AGP Executive Report

SEC Football Spotlight: Kentucky kicks off SEC play hosting No. 12 Alabama at Kroger Field, with the matchup officially sold out and coach Will Stein urging a louder, more disruptive home crowd for the 3:30 p.m. game. Local Sports: Lincoln-Way East rolled past Bradley-Bourbonnais 50-7 in Frankfort, while Hillcrest dominated Central 53-13 in its home opener and Kentucky’s soccer team fell 3-2 to Texas A&M in the SEC opener. Community & Public Safety: Mayfield American Legion and Disabled American Veterans held a 9/11 memorial luncheon for first responders on the 25th anniversary, and a Frankfort-area vigil brought residents together after a string of tragedies. Legal/College Sports: Denzel Aberdeen filed for a temporary injunction to keep playing a fifth season at Florida amid NCAA eligibility disputes. Business & Jobs: Ford announced a $1 billion paint shop at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville to modernize operations. Missing Person Update: McCracken County says Dylan Purvis was found in good health.

Patriot Day: Gov. Andy Beshear ordered Kentucky flags lowered to half-staff at state buildings Friday, Sept. 11, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 9/11 Remembrance: Lexington’s Fire Department held its 14th annual 9/11 Stair Climb at Kroger Field, honoring fallen firefighters and first responders with a climb matching the towers’ stair count. AI & Kids Online: A new wave of parents is pulling back on posting children’s faces after viral concerns about Meta AI prompts and how AI may identify or reference kids. Data Centers & Costs: A bipartisan federal push, the Ratepayer Protection Act, would require regulators to consider rules so data centers help cover grid upgrade costs—aimed at preventing electricity bill spikes. Local Economy/Jobs: Ford announced a $1 billion investment tied to its Kentucky Truck Plant paint shop, underscoring continued manufacturing spending in the state. SEC Football: Kentucky opens SEC play Saturday hosting Alabama at Kroger Field, with the matchup drawing major attention as both teams start conference action.

SEC Football Preview: Alabama opens SEC play at Kentucky on Saturday, with the Tide favored at Kroger Field and injury updates including cornerback Zyan Gibson ruled out. College Sports on TV: Ohio State vs. Texas headlines the national college football slate Saturday on ABC, while other ranked matchups dot the schedule. High School Soccer: Great Crossing’s Kendall Crump keeps stacking goals, breaking the school record during an 8-0 win over Frankfort. Courts & Public Safety: A grand jury is set to hear the case tied to the death of 1-year-old Mason Moulding in Allen County on Sept. 23, with three people facing child abuse-related charges. Local Governance & Community: Frankfort High School students return in-person at First United Methodist Church after a fire closed the school building. Business & Jobs: Ford announced a $1 billion paint shop investment at its Kentucky Truck Plant. Health & Safety: Kentucky’s measles outbreak continues to expand, with recent reporting noting the highest rate in decades.

O’Charley’s Closures: O’Charley’s is shutting down multiple locations, with Kentucky outlets including Cookeville and reports of closures in Hopkinsville, Bowling Green, Owensboro and Elizabethtown, citing low sales and rising costs. Death Investigation: Kentucky State Police are investigating after two people were found dead in a Bremen home in Muhlenberg County; autopsies are underway and identities and cause are pending. Court Fight: Former Gov. Matt Bevin has filed a petition in Kentucky’s Court of Appeals seeking to vacate the civil contempt warrant tied to his arrest and asking for immediate release. FEMA Storm Recovery: FEMA announced more than $5 million for 12 Kentucky recovery and mitigation projects after severe storms and flooding. 9/11 Remembrance & Training: Big Sandy CTC’s Pikeville campus held a 9/11 remembrance ceremony, and Pike County Fire School runs Sept. 11-13 with regional firefighter and EMS training. UK Fan Wireless Launch: UK Athletics and the UK Alumni Association unveiled Kentucky Mobile, a 5G wireless plan that directs part of monthly payments to UK and athletics initiatives. Local Government Waste Planning: Grant County fiscal court discussed the future of the Solid Waste 109 Board and hiring a new solid waste coordinator. Health & Safety: Kentucky’s measles outbreak continues to climb, with new cases reported as the state faces its worst outbreak in decades.

