AGP Executive Report

Screwworm Alert: Kansas agriculture and K-State experts are urging vigilance after USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas (plus additional U.S. detections), warning pet owners and livestock handlers to watch for wounds and the pest’s larval stage. Severe Weather & Power: Northeast Kansas was hit by thunderstorms that knocked out power for tens of thousands of Evergy customers, with restoration slowed by damage and hazardous conditions; a severe storm watch and flood watch were also issued for parts of the region. Court Fight in College Sports: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play despite an NCAA gambling ban, triggering backlash from Big 12 officials and raising fresh questions about how far courts can go in sports rule enforcement. Kansas Supreme Court Amendment: Kansas voters are set to consider changing how Supreme Court justices are selected—shifting from a commission-based merit process to direct elections—an issue tied to major political groups and campaign money. Local Government Watch: Shawnee County is studying potential Auburn Rd. interchange options near Topeka, while Topeka businesses brace for months of disruption from the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct closure. Health Coverage: A national Kids Count study finds 51,000 Kansas children lacked health insurance in 2024, with advocates pointing to access and awareness gaps.

New World screwworm watch: Kansas agriculture and animal health officials are urging vigilance after USDA confirmed the pest in a calf in Texas—first U.S. detection in decades—while Kansas says it’s been preparing and remains at low risk. SNAP limits: A new round of state restrictions on SNAP purchases of non-nutritious items is rolling out, including Kansas, as USDA lists 23 states adopting rules like limiting soda and candy. Kansas courts ballot change: A Great Bend forum will explain a proposed shift to let voters directly fill Kansas Supreme Court vacancies, replacing the current commission-and-governor selection process. Education politics: Five Kansas Board of Education seats are up for election, but GOP incumbents are stepping aside, potentially reshaping the board’s partisan balance. Local public safety: Kansas-linked suspect Austin Muse of Emporia, Kansas, faces sex-crime charges in Missouri after alleged online grooming of middle-school victims. Community & business: Derby’s newspaper changes hands, and Country Stampede Kansas is set to move to Gilley’s in Park City in 2027.

Data Center Watch: Questions are still swirling around Emporia’s Flint Hills Digital Campus after Kanza Park Place’s updates on timelines, power needs, and water use—residents want clear answers on jobs, cooling, and impacts. Public Safety: The FBI arrested three U.S. citizens, including a Leawood man, accused of using cryptocurrency to fund an ISIS-linked plan to buy drones and rocket-propelled grenades. Local Government: Hays city commissioners backed a task force to address ACCESS Public Transportation’s widening budget gap, with service cuts planned to start July 1. Health: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Goff in Nemaha County after a water storage tank integrity issue. Community & Economy: Dickinson County earned Network Kansas E-Community status, aiming to boost entrepreneurship with capital, coaching, and connections. Sports: Kansas baseball’s super regional vs. Oklahoma ran late and hit another weather delay, while Kansas State added a 2027 running back commitment. Agriculture & Water: A new look at the Ogallala Aquifer highlights how fast-depleting groundwater could reshape farming across the High Plains, including Kansas.

Public Safety: Sedgwick County investigators say they arrested Carl Weems after a North Wichita shooting Wednesday night left two men injured; Weems was booked on multiple charges including aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and firing a gun into an occupied building. Local Transit Funding: Hays officials are moving toward a task force after ACCESS Public Transportation warned it will end rides July 1 due to a projected budget shortfall tied to KDOT funding cuts and rising operating costs. Water Safety: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for the City of Goff after a compromised water storage tank raised contamination concerns. Economic Development: Dickinson County earned Network Kansas’s E-Community designation, adding entrepreneurship tools like capital, coaching, and connections for local businesses. Courts & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a congressional map NAACP says is intentionally discriminatory against Black voters, a decision that could shape redistricting fights elsewhere. Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $40.5 million for 31 Kansas local bridge projects, leveraging state and federal dollars. Tech & Power Demand: A new look at U.S. data center permits finds power use is surging as AI-driven construction accelerates, raising questions for states trying to keep up.

Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $40.5 million for 31 local bridge projects statewide, with KDOT splitting the work between the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program and the Off-System Bridge program, leveraging matching city and county dollars. Transportation Policy: Kelly also rolled out $5.9 million for nine KDOT Cost Share Program projects, aimed at safety, congestion relief, and local connectivity. Food Assistance: Kansas advocates warn that SNAP cuts tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill” have already removed benefits for nearly 22,000 Kansans, including about 10,000 children, stressing ripple effects on food banks and local pantries. Livestock Health: Kansas is stepping up outreach after a New World screwworm case was found in a Texas calf, urging ranchers and vets to watch for the parasite that can devastate herds. Energy & Competition: Two Kansas lawmakers asked federal regulators to require competitive bidding for certain transmission projects, criticizing a process that handed a southcentral Kansas line to Evergy without a formal bid. Politics & Elections: A new report highlights Republicans running for governor in competitive states who rejected certifying Biden’s 2020 win—raising questions about how they’d oversee election administration. Tech & Power Demand: A national analysis says the data center boom is accelerating power use, driven by hyperscale facilities feeding the AI surge.

Kansas Politics & Elections: Gov. Laura Kelly endorsed Democrat Ethan Corson for governor, boosting his bid in a three-way primary as rival Cindy Holscher frames the race as anti-establishment. State Government: Kansas DOT announced $40.5 million for 31 local bridge projects statewide, with matching local funds pushing total project value near $44.5 million. Public Safety & Health: Kansas agriculture officials are stepping up outreach after a New World screwworm case was found in a Texas calf, warning ranchers about the parasite’s threat to livestock. Local Governance: Russell County USD 407’s board will meet Tuesday in Russell, with bids, policy updates, and executive sessions on the agenda. Business & Industry: Wichita State and Hexcel broke ground on a new Hexcel Applications Center at NIAR to expand composite development and aerospace research. Human Rights: A Washburn event featured Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips discussing trafficking, survivor support, and calls to release related files. Local Lifestyle: A Wichita rail-trail guide spotlights the Prairie Sunset Trail as a scenic, low-crowd ride through prairie and woodlands.

Immigration & Congress: Senate Republicans cleared a $70 billion immigration bill for Trump’s crackdown, after GOP leaders squashed internal revolts over language tied to a proposed payout fund for alleged government victims. Privacy & Tech: Kansas lawmakers are pushing guardrails to limit how license plate camera data is shared, as states face mounting scrutiny over long-term tracking. Flooding in Kansas: Gov. Laura Kelly issued a disaster emergency proclamation after heavy rains triggered flooding across northeast Kansas, with warnings in multiple counties. Energy & Grid: Kansas lawmakers challenged federal regulators over transmission projects, arguing a southcentral Kansas line was handed to Evergy without competitive bidding. Education Policy: A new Kansas law changes who qualifies for tuition-free Excel in CTE concurrent enrollment, adding GPA and course-completion requirements starting July 1. Sports (Lawrence): KU hosts Oklahoma in a best-of-three NCAA baseball super regional, with first pitch Saturday at 5 p.m.

KU Baseball: Kansas hosts Oklahoma in a best-of-three super regional starting Saturday at 5 p.m. (ESPN2), with Dominic Voegele vs. OU freshman Cord Rager in Game 1 and Mason Cook vs. OU freshman Xander Mercurius in Game 2. Energy & Utilities: Kansas lawmakers are pushing back on federal energy regulators over transmission projects, arguing competitive bidding is being bypassed for a southcentral Kansas line tied to Evergy. Local Governance: Russell is moving ahead on a downtown historic designation, with a June 9 City Hall Q&A, and the Russell Community Garage Sale runs June 5-7. Education Policy: A new Kansas law changes who can get tuition-free concurrent enrollment credit through Excel in CTE, adding GPA and graduation-requirement rules starting July 1. Public Health: KDHE rescinded a “do not drink” order for part of Reno County’s RWD 101 after testing found no bacterial contamination, though nitrate precautions remain. Agriculture: Kansas is warning ranchers about a newly detected New World screwworm case in Texas and outlining response steps.

