AGP Executive Report

Kansas Supreme Court: The court revived a lawsuit against the City of Topeka over a pothole crash, saying the public-duty doctrine may not apply once a street is opened for public use and that key facts—like what the city knew—should go to a jury. Topeka homicide probe: Topeka Police are investigating a double homicide in the NOTO Arts District and say a person of interest has been located; victims’ names weren’t released. Rural health funding: HHS awarded nearly $25 million to 132 rural hospitals across 13 states, including 11 Kansas facilities such as KU Health System Great Bend, to help keep emergency and inpatient services running. Health coverage: The Kansas Health Institute reports Kansas’ uninsured rate for children rose in 2024, with more than 51,000 uninsured kids statewide, even as the overall uninsured rate stayed about the same. Public safety: Kansas Highway Patrol reported a fatal crash on U.S. 75 near Topeka involving a pedestrian who died after a chain-reaction incident. Agriculture: K-State Research and Extension released the 2026 Kansas Wheat Variety Guide, highlighting disease and insect resistance ratings for fall planting decisions. Border War sports: KU hosts No. 23 Missouri Friday in a renewed rivalry, with Kansas announcing the game is a sellout.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Kansas, will get $500 checks after Biden-era “user fees” allegedly drove up premiums. Court Ruling on Tuition: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says a federal judge permanently blocked Kansas from enforcing its in-state tuition law for illegal immigrants, with DOJ having sued the state. Health Coverage Watch: A Kansas Health Institute report finds the uninsured rate for Kansas children jumped from 5.3% in 2023 to 7.0% in 2024—over 51,000 kids—while the overall uninsured rate stayed about 8.5%. Public Safety: Atchison police arrested Zoie Bridges, 23, after an alleged tire slashing and a vehicle acceleration toward officers; she faces charges including aggravated assault on law enforcement. Rural Impact: Kansas farmers say diesel costs are unsustainable as prices near $6 a gallon, adding pressure after drought-hit crops. Local Politics: Hays-area Republican Ken Rahjes won his party’s nomination for Kansas House District 110, aiming to continue water work and push property tax relief.

Kansas Health Coverage: The Kansas Health Institute reports the uninsured rate for children rose from 5.3% in 2023 to 7.0% in 2024—more than 51,000 kids statewide—while the overall uninsured rate stayed about the same at 8.5%. Local Schools: Hays USD 489 voted to close the Rockwell Administration Center and move offices to the former Wilson Elementary building, with renovations planned in phases using capital outlay funds. Public Safety: Authorities are investigating a fatal Labor Day house fire in Topeka that killed 9-year-old Alexander Honea; investigators say it was an accidental electrical fire. Health & Community: Great Bend issued a boil water advisory after a water main break; KDHE lab testing is underway before the advisory can be lifted. State Politics: In Ellis-area House District 110, Ken Rahjes won the GOP convention nomination after Cody Ward withdrew for health reasons. Kansas Economy/Ag: K-State will host a Sept. 24 Beef Stocker Field Day in Manhattan focused on industry changes and cattle health.

Kansas Politics: A federal judge permanently blocked Kansas from enforcing its in-state tuition law for some undocumented students, saying it conflicts with federal law. Health & Safety: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for part of Sedgwick County Rural Water District #4 after a water main break caused a pressure loss. Public Health: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak has surged to 19,595 confirmed U.S. cases since May 1, with thousands more reported as pending or not lab-confirmed. Local Courts: In Wichita, a mother accused in the overdose death of 15-year-old Kennedy Herren pleaded not guilty; her son pleaded guilty to distribution causing death and is set for sentencing. State Corrections: El Dorado Correctional Facility reported the death of inmate Eddie Holmes Jr.; an independent autopsy is pending. Sports & Community: Hays native Dylan Dreiling is now a top Rangers prospect after a home-state appearance; and Wichita’s Heartland Community Health Center is addressing growing psychiatric-care demand amid staffing turnover.

