AGP Executive Report

Medical Cannabis Fight in Frankfort: Gov. Andy Beshear fired back at GOP House Majority Whip Jason Nemes after Nemes urged the AG to prosecute agencies “not cooperating” with Beshear’s June executive order expanding qualifying medical cannabis conditions. Program Access Change: Beshear also ended the out-of-state purchase option for eligible patients starting July 1, pushing them to buy in Kentucky as dispensaries ramp up. Prediction Markets Tax Lawsuit: Kalshi, Crypto.com and Polymarket-backed groups sued to block Kentucky’s new 14.25% excise tax on prediction market transaction fees, arguing discrimination and federal preemption; AG Russell Coleman vowed to defend it. Local Elections Glitch: A Union County judge invalidated a ballot in a District 4 magistrate race after a voter received the wrong ballot, setting up a tie and next steps for the elections board. Ethics Ordinance Tie-Break: Eminence Mayor Fred Downey broke a tie to approve an ethics ordinance after a dispute over nepotism rules and a police promotion. Public Safety: Daviess County launched a summer traffic enforcement push after a spike in fatal crashes, backed by a state grant. Statewide Politics: Kentucky GOP voter registration rose slightly in May, while Democrats dipped. Government & Infrastructure: Capital Avenue Bridge in Frankfort will close on weekend schedules starting June 22 for preservation work. Health Care Funding: Louisville’s Lee Specialty Clinic says Medicaid cuts could force downsizing and leave 1,000+ patients without specialized care after July 15.

Southern Baptist Convention: Thousands of Southern Baptists voted 6,028 to 2,026 to advance a formal constitutional ban on women pastors, a major step for the Louisville-based denomination. Kentucky Higher Ed: The Council on Postsecondary Education approved Kentucky State University’s shift to a polytechnic structure, organizing new study areas around applied, industry-linked programs. Healthcare Costs: Trump administration letters flagged 42 Kentucky and Indiana hospitals for failing to meet federal price transparency rules, setting up potential fines. Agriculture Watch: Kentucky agriculture officials say no New World screwworm cases have been found yet, but they’re monitoring after detections in Texas and New Mexico. Public Safety: Kentucky State Police are searching for an escaped Madison County Detention Center inmate. Local Government/Data Centers: Bowling Green leaders plan a second reading of data center zoning rules Tuesday, not another moratorium. State Politics/Legal: Campbell County PVA Daniel Braun was indicted over alleged attempts to solicit a minor.

Data Center Fight in Kentucky: Murray City Council voted for a one-week moratorium on new data center permit applications and will take the first reading of a data center ordinance next week, after a packed planning commission hearing. Local Government & Growth: Warren County approved a first reading of a zoning ordinance aimed at regulating data centers, while Franklin’s commission advanced a $3.44M economic development fund disbursement tied to a new Kroger distribution center. Elections Filing Watch: Franklin nonpartisan races moved forward as Adrienne McNew and Steve Butt filed for city commissioner. Education Leadership: Frankfort Independent Schools board gave Superintendent Sheri Satterly an “exemplary” rating in her evaluation. Public Safety & Courts: A residency dispute involving Simpson County Magistrate Jeff Burr is headed to court, with the Commonwealth’s attorney tracking the case. National Politics Spillover: Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul highlighted a long-running Fauci link to the intelligence community and a “bat vaccine” proposal, as broader federal fights over surveillance and national security continue.

Data Center Fight in Bowling Green: Warren County magistrates unanimously approved first-reading rules for data centers, setting distance limits from property lines and residences, requiring closed-loop cooling, and pushing developers to cover utility costs—part of a broader push to prevent utility-rate hikes and quality-of-life impacts. Local Governance Watch: Harrodsburg’s city commission gave first reading to a 2027 budget that a city attorney called unconstitutional, citing a roughly $2 million shortfall tied to aging water and sewer infrastructure. State Politics & Ethics: Kentucky’s Legislative Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Sen. Julie Raque Adams over nonprofit payments funded by lobbying interests, clearing the matter after a Kentucky Lantern investigation. Public Safety Funding: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman highlighted the Body Armor Grant Program, created to help certified law enforcement agencies buy protective gear and require “mandatory wear” policies. Federal Politics With Kentucky Ties: The House failed to extend FISA Section 702, with Rep. Thomas Massie among Republicans voting no—while Democrats also pressed for testimony tied to the Epstein files. Community & Culture: Kentucky State Police Trooper Island Kids Camp continues its 61st year, and Shelbyville’s Whitley Walls was selected to represent the U.S. at the 2026 Saddle Seat World Cup in Shelbyville.

