AGP Executive Report

Community Grants: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits, backing youth mentorship, caregiver support for families affected by substance use, a STEM engineering lab, and safer play spaces. Healthcare Readiness: Kansas City hospitals say they’re prepared for World Cup-related international patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s complexity and costs. Labor & Staffing: Radiation therapists at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita went on strike over pay and staffing, saying treatments are proceeding via contracted coverage. Sports Business: The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes agreed to a restructured deal adding two years and pushing total value past $500M, while Kansas City also traded OT Wanya Morris to the Falcons for tackle depth. Local Infrastructure: KDOT will start a culvert extension on K-4 in Rush County the week of June 15, with daytime delays up to 15 minutes. Public Transit Funding: Hays leaders and ACCESS transportation officials discussed a widening budget gap, with service set to end rides July 1 unless funding improves. Agriculture Risk Watch: Kansas animal health officials urged vigilance after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in a Texas calf. Business & City Enforcement: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas unveiled a nuisance ordinance aimed at shutting down unlicensed business operations.

NFL Contract Shock: Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs deal is reworked to top $500 million, tying him to Kansas City through 2033 and resetting the quarterback pay ceiling. Local Health & Access: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup-related international patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s complexity. Community Grants: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits, backing youth mentoring, STEM labs, and family stability programs. Infrastructure Moves: KDOT will start a culvert extension on K-4 in Rush County the week of June 15, with daylight work and up to 15-minute delays. Agriculture Pressure: USDA cut the U.S. winter wheat outlook after Plains drought impacts hard red winter wheat, with Kansas harvest underway amid poor conditions. Public Transit Funding Fight: Hays leaders and ACCESS Transportation are pushing for a task force after budget shortfalls threaten service starting July 1. Education Politics: Five GOP incumbents are stepping aside on the Kansas Board of Education, setting up contested races in August. Livestock Watch: Kansas officials urge vigilance after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in a Texas calf.

Chiefs Deal: Patrick Mahomes has signed a reworked contract that adds two years and keeps him in Kansas City through 2033, boosting total value to $504.75 million—an NFL record that resets the quarterback market. World Cup Readiness: Kansas City hospitals say they’re prepared for World Cup patients, expanding translation and staffing while warning visitors that U.S. healthcare can be confusing and costly. Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $13.7M for Kansas airport and grid resilience projects, including $10.1M in federal IIJA money matched with state and local funds. Local Transportation Budgets: Hays and Ellis County leaders are weighing funding gaps for ACCESS Transportation, with a task force proposed as costs rise and KDOT support tightens. Rural Projects: KDOT will start a K-4 culvert extension in Rush County in mid-June, with daytime delays and a fall target. Livestock Health: Kansas officials are urging vigilance after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in Texas, stressing preparedness and monitoring for symptoms. Data Center Water Debate: A proposed southwest Kansas data center faces scrutiny over projected water use, even as backers argue it would use less than current irrigation. Education Politics: Five GOP incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside, setting up contested primaries in August.

Transportation Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9 million in spring 2026 awards for nine Kansas road projects, leveraging $3.7 million in local matches for $9.6 million total aimed at safety and better connectivity. Local Transit Funding Pressure: In Hays, ACCESS Public Transportation says it will end rides July 1 unless funding gaps are closed; DSNWK cites a growing shortfall driven by KDOT cutbacks and higher fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs. Livestock Biosecurity: Kansas animal health officials are urging vigilance after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in Texas, stressing preparedness while Kansas remains at low risk. Education Politics: Five Republican incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside for 2026, setting up contested primaries in multiple districts. Rural Economic Support: Wheatland Electric’s Sharing Success Fund awarded $1,000 to Barton County Core Community to help families move from poverty toward self-sufficiency. World Cup Business Watch: Lawrence retailers saw local sales tax collections fall 4.8% year over year in May, raising questions about how much World Cup travel will actually boost brick-and-mortar sales. Construction Update: KDOT will start a K-4 culvert extension in Rush County the week of June 15, with daytime delays up to 15 minutes.

