AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day in Kansas: Governor Laura Kelly ordered flags at half-staff from sunup until noon Monday, May 25, and communities are gearing up for local ceremonies like Kerr County’s 10 a.m. program at the war memorial. Kansas politics: No Labels Kansas has officially lost its state party status after failing to nominate candidates for statewide office; the Secretary of State says thousands of registrants will be reclassified as unaffiliated. Farm stress: Drought and heat are pushing Kansas wheat toward its worst production since 1972, with disease and rising input costs adding to the squeeze. KU & K-State sports: KU baseball advanced in the Big 12 tournament with a 9-2 win over Oklahoma State, while KU basketball learned its Players Era 8 path and K-State basketball leaders played down a smaller roster budget. Health & accountability: Kansas’ Osage County District Court says an August 2025 network disruption may have exposed some unredacted court records, and health systems are suing CVS over alleged 340B savings diversion.

NASCAR Grief: Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion, died at 41 after being hospitalized for a “severe illness,” and memorials popped up at tracks including Charlotte Motor Speedway as NASCAR and fans mourned a record-setting career. Kansas Politics & Governance: Kansas lawmakers are digging into KDHE’s nearly $3.2 million early childhood IT contract, after the state terminated GL Solutions when performance “deteriorated significantly.” Local Watch: Lawrence’s Rock Chalk Park trails are short by nearly 2 miles compared with a 2013 agreement, raising questions about what happened to the missing construction. Memorial Day Prep: Gov. Laura Kelly ordered flags at half-staff across Kansas on May 25. Economy & Jobs: Kansas unemployment held at 3.9% in April, with job growth driven by construction while manufacturing fell. Health Policy: Three major hospital systems sued CVS over alleged 340B drug-discount “siphoning,” including a Kansas-owned system.

NASCAR Shock: Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most decorated winners, died at 41 after being hospitalized for a “severe illness,” with no cause released—just days before the Coca-Cola 600. Big 12 Sports: Kansas baseball keeps rolling in the Big 12 tournament Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT against Oklahoma State after surviving Baylor with a walk-off 8-7. Health & Policy: A new analysis presented by KU researchers finds pre-existing cardiovascular disease nearly doubles in-hospital mortality risk for adults hospitalized with anaphylaxis. Kansas Courts: A federal jury cleared Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi in a dispute over whether he improperly removed an associate director. Local Government Tech: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab says his office is moving lottery regulation filings from paper to a new public website, aiming to cut lost documents and save millions. Weather: NWS confirmed multiple tornadoes from weekend storms across the region, including EF1 damage near Plattsmouth, Nebraska.

Faith & Politics: A Kansas-linked Democratic outreach push is getting a $3 million boost as Vote Common Good plans to train candidates to connect with Catholics and evangelicals, including a spring/summer bus tour and June conference. Public Health: Kansas regulators issued a Do Not Drink order for McDonald’s water system in Rawlins County due to possible nitrate contamination—no boiling, and infants can’t use tap water. Courts & Rights: A judge blocked parts of Kansas’ Help Not Harm Act, halting enforcement of the ban on hormone therapy and puberty blockers for minors while litigation continues. State Policy: Kansas is accepting applications for the Reservoir Protection Initiative to fund sediment-reducing conservation above major reservoirs. Higher Ed: Wichita State got University Stadium renamed to Crossland Stadium, and programs were shuffled under the Kansas Board of Regents. Sports: Kansas baseball starts its Big 12 tournament Thursday vs Baylor; and NASCAR star Kyle Busch was hospitalized with a severe illness and will miss the Coke 600.

Local Events: Russell’s Community Garage Sale is set for June 6-7, with registration due Monday, May 25, and proceeds benefiting the Russell Community Theater. Summer Recreation: The Russell pool and downtown splash pad open Saturday, with the pool running 1-7 p.m. daily and the splash pad free from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Politics: No Labels Kansas has officially lost its state party status after failing to field candidates for statewide races, and voters registered with the group are being reclassified as unaffiliated. Public Safety: Lawrence residents urged bike-safety upgrades on Tennessee and Kentucky streets, while Blue Rapids officials described chaos when more than 500 storm chasers flooded town during an EF1 tornado. Health & Courts: A Kansas judge blocked parts of the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and a federal jury cleared KBI director Tony Mattivi in a lawsuit over his ouster of a former associate director. Agriculture: Kansas wheat is on track for its smallest production since 1972 as drought, disease, and soaring fertilizer and diesel costs squeeze farmers.