Medical Cannabis Fight: Kentucky House Whip Jason Nemes urged AG Russell Coleman to prosecute licensees who follow Gov. Andy Beshear’s June order expanding medical cannabis qualifying conditions, calling it an “unlawful expansion.” Gas Tax Relief Patchwork: Beshear extended the 10-cent gas tax cut through June 30 for 33 cities/counties that requested it, but Hillview’s leaders chose not to extend—warning of lost road aid money. Data Center Governance: Lexington and Louisville moved toward local controls as residents push back on hyperscale data centers; Lexington suspended rules for a moratorium while drafting zoning limits, and Murray’s planning commission delayed action to revise its data center ordinance after public comment. Energy Policy & Jobs: EPIC’s Eric King was appointed to the National Petroleum Council, while Kentucky Industrial Alliance promoted a Cave City data center proposal as a major tax-revenue boost. Public Safety & Community: Middletown advanced a $25M regional law enforcement training center; RiverValley Behavioral Health set a June 22 veterans forum in Owensboro. Crime: Two men were charged in the killing of an MSU employee in Tennessee, tied to a Murray State University worker’s death.

Coal Power Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new coal plants, using Defense Production Act authority—an energy-dominance move critics call an unnecessary subsidy. Epstein Fallout in Congress: Bill Gates told the House Oversight Committee Epstein tried to keep him close by blackmailing him with extramarital-affair information, calling the meetings “a grave error in judgment.” Kentucky Politics—Pardon Limits: Kentucky lawmakers are advancing a constitutional amendment that would curb governor pardon and commutation power in the 60 days before an election through the successor’s inauguration. Courts—Bevin Jail Order: Former Gov. Matt Bevin was ordered to serve 60 days after missing a deadline to turn over financial records in his family court dispute. Human Rights in Northern Kentucky: OneQuest Health will host the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights for its June 11 statewide meeting in Covington. Public Safety & Health: Kentucky’s optometry board is defending rules letting some graduates keep practicing while licensure gaps are addressed. Community Spotlight: Special Olympics State Summer Games drew 97 teams to Richmond, with Kentucky athletes competing across multiple sports.

Energy & Jobs: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new coal plants, using Defense Production Act authority—pushing “energy dominance” while critics call it an unnecessary subsidy. Federal Immigration Funding: House Republicans sent a $70 billion ICE and Border Patrol funding package to President Trump after a mostly party-line vote, locking in budgets as Democrats demand reforms. Kentucky Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Andy Beshear extended a 10-cent wholesale gas tax break for 33 Kentucky cities and counties through June 30, with non-requesting areas set to lose the cut Thursday. Local Government (Covington): Covington is moving ahead with housing redevelopment plans, issuing RFPs for city-owned parcels and scheduling budget-related commission business plus an Alcoholic Beverage Control Board special meeting tied to the Madison Theater license. Courts & Zoning: Kentucky’s Court of Appeals voided Malin’s Red Barn’s 2023 zoning change after procedural issues in how the fiscal court approved it. Community Notes: EKU released 2026 home football game times and promotions; Mayfield City Council advanced a first reading of its 2026-27 budget.

Energy Costs & Gas Tax: Gov. Andy Beshear extended Kentucky’s 10-cent gas tax cut for 33 communities through June 30, including Louisville, after the May order was set to expire June 10—local leaders had to request the extension or see prices rise by 10 cents starting June 11. Gas Prices Watch: New GasBuddy reporting shows some of the week’s lowest local regular and premium prices, including Nelson County regular at $3.95 (week ending May 30) and Whitley County premium at $4.77, as statewide averages remain down slightly. Veterans Health IT: The VA expanded its Electronic Health Record rollout to four additional facilities in Ohio and Kentucky, bringing more veterans and clinicians onto the upgraded system. Medical Cannabis Politics: House Majority Whip Jason Nemes urged AG Russell Coleman to ensure agencies “not cooperate” with Beshear’s executive order expanding qualifying medical marijuana conditions, calling it unlawful. Higher Ed Budget Pressure: Kentucky State University expects a 20% drop in undergrad enrollment by spring 2027 due to stricter enrollment rules and program cuts tied to state law. Local Government & Data Centers: A lawsuit over Cave City’s data center moratorium alleges a specific development plan was submitted before the ban was adopted, raising questions about due process and Kentucky law. Community Safety Training: Hope Harbor in Bowling Green is hosting free Green Dot bystander intervention training June 11. Defense & Foreign Policy: Rep. Thomas Massie renewed calls for a new USS Liberty investigation on the 59th anniversary of the 1967 attack.

