AGP Executive Report

Public Pension Fight: Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon criticized Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of SB 70, arguing it would have strengthened oversight of the Public Pension Oversight Board by filling vacancies and adding a broader set of experienced public officials. Local Government & Housing: Paducah’s Katterjohn site is back in the spotlight as the state requests further environmental review, after earlier assessments and required monitoring wells complicated the city’s planned redevelopment. Veterans Support: Project DieHard held a community engagement at Paducah’s VFW Post 1191, pushing its mission to reduce veteran suicide and help former service members transition to civilian life. Opioid Settlement Spending: A Kentucky Center for Economic Policy analysis says most local governments have left opioid settlement money largely unspent, with some spending flagged as ineffective. Public Safety & Courts: A federal drug case tied to a Winchester overdose death is set to begin Aug. 3, as Reacheal Dawson’s family demands murder and rape charges and answers about why related deaths weren’t met with full accountability. UK Budget: The University of Kentucky trustees approved a $9.6B budget for 2026-27, driven by UK HealthCare growth and higher employee pay, while students face rising costs. Mitch McConnell Health Scrutiny: New reporting and dispatch audio claims EMS responded to McConnell’s DC home for “cardiac arrest” the day he was hospitalized, renewing questions about his condition and transparency. Independence Day in Kentucky: The Frazier Kentucky History Museum opens “I Too Am a Kentuckian” with special America 250 programming and free admission tied to the exhibition name.

Federal Courts & Public Safety: A Louisville woman, Tracy Davenport, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for a pool-installation fraud scheme that took large down payments from more than 50 customers, with nearly $3.4 million in restitution ordered. Elections & Voting Access: Jefferson County Clerk David Yates launched an audit after a precinct system error prevented some voters from casting ballots in a House primary decided by five votes. Immigration & Voting Policy: Kentucky GOP leaders renewed calls for a constitutional amendment to end birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship and opened a path for Congress. Medicaid Litigation: Twenty-five states, including Kentucky, sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule unlawfully narrows protections for the medically frail. Public Health & Crime: Kentucky reported an almost 11% increase in sex offense cases, with advocates saying improved support may be driving more reporting. Opioids & Spending: A new analysis says most Kentucky opioid settlement money is still unspent, with Marshall County holding $920,400. State Government & Education: KDE is moving through a social studies standards review process, with public comment and revisions aimed at boosting civics and critical thinking. Community & Culture: Kentucky State University sent a delegation to an international agriculture conference, and a 99-year-old Kentucky WWII vet finally received the Purple Heart 81 years after being wounded.

Opioid Progress: Gov. Andy Beshear marked four straight years of declining overdose deaths, pointing to Medicaid addiction services, Narcan distribution, treatment grants, Recovery Ready Communities, reentry help, and law enforcement drug removal. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge refused to dismiss states’ claims that Meta designed Facebook/Instagram to addict children, keeping key parts of the case alive. Election Integrity: Jefferson County Clerk David Yates said a precinct assignment error kept some voters from casting ballots in a House race decided by five votes, prompting audits and letters to local officials. Health & Crime: Kentucky reported an almost 11% rise in sex offenses, with advocates saying more survivors are coming forward. Infrastructure: Two miles of southbound I-65 in Louisville reopened ahead of schedule, restoring two lanes and several ramps while the downtown-to-University Boulevard stretch stays closed. Energy Costs: Consumer and environmental groups urged the Kentucky PSC to study utility affordability, including data center impacts. DEI Watch: North Carolina lawmakers overrode vetoes to ban DEI in schools and colleges, echoing similar moves in nearby states including Kentucky.

Medicaid Fight: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states plus D.C. sued the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements guidance, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and could cut off coverage for seriously ill and disabled people. Kentucky Accountability: Kentucky’s Medicaid oversight is back in the spotlight after a reported audit found more than $800 million in improper payments over four years, with critics pointing to weak eligibility verification and data sharing. SNAP Data Lawsuits: The DOJ also pressed states—including Kentucky—over demands to turn over SNAP eligibility and benefit records, arguing the data is needed to target overpayments and fraud. Flood Response: Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on resources for weekend flooding survivors, including cooling centers and an unmet needs/damage reporting tool as heat returns. Public Safety: Kentucky State Police reported two Lyon County pursuit arrests, including one man charged after a crash following a short chase. Crime & Courts: A Hart County man was arrested in an internet child exploitation investigation, while Campbell County PVA Daniel Braun made his first in-court appearance since indictment. Sports & Culture: The Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender women in sports, and Kentucky’s NCAA recruiting rules issue tied to Mo Williams’ social media reply is drawing scrutiny.

