AGP Executive Report

Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports a mix of bargain and higher fuel weeks across Kansas, with the lowest midgrade deal in Lyon County at $4.13/gal (week ending Sept. 19) and E15 hitting $3.74/gal in Coffey and Cherokee counties; premium gas lows include $4.45/gal in Elk County, while diesel remains elevated, with Clay County’s low at $5.99/gal. Higher Ed & Workforce: Fort Hays State University posted a 4% enrollment increase (FTE 13,359) even as affiliated tech programs saw declines, and Northwest Kansas is adding an AI minor plus new AI classes to meet employer demand. Local Business & Community: KC Water says a Westport stormwater project is finishing early (mid-November vs. January 2027), and Remedy Cafe & Bar opened in downtown Kansas City’s 929 Residences with a new Onyx Coffee partnership. Cybersecurity & Consumer Risk: IDScan.net says a breach exposed data tied to up to 153 million driver’s licenses, offering free monitoring for affected users. Public Finance & Events: Kansas Treasurer’s Office hosts its Women and Money Conference Oct. 8 in Lawrence, and OCCK’s 36th Employment Expo is set for Oct. 8 in Salina.

Immigration & Ag Economy: A U.S. attorney for Kansas pushed back on “irresponsible rumors” about southwest Kansas ICE activity, saying Operation Safe Community Kansas (Sept. 22-24) involved more than 100 arrests tied to people with criminal histories—while ranchers and meatpacking groups warn the disruption is hitting worker safety, product flow, and prices. Child Safety Settlement: Kansas AG Kris Kobach announced a $10M Roblox deal for child-safety reforms, including age-assurance, parent controls, chat restrictions, and monitoring. Higher Education Budget Shock: Fort Hays State University says it will close the Sternberg Museum in mid-December after a $2.4M state funding cut. Public Safety: Kansas City, Kansas, officials report a KBI investigation after an officer and suspect were injured in an armed struggle following a foot chase. Local Business & Growth: OTG acquired OHM Concession Group, expanding airport food-and-retail operations including Kansas City. Energy & Manufacturing: GM says it will build about 75% fewer Chevrolet Bolt EVs at its Kansas plant as EV subsidies are rolled back, shifting capacity toward other models. Sports Business: The Kansas City Current is weighing a CPKC Stadium expansion that could add 6,500 seats.

Healthcare Deal: KU Health System will take full ownership of the St. Francis Campus in Topeka, ending years of joint ownership with Ardent; the transition is expected to be complete by January 2027. Energy & Safety: The NTSB says a failed 1936 natural gas pipeline weld caused the Feb. 2025 Hutchinson explosion that destroyed Steffens Auto Parts, prompting renewed calls for natural gas detectors in at-risk buildings. Local Business/Real Estate: Midtown Kansas City’s Costco is closing Thursday for a months-long conversion into a Costco Business Center, with a planned spring 2027 reopening. Housing Market: Zillow reports Ford County’s typical home value fell 4.3% to $207,878 in August 2026, while Lincoln County rose 13.6% to $135,028. Consumer & Fraud: Kansas City, KS logged four scam reports for the week ending Sept. 19, up from two the prior week, with phishing most common. Energy Costs: GasBuddy data shows diesel hit a low of $5.74 in Gray County for the week ending Sept. 19, while Kingman County’s cheapest regular gas was $3.99. Policy/Health Costs: A new federal enforcement effort will restrict ordering many medications from foreign pharmacies, raising concerns for Kansas City-area patients using Canadian sources.

Diesel shock hits Kansas farmers: A Pro Farmer update traces record-high diesel to a global product shortage tied to the U.S.-Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, with on-highway diesel jumping to $6.529/gal for the week of Sept. 21. Gas prices roundup: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Rawlins County at $3.92/gal (week ending Sept. 19), while Kansas’s average regular price rose to $4.07/gal. Beef supply chain disruption: Reuters reports ICE enforcement in southwest Kansas is slowing slaughter and delaying cattle shipments, raising pressure on prices as meatpacking workers stay away. Market reaction: CME coverage shows cattle futures slipping on profit-taking after tight supplies and processing disruptions. Auto industry ripple: GM is cutting production of the Kansas-built Chevrolet Bolt, with a union official saying output is down to about 35,000 units versus a prior plan of 150,000. Local business & development: Overland Park approved a $1.3B development plan and a new Black & Veatch world headquarters. Higher ed budget squeeze: Fort Hays State confirmed the Sternberg Museum will close Dec. 18 amid a $2.4M state funding cut. Energy/tech policy watch: Kansas AG Alan Wilson urged consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices.

