AGP Executive Report

Data Centers in Kentucky: NextEra and Brookfield are teaming up on a $100B-plus data center campus in Kentucky, repurposing a shuttered Cold War uranium-enrichment site and adding a generating plant. State Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear escalated pressure on Sen. Mitch McConnell, demanding “proof of your capacity to serve” or resignation after McConnell’s rehab stay and limited health updates. Federal Hearing: Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions at a Senate hearing led by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul over COVID-19 origins and his past testimony; Paul also removed Fauci’s lawyer after disruptions. Public Safety: A $167M Kentucky Powerball winner, James Farthing of Georgetown, was arrested again—his fourth since the win—on domestic violence allegations including strangulation. Health & Courts: DOJ announced prison sentences tied to a Medicaid fraud scheme at Kentucky addiction treatment clinics, totaling nearly $5M in false billing. Local Education: LaRue County schools will use a streamlined superintendent evaluation model, shifting to a five-standard framework.

Kentucky Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear renewed pressure on Sen. Mitch McConnell to prove he can serve, saying a 17-minute call isn’t enough and demanding clearer health updates. Federal Oversight: Rep. Morgan McGarvey raised concerns after visiting the Campbell County ICE detention center, citing problems with medical care, medication access and food. Disaster Aid: Kentucky’s congressional delegation asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration tied to June flooding, tornadoes and storms, seeking public and individual assistance plus hazard mitigation. Public Safety & Courts: The Kentucky Powerball winner who claimed a $167M jackpot was arrested again on domestic violence-related charges, the fourth time since winning. Local Infrastructure: I-65 in Louisville is reopening ahead of schedule, with two lanes in both directions set to open late July 29. Education & Workforce: Abound officer Jake Darabos was selected for the KCTCS Foundation Board. Culture & Community: A Kentucky auction is putting Colonel Sanders’ bow tie, planner and other personal items—and his former home and dinner house—on the block in Shelbyville.

McConnell Health Clash: Gov. Andy Beshear escalated pressure on U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, demanding he “directly and verbally” prove he can serve or resign, after weeks of limited updates and questions about recent “proof of life” photos. Senate Seat Math: As speculation grows over whether McConnell returns in time, Kentucky’s path for a possible special election to fill a vacancy is back in focus. Wrongful Death UPS Crash: A federal judge sent a Louisville UPS crash wrongful-death lawsuit back to Kentucky state court, ruling UPS’s “headquarters” argument doesn’t control jurisdiction. Local Safety: Two people were arrested in Scottsville after a 1-year-old died, with police citing extreme neglect and hazardous living conditions. Public Safety Tech: Newport investigators say Flock LPR helped track suspects across state lines in a shooting case that ended with all arrests. Powerball Update: Kentucky Powerball winner James Farthing was arrested again in Scott County on domestic violence-related charges. Frankfort Planning: Frankfort kicked off work on a new comprehensive plan, gathering public input during the Hot Dog Festival. IKEA Florence: IKEA’s smaller “plan and order point with pick-up” store in Florence is moving toward a new opening date, with details expected soon. Weather: Tuesday starts warm and muggy with storms possible, then turns drier and more comfortable later.

