AGP Executive Report

Northern Kentucky Rally: President Donald Trump campaigned at Truist Arena for Kentucky Republicans, touting Senate nominee Andy Barr and House candidate Ed Gallrein. He pitched a conditional $100 million pharmaceutical investment if Republicans win the midterms. Gov. Andy Beshear called the speech “a complete disservice,” arguing it failed to address rising costs and tariffs. Kentucky Races: The Senate contest between Barr and Democrat Charles Booker is nearing its only debate, while the race for Kentucky’s 6th District is tightening as Election Day approaches. Voter Push: No Kings rallies in Paducah, Lexington and Louisville urged people to vote early. Vice President JD Vance is set to rally Ohio Republicans in nearby Sharonville on Wednesday. State Government: A Kentucky senator is promoting a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict governors’ pardon powers, a measure voters will consider on the November ballot.

Midterm Campaign: President Donald Trump rallied in Highland Heights for Kentucky Republicans, touting his power and warning that a Democratic victory could undo his policies. He also conditionally promised $100 million in federal investment for Antheia’s Winchester pharmaceutical project if Republicans win in November; details on approval and timing remain unclear. Gov. Andy Beshear called Trump’s speech “a complete disservice.” Voter Mobilization: “No Kings” protests in Paducah and across the Louisville area urged Kentuckians to vote early. No-excuse early voting runs Oct. 29–31, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Workforce Policy: An economist told state lawmakers that Kentucky’s 2017 repeal of prevailing-wage rules did not save money or increase competition, while lowering wages and weakening safety and productivity. The committee did not signal plans to revisit the law.

Midterm Campaigning: Donald Trump rallied in Highland Heights for Republican candidates Andy Barr, who is running for the U.S. Senate, and Ed Gallrein, a House candidate. He promised $5,000 payments if Republicans win control of Congress and touted a proposed $100 million federal investment in a Winchester drug plant. Campaign Pushback: Gov. Andy Beshear called Trump’s remarks a “complete disservice,” arguing families are struggling with rising prices. Protesters and No Kings events across Kentucky urged voters to cast ballots early. Ballot Measure: Voters will decide whether to amend Kentucky’s constitution to limit the governor’s pardon power. State Government: Beshear is seeking changes to the KentuckyWired board, which oversees the state’s broadband network. Campaign Money: In the competitive 6th District race, Zach Dembo’s campaign reported raising more than $1.4 million in the third quarter, compared with just over $666,000 for incumbent Republican candidate Alvarado.

Midterm Push: President Donald Trump is holding a rally at NKU in Highland Heights to boost Kentucky Republicans, including Senate hopeful Andy Barr and 4th District candidate Ed Gallrein. The state’s 6th District race is tightening, with Republican Ralph Alvarado and Democrat Zach Dembo set to debate Oct. 22. Ballot Measure: Voters will decide whether to bar governors from issuing pardons or commuting sentences during the 60 days before a general election and the transition that follows. Frankfort Power Struggle: Gov. Andy Beshear has moved to restore his appointees’ majority on the KentuckyWired board, calling a new Republican-backed board unconstitutional; the dispute complicates a network lawsuit. Drug Policy: Longtime drug-control director Van Ingram will retire at year’s end after two decades in state government. Tara Hyde, a recovery advocate, is set to succeed him as overdose deaths have fallen. Paducah Site: Questions are growing over soil removed from the Department of Energy site. A source says the EPA review covered industrial use, not residential or recreational use, challenging assurances that the soil is safe for transfer.

Paducah Oversight: New questions surround soil removed from the DOE Paducah site. A source says the EPA analysis cited by officials addressed on-site industrial use, not off-site residential or recreational use. Election Watch: A lawsuit alleges federal officials collected sensitive data on Kentucky voters despite the state’s refusal to share it. Rowan County’s clerk also pushed back on a false claim about ballot handling. Warren County’s schedule lists in-person early voting Oct. 29–31, with excused voting Oct. 21–23 and 26–28, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. U.S. Senate: Andy Barr and Charles Booker are set for their only debate Monday. They have clashed over Trump, gas prices and the cost of living. Hopkinsville Government: City Administrator Troy Body is leaving after more than eight years; the city has not announced a departure date or reason. State Policy: Kentucky’s medical cannabis dispensaries are now open in every licensing region, Gov. Andy Beshear announced.