U.S.-Canada Trade War: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs kicked in Tuesday, hitting up to 50% on many U.S. exports and putting Kansas Republicans in a tough spot as voters weigh higher prices and threatened jobs. Abortion Pills Fight: Federal judges are set to hear arguments on whether access to mifepristone via telehealth and mail should be restricted, a case that could reshape the patchwork of abortion access nationwide. Robocall Crackdown: Kansas and other attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls from reaching consumers. Kansas Politics/Healthcare: A New York Times report says Sen. Roger Marshall sued more than 700 patients for medical debt, with dozens arrested for missed court appearances. Local Courts/Traffic: Prairie Village says a driver who struck and killed a construction worker in July won’t face manslaughter charges, with the case moving to traffic court. Sports (High School): Shawnee County teams hold multiple early Kansas Volleyball Association rankings, including Hayden No. 1 in Class 4A and Silver Lake unbeaten in Class 3A. Sports (College): KU and Missouri’s “Border War” returns Friday in Lawrence, with Mizzou favored and key injury updates for both teams.

U.S.-Canada Trade War: President Trump escalated his fight with Canada by banning imports of some alcohol and dairy and threatening to block Canadian firms from U.S. government contracts, as Canada retaliated with tariffs on about $20 billion in U.S. goods; the Bombardier jetmaker is at the center of the dispute, with Trump demanding it “build here” to keep access to the U.S. market. Kansas Politics/Healthcare: A New York Times report says Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall sued hundreds of former patients over unpaid bills, leading to arrests in some cases—sparking backlash from Democrats and patient advocates. Local Taxes: Olathe approved a revenue-neutral property tax rate increase, setting up a potential jump in homeowners’ bills, as school closures loom due to declining enrollment and rising costs. Airport Access: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting approved PreCheck members pass security and reach airport gates without flying at select airports. Sports (Kansas): Kansas volleyball swept Wichita State in Lawrence, while Kansas football and Missouri’s Border War matchup headlines continue to build for Friday. Road Work: KDOT plans resurfacing on U.S. 24 in Graham County starting Wednesday, with one-lane traffic and delays possible.

Local Public Safety: Search crews in Suttons Bay Township are still looking for Brett Zimmerman, 25, of Lansing, Kansas, after a dinghy was found spinning unattended near Stoney Point; the owner was located and video helped confirm Zimmerman was last aboard. Kansas Health Care: Newman Regional Health is joining the new Astra Health collaborative with KU Med and LMH Health, aiming for more affordable care, better outcomes, and shared quality tools while keeping independence. Roads & Infrastructure: KDOT awarded a $3.09 million bid for I-135 pavement patching in Wichita, covering 3.8 miles from near 47th Street North to the East Pawnee Street bridges. Kansas Education & Food: The Kansas Soybean Commission is funding soy-based lesson plans and reimbursements for FCS classrooms statewide. Weather & Water: A new Missouri River Basin update says runoff remains well below normal and drought conditions persist across much of the basin. National Policy Watch: Democrats are urging the Trump administration to halt a surveillance effort tied to collecting identifiable ER health data. Business/Tech: Textron Aviation says Starlink high-speed connectivity is now available for Hawker 700/800/900 aircraft via an FAA-approved kit.

Trade War Fallout: President Trump escalated his Canada fight by threatening to block Bombardier jet sales in the U.S. unless the company builds in America, drawing quick pushback from Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, who pointed to Bombardier’s Wichita workforce and supply-chain jobs. Local Education & Tech: A University of Kansas-backed program is helping teachers use AI tools like MagicSchool to connect classroom lessons to real-world careers in Kansas districts. Labor Dispute: Teachers in Tonganoxie rallied over a proposed “double docking” change to how vacation days are charged in the contract talks. Public Health Policy: Lawrence health officials are weighing a possible temporary moratorium on new tobacco retailer licenses as the number of retailers keeps growing. Sports (Border War Preview): Kansas is set to host Missouri in the revived Border Showdown Sept. 7, with KU coaches previewing the matchup after both teams opened the season with wins. College Football (WSU at K-State): Washington State turns to Kansas State after its Apple Cup loss, with receiver Tony Freeman’s knee injury status still uncertain.

