AGP Executive Report

Louisiana GOP Fallout: Sen. Bill Cassidy’s primary loss is now the latest proof of Trump’s hold on the party—Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump after Jan. 6, finished about 25% behind Trump-endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow (about 45%) and state Treasurer John Fleming (about 28%), setting up a June 27 runoff. Kentucky Primary Pressure: The fight is spilling into Kentucky’s Tuesday GOP contest, where Trump is attacking Rep. Thomas Massie as “the bum” and “worst” Republican, while Massie says the attacks are “desperate” help for his Trump-backed opponent, Ed Gallrein. Local Watch: Kentucky’s school data shows Graves County had 496 ninth graders in 2024-25, down 8.7% from the year before. Sports & Culture: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a former Kentucky star, was named NBA MVP again; and the Cleveland Marathon crowned Ashton Swinford for a fifth straight women’s title.

Preakness Stakes: Napoleon Solo won the 151st Preakness at Laurel Park, holding off Iron Honor after a late surge—his first Triple Crown-race win and a big rebound after earlier struggles. Kentucky Politics: Jefferson County logged a record early-voting turnout ahead of Kentucky’s May 19 primary, with more than 23,000 ballots cast during the three-day in-person period. MAGA Fallout: President Trump escalated his feud with Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie’s allies by attacking Lauren Boebert as “Weak Minded” and hinting he could back a challenger. Louisiana GOP Test: Sen. Bill Cassidy lost his Louisiana Senate primary to Trump-backed Julia Letlow and John Fleming, setting up a June 27 runoff. Local Sports: Kentucky softball’s season ended with a 4-3 SEC Tournament loss to Mississippi State, while Kentucky baseball notched a mercy-rule win over Tennessee. Weather: Storms moved out, but another round of severe weather hit the region, including a warning for Jefferson County.

Preakness Stakes: Golden Tempo is skipping the second leg of the Triple Crown, leaving a wide-open 151st Preakness at Laurel Park (7:01 p.m. ET) with Iron Honor the 9-2 favorite and Incredibolt, Taj Mahal and Chip Honcho close behind. Weather Watch: Louisville and parts of southern Indiana face a Saturday storm risk, with the main threats gusty winds and hail. Local Crime & Courts: A former Kentucky FOP official, Ryan Straw, pleaded guilty to wire fraud tied to schemes involving Louisville-area police fraternal lodges. State Funding: Louisville announced it secured more than $1 billion in state money for projects including downtown revitalization, road work, airport expansion and Kentucky Exposition Center redevelopment. Health Care: Appalachian Regional Healthcare says Kristen Jones earned an orthopedic nurse practitioner certification, one of only nine in Kentucky. Sports: Tennessee softball advanced in its NCAA regional after beating Northern Kentucky, setting up a matchup with Virginia.

Local Politics: Three candidates are vying to fill the vacant Madisonville City Council Ward 6 seat in the May 19 primary, with incumbent Kim Jones, Devi Thorp and Rik Woosley all pitching their plans to voters. Public Safety: In Tennessee, two men convicted in the nearly fatal shooting of a state trooper were sentenced to life without parole, underscoring the high stakes for attacks on law enforcement. Health & Immigration: The U.S. lifted a hold on immigration applications for doctors, a potential boost for foreign-trained physicians facing long delays. Sports: Arkansas beat Kentucky 5-4 to tie the baseball series, while Tennessee opened its NCAA softball regional with a 3-1 win over Northern Kentucky behind a one-hitter from Erin Nuwer and a game-winning homer by Elsa Morrison. Community: Butler County first responders trained on autism response tactics to help them de-escalate and communicate better during emergencies.

Opioid Fallout: Delaware says a $7.4B Purdue Pharma settlement is now legally in effect, with funds flowing to communities and victims and a permanent bar on the Sacklers selling opioids in the U.S. Courts & Budget Pressure: Kentucky’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Lambert says specialty courts will stay open, but 170 staff jobs are being cut and 108 added to fit the legislature’s budget. Election Security: Kentucky’s new HB 139 aims to clean up voter lists, modernize voting tech, and tighten photo-ID rules ahead of the May primary. Preakness Weekend: The 151st Preakness is Saturday at Laurel Park while Pimlico is rebuilt, and Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is skipping—so no Triple Crown bid. Sports Buzz: A USA Today report links Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz and the Ortiz brothers to an alleged Puerto Rico cockfighting ring, though the Ortizes are still set to ride. Community Notes: Kentucky Humane Society is closing its East Louisville campus in July, and a Kentucky man just won $50,000 on a scratch-off.