Midterm Campaigns: President Trump is scheduled to rally in northern Kentucky Saturday for Republican Senate candidate Andy Barr, who faces Democrat Charles Booker. Kentuckians must request absentee ballots by Oct. 20; the Nov. 3 ballot also includes a proposed constitutional amendment on gubernatorial pardons. State Oversight: Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky will closely review tax incentives for Meta’s proposed data center and has issued an executive order to overhaul the KentuckyWired board. Benefits at Risk: Beshear called for federal action after more than 80,000 Kentuckians lost SNAP benefits, while coming federal and state Medicaid cuts could threaten coverage and rural hospitals. Local Surveillance: Frankfort commissioners voted not to renew the city’s Flock camera contract, amid growing debate over automated license-plate monitoring.

Midterm Campaign: President Donald Trump plans a rally in northern Kentucky Saturday as Republicans press to hold Congress. Kentucky voters will choose between Andy Barr and Charles Booker for the U.S. Senate, and absentee ballot requests are due Oct. 20. Food Assistance: Gov. Andy Beshear is urging federal action after more than 80,000 Kentuckians lost SNAP benefits, as Louisville food pantries report a surge in need. Data Centers: Beshear says Kentucky will closely review tax incentives for Meta’s planned Mason County data center. Local Government: The Kentucky Supreme Court declined to hear Hazard’s restaurant-tax case, leaving in place a ruling that the city cannot impose the tax. Schools: State assessment results show reading scores improved, though fewer schools earned top ratings.

Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump will rally in Northern Kentucky on Saturday as Republicans work to protect a tightening House race. U.S. Senate contenders Andy Barr and Charles Booker are also campaigning statewide for the seat being vacated by Mitch McConnell. Ballot Stakes: Voters will decide a constitutional amendment to limit governors’ pardon power on Nov. 3; absentee ballot requests are due Oct. 20. Local Governance: Meta has been identified as the company behind a proposed 2,000-acre data center in Mason County, intensifying debate over the project’s local impact. Louisville-area officials are also weighing concerns about police use of Flock license-plate cameras. Schools: Kentucky reading proficiency reached multi-year highs across elementary, middle and high schools, but fewer schools earned the state’s top accountability ratings.

Election Countdown: Kentucky voters face a Nov. 3 ballot that includes Amendment 1, which would limit governors’ pardon power. Sen. Chris McDaniel is campaigning for the change; voters can request absentee ballots through Oct. 20, with early in-person voting starting Oct. 29. Senate Race: Republican Andy Barr is campaigning across the state and plans to join President Trump’s Saturday rally in Northern Kentucky. Democrat Charles Booker is emphasizing affordability, public safety and poverty as he seeks the seat held by retiring Mitch McConnell. Local Debate: 6th District candidates Ralph Alvarado and Zach Dembo agreed to debate Oct. 22, but not on WKYT, the first time since 2012 that a competitive race in the district won’t feature a debate there. Mason County Development: Meta is behind a proposed hyperscale data center on more than 2,000 acres. The county approved a development agreement for an initial $10 billion investment, with future phases potentially expanding the project substantially. Surveillance Debate: Louisville Forum panelists clashed over Flock license-plate cameras, weighing crime-solving claims against privacy and transparency concerns.

Midterm Campaign: President Trump is set to rally in Northern Kentucky on Saturday as Republicans try to hold Congress. Kentucky Democrats are contesting key suburban and regional House races, with all 100 state House seats and half the Senate seats on the ballot. Kentucky Senate: Mitch McConnell’s retirement leaves an open seat, with Republican Andy Barr and Democrat Charles Booker among the contenders. Pardon Amendment: Voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to restrict governors’ pardons and commutations from 60 days before an election until the next governor takes office. Sen. Chris McDaniel is campaigning for the measure, prompted by former Gov. Matt Bevin’s final-week clemency actions. Governor’s Race: Rocky Adkins has raised $1.75 million for his 2027 bid, strengthening his early fundraising lead. Local Government: Oldham County approved strict data-center rules in an 8-1 vote, setting limits that county officials say effectively block large-scale projects for now. Voting: Kentucky’s no-excuse early voting is scheduled for Oct. 29-31; the deadline to request a mail-in absentee ballot is Oct. 20.

Kentucky Elections: With Election Day approaching, Jefferson County will offer drive-through voting at the Fairgrounds during early voting Oct. 29–31 and on Nov. 3. A separate ballot question would limit governors’ power to issue pardons in the final 60 days of their terms; Sen. Christian McDaniel is campaigning for it. Campaign Trail: President Trump plans to rally in Northern Kentucky this weekend as Republicans push to hold Congress. Data Center Debate: Meta is set to develop a 2,000-acre Maysville data center campus, with county officials touting jobs and local investments as Kentucky communities debate data center impacts. Local Oversight: Frankfort’s Board of Commissioners voted not to renew its contract for Flock surveillance cameras. In western Kentucky, a farmer is contesting an easement sought for a proposed 53-mile natural gas pipeline. Washington: Sen. Mitch McConnell joined 11 colleagues from both parties urging Trump to reverse his Russian diesel deal, warning it could aid Moscow. Agriculture: Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Billy Ray Smith has died at 82. He also served in the state House for 13 years.

