AGP Executive Report

Local Courts: A Sedgwick County judge ruled prosecutors have enough to try Andrew Presley, accused in the 2025 Wichita killing of Kelly Black, and he’ll face a jury trial on charges including second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public Safety: Another Sedgwick County case ended in prison: Niklas Wiley was sentenced to 330 months for his role in the drug overdose death of 15-year-old Kennedy Herren. Health Policy Watch: New Medicaid spending snapshots show sharp local swings—Basehor’s Evaluation and Management claims jumped 523.7% in 2024, while Norton’s Pathology and Laboratory Procedures rose 15.2% and Leavenworth’s Evaluation and Management climbed 36.8%. Community & Infrastructure: KDHE issued a boil-water advisory for Ellis County’s RWD 1C after a waterline break caused a pressure loss. Workforce & Water: Kansas opened registration for the 2026 Governor’s Water Conference and announced rural apprenticeship grants to expand learn-and-earn programs.

College Football Tragedy: William Jewell RB MicahJo Barnett, 20, collapsed after scoring in the season opener and died after paramedics transported him to a hospital. Kansas Politics: An INSIGHT KANSAS explainer revisits how GOP leaders moved governor elections to midterms decades ago—and questions whether that strategy has actually helped Republicans. Data Centers & Transparency: In Emporia, residents say they’re still waiting on answers after paying for an open-records search tied to a proposed hyperscale data center and annexation plans. Local Government: Derby approved its 2027 budget and voted to exceed the revenue-neutral property tax rate, as valuation growth raised concerns from residents. Health Care Watch: A Kansas “Feeding Solutions” report highlights food insecurity in Hamilton County, where a small town with limited services faces major hunger needs. Medicaid Billing Snapshots: New figures show sharp local swings in Medicaid spending categories across Kansas communities, including big jumps in evaluation/management and medical supplies. Sports Business: Kansas athletics leaders estimate KU stadium capacity during renovations at about 32,000 this fall. Arts & Culture: Lindsborg artist Mike Hartung’s September exhibit “Political Porn” opens at the Smoky Valley Arts and Folklife Center.

Immigration & Dairy Labor: Kansas’ dairy boom is increasingly tied to immigrant workers, with ag leaders warning rural growth can’t happen without that labor. Beef Prices & Imports: Kansas ranchers push back on Trump’s duty-free plan for 300,000 tons of foreign beef, arguing it won’t fix the real issue—record-low cattle herd size and high land costs. Local Government vs Data Centers: Kansas cities are suing residents over citizen petitions aimed at blocking large data centers, testing how Kansas petition rules apply. KU Transgender Custodian: Supporters in Lawrence rallied for KU custodian Siobhan Kirchstein after she was warned for using bathrooms under a new state law, raising funds for possible legal costs. Public Safety: A boil-water advisory in rural Kansas was lifted after tests found no bacterial contamination. Courts & Crime: A Wichita man, Joshua Orlando, was sentenced to life with parole limits after pleading guilty to killing his wife. Sports Tragedy: William Jewell running back MicahJo Barnett died after a medical emergency during the season opener in Missouri.

Beef Prices and Trade: President Trump signed a 90-day waiver letting 300,000 metric tons of beef enter duty-free, with the goal of selling ground beef at “25 percent below” market price—but Kansas State meat economist Glynn Tonsor says the impact at the register may be overstated, since the volume is about 2% of U.S. consumption and applies to trimmings blended into ground beef. Local Economy and Taxes: Kansas ranks ninth for combined state and local sales tax, and Hutchinson’s rate is set to rise to 9% Oct. 1, with some areas reaching 11% via community districts—while a Great Bend town hall is drawing debate over a proposed three-quarter-cent sales tax to fund water treatment upgrades and other projects. State Politics and Power: A Kansas voter backlash against a legislature-backed Supreme Court selection change is fueling renewed calls for petition initiative power, with the argument that Kansans need different lawmakers before they can change the constitution. Public Safety: Kansas e-bike and scooter injuries are spiking, with advocates pushing for statewide rules after a Leawood child’s death and a bill that stalled last session. Water Rights: Hays and Russell asked a water transfer panel to schedule a final R9 Ranch hearing, arguing it’s been 930 days since approval and that state law requires action within 90 days. Kansas Business Spotlight: Bucklin’s Pickle Cottage says it shipped product to 38 states, building on family recipes and long-running Kansas agriculture promotion. Kansas Sports: Kansas football’s season opener is set against a backdrop of broader college football expansion abroad, with Kansas named in a London matchup next month.

