Paducah AI megaproject scrutiny: Gov. Andy Beshear says he wasn’t briefed on the DOE’s July 29 plan to redevelop the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant into a major AI data center campus, raising questions about power supply, environmental impacts, jobs, and taxes. Renewables in the spotlight: A western Kentucky wind-and-solar proposal in Henderson County has been dropped by Pattern Energy after sustained local opposition, closing off one potential clean-energy path. Solar tax incentives: Kentucky approved state tax refunds for a $307 million, 188-megawatt solar project in Fleming County, while officials pressed for details on electricity use and decommissioning plans. Public comment on transportation: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet released a draft four-year STIP plan for public review starting Aug. 1 through Aug. 30, covering highways, bridges, transit, and bike/ped projects. Pollinator-friendly gardening warning: Garden experts urge Kentuckians to skip many wildflower seed mixes because they can include non-native or invasive plants, recommending native, region-appropriate plantings instead. Outdoor health reminder: Extension notes highlight tick risks this summer, including the invasive Asian longhorned tick now detected across multiple Kentucky counties. Conservation win: Dr. James “Greg” Kuhns of Louisville received Kentucky’s 2026 Leopold Conservation Award for improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.