Healthcare Leadership: Appalachian Regional Healthcare named Paige Franklin its new VP of External Affairs, bringing Medicaid-managed care and government relations experience after work with Nest Health and Aetna Better Health of Kentucky. Public Safety & Privacy: Meade County held a heated town hall on Flock Safety license plate readers, with the sheriff urging residents to speak up in person rather than online. Local Government Planning: Carroll County officials heard a presentation on planning and zoning, weighing long-term land-use rules as data center proposals spark renewed interest. Health Alert: Kentucky’s measles outbreak climbed to 44 confirmed cases across eight counties, with all patients reported as unvaccinated. Workforce Impact: O’Charley’s closures are reported across the region, prompting rapid response meetings for affected employees at the Kentucky Career Center. Community Health: Ronald McDonald House Lexington announced a $37 million expansion to add rooms for families turned away due to capacity limits. Sports (Kentucky): Kentucky football coach Will Stein is pushing for a packed, loud Kroger Field for the Alabama SEC opener.

Farm & Education: Kentucky’s “All in for Ag Education Week” will send Willie B. farm-safety books, a stuffed dog, and lessons to 700+ elementary schools statewide. Public Safety: The Arrive Alive Tour brought drunk and distracted-driving simulations to Shelby Valley High School. Health Watch: Kentucky’s measles outbreak climbed to 43 cases, with Christian and Trigg counties leading and warnings of possible exposure in Richmond and Olive Hill. State Government & Accountability: A new report says Kentucky lawmakers are surveilling universities while hiding records, raising fresh transparency concerns. Local News: A WWII soldier missing since 1942 is returning to Kentucky for burial in Laurel County. Business & Industry: A Kentucky farm is raising ostriches as a red-meat alternative for people with Alpha-gal syndrome. Crime & Courts: A Frankfort-area case involving a mother accused in her toddler son’s death continues to draw attention.

Tragic Public Safety: A 6-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Frankfort; police say CPR was attempted and the investigation is ongoing. Courts & Crime: A Frankfort mother accused in the killing of her 2-year-old son remains held pending trial after prosecutors argued she poses a threat to her family. Local Government: Covington commissioners voted 4-1 to remove license plate readers from a long-term police tech contract after heavy public pushback. Housing Access: A Louisville study finds a severe wheelchair-friendly housing shortage, leaving many residents trapped in inaccessible homes. Public Health: NIOSH reports black lung rates among Central Appalachia miners have surged to the highest levels since 1978. Community & Culture: The National Corvette Museum marked its 32nd anniversary in Bowling Green with a new collections facility and weekend celebrations. Business & Growth: Burgin residents packed a meeting over a proposed data center, with supporters citing tax revenue and opponents warning about impacts on nearby horse operations. Mental Health: Kentucky marked 988 Day, highlighting 24/7 crisis support in western Kentucky.

Affordable Housing Fight in Georgetown: City Council approved a $300,000 loan commitment to support a Woda Cooper affordable/workforce housing project, but the vote was split and hinged on state tax credits, with other local approvals still needed. Developer Pushback: Wabuck Development says Georgetown’s “process” and lack of responses slowed its efforts to pursue a project, while Mayor Burney Jenkins pointed to constraints and said the city is working on an affordable housing policy. Public Safety & Utilities: Don Hawkins, Scott County’s electrical inspector since 1994, is set to retire after 32 years, with Allen Neal taking over. Food & Community: A Butler Township Long John Silver’s reopened after a full rebuild with kiosks and updated layouts, and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife updated regulations affecting hunters and anglers. Environment: Lawmakers heard testimony on Kentucky’s push to tackle hazardous microplastics, including research on removing them from water. Education & Economy: Kentucky State University will host a Federal Reserve luncheon Sept. 22 connecting students with workforce and economic leaders. Sports: High school volleyball and football action continues across the state, including the 2nd Region All “A” Classic tournament in western Kentucky.