Transportation & Growth: KDOT will give Olathe $18.7 million for a bypass around the K-10/Lone Elm interchange to cut heavy-truck traffic near schools, with design later this year and construction targeted for 2028. Public Safety: Police arrested a 51-year-old Augusta man, Terrell D. Cummings, on alleged sex crimes involving a child under 14; he’s held on $500,000 bond. Health & Food Safety: A lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded, with new cases reported in three more states; Kansas is among the earlier states named. Local Government: Brown County commissioners discussed a zoning amendment for data centers and battery energy storage facilities, including a proposed maximum threshold for data centers. Education & Philanthropy: Fort Hays State received a $200,000 gift from the Curtis and Oliverius families to renovate Stroup Hall and expand healthcare education space. Sports: Kansas football camp notes highlight the Jayhawks’ defensive backs, while KU basketball looks ahead to new seasons with key returners and recruiting momentum.

Kansas Politics: Republican staffers are jumping ship to help Democrats in two Senate races, including Kansas Democrat Adam Hamilton hiring former GOP operative Austin Gilpin. Beef & Ag Policy: Kansas ranchers and lawmakers are pushing back on President Trump’s plan to lower beef prices with more duty-free imported beef, saying it adds uncertainty for producers as the national herd hits multi-decade lows; Kansas Second District Rep. Derek Schmidt also signals openness to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Biofuels Uncertainty: Farmers in Kansas and nearby states are questioning the Trump administration’s biofuels policy after EPA moves that could reshape Renewable Volume Obligations and small refinery exemptions, making it harder to plan crops and fuel production. Local Government & Taxes: Sedgwick County approved a lower mill levy while still boosting spending, including an 18.5% EMS increase with new ambulances and 15 staffing positions. Tech in Agriculture: Kansas Department of Agriculture partners with Thales and Kelly Hills to launch a beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone network for crop spraying, scouting, fertilizing and seeding. Public Safety: A Kansas mail carrier was hospitalized after a dog attack in Lawrence; police say the owner was cited and the dog will be quarantined. Weather: Hays saw early Friday rain around 0.8 inches, while drought remains widespread across Kansas.

Meta Settlement for Kansas Kids: Kansas will receive $134 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook, with required safety changes like daily limits, nighttime blocks, school-hour restrictions, age verification, tighter content controls, and limits on beauty filters and like counts. Food Safety: Federal health officials say cyclospora cases tied to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce have now been confirmed in 20 states, with 11,458 reported illnesses and two deaths in Michigan. Local Tech + Surveillance Debate: In Lawrence, a sustainability advisory board wrestled with how to use AI and city cameras to track progress, drawing fresh concerns about surveillance oversight. Higher Ed + Federal Lawsuit: The U.S. Justice Department sued New Mexico (and also Arizona, Oregon, and Washington) over in-state tuition rules for undocumented students, arguing they conflict with federal law. Kansas Economy/Business: Topeka jumped nine spots on a Midwest startups ranking, crediting Omni Circle’s entrepreneur programs and support network. KU Athletics Budget: KU Athletics approved a $13.2 million deficit budget for fiscal year 2027 as it navigates revenue pressures and stadium renovations.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion in a multistate deal over alleged addictive design on Instagram and Facebook, with Kansas set to receive $134 million and required safety changes like daily limits and nighttime blocks. Local Politics: Emporia City Commissioner Erren Harter filed a lawsuit to block a recall petition, arguing the petition is legally insufficient after allegations of undisclosed benefits and related misconduct. KU Community & Culture: KU launched a business-focused website to connect employers with research and workforce resources, and the KU Transportation Center highlighted efforts to keep rural Kansans connected through safer roads and transit support. Civil Rights on Campus: Supporters raised funds for a KU transgender custodian after she was warned for using bathrooms she cleans, as she prepares for possible legal costs. Kansas Privacy Fight: A new site, HaveIBeenFlocked.com, lets drivers check whether their plate was searched in Flock’s system, as Kansas cities and advocates continue to debate ALPR surveillance. Public Safety & Health: CISA warned of widespread cyberattacks on U.S. water systems, including intrusions targeting control devices that can disrupt safety operations. Community Development: Southwick House received a $171,722 grant to launch transitional housing services for women and families in Emporia ahead of its early-2027 opening.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Kansas will receive $134 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate settlement over claims Instagram and Facebook were built to be addictive and harmful to children, with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach saying it pushes Meta toward new protections like time limits, nighttime blocks, age verification, parental controls, and limits on certain features. Education Policy: The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to K-12 leaders reminding districts of FERPA and PPRA duties, warning that parents must be able to access records and that schools can’t hide information or run opted-out, sexually explicit activities. Local Government: Douglas County commissioners approved a 2027 budget that lowers the property tax rate, but many residents will still pay more due to higher property valuations. Public Safety & Health: MADD launched a Wichita campaign against impaired driving, tied to “Sidnee’s Law,” while Southwest Medical Center cut costs for its Oct. 3 community health fair testing. Tech & Infrastructure: KU warned of ongoing internet issues tied to wireless updates, and Pittsburg killed a plan for 24/7 downtown license-plate camera monitoring.