Plains Farm Crisis: Drought plus soaring costs tied to the Iran-war fuel and fertilizer spike are pushing wheat toward its worst production since 1972, with Kansas growers facing freezes, virus pressure, and tough choices about whether to plant or fertilize. Kansas Politics: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ethan Corson named Salina chamber CEO Renee Duxler as his lieutenant governor running mate, setting up a statewide tour ahead of the June 1 filing deadline. Higher Ed: KU is proposing a 5% tuition and fee increase for next year to cover salary pressure as state funding falls, with enrollment expected to stay flat. Public Health: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is underway, with guidance for patients and caregivers on avoiding scams and billing errors. Local Life: A Derby church’s community garden is expanding as grocery prices rise and federal food aid tightens, using Indigenous “three sisters” planting and raised beds. Sports & Culture: Kansas and Villanova set a home-and-home series; and Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention opened a brick-and-mortar office in Emporia.

Gas Prices & Summer Travel: Kansas drivers are feeling it at the pump as gas hits the highest levels in four years, with E-15 showing up as a cheaper option in the state (about $4.04 in one report) after the EPA extended a summer waiver. Local Water Rules: Hays is tightening outdoor watering from private wells—no lawn watering between noon and 7 p.m. from June 1 through Sept. 30. Storm Aftermath & Help: Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt is urging storm victims to contact the state Department of Insurance for claim help. Consumer Protection: Kansas AG Kris Kobach secured a consent judgment against an Ellis County contractor, ordering over $1 million in restitution and a permanent business ban. Trans Care Courts: Colorado’s top court ordered a children’s hospital to resume gender-affirming treatments for minors, even as funding risks loom. Weather Recovery Stories: Communities like Plevna and a Holton family are still rebuilding after tornado damage, while more severe weather threatens the Plains. Regulation Overhaul: Kansas launched new software to modernize the regulation-making process statewide, replacing a decades-old paper system.

Hantavirus Watch: KDHE says it’s monitoring three Kansans with high-risk exposure to a confirmed Andes hantavirus case tied to an international cruise; the exposed people aren’t sick and KDHE calls the public risk “extremely low,” with no Kansas cases suspected or confirmed. Severe Weather Aftermath: Eastern Kansas is still tallying damage from Monday’s storm line, including tornado reports across multiple counties and power outages in Lawrence. Public Safety: Saline County is investigating an officer-involved shooting that killed a suspect, while Salina police and the KBI say no officers were injured; separately, a violent felon escaped a treatment center and authorities are asking the public to help find him. Local Government: Douglas County commissioners will revisit funding for the Treatment & Recovery Center after an external review and a reduced request from Bert Nash. Politics: No Labels Kansas has been terminated as a state-recognized party, reclassifying thousands of registrants as unaffiliated. Agriculture: Kansas wheat conditions remain stressed by drought, freeze damage, and disease as tours report yield uncertainty.

Wildfires: An evacuation order for Ashland was lifted overnight, but southwest Kansas fires kept burning and crews warned residents to stay alert as firefighting traffic ramps up. Public Health: KDHE is monitoring three Kansans after a high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus tied to an international cruise; officials say there are no suspected or confirmed cases in Kansas and risk is “extremely low.” Courts & State Government: Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Rosen says non-judicial court employees will get a 1% raise via internal reallocation. Local Development: Ellis County commissioners will weigh bids for renovations to the Law Enforcement Center as the sheriff’s office expands. Housing: Hays low-income housing developers are waiting on competitive state tax credits—without them, projects may stall. Crime & Safety: In Salina, the KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting after a suspect fled a traffic stop and fired at officers. Politics: Vicki Schmidt named Kansas Farm Bureau president Joe Newland as her lieutenant governor running mate.

Campaign Trail: Kansas GOP insurance commissioner candidate Vicki Schmidt picked Kansas Farm Bureau president Joe Newland as her running mate, teeing up a high-stakes August primary. China & National Security: A national security expert says Gov. Katie Hobbs faces fresh scrutiny over how she handles China-related bills after past vetoes. Courts & Pay: Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Rosen says internal budget shuffling will fund a 1% raise for non-judicial court employees. Public Safety: A driver accused in a crash that killed a man in a wheelchair made his first court appearance, facing felony DUI and involuntary manslaughter charges. Health Watch: KDHE is monitoring three Kansans after a high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus tied to an international cruise case—no Kansas cases are suspected or confirmed. Weather: Severe storms are moving east, with more expected Monday evening, prompting school and business announcements. Sports: Kansas baseball ended regular season as Big 12 champ; softball’s season ended in an NCAA regional loss to Michigan.

Hantavirus Monitoring: KDHE says it’s tracking three Kansans after a high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus tied to an international cruise; the three people weren’t on the ship and have no symptoms, and KDHE calls the public risk “extremely low.” Elections Under Fire: A new report says the Trump administration has run at least 67 million voter registrations through DHS’s SAVE eligibility checks, flagging tens of thousands as possible noncitizens or deceased—critics warn it could wrongly purge eligible voters. Public Safety: In Salina, the KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting after a traffic stop turned into a pursuit and gunfire; the suspect, Brandon Michael Sears, died and no officers were injured. Local Economy: Kansas Commerce announced $1.3 million in HEAL grants for 15 historic downtown building renovations, with nearly $3.9 million in local matches. Community & Health: Kansas wildlife officials remind residents to watch for venomous timber rattlesnakes in the Flint Hills, while Salina’s Central Mall says KDHE found no asbestos after April hail damage.

