AGP Executive Report

Kansas Courts & Public Safety: Sedgwick County prosecutors say former Wichita detective Shawn McMahon will face a jury trial starting Nov. 30 on charges tied to mishandling child internet exploitation cases. State Government & Water Policy: Hays and Russell asked the R9 Ranch water transfer panel to schedule the final hearing after years of delays, arguing the state needs to act and the project is overdue. Kansas Transportation Safety: Reporting highlights a sharp rise in e-bike and e-scooter injuries statewide, with lawmakers and local officials still wrestling over how to regulate vehicles that don’t fit neatly into existing categories. Kansas Politics & Elections: A Kansas Chamber forum put gubernatorial candidates on the spot over property taxes and data centers, with debate over whether state fixes or local funding limits are the real answer. Local Governance: Great Bend officials defended a proposed sales tax tied to water treatment upgrades and other projects, urging voters to weigh in at upcoming town halls. Federal Policy Watch: The Trump administration’s push to expand ranchers’ ability to process their own meat drew mixed reactions from Kansas cattle producers.

Kansas Wildlife & Parks: The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved new hunting rules and Kansas State Park fee changes, including higher vehicle/overnight camping/utilities fees (effective Nov. 1) and an end to the annual camping permit; nonresident waterfowl/coot/rail/snipe hunters must stop before noon and leave by 1 p.m. starting fall 2026; and Kansas residents get a reestablished fall turkey season with permits for one bearded turkey only (Oct. 31–Jan. 31, with a Thanksgiving-week closure). Federal Funding: Sen. Jerry Moran announced $2 million for the Kansas Forest Service to buy wildfire response equipment and support the state action plan. Politics & Culture: Lawrence gay liberation leaders tied local history to today’s transgender rights fight, pointing to ongoing pressure from Kansas lawmakers. Public Safety: Police are investigating a Kansas man accused of sex crimes involving a child under 14. Food & Economy: A new report warns food insecurity is worsening and is increasingly felt by Americans as grocery affordability strains budgets. Courts & Speech: Stars and Stripes journalists sued the Pentagon after alleged retaliation tied to coverage of a Navy deployment.

Fed Watch: Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh told the Jackson Hole crowd inflation is still too high and warned the Fed may need “work to do,” keeping Kansas City-area and national markets on edge. Kansas Education & Civil Rights: The U.S. Department of Justice and Education Department moved to enforce federal rules against two Kansas districts over gender-inclusive policies, raising the risk of legal action and federal funding loss. Local Public Safety Leadership: Kansas State named Dr. Kacey Wiltz as its new director of public safety and chief of police, bringing long law-enforcement and community-policing experience. Kansas City Labor: Kansas City firefighters and the city reached a deal ending a three-year labor dispute, including new EMS captain positions and retroactive pay. Immigration Enforcement Economy: A new report argues immigration detention has become a steady economic market for rural jail operators as federal funding pressures local services. Energy & Infrastructure: Kansas City paused a major KCI solar project after federal grant funding vanished. Sports Law Fallout: A court order blocks the SEC from enforcing a rule aimed at banning returning NFL players, with Kansas City Chiefs players named among plaintiffs.

Local Governance: Hutchinson City Council’s planned executive session on the Hutch Rec investigation was canceled after City Attorney Cody Smith asked Council Member Stacy Goss to recuse; she refused, citing advice from her own lawyer, while the city cited conflict concerns tied to her husband’s role with the Hutch Rec Foundation. Higher Education & Federal-State Clash: The U.S. Justice Department sued New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon and Washington over in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, arguing it violates federal law and discriminates against U.S. citizens. Kansas Education Policy: The U.S. Department of Education reached a resolution agreement with Topeka Public Schools after an investigation found FERPA violations tied to how schools handle students’ gender identity with parents; other districts were not included and could face funding consequences. Public Safety & Recovery: Wyandotte County storm cleanup continues with 200+ homes still waiting on licensed electrical repairs; the county is waiving storm-related permit fees and calling for contractors. State Preparedness: Kansas Forest Service received $2 million for wildfire response equipment to support statewide preparedness and local firefighter needs. Courts & College Sports: A Dallas judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the NCAA/SEC from stopping certain players’ return for a fifth college season, including Kansas City Chiefs rookie Wesley Bissainthe and Chiefs WR Omari Evans. Economy & Jobs: Construction employment rose in 36 states plus D.C. over the past year, but industry groups warn data center opposition and tariff uncertainty could slow momentum. Tech & Markets: Nvidia’s strong outlook helped lift U.S. stocks, while Fed officials’ inflation warnings ahead of Jackson Hole kept rate expectations in focus.