Election 2026: Kentucky voter guides from Louisville Public Media and WKMS help voters check their ballots and compare candidates. The 6th District race is tightening ahead of Nov. 3, while voters will also decide whether to restrict governors’ pardon powers near elections. Local Government: Frankfort commissioners voted unanimously not to renew the city’s Flock camera contract, citing the need for stronger safeguards. Across Kentucky, residents are urging lawmakers to regulate data centers statewide; legislators are preparing proposals for the 2027 session. Courts and Zoning: The Kentucky Supreme Court will review a judge’s decisions in a hit-and-run case tied to a past impeachment fight, potentially reviving political pressure on Fayette Circuit Judge Julie Goodman. In Glasgow, council delayed a proposed rezoning for senior housing until a related lawsuit gets a hearing.

Public Safety and Surveillance: Frankfort commissioners voted unanimously not to renew the city’s Flock camera contract, which expires in January, citing concerns about security and trust in the company’s safeguards. The city has 19 cameras. Local Oversight: Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball’s review of Caldwell County’s 2025 finances flagged seven issues, including weak controls over spending, receipts and restricted road funds. Campaign Watch: A Lexington council race has turned contentious after incumbent Emma Curtis challenged opponent Brenda Monarrez’s use of neighborhood-group endorsements. Monarrez added a disclaimer and said the change was not an admission of wrongdoing. Elections: Young voter registration in Kentucky is falling even as it rises nationally, according to a recent report. State Policy: Sen. Matt Nunn questioned why Gov. Andy Beshear took two years to implement a 2024 law waiving written CDL tests for eligible service members. Eastern Kentucky: Beshear announced a record $78.8 million in Appalachian Regional Commission investments, aimed at revitalization across the region. Federal Benefits: A compensation program covering some people exposed to Manhattan Project waste—including eligible Kentuckians—faces a Dec. 31, 2027, sunset, with thousands of claims still pending.

Election Watch: Kentucky is reminding voters that no-cost voter ID cards are available at driver licensing offices as the midterms approach. Candidates are also squaring off in state House races, including a debate for District 45. Data Center Policy: Pressure is building for Frankfort to regulate large data centers. More than 60 Kentuckians raised concerns about electricity costs, rural land and natural resources at a legislative listening session; lawmakers are preparing proposals for next year. Accountability: A Hopkinsville mother is still seeking answers about her son’s fatal crash, including why the driver wasn’t tested for drugs or alcohol. She says public records have been difficult to obtain and is challenging the driver’s early parole. Death Penalty: A Kentucky law passed over Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto lets the Department of Corrections set execution procedures through internal memos rather than public rulemaking. Critics say the change could speed the resumption of executions.

Election 2026: Lexington’s 45th House District race pits Democratic incumbent Adam Moore against former Republican Rep. Killian Timoney. State officials are reminding voters they can get free ID cards at driver licensing offices, while Jefferson County is preparing drive-through voting. State Budget: Kentucky’s Senate budget chair is questioning whether politics are influencing the state’s surplus forecast. Surveillance Debate: U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie co-introduced a bill to block federal funds for license-plate readers and other surveillance cameras, as anti-camera posters at the University of Kentucky bring privacy concerns onto campus. County Government: Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley, who is not seeking reelection, will become the Kentucky Association of Counties’ deputy executive director in January. Gov. Andy Beshear also announced Appalachian Regional Commission investments for Eastern Kentucky.

Election Access: Team Kentucky is reminding voters that free voter ID cards are available at Driver Licensing Regional Offices ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Applicants must be registered or register when applying and lack another accepted state ID. Eastern Kentucky Investment: Gov. Andy Beshear says the state received a record $78.8 million in Appalachian Regional Commission funding for 67 projects, including health care training, water-system upgrades and flood recovery. Water Service: Kentucky American Water completed its $1.4 million purchase of Harlan County’s Black Mountain Utility District system, serving more than 4,300 water connections; the company plans over $20 million in upgrades. Legislative Debate: State House candidates Candy Massaroni and J.D. Netherton faced off in Nelson County, discussing issues including affordability, health care and taxpayer spending. Cannabis Rules: A Lexington bar is selling THC-infused drinks under Kentucky’s current rules for hemp products, but a proposed federal ban could reshape the market.