Big Tech Accountability: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced Kansas will receive more than $134 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over alleged child-safety failures on Instagram and Facebook, with sweeping reforms required as part of the deal. Local Government & Housing Finance: Hays City Commission is set to vote on bond issuances tied to infrastructure work for the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing project and Exit 161 on I-70, plus other city items including HVAC replacement at the Parks Department building. Public Safety: Wichita police arrested two suspects after a shooting and placed two children in protective custody due to conditions at the home. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: The FBI is investigating a ransomware attack on Kansas-based Micro-Comm, a supplier to water and wastewater systems, after a group claimed it stole nearly 850,000 files. Weather Preparedness: Kansas Preparedness Day is coming Sept. 14 at the Kansas State Fair, with state and partner agencies offering disaster readiness information. Agriculture & Prices: Kansas ranchers and Farm Bureau leaders voiced skepticism about President Trump’s 90-day beef import plan aimed at lowering grocery prices.

Trade & Agriculture: Trump’s Canada tariffs ratcheted up again, with Kansas farmers and ag groups warning the broader trade war could raise costs and squeeze producers on both sides of the border. Beef Policy Fight: Kansas lawmakers and cattle stakeholders are pushing back on Trump’s imported-beef plan, arguing it could destabilize the cattle market and hurt ranchers even if it lowers prices at the store. Local Government & Housing: Douglas County commissioners are set to consider a 2027 budget that lowers the property tax rate, while rural Kansas communities keep trying to expand housing supply. Kansas Economy & Taxes: Kansas selective sales and gross receipts tax revenue rose slightly in 2024, according to Census data. Public Safety & Courts: Riley County community corrections reported fewer juvenile intakes in July, and a man was booked on a $1 million bond in a Shawnee County child sex-crimes case. Tech & Data Centers: Emporia’s data-center debate turned chaotic at a public meeting, though charges tied to one incident were later dropped. Weather Response: Kansas National Guard equipment and personnel are headed to Wyandotte County for debris removal after severe storms. Health Coverage: A new Medicare GLP-1 “bridge” discount program is expanding access, but some patients still don’t qualify. Business Notes: Walmart in Hays acknowledged sales tax errors at its store, and downtown Pittsburg is weighing a camera-based parking monitoring system.

AI Education Grant: KU is leading a $2 million NSF S-STEM project to expand scholarships and mentoring for low-income students headed into computing, engineering, and AI careers. Beef Import Fight: Kansas U.S. senators are urging President Trump to rethink a plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef for 90 days, warning it could undercut ranchers and slow herd recovery. Energy Costs: A new analysis finds electricity prices rose sharply nationwide from 2020 to 2025, with Washington, D.C. the biggest jump and Kansas among the states seeing notable increases. Healthcare Pressure: Kansas ranks among the highest states for healthcare cost burden relative to income, highlighting how medical spending strains household budgets. Local Public Safety & Health: A Kansas county health department is adding lab testing to reduce travel for residents, while separate reports cover a fatal house fire and a western Kansas school superintendent facing criminal charges. Tech in Schools: Wamego USD 320 is deploying ZeroEyes AI gun detection with grant support. Business & Jobs: Charter’s Cox acquisition moves Kansas Cox customers under the Spectrum brand, with plans to keep customer service in the U.S. Sports: KSHSAA announces a multi-year merchandise partnership with Northwest Designs for state championship apparel.