Kentucky Politics & Budget: Kentucky missed the fiscal targets needed to trigger another income tax cut in 2028, according to a budget director letter, dashing hopes for a half-point rate reduction. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Overnight rolling roadblocks are set for I-75 in Laurel and Whitley counties to remove an overhang on the KY 312 bridge, and Glasgow crews are continuing work on Ky. 90 and U.S. 31-E with lane closures. Local Governance & Data Centers: Burgin is restarting a controversial annexation process tied to a hyperscale data center campus, as residents push for more protections and guardrails. Education Outcomes: A new report shows Madison County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Asian students at Eastern Kentucky University was 67.9% for the 2018 entering cohort. Community & Culture: The Recovery in Unity Block Party in Bowling Green drew crowds with music, vendors, and sober-focused activities, while 7Brew’s “Brew Doh” giveaway sparked hours-long lines across Kentucky. Sports: Kentucky volleyball’s Molly Tuozzo earned SEC Player of the Week honors as the Wildcats continued early-season momentum.

Frankfort & Statewide Education: University of Louisville reports a 76.1% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Asian students in the 2018 cohort, while Kentucky’s statewide rate for Asian students is 76.8% by 2024. Local Giving: United Way of the Pennyrile kicks off its 2026-27 campaign with a $725,000 goal to support 15 agencies across Christian, Todd and Trigg counties. Immigration Policy: The U.S. State Department says Nigeria and 18 other countries are barred from the DV-2026 Green Card Lottery under the program’s rules tied to recent immigration levels. Public Safety: Florence police say a 52-year-old Union man died after a motorcycle crash early Monday, hitting a utility pole; alcohol may have contributed. Community & Culture: Kentucky writer Wendell Berry’s death is prompting renewed reflection on his impact, including a remembered Hopkinsville visit tied to bell hooks. Sports (UK): Kentucky football begins the Will Stein era with a 45-13 win over Youngstown State, while Kentucky volleyball keeps momentum after its Wrigley Field run.

Kentucky Sports Spotlight: No. 3 Kentucky volleyball made history at Wrigley Field, beating No. 13 Penn State 3-1 in the Big Ten/SEC Challenge, with Brooklyn DeLeye leading the way (21 kills) and the Wildcats closing strong in the fourth set. College Football (Kentucky ties): Louisville opened its season with a wild 41-38 loss to No. 9 Ole Miss in Nashville, with a last-second 48-yard field goal deciding it. Recruiting Watch: Kentucky basketball is reportedly setting up a visit for 2028 wing DJ Okoth during Big Blue Madness on Oct. 2. Public Safety/Health: UK reported more than 100 heat-related medical calls during the Wildcats’ season opener at Kroger Field, and JCPS bus drivers staged a call-out amid extreme heat on buses without air conditioning. Policy & Privacy: Kentucky lawmakers continue weighing privacy concerns as Flock license-plate cameras spread, after national controversy over misuse.

School Safety: FBI helped identify a suspect in “Cat in the Hat” social media threats aimed at Jessamine County schools; a minor is expected to face criminal charges, and districts are urging students not to repost threats. Public Health: A recall of frozen berries sold at Walmart expanded to Great Value products in 16 states due to possible E. coli contamination, with no illnesses reported for the specific item. Local Crime & Courts: Illinois prosecutors say a Frankfort mother, Corie Walsh, was “very invested” in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial and had been texting about it hours before she was charged after her 2-year-old son was found dead; she allegedly told police the child was the “devil” and “anti-Christ.” Kentucky Sports: Kentucky football opened the Will Stein era with a 45-13 win over Youngstown State, powered by key returners; Kentucky volleyball also heads into a Sunday matchup at Penn State after recent wins. Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Kentucky cities like Frankfort, La Grange, and Cynthiana logged scam reports in July, underscoring ongoing fraud losses nationwide.