Meta Settlement: Kansas is set to receive $134 million as Meta agrees to pay up to $17.1 billion nationwide in a child-safety settlement, with promises to add teen use limits and nighttime blocks. Trans Rights in Kansas: A Douglas County judge reinstated one trans Kansan’s driver’s license after striking down part of the state’s anti-trans law, while hundreds of others await the outcome. Education Enforcement: The U.S. DOJ and Education Department say they’ll step up enforcement against two Kansas districts over gender-inclusive policies, citing FERPA and warning of funding consequences. Local Politics: Emporia City Commissioner Erren Harter filed a lawsuit to stop a recall effort, arguing the petition is legally insufficient after allegations of undisclosed benefits tied to a private business owner. KU & Community: KU will host a Sept. 16 summit on Indigenous food sovereignty, and KU’s Transportation Center highlights efforts to keep rural Kansans connected through safer roads and transit support. Public Safety: Two Manhattan juveniles were arrested after reports of drug distribution and battery at Manhattan High School. Storm Recovery: Wyandotte County continues storm damage assessments and is calling for volunteers as recovery costs determine access to federal help.

Data Center Fight in Kansas: State lawmakers and residents are pushing back on data centers over water, power, noise, air pollution, and AI concerns, while communities test whether Kansas voters can force local bans through citizen-initiated ordinances. Local Governance: Lawrence’s traffic-safety update shows fatal crashes held to four in 2025, with the city pointing to more road projects under its Vision Zero plan. Federal Courtroom Drama: A lawyer for Fed Gov. Lisa Cook says Trump’s bid to remove her over mortgage-fraud claims rests on “untried and unproven” allegations. Public Safety & Health: Wichita’s MADD launched a “Driving Change” campaign tied to Sidnee Carter’s “Sidnee’s Law,” and Hays police seized about 209 pounds of kratom and THC products after community tips. Wildlife Enforcement: Rolling Hills Zoo is caring for 83 ornate box turtles confiscated from illegal wildlife trade. Budget Watch: Douglas County approved its 2027 budget with a lower mill levy, but rising valuations may still raise many bills. Sports & Culture: NFL ends the Pro Bowl game; Kansas City’s economic development leadership shifts to Councilwoman Andrea Bough.

Preparedness & Public Safety: Kansas Preparedness Day returns Sept. 14 at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, with state and local emergency partners offering disaster-readiness info and vehicle displays. Agriculture & Federal Policy: Kansas ranchers and Farm Bureau leaders are skeptical of President Trump’s 90-day beef import plan, warning temporary market disruption could hurt U.S. cattle producers and consumers. Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure: The FBI is investigating a ransomware breach at Micro-Comm in Olathe, a water-technology maker tied to wastewater control systems, as federal officials warn of ongoing attacks on operational technology. Courts & State Agencies: The Kansas Turnpike Authority is seeking removal as a defendant in a lawsuit over a 2022 crash that killed three Topeka Girl Scouts, with a Sept. 9 hearing scheduled. Local Government & Data Centers: Emporia City Commissioners will consider petitions that could put data-center limits on the November ballot, including a proposal targeting operations for a decade. Education Policy: Kansas’s bell-to-bell cell phone ban continues to spread nationwide, with Kansas schools adjusting to the new rules.

Education & Parental Rights: U.S. Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office says Topeka Public Schools reached a resolution agreement to stop FERPA-violating “gender support plans,” while it signals enforcement actions against Olathe and Shawnee Mission for similar policies. Local Government & Compliance: Lawrence’s new airport manager, Shaun Cookson, told the City Commission he doesn’t yet have a timeline for fixing FAA grant issues tied to airport operations, even as he pitches long-term growth. State Finance: Kansas reported selective sales and gross receipts tax revenue rose 0.5% in 2024 versus the prior year, part of broader state tax collection totals. Public Safety & Justice: A Kansas man, William “Bill” Bright of Hutchinson, pleaded guilty in federal court to producing child sexual abuse material after a truck-stop sting. Community Recovery: Kansas City, Kansas storm recovery continues after power restoration, with residents and agencies still working through cleanup and assistance needs. Sports & Policy Spillover: Kansas State women’s basketball coach Jeff Mittie says K-State starts the school year with a completed roster after late NCAA eligibility uncertainty.