Higher Education & Tech Careers: Arizona State launched a bachelor’s in content creation, sparking debate over whether influencer work deserves a degree and what colleges should teach for it. Local Governance: Lawrence school district staff briefed board members on an AI policy path for staff and students, emphasizing privacy compliance, AI as support not replacement, and training for responsible use. Agriculture & Prices: Kansas and Missouri ranchers are pushing back on President Trump’s plan to temporarily import large volumes of ground beef to cut grocery prices, while economists warn reopening imports from Mexico likely won’t move prices much. Food Safety: Kansas health officials are investigating salmonella cases tied to the Axtell Days Festival and asking attendees to complete a survey. Corrections & Mental Health: Shawnee County opened a new mental health wing at the jail designed to provide treatment for inmates with serious, persistent mental illness. Politics & Legacy: Kansans marked the death of former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, remembered for bipartisan leadership and trailblazing work for women in the Senate.

Local Government & Privacy: St. Francis city leaders backed a county drone-assisted response plan but rejected adding automated license plate reader cameras, citing privacy and public trust concerns. Disability Services: Kansas lawmakers say the state’s I/DD waitlist for Medicaid-funded services has grown despite caps, accusing KDADS of delays and demanding a clearer plan to reduce the backlog. Agriculture & Food Prices: Kansas legislators joined backlash against President Trump’s push to reopen cattle imports and lower beef prices, with economists warning the move won’t quickly fix grocery costs. Public Finance & Infrastructure: Great Bend is lining up major water and economic development financing, including a low-interest State Revolving Fund loan and a STAR Bond-backed dragstrip/expo project that could redirect sales-tax revenue to future water needs. Public Safety: A serious early-morning crash near Sedan left one passenger hospitalized after a rollover; neither occupant was wearing a seat belt. State Data & Research: KU’s Kansas Statistical Abstract marks its 60th year, with the 2025 edition due online Sept. 1. Business/Community: Kansas Insurance Department reported $29.2M in consumer recoveries in 2025, more than double the prior year.

Beef Price Fight: Kansas lawmakers are joining the backlash to President Trump’s plan to temporarily allow tariff-free beef imports, warning it could further pressure ranchers amid a historically small cattle herd. Public Health: The FDA inspected Mid-Kansas Cooperative Association in Marquette and said no corrective action was needed after the Aug. 3 check. Food Safety: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including Kansas, prompting recalls of Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. Local Growth: KDOT and Gov. Laura Kelly announced $24.1 million for 32 Kansas intersection and road projects under the City Connecting Link Improvement Program. Community & Safety: A three-vehicle crash and fire in Shawnee left two people with minor injuries. Sports: KU rallied late to beat Kent State 3-1, while Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy is still not ready for the season opener. Politics & Loss: Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker died at 94, prompting tributes from Kansas leaders.

Manufactured Housing & Storm Safety: Kansas is seeing more interest in manufactured homes as a cheaper path to housing, but a key gap remains: many communities don’t have storm shelters, and shelter rules vary by city. Kansas Politics & Democracy: A Kansas column argues Kansans should push for petition initiatives after voters rejected major constitutional changes in Kansas and Missouri, warning lawmakers may keep trying unpopular ideas without a stronger citizen check. Beef Import Fight: President Trump’s plan to temporarily import ground beef at below-market prices drew pushback from Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran and Sen. Roger Marshall, who warn it could hurt ranchers and depress the cattle herd. Data Center Backlash: Across the country, protests against data centers are escalating, with reports of threats aimed at local officials—an issue Kansas communities are watching closely. Remembering Nancy Kassebaum Baker: Kansas lawmakers and Kansans marked the death of former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, a moderate Republican trailblazer who served three Senate terms and helped shape major health policy. Local Public Safety: A Kansas teenager died after collapsing during football practice on the first day of school in Pawnee Heights USD 496.