Kansas Disability Services: Kansans with disabilities say the federal Money Follows the Person program helped them live more independently, but Kansas’ participation wound down and the money dried up, leaving gaps in support. Local Housing: Lawrence city commissioners will consider selling a downtown parking lot for less than 10% of appraised value to build a 94-unit, rent-controlled complex for residents 55+—a plan that would remove 74 public parking spaces. Infrastructure & Safety: Derby is weighing KDOT-backed traffic changes, including whether to add or remove pedestrian crossings near schools. Agriculture Watch: Kansas officials are preparing for the New World screwworm after a Texas case, warning ranchers and veterinarians about possible movement restrictions and treatment needs. State Budget Pressure: Kansas leaders are asking why NIH research funding delays are hitting universities, slowing work on major diseases. Business Aviation: Overland Park-based Airshare will equip its Phenom 300s with Gogo’s Galileo HDX satellite connectivity. Politics: Six GOP senators, including Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, broke with Trump to block his proposed White House ballroom.

Kansas Politics: Gov. Laura Kelly announced dozens of appointments across state boards and commissions, including roles tied to sentencing policy, disability access, and agricultural remediation. Public Health & Agriculture: Kansas officials say they’re monitoring after the USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in a Texas calf, with movement restrictions and outreach to veterinarians and livestock owners. Healthcare Research: Kansas leaders and a U.S. representative are pressing federal health officials over delays in NIH research funding reaching universities, warning the slowdown is hitting cancer, dementia, diabetes, and rare-disease work. Infrastructure: A new national look at road conditions highlights how much repair work remains nationwide, with funding set to face a major cliff in October 2026. Community Spotlight: In Emporia, “Ron’s Ride” for Special Olympics surpassed its $5,000 goal, raising about $5,400 ahead of the torch run to state games in Wichita.

Local Government: Harper, Kansas adopted Ordinance No. G-452 to define and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single- and two-family zones, and Ordinance No. G-451 to set monthly sewage service charges, including $22.70 for many residential and commercial users. Public Safety: A man died in an officer-involved shooting after a struggle outside the Pittsburg Public Library; the Kansas Bureau of Investigation took over and the officer was placed on administrative leave. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $40.5 million for 31 local bridge projects statewide, including Russell and Rush County awards. Higher Ed Policy: The Kansas Board of Regents is weighing a proposal to let universities offer bachelor’s degrees in three years (90 credits) instead of four. Behavioral Health: Douglas County leaders are exploring a “clubhouse model” for adults living with serious mental illness, aiming for a peer-driven, non-clinical support space by 2028. Politics: Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog filed to run in the Democratic primary for Kansas governor, with Dr. Jen B. McKenney as his running mate. Economy/Taxes: Kansas corporate income tax collections have fallen sharply while other revenue streams run above projections, fueling fresh debate between GOP and Democratic leaders.

War Powers: The House passed a resolution to halt U.S. military action against Iran, sending it to the Senate where a final vote is still pending. Kansas Transportation: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $40.5M for 31 local bridge projects statewide, with Jewell, Mitchell and Washington counties among recipients. Local Honor: Kansas flags will fly at half-staff Thursday for Ford County firefighter/paramedic William Cory “Liam” Price, who died in the line of duty. State Budget Watch: Kansas revenues topped projections in May, but corporate income tax collections lagged sharply while other streams ran above estimates. Health Research Funding: Kansas leaders and a U.S. representative are pressing HHS/NIH on delays in releasing federal research dollars. Education Funding Debate: Kansas educators and task force members are wrestling over data as school funding negotiations continue. Housing Pressure: Lawrence commissioners heard that the city needs more housing units to improve affordability. Crime & Courts: A Tonganoxie woman was sentenced to 15 months for stealing a dead relative’s identity to collect about $450K in benefits.

