AGP Executive Report

Local Elections: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab certified that the Aug. 4 primary drew more than 650,000 voters—Kansas’ second-highest turnout on record—after counties finished post-election audits and voters rejected a proposal to make Kansas Supreme Court seats elected. Road Safety: The Kansas Highway Patrol is urging drivers to plan ahead for Labor Day as it joins the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, with reminders to buckle up, check kids’ seats, and use 47/582 for help. Education & Taxes: USD 251 in North Lyon County is inviting residents to tour Northern Heights High School ahead of a Nov. 3 bond vote, including a new high school and athletic complex that would raise property taxes by about 17 mills (or 21 mills combined). Community Grants: Solomon Valley Community Foundation awarded $39,000 in fall grants across Mitchell County, backing projects from volunteer fire equipment to public safety AEDs and a tourism app. Agriculture: Nebraska cattlemen warn expanding CRP could cut grazing feed and hurt young producers, arguing for smarter partnerships instead of adding idle acres.

Heat Watch: A Heat Advisory is in effect for parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas, with humidity and triple-digit temperatures expected to linger through the week and into the weekend, raising heat and fire danger concerns. School Sports Under Strain: Wichita-area schools are rescheduling practices and games, with some athletes told to practice at 5 a.m. to avoid dangerous heat, while some games shift later in the evening. Sunflower Season Threatened: At Grinter Sunflower Farm near Lawrence, extreme heat and dry conditions are already shortening the bloom window, with the peak now expected to be under two weeks. Burn Bans: Several Kansas counties have issued burn bans, including Kingman, Sumner, Comanche, Kiowa, Allen, and Bourbon, with end dates ranging from days to “until further notice.” Local Government: Lawrence city commissioners voted to increase property taxes for 2027 and raise stormwater rates over the next three years. Elections: Johnson County’s new election commissioner appointment drew questions about the process from county officials. Energy & Growth: Evergy asked Kansas regulators to approve new generation plans, including a natural gas plant, solar farms and battery storage, citing rising demand from data centers. Courts & Service Members: The DOJ announced a settlement with KDHE over eliminating a National Guard employee’s job tied to deployment protections.

Kansas football: Isaiah Marshall is set to replace Jalon Daniels as Kansas’ starting QB as the Jayhawks open Friday at home vs. Long Island, with coach Lance Leipold pointing to Marshall’s speed and new associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki returning to help shape the offense. Reproductive rights: A federal judge paused a Texas-Florida lawsuit aimed at rolling back FDA approval of mifepristone while the FDA completes a safety review, a move that could affect access nationwide. Education policy: The Trump administration reached an agreement with Topeka Public Schools to stop secret “gender support plans,” requiring disclosure to parents, while other Kansas districts reportedly resist. Health and courts: In Kansas ICE custody, a cancer survivor and asylum seeker faces serious medical concerns tied to her detention, according to court filings. Local infrastructure: KDOT approved bids for pedestrian/bike paths in Burlington and milling work in Greenwood County. Housing for disabilities: Johnson County is breaking ground on Floyd Street Apartments, an inclusive project for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Wild West Festival: Hays’ long-running Wild West Festival is ending after the committee voted to dissolve the nonprofit amid rising costs and volunteer shortages. Gas prices: Kansas E15 and E85 prices are mixed week to week, with Shawnee County reporting low E15 at $3.59 and Smith County low E85 at $2.64.

Local Nonprofit Spotlight: The Villages Inc. in Topeka is marking decades of helping Kansas children and families, shifting programs as state needs changed—from foster care to shelter work for youth crossing the border. Traffic Safety: Safe Kids Kansas is running “Bucks for Buckles” over Labor Day, with two surprise seat-belt check sites in Shawnee County offering a dollar when everyone in the vehicle is buckled up. Public Safety & Justice: A woman accused of DUI in a west Wichita motorcycle crash is facing a case tied to the death of 18-year-old Bradan Salisbury, remembered for turning his life around. Local Government: Dickinson County approved a 2027 budget of about $32.1 million, cutting spending and lowering its mill levy and property tax burden. Cybercrime: Five Venezuelan nationals pleaded guilty in federal court to trying to “jackpot” Kansas ATMs to force cash payouts. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade and E15 prices in parts of Kansas this week, with regular and alternative fuel costs easing in some counties. Courts & Communities: Three Kansas cities are suing over citizen petitions that would restrict large data centers, arguing over voters’ power and local control.