McConnell Health Update: Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell is still not medically cleared to leave rehab, according to the Capitol physician’s office, meaning he’ll miss Saturday’s Fancy Farm Picnic as he continues intensive physical therapy after a June fall and pneumonia. Gov. Beshear Pushes for Answers: Beshear sent McConnell a letter demanding proof he can serve or resign, arguing the public hasn’t received clear updates during his absence. Local Planning & Data Centers: Hopkinsville’s planning commission held a public hearing on proposed zoning rules for future data centers, including standards for size, electrical demand, setbacks, noise, lighting, landscaping, and water use. Kentucky Sports: Kentucky men’s basketball released its 2026-27 SEC schedule, starting league play Jan. 2 at Oklahoma and closing at Florida, with the first home SEC game set for Jan. 5/6 vs. Ole Miss. Public Safety: The Dorena-Hickman Ferry reopened July 27 after a mechanical closure, running on its summer schedule with cash-only fares. Crime Update: A man pleaded guilty in federal court to the 1996 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Morgan Violi from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Politics & Power: Fancy Farm updates the speaker lineup: Gov. Andy Beshear declines, while Sen. Mitch McConnell remains “pending” amid ongoing health questions. Elections & Voting Rights: Kentucky’s legal fight over voter data continues as courts reject DOJ attempts to obtain sensitive voter registration records. Public Safety: Kentucky State Police report a Belfry man facing a felony assault charge after an alleged car strike during a property dispute. Courts & Civil Rights: Kim Davis faces a new lawsuit claiming she hid inheritance to avoid paying a civil rights judgment tied to refusing marriage licenses. Health & Food Safety: The cyclosporiasis outbreak story keeps widening, with federal funding and enforcement decisions tied to how quickly contaminated food is tracked and removed. Sports (SEC): Kentucky’s 2027 men’s basketball SEC schedule is out, with the Wildcats opening conference play at Oklahoma and closing at Florida. Local Culture: LEX News celebrates multiple Ohio Valley Regional Emmy wins in Louisville. Lottery: A $50,000 Powerball ticket was sold in Kentucky.

PGA Tour Spotlight: Jackson Koivun, a Sterling-area Auburn standout, won the 3M Open in his third pro start, beating Scottie Scheffler by three strokes with a tournament-record 25-under total at TPC Twin Cities. Public Utilities: The Kentucky Public Service Commission approved Black Mountain Utility District’s sale to Kentucky American Water, with KAW pledging $20.9 million for infrastructure over five years. Local Housing/Development: Construction started on Ann Street Limited in Newport’s Westside—11 infill homes, expected to start in the upper $500,000s, with EV chargers included. Public Safety/Traffic: A 47-year-old man died after being ejected in a Boone County motorcycle crash; U.S. 61 in Lyon County is blocked by downed trees. Storm Aftermath: Power outages hit parts of western Kentucky and the Tri-State after storms, with thousands without electricity in several counties. Animal Welfare: Kentucky Humane Society ended adoptions at its East Campus as it prepares to open a new Animal & Community Campus off Preston Highway.

McConnell Health & Senate Math: Progressives are pressing Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to declare Sen. Mitch McConnell dead and trigger a special election, arguing it would help Democrats—while Beshear’s critics say he’s not doing enough despite aides offering no fresh public update. Election Security: Voter ID and citizenship verification measures are headed to ballots across the U.S., with California and Arizona among the states weighing new rules this November. Food Safety Crisis: The FDA and CDC say the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, with 1,947 lab-confirmed illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations, and Kentucky included among affected states. Kentucky Sports & College Hoops: SEC media days preseason voting has Georgia picked to win the league, while Kentucky is projected in the lower half; separately, college basketball spending is surging, with some programs budgeting around $10 million-plus for rosters. Local Community: Dry Ridge honored a housing leader at a city council meeting, recognizing her work strengthening affordable housing. Weather: Extreme heat advisories and warnings are in effect for parts of the region, with triple-digit heat indices expected.

McConnell Health Transparency: Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office says he’s still meeting with staff on Senate and Kentucky business as calls grow for clearer updates nearly six weeks after his June hospitalization. DOJ Voter Data Fight: A federal judge dismissed the DOJ lawsuit seeking access to Kentucky’s unredacted voter registration list, ruling the state isn’t required to provide it and giving Kentucky until Sept. 21 to appeal. Wildfire Smoke Tariff Drama: President Trump doubled down on threats tied to Canadian wildfire smoke, posting an AI “North America Air Filter Barrier” image and backing new tariff moves. Cyclospora “Lettuce-Gate”: The CDC says the outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has spread to nine states, with nearly 2,000 reported cases and more infections announced as companies face scrutiny. Local Public Safety & Crime: A sheriff is accused in the courthouse shooting death of a judge, while Kentucky State Police reported a fatal two-vehicle crash on Hal Rogers Parkway in Leslie County. Community & Education: Lexington’s “Flood with Love” festival raised money for Madison County flood victims; the Kentucky Horse Park hosted a free Back-to-School Bash for Fayette and Scott County families. Data Center Clash: A Kentucky land development firm sued Cave City over a data center moratorium, arguing it was rushed and unlawful.