University Restructuring at Wichita State: Faculty Senate approved a framework resolution for department mergers, aiming to steer consolidation away from a controversial policy 2.10 process. KU Childcare Fight: More than 450 KU faculty and staff signed letters urging Chancellor Doug Girod and Provost Arash Mafi to pause the closure of the Hilltop Child Development Center and avoid tearing down the main campus. FHSU Museum Closure: Fort Hays State said it will close public operations of the Sternberg Museum Dec. 18, citing state funding cuts and additional administrative reductions. Primary Care Push: A Leadership Dialogue podcast highlights hospitals’ growing focus on preventive primary care as a strategy to keep patients out of the hospital. Local Business & Growth: Lenexa opened a new 261-room dual-branded Marriott (AC Hotel/Residence Inn) at Lenexa City Center, and Flower Child is planning a late-2027 Leawood restaurant. Kansas Energy Snapshot: GasBuddy reports show Kansas regular prices averaging about $4.07/g in the week ending Sept. 19, with multiple counties posting low single-station deals.

Housing & Community Finance: NeighborWorks® America awarded more than $4.14 million in supplemental grants to 23 local organizations across 17 states and D.C., aiming to preserve affordable homes, support disaster recovery, and strengthen long-term capacity. Kansas Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show premium gas hitting a low of $4.79 in Stevens County for the week ending Sept. 19, while diesel prices averaged $6.06 in Allen County (with a low of $5.89). Agriculture & Immigration Enforcement: Kansas Livestock Association and partners say ICE activity in southwest Kansas is disrupting meatpacking and supply-chain flow, with knock-on risks for beef prices as cattle shipments get delayed. Consumer Legal Funding: Kansas is among states moving toward rules for third-party consumer legal funding, as the industry faces scrutiny over fees and how cash advances work for plaintiffs. Workforce & Training: Workforce Centers of South Central Kansas highlighted technician roles on KansasWorks, including aviation maintenance and GIS technician openings. Politics & Affordability: New reporting says Democrats are pushing Senate spending into more states, including Kansas, as cost-of-living concerns drive a more competitive midterm map. Sports & Local Economy: Travis Kelce’s Operation Breakthrough has put nearly $2 million into Kansas City’s child-poverty support center, mixing personal giving and directed funds.

Immigration & Labor: USCIS data show Kansas employers received 1,550 H-2B worker approvals tied to worksite decisions in fiscal 2026 through June 30, with a 100% approval rate in the reported set. Public Health: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Lakeside Village in Jefferson County after a waterline break caused pressure loss and raised contamination risk. Local Crime: Comanche County deputies recovered about 500 pounds of stolen copper and arrested Eric Boyles, 55, on felony theft and burglary charges. Economic Development: Kansas Commerce announced $1.5 million for a seventh round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize downtown buildings, plus eight 2026 IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards for state programs. Housing Market: Zillow reported Seward County’s typical home value at $146,587 in August 2026, up 0.1% year over year. Energy Costs: GasBuddy price reports highlighted Kansas fuel volatility, including multiple counties posting lowest regular or diesel prices in the week ending Sept. 19.

Immigration & Ag Supply Chain: Meatpacking and cattle groups say heightened ICE activity in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma is delaying cattle shipments, disrupting feedlots and transportation hubs, and could push up beef prices for consumers. Energy Costs: A Kansas State University economist warns diesel prices may stay elevated through 2027, citing crude prices, limited refining capacity and Gulf shipping disruptions. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Seward County midgrade at $4.29/gal (week ending Sept. 19) and the lowest E15 at $3.74/gal; Kansas averages rose for both midgrade and E15. Local Education: Butler County colleges conferred 1,460 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with associate degrees the largest category. Sports Betting & TV (Kansas fans): Week 3 NFL coverage highlights Chiefs at Dolphins (CBS) and a full slate of games plus streaming options; Kansas-related business angle is mostly consumer spending around promos and betting.