Massie hush-money fight: U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie is denying “hush money” allegations from a former girlfriend, Cynthia West, days before Kentucky’s May 19 GOP primary against Trump-backed Ed Gallrein. Primary politics: The dispute is framed as an attempt to sway voters, with Massie calling the claims false and unsubstantiated. Sports—Preakness: Golden Tempo will skip the Preakness, keeping the Triple Crown drought alive, while Iron Honor is the morning-line favorite at Laurel Park. Local sports: Murray High and Calloway County square off Saturday in the 4th District softball tournament, and Murray High beat St. Mary 9-4 to keep its postseason momentum. Roads & costs: Kentucky drivers feel a pinch at the gas pump even after Gov. Andy Beshear froze the gas tax, a move meant to prevent a summer increase.

Public Health Alarm: Kentucky health officials are investigating a possible cluster of DIPG, a rare and nearly always fatal childhood brain cancer, in Southeastern Kentucky after reports of multiple cases and deaths in the Whitley–Knox–Laurel tri-county area, with residents demanding transparency as the Kentucky Cancer Registry checks whether it’s more than coincidence. Politics & War Powers: In Washington, Senate Republicans again blocked a bid to halt Trump’s Iran war, but GOP dissent is growing—Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski voted no for the first time, alongside Susan Collins and Rand Paul. Schools & Phones: Indiana is set to ban cell phones in schools starting July 1, a move that mirrors Kentucky’s earlier restrictions. Energy & Grid Funding: Duke Energy is seeking federal DOE loans for a $103B grid modernization plan, aiming to lower financing costs and pass savings to customers. Local Spotlight: Paintsville’s Lake Water Treatment Plant was named Kentucky Water Plant of the Year.

Public Health Alarm: Kentucky health officials are investigating a possible cluster of DIPG, a rare and nearly always fatal childhood brain cancer, in Southeastern Kentucky after reports of multiple cases and local deaths in the Whitley-Knox-Laurel area, with residents demanding transparency and the state working with the Kentucky Cancer Registry. Politics—Kentucky Primary: President Trump endorsed Rep. Andy Barr for Mitch McConnell’s retiring Senate seat, boosting the GOP primary race ahead of May 19 as Democrats argue they can still win a seat that’s long been out of reach. Elections Security: Kentucky’s election modernization law (HB 139) is highlighted as primaries near, aiming to tighten voter-list maintenance and improve voting equipment and procedures. Sports—Preakness Twist: Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will skip the Preakness, setting up a Belmont focus instead. Local Schools & Community: A Calloway library board discussed new trustee appointment rules, while a Louisville childcare center opened with STEM and robotics programming.

Public Health Watch: Kentucky health officials are investigating a possible cluster of DIPG, a rare and nearly always fatal childhood brain cancer, in Southeastern Kentucky, after reports of multiple cases and deaths in the Whitley-Knox-Laurel area sparked a push for transparency. Traffic & Construction: Louisville’s Main Street is set for a two-way conversion starting tonight, with lane closures May 13-21 and additional overnight bridge work May 18-19. National Politics: In the Senate, Republican resistance to a new Iran war powers push is growing—Murkowski flipped to oppose, joining Collins and Rand Paul—though the measure still failed narrowly. Education: A new national report says U.S. reading scores hit the lowest levels since 1990, with a “learning recession” starting years before COVID. Local Animal Rescue: Lawrence County Animal Control says multiple cats and kittens were rescued from a trailer reportedly locked without food or water.

Pediatric Cancer Probe: Kentucky health officials are investigating a possible cluster of DIPG, a rare and nearly always fatal childhood brain tumor, in Southeastern Kentucky after reports of multiple recent cases and deaths in the Whitley-Knox-Laurel area; the state is working with the Kentucky Cancer Registry while residents push for transparency and answers about potential environmental causes. Defense Watch: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced bipartisan grilling on Capitol Hill over the Iran war’s rising $29B cost, weapons stockpiles, and the administration’s endgame. Sports & Local: Grand Valley State won the GLIAC Tournament title and earned an NCAA DII regional seed; in Kentucky-area news, mental health advocates urged Kentuckians to seek help, and a former Chase Matthew band bassist was arrested on child sex abuse charges.

