AGP Executive Report

Social Security Fraud: A 79-year-old Lyons woman was sentenced to probation and ordered to repay $316,570 after admitting she collected her imprisoned husband’s benefits for nearly a decade. Senate Race: Kansas’ contest between Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton has been rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report. Marshall also repaid a Hutchinson bakery for a $679 campaign cookie bill from 2020, after the owner publicly pressed him. Campaign Trail: Democratic and Libertarian challengers for Kansas’ 1st Congressional District discussed affordability, immigration and federal spending at a Lawrence forum; incumbent Tracey Mann did not attend. State Policy: Kansas’ data-center incentives are fueling debate in the governor’s race, while a Kansas-led lawsuit prompted the ATF to drop a nationwide registration requirement for certain firearms. College Football: Kansas fell 41-24 at No. 12 Utah, and Kansas State lost 35-16 at home to No. 22 Houston.

Senate Race: Kansas’ contest between Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton has tightened to a toss-up, with household energy costs, tariffs and health care among the campaign’s top issues. Firearms Policy: A lawsuit led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach prompted the ATF to drop nationwide approval and registration requirements for suppressors and certain short-barreled firearms. Immigration: Gov. Laura Kelly condemned federal raids in southwest Kansas, where about 110 people were arrested, and pledged support for affected workers and families. State Politics: Data-center incentives are emerging as a major issue in the governor’s race, while state tax revenue has topped estimates by 6.1%. Fort Leavenworth: Army death-row inmate Nidal Hasan, held at Fort Leavenworth, is scheduled for execution by firing squad Dec. 3; plans to livestream it have drawn fresh scrutiny.

Immigration and Work: Gov. Laura Kelly condemned federal immigration raids in southwest Kansas as an “abuse of power.” ICE arrested about 110 people in Garden City, Liberal, Dodge City and nearby towns; Kelly told meatpacking union members she would work to restore their sense of security. Senate Race: Kansas is drawing fresh national attention as a possible Democratic pickup. The Senate race has shifted to a toss-up, and a Democratic super PAC is putting $5 million into the state while Republicans pour money into Sen. Roger Marshall’s defense. Campaign Accountability: A joint investigation says records and more than 200 texts suggest Marshall’s office blurred official duties and campaign activity during his 2020 race, including taxpayer-funded travel. Farm Economy: Kansas ranchers say high diesel costs and immigration-related worker shortages are adding pressure, while expanded beef imports have cut cattle values without meaningfully lowering grocery prices. Crop Research: KU researchers will help lead a $1.9 million study testing whether soil fungi can improve wheat and rice drought tolerance.

Senate Battleground: Kansas is drawing fresh national attention as forecasters move the Senate race to toss-up territory. Democratic strategists are watching closely, while Republicans are shifting campaign money toward defending the seat. Farm Economy: USDA raised its Kansas corn-yield estimate by four bushels an acre, helping push corn futures sharply lower. That comes as drought slows the soybean harvest and ranchers and farmers face high fuel costs and broader economic strain. Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Laura Kelly and a union leader criticized ICE raids in southwest Kansas, calling for reform as local communities and beef businesses work through the effects. State Finances: Kansas tax revenue came in 6.1% above estimates for the first quarter of the budget year, offering a stronger-than-expected start to state revenue collections.

Economic Outlook: Kansas collected $147 million more than expected in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with tax revenue 6.1% above projections. The surplus comes after two years of budgets that outpaced revenue by about $700 million. Senate Race: Democrat Adam Hamilton drew more than 200 people to a Salina event as polls show him in a close contest with Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, and a major Democratic Senate group is watching the race closely. Development: Lawrence is considering a women’s flight school at its airport as part of a developer’s proposed STAR bond district, alongside a soccer complex, housing and other attractions. Immigration: Gov. Laura Kelly called recent federal raids in southwest Kansas an abuse of power and pledged to help restore residents’ sense of security. Agriculture: Drought is slowing the soybean harvest, while Kansas fuel experts say the federal order allowing wider use of tax-free dyed diesel may bring farmers little relief and complicate pricing. State Policy: Kelly ordered work on a 10-year plan addressing the needs of older Kansans; Kansas also joined a multistate settlement with a cryptocurrency kiosk operator.

Nuclear Project: A proposed underground reactor in Parsons cleared an initial federal safety review, but financial analysts question whether developer Deep Fission can fund the project. More approvals are still required before it can operate. Secretary of State Race: Republican candidate Pat Proctor says he didn’t understand federal labor rules after his restaurant business was assessed $93,000 in penalties for wage and overtime violations. Senate Battleground: Kansas’ race is drawing national attention, with Republican Sen. Roger Marshall facing Democrat Adam Hamilton in a contest a recent poll put within two points. State Finances: Kansas tax revenue topped estimates by 6.1% in the budget year’s first quarter. Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Laura Kelly addressed the fallout from ICE raids in southwest Kansas at a Dodge City town hall with meatpacking union representatives.

