AGP Executive Report

Kansas Business & Economy: Banking & Regulation: CBW Bank, a Kansas-based lender, has applied to the OCC to convert from a state charter to a national bank charter, signaling continued push into digital-asset activity under the GENIUS Act framework. Food & Community Impact: Local Philanthropy: Ahead of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s reported Madison Square Garden wedding, Kansas City-area food bank Harvesters says the couple’s donation will help provide about 2 million meals across its 27-county service area. Sports & Local Economy: World Cup Spillover: In Kansas City, Pete’s Garden is pulling unused food from FIFA Fan Fest, Arrowhead Stadium and team hotels to cut waste while feeding families—using World Cup logistics to support local hunger relief. Public Works: Road Construction: KDOT says a $15.95 million U.S. 69 asphalt overlay in Linn and Bourbon counties starts the week of July 6, with lane closures and a 65 mph work-zone speed limit. Workforce & Education: Career Pipeline: Camp HYPE is giving Sumner County youth hands-on tours of local employers, including Futures Unlimited, to connect students with real jobs and community services.

Student Loans & Higher Ed: The Trump administration’s new student loan repayment rules take effect today, letting borrowers choose a simpler Tiered Standard plan or an income-based Repayment Assistance Plan, with payments tied to income and potential interest relief for on-time payments. Title IX Enforcement: The U.S. Department of Education wrapped up its second Title IX Month with new investigations and enforcement actions, including additional steps involving Kansas school districts. Kansas Economic Development: Kansas Commerce awarded $750,000 in Downtown Revive & Thrive grants for nine building renovation projects, aiming to create business incubator space with matching local funds. Open Government: Kansas lawmakers face a KORA enforcement conflict-of-interest issue, with the state paying $20,000 for outside counsel to handle a complaint. Water & Farming Costs: Kansas groundwater polluted by nitrates is being explored as a substitute for some fertilizer, though health risks remain a concern. World Cup Business & Tech: Unilumin is pitching LED display upgrades across U.S. fan zones and stadiums as the 2026 World Cup experience expands. Kansas Policy & Courts: A Kansas Corporation Commission docket notice covers SandRidge’s request for an exception related to a well abandonment time limit in Harper County.

Student Lending: SoFi is rolling out small-business loans for Kansas City-area customers, offering fixed loans from $2,500 to $250,000 with no application or origination fees and funding as soon as 24 hours after approval. State Health Policy: Gov. Laura Kelly celebrated the opening of the Kansas Office of Early Childhood, consolidating child care licensing, subsidies, home visitation and the Children’s Cabinet into one statewide office. Legal/Insurance: Kansas AG Kris Kobach sued Aetna, alleging the insurer misappropriated state employee health plan funds using “cross-plan offsetting” and charged hidden fees for out-of-network claims; Aetna denies wrongdoing. Ag Risk: A Kansas agronomist warns corn disease pressure could rise again after excessive rain, humidity and hail, urging growers to scout and time fungicide applications based on conditions. Community Grants: Golden Belt Community Foundation awarded more than $83,100 through its Spring Community Building Grant program across Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties. Public Safety: Shawnee police arrested two suspects after a shoplifting call led to a drug bust, recovering about $2,600 in stolen merchandise and seizing methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs. Local Government: Sedgwick County commissioners approved minutes, proclamations for CASA and Haysville’s 75th anniversary, and multiple board appointments, including emergency communications advisory roles. Weather/Power: A major heat wave is pushing “feels-like” temperatures toward 100–115°F across the eastern U.S., raising heat illness and power-grid strain concerns.

Kansas Economy & Jobs: The Kansas City Chiefs released updated economic projections for their Kansas stadium and practice facility plan, estimating $8.2 billion total impact on the greater Kansas City region, including 36,000+ construction jobs and $106 million in Kansas tax revenue, with annual benefits projected starting in 2031. State Policy & Public Health: Johnson County prosecutors say early enforcement on Kansas’ kratom and 7-OH ban will target retailers first, with possession and sales becoming felony offenses July 1. Healthcare Costs: A national push is growing to rein in pharmacy benefit managers as states move to limit PBM compensation and require more transparency, aiming to lower prescription prices. Education & Attendance: Douglas County commissioners are revisiting a proposed truancy program after concerns it could replace direct family services with a narrower case-management approach. Community Funding: Kansas Commerce awarded $4.13 million in Community Service Program tax credits to 24 Kansas nonprofits for capital campaigns and services. Labor & Industry: Boeing and SPEEA are set to begin contract talks Wednesday, focusing on wages, benefits, fairness, and workforce development. Local Business Spotlight: A new Newton thrift store opened at 201 W. First Street, repurposing vintage and home goods for budget-friendly shopping. Sports (Kansas ties): Kansas City’s World Cup hosting continues to boost local businesses, while Mexico’s win over Ecuador included a late red card under FIFA’s new “covering mouth” rule.

