AGP Executive Report

Kansas Politics & Courts: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency to death-row inmates, arguing it would override jury and appellate decisions and noting Kansas hasn’t executed since 1965. Elections & Governance: Kansas Board of Education races are set for a shakeup as five GOP incumbents won’t seek reelection, opening seats for the Aug. 4 primary. State Infrastructure: Gov. Kelly announced $13.7M in federal and state funding for 18 Kansas communities to improve airport and energy grid resilience. Public Safety: Authorities are investigating a Riley County gift-card fraud case ($1,153 loss), a Saline County escaped inmate (Phoenix Ryan Leonard), and multiple drug cases across the state, including a Montgomery County stop that turned up over two pounds of crystal meth. Law Enforcement & Crime: A body was recovered from Perry Lake in Jefferson County with no apparent foul play, while Wichita saw a violent offender sentenced to maximum penalties for attacks on two women. World Cup in Kansas City: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for international World Cup patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system.

Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities will receive more than $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects, leveraging over $10.1M from the federal IIJA plus state matching funds. Public Safety & Crime: Riley County investigators are looking into an alleged online job-application fraud that cost a victim $1,153; in Saline County, an inmate escaped a treatment facility after removing an electronic monitor, and authorities are seeking him. Drugs & Courts: Multiple drug cases moved through local jails this week, including a Montgomery County traffic stop where deputies found over two pounds of suspected crystal meth, and a Salina case where an infant was possibly exposed to meth. Death Penalty Politics: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency requests from death-row inmates tied to the Wichita massacre. Education Politics: The Kansas Board of Education GOP majority is in play as five Republican incumbents chose not to seek reelection, setting up August primaries. Kansas City World Cup Prep: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for international World Cup patients, while England’s team faced a tornado-warning shelter-in-place and a stolen equipment investigation.

Statehouse & Courts: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency for eight death-row inmates, arguing it would override jury and appellate decisions. Elections & Education: Five GOP incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside for 2026, setting up August primaries for open seats. Infrastructure: Gov. Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities won $13.7M+ for airport and energy grid resilience, including $10.1M in IIJA money. Public Safety: Riley County is investigating a gift-card fraud case totaling about $1,153; Saline County is searching for escaped inmate Phoenix Ryan Leonard after he removed an electronic monitor; and multiple drug cases led to arrests across the state, including meth seizures and a child meth exposure investigation in Salina. Local Crime: Kansas City police are investigating a double homicide at a Westport Road convenience store, and Hutchinson is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting. Transportation: KDOT’s Cost Share Program awarded $5.9M for nine spring 2026 projects, with matching local funds.

Title IX Fight in Kansas: The U.S. Department of Education says four Kansas school districts must comply with Title IX after alleged violations tied to gender identity guidance, with federal funding at stake. University Policy Clash: The Kansas Board of Regents is weighing KU rules that would limit how professors can present “systemic racism” in class, a flashpoint for academic freedom. Gubernatorial Politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 GOP governor primary, signaling more pressure on the anti-abortion race. Courts & Elections: Kansas State Objections Board struck the No Labels party from the ballot and removed a Democrat in a House race. Infrastructure Push: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $13.7M+ in federal and state funding for airport and energy grid resilience projects across 18 communities. Public Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol and partners launched “Operation Zero” to crack down on speeding, impaired driving, and unsafe driving through summer. Local Crime Briefs: Police reported a Riley County gift-card fraud loss of $1,153; authorities also investigated multiple drug cases and a fatal officer-involved shooting in Hutchinson.

Infrastructure Grants: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities will receive more than $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects, including $10.1M in federal IIJA funds plus state matching dollars. Education & Labor: Wichita Public Schools and the teachers union hit an impasse on a new contract, triggering federal mediation to break the deadlock over pay, planning time, and student behavior. Capital Punishment: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Kelly to deny clemency for death-row inmates, arguing it would override jury and court decisions. Gubernatorial Politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 GOP primary, aiming to rally pro-life voters and undercut rival candidates. Public Safety: Riley County reported a $1,153 fraud case tied to online job scams and gift cards; Saline County is searching for an escaped inmate after he removed an electronic monitor. World Cup Logistics (Local): Prairie Village police issued security guidance for England’s Kansas City-area arrival, including a no-drone rule and traffic/no-parking enforcement.

Kansas Supreme Court selection fight: A ballot measure would scrap the current nominating commission and let voters directly fill Supreme Court vacancies, a major shift in how judges are chosen. Education & federal funding: The U.S. Department of Education is taking action against four Kansas districts over continued Title IX violations, with potential loss of federal funds. Gubernatorial politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the GOP governor primary, aiming to rally pro-life voters behind the Trump-aligned ticket. Death penalty pressure: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency to death-row inmates, arguing it would override jury and court decisions. Local infrastructure: Gov. Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for spring 2026 transportation projects through the Cost Share Program, leveraging local matches. Public safety: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup patient surges, but worry international visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system. Crime updates: Multiple Kansas drug and violent incidents were reported, including meth cases across several counties and a Hutchinson officer-involved shooting.