Iran War Funding Fight: Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie is among lawmakers pushing to halt the Trump administration’s Iran war after votes in the House and Senate over accountability, a progress report, and congressional approval for continued action. Cyclospora in Kentucky: The CDC says the lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak has now spread to nine states, with Kentucky included among the original group; officials report 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations tied to Taco Bell lettuce, with more cases likely. Frankfort/State Policy: Kentucky lawmakers and officials are also weighing Medicaid waiver cuts and unexpected revenue to restore gaps, as providers and nonprofits brace for impacts. Local Governance & Public Safety: Paducah-area officials are at odds over PACRO board appointments, with the mayor alleging a political move tied to the county judge race. Education & Community: Carroll County reports 26 African American students in 2024-25, and Bardstown and Nelson County schools highlight summer programs and construction updates. Sports: Kentucky football coach Will Stein made national headlines at SEC Media Days with a bold “because of me” message, while preseason SEC predictions keep Kentucky in the mix.

Unemployment Watch: New Kentucky Center for Statistics data shows unemployment rates rose in 116 counties in June versus last year, with Louisville at about 5.2% (above the national ~4.4%) and Martin County highest at 10.6%. Food Safety: The CDC expanded its cyclospora investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell—now linked to nine states, with Kentucky among them; the outbreak totals 1,947 reported cases and 98 hospitalizations, and Taylor Farms continues recalls while health officials trace the supply chain. Public Health Basics: Kentucky health coverage also focused on summer bug bites and how to tell mosquito vs. tick bites, plus guidance on what recreational water can and can’t do in parasite outbreaks. Local Crime: A federal grand jury indicted 13 Owensboro-area residents in a meth trafficking conspiracy tied to a Homeland Security Task Force investigation; arrests followed. Community & Economy: Carrollton approved a Louisville-based developer’s plan for a hyperscale data center, while Louisville-area audio service Radio Eye highlighted efforts to make local news accessible for blind and disabled Kentuckians. Sports: SEC preseason media polls picked Georgia to win the title; Kentucky received a vote total placing it 14th in the league.

Cyclospora Update: The CDC says the iceberg-lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has now reached nine states, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with federal and FDA traceback work continuing as officials warn more cases may be coming. Election Court Fight: A federal judge dismissed the DOJ’s lawsuit seeking Kentucky voters’ sensitive personal information, backing state election officials and continuing a broader pattern of courts rejecting attempts to access unredacted voter rolls. Health & Transparency Pressure: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez renewed calls for Sen. Mitch McConnell to provide a health update or resign amid his prolonged absence from the Senate. Flood Recovery Spotlight: Gov. Andy Beshear promoted the Team Kentucky documentary “RISING,” now streaming on Prime Video, ahead of the 2022 Eastern Kentucky flood anniversary. Local Business & Jobs: River Valley AgCredit expanded its Murray office with new staff additions aimed at serving western Kentucky farmers and homeowners. Sports & Community: Indian Hills Country Club will host the 107th Kentucky Open starting Tuesday, with the field teeing off for a major statewide golf showcase.

Cyclosporiasis Update: Kentucky health officials say the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded lettuce from Mexico-linked Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell has sickened more than 1,500 people nationwide, with Kentucky reporting between 1 and 25 cases; the FDA is also investigating a separate new outbreak with at least 72 illnesses, while Mexico reports Taylor Farms samples tested negative. Public Safety & Health Access: Oldham County Detention Center became the first Kentucky jail to offer free ONEbox™ naloxone kits for releases and visitors, aiming to cut fatal opioid overdoses right after people leave custody. Local Government & Courts: A federal court dismissed the DOJ’s push for unredacted Kentucky voter registration records, continuing a string of setbacks for the administration’s election-data demands. State Politics: House Republicans and Democrats again clashed over Iran war powers, with Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie voting with Democrats to limit Trump’s authority while the Senate blocked a similar measure. Community Life: The Kentucky Brotherhood Ride’s 400-mile trek honoring fallen first responders rolled through Bowling Green, and Trimble County’s library announced August events including toddler and preschool storytimes plus a special archaeologist visit.