Local Crime & Courts: Two former Wyandotte County District Court bookkeepers, Julia Roberts and Vicki Robinson, were sentenced to prison for wire fraud conspiracy in a nearly $1 million taxpayer theft scheme involving forged signatures and fake memo lines. Civic & Sports Economy: Kansas City is moving toward talks on a proposed $1.4 billion Kansas City Current stadium expansion, including a larger CPKC Stadium, a parking garage and mixed-use development, with potential TIF and special obligation bonds. Public Safety: KDOT is joining a national speeding enforcement push (July 7-15), warning that speeding contributes to a large share of Kansas crash deaths and injuries. Food Security: After federal changes, about 24,000 fewer Kansans are receiving SNAP benefits, with food banks saying they can’t fully make up the gap. Community Development: NEK-CAP Inc. won expanded CSBG funding to add 22 Northwest Kansas counties for services aimed at stability and filling gaps for low-income residents. Business & Retail Tech: Balls Foods (Kansas City, Kan.) is rolling out Afresh AI for production planning and full-store ordering to cut shrink and improve fresh department inventory. Scam Alert: Salina police say an alert cashier helped stop a scam that tried to trick a woman into sending nearly $22,800 via a Bitcoin machine.

Legal Fight Over College Costs: The U.S. DOJ sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island to block in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, arguing the policies unlawfully discriminate against U.S. citizens and conflict with federal law. Household Budget Pressure: Primerica’s Household Budget Index put May purchasing power at 98.3%, with gas prices still the biggest drag even as wage growth ticked up. Kansas Business & Community: Arkansas City’s Etzanoa Immersion Center is drawing attention to the Wichita Tribe’s ancient settlement history, with a new immersion site and visitor access. Local World Cup Economy: Downtown Lawrence’s The Granada will host additional free World Cup watch parties for the U.S. and Algeria, aiming to keep local momentum as matches continue. Data Center Deal: Cogent Communications closed the sale of 10 data centers for $225 million, including a Kansas City facility, as investors keep building digital infrastructure. Energy & Input Costs: Trump temporarily suspended 16–17% duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer to protect U.S. food supply and lower farm input costs.

Legal Fight Over Tuition: The U.S. DOJ sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island to block state in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, arguing it violates federal law and treats citizens as “second-class.” Kansas Politics: Sen. Roger Marshall said he’ll stay on the ballot for Kansas’ 2026 election and rule out a Trump administration appointment for at least the next few years. Kansas Economy & Development: Gov. Laura Kelly highlighted Kansas’ deal-driven economic development, citing Urban Outfitters’ Kansas City, Kansas distribution center as a “domino effect” that helped drive major investment and jobs. Corporate/Infrastructure: Cogent Communications closed the sale of 10 data center facilities for $225 million, including a Kansas City, Mo. site. Local Watch: Arkansas City warned residents about third-party websites charging application fees for its CDBG housing rehab program. Business/Community: Watco unveiled a new locomotive honoring America’s 250th anniversary, with Kansas-based teams involved in upgrades and painting. Sports Business: StubHub ticket buyers reported last-minute cancellations and refund-only replacements tied to its FanProtect guarantee.

Private Security at Kansas Airports: Kansas City International is using contractor VMD Corp. screeners at the main checkpoint, showing how some airports are shifting from TSA officers while still aiming to meet federal standards. World Cup Retail Boom: Buc-ee’s is expanding again after the World Cup turned its mega-stores into a viral destination for international fans. Local Arts Funding: Emporia High School Theatre launched a “Christmas in July” drive to stock up for the 2026-27 season after a major national festival run. Kansas City Current Spotlight: Patrick and Brittany Mahomes’ Kansas City Current saw a setback in the NWSL Challenge Cup, a reminder of how quickly momentum can swing in pro sports. Historic Preservation Grant: Kanopolis Drive-In Theatre won a $65,000 Kansas Commerce grant for a new digital projector, protecting a classic local attraction and its community economic role. Community Welcome Turns Into Business: Algerian fans returned to Lawrence to thank residents for the viral welcome, with local shops seeing a direct lift from the attention.

