AGP Executive Report

Meta Trial in Kentucky’s Spotlight: Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman is part of a coalition of 29 states taking Meta to federal court in Oakland, arguing Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to children and that Meta misled the public while collecting kids’ data without proper parental consent; opening arguments begin Tuesday, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri expected to testify, and the states seeking damages that could total as much as $1.4 trillion plus major changes to platform design. Data Center Governance: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive order aimed at limiting data-center impacts is drawing scrutiny over whether it can be enforced without specific state law backing, with critics calling it more of a “document of intent” than a tool regulators can legally wield. Health Policy: Beshear says a $255 million budget surplus will delay a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, including support for senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots for Kentuckians needing higher levels of care. Agriculture: Kentucky farmers are among those competing in the Southeastern Hay Contest, which emphasizes independent testing to prove forage quality. Workforce/Industry: BJ’s Wholesale Club is opening a new membership center in Frankfort, adding a local BJ’s Gas site and touting savings and member perks.

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, delaying any reductions through the fiscal year ending June 2027, and also fund the senior meal program plus Michelle P. Waiver slots after hundreds of residents rallied against the cuts. Labor & Franchise Watch: A Kentucky federal court approved a $5 million settlement tied to Papa John’s past “no-poach” provisions in franchise agreements, clearing the way after objections from workers. Youth Tech Legal Fight: Kentucky is among states taking Meta to trial in California over alleged social media addiction harms to children, with plaintiffs seeking damages up to $1.4 trillion and possible changes to how Facebook and Instagram operate. Consumer Safety & Fraud Signals: Kentucky’s broader region remains focused on scam reporting trends, while a separate push in Missouri and other states backs tougher federal penalties for ATM attacks. Agriculture Snapshot: USDA’s weekly crop condition report shows corn and soybean conditions slipping slightly, with Kentucky’s corn condition index edging down.

Medicaid & Health Care: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, delaying any changes through fiscal year 2027 and also funding senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots. Construction & Economic Development: The $180 million Kentucky Exposition Center multi-purpose facility in Louisville is in its final months, with a 350,000-square-foot project expected to finish by Dec. 31. Tech & Legal Risk: Kentucky is among states suing Meta over alleged social media addiction harms to children, with a major trial underway in California that could include up to $1.4 trillion in damages and sweeping operational changes. Data Centers & Local Governance: A Kentucky-focused debate over hyperscale data centers continues, with Mercer County residents organizing against a proposed project and Louisville recently passing a six-month moratorium on new data center construction. Transportation: KYTC District 3 released traffic impacts for Aug. 16–21 across multiple counties, including bridge restoration and safety projects. Food & Animal Health: FDA reports a July inspection of Kentucky Equine Research in Woodford County with “No Action Indicated.” Aviation & Energy Efficiency: Little Rock’s airport geothermal overhaul is progressing, aiming to cut natural gas use by using a deep well system for heating and cooling.

Medicaid Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255M budget surplus to stop a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, plus fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots—after providers warned of impacts starting Aug. 1. Data Center Fight: Bell County residents’ pressure helped drive a two-year data center moratorium, while Mercer County approved its own one-year pause; Burgin’s annexation attempt for a hyperscale project is still sparking local backlash over power demand and land use. Local Governance & Democracy: Kentucky’s counties are also wrestling with how to zone data centers, with advocates pushing clearer rules for noise, water impacts, and ratepayer effects. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show spotty but notable low prices across the state, including E15 at $4.56 in Scott County and diesel at $4.84 in Pendleton County for the week ending Aug. 8. Public Safety & Health: A frozen raw dog food recall tied to salmonella risk includes Kentucky among 11 states. Community Notes: Ashe County elementary schools will receive a Daniel Boone children’s book, funded through local tourism and Duke Energy Foundation grants. Auto Manufacturing: Ford’s Louisville plant overhaul for the Fathom EV truck continues as the site shifts away from decades of gas vehicle production. Legal/Industry: A coal company tied to Sen. Jim Justice has appealed a federal order in a long-running Kentucky royalty dispute. Politics: Kentucky Democrats’ dinner in Lexington put the governor’s primary front and center, with Beshear urging voters to back one of two Democratic candidates.