Hantavirus Watch: Kansas health officials are monitoring three people after a high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus tied to an international cruise case; KDHE says there are no suspected or confirmed cases in Kansas and the risk to the public is “extremely low,” with people not considered infectious unless they become symptomatic. Public Safety: In Wichita, a fatal crash left a 63-year-old man dead after being struck by a pickup; the driver was booked on felony DUI and involuntary manslaughter. In Salina, a KBI probe is underway after an officer-involved shooting during a traffic stop attempt ended with the suspect dead and no officers injured. Wildfire Pressure: Southwest Kansas crews are battling multiple grass fires under “extremely challenging” conditions, with red flag warnings and fast-moving fire behavior. Health & Community: Salina Central Mall says KDHE testing found no asbestos after April hail damage, allowing most tenants to proceed with cleaning and repairs.

Court Fight Over Trans Care: A Kansas judge temporarily blocked enforcement of the state’s ban on gender-transition treatments for minors, granting an injunction sought by two teens’ parents; Attorney General Kris Kobach says he’ll appeal. Public Health Watch: KDHE is monitoring three Kansans after a high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus tied to an international cruise contact—no Kansas cases are suspected or confirmed, and people aren’t considered infectious unless they become symptomatic. Local Safety Incidents: In Wichita, police say a fatal crash involved an impaired driver charged with felony DUI and involuntary manslaughter; in Salina, the KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting that killed a suspect after a traffic stop and pursuit. Sports: Kansas softball’s NCAA run ended after a 9-0 loss to Oklahoma and then a 12-10 defeat to Michigan in Norman. Agriculture: Kansas extension coverage warns wheat streak mosaic is showing up again in fields, urging farmers to manage volunteer wheat and watch for symptoms as temperatures warm.

Death Penalty Push in Embassy Killing: Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Elias Rodriguez, accused of the May 2025 ambush that killed two Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro saying the case warrants “the full force of the law.” Kansas Courts on Trans Care: A Douglas County judge temporarily blocked Kansas from enforcing parts of SB 63 that ban gender-affirming care for minors, and AG Kris Kobach says he’ll appeal. Hantavirus Monitoring: KDHE says it’s tracking three Kansans with high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus tied to an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship; officials stress there are no suspected or confirmed cases in Kansas and risk is “extremely low.” Local Public Safety: KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Salina that left suspect Brandon Michael Sears dead, and police are probing a fatal Wichita crash involving an impaired driver. Sports: Kansas softball kept rolling in its NCAA regional, beating Michigan 1-0 and now plays Oklahoma Saturday.

Public Health Watch: KDHE is monitoring three Kansans after a high-risk international exposure to Andes hantavirus tied to the MV Hondius cruise ship—no symptoms, and KDHE says the public risk is “extremely low.” Local Safety: Salina police and the KBI are investigating an officer-involved shooting after a suspect fled a traffic stop and fired at officers; no officers were hurt. Water Infrastructure: Frontenac’s boil-water advisory is still in effect as crews repair aging lines, with testing required before it can be lifted. Politics & Campaigns: Kansas governor candidates are leaning hard on affordability and Medicaid expansion, while an expert warns undecided voters could swing the race. Energy & Industry: Evergy says its profits rose after Kansas approved a rate hike, and Evergy has pushed back any coal shutdown at its Lawrence plant. Sports: KU baseball grabbed its first Big 12 title in 75+ years, and KU softball opens NCAA regional play Friday vs. Michigan. Community & Culture: A Tonganoxie group is seeking a longer moratorium on a proposed data center, arguing the pause isn’t enough.

Wildfire emergency: Gov. Laura Kelly declared a disaster emergency for southwest Kansas wildfires, authorizing state fire-suppression help as lightning-driven blazes threaten Clark, Ford, Harper, Meade and Morton counties. Public health watch: KDHE is monitoring three Kansans with high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus after an international cruise contact; officials say the public risk is extremely low and no Kansas cases are suspected or confirmed. Local government pressure: Lawrence’s Jayhawk Watershed project is still squeezing Ninth Street businesses, with at least two restaurants closing amid long closures tied to stormwater work. Education and rights: A new Kansas bathroom law is forcing transgender KU students to change daily routines, while a separate report highlights why recess matters for kids’ health. Statewide agriculture: Kansas drought stress and wheat disease concerns continue, with updates ranging from woody invasion threats in the Flint Hills to wheat streak mosaic showing up again in fields. Safety and crime: KBI is investigating officer-involved shootings in Salina and Bourbon County, and police report a fatal impaired crash in Wichita.