AGP Executive Report

ICE Use-of-Force: DHS plans up to $20m for electric-shock gloves for ICE officers, drawing fresh alarm after reports of extreme harm in detention settings, including a Kentucky death tied to repeated shocks. Courts & Property Rights: A Boone County naturalist’s fight over a major sewer project’s eminent domain takings is headed toward the Kentucky Supreme Court, raising stakes for how infrastructure projects can seize private land. Local Government & Public Safety: Daviess County moved forward on nearly $9.8m in state funding for a new Public Safety Facility that would consolidate 911, emergency management, fire, and sheriff operations. Elections & Ballot Access: New Jersey election officials stopped enforcing a petition circulator residency rule, setting up a federal fight over whether a Libertarian candidate can stay on the NJ-7 ballot. Kentucky Politics & Policy: Kentucky’s Supreme Court allowed a death-penalty litigation challenge to continue, while other state-level policy debates swirl around education, taxes, and election administration. Data Center Fallout: Neighbors in Carroll County pressed for more transparency about a proposed data campus, questioning energy, water, and tax claims. National Politics: Pete Buttigieg returned to South Carolina as Democrats begin positioning for 2028. Public Safety Infrastructure: Kentucky National Guard held a ribbon-cutting for a new $15m field maintenance shop in Burlington.

Kentucky Election Watch: Kentucky voters at the State Fair are choosing the next “I Voted” sticker design, with eight student finalists and a paper-ballot vote at the Secretary of State’s booth. Courts & Public Safety: A Kentucky Supreme Court decision is allowing a death-penalty challenge to keep moving, while a federal judge dismissed an Eastern Kentucky coal operator’s bankruptcy case—leaving hundreds of workers’ wage-and-benefit claims unresolved. State Government & Local Power: A guest column questions whether Madison County Fiscal Court is acting like a rubber stamp for planning recommendations as it weighs a rezoning vote. Higher Ed Sports Policy: The NCAA’s eligibility fight took another turn after a federal appeals court stayed a Colorado ruling, affecting Kentucky-linked players seeking extra seasons. Community & Health: Safe Kids Fayette County hosted hands-on injury-prevention demos for families, including car seats, safe sleep, and gun/med storage. Law Enforcement Funding: Bluegrass Crime Stoppers held its annual shootout fundraiser to replenish its reward fund for anonymous tips.

Kentucky Supreme Court Death Penalty: The court allowed a lawsuit challenging the state’s death-penalty procedures to keep moving, keeping alive questions about execution protocols and safeguards for inmates with intellectual disabilities. Organ Donation Oversight: A Kentucky organ-donation network was decertified after a living patient was nearly harvested, raising alarms about safety and trust in the system. Public Safety & Health: A hospital medication error in Nashville left at least one patient paralyzed and others hurt, while a separate organ-donation case sparked outrage after a mother says her son’s organs were donated without consent. ICE Use-of-Force Debate: Rep. Shri Thanedar and other Democrats urged halting ICE’s electric-shock glove plan, warning it could lead to injury or death. Energy Assistance: Kentucky opened a limited-time LIHEAP Summer Subsidy Cooling Component for help with electricity and, in some cases, AC repair or replacement. Politics & Elections: Kentucky AG Rand Paul-related coverage continued to focus on federal record-keeping and Fauci investigations, while Kentucky’s own voter sticker contest finalists were announced. College Basketball Courtroom Twist: Mark Mitchell’s transfer to Kentucky followed a Jefferson Circuit Court ruling restoring eligibility and reopening the portal for some players.

College Sports Policy: A Texas push for the “Protect College Sports Act” heads to a Senate floor vote next month, with athletic directors warning that delays could deepen eligibility chaos and transfer-driven instability. Public Health & Safety: Kentucky’s organ donation network was decertified after a Nashville hospital pharmacy allegedly injected the wrong drug during routine joint surgery, leaving at least one patient paralyzed; federal investigators are looking into the incident. Kentucky Politics & 2028 Buzz: A new profile frames Gov. Andy Beshear as a potential national contender, arguing his election wins and approval ratings make him a rare Democratic model for winning in red states. Federal Oversight & Legal Fights: Sen. Rand Paul raised questions about federal record-keeping, U.S. debt risk, and Fauci’s legal exposure as a “legal defense fund” launches amid ongoing investigations. Big Tech Accountability: Prince Harry and Meghan backed a coalition of state attorneys general, including Kentucky’s, suing Meta over child-safety design and privacy practices. Local Governance: Berea City Council moved forward on a solid waste contract amendment and a potential $135,000 state grant for a recreation and tourism corridor project. Civic Engagement: Kentucky’s Secretary of State named eight student finalists for the 2026 “I Voted” sticker contest, with the winner set to be chosen at the State Fair.