PFAS Testing Breakthrough at KU: A new University of Kansas approach, published in PLOS Water, promises faster, cheaper detection of ultra-low PFAS levels in drinking water—cutting sample prep from hours to minutes while keeping regulatory sensitivity. Kansas Land Fraud: A Washburn ag law professor says farmland title fraud is rising, targeting absentee owners with fake identities, deeds, and even forged leases. Local Government, Real Estate: Lawrence city commissioners approved buying a former printing press building for a $2.1 million City Hall annex, with major renovations still ahead. Housing Support in Douglas County: A supportive housing program for chronically homeless residents is projected to save about $108,000 in public service costs, according to a county analysis. Rural Health Funding: KDHE awarded nearly $5.5 million to PrairieLINK to strengthen rural healthcare access and coordination across multiple counties. Data Center Moratorium Update: Riley County planning officials say a six-month moratorium is meant to build criteria for data centers before applications resume. KU Football Recruiting: Offensive tackle Richie Dexter committed to Kansas, adding depth to the Jayhawks’ 2027 offensive line class.

Hospital Consolidation: A new look at why hospitals merge for survival—and what it can cost in local control and accountability. Kansas Tax & Transportation: Kansas ended May with $703.8M in tax collections, 6.4% above estimate, while Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring 2026 cost-share projects. Health Care Fight: KU Hospital Authority sued CVS over alleged improper diversion of nearly $62M in 340B drug savings. Nuclear in Parsons: Deep Fission announced a partnership with Day & Zimmermann to build a test small nuclear reactor in Parsons. Rail Merger Pause: The federal Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and asked for more details, as Kansas and other states weigh in. Local Schools & Community: A petition drive aims to stop Logan Avenue Elementary’s closure in Emporia, and Russell is holding a June 9 meeting on a downtown historic designation. Ag & Markets: Protein-driven demand is reshaping dairy, while “beans, beef and Boeing” talk is blamed for market jitters.

Rural Health Policy: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch says the Senate unanimously passed a bill to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, letting rural hospitals test new Medicare payment models to stay financially afloat. Kansas Politics: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer ended his 2026 governor bid after Trump endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson; Masterson’s running mate is Lansing Sen. Jeff Klemp. Democratic Primary Filing: Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog filed to run for governor, joining Sen. Ethan Corson and Sen. Cindy Holscher in the Democratic field. Local Governance & Growth: Jackson County residents weighed a proposed 120-day data center moratorium while Overland Park-area officials in Gardner discussed similar limits. Environment & Public Health: Galena residents are pressing state and local officials over landfill odors they link to hydrogen sulfide and a smoldering fire, raising fears about safety and property values. Sports: Kansas baseball will host its first-ever NCAA Super Regional against Oklahoma at Hoglund Ballpark. State Budget Watch: Kansas reported May tax collections of $703.8 million, 6.4% above estimate, with corporate income tax still coming in weak.

Kansas Politics: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer ended his 2026 bid for the Republican nomination for governor after President Donald Trump backed Senate President Ty Masterson, leaving Masterson’s ticket—running mate Sen. Jeff Klemp—set ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. Kansas Elections: The filing deadline has passed, setting the stage for a crowded GOP and Democratic field across statewide races. State Finance: Kansas closed May with $703.8 million in total tax collections, 6.4% above estimate, but corporate income tax came in below projections—an ongoing warning sign for the state’s budget. Agriculture & Business: The FTC launched a fertilizer pricing investigation after Kansas farm groups pushed for action over rising input costs. Local Economy: Parsons continues to lean on its railroad identity, importing nearly 5,000 workers daily while drawing thousands to Katy Days. Health & Workforce: Wichita GED graduates celebrated second chances through a local program tied to job training. Dairy Leadership: Chelsea Good was named the next executive director for Kansas Dairy, starting June 1.