Legal Fight Over College Costs: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Kansas over the state’s in-state tuition law for undocumented immigrants, arguing it violates federal rules; Gov. Laura Kelly immediately moved to intervene, saying Kansas voters chose the policy and AG Kris Kobach won’t defend it. Housing & Real Estate: Two years after NAR commission rule changes, a Kansas City brokerage says buyer-agent pay being spelled out in contracts has boosted transparency for home buyers. Local Business & Travel: Airbnb is rolling out its anti-party tools for the July 4 weekend in Kansas City, citing deterrence results from last year. Sports & Community Spotlight: Nikon brought free hands-on workshops and gear demos to Kansas City for local creators. World Cup Economy Buzz: A Kansas City-area outlet reports the tournament’s knockout stage is set, with host-city tourism and fan spending still a big question for local businesses. Agriculture Pressure: A Kansas City Fed-linked report highlights the U.S. farm economy in a prolonged downturn, with farmers “trying to survive” amid higher costs and weak returns.

World Cup Knockout Set: A wild Group J finale in Kansas City ended 3-3 as Austria and Algeria scored in stoppage time to advance, while Iran was eliminated—setting up Round of 32 matchups including Austria vs. Spain and Algeria vs. Switzerland. Sports Betting Meets Crypto: The same Algeria-Austria game became a live case study for FIFA’s crypto push, with Kraken named an official partner and prediction-market trading activity highlighting how digital finance is now part of the tournament’s business model. Kansas Public Health: Kansas’ kratom ban begins July 1, with Lawrence-area officials preparing for enforcement and treatment needs as the drug is described as widely used and potentially addictive. Kansas Politics Watch: Republican gubernatorial hopeful Philip Sarnecki’s voting record is under scrutiny after campaign claims about election participation were compared with state voter history. Local Economy Angle: New analysis ties World Cup host-city property gains to the tournament’s real-estate boom, with Kansas City among markets showing strong price growth since the bid. Entertainment Buzz: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding plans remain tightly guarded, with reports saying guests were only told to be in New York and not the exact location.

Lottery Watch: Powerball rolls to a $348 million jackpot for Saturday, June 27 (cash option $157.5 million) after Wednesday’s drawing had no match; check results after 11 p.m. ET. Kansas Health & Law: Kansas AG Kris Kobach sued Aetna over alleged misappropriation of State Employee Health Plan funds, including “cross-plan offsetting” and hidden out-of-network fees, seeking restitution and penalties. Drug Pricing Push: States are moving to lower prescription costs by targeting pharmacy benefit managers that manage coverage for health insurers, with Kansas among the broader battleground as affordability concerns grow. Public Libraries at Risk: Kansas librarians warn federal budget proposals could nearly zero out funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, putting local programs in jeopardy. Energy Reliability: Keys Energy Services (KEYS) earned the APPA RP3 “diamond” designation for reliable, safe electric service. Ag Trade Angle: A look at why USMCA matters to Kansas agriculture as the pact enters a six-year review. Local Jobs: Emporia’s free job fair is set for July 9 at the Lyon County Fairgrounds, with resume help and language assistance available.

Kansas Banking & Crypto Court Fight: Custodia Bank is asking a Wyoming federal court for summary judgment to force the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City to grant it a master account after the Fed denied access in January 2023; the case is set for a bench trial April 8. Kansas Education & Skills: A new push is spotlighting gaps in what schools teach, including basic real-world skills like counting change and using measurement tools. Kansas Health Policy: States are moving to lower drug prices by targeting pharmacy benefit managers, with regulators and insurers in a fresh round of fights over how costs and payments are set. Kansas Economy & Travel: World Cup-related spending is rising in host cities, with non-local visitors driving big gains—Kansas City is among the markets seeing stronger demand. Local Business & Infrastructure: Edina’s Vernon Avenue/Highway 100 interchange is nearing completion, with a ribbon cutting and reopening tied to improved safety and mobility. Sports Business (Kansas City): Kansas City-area fans and neighbors are monetizing World Cup parking demand near stadiums, turning driveways into match-day revenue.