Education & Civil Rights: The U.S. Department of Education sent letters of impending enforcement to Olathe Public Schools, Shawnee Mission School District, and Topeka Public Schools over alleged Title IX and FERPA violations, while Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools got a “letter of impasse,” raising the stakes for possible federal funding consequences. K-12 Politics: Kansas Board of Education races are getting reshuffled as five GOP incumbents won’t seek reelection, setting up contested primaries in August for multiple seats. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a double homicide at a Westport Road convenience store; separately, Hutchinson authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting. Drugs & Courts: Multiple Kansas drug arrests followed traffic stops, including a Saline County case where an infant was possibly exposed to meth. Capital Punishment: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency for death-row inmates, arguing executions are tightly vetted. World Cup & Health: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s costs and complexity. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring transportation projects, matched by local funding.

World Cup Health Prep: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s pricing and complexity, even as teams expand translation and staffing. Local Public Safety: A Montgomery County traffic stop near Cherryvale led to the seizure of over two pounds of crystal meth and arrests of James Sims and Sherry Hester. Drug Enforcement (KC area): Jackson County deputies arrested Ashanti Hernandez after a stop for a revoked license turned up meth, ecstasy, marijuana, and paraphernalia. Capital Punishment Fight: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency to death row inmates, arguing it would override jury and court decisions. Transportation Funding: Gov. Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring 2026 road projects, leveraging $3.7M in local matches. Education Politics: Five GOP incumbents are stepping aside on the Kansas Board of Education, setting up August primaries in multiple districts. Court/Politics: A Texas judge granted a temporary injunction letting Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, escalating legal and conference fallout.

World Cup Health Prep: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for international patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s costs and options, so leaders are expanding translation and coordination. Kansas Politics—Death Penalty: AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency to Kansas death row inmates, arguing it would override jury and court decisions. Immigration Enforcement: A nearly $70B immigration enforcement bill narrowly passed the House and now heads to President Trump; Kansas GOP lawmakers backed it. Transportation Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring 2026 road projects, leveraging local matches for safety and connectivity. Education Elections: Five GOP incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside, setting up August primaries with open seats. Public Safety: Kansas law enforcement reported multiple drug and violent incidents, including a Hutchinson officer-involved shooting and ongoing homicide investigations in Kansas City.

Courts & Elections: A recently retired Douglas County judge is set to speak in Lawrence about Kansas courts and a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected. State Government: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9 million for nine spring 2026 transportation projects, leveraging $3.7 million in local matching funds. Education Politics: Five Republican incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are not seeking reelection in 2026, setting up contested primaries in August for multiple seats. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a double homicide after two men were shot at a Westport Road convenience store; no arrests were reported. Law Enforcement & Drugs: Shawnee County authorities arrested a Wichita woman after a traffic stop tied to a stolen vehicle and drugs; Saline County investigators say an infant was possibly exposed to meth, leading to charges against the child’s mother. College Sports: A Texas judge granted a temporary injunction allowing Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, escalating pressure on the NCAA and Big 12. World Cup & Kansas City: Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored off the bench in a 3-0 warm-up win as Kansas City prepares for World Cup matches, including Algeria on June 16.

Kansas Politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 GOP gubernatorial primary, aiming to rally pro-life voters and undercut rival Vicki Schmidt. Elections & Governance: Five GOP incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside, setting up contested Aug. primaries in three districts while Democrats run single candidates in all five. Courts & Public Safety: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to reject clemency for death row inmates, calling it an affront to jury verdicts. Sports Law: A Texas judge granted Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, sparking Big 12 backlash and broader questions about NCAA enforcement. Local Law Enforcement: KBI is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Hutchinson; Kansas City police are investigating a double homicide; and separate cases include drug charges after stops in Atchison and Jackson County. State Policy Watch: The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will meet June 18 to consider changes tied to night vision hunting and boat decal fees. World Cup in Kansas City: A World Cup mural is planned near the downtown streetcar corridor ahead of the first match at Kansas City Stadium.