KDOT Funding Push: Gov. Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed announced $5.9 million for nine spring 2026 road projects, with $3.7 million in local matches to bring total improvements to about $9.6 million statewide. Transit Funding Pressure: Hays city leaders backed a task force after ACCESS Transportation warned it will end Sunday rides July 1 unless funding gaps are closed; the shortfall is projected to grow as KDOT cuts and costs rise. Screwworm Watch: Kansas agriculture and animal health officials urged vigilance after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in a Texas calf, stressing Kansas remains at low risk but is prepared. Local Housing Decision: Lawrence commissioners deferred a vote on selling a downtown parking lot for senior affordable housing, citing unanswered questions—especially around parking and timing for LIHTC funding. Economic Development: Ag Growth International will invest in its Clay Center plant to bring U.S. production of 4-inch corrugated farm grain bins, aiming to speed delivery to the grain belt. Community Grants: Wheatland Electric Cooperative awarded a $1,000 Sharing Success grant to Barton County Core Community to help participants move from poverty to long-term stability.

Nonprofit & Community Support: Wheatland Electric Cooperative awarded a $1,000 Sharing Success Fund grant to Barton County Core Community to expand tools, mentorship, and resources aimed at helping families move from poverty to long-term self-sufficiency. Education Politics: Five Kansas GOP incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside for 2026, setting up August primaries for 14 candidates as the GOP majority hangs in the balance. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Kansas officials are urging vigilance after a New World screwworm infestation was confirmed in a Texas calf, stressing early detection and wound monitoring while saying Kansas remains at low risk. Local Transit Funding: Hays-area ACCESS Public Transportation says it will end rides July 1 unless funding gaps are closed; operators want a task force as costs rise and state support tightens. Business Expansion: Kustom Entertainment will move the Country Stampede festival to Gilley’s in Park City for 2027, nearly doubling capacity and adding amenities. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a double homicide after a shooting at a Westport Road convenience store left one man dead and another critically injured. Tech/Policy Watch: The FCC’s anti-robocall push is drawing privacy concerns, with critics warning proposed “Know Your Customer” rules could limit anonymous calling options.

Screwworm Alert: Kansas agriculture and animal health officials are urging vigilance after USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf—Kansas says risk is low but response planning has been underway for more than a year. World Cup Watch in KC: International fans are already arriving in Kansas City despite recent headlines, and Arrowhead’s World Cup makeover is complete with FIFA branding and a blue color scheme. Local Business & Media: Cumulus Media is expanding KCMO Talk Radio into Topeka via a full-time simulcast on 102.9 FM. Restaurant Growth: Hawaiian Bros Island Grill plans eight new Louisville-area restaurants, continuing its multi-state expansion. Education Costs: Lawrence school board approved small student meal price increases for 2026-27 amid rising food and labor costs. Data Center Politics: Jackson County advanced a 180-day moratorium on data center land-use applications as officials weigh impacts. Community & Events: Russell is moving toward a downtown historic designation, with a Tuesday Q&A at City Hall.

Kansas Politics: Kansans for Life PAC is backing Senate President Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 GOP gubernatorial primary, aiming to unify pro-life voters and undercut rival Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. 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. Local Government & Services: Hays officials and ACCESS Public Transportation leaders are pushing for a task force after ACCESS says it will end Sunday rides July 1 due to a projected budget gap tied to KDOT cuts and rising operating costs. Agriculture & Health: Kansas is tracking the spread of the New World screwworm after Texas confirmed cases, raising new uncertainty for livestock expansion. Business & Community: Salina Regional Health Center received Project SEARCH–Kansas’ Yellow Brick Road Award for a 15-year partnership that has helped 157 graduates into jobs. World Cup Logistics: KC Streetcar is adding service and rider support for FIFA Fan Fest, running up to 12 streetcars plus fare-free “Streetcar Link” buses along Main Street. Energy & Tech: A new FCC filing says Globalstar plans to begin launching its C-3 satellite constellation for iPhone connectivity in early-to-mid 2027.