Kansas Health Policy Fight: Kansas AG Kris Kobach sued Aetna over alleged “cross-plan offsetting,” claiming the insurer diverted money from the State Employee Health Plan and charged hidden fees for out-of-network care. State Politics: A new poll commissioned by Capitol Bee and run by Change Research shows Sen. Cindy Holscher leading Kansas Democrats for governor, with many voters still undecided. Rural Housing Push: Sen. Jerry Moran backed Senate passage of his rural housing bills under the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aiming to streamline approvals and cut barriers for developers. Workforce & Public Safety: Fort Leavenworth budget analyst Brittney Pemble won an Army-level financial management award, while Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced $174,170.18 in firefighter relief funds for Barton County. Business & Consumer: Kroger is changing its rewards program so points can be used for both gas and groceries. Sports Business: The Chiefs filed federal trademark applications for “Kingdom Commons,” “Tailgate Town,” and related stadium/practice branding tied to a planned Wyandotte County stadium and Olathe practice facility.

World Cup & Kansas City Economy: The U.S. men’s team clinched its Round of 32 spot after beating Paraguay and Australia, setting up a July 1 knockout match in Santa Clara. In Kansas City, the Netherlands topped Tunisia 3-1 at Arrowhead, while Tunisia’s tournament ends with zero points and a brutal -10 goal difference. Kansas Business & Law: A federal judge blocked Kansas’ proxy adviser law, siding with Glass Lewis and ISS over claims of viewpoint discrimination. Immigration & Higher Ed: The U.S. DOJ sued Kansas to stop enforcement of the state’s in-state tuition law for certain undocumented students; Gov. Laura Kelly and AG Kris Kobach are fighting back. Health & Consumer Risk: Clinicians are warning about unapproved retatrutide being sold online and used before FDA approval. Local Infrastructure: KDOT repaving work on Seth Child Road in Manhattan will bring daytime lane closures through mid-July. Energy & Industry: A Kansas Corporation Commission notice covers SandRidge’s request for an exception tied to a Harper County oil and gas well’s abandonment timeline.

Immigration & Higher Ed: Gov. Laura Kelly filed a motion to intervene in a U.S. DOJ lawsuit targeting Kansas’ in-state tuition law for students brought to the U.S. as children, after AG Kris Kobach moved to consent to judgment instead of defending the statute. Retail & Travel Economy: Buc-ee’s is accelerating expansion with 15 new locations listed over the next five years, including planned Kansas City, Kansas-area growth, as the chain pushes beyond its home base. Energy & Data Centers: Deep Fission says its advanced nuclear reactor customer pipeline has grown to 18.5GW via letters of intent tied to data center demand, building on earlier disclosed deals. Transit Privacy Fight: Kansas City’s transit agency revived plans for facial recognition cameras on buses, arguing for safety and fare-evasion deterrence, while critics warn about mass surveillance. Local Philanthropy: The Jewish Community Foundation’s Community Legacy Fund awarded $103,946 in engagement and emergency grants to Kansas City-area organizations. World Cup Business Pulse (Kansas City): Netherlands vs. Tunisia at Arrowhead Stadium wraps group play in Kansas City, with U.S. also finishing group stage Thursday—keeping the metro’s visitor economy in focus.

DOJ & Kansas Tuition Fight: Kansas joined the Trump administration in a lawsuit seeking to end in-state tuition benefits for certain noncitizens, with the Justice Department targeting long-running “Dream Act” style policies and Kansas AG Kris Kobach entering a consent decree while Gov. Laura Kelly moves to intervene. Higher Education Costs: The Kansas Board of Regents approved tuition increases averaging about 4% at nearly every public university, with Fort Hays State facing a 6% hike and Emporia State holding flat. Data Center Pressure: A proposed sub-20MW data center in Seattle’s Starbucks HQ building highlights how the data-center boom is spreading, while Kansas coverage continues to track local concerns about water, power, and community impacts. World Cup Economics: New analysis says World Cup travel costs are surging, with Kansas City flagged as a relatively more affordable host option amid dynamic ticket pricing. Local Business & Community: Wichita’s North End unveiled a new Woodland Park Historical Walk honoring the Mexican-American community, and Garden City’s chamber shared June updates on volunteer and job openings. Sports Medicine Sponsorship: Newman Regional Health announced a three-year partnership as sports medicine sponsor for the Kansas Shrine Bowl.