Public Safety & Health: Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka is welcoming surgical intensivist Dr. Christopher Koo, adding trauma and acute care expertise for patients and families facing critical moments. Mental Health in Kansas: Topeka will unveil a new teen mental-health and suicide-prevention mural, “Your Future Matters More Than You Know,” Sept. 9 at 815 S. Kansas Ave., funded through the Garrett Lee Smith Grant. Local Government: Ellis County commissioners will consider new fairgrounds signage after a room renaming earlier this summer, with options ranging from standard signs to digital LED proposals. Transportation & Traffic: Kansas Highway Patrol has temporarily shut down part of northbound I-35 in Olathe after a car reportedly struck a bridge abutment; separately, K-96 ramp repairs in Wichita are set to close an eastbound-to-southbound connection. Community & Infrastructure: A public hearing is scheduled on the possible closure of Logan Avenue in Topeka’s USD 253, tied to district cost-cutting. Food Safety: A sprouts recall has been expanded after salmonella and E. coli concerns, with Kansas among states reporting illnesses. Agriculture & Economy: USDA announced the Ranchers First initiative aimed at expanding the domestic beef herd, including incentives for ranchers to retain and add cattle.

Kansas courts & public safety: A Hutchinson man accused in a Wichita killing will face a jury trial after a judge ruled prosecutors met the threshold for trial in the case of Andrew Presley, charged with second-degree murder and firearm possession. Local government & jobs: Barber County commissioners will vote on Monday on Google’s proposed “Project Helium” data center near Sharon, a plan that would bring hundreds of jobs and potential property-tax revenue, with Kansas offering long tax exemptions for large projects. Health & community impacts: Kansas youth sports parents in Rose Hill are questioning heat-safety rules after kids struggled during scrimmage football in extreme conditions, even though organizers followed KSHSAA wet-bulb temperature levels. Economy & daily life: GasBuddy reports the lowest E15 price in Pratt County hit $3.64 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 22, with Kansas’ average E15 price rising to $3.66. Sports (Kansas ties): The Atlanta Falcons waived former Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant as they trimmed to a 53-man roster; in college football, Kansas State opens the Collin Klein era this week against Nicholls.

Kansas Wildlife & Parks: The commission approved changes to state park fees and hunting rules, including new fall turkey season rules and tighter nonresident waterfowl hours, with updates taking effect Nov. 1 and for fall 2026 seasons. Beef & tariffs: Kansas ranchers and lawmakers push back on President Trump’s beef import plan, arguing it could discourage rebuilding herds even if grocery prices don’t fall much. Medicaid spending spikes (Kansas towns): New federal data shows big local jumps in Medicaid billing categories, including Winfield surgery claims up 700% (to $40 in 2024), Humboldt evaluation/management up 8,621.8% (to $8,809), and Topeka non-oral drug administration up 23.8% (to $83,461). Local public safety: An off-duty Sedgwick County jail deputy was arrested on suspicion of DUI after a traffic stop. Sports (Kansas): Kansas football and volleyball season coverage continues, plus KCAC fall week results and a Kansas connection in the NFL as former Jayhawk Jalon Daniels earns Tampa Bay’s primary backup QB role. Energy prices: Diesel and gas prices were reported by county, including Elk County’s lowest diesel at $4.99 for the week ending Aug. 22.

Fugitive Arrest: An FBI fugitive wanted since 2018 was arrested in Ottumwa, Iowa, and is now facing additional outstanding warrants that include Kansas. Local Crime: Topeka police announced an arrest tied to a deadly Aug. 23 shooting on SE 23rd Street that left an 18-year-old dead; investigators are still seeking tips. Road Safety: An 80-year-old woman died in a Coffey County crash on I-35 after her car hit a semi head-on; she was wearing a seatbelt. Public Health: KDHE and Kansas Wildlife and Parks issued blue-green algae advisories for multiple Kansas fishing lakes, warning residents to avoid contact and keep pets away. Beef Prices & Ranching: Kansas ranchers argue record land and a shrinking domestic herd are key reasons beef prices stay high, pushing back on a temporary duty-free beef move. Big Data Center Fight: Kansas cities are suing residents who used citizen petitions to block large data centers, arguing the petitions are legally flawed. KDOT Hiring: KDOT is hosting a Salina career fair for highway maintenance jobs with on-site interviews and CDL training. Sports Tragedy: William Jewell College mourns running back MicahJo Barnett, who died after a medical emergency during the season opener in Missouri.