Medicaid & Disability Care: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, and to fund the senior meal program plus more Michelle P. Waiver slots after hundreds rallied in Frankfort. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in 29 states due to possible listeria; no illnesses reported. Healthcare Facilities: Med Center Health dedicated its $119 million High Street Tower for Women’s and Children’s Services, including labor/delivery, C-section suites, and a Level III NICU. Energy & Logistics: Louisville’s McAlpine Locks and Dam highlights river shipping capacity as barges move large volumes through the Ohio River system. Local Governance & Public Safety: Johnson County Fiscal Court advanced a fire subscriber-fee ordinance keeping the 2026 fee at $23 per property tax bill, with opt-outs and potential response charges. Data Centers & Democracy: Commentary argues Kentucky’s data center fight is about community control and transparency as local moratoria spread. Agriculture Policy: A U.S. Senate farm bill delay raises uncertainty for states’ agriculture and SNAP-related costs, with Kentucky’s Sen. Mitch McConnell absent from the committee.

Medicaid Funding Reversal: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates through FY2027, after hundreds packed Frankfort to protest impacts on Medicaid waivers and senior meal support. Public Finance & Schools: A new Kentucky school tax-rate process under House Bill 757 now requires two meetings and extra publication steps before districts can set rates, with a 45-day deadline that triggers an automatic compensating rate if missed. Advanced Manufacturing Jobs: BOS Innovations, a Canadian automation firm, opened Lexington manufacturing operations tied to a $5.4 million project and 111 jobs, aiming to help U.S. manufacturers integrate automation. Energy & Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel at $4.79/gal in Edmonson County (week ending Aug. 8) and E85 as low as $3.01/gal in Boone County; midgrade prices also varied, with Pulaski County hitting $3.79/gal at one station. Healthcare Expansion: Med Center Health dedicated its $119 million High Street Tower for Women’s and Children’s Services, including labor/delivery and a Level III NICU. Local Public Safety Fees: Johnson County Fiscal Court advanced a fire department subscriber-fee ordinance keeping the rate at $23 per property tax bill for 2026, with opt-out rules and potential response charges.

Medicaid Funding Reversal: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% cut to Medicaid reimbursement rates, including protecting Medicaid waiver slots for seniors and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Food Safety Recalls: Walmart shoppers in Kentucky and 29 other states are being told to stop using recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits due to possible Listeria contamination. Public Health Probe: The FDA and CDC are sending teams to Mexico to keep investigating a Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms lettuce, with Kentucky among the affected states. Local Infrastructure Dollars: U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers announced more than $30 million for Eastern Kentucky infrastructure projects, including clean water and wastewater work. Energy & Storm Recovery: Kenton County declared a state of emergency after severe weather damage and power outages, unlocking access to federal relief funds. Data Center Policy: Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg signed a six-month moratorium on new data center proposals as Metro Council moves toward permanent rules. Agriculture Financing: Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corp. approved $1.84M in loans supporting farm infrastructure and beginning farmers across multiple counties. Horse Industry Spotlight: Ryanair co-founder Tony Ryan’s historic Castleton Farm near Lexington is listed for $57.5 million, with an auction scheduled for late October. Transportation Updates: KYTC published its Aug. 16-22 road work plan for District 2, including mowing, brush removal, and lane closures.

Medicaid Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255M budget surplus to stop a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, plus fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots after providers were warned of the Aug. 1 reduction. Food Safety: FDA and CDC are ramping up a cyclosporiasis probe tied to Taylor Farms’ Mexican iceberg lettuce, with FDA officials traveling to Mexico as cases spread across 17 states, including Kentucky. Recall Watch: Walmart is pulling Kettle Cuisine’s Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit (Listeria risk) sold in 29 states, while Oma’s Pride is recalling frozen raw dog food in 11 states after salmonella testing. Local Industry & Power: Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg signed a six-month moratorium on new data center projects, and Kenton County declared a state of emergency after severe weather damage. Agriculture Finance: Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corp. approved $1.84M in loans for farm infrastructure and beginning farmers. EV Manufacturing: Ford says it converted its Louisville plant for the Fathom EV truck in under a year, targeting faster production. Road & Utilities: KYTC scheduled overnight U.S. 79 closures in Russellville for resurfacing, and Clarksville Gas and Water plans a Commerce Street water meter replacement with a possible overnight outage.