Local Transit Funding: Hays’ ACCESS Public Transportation says it will stop Sunday rides starting July 1, citing a projected $112,000 budget shortfall that’s expected to grow as KDOT funding cuts and costs rise; the city commission agreed to form a task force immediately to close the gap. Historic Downtown Revitalization: Russell is moving ahead with a plan to designate its downtown Main Street area as a historical district, with a June 9 Q&A at City Hall aimed at business owners and residents. Food Safety: FDA upgraded a recall tied to a Wisconsin milk-powder supplier to Class I after potential Salmonella risk, listing seven seasoning products distributed in Kansas and other states. Public Health: New diabetes data highlights gaps in recognizing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), with rising hospitalizations and the risk of delays when early symptoms are mistaken. Kansas Economy & Housing: VA reported 1,710 home loans in Kansas totaling $510.4 million in Q1 FY2026, supporting veteran homeownership through lender guarantees. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Dickinson County earned Network Kansas’ E-Community designation, adding tools like capital, coaching, and connections for local startups. Business Spotlight: Lenexa moving firm Professional Moving & Storage is leaning on referrals—claiming 80%+ of business comes from word of mouth after 25 years.

Public Health: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for the City of Goff in Nemaha County after the integrity of a water storage tank was compromised, urging residents to boil water for one minute and follow specific food and hygiene precautions until the risk is resolved. Local Sports & Community: The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs teamed up with the Urban Youth Academy for a youth sports clinic drawing more than 100 kids to learn baseball, softball, football and flag football skills. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a late-night double homicide in the Westport Road area; two men were found shot inside a QuikTrip, and both later died, with no arrests announced. Regional Infrastructure: Derby city leaders discussed growth-driven budget requests for 2027, including staffing and upgrades tied to a planned new water treatment facility expected to come online by 2027. National Security: The FBI arrested three men in Kansas City, Kansas, and California on charges tied to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, including allegations involving drone-related remarks. World Cup Build-Up (KC): KC 2026 CEO Pam Kramer discussed the challenges and opportunities of hosting six World Cup matches in Kansas City, describing it as a major logistical and economic spotlight for the metro.

Healthcare Real Estate Watch: CMS data show The Healthcare Resort of Kansas City (for-profit) was owned in Q1 2026 by Gateway Healthcare and The Ensign Group, with an overall rating of 3 and one fine/one penalty during the quarter. Energy Policy: Kansas lawmakers Dan Hawkins and Rep. Leo Delperdang urged federal regulators to protect competitive bidding for transmission projects, criticizing a southcentral Kansas line awarded to Evergy without a formal bid. Agriculture & Biosecurity: A New World screwworm case in Texas has renewed concern for livestock across the region; Kansas officials are educating ranchers and vets, stressing it’s an animal health threat, not a food safety issue. World Cup Economics in Kansas: KU Athletics says hosting Algeria’s World Cup base camp at Rock Chalk Park is expected to break even, focused on community support rather than profit. Local Services: The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City provided free veterinary care to 1,000 pets in one day, filling all appointments in under seven hours as pet-care costs strain families. Sports Business: The Brewers acquired pitcher Joel Kuhnel from the Athletics for cash amid a pitching injury wave in Milwaukee.

Affordable Pet Care: The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City says it provided free veterinary care to 1,000 pets in one day—filling all appointments in under 7 hours—aimed at keeping families from surrendering pets as vet costs rise. Public Safety & Legal Help: CrossWinds and Kansas Legal Services will host a free Expungement and Driver’s License Clinic June 25 in Strong City, with advance registration required to check eligibility. Native Housing Funding: Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka opened a $4 million Native American Housing Initiatives grant program, offering up to $500,000 per applicant across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma, with applications due July 10. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $40.5 million for 31 local bridge projects statewide, leveraging matching funds for nearly $44.5 million in total project value. Aerospace Investment in Wichita: Wichita State’s NIAR and Hexcel broke ground on a new Hexcel Applications Center to expand composite development and advanced manufacturing collaboration. Kansas Politics: Gov. Kelly endorsed Ethan Corson in the Democratic race for Kansas governor, while Kansas AG candidate Chris Mann pitched a public-safety-focused platform in Hays. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Kansas premium and diesel prices remain volatile, with several counties posting notable week-ending May 30 lows.