Flood Response: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky is past the worst of the weekend flash flooding, but search-and-rescue and damage assessments are still underway after at least four deaths, including two identified in Madison County. Local Emergency Response: Georgetown firefighters were deployed to Madison County to help Richmond with swift-water rescue and recovery. Water Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is stepping up patrols for July 3-5 as part of Operation Dry Water, targeting alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents. Medicaid & Disability Care: A Georgetown mother is urging state leaders to oppose proposed Medicaid reimbursement cuts that could disrupt care for her disabled son, including services tied to the Lee Specialty Clinic. Courts & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive afterward, leaving Kentucky’s current absentee deadline unchanged. Higher Ed & Immigration: The DOJ sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island over in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students, arguing the policies unlawfully discriminate against U.S. citizens. Public Safety (Frankfort): Frankfort police charged Jacob Milburn with domestic-violence assault after an alleged attack and knife incident. Local Governance: Scott County extended its data center moratorium through end of 2026 while planners draft local rules.

Kentucky Flood Response: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky is past the worst of the weekend flash flooding, with search-and-rescue shifting to remote areas and damage assessments underway; officials report four deaths statewide and continued moderate river flooding. State Courts & Power: The Kentucky Supreme Court struck down parts of GOP-backed laws that shifted appointment authority away from the governor, ruling the changes unconstitutionally fragment executive oversight. Judicial Election Watch: A Kentucky judicial watchdog says Beshear’s fundraising and appearances for Court of Appeals candidate Will Moynahan raise concerns about partisan influence in the Court of Appeals race. Boating Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is ramping up patrols for Independence Day weekend under “Operation Dry Water,” targeting alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents. Local Infrastructure: Plans are forming for a second, longer I-65 shutdown next summer to replace additional bridges, with impacts expected to overlap the school year. Public Safety: Kentucky State Police arrested two people in separate pursuits in Lyon County, including charges tied to fleeing police and impaired driving. National Politics With Kentucky Stakes: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld rules allowing states to count some mail-in ballots received after Election Day, a decision Republicans are already attacking.

Flood Response: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky’s deadly flooding death toll remains at 4 as the state shifts from search-and-rescue to damage assessments, with a statewide emergency in place, local emergency declarations in 18 counties/cities, and federal disaster aid requests underway. Public Safety & Courts: Kentucky State Police are investigating a deadly DUI crash in Hardin County that killed a juvenile; the driver, David Rhodes, was arrested and charged after a single-vehicle crash into a flooded creek. Missing Person Case: The search for Ashland teen Marly Kinney ended with her body recovered from Grayson Lake; authorities say the cause of death will be determined by the state medical examiner, while the boat captain’s BUI case is separate. Federal Governance: A federal appeals court rejected the Trump EPA’s bid to abandon a Biden-era soot pollution rule, keeping tighter standards in place. Local/Community: Bowling Green honored Officer Melissa Bailey as a hometown hero for building trust through neighborhood policing and youth outreach. Politics Watch: House Speaker Mike Johnson signaled the GOP will keep pushing election-related legislation after Senate holdouts threatened obstruction over the SAVE Act.

Flood Emergency: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky is reeling from record-breaking rainfall, with flash flooding killing at least four people and prompting a statewide emergency plus local declarations across multiple counties and cities; he also activated price-gouging enforcement and ordered emergency pharmacy refills as rescues and evacuations continue. Federal-Politics Clash: House Speaker Mike Johnson says the House will return to Washington to keep moving legislation after GOP holdouts threatened to stall votes over the Senate’s handling of the SAVE America Act, with Johnson signaling the measure could be folded into reconciliation. Gun-Privacy Push: Pro-Second Amendment groups are backing a GOP-led federal bill aimed at stopping payment processors from tracking lawful gun purchases, arguing it would protect gun buyers from merchant-code “surveillance.” Public Pensions Credit: Kentucky’s CERS and KRS earned top marks from the Government Finance Officers Association for FY2025 financial reporting, with the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority credited for producing the reports. Crime Trend: Kentucky’s serious crime fell for a second straight year in 2025, according to the annual Crime in Kentucky report, with major categories like homicides and narcotics down. Louisiana GOP Senate Path: Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow won Louisiana’s GOP Senate nomination runoff, setting up a November matchup.