Public Safety: Safe Kids Kansas and partners are launching “Bucks for Buckles” Aug. 31–Sept. 13 in 44 Kansas cities, handing out dollar bills to drivers with everyone buckled up and pushing child seat safety after Kansas’ seat-belt use dipped to 84.7% in 2025. Courts: A Wichita detective accused of mishandling child internet-crimes cases will face a jury trial Nov. 30. Traffic Tragedy: Kansas Highway Patrol reports an 80-year-old woman died in a wrong-way I-35 crash in Coffey County involving a semi. Heat & Weather: Late-summer heat is sticking around across Kansas with highs near 100 and warm nights, plus minimal rain chances through midweek. Local Taxes: Kansas ranks No. 9 for combined state and local sales tax, and Hutchinson’s rate is set to rise to 9% Oct. 1. Sports (Kansas ties): College football kicks off with Week 0 today, including Kansas’ own adidas Adizero sneaker spotlight and Kansas teams starting their seasons this week.

Food Security & Prices: A new report warns food insecurity is worsening globally even as headline hunger rates tick down, and it’s now hitting Americans too as grocery costs feel out of reach. Winter Weather Watch: The Old Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a mostly mild winter for much of the U.S., with some colder pockets tied to regions hit hard by earlier storms. Big 12 in Kansas: Kansas Athletics and the Big 12 will host a three-day Fall Tour Celebration Oct. 22-24 in Lawrence, capped by a KU home football tailgate and Homecoming parade. Road Safety in Olathe: KDOT will give Olathe $18.7 million for a bypass around the K-10/Lone Elm interchange to reduce heavy-truck traffic near schools, with construction expected to start in 2028. Outdoor Life & Hunting: Kansas Wildlife and Parks approved changes including higher state park fees, updated nonresident waterfowl hunting hours, and bringing back fall turkey hunting for residents. Health & Environment: KDHE and KDWP issued a blue-green algae public health advisory, urging Kansans to avoid suspicious blooms and keep pets away. Local Sports: Heat wave conditions are testing Kansas high school football teams during late-practice week, while Kansas volleyball opens the season with a loss to No. 4 Pitt and looks ahead to Stanford. Public Safety: Law enforcement is investigating a Kansas man accused of sex crimes involving a child under 14.

Kansas politics: A Kansas postmaster in Quinter, Sierra Werth, pleaded guilty to fraud after falsifying USPS money orders and embezzling postal funds, with about $26,700 in restitution required. Beef policy: Kansas lawmakers and ranchers are pushing back on President Trump’s beef import plan, saying it injects uncertainty for producers and could hurt local ranchers even as some back ideas like mandatory country-of-origin labels. Gas prices: AAA reports gas remains high nationwide, with August likely to set a new record as crude stays volatile. Public safety: Sedgwick County authorities, with KBI and Wichita SWAT, executed a narcotics search warrant near Haysville, arresting four people. Health & environment: Kansas health officials inspected the Bourbon County Courthouse after asbestos concerns; they said no immediate hazards were seen if the material isn’t disturbed. Outdoors: Kansas Wildlife and Parks commissioners approved higher permit fees and voted to bring back fall turkey hunting permits for the first time since 2023.

Cyclospora Outbreak: Federal health officials say the cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now been confirmed in 20 states, with illnesses rising to 11,458; the FDA says the implicated lettuce is off the market. Lawsuit Watch: A Chicago couple filed the first Illinois lawsuit linked to the outbreak, alleging illness after lettuce distributed by Taylor Farms. Kansas Outdoors: Kansas’ fall turkey season is back, with bearded turkeys allowed Oct. 31 through Jan. 31 and permits available over the counter, despite concerns the population isn’t ready. Local Business & Economy: Topeka’s startup ecosystem got a boost, jumping nine spots to No. 49 in a regional ranking tied to Omni Circle’s co-working and entrepreneur programs. Tech & Privacy Debate: Lawrence’s sustainability advisory board discussed using AI and existing camera infrastructure to track goals, as residents continue to question surveillance. Sports: Fort Hays State opened its men’s soccer season with a 4-1 win over Rockhurst, while Kansas soccer fell 2-1 to Utah Valley.