Privacy & Tech Policy: Kansas lawmakers are pushing guardrails on sharing license plate camera data as privacy groups warn the systems can enable long-term tracking across agencies. Public Safety & Local Funding: Kansas communities are also watching how states fund first responders, with Illinois awarding $6M in small equipment grants to fire and EMS providers. Kansas Economy & Trade: U.S. Wheat Associates signed a deal with Indonesia’s flour milling group to set minimum U.S. wheat purchase volumes through 2030, aiming to boost market access and stabilize demand. Kansas Business & Growth: A proposed solar farm in Ellis County (1,200 acres) moves forward, while Kansas continues to grapple with the broader question of how to manage data center growth. World Cup Impact in KC: Kansas City businesses are gearing up for FIFA World Cup watch parties, from audio/visual setups to food and rentals, as the metro prepares for visitor demand. Security & Courts: The DOJ announced arrests of three U.S. citizens accused of plotting to finance ISIS using a cryptocurrency scheme.

Kansas Revenue Watch: Kansas corporate income tax collections are running far behind expectations, even as total tax collections land about $704M at month’s end—6.4% above projections—highlighting a split between corporate weakness and steadier other revenue streams. Higher Ed Policy: The Kansas Board of Regents is weighing a proposal to let students earn a reduced-credit bachelor’s degree (as low as 90 hours), with employer input and concerns about rigor and outcomes still in play. Public Safety & Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-2 tornado in Riley County after Thursday storms, with officials also working to fix outdoor warning siren issues. Livestock Risk: Kansas is stepping up outreach after a New World screwworm case was detected in Texas, warning ranchers about the invasive parasite’s economic threat. Local Business & Community: Wichita is pursuing bids to host NCAA tournament rounds in 2027 and 2028, while a $2,500 grant from Wheatland Electric supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Great Bend. Security: A Leawood man was among three U.S. citizens arrested in a case alleging they funded ISIS and discussed violence targeting U.S. troops. Arts & Philanthropy: The Kemper Museum announced a $1M gift to create the Stanley J. Bushman Fund for Youth Education, expanding arts programming for local youth.

Data Centers in Kansas: De Soto residents packed a city council meeting to oppose two large data center proposals, with speakers focused on energy, water use, and local environmental impacts—while developers said they want to be good community partners. Local Housing & Downtown Revitalization: Lawrence commissioners will consider selling a downtown parking lot for under 10% of appraised value to build a 55+ apartment complex with rent controls and ground-floor retail, even as the plan would remove 74 public parking spaces. Community Development: Russell City Council heard updates on a downtown historic district push and approved an electric rate structure change, alongside plans for a new Market Square at 7th and Maple. Sports Tech: The Good Game Inc., a Kansas-based sports technology firm, announced a collegiate partnership with the University of Kansas to serve as the exclusive app for KU Athletics’ lessons, camps, and clinics. Ag & Livestock Risk: Kansas ranchers are monitoring the New World screwworm threat after a case was detected in Texas, with federal officials working on containment, surveillance, and treatment supplies. Tax Refund Delays: Thousands of Kansans report delays in state income tax refunds, which the Kansas Department of Revenue links to budget constraints and reduced temporary staffing.

Fed Watch: Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid said the central bank’s choice is between staying patient and holding rates steady or raising rates to tamp down inflation that’s crept into the “three and a half percent” range. State Appointments: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 25 appointments across Kansas boards and commissions, including roles tied to sentencing policy, services for Kansans who are deaf or hard of hearing, and the Agricultural Remediation Board. Potash Logistics: BHP secured rail agreements with CN and CPKC to move potash from its Jansen Mine to Vancouver for global export, using a dual-rail model aimed at boosting reliability as production ramps up. Kansas Infrastructure Snapshot: A national roadway-condition analysis put Kansas at 2.8% of major roads in poor condition—the best in the U.S.—while several states reported much higher shares. Local Business & Growth: Osawatomie Mayor Nick Hampson said he’s now speaking publicly about a major data center proposal, describing it as “moving forward” toward negotiations over benefits and mitigation. Sports (Kansas City): The Chiefs are reportedly hosting free-agent cornerback L’Jarius Sneed for a visit, setting up a possible reunion with a former starter. Roads & Fuel: GasBuddy reports the lowest E15 price in Leavenworth County at $3.67 per gallon for the week ending May 30.