Meta Youth Safety Trial: 29 states, including Kentucky, opened a landmark case in Oakland alleging Facebook and Instagram were engineered to hook kids and hide harms, with claims tied to child data and addictive design. Child Privacy Settlement: TikTok agreed to a $400 million DOJ settlement over children’s privacy violations, paying $300 million now and $100 million later. Data Centers & State Oversight: A Hancock County aluminum-smelter site developer (TeraWulf) says it will follow Gov. Beshear’s data-center requirements in a filing with the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Death Penalty Litigation: Kentucky’s Supreme Court denied AG Russell Coleman’s bid to halt long-running death-penalty challenges, letting the litigation continue. Road Safety Push: Kentucky’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign runs through Sept. 7 ahead of Labor Day. Elections & Property Taxes: Jefferson County’s PVA says state mapping changes may shift where some voters live—raising questions about downstream property-tax and service impacts. Local Recognition: Kentucky Highway Safety honored officers for high occupant-protection citation counts, including Mayfield and Graves County personnel. Arts & Tradition: Owensboro bluegrass educator Scott Napier won a Kentucky Arts Council apprenticeship grant to mentor a young musician and create new work.

School Finance: Henry County school board moved to raise its property tax rate 2.65% (from .717 to .736 cents per $100 assessed value), setting up a Sept. 9 special meeting vote. Public Safety & Courts: Kentucky State Police and the Oldham County Coroner are investigating a man’s death after he was taken into custody and later died at a hospital following jail intake in Henry County. ICE & Immigration Enforcement: Nashville could host a new up-to-$63 million ICE Public Safety Coordination Center tied to the 287(g) program, drawing local pushback. Drug Enforcement: A multi-agency drug trafficking probe in Hopkins County led to federal indictments of six people on meth and cocaine conspiracy and distribution charges. School Bus Safety: Bath County Schools is expanding stop-arm camera use as illegal bus passing reports continue, with state law increasing penalties for violators. Rural Health: A legislative committee heard from rural health experts on hospital closures, workforce shortages, and Kentucky’s physician gaps. Data Centers & State Policy: A data center developer says it will follow Gov. Beshear’s requirements, while NKY leaders warn a new state law could delay public projects and raise costs. Elections & Civic Life: Kentucky voters will pick the next “I Voted” sticker design at the State Fair. AG & Enforcement Funding: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman received $1.5 million to hire additional prosecutors for drug trafficking, human trafficking, and fraud cases.

Data Center Policy: Kentucky’s data-center fight stays in the spotlight as a Hancock County smelter site developer (TeraWulf) tells regulators it will follow Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive-order requirements on taxes, environmental rules, and community ties—while questions linger about whether the order has enough legal “teeth.” Big Tech & Kids: A landmark federal trial in Oakland puts Meta on the hot seat as 29 states, including Kentucky, argue Facebook and Instagram were designed to exploit children and teens—potentially leading to massive penalties and forced changes. Education & Elections: Kentucky has enrolled in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, letting donors fund K-12 scholarships via Scholarship Granting Organizations starting in 2027; meanwhile, the Secretary of State’s office named finalists for the 2026 “I Voted” sticker contest at the Kentucky State Fair. School Safety: Kentucky’s new bus-stop law is aimed at stopping drivers from passing stopped school buses, with penalties for violations—after local footage showed repeated near-misses at a JCPS stop. Courts & Death Penalty: The Kentucky Supreme Court denied the AG’s bid to end death-penalty litigation, keeping the execution dispute moving and executions on hold. Local Government: Graves County school leaders set a proposed 2027 tax rate, while Logan County’s board kept its general fund real estate rate unchanged. Public Health: Covid is climbing in the U.S. even before the usual respiratory season, with Kentucky among states seeing rising activity.

Election Security: A new Gallup-Charles F. Kettering Foundation poll finds most Americans worry about election interference and intimidation, adding pressure for Kentucky and other states to pursue reforms. Meta Child-Safety Trial: In a landmark federal case, Kentucky is among states suing Meta over claims the company designed Instagram/Facebook to addict kids and used a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach for under-13 users. 6th District Watch: Gov. Andy Beshear highlights that the DCCC added Zach Dembo to its “Red to Blue” list, signaling Democrats see Kentucky’s Sixth as a real flip target. Data Centers & Permits: Gov. Beshear’s executive order would require data center developers to account for utility, environmental, tax, and community impacts before state permits move forward—fueling the ongoing Kentucky debate over hyperscale growth. Hemp Legal Status: A federal law set to take effect Nov. 12 would reclassify many legal hemp products as Schedule I, threatening Kentucky farmers; Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Andy Barr are pushing competing fixes. School Bus Law: Kentucky’s HB 7 took effect July 15, expanding when drivers must stop for school buses with red lights and extended stop arms. Local Tax Decisions: Harlan County Board of Education voted to keep its 2026-27 school tax rate at 54.8 cents per $100 assessed value.

