentucky is mourning the death of UK defensive lineman Nic Smith, 20, found dead on campus; police say no foul play is suspected. State Government & Economy: Kentucky’s gas tax relief is set to expire in most of the state Thursday, with some cities and counties getting extensions, including Louisville and Owensboro/Earlington. Education & Community: EKU announced 2026 home football game times and promotions, while Kentucky’s track and field contingent heads to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene with 32 athletes between Louisville and UK. Local Government: Glasgow City Council advanced its 2026-27 budget and approved a tax incentive for Sharp Carts. Business & Industry: Federal mine safety regulators fault a Nicholas County operator’s failures tied to a 2025 death, and Kentucky coal policy leaders welcomed a DOE announcement of federal support for coal modernization.

Retail & Cost of Living: Kroger is rolling out electronic shelf labels in more stores, saying the tech will improve price accuracy and lower costs, while critics warn it could enable “surge pricing.” Public Safety: Louisville Metro Police are investigating after a 15-year-old boy was found shot to death in the Park DuValle neighborhood. Weather: A flood watch is in effect for Central Kentucky through noon Wednesday as heavy rain returns, with saturated ground raising the risk of spot flooding. Transportation: KYTC has paused a planned “road diet” on Dixie Highway in Boone and Kenton counties, switching to repaving and targeted safety upgrades instead. Space: Kentucky-born astronaut Randy “Komrade” Bresnik was named commander of NASA’s Artemis III mission. Local Education: Ohio County reported 302 kindergarten students in 2024-25, up 6.3% year over year, according to state data. Housing Crisis: U.S. Catholic bishops warn the affordable housing crunch is now a crisis for families, citing severe shortages of available, affordable rentals.

Local Government & Elections: Scott County set ballot positions for nonpartisan races through a required random drawing, with write-ins due Aug. 24. Transportation Updates: KYTC scheduled lane restrictions on U.S. 60 in Ballard County near the new alignment June 8, and plans a major U.S. 68 closure at I-24 Exit 16 in McCracken County starting June 22 for a roundabout project. Public Safety: Graves County authorities arrested three people after a meth sale investigation at a public housing complex, including charges tied to alleged access by a 12-year-old. Community & Education: McCracken County Fiscal Court backed West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Community Scholarship Program with a $125,000 check while asking for clearer results on how funds are used. Health & Families: Kentucky’s school vaccine rules remain in place as parents prepare for the 2026-27 year, with exemptions available for certain medical and religious reasons. Arts & Culture: A statewide museum conference brought preservationists to Paducah for tours and training.

Tragic Loss in Lexington: University of Kentucky defensive lineman Nic “Happy” Smith, 20, died Monday; UK said an initial investigation found no foul play and no cause was released. Crash Disruptions on I-75: Kentucky State Police shut down I-75 northbound near the 62-mile marker in Rockcastle County after multiple collisions; drivers were told to use Exit 59 and follow U.S. 25. Local Justice Update: A Russell County jury found Lee Maynard guilty of murder and tampering in the 2023 death of his half-brother; sentencing is set for July. Public Safety Accountability: Louisville Metro Police officer Nathan Stotts resigned after fatally shooting an unarmed, naked man; LMPD said the resignation speeds up the termination process. Veterans Health Tech: The VA deployed its Federal Electronic Health Record system to four more Ohio and Kentucky sites, continuing a 2026 expansion plan. Arts & Community: BLINK’s 10th anniversary in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky adds 90+ artists, more murals in Covington, and replaces the parade with a new “Ready, Set, BLINK!” opening block party. Sports Recruiting: Kentucky landed five-star wing Ryan Hampton for the 2027 class.

Belmont Stakes Buzz: Golden Tempo closed from 12 lengths back to win the 158th Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, giving Kentucky Derby winner Cherie DeVaux another historic Triple Crown moment. Public Safety: Kentucky State Police report a Minnesota woman died after losing control of a three-wheeled motorcycle in Anderson County, and they’re also searching for a missing 22-year-old Morgan County man last seen in Nevada. Local Crime: Livingston County deputies arrested two suspects after an alleged burglary at a Smithland mansion. Weather Watch: Humidity is driving scattered downpours and a flash-flood risk through Thursday, with rain most likely midday into the afternoon. Community & Culture: Tyler Childers was named the inaugural Railbird Festival Hall of Fame inductee at Lexington’s Red Mile, and the Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum drew visitors for its annual mineral, gem, fossil and jewelry show. Business/Spirits: Larrikin Bourbon Co. brought home multiple ASCOT Awards honors in Lawrenceburg and announced a new hospitality and brand director.

Local Transportation: Covington’s Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is set to trigger major ramp closures starting June 8, including a long-term shutdown of the I-71/75 northbound off-ramp to 12th Street/MLK Jr. Boulevard through summer 2027, plus other detours and additional road changes expected to begin June 15. Public Safety: Kentucky State Police are investigating a fatal head-on crash in Adair County after a 17-year-old crossed the centerline and hit a truck; the teen later died, while the driver was not injured. Crime Update: Laurel County authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after a pursuit tied to a domestic assault ended with three people dead. State Politics/Media: GOP firebrand Lauren Boebert lashed out at a Fox News reporter over questions tied to allegations involving Rep. Thomas Massie. Sports (Kentucky): Bullitt East rolled past Assumption 5-0 in the KHSAA fast-pitch state tournament, moving into the quarterfinals. Recruiting: Corbin defensive lineman Malachi Brown committed to UK football. Economy/Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reports show Kentucky fuel prices remain volatile, with multiple counties seeing some of the lowest midgrade or diesel prices for the week ending May 30.

Workforce Training Expansion: Logan County Schools is starting a roughly $10.4 million expansion at its Career and Technical Center, adding new diesel and plumbing programs slated for fall 2027, funded by a $10 million expansion grant plus interest. Public Safety Tech Upgrade: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky is moving to Next Generation 911 statewide, improving emergency call speed and accuracy and adding support for voice, text, photos and video, with full rollout expected by end of 2027. EV Charging Buildout: Kentucky has issued a request for proposals to expand its fast-charging electric vehicle network in underserved rural and urban areas, with responses due July 13. Triple Crown Finale: Golden Tempo won the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, giving trainer Cherie DeVaux another historic win and completing the Kentucky Derby-to-Belmont sweep. Local Sports Spotlight: Trinity High School advanced to the KHSAA baseball semifinals with an 11-0 shutout of Beechwood, while Kentucky’s All-Stars split with Indiana in the annual series.