Will Stein era at UK: Kentucky opened the Will Stein era with a 45-13 rout of Youngstown State, with the offense firing early and fans packing Kroger Field despite storms. Southern vs. Kentucky State: Marshall Faulk’s Southern Jaguars beat Kentucky State 34-12 in a home opener delayed by lightning, with a strong defensive start and key scoring bursts. Riverfest 2026: Covington and the Coast Guard are ramping up safety for the 50th annual Riverfest fireworks on Sept. 6, including road closures and boating rules for the Ohio River crowd. Election threats this fall: A new report argues the biggest election threat may be federal actions aimed at voter access and election administration, with civil society pushing back. Frankfort toddler case: Corie Walsh, a Frankfort-area mother, faces murder charges after prosecutors say she was “invested” in the Lindsay Clancy trial and told police her child was the “devil” and “anti-Christ.” Sports betting & TV: Nevada vs. Western Kentucky headlines Week 1 coverage on CBS Sports Network, with kickoff set for late Saturday night.

Will Stein era at UK: Kentucky opens the 2026 season Saturday at Kroger Field against Youngstown State, with the Wildcats sporting a new “UK Invests” jersey patch tied to the school’s student financial wellness program. Labor Day safety: Kentucky State Police are stepping up patrols and pushing sober-driving, seatbelt use, and slower speeds during the holiday travel stretch. Flock cameras debate: In Monroe, council members voted to limit Flock automatic license plate readers to 23 and require council approval of invoices, as critics call the cameras an “invasion of our privacy.” Crime-fighting boost: Bluegrass Crime Stoppers is adding $20,000 in enhanced rewards for tips leading to arrests in unsolved homicides and shootings. Sports spotlight: College volleyball keeps going bigger—Kentucky and Penn State play at Wrigley Field this weekend, the first volleyball match there in the ballpark’s history. Local sports pipeline: Dozens of Kentucky-area high school standouts are listed on college rosters for the week ending Sept. 6.

Former Gov. Matt Bevin: A judge denied bond and ordered Matt Bevin to serve 60 days in jail after his contempt-of-court case, with reports saying he was arrested while acting as an extra on a film set. Abortion-pill fight in Frankfort: Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman sued Mayday Health over ads for abortion pills, including a banner at the Kentucky State Fair, alleging violations of the state consumer protection law. Rural health funding dispute: CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz told Kentucky officials the Rural Health Transformation Program money is now up to Gov. Beshear to distribute to rural hospitals, warning unused funds could be reclaimed. Voter access update: Kentucky removed more than 300,000 deceased voters from rolls since 2020, and the state continues to face legal and policy questions around elections. Public safety and summer crowds: Labor Day weekend brought boating traffic to Kentucky Lake, with officials urging extra caution due to low water levels and debris. Community events: The Kentucky Blood Center held a Dolly Parton-themed drive, while libraries across the state marked the holiday with programs and tributes. Sports: WKU freshmen are adjusting to college life, and Kentucky football’s season opener prep continues as fans look ahead to the new year.

Flock cameras in Lexington: Mayor Linda Gorton says she’ll appoint an independent, external panel to review the city’s use of Flock license plate reader cameras, after public backlash and lawmakers’ privacy concerns. Voter access protections: Kentucky is tightening rules around removing voters from rolls, with an emergency change aimed at reducing improper purges during the run-up to the Nov. 3 midterms. Frankfort child death case: A mother has been charged with murder after a 2-year-old boy died in a Frankfort, Illinois home; police say the child was given CPR and the mother was hospitalized. Statehouse politics: U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean and others are pushing the “No Shock Act” to ban ICE “shock gloves.” Transportation updates: KYTC says U.S. 51 reopened in Hickman County after a Brush Creek bridge replacement, and work is underway on KY 36 in Grant County with lane impacts. Public safety and health: A frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination has expanded to include Kentucky Walmart shoppers. Politics and power: Reports continue to swirl around Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health and possible return to Washington.