Aviation Investment: Olathe’s New Century AirCenter is getting a $13.2M federal grant for runway reconstruction, including full rebuild of 7,000+ feet of Runway 18-36 and upgrades to lighting and signage—aimed at boosting safety and regional economic connectivity. Immigration & Ag Impact: Cattle associations say ICE enforcement is creating a “massive chilling effect” on skilled workers, delaying shipments to processors and raising costs—warnings that could push beef prices higher. Politics & Voting Rules: Kansas AG Kris Kobach ordered the League of Women Voters to stop paying teens $5 gift cards to register to vote, citing state and federal law. Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows Neosho County’s typical home value rose 8.4% to $114,409 in August 2026. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show Kansas midgrade and diesel prices remain volatile week-to-week, with several counties posting single-station lows for midgrade and diesel. Food Safety: FDA-linked recall covers nearly 1.7M pounds of sugar sold in eight states, including Target’s Good & Gather brands, due to contamination concerns.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy data shows Thomas County’s lowest diesel hit $5.80 for the week ending Sept. 19, while Sedgwick County’s cheapest E15 dipped to $2.39; Kansas averages stayed higher overall, with diesel averaging $6.07 and E15 averaging $3.87. Energy & Elections: A Kansas State University economist warns diesel prices may stay at $6 to $7 through 2027, tied to crude costs, refining limits, and supply disruptions from the Iran conflict—fueling pressure on voters and campaigns. Immigration & Beef Supply: Multiple reports say ICE enforcement in southwest Kansas is disrupting meatpacking and ranching operations, slowing processing and backing up cattle shipments, with industry groups warning of higher beef prices. Higher-Ed Budget: Fort Hays State University president Tisa Mason told the Hays City Commission about a $2.4 million recurring cut for FY2027 and possible further reductions, including concerns over limits on international enrollment. State Fair Funding: Kansas State Fair officials seek $5 million in state general funds for FY2028 to finish Bison Arena upgrades, targeting an Agriculture Learning and Innovation Center. Retail Expansion: Costco says it plans 33 warehouse openings in fiscal 2027 (including five relocations), with Lawrence, Kansas listed among U.S. growth markets.

ICE and beef supply chain: Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma cattle groups say heightened ICE activity is disrupting shipments, causing worker absences and temporary plant shutdowns—warning of higher beef prices and broader ripple effects across feedlots, dairies, processors and transport hubs. Local governance: The Lawrence school board will restart a public comment period after a nine-month pause, following concerns about past rule violations and heated exchanges. Education and childcare: KU-affiliated Hilltop Child Development Center will close its two locations by late October, citing financial strain and safety/licensing requirements for continued care through the end of October. Higher ed recruiting: Baker University launches “Baker 105,” offering full-tuition scholarships to at least one student from each of Kansas’ 105 counties. Community impact: Kansas City’s West Bottoms will host “Boo in the Bottoms” with new haunted attractions and family events starting Oct. 2. Business & tech: OpenAI says it found additional cases where its models may have impaired or bypassed third-party services, including dozens of notifications to affected providers.

Midterms & Iran War Fallout: Senate Republicans are scrambling to protect their election chances as Iran war powers votes split the GOP and fuel prices keep voters focused on costs, with Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall named among those sticking with Trump while Democrats see openings. Energy Costs in Kansas: Gas prices remain a political pressure point; GasBuddy data shows Greenwood County premium midgrade hit $4.19 (week ending Sept. 19) while Hamilton County’s lowest premium was $4.89, underscoring how energy swings can hit household budgets. Kansas Banking Policy: Kansas bank regulator David Herndon is urging lawmakers to repeal the TEFFI law after Beneficient’s fraud conviction and years of zero applications, arguing the special treatment failed rural-focused promises. Beef Supply Chain Pressure: Kansas ranchers and cattle groups are pushing back on Trump’s beef import plan and warning ICE enforcement disruptions could ripple through the Southern Plains beef pipeline. Local Business & Growth: Yesway is expanding into Arizona with its first store opening Oct. 2, part of a broader Southwest growth push that signals continued retail investment beyond Kansas. Healthcare Tech Deal: Knowtex says the VA selected it as a prime awardee for an ambient scribe contract worth up to $775.72M across awardees. Education Credentials: New federal data shows Kansas colleges in Franklin, Harvey and Ellis counties collectively awarding hundreds to thousands of degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with business and nursing among top fields.