Kentucky Flood Response: Gov. Andy Beshear declared a statewide state of emergency as heavy rain and flooding hit multiple counties, with officials reporting water rescues and urging Kentuckians to avoid flooded roads after dark. Local Emergency Declarations: Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe also issued a city state of emergency due to flash flooding, directing departments to activate response plans and coordinate recovery. Boating Tragedy Case: Authorities are searching for 19-year-old Marly Kinney, missing after a Grayson Lake boating trip, while the boat captain, 23-year-old Cameron Conley, was arrested on boating under the influence allegations after reportedly failing breath tests. Road Disruption: KYTC reported the AA Highway (KY 9) in Bracken County blocked in both directions after a crash, with closures expected to last several hours. GOP Politics Spotlight (National, Kentucky-linked): Rep. Thomas Massie pushed back on election-fraud messaging after being pressed on allegations involving his personal life, while his comments underscored internal GOP tension over how to govern. Trump Endorsement Machine (National, Kentucky-linked): In Louisiana’s GOP Senate runoff, Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow defeated John Fleming, setting up a general election bid and signaling continued influence of presidential endorsements. World Cup (Non-political, but in feed): Croatia advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-1 win over Ghana, with goals from Nikola Vlašić and Luka Sučić.

SNAP Data Fight: The DOJ sued Kentucky (along with Minnesota, Michigan and Pennsylvania) to force states to hand over five years of SNAP applicant records, arguing USDA needs the data to target waste, fraud and abuse. Election Integrity Clash: Rep. Thomas Massie called out the GOP’s election-fraud focus as “ironic” while Republicans control Washington, warning the messaging could backfire politically. Kentucky Courts & Local Government: Pike County’s fiscal court held a special meeting to adopt the 2026-27 budget and move routine items like utility easements and grant matching. Public Safety—Flooding: Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe declared a state of emergency over excessive rainfall and flash flooding, directing emergency plans, procurement, and public safety steps. Boating Incident: At Grayson Lake, a 19-year-old went missing during a trip tied to a “Sex Rock” stop, while the 23-year-old boat captain was arrested on boating DUI charges after alleged BAC nearly twice the legal limit. State Politics/Policy: Kentucky’s attorney general race continues to draw attention as Russell Coleman announced plans to seek another term. Weather & Storm Damage: Photos and reports showed flooding, downed trees and damage across Kentucky and southern Indiana.

Kentucky Crime Trends: Kentucky State Police reports serious crime fell in 2025, with homicides down 15.6% (491 vs. 582 in 2024) and overall “serious crime” down 11.25%, though animal cruelty, bribery, extortion, human trafficking and kidnapping rose. Attorney General Politics: Attorney General Russell Coleman formally announced he’ll seek another term in 2027, highlighting priorities like suing Roblox over child safety and ending Kentucky’s death-penalty ban. Courts & Executive Power: The Kentucky Supreme Court struck down 2021 and 2022 laws that shifted appointment control away from Gov. Andy Beshear, saying the changes fragmented executive oversight. Local Public Safety: KSP indicted former Murray detective Justin Swope on 30 sexual offense charges after additional investigation. Public Safety & Health: Mercy Health-Lourdes held a lung cancer screening day, pushing low-dose screenings for eligible Kentuckians. Weather Alert: Western Kentucky braces for a dangerous heat stretch early next week, with heat indexes around 105–110. Local Government & Cities: Rep. DJ Johnson won the Kentucky League of Cities’ “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award for HB 467 provisions folded into SB 50.

Kentucky Politics & Courts: The Kentucky Supreme Court upheld a former prison guard’s murder conviction tied to a fatal drunk-driving crash that killed London officer Logan Medlock, rejecting arguments that the case should have been vehicular homicide instead. State Government & Policy: Gov. Beshear’s administration is pushing forward Kentucky’s Next Generation 911 rollout, while the FCC approved new reliability rules for NG911 systems—an issue that matters as Kentucky aims to finish statewide upgrades by 2027. Local Government & Economy: Lexington’s Space Tango is expanding its Fayette County operation with nearly $7.5 million in investment and 25 new jobs, supported by state incentive approvals. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Louisville’s I-65 southbound closure is easing—officials say a two-mile stretch will reopen Monday, June 29, ahead of schedule. Elections & Campaigns: A new write-in candidate has filed for Boone County Judge-Executive, adding another name to the Nov. 3 ballot. National Politics With Kentucky Links: Rep. Thomas Massie challenged Trump’s election-fraud push tied to the SAVE Act, calling it a distraction from “real problems.”