Healthcare Finance: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, plus fund senior meals and Michelle P. Waiver slots—after providers warned the cuts would hit care access. Food Safety & Agriculture: The FDA says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce now involves 17 states, with Kentucky among those affected, as health officials keep tracing the source. Manufacturing Leadership: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky named David Fernandes as president, taking over the Scott County plant as it marks its 40th year and ramps “next-generation” paint work. Industrial Real Estate: eBay reopened a remodeled Louisville authentication hub for sneakers and trading cards, adding 140 jobs by end of August (200 total commitment). Local Infrastructure: Daviess County approved a road exchange with KYTC, shifting Hayden Road maintenance to the state. Public Works: Franklin County’s I-64 bridge work brings overnight alternating lane closures through Aug. 21. Data Centers: Murray City Council approved new data center regulations after a study group review.

Medicaid & Aging Care: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will use a $255 million budget surplus to stop a planned 4% Medicaid reimbursement cut, including protecting Medicaid waiver slots and funding for senior meal programs, after hundreds rallied in Frankfort. Data Center Governance: A Simpson County data center fight is headed to Simpson Circuit Court, with a jurisdiction battle over whether county rules can override Franklin city zoning for a proposed $6 billion project. Workforce & Recycling: Team Kentucky won a $736,666 EPA grant to study and improve metals and battery recycling, with Western Kentucky University leading parts of the plan. Energy & Storm Recovery: Duke Energy crews are staging at Tri-County Mall as they restore power after severe storms left tens of thousands still without electricity in Greater Cincinnati. Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food in 11 states, including Kentucky, due to possible salmonella contamination. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases are rising in Florida and nationwide, with Kentucky readers watching for broader outbreak updates. Local Business/Health Access: NatureMed opened its third Kentucky medical cannabis dispensary in Murray, expanding access in western Kentucky. Gun Policy: A federal ruling on silencers is taking effect, potentially easing suppressor access for some buyers.

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 through fiscal year 2027, after hundreds of residents packed the Capitol to protest impacts on waivers and senior meal funding. Data Center Rules, Again: Kentucky’s Energy and Environment Cabinet is taking applications for illegal dump and litter abatement grants, while local governments keep moving on data-center limits—Marion County approved a two-year data center moratorium, and Pikeville extended a data-center MOU for 60 more days. Food Safety Hits Kentucky Shelves: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-containing salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared foods across 12 states, including Kentucky, tied to a salmonella risk linked to Coast Citrus Distributors and earlier jalapeño recalls. Auto Manufacturing Shift: Ford plans to move some Lincoln production from China to the U.S. starting in 2030, citing steep tariffs on China imports. Community & Workforce: United Community Bank added board leadership, including a new CFO to the board, and Kentucky’s EEC opened funding for local cleanup of illegal dumps and litter.

Transit & Infrastructure: Louisville’s TARC rolled out its new downtown “pulse” route system Aug. 2, and after nearly two weeks riders are split—some call it smoother and faster, others say it’s “screwed around.” Roadwork: Overnight lane closures are set for downtown Louisville as part of the I-65 Central Corridor project, with daily westbound Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Broadway/Brook Street impacts running through Aug. 24. Public Safety & Local Governance: Paducah residents raised policing concerns at the Aug. 8 City Commission meeting, arguing the Eighth of August celebrations were overpoliced while police defended the response and planning. Food Industry: A major jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall expanded to products sold at Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Target and more, with 345 reported illnesses and 36 hospitalizations. Manufacturing & Jobs: Prysmian North America announced an $80M Lexington County expansion expected to add about 135 jobs and start optical/cable production in May 2028. Immigration Enforcement Tech: ICE plans to buy electric shock gloves from a Lexington company, a move drawing civil-rights scrutiny. Energy & Weather: A new derecho swept the Midwest, knocking out power across multiple states including Kentucky. Agriculture Policy: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move the farm bill forward, raising fears it won’t pass this year.