Public Health: Kentucky is part of a growing cyclosporiasis/cyclospora crisis tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with cases and investigations expanding beyond the initial source; one local woman described severe illness after eating bagged salad linked to Taylor Farms. State Government: Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Kentucky will receive compensation after a 23andMe genetic data breach settlement, following a multistate resolution over the 2023 incident. Local Safety Law: The new Kentucky HALO Act took effect July 15, creating a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders and making interference a crime. Weather & Emergencies: The National Weather Service confirmed multiple tornadoes across Kentucky, including an EF-1 track from Carroll into Grant County, as severe storms and heat continue to affect the region. Community & Services: The Cabbage Patch Settlement House in Louisville marked 115 years of free support for children and families, while the Kentucky Humane Society opened submissions for its 2027 Pet Calendar. Politics & Accountability: Coverage continues around Senate rules and health-related questions involving Mitch McConnell, alongside a House vote directing Trump to end the Iran war via a war powers resolution.

Severe Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado with 110 mph winds crossed Carroll and Grant counties, with additional tornado reports across Northern Kentucky. Public Safety: Kentucky’s new school-bus law expands when drivers must stop for flashing lights and stop arms, with tougher penalties for violations. Health & Food Safety: Federal health officials say cyclosporiasis linked to produce has spread to 41 states, with Kentucky and Indiana tied to the broader outbreak. State Politics: Kentucky is now enrolled in a federal education tax credit program under the “Big Beautiful Bill,” letting families claim credits for approved scholarship organizations. Courts & Crime: A Dexter man accused in a fatal Almo assault and related arson was bound over to a grand jury. Elections: Former Morehead State lawmaker Rocky Adkins officially launched his 2027 Democratic run for governor. Business/Consumer: Ale-8-One says Pawpaw Ale-8 is back for a limited time and will be gone when the batch sells out. Sports: Northern Kentucky and Kentucky college recruiting plus local sports headlines kept fans busy, including a commitment from North Laurel’s Mariella Claybrook to Western Kentucky.

Education & Workforce: CPE expanded Futuriti.org with a new Program & Pathway Finder to help Kentucky students connect local career and technical education classes to future jobs and further schooling. State Budget: Kentucky’s 2026 fiscal year ended with a $320.6 million General Fund surplus over the original budget and $476.6 million above the December forecast, driven by stronger-than-expected economic growth. Severe Weather: Tornadoes and record flooding battered parts of the East, with Kentucky damage reports and NWS surveys underway after confirmed tornadoes, including in Owen County. Public Safety: A Kentucky man was arrested in Evansville after a suspected drunken-driving crash and an alleged fight with officers. Health Watch: CDC says cyclosporiasis cases hit a record high, with Kentucky tied to a broader outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce; officials urge caution with produce. Politics: Rocky Adkins officially launched his 2027 Kentucky governor bid, pitching himself as a “fighter” focused on affordability, schools, and healthcare. Local Government: LaRue County approved FY27 resolutions including road funding, disaster grant services, and a 911 board grant for upgrades. Business/Tech: indiPDF 2.0 launched as a $35 one-time-purchase privacy-first PDF editor adding redaction and digital signatures.

School Bus Safety Update: A new Kentucky law expands when drivers must stop for school buses with red lights and a stop arm, tightening rules especially on multi-lane roads. Road Closures & Flooding: KYTC plans a weekend closure of the Capital Avenue (U.S. 60) bridge in Frankfort, while I-65 flooding at the 61-mile marker has left lanes underwater and triggered collisions. State Government Appointments: Gov. Andy Beshear named three local residents to state councils, including seats tied to early childhood and school accountability. Politics & Public Trust: A guest column argues McConnell’s long silence after hospitalization fueled speculation and misinformation, while another local voice highlights rural renewal in Eastern Kentucky. Public Safety & Courts: Frankfort-area police/fire blotter items and arraignments included unrelated felony cases in Calloway County. Sports: Kentucky football coach Will Stein told SEC Media Days he believes “because of me” the program can win big, as the Wildcats enter a new era. Health & Community: Goodwill Kentucky and Aetna Better Health opened a Career Skills Lab in Louisville to expand job training, including a mock pharmacy classroom.