Kansas Politics: A Hutchinson state House candidate, Rep. Kyler Sweely, faces renewed residency scrutiny after a debt collector struggled to locate him for an unpaid parking ticket, reviving questions about whether he lived in district when he filed to run again. Elections & Representation: Kansas Democrats are betting the U.S. Senate race could finally break a decades-long drought, with Adam Hamilton arguing Kansas is “vulnerable” on tariffs, healthcare, immigration, and war policy. Public Safety: Russell Junior-Senior High School in Russell County was cleared after a bomb threat prompted a coordinated sweep with K-9 units and the Kansas Highway Patrol Hazardous Device team. Education & Security: Wamego USD 320 is deploying ZeroEyes AI gun detection after securing Kansas Safe and Secure Firearm Detection Grant funding. Courts & Crime: A western Kansas superintendent, Jeff Jones, was arrested and charged with 10 counts tied to alleged financial crimes and misconduct. Statehouse/Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $24.1M for 32 intersection and road projects under the City Connecting Link Improvement Program. National Policy: The Kansas City Health Commission proposes a compromise to settle a health levy dispute, keeping safety-net providers funded while opening a Health Innovation Fund to new applicants.

Education & AI Policy: Lawrence school board heard staff’s draft principles for an AI policy—protect student data, use AI to support teaching (not replace judgment), and train users on accuracy, bias, and misuse—aimed for board review before next school year. Local Governance & Growth: Lawrence planning commissioners voted 4-3 to recommend denying an annexation of 177 acres west of K-10, even as they backed rezoning for parts of the same land; the request now heads to the City Commission. Storm Recovery: Kansas City, Kansas reported major progress after the Aug. 18 storm—streets fully passable and power down to about 1,200 customers—while residents in Wyandotte County still face extended outages and cleanup. Data Centers Fight: Ottawa organizers prepared a legal push after commissioners declined action on a petition seeking a data-center ban ordinance, setting up a potential November ballot fight. Public Safety & Courts: A former Pawnee County deputy, Alexander M. Jacobs, appeared in court on child sex-crime charges; separate child-abuse-related arrests also continued in Atchison County. Statewide Politics: Kansas leaders marked the death of former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, a Topeka native and trailblazing GOP senator who served 18 years.

Data Center Fight in Kansas: Kansas Democrats are facing political blowback for backing a grassroots uprising against data centers, with lawmakers arguing residents are organizing picket lines and packing city commission meetings over water, power, noise, air quality, and AI concerns. Local Government & Transparency: In Emporia, Neighbors United is escalating legal maneuvering—filing a KORA complaint over alleged delays in records tied to a proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus and challenging a city injunction tied to whether a data center ban petition should go to voters. Disability Services Funding Clash: Kansas legislators are pushing back on Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration over a disability-services funding diversion, saying the I/DD waitlist caps were ignored and the backlog has grown. Bond Vote Moving Forward: USD 251 North Lyon County is advancing toward a Nov. 3 bond vote for a new high school and athletics complex, citing Evergy’s continued presence. Public Safety & Crime: A Hutchinson man pleaded guilty to producing child sexual abuse material; deputies in Dickinson County found meth, cocaine, firearms, and a child during a warrant search. Agriculture & Prices: Kansas Republicans are criticizing Trump’s plan to reopen beef imports from Mexico/tariff-free ground beef to lower prices, warning it could hurt ranchers. Statehouse/Community: Barton County commissioners will consider adopting the 2027 operating budget at Tuesday’s meeting. Education & Training: The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center graduated its 361st basic training class, sending new officers into Kansas communities. Health/Insurance: The Kansas Department of Insurance says it helped recover $29.2M from insurers in 2025, up 147% from the prior year.

Trade & Agriculture: U.S.-Canada talks collapsed after Canada’s PM Mark Carney quit over a growing list of U.S. demands, triggering 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods like hockey sticks and Crown Royal; Trump also lifted tariffs on beef imports, arguing it will lower grocery prices, while legal fights leave the policy in flux. Public Safety: Topeka police are investigating a deadly early-morning shooting on SE 23rd Street with no arrest reported yet. KCK Police Use of Force: The KBI is investigating a Kansas City, Kansas officer-involved shooting that killed a 19-year-old armed man on Ohio Avenue; officers say he didn’t comply with commands. Child Safety & Courts: A Haysville man, Gavin Onuffer, was sentenced to 121 months for receiving child pornography, and a Cloud County case sent David Brown to 235 months after convictions tied to crimes against children. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $24.1 million for 32 Kansas intersection and road projects through the City Connecting Link Improvement Program. Healthcare Access: CareArc says it will keep serving all patients regardless of immigration status as KanCare eligibility rules change in October, urging affected residents to update information and plan ahead.