Youth Social Media Lawsuit: Meta heads to a major federal trial this week as Kentucky and other states argue Facebook and Instagram were engineered to keep kids hooked, with prosecutors seeking massive damages and platform changes. Surveillance & Privacy: Kentucky’s license plate camera law is now in effect, but a U.S. Supreme Court warning on cell-location privacy puts the state’s surveillance approach under a harsher constitutional spotlight. Data Centers & Power Costs: Residents across Kentucky are pushing back on proposed data centers, citing fears of electricity bills that could top $1,000 a month, while Gov. Andy Beshear moves to set rules aimed at limiting community harm. Hemp Policy: U.S. Sen. Rand Paul backs a one-month delay on a federal hemp ban but says lawmakers still need a workable long-term fix for Kentucky farmers. Energy Planning: AG Russell Coleman appointed two coal-linked executives to Kentucky’s Energy Planning and Inventory Commission, shaping how the state evaluates its energy future. Farm Bill Uncertainty: Farm leaders warn the Farm Bill’s failure to advance in the Senate Agriculture Committee could leave farmers stuck with rising costs and no clear plan. Food Safety: Kentucky is among states affected by expanding jalapeño-related recalls tied to salmonella concerns. Storm Recovery: Duke Energy reports tens of thousands of customers without power in Greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky after severe storms. Supply Chain: GE Appliances will expand U.S. semiconductor sourcing by increasing Texas Instruments chips for its Louisville appliance plant.

Data Centers & Energy: A new report says an Eastern Kentucky data center campus tied to TeraWulf’s Muskie project could expand from 1 gigawatt to as much as 2 gigawatts by 2030, with delivery milestones in 2028 and 2030—an enormous power and jobs bet for the region. Public Works: Nortonville secured an extra $150,000 in Federal Transportation Alternative Program funds for a Main St./Walnut St. sidewalk project, bringing the total to about $452,000. Coal Jobs: Kentucky’s coal workforce keeps shrinking, with coal jobs down more than 100 from March to June and fewer than 3,400 statewide by June 30, with Eastern Kentucky hit hardest. Food Safety: Kentucky consumers are in the blast radius of multistate jalapeño recalls tied to salmonella and cyclospora concerns, with multiple retailers naming affected products. Storm Impacts: Severe storms knocked out power for more than 170,000 people across the Tri-State, including large outages in Northern Kentucky and southwest Ohio. Manufacturing Tech: Blooming Color added an HP Indigo 18K Digital Press in Louisville, expanding print capacity and speed-to-market. Healthcare Finance: Livingston Hospital in Kentucky landed $78.8 million in USDA-backed financing for a hospital modernization project.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing ready-to-eat foods sold at Kroger, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and more after a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños from Mexico; Kentucky is among the affected states, with “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16 and consumers urged not to eat the products. Agriculture Policy: Kentucky ag leaders are pushing for a new Farm Bill after the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move the latest draft, leaving farmers facing uncertainty over programs tied to SNAP and other costs. Energy & Industry: Kentucky’s data-center debate is heating up locally and politically, with McCracken County officials discussing DOE plans and Beshear’s order on ratepayer and environmental protections, while Louisville residents packed a hearing over proposed land-code changes that could restrict data centers. Local Growth & Housing: Owensboro and Daviess County are considering zoning changes to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential areas, aiming to expand housing options. Workforce & Education: Kentucky State University alumni voted no confidence in the president amid accreditation and financial concerns, even as the Board of Regents renewed his contract. Community & Services: Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky is inviting business teams to volunteer, supporting meal delivery for thousands of seniors.

Food Safety & Retail: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, guacamole and other prepared items sold at Kroger and Target (including in Kentucky) after a Salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican-grown jalapeños; the FDA/CDC-linked investigation says 345 people in 27 states are sick, with products traced to Coast Citrus Distributors. Agriculture Policy: A stalled U.S. farm bill in the Senate Agriculture Committee leaves farmers facing uncertainty over SNAP-related funding rules and timing, with advocates warning rural programs could be disrupted. Workforce & Local Growth: Wayne County’s “Make My Move” incentive hit its recruiting goal, bringing 50 new workers (and 98 total people) while housing remains the biggest hurdle for employers. Energy & Infrastructure: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet traffic impacts run through Aug. 14, including I-165 bridge work in Butler County and KY 90 corridor improvements in Barren County. Manufacturing Automation: Tate Inc. deployed 58 Hirebotics cobot welders across facilities in Arkansas, Virginia and Kentucky to speed precision welding for data-center construction. Public Health/Schools: Pineville Independent Schools banned energy drinks on campus starting this school year. Legal/Regulation: Kentucky AG Aaron Ford led a coalition challenging CFTC prediction-market rules, arguing the agency can’t override states’ sports-betting authority.