Public Health Watch: Kentucky health officials are investigating a possible cluster of DIPG, a rare and nearly always fatal childhood brain cancer, in Southeastern Kentucky, after multiple recent cases and deaths in the Whitley-Knox-Laurel area sparked a petition demanding transparency and answers. Congress & Defense: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced another round of bipartisan grilling over the Iran war’s endgame and rising costs as the Pentagon defends a $1.5 trillion 2027 budget request; officials say the war price tag is now about $29 billion. Local Safety: Louisville police identified a 74-year-old man killed in a Parkland neighborhood shooting, with no suspects or arrests yet. Courts: A judge dismissed burglary and drug charges against Kentucky Powerball winner James Farthing, while a federal lawsuit challenges Kentucky State University changes under Senate Bill 185. Sports & Racing: Golden Tempo is skipping the Preakness, leaving a wide-open field led by Iron Honor as Kentucky racing heads toward May 16. Early Learning: Louisville’s Thrive by 5 program got a $1.5 million boost to expand preschool access for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Public Health Alarm: Kentucky officials are investigating a possible cluster of DIPG, a rare, nearly always fatal childhood brain cancer, in Southeastern Kentucky after reports of multiple recent cases and deaths in the Whitley-Knox-Laurel tri-county area; the state is working with the Kentucky Cancer Registry while residents push for transparency and an environmental-cause probe. NBA Draft Buzz: The Washington Wizards won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, setting up a rebuild moment as the draft combine gets underway in Chicago. Local Sports Spotlight: UK canceled its May 12 baseball game vs. NKU, citing travel delays and recovery needs ahead of a key conference series. High School Athletics: Region meets are driving toward state—Calloway’s girls track team faces a must-win Region 1 meet tonight, while Madisonville-North Hopkins logged strong relay and sprint results at its regional. Community & Education: The Kentucky Department of Agriculture named winners of its “Bluegrass Roots, Agriculture Strong” essay and poster contest, and Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced $330,000+ in Kentucky literacy grants.

Public Health Alert: Kentucky health officials are investigating a possible spike in DIPG, a rare, nearly always fatal childhood brain cancer, in Southeastern Kentucky’s Whitley-Knox-Laurel area after multiple recent diagnoses and deaths sparked a transparency petition. Politics & Primaries: In a heated GOP race for Kentucky’s 64th District, Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser is again facing a close primary test—she previously won by just 84 votes—this time against Army veteran Scott Berger. Statehouse Watch: Kentucky’s Supreme Court fight over abortion pills is back in focus as the state’s AG asks the court to block mail-order prescriptions. Consumer Pressure: Nationally, the FDA is warning of a sunflower seed recall in 23 states, including Kentucky, due to possible undeclared cashew allergens. Transportation & Costs: President Trump says he’ll reduce the federal gas tax “till it’s appropriate” amid higher fuel prices tied to the Iran war, a move that would require Congress. Local Notes (NKY): Newport is weighing adding four Tesla Model Y police vehicles, while Boone County Schools discusses its FY27 budget.

Over the past 12 hours, Kentucky-focused coverage leaned heavily on election-related and community updates ahead of the May 19 Kentucky primaries. Jefferson County will bring back “I Voted” stickers for the first time in more than 30 years, after earlier discontinuation tied to reports that stickers were being left on surfaces at polling locations. Coverage also included local civic and public-service items, including a Salvation Army National Week of Community Service announcement and a Kentucky Department of Agriculture poster/essay contest winners roundup featuring five local students.

Several stories also reflected ongoing public-safety and health concerns. A federal judge delayed a decision on a habeas corpus petition from an ICE detainee, Elvira Benitez-Suarez, requesting additional briefs by May 15—meaning she remains in ICE custody for now. In Berea, reporting described how a deadly U.S. Bank shooting has continued to affect the community nearly a week later, with residents visibly shaken and memorials still present. Health coverage included Kentucky health professionals assessing hantavirus risk after monitoring began for cruise ship passengers returning home from an outbreak; officials said the risk to the general population is “very, very low,” with transmission described as unlikely and not commonly spread person-to-person.

Sports and culture dominated much of the remaining last-12-hours attention, especially around the Kentucky Derby and its ripple effects. Multiple items centered on the Derby’s aftermath and related events, including a Derby-themed stewardship/service piece and local Derby celebrations/parties. In racing, the biggest development in the broader 7-day window is that Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will skip the Preakness—an announcement that appears repeatedly across the last 12–24 hours and is framed as ending the chance for a Triple Crown run. The last 12 hours also included lighter, local-interest sports coverage such as a Smyrna golfer qualifying for the PGA Championship and various school and athletics updates.