Meta Child-Safety Trial: A former Meta engineering director, Arturo Bejar, testified that Instagram used a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach for kids under 13, prioritizing engagement and growth over safety, as states including Kentucky push for major penalties and platform changes. U.S. House Democrats’ Recruiting Push: The DCCC added Kentucky’s open 6th District candidate Zach Dembo to its “Red to Blue” list, signaling more resources for Democrats targeting GOP-held seats. Kentucky Elections Administration: Jefferson County clerk David Yates told lawmakers that improved state voter-mapping tech after a clerical error means about 290 voters now must vote in Jefferson County instead of a neighboring county. Data Center Governance: Gov. Andy Beshear’s data center executive order is drawing questions about how it can be enforced without specific state law backing it, as regulators weigh consumer and environmental impacts. Public Safety Campaign: Kentucky is launching “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” ahead of Labor Day, citing impaired-driving crash and fatality patterns over holiday weekends. Local Government Watch: Murray planning officials delayed a proposed 199-foot cell tower after concerns about location, nearby homes, flooding, and aviation safety.

Meta Trial in Kentucky’s Orbit: A landmark multistate case in Oakland opened with testimony from a former Meta child-safety worker, as states including Kentucky argue Facebook and Instagram were designed to hook kids and hide research—setting up a fight over penalties that could reach $1.4 trillion. Housing Numbers, County by County: HUD rankings show Jefferson County leading Kentucky in total HUD-assisted units (21,531) and in 811/PRAC (313), while Knox County sits 13th for Housing Choice Vouchers (662) and Bell County is eighth for project-based Section 8 (432). Flock Cameras, Privacy Pushback: A national report notes lawmakers haven’t introduced a bill to outright ban Flock cameras, even as some proposals target automated surveillance and warrant rules. Public Safety & Courts: Kentucky’s WKU police are urging reporting during campus “red zone” months, and a federal appeals ruling keeps ICE out of certain churches without warrants. Health Policy: President Trump tapped Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA, teeing up Senate confirmation and questions over unfinished priorities.

Meta Trial in the Spotlight: A landmark federal case in Oakland opened with 29 states—including Kentucky—accusing Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to “hook” children, misleading the public on safety, and improperly collecting data from kids under 13; prosecutors say internal research showed far more harm than Meta reported, while Meta denies “addiction” claims and points to safeguards. Local Government Clash: Hodgenville’s city council meeting turned chaotic after social media accusations of sewage dumping near parks, with Mayor Jim Phelps disputing the claims and blaming the issue on naturally occurring creek silt. Northern Kentucky Surveillance Backlash: Fort Mitchell voted to dismantle its Flock automated license plate readers after resident privacy concerns, joining Newport as another NKY city backing away from the cameras. Education & Elections: JCPS held a forum for District 1 school board candidates as all five JCPS seats head to the November ballot. Energy/Data Centers: Dependable Power First Kentucky hosted an EPIC webinar on data center growth, reliability, and ratepayer protection, with state leaders discussing how Kentucky plans to assess demand and supply.

Meta Trial in Kentucky’s Orbit: A landmark federal case in Oakland kicked off with states—including Kentucky’s AG Russell Coleman—arguing Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to hook children and misled the public, with prosecutors seeking up to $1.4 trillion in penalties and major changes; Meta denies the claims and says it has safeguards. Kentucky Highway Safety: Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign starts Aug. 19 ahead of Labor Day, urging drivers to plan rides, avoid impaired driving, and report unsafe drivers. School Bus Law Update: A new Kentucky rule took effect July 15 requiring more drivers to stop for school buses when loading or unloading, including in opposite-direction lanes on many multi-lane roads. Local Courts & Accountability: In NKY, a Fort Thomas bookstore co-owner accused online of abuse denied the allegations as a civil case and school-related records remain in play. Immigration & Politics: Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker said he’s “disturbed” by ICE detaining Louisville youth leader Armelle Bondonga after a scheduled immigration process meeting. Elections Administration: Jefferson County clerk David Yates told lawmakers that a mapping review after a clerical error means about 290 voters on the county line must vote in Jefferson County instead of a neighboring county. Nonprofit Finance Watch: New IRS Form 990-based rankings highlighted top-revenue groups across multiple Kentucky cities, including Goshen’s Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve and Lebanon’s Kentucky Classic Arts at Centre Square.