Healthcare & Politics: Sen. Roger Marshall’s former medical practice is facing fresh campaign pressure after a New York Times review of court records says his Great Bend obstetrics practice filed debt collection lawsuits against more than 700 patients, including requests tied to arrests for missed court dates. Fuel Prices (Kansas): GasBuddy reports show E85 and diesel deals are still spotty across the state, with Sedgwick County’s lowest E85 at $2.39 and Wabaunsee County’s lowest diesel at $5.81 for the week ending Sept. 19, underscoring how quickly costs can swing by county. Local Government & Budgets: Abilene’s City Commission heard about a potential downtown cosmetic renovation effort tied to a state matching grant, while a defamation suit against the city and former city manager Ron Marsh was dismissed with prejudice over a missed notice requirement. Education & Childcare: KU parents are scrambling after Hilltop Child Development Center’s abrupt closure, leaving more than 155 students without care and raising questions about transparency during prior turmoil. Agriculture: Kansas cattle producers are adjusting as beef prices keep climbing amid drought-driven supply strain and higher input costs, with experts warning efficiency gains may not translate into bigger profits. Business & Community: Kansas City-area butcher shops report rising demand as shoppers seek local sourcing, even as beef costs pressure operators. Sports Business: The Chicago White Sox clinched a playoff berth after back-to-back 100-loss seasons, a rare turnaround that will keep Kansas City-area sports fans watching postseason matchups.

Kansas Politics: Rep. Pat Proctor is urging AG Kris Kobach to investigate a League of Women Voters chapter after it offered $5 Starbucks gift cards to high school students who registered to vote, arguing the practice violates election law. Energy & Agriculture: Diesel prices remain a major pressure point for Kansas farmers and businesses, with K-State Extension warning elevated costs could persist into 2027 as global supply and refining constraints keep pump prices high. Local Business & Growth: Chase Bank opened its first Lawrence location, adding to the Kansas banking expansion story. Healthcare & Research: Persevere Therapeutics says it has treated the first patient in its MIROC-1 Phase 2a ovarian cancer trial, with the University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City expected to begin screening. Community & Consumer Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Brown County at $3.88/gallon for the week ending Sept. 19, while Kansas averages rose to $4.07. Sports & Talent: K-State safety Wesley Fair was named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, highlighting the scholar-athlete pipeline.

Healthcare Costs & Consumer Protection: Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall pushed his Patients Deserve Price Tags Act to require clearer, upfront health care pricing, aiming to help patients compare costs before care. Housing & Local Development: In Merriam, downtown business owners are worried about redevelopment options that could reshape historic areas and floodplain limits; the city says no final decisions are made. Education & Workforce: North Kansas City Schools is seeking about $16 million in recurring budget savings as state funding drops and costs rise, with community roundtables planned across the district. Agriculture & Energy Costs: Diesel prices remain a political flashpoint, with Kansas farmers and consumers bracing for higher costs tied to global supply pressures. Business & Research: KU researchers won a $1.9M NSF grant to study drought tolerance in wheat and rice using a Kansas-based fungi library. Finance & Community Programs: The Kansas State Treasurer’s Office will sponsor a “Women and Money” conference Oct. 8 at KU. Scams & Senior Outreach: AARP Kansas taught seniors how to spot phone and online scams at Topeka’s Aging Untold Expo. Banking Leadership: Capitol Federal named William “Billy” Skrobacz Jr. as president of the company and bank effective Oct. 1.

Diesel shock hits Kansas businesses and families: Truckers in Newton say record diesel prices are squeezing budgets, with one driver reporting $660 for just over 100 gallons; Kansas State ag economist Gregg Ibendahl warns relief could take at least a year and that a recession might lower prices, but “not in a favorable way.” Local transit funding pressure: Ellis County may be asked to add about $30,000 total (city of Hays + county) to keep ACCESS Transportation running in 2027 while a task force builds a longer-term plan. Water dispute in central Kansas: A Water PACK chairman responds to Hays city manager comments tied to the R9 Ranch transfer, arguing the fight is over quantity and citing concerns about impacts to shallow alluvial wells. Community literacy push: Barton and Pawnee counties officially proclaim Sept. 25, 2026 as “Dolly Day,” aimed at boosting United Way’s Imagination Library with business and resident participation options. Tech and insurance industry event: Leawood-based insurtech Mylo says CEO David Embry and COO Belen Tokarski will speak at ITC Vegas on embedded insurance and agentic API trends. Rural population challenge: A Kansas program in Republic County offers $10,000 incentives for people who move back and meet job and income requirements, as the area continues losing residents.