Border War Preview: Missouri and Kansas kick off their renewed rivalry Friday in Lawrence, with Mizzou (1-0) visiting David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. on FOX, after both teams opened with wins over FCS opponents. Emporia State Stadium Update: Part of Francis G. Welch Stadium is shut to fans immediately due to “structural deficiencies” on the east side, cutting capacity and adding temporary bleachers for students. Local Public Safety: A DUI-related crash north of Emporia ended with an arrest instead of a hospital trip, and a separate Coffey County crash sent seven people to hospitals after a Jeep hit a horse-drawn buggy; the horse was euthanized. Community & Service: Jayhawk Area Council, Scouting America named 20 Topeka-area leaders for “Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40,” and Beacon for Hope is rolling events into “You Matter Fest” for suicide prevention awareness in September. Weather & Health: KDHE issued a boil water advisory near St. George in Pottawatomie County, and Kansas continues to bake under dangerous heat as storms threaten later this week.

Kansas Education & Equity: New federal data show Sedgwick County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Asian students at Wichita State was 67.8% by 2024, while Washburn’s Shawnee County rate for Hispanic/Latino students was 44.2% and Pittsburg State’s Crawford County rate for Black students was 35.7%. State Policy & Community Needs: Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month, highlighting food insecurity affecting Kansas children and seniors. Kansas Weather & Safety: A week of severe storms and dangerous heat is expected across the Plains, with lightning risks even after rain eases. Wildcats Football: Kansas State opened Collin Klein’s era with a 71-3 rout of Nicholls, with Avery Johnson throwing three TDs and the offense spreading scoring across multiple players. Local Sports Calendar: Missouri visits Kansas in Lawrence on Sept. 11, with KU listed as a +6.5 underdog. Wildlife & Conservation: Kansas’ State Wildlife Action Plan update for 2025 was approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Kansas Politics & Elections: A Kansas primary turnout story and a new look at how election timing could shape November are in the mix, as voters and campaigns gear up for the midterms. KU & Local Campus: KU Student Body President Shea Marney lays out a 2026-27 agenda focused on transparency, communication, homecoming and more parking expansion. K-State Football: Kansas State opened the Collin Klein era with a 71-3 rout of Nicholls, with Avery Johnson throwing three TDs and the Wildcats scoring on nine of 12 drives. KU Football: Kansas’ season opener vs. Long Island featured lots of newcomers getting reps, and the Jayhawks’ depth is expected to matter more as the season moves on. Air Travel: TSA’s Gateside by TSA PreCheck pilot lets approved, non-ticketed visitors pass security at 13 airports, including Wichita. Public Health: A report warns salmonella strains in poultry are rising and becoming more resistant to antibiotics. Sports on Sunday: NASCAR’s 2026 Chase kicks off with the Southern 500 at Darlington, with Kansas Speedway also on the playoff schedule.

Kansas State football: Collin Klein’s debut at Bill Snyder Family Stadium was a statement. The Wildcats routed Nicholls 71-3, with Avery Johnson throwing for 199 yards and four touchdowns, and Oklahoma State transfer Rodney Fields Jr. running 14 times for 101 yards and a score. Next week’s test: Kansas State turns the page to a tougher matchup with Washington State coming to Manhattan. Hemp in Kansas: Advocates are bracing for potential setbacks as federal rules on some hemp-derived products could take effect in December, with Kansas lacking a regulated program for cannabinoid products. Local community: The 22nd annual Kansas Black Expo kicked off in Topeka with vendors, music, and a free soul food meal. Public safety: Great Bend police say a woman died from a gunshot wound after a 911 hang-up call; suspect Keegan Martens was arrested in Salina and remains in custody. Weather impacts sports: Washburn and Colorado School of Mines played to a rare 16-16 tie after extreme heat made overtime unsafe.