Kansas Supreme Court ballot fight: A proposed constitutional amendment would change how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected—shifting from the current commission-and-governor model to direct voter elections, with a public informational meeting in Great Bend drawing attention to the stakes for judicial independence. State politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 GOP gubernatorial primary, aiming to rally pro-life voters and undercut rival Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. College sports law: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play despite an NCAA gambling ineligibility finding, setting off alarm from the NCAA and Big 12 leaders about the rule’s broader impact. Public safety—storms: Severe thunderstorms left tens of thousands without power across northeast Kansas, including Topeka and Manhattan, with restoration delayed by damage and hazards. Local crime: Sedgwick County sentenced Wichita offender Ishara Samson to 36 months in state prison plus 12 months in county jail for battery and an offender registration violation; in Salina, police investigated a meth exposure case involving an 8-month-old. Law enforcement—homicide: Kansas City detectives are investigating a double homicide after two men were found shot at a Westport Road convenience store. World Cup in Kansas City: Organizers say the regional transit plan is ready for match-week crowds, while international fans are already arriving despite recent violence headlines.

Kansas Politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 GOP gubernatorial primary, framing the race as a pro-life choice and targeting rival Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. Courts & Elections: A Great Bend forum lays out a ballot measure that would change how Kansas Supreme Court vacancies are filled—shifting from a governor-appointed list from a nomination commission to a direct voter election. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a double homicide after two men were found shot at a Westport Road convenience store; no arrests reported. Law Enforcement: KBI is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Hutchinson after a theft-related encounter escalated when a suspect allegedly regained a handgun; the officer was not injured. Education Policy: Olathe Public Schools is preparing for the state’s new cell phone ban and anti-walkout law, with plans to avoid device searches and roll out details for board approval. Local Governance: Wyandotte County officials are pushing back on claims they’re barred from oversight of the new Chiefs stadium authority, arguing their subsidy should earn a board seat. Crime & Courts: Sedgwick County DA sentenced Jared Michael Mendez to 25 years to life for aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Traffic Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol and partners launch “Operation Zero” to crack down on speeding, impaired driving, and seatbelt violations through summer.

World Cup security in Kansas City: Federal authorities say three U.S. citizens—including a Kansas man—were arrested for allegedly conspiring to provide ISIS material support, with prosecutors alleging plans to fund drones and rocket-propelled grenades aimed at U.S. servicemembers. Local law enforcement: In Jackson County, Topeka resident Ashanti Lashay Hernandez was arrested after a traffic stop led to suspected meth, ecstasy, marijuana, and paraphernalia. Wichita shooting update: Sedgwick County investigators say a suspect, Carl Weems, was booked after a shooting injured two men in North Wichita. Kansas public safety push: The Kansas Highway Patrol and partners are launching “Operation Zero,” stepping up enforcement on speeding, impaired driving, and unrestrained occupants through summer. Kansas agriculture leadership: Glenn Brunkow was named president of the Kansas Farm Bureau after Joe Newland’s resignation. Student government accountability: A Kansas university student council is facing criticism for incomplete public updates on resolutions and bylaw violations in published documents. World Cup logistics in Kansas City: Algeria’s national team arrived in the metro and is set to train in Lawrence and play at Kansas City’s Arrowhead-area stadiums.

Kansas Crime & Courts: Sedgwick County prosecutors say Jared Michael Mendez, 38, was sentenced to 25 years to life for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, plus additional concurrent time for attempted rape and criminal threat. Wichita Shooting Update: Police detained Carl Weems, 62, after a North Wichita shooting injured two men; Weems faces multiple aggravated assault and firearm charges. Public Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol and partners launch “Operation Zero” starting June 6, targeting speeding, seatbelt violations, aggressive driving, and impaired driving through summer. Counterterrorism (Kansas link): The DOJ says three U.S. men—including Bisaam Ghafoor of Leawood—were arrested for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, including talk of drone attacks. Kansas Infrastructure/Local Gov: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $40.5 million for 31 local bridge projects, plus $5.9 million for KDOT cost-share work. World Cup in Kansas City: KC 2026 CEO Pam Kramer discusses the pressure and opportunity of hosting six matches as the tournament begins June 11.

Kansas Courts & Public Safety: Sedgwick County DA says Jared Michael Mendez, 38, was sentenced to 25 years to life plus additional concurrent time after convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, attempted rape, and criminal threat. Counterterrorism: Federal prosecutors say three men were arrested in a Kansas case for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, including sending more than $2,000 in crypto tied to attacks on U.S. forces. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $40.5 million for 31 Kansas local bridge projects, with matching local funds pushing total project value near $44.5 million. Energy & Rates: Topeka-area lawmakers asked FERC to protect competitive bidding for transmission projects, criticizing a process they say handed a major southcentral Kansas line to Evergy without a formal bid. Labor & Health Care: Kansas PERB mail ballots in a KU Health System pharmacy workers union vote are being contested after additional delayed ballots arrived. Federal Policy Watch: New SNAP work rules raise concerns that uneven state enforcement could push recipients toward “laxer” jurisdictions. World Cup in Kansas City: Messi sat out Argentina’s friendly vs. Honduras with hamstring fatigue; Argentina returns to Kansas City next as the tournament approaches. Military Policy: ABC reports the Army is preparing for possible executions under a Trump order, including transfers to Terre Haute, Indiana.