Data Center Fight in Kentucky: Butler County officials are exploring possible rules for large-scale data centers even though no projects are proposed, while Daviess County continues to weigh moratoriums and zoning-style limits amid concerns about water use and infrastructure strain. Local Government Transparency: A new commentary argues Kentucky’s open records protections are eroding fast, pointing to HB 520 and a Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that narrows what counts as a public record. Education Budget Pressure: Fayette County Public Schools plans to tap its contingency fund to cover remaining 2025-26 bills and payroll after earlier budget misreporting and a reported $16 million shortfall. Public Safety Funding: Middletown is set to build a $25 million regional law enforcement training facility funded through House Bill 500. Legal/Politics: Republican Rep. Thomas Massie used the House floor to call for a fresh investigation into the USS Liberty attack, elevating a long-running conspiracy dispute. Animal Policy: Kentucky’s Animal Control Advisory Board is accepting applications for up to $3,000 grants to expand local dog and cat spay/neuter programs.

War Powers & Iran: Trump says there’s “no reason” to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, calling it “entombed” under U.S. monitoring, even as intelligence and IAEA assessments dispute how much was actually destroyed. Federal Defense Policy: A U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation measure cleared the House Armed Services Committee and heads toward a House floor vote despite opposition. Kentucky Transportation: Beshear’s gas-tax reduction moves are drawing legislative backlash, with lawmakers questioning whether the temporary cuts are political while KYTC points to Iran-driven price spikes as the trigger. Kentucky Driver Services: Kentucky launched myDrive, a new online portal to reduce wait times for licensing and related services. Public Safety/Health: Kentucky’s Animal Control Advisory Board is offering up to $3,000 grants for local spay/neuter programs, with applications due July 15. Politics Beyond KY: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear campaigned with Iowa Democratic nominee Rob Sand as Sand builds momentum toward the November governor’s race. National Politics: Congress remains on track for the lowest legislative output in decades, with major voting and security bills still stalled or narrowly moving.

Beshear in Iowa: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is in Des Moines backing Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand, arguing Kentucky-style Democratic wins prove Iowa can flip in 2026. Iowa politics: Sand, Iowa’s state auditor, is set to face GOP nominee Zach Lahn after a five-way Republican primary; the race is framed as a major test for Democrats in a state with open governor and Senate seats. Kentucky data-center rules: Murray planners advanced a draft ordinance to regulate data centers locally, with a public hearing set for June 9 as officials seek “guardrails” since the city’s zoning code doesn’t currently cover them. Kentucky taxes: Kentucky collected $221.2 million in insurance premiums sales taxes in 2024, up from $212.2 million in 2023, according to Census Bureau state tax collection data. Fuel prices (snapshot): GasBuddy reports show Kentucky prices remain volatile, with examples like $3.89 regular in Breckinridge County and $3.19 E85 in Hopkins County for the week ending May 30. Public safety: Laurel County authorities are investigating a possible murder-suicide after a pursuit ended with three deaths.