Meta Settlement: Kansas is set to receive about $134 million from Meta’s up-to-$17.1 billion multistate deal over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook, with required safety changes like daily limits and nighttime blocks for teens. Public Safety & Data: Kansas fire officials say a new NERIS Public system will refresh fire incident information from departments across the state multiple times a week, aiming for faster, clearer emergency response data. KU Community & Services: KU will host a Sept. 16 summit on Indigenous food sovereignty, and the university also launched a new website to connect employers with KU research, labs, and workforce training; KU’s Transportation Center is working with Kansas towns to improve safer roads and transit access. Local Justice: In Manhattan, two juveniles were arrested after reports of drug distribution and battery at Manhattan High School. Emporia & Housing: Southwick House received a $171,722 grant to help launch transitional housing services for women and families, with the facility opening in early 2027.

Surveillance Backlash in Pittsburg: Pittsburg leaders killed a plan for 24/7 downtown parking cameras that would have read license plates and flagged possible violations near Broadway, after residents argued the constant monitoring wasn’t worth it. Local Government Budget: Douglas County commissioners approved a 2027 budget that cuts the mill levy to 40.286, but many homeowners will still pay more due to rising property values. KU Campus Updates: KU picked “Orbital” as its 2026-27 common book, and the university also warned students about wireless disruptions tied to a bad border-router card, with vendor-recommended code updates scheduled. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Kansas is set to receive $134 million from a multistate Meta settlement over teen social media harms, with required safety changes for Instagram and Facebook. Wildlife Rescue in Kansas: Rolling Hills Zoo says it has cared for 83 confiscated ornate box turtles after federal investigators linked the animals to illegal wildlife trafficking. Road Safety Data: Lawrence reported 4 fatal crashes and 317 injury crashes in 2025, with city officials pointing to ongoing Vision Zero projects. Sports & Schools: Kansas high school volleyball preseason rankings put Ellinwood atop Class 2A, and KU football camp coverage highlights offensive line chemistry as fall practice continues.

Big Tech Accountability: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says 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 like age checks, default teen limits, nighttime access blocks, and hiding like counts. Cybersecurity & Water: The FBI is investigating a ransomware breach at Kansas-based Micro-Comm, a supplier to water and wastewater systems, after a group claimed it posted hundreds of thousands of files. Local Government Finance: Hays City Commission is set to vote on bond issuances for infrastructure tied to Tallgrass housing and Exit 161, plus HVAC replacement bids. Emergency Preparedness: Kansas Preparedness Day returns Sept. 14 at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, with state and local agencies offering disaster-readiness info. Kansas Economy/Policy: Kansas ranchers and Farm Bureau leaders are skeptical of President Trump’s 90-day beef import plan aimed at lowering grocery prices. Research: KU researcher Tera Fazzino is testing whether “hyperpalatable” salty, high-fat foods can act like addictive substances. Road Safety: Crews responded to a crash on US-75 near US-24 on Topeka’s north side; Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating. Sports: Kansas State football and other fall sports coverage continues as preseason play ramps up.

College Basketball Eligibility Shakeup: A judge cleared former St. John’s star RJ Luis to return for a fifth season, adding to a broader wave of players challenging NCAA eligibility just as fall practices loom. Kansas Sports & Schools: K-State women’s coach Jeff Mittie says his roster is finally set after years of uncertainty, while Kansas high schools keep adjusting to new cellphone rules and Russell Junior-Senior High dealt with a bomb-threat scare that turned out to be unfounded. Road Safety in Kansas: KDOT explains why cable median barriers on K-96 cover only part of the corridor, pointing to crash history and project planning, with more work tied to the Rock Road interchange. Dolly Parton in Kansas: Parton’s family shared final messages after her death, and Kansas coverage highlights her Imagination Library legacy, including the 2023 Kansas expansion visit and how the program now reaches kids statewide. Statehouse/Policy: The U.S. Department of Education reached a resolution agreement with Topeka Public Schools over FERPA-related policies tied to parental access to student information. Weather & Daily Life: Gas prices and local storm updates continue to draw attention, alongside practical farm guidance on weed scouting and cool-season grass planting.