Looking back 3 to 7 days, the Derby coverage provides continuity for why the Preakness decision is getting so much attention: multiple articles highlighted Golden Tempo’s historic Kentucky Derby win and the firsts associated with trainer Cherie DeVaux, as well as record TV audience notes and extensive fashion/celebration coverage. That earlier material helps explain the intensity of the current “no Triple Crown” narrative, but the most recent evidence is more about the decision’s consequences (Preakness scheduling and the end of the Triple Crown bid) than about new racing outcomes.

In the past 12 hours, the dominant Kentucky-related development is the decision by trainer Cherie DeVaux and owners to skip the Preakness Stakes with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, ending any chance of a 2026 Triple Crown run. Multiple reports cite DeVaux’s emphasis on health, happiness, and long-term future, with the plan shifting to the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course. The coverage also notes the broader context that recent Derby winners have increasingly bypassed the Preakness, and that the short turnaround from Derby to Preakness is a key concern for trainers.

Other notable Kentucky coverage in the last 12 hours includes state-level affordability and policy moves: Gov. Andy Beshear announced steps to reduce Kentucky’s gasoline tax by 10 cents and postpone a planned increase, framing the action as a response to war-driven fuel price pressures. The same time window also includes local governance and public safety items, such as a Laurel County sheriff disputing claims that his agency was tied to a controversial arrest involving a man with autism, and a Land Between the Lakes update warning residents to be “bear aware” after new bear sightings.

The last 12 hours also brought a mix of community and sports coverage. Kentucky high school athletics adds sanctioned sports—girls’ flag football and pickleball—starting in the 2027-28 school year, according to KHSAA board action. In college sports, WKU baseball lost to EKU, and WKU police prepared for increased security operations around a large commencement crowd. There were also business and workforce developments, including Gov. Beshear announcing Displate’s $9.5 million Louisville facility with 79 jobs over 10 years, and a Ballad Health Academy expansion welcoming a second class of students.

Looking beyond the most recent window, the coverage shows continuity around the Triple Crown storyline and Kentucky’s political and legal landscape. Earlier reporting tied the Preakness decision to the modern debate over spacing between races, while other background items in the week included Kentucky’s ongoing election-focused coverage and legal disputes (including a court ruling related to IVF practices and broader abortion-ban definitional issues). However, the evidence provided is heavily concentrated on the Golden Tempo/Preakness shift and related Kentucky-specific public affairs, with fewer corroborating details on other major statewide developments within the last 12 hours.

In the past 12 hours, Kentucky coverage was dominated by sports and public-safety items. The University of Louisville announced that its NIL collective 502Circle has “transitioned operations” to Floyd Street Media, citing broader national shifts in college athletics and new NCAA rules that allow schools to share revenue directly with athletes. On the women’s basketball side, Kentucky signed 6-foot-4 Slovenian guard Ajša Sivka—selected by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft—while reporting that she retained NCAA eligibility because she did not sign or participate with the Sky last season. Kentucky also continued to draw attention from the aftermath of the Kentucky Derby, including stories about Golden Tempo’s historic win and related media/celebrity coverage.

Public safety and government finance also featured prominently. Kentucky State Police said they are investigating multiple reported school bomb threats across the Commonwealth and noted preliminary findings suggesting a link to a robocalling campaign, while also stating the threats have not been deemed credible. In Pike County, a budget first reading was delayed as Judge-Executive Ray S. Jones II warned of financial hardships, including reductions in county road aid and rising diesel fuel costs for the road department. Separately, Gov. Beshear continued critique of UK leadership, expanding on concerns about hiring decisions and shared governance changes.

Beyond sports and safety, several business and community developments appeared in the most recent reporting. 365 Data Centers announced an AI-ready data center pipeline with Aphorio Carter, including letters of intent for priority locations in Colorado and Kentucky and an initial plan to develop about 200 MW of capacity. Sage Dental and Curaechoice announced a national partnership intended to expand access to lower-cost dental care, with Kentucky expected to join soon. Other community-focused items included Galen College of Nursing surpassing 50,543 graduates and a Heroes Day recognition event for Kentucky National Guard volunteers and family support staff at Keeneland.

Older coverage from the 3–7 day window provided continuity around the state’s major recent theme: the Kentucky Derby and its ripple effects. Multiple articles reiterated Golden Tempo’s record-setting, history-making win—especially Cherie DeVaux becoming the first female trainer to win the Derby—and the broader media attention the race generated. That Derby-focused thread also connected to follow-on questions about what comes next for the winner (including discussion of Preakness possibilities) and to local celebrations and fundraising tied to Derby weekend. However, outside of Derby-related material, the older articles are more scattered, so the clearest “change” in the last 12 hours is the shift toward NIL/college sports logistics, state-level governance and budget pressures, and the school-threat investigation.