Kentucky Politics & National Influence: Gov. Andy Beshear is heading to Iowa to campaign with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand, underscoring his growing role in national Democratic efforts as 2028 chatter builds. Public Safety & Community: Kentucky’s LETR for Special Olympics continues to expand locally, with Bullitt County Deputy Trevor Ford highlighting the torch run’s statewide reach and Grant County’s return after a missed year. State Government & Budgets: Bowling Green commissioners approved a first reading of the FY2027 budget that’s nearly $8 million lower than last year, driven largely by weaker occupational tax collections. Health Care & Compliance: Federal guidance on Medicaid work requirements adds new details for states facing a January 1, 2027 deadline, raising concerns about paperwork burdens and coverage loss. Economic Life (Gas Prices): GasBuddy reports show Kentucky regular and diesel prices remain volatile, with multiple counties posting single-station “lowest” figures for the week ending May 30. Appalachian Development: SOAR’s new leadership says its workforce and training partnerships are producing measurable progress in Eastern Kentucky, including six-figure job placements tied to a nuclear energy company. Legal/Justice: Addiction Recovery Care CEO Tim Robinson was indicted in federal court, and the company says he’s stepping down while ARC continues operations.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House passed a resolution to restrain President Trump’s Iran war powers, with four Republicans joining Democrats—Kentucky’s Thomas Massie among them—setting up a fight over whether the Senate will act and whether Trump will veto. Surveillance & Crypto Politics: The U.S. Senate blocked a procedural vote to extend FISA Section 702, letting the authority expire June 12, while an anti-CBDC rider tied to the House version remains stuck in legislative limbo. Kentucky Health & Nursing Home Ownership: CMS data shows Signature Healthcare of Elizabethtown in Hardin County remained owned by SHC KY Holdings in Q1 2026, with a top overall CMS rating of five and no fines or penalties reported that quarter. Kentucky Cannabis: Gov. Andy Beshear expanded Kentucky’s medical cannabis access via executive order, adding 15 new qualifying conditions and clarifying eligibility. Local Governance & Data Centers: Kentucky lawmakers and communities continue pushing back on data center proposals, with Beshear urging skepticism and “pay their own way” arguments in the policy fight. Election Watch: Iowa Democrats are rallying behind Rob Sand’s governor bid with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s support as Democrats aim to flip the state.

War Powers Showdown: CNN’s Michael Smerconish says House passage of a war powers resolution targeting Trump’s Iran war powers—after four GOP defections—signals Tehran is “watching” a fracturing Congress and a likely veto path. Coal Funding Push: The Trump administration plans nearly $700M for coal, using a wartime-era statute to back existing plants and support new builds, including a California export terminal. GOP Politics & Primary Math: A Politico look at RFK Jr.’s MAHA says the movement is missing key battleground races that decide control of Congress, backing mostly candidates already favored to win. Kentucky Gas Watch: GasBuddy’s week ending May 30 shows scattered low-price pockets—regular as low as $3.99 in Clinton and $3.89 in Jackson; premium lows include $4.54 in Bell and $4.67 in Letcher; diesel lows include $4.81 in Clark and $4.89 in Daviess—while Kentucky averages generally track down from the prior week. Belmont Stakes Buzz: Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is in the Belmont field as bettors line up for Saturday’s Saratoga finale.

Budget & Services: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky is set to cut or reduce several social service programs, blaming the Republican budget for rate and funding shortfalls that will hit Medicaid provider rates starting FY 2027 and other health and family supports. Energy & Jobs: President Trump used the Defense Production Act to push $700M for coal power infrastructure, with Kentucky among states getting DPA-backed support to extend and modernize coal plants. Health Care Oversight: CMS reports Kensington Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hardin County as a for-profit facility with an overall Q1 2026 rating of 1, below the state average, with no reported fines that quarter. Courts & Family Law: Former Gov. Matt Bevin faces a new arrest warrant after a judge says he didn’t fully turn over financial records in a child support case; his adopted son Jonah Bevin says he felt like a “political puppet.” Medical Cannabis: A new dispensary opened in Bowling Green, aiming to bring local access to patients while the state expands qualifying conditions via Beshear’s executive order. Elections & Ballots: Candidates drew ballot positions for November in local Kentucky races, setting the stage for the next wave of campaigning. Transportation Safety: Kentucky is rolling out more truck-driver alerts for the I-65 “can opener” bridge during the summer shutdown, after repeated bridge strikes.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House voted to require congressional approval for military action against Iran, with Kentucky’s Thomas Massie joining GOP colleagues in a bipartisan rebuke of President Trump’s approach. Kentucky Courts: Former Gov. Matt Bevin faces another escalation in his family court fight after a judge issued a new arrest warrant tied to missed deadlines for turning over financial records; he’s been ordered to serve 60 days unless he complies. Voting Rights Fight: The U.S. Senate blocked the SAVE America Act, a major Trump-backed push that would tighten voter registration and require documentary proof and photo ID. Surveillance Expiration: Section 702 of FISA is set to expire after the Senate failed to advance an extension, with Rand Paul among Republicans voting to stop it. Data Center Policy: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker paused new state tax incentives for data centers, citing affordability and water impacts—an issue Kentucky lawmakers are watching as the sector expands. Fuel Watch (KY): GasBuddy reports show Kentucky regular averaging about $4.16 for the week ending May 30, with local lows like $4.15 in Wayne County. Social Media & Schools: New reporting on platform tactics during school hours adds fuel to lawsuits alleging addictive design harms students.