Election Watch: Kansas’ U.S. Senate race is drawing national attention as Democrat Adam Hamilton and Republican incumbent Roger Marshall run neck and neck. GOP groups are shifting money into the state to defend Marshall’s seat, while attack ads intensify. State Finances: Kansas collected $147 million more than forecast in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, with tax receipts 6.1% above estimates. Immigration Fallout: Gov. Laura Kelly condemned federal raids in southwest Kansas, where about 110 people were arrested, and pledged to work with meatpacking union members to restore a sense of security. College Access: Kansas remains among the states fighting the federal government over in-state tuition for students brought to the U.S. as children; a judge struck down Kansas’ law in September.

Senate Race: Kansas is suddenly a battleground: forecasters have moved Sen. Roger Marshall’s race against Democrat Adam Hamilton to a toss-up, and Republican groups are shifting money from North Carolina to defend the seat. Two Kansas businesses also say Marshall’s campaign misused their images in an attack ad. Energy Investment: Antora Energy confirmed plans for a 5.8-gigawatt-hour thermal storage project at Pratt Energy’s biorefinery. The company projects more than 100 construction and operating jobs and says the project could help make Kansas ethanol production more competitive. Campaigns: Attorney General Kris Kobach and challenger Chris Mann debated, while Kansas voters have one week left to register for the Nov. 3 election. Immigration: Southwest Kansas communities are grappling with the effects of ICE raids, including reports of half-empty classrooms and canceled factory shifts; Gov. Laura Kelly addressed the fallout at a Dodge City town hall. Arts: Topeka’s Beauchamp’s Gallery, open since 1970, may close at year’s end unless a buyer steps forward.

Kansas Senate race heats up: The Cook Political Report moved the Kansas U.S. Senate contest from “Lean Republican” to a “Toss Up,” citing a national shift as Democrats target a majority and pointing to President Trump’s drag even in deep-red states. Election logistics: Kansas voters have one week left to register or update before the Nov. 3 election, with advance voting starting Oct. 14. Statehouse politics: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and challenger Chris Mann faced off in a debate covering crime, fentanyl, immigration, voting rights, and lawsuits against the federal government. Local services: A Wichita drivers license reinstatement clinic helped Kansans clear suspended-license cases through a one-stop legal push. Infrastructure in Lawrence: Construction on Wakarusa Drive is set to resume after KDOT apologized for a delay tied to utility conflicts. Public safety: A Kansas man was charged after allegedly aiming a laser and firing shots at a Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft. Sports (Kansas ties): Utah hosts No. 12 Kansas in a Big 12 defensive showdown in Salt Lake City.

Kansas Election Prep: With the general election close, Kansas election officials are urging voters to check registration and polling places online, and to note key deadlines like the mail ballot request cutoff and advance voting dates. Campaign Ad Fight: A Kansas camp and conference center says a Roger Marshall attack ad used the wrong camp image in allegations tied to Adam Hamilton, and the campaign later posted a revised version. Kansas Senate Race: National money is pouring into the Marshall–Hamilton contest as polls tighten, with outside groups boosting ad spending to keep Kansas from becoming a Democratic Senate pickup. Fuel Costs for Farmers: President Trump signed an executive order expanding tax-free red-dyed diesel access, aiming to lower costs for farmers and ranchers, though economists say the impact may be limited. Transportation Safety: The Kansas Drive to Zero Coalition launched a community award program to recognize local efforts to cut traffic injuries and fatalities. Energy Innovation: Antora Energy announced a 5.8 GWh thermal battery project in Kansas for around-the-clock industrial heat supply. Local Business/Community: The Eureka Herald was selected for a national rural journalism initiative aimed at strengthening local news sustainability.

Death Penalty in Kansas Politics: President Trump approved the firing-squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan, moving the case forward after a rare military death-penalty step. Midterm Messaging & Costs: Trump also pushed a new order easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel use, arguing it will cut prices for farmers and consumers as Election Day nears. Healthcare Refund Push: The administration is sending about 1 million ACA “Obamacare” $500 refund checks, paired with a letter touting Trump’s healthcare record and attacking the Biden era. Kansas Campaign Fight: A Kansas camp says it was falsely used in a Roger Marshall ad and sent a cease-and-desist. Local Government & Schools: Olathe superintendent Brent Yeager was named Kansas Superintendent of the Year, while KU’s Hilltop Child Development Center closure is final and the university is forming a work group to find childcare solutions. Roads & Recovery: Lawrence businesses report impacts from KDOT’s South Lawrence Trafficway delays, and Lyon County says several roads remain closed after last week’s flooding.