Lee Specialty Clinic Funding: Gov. Andy Beshear moved to restore full funding after the General Assembly’s budget cuts threatened to leave most services unfunded, drawing fresh attention to how state budget decisions hit Kentuckians with disabilities. Rural Health Funding Fight: Murray-Calloway County Hospital CEO Reba Celsor criticized Kentucky’s use of federal rural health dollars, saying rural hospitals aren’t getting the direct support they need. Kentucky Supreme Court & Health Policy: A high court ruling reinstated a $3.5M judgment in a dispute involving Baptist Health, keeping pressure on hospital practices. SNAP Accuracy and Costs: USDA data shows Kentucky’s SNAP payment error rate at 4.7%, with federal penalties looming for states above a 6% threshold—raising stakes for state administration. Open Records: Kentucky Supreme Court decisions are reshaping the open-records debate, with legal practitioners and advocates weighing the fallout. Local Government Budgets: Louisville Metro Council approved an amended $1.1B budget focused on public safety, roads, parks, and housing, while trimming some major projects. Gun Pipeline to Felons: A Louisville teen’s death highlighted how illegal gun transfers can reach people barred from owning firearms. Federal Courts Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked thousands of Roundup lawsuits against Bayer, a decision that could ripple across pesticide-related claims. War Powers Clash: Kentucky’s Sen. Rand Paul was part of a fast-moving Senate fight over Iran war powers, underscoring GOP divisions under Trump pressure. Special Olympics: Team Kentucky athletes won medals at the USA Games, including a flag football bronze and a bocce gold.

SNAP Integrity Fight: A new federal hearing zeroed in on waste, fraud, and abuse in SNAP, with testimony warning about EBT skimming and retailer misuse as USDA reports SNAP payment errors topping $10.1 billion nationwide. Federal SNAP Penalties: USDA says error rates remain high enough to trigger new state accountability costs, with Kentucky watching how the rules land after Congress set a 6% threshold. Kentucky Medicaid Oversight: Kentucky GOP Rep. Brett Guthrie grilled Medicaid officials at a hearing focused on fraud risks and oversight gaps, pressing for missing information. Lee Specialty Clinic Funding: Gov. Andy Beshear moved $4.5 million to keep Louisville’s Lee Specialty Clinic funded after a major cut, calling it a short-term “band-aid” while families and advocates demand a real fix. Space Tango Jobs: Beshear announced Space Tango will expand its Lexington operation with a $7.4 million investment and 25 new jobs. Local Government Deadlines: Simpson County Fiscal Court deferred a baby box vote over liability and staffing questions; Franklin city leaders scheduled an emergency meeting to avoid a sanitation contract lapse. Public Safety & Courts: Kentucky Supreme Court reinstated a $3.5M verdict in a contract dispute involving Baptist Health Madisonville; Fayette County schools superintendent Demetrus Liggins filed a whistleblower complaint alleging retaliation. Serious Crime Down: Beshear highlighted a second straight year of serious crime declines in Kentucky, including drops in drug offenses and homicide.

War Powers Showdown: Trump’s Iran feud with Senate Republicans kept boiling over as the Senate first moved to curb his war powers, then narrowly rejected a follow-up measure—after Trump berated GOP lawmakers and Cassidy said he got a White House briefing. Kentucky Politics & Federal Courts: The CFTC escalated its prediction-market fight by suing Kentucky over Kalshi and Polymarket, challenging state enforcement and a new prediction-market tax. Tuition Equity Laws: DOJ and Kansas moved to unwind Kansas’s in-state tuition policy for undocumented students via a consent decree, adding to the growing federal-state legal clash that has already hit Kentucky and other states. Data Centers & Local Control: Shelbyville council chatter highlighted calls for a data-center moratorium, with residents pushing for zoning changes and possible ballot questions. Public Safety & Wildlife: Kentucky officials warned that black bear sightings are normal seasonal wandering by young males, urging residents to keep distance and remove attractants. Local Crime: KSP arrested three people tied to a massage parlor prostitution investigation in Oak Grove. Community & Governance: Marshall County fiscal court recognized state-winning trap and archery teams, while Frankfort’s plant board advanced a multi-phase solar project.

USPS Fight: Sen. Rand Paul grilled USPS leaders, calling the agency a “broken business model” and warning it could run out of money as soon as September unless Congress demands real reforms. Opioid Response: Kentucky overdose deaths are down 50.8% since 2021, and a recovery advocate credits legal aid attorneys embedded in recovery programs for helping people clear barriers to housing, jobs, and custody. KSP Recruiting: Kentucky State Police is opening Cadet Class 108 with higher starting pay ($71,000), more overtime options, and a revamped academy aimed at improving recruitment and retention. Prediction Markets Clash: The federal CFTC sued Kentucky over the state’s efforts to block Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing Kentucky is trying to shut down federally regulated contracts. Local Governance: London Mayor Randall Weddle was removed from the ballot after a residency ruling found he didn’t meet the one-year requirement. Public Safety/Health: A federal drone-smuggling indictment alleges contraband drops into prisons across multiple states, including Kentucky.