Kansas Politics & Government: Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, the first woman elected to the Senate from Kansas without following a husband into office, died Friday at 94. Kansas lawmakers and Kansans across the state are remembering her independent, moderate Republican style and her long public service, including a landmark 1996 health insurance law bearing her name. Public Safety: The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is probing an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Kansas, after KCKPD officers responded to a noise complaint and later shots-fired reports; a 19-year-old suspect died at the scene and no officers were injured. Economy & Daily Life: Gas prices data from GasBuddy shows Finney County’s lowest premium price at $3.83 for the week ending Aug. 15, with Kansas premium averages rising week to week. National Policy With Kansas Stakes: President Trump is again pushing a plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef for 90 days at 25% below market prices, drawing sharp criticism from cattle groups over consumer savings and impacts on U.S. ranchers.

Kansas Storm Recovery: Gov. Laura Kelly declared a disaster emergency for Wyandotte County after severe storms Aug. 18-19 left widespread damage and thousands without power; residents at R. Bernard Villas have been stuck without electricity for four days, with seniors relying on neighbors and volunteers for meals and medication protection. Data Center Fight in El Dorado: A new court ruling may let El Dorado either adopt a citizen-backed ordinance banning high-impact data centers and BESS or put it to a vote, with “Protect the Heartland” pushing commissioners to choose a path. Kansas Political Legacy: Tributes continue after the death of Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, 94, Kansas’ first woman elected to the U.S. Senate without a husband in Congress; Gov. Laura Kelly and other leaders praised her bipartisan, independent-minded record. Beef Prices and Imports: President Trump renewed a plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef tariff-free for 90 days to cut prices, drawing sharp pushback from Kansas and national cattle groups warning it could hurt ranchers and consumers long-term. AI Data Center Backlash: A nationwide protest push against AI data centers drew coordinated demonstrations across 42 states in July, fueled by concerns over power costs, water use, and local impacts.

Kansas Transportation: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $37.2 million in federal Transportation Alternatives funding for 33 projects statewide, including work in Wallace County. Healthcare Prices: A new national poll finds 88% of Americans want hospitals to publicly disclose prices before care. Kansas Politics: Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker—Kansas’ first woman in the Senate—died at 94, remembered for independent, bipartisan leadership. Rail Labor: CPKC says a months-long strike by about 300 union signal workers is over; workers return Monday and the parties move to binding arbitration. Local Housing: Organizers say tenants were forced out of an unsafe Kansas City, Kansas complex with little warning after ownership changes, raising questions about displacement and records. Gun Safety Pushback: A Winfield resident says a Kansas lawmaker dismissed her plea for gun-safety changes after she described a neighbor’s violent history. Storm Recovery: Wyandotte County is still seeking volunteers for cleanup and support after recent storms knocked out power for thousands. Food Safety: Federal officials say an alfalfa-sprout outbreak linked to Salmonella/E. coli has spread to 15 states, including Kansas.

Storm Recovery in KCK: Wyandotte County is still asking for help as cleanup drags into day three, with volunteers directed to Village Initiative (3004 N. 27th St) for small groups and to Kensington Community Center (2900 State Ave) for larger groups, plus a donation list ranging from bottled water and tarps to gloves, flashlights, and phone power banks. Power Outages: Kansas City, Kansas residents report prolonged outages and downed lines, with BPU relying on mutual-aid crews from nearby cities while street access is blocked until utility work is done. Local Housing Policy: Kansas City Documenters report the KCK planning commission reviewed zoning and special-use items and discussed how the new “By-Right Housing Development Act” will change local compliance. State Labor Watch: Kansas’s July labor report shows unemployment at 3.8% (flat from June) while nonfarm jobs tick up slightly. Data Center Debate in De Soto: Residents pushed for more transparency and safeguards as De Soto weighs new ordinances tied to data center development. Boeing Contract Fight: Boeing’s SPEEA union rejected proposed contracts and authorized a strike if talks fail. Food Safety Alert: A multi-state outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has reached Kansas among 15 states, with CDC reporting 55 cases nationwide.