Data Center Ballot Fight: Kansas is among eight states with local data-center measures on the 2026 ballot, with voters deciding at least three Kansas proposals as the national debate over power use and growth heats up. Kansas Politics: A new push to flip the U.S. Senate map puts Kansas Democrats’ hopes on Rev. Adam Hamilton against Sen. Roger Marshall, with fresh polling and national attention framing the race as a potential break from nearly a century of losses. Local Courts: Douglas County swore in pro tem Judge Gary West, filling a vacancy created when Gov. Laura Kelly elevated Blake Glover to district judge. Immigration Fallout in Southwest Kansas: ICE raids left fear and disruption in Dodge City, Garden City, and Liberal, with communities still adjusting after agents left. Public Safety Training: Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center near Hutchinson opened new facilities, expanding classrooms and dorm space for law enforcement and public safety partners. Food Recall: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states, including Kansas, due to undeclared yellow dyes.

Local Governance: Tonganoxie residents rallied against Project Bluestem, a proposed 1,000-acre hyperscale data center, arguing county inaction is letting a major corporate project steamroll the community. Education & Courts: KU guard Melvin Council Jr. is back for a sixth year after a New York court injunction, with Kansas saying he’ll practice immediately. Public Safety: A loyal dog in Leawood led a police officer back to an injured owner trapped in a garage for hours. Weather & Housing: Kansas communities dealt with heavy rain and flooding risk; Wichita-area foundation repair firms report a surge in basement and foundation calls. Health: Alfalfa sprout recalls expanded as an E. coli/Salmonella outbreak now totals 76 illnesses across 16 states, including Kansas. Politics: With less than a month to go, Trump is campaigning in traditionally red states as polling shows Democrats gaining ground, including in Kansas Senate races. Economy & Industry: Kansas employers filed 373 H-1B petitions in 2025 in Educational Services, with a 97.9% approval rate.

Kansas Politics: With Election Day a month out, a new New York Times/Siena poll shows Democrats leading or tied in key Republican-leaning Senate races, including Kansas—where the race is tied within the poll’s margin of error—fueling fresh talk that the GOP’s Kansas seat may be vulnerable. Campaign Money: The same week brought signs of GOP panic: a major Republican super PAC reportedly pulled back spending in North Carolina and redirected funds to Kansas to try to protect Sen. Roger Marshall. Weather & Climate: Kansas also saw a dramatic storm day, with tornado reports across the state and unusual warmth patterns noted by state climatologists, while forecasters warn of wetter conditions tied to El Niño. Higher Ed & Workforce: Coffeyville Community College reported a 1.9% enrollment drop this fall, even as it points to growth in concurrent enrollment and technical programs. Sports (Local Interest): Kansas men’s basketball welcomed guard Melvin Council Jr. back to Lawrence after winning eligibility in court, setting up the 2026-27 season.

Medicaid Access Gap: A new national Medicaid study finds kids’ chances of getting a diagnostic sleep test vary wildly by state—and even by the racial makeup of their neighborhood—showing a fourfold difference in pediatric sleep testing rates. Kansas Politics & Money: With Election Day looming, a New York Times/Siena poll shows Democrats leading or tied in key GOP-leaning Senate races, including Kansas, while reporting also says Senate Republicans are shifting massive spending from North Carolina to Kansas to protect the majority. State Tax Snapshot: Kansas collected $13.1 billion in state taxes in 2024, with sales and gross receipts taxes down 0.3% to $5.7 billion. Education & Workforce: Coffeyville Community College reported a 1.9% enrollment drop this fall, even as it points to growth in technical programs and concurrent enrollment. Local Economy: After recent rain, Kansas foundation repair companies are seeing a business uptick. Sports: Kansas routed Middle Tennessee 55-0, and the Buccaneers elevated Kansas QB Jalon Daniels as Baker Mayfield’s thumb injury sidelines the starter.

Food Safety: A Chilean supplier expanded a recall of frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people and hospitalized six in Florida and Georgia, with Kansas among the affected states. Kansas Politics: With one month to Election Day, Democrats are polling ahead in key Senate races and tied in Kansas, where national Republicans are pouring money into Sen. Roger Marshall’s fight against Adam Hamilton. Immigration Fallout in Kansas: ICE raids in southwest Kansas left communities shaken—schools saw absences, businesses cut hours, and residents are still dealing with fear and uncertainty. Defense & Jobs: Shield AI says it’s building a U.S. network for its X-BAT program, with flight testing and fleet support in Kansas. Local Governance: Lawrence’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board will review 12 trust-fund applications totaling about $3.3 million for the 2027 cycle. Arts & Culture: A Kansas artist’s decades-long live-edge metal sculpture “outdoor gallery” in Mullinville continues to draw visitors.