Education Gaps in Kansas Counties: New federal data show Douglas County’s University of Kansas bachelor’s completion rate for white students at 71% by 2024, while Crawford County’s Pittsburg State rate for Hispanic/Latino students sits at 29.8% and Ellis County’s Fort Hays State rate for Black students at 33.3%. Fatal Crash on U.S. 69A: A three-vehicle crash near Riverton left one driver dead and shut down the road for hours Friday, according to Kansas Highway Patrol. AI Data Centers vs. Voters: A Bloomberg report says Trump’s push for AI data centers is colliding with public opposition, with strategists warning it could hurt Republicans in the midterms. Heat Strains Cooling Systems: Dry heat and high humidity continued into Labor Day week, with local HVAC repair demand spiking as extreme heat advisories and warnings stayed in effect. Local Infrastructure Update: The Kansas Turnpike Authority tightened its timeline for the Emporia service exit rebuild, targeting an August 2027 opening. College Sports in Kansas: Kansas football opened with a 51-6 rout of Long Island, and Kansas State begins its Collin Klein era at home against Nicholls.

Kansas football: Isaiah Marshall stepped in as KU’s starting QB and Kansas rolled past Long Island 51-6 in its season opener at David Booth Stadium. Marshall threw for 246 yards and two TDs, while Yasin Willis added two rushing scores and Nik McMillan caught six passes for 130 yards and a TD. Kansas outgained LIU 613-146 and led 30-0 at halftime, setting up next week’s Border War with Missouri. Riley County housing enforcement: Commissioners discussed higher penalties for short-term rentals operating without a license, with a proposed $500 fine that could rise to $1,000 if not fixed within 30 days. Riley County corrections funding: The county approved grant line-item adjustments totaling more than $19,000 and authorized community corrections to keep recruiting part-time juvenile intake officers. Data center lawsuit: A federal judge dismissed Edgerton residents’ lawsuit effort tied to a hyperscale data center petition. Voting access: A judge blocked Trump’s mail ballot restrictions for the 2026 midterms, citing states’ election authority. Topeka area notes: KTAG expanded compatibility to 19 toll agencies nationwide, and Topeka Shriners announced a Sept. 19 wine tasting and auction fundraiser.

Disaster Recovery: Kansas lawmakers extended the state disaster declaration for Wyandotte County storm damage through Oct. 4, with officials saying about 75% of storm debris removal is done and electrical grid repairs are finished. Local Ballot Fight: Emporia clarified it didn’t write two data-center petition questions headed to the Nov. 3 ballot; legal review continues, and a judge hasn’t set a ruling date on whether voters can approve the measures. Education & Enrollment: A debate over closing Logan Avenue Elementary in Emporia highlights how declining enrollment is forcing Kansas districts to consolidate buildings. State Finances: Kansas property tax collections jumped to $599 million in Q1, while overall tax revenue rose to $3.3 billion. Public Safety & Courts: A Linn County pastor, Wade Booth, was arrested and charged with multiple child sex crimes, with a preliminary hearing set for Sept. 15. Sports (Kansas): Kansas State and Kansas-area teams keep rolling into the season, including a Kansas vs. LIU opener preview and local prep football kickoff coverage.

Local Agriculture Appointments: Kansas Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam named four Kansans—including an Ellsworth teacher—to its Marketing Advisory Board, starting Sept. 18, to shape work on agriculture marketing, workforce development and education. Education & Community Literacy: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library ties back to Kansas as the state expands the book-gifting program through public-private partnerships, with Parton’s devotion to early literacy highlighted after her death. County Budget Watch: Russell County commissioners canceled a planned Revenue Neutral Rate property tax hearing after revising the 2027 budget, but residents could still feel cuts—especially to road and bridge services. Housing Growth Debate: Wichita-area lawmakers are questioning the pace of duplex construction, weighing affordability and neighborhood character against builder claims of market demand and rising costs. Travel & Gas Prices: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are surging toward a record, with the national average around $4.14 a gallon. Public Safety Seatbelts: Safe Kids Kansas is running “Bucks for Buckles,” paying drivers to buckle up through Sept. 13. Kansas Sports: Kansas volleyball earned its first win of the season, beating Lipscomb 3-1 at the Lipscomb Tournament.