Medicaid Relief in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates, and to fund senior meals plus Michelle P. Waiver slots after hundreds of residents packed the Capitol to protest the Aug. 1 changes. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Publix GreenWise frozen blueberry recall to its highest risk level, Class I, after E. coli concerns tied to 12 illnesses and four hospitalizations; shoppers are urged to check freezers. Tech & Youth Safety: In a landmark federal trial, former Meta engineer Arturo Béjar testified that Instagram used a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach for kids under 13, prioritizing engagement over safety, as states seek penalties up to $1.4 trillion. Workforce & Education: TVA and Bicentennial Volunteers awarded $700,000 for robotics education across seven states, including 11 Kentucky recipients. Veterans Care Expansion: The VA signed a lease for a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in LaGrange, targeting expanded primary, mental health, and specialty services starting in spring 2028. Recycling & Batteries: Kentucky received a $736,666 EPA grant to improve metals recycling and battery disposal education ahead of stricter battery rules. Local Business/Community: Farmers RECC and other Touchstone Energy co-ops collected more than $19,000 for Ronald McDonald Houses in Lexington and Louisville. State Fair Spotlight: The Kentucky State Fair opens Aug. 20–30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, with a 250th-birthday exhibit and the World Championship Horse Show.