Meta Trial in Kentucky’s Spotlight: A landmark federal case begins Tuesday in Oakland where 29 states accuse Meta of making Facebook and Instagram addictive for kids and violating child privacy rules; Kentucky AG Russell Coleman is among the plaintiffs, and the fight could reshape platform design and trigger damages that states frame as massive. Kentucky Grooming Law Gets First Test: Kentucky’s new anti-grooming law went into effect July 15, and within 23 days law enforcement made the first arrest tied to the statute, signaling a faster enforcement posture for cases involving adults in authority. Bridge Plan Sparks Indiana Pushback: Kentucky wants to reduce lanes on the Clark Memorial Bridge into Louisville, and Indiana politicians are urging federal intervention to stop residents from “escaping” the state. Local Governance Watch: Barren County’s first comprehensive zoning ordinance draft is set to be released ahead of a Thursday land use committee meeting, with multiple review steps before any fiscal court vote. Politics & Power: A fresh wave of speculation surrounds Sen. Mitch McConnell’s prolonged absence after a fall, as questions about his health continue despite limited updates. Education & Community: Kentucky nonprofit groups are pivoting to attract new members, while a Scott County sheriff’s merit board was repealed and the NET Recovery program added 20 patients.

Death Penalty Litigation: A Franklin Circuit judge narrowed Ralph Baze’s long-running death-penalty lawsuit but kept key constitutional claims alive, meaning Kentucky executions stay paused while the case proceeds. Kentucky Politics & Governance: Gov. Andy Beshear renewed pressure on Sen. Mitch McConnell, saying he’s heard “absolutely nothing back” about McConnell’s health and demanding proof he can serve. Public Safety & Courts: A new Kentucky law expands court-ordered mental health treatment options, adding outpatient pathways when people aren’t an immediate danger but still need help. Local Crime & Tech: In Hardin County, Flock camera alerts helped track stolen vehicles tied to a Lexington dealership case, leading to arrests. Federal Justice: A Shepherdsville man was sentenced to nine years for a $23.6M investment fraud scheme. National Legal Fight With Kentucky Ties: Kentucky is among states suing Meta over alleged addictive design and child-safety violations as a major California trial begins, with potential damages cited as high as $1.4 trillion. Gun Policy: A federal ruling in Texas lifted key restrictions on silencers, reshaping gun-rights rules in a patchwork that may affect Kentucky buyers. Church-State Battle: Texas families asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a Ten Commandments classroom display law, reviving a fight Kentucky has seen before.

Meta Child-Safety Trial: States including Kentucky head to court in California Tuesday seeking up to $1.4 trillion in penalties and sweeping changes to Facebook/Instagram, arguing Meta designed addictive features for kids and mishandled children’s data. Kentucky Politics: Gov. Andy Beshear again pressed the question of Mitch McConnell’s health, saying he’s heard “absolutely nothing” after repeated requests for updates. Democratic Party: Kentucky Democrats looked ahead to the 2026 midterms and the governor’s race at the party’s annual banquet/dinner, with the primary for governor already looming. Local Governance (NKY): E-bike rules are moving forward in Kenton County as Fort Mitchell prepares an ordinance that would restrict the fastest class on sidewalks, with other cities watching closely. Courts & Policy: A major push to overhaul the Supreme Court is gaining steam among Democrats, including proposals for term limits and ethics rules. Public Safety: A Lexington shooting prompted a national youth violence-prevention nonprofit to launch an emergency fundraiser and crisis response.

McConnell Health Clash: Gov. Andy Beshear again demanded Mitch McConnell provide a public “proof of life,” saying he’s heard “absolutely nothing” after repeated requests, as Kentucky Democrats press Senate leadership on accountability. Constitutional Reform Push: Beshear used CBS to call for sweeping amendments—term limits, ending partisan gerrymandering, and abolishing the Electoral College—framing it as a fix for a “broken” government. FBI Fugitive Arrest: The FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” fugitive Gregory Henderson Jr., tied to Kentucky, was arrested in Mississippi after a multi-jurisdiction drug and animal-fighting case. AG on ATM Theft: Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman joined a coalition backing tougher federal penalties for ATM thefts via the Safe Access to Cash Act. ICE Shock Gloves Debate: Kentucky-made electric shock gloves are in the spotlight as ICE seeks to buy them, renewing concerns about rules and abuse. Local Government & Public Safety: KSP investigated a fatal I-65 crash after a wrecker U-turn; separately, Clarksville Gas and Water scheduled a hydrant-replacement water outage. Nonprofit Funding Snapshots: New IRS-based rankings highlighted high government-grant reliance for multiple Kentucky nonprofits in cities like London, Franklin, Jamestown, and Louisville.