AGP Executive Report

Kansas-Czech Trade Push: Gov. Laura Kelly and Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a Statement of Mutual Cooperation with the Czech Republic aimed at boosting trade, business development, tech research, and key sectors like aerospace, agriculture/animal health/biotech, advanced manufacturing, and nanotechnologies. Criminal Justice & Work: A Johnson County expungement clinic helped nearly 80 Kansans clear minor convictions, removing a major barrier to jobs and education. Education Elections: Kansas voters picked GOP candidates for the State Board of Education, including Jim McMullen (District 3), setting up November matchups. Farm Policy Stalls: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance a farm bill version over a dispute tied to SNAP error rates and how states share nutrition costs. Rail & Grain Logistics: CPKC said it set an all-time record moving 30.66 million metric tonnes of Canadian grain in 2025-26, supported by expanded capacity and new equipment. Public Safety Mental Health: Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt opened reimbursement requests for the HERO Act pilot, designed to help first responders cover trauma-related mental health treatment. Local Business & Community: The Kansas City Symphony announced a $1 million gift for a three-year sponsorship of its Masterworks Classical Series. Fraud Watch: USAO-KS warned Kansans about rising jury duty imposter scams, urging residents not to pay fines to callers claiming to be court staff.

Kansas Health Policy: Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt launched a HERO Act pilot that lets eligible first responders seek reimbursement for PTSD, acute stress disorder, and related conditions tied to duty-related trauma, with $1 million set aside. Immigration Detention Oversight: CoreCivic sold the Leavenworth detention center to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $238.4 million, shifting ownership while local officials watch whether earlier oversight protections remain. State Politics: Kansas Democrats picked Sen. Cindy Holscher as governor nominee, setting up a November matchup with GOP Senate President Ty Masterson. Economic & Business: MGP Ingredients reported steep declines after idling two Kentucky whiskey distilleries, a sign of pressure in bourbon and brown spirits demand. Local Development: A proposed Gardner entertainment district would add a 15,000-seat indoor concert venue plus esports, hotels, housing, and education uses across 335 acres. Tech & Workforce: The Congressional App Challenge brought Kansas students (ages 9-18) into Roblox Studio to build community problem-solving programs. Sports (Kansas angle): Royals beat Twins 2-1 behind Noah Cameron and Michael Massey’s go-ahead homer; Cubs’ Kevin Gausman is set for a Kansas City debut after his Toronto trade.

Kansas Revenue: July 2026 total tax collections hit $718.9 million, 3.5% above estimate, with retail sales and use taxes leading the upside. Data Center Politics: Kansas and Michigan Democrats are leaning harder into anti–data center messaging after primary wins, while Kansas cities weigh how far citizen initiatives can go—Emporia is asking a court to decide if a proposed high-impact data center ban can even be voted on. Local Planning Fight: Kansas City’s Plan Commission rejected a plan for a 20-story data center at Quality Hill, with residents citing historic preservation and “productive use of space.” Biotech Growth in Topeka: Spore.Bio will lease lab space at Link Innovation Labs, signaling continued momentum for the city’s innovation district. Public Health & Food: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce is driving demand shifts toward local produce as consumers grow wary. Sports & Business Crossover: Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso” Season 4 spotlights Kansas City’s women’s soccer scene by featuring Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium. Markets/Policy Watch: Fed Gov. Lisa Cook reiterated she’s open to rate hikes if inflation stays too high.

Kansas Governor Race: Democrats picked Sen. Cindy Holscher as their nominee, setting up a November showdown with GOP Senate President Ty Masterson after Holscher won the Aug. 4 primary. Federal Reserve Watch: Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid said inflation still needs tighter policy, warning against assuming price spikes will fade. Health & Consumer Impact: Lilly is expanding access to retatrutide for eligible patients not in trials, while a Cyclospora outbreak has already pushed Salad and Go to close locations after bankruptcy filings. Public Health in Kansas: KDHE reported a sharp rise in cyclosporiasis cases, with the outbreak now reaching dozens of states and multiple deaths nationwide. Local Business & Community: Midco is sponsoring a free day at Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown, and Kansas City-area election coverage includes bond and sales tax questions. Sports Business: The MLB trade deadline fallout hit hard in Kansas City and beyond, while Kansas-related sports headlines also included a major Kansas governor primary and national sports media attention.

Kansas Politics: Kansas Republicans narrow a crowded governor field in Tuesday’s GOP primary, with Democrats also choosing in competitive governor and U.S. Senate races, plus a ballot fight over whether Supreme Court justices should be directly elected. Local Business & Retail: Kansas City’s Midtown Costco deal includes a compromise—pharmacy services will stay during the transition to a business center, while other amenities like the food court and optical center are set to go. Tech & Data Centers: Site selection for AI data centers is getting pushback as projects grow bigger and communities question impacts, with some jurisdictions considering moratoriums or land-use changes. Healthcare & Innovation: Wichita State created a new industry-engagement role in health innovation to build partnerships and solve real industry problems through applied learning. Sports & Economy: MLB’s trade deadline fallout keeps Kansas teams busy—Royals pitchers Stephen Kolek and Luinder Avila are set for Tommy John surgery, while Kansas City also reinstated Bobby Witt Jr. from the injured list. Agriculture Markets: CBOT grains and soybeans fell sharply as oil eased on Iran diplomacy hopes and traders tracked Midwest crop condition updates.

Kansas Business & Economy: Kansas Secured Title’s “Stuff the Bus” drive in Topeka is topping last year’s pace, with nearly 2,600 school-supply items donated this week for Topeka Public Schools as families feel higher costs. Local Government: Greenwood County commissioners approved routine business and a software change, while also tightening pay-scale procedures so new hires get commission approval before starting work. City Finance & Services: Eureka City Council moved its 2027 budget forward, setting an Aug. 24 public hearing after balancing a roughly $200,000 gap, and discussed demolition costs and trash-service bids. Business Closures: Minsky’s Pizza permanently closed its Lawrence location near 9th and Massachusetts after more than 14 years, pointing customers to other Kansas City metro stores. Courts & Consumer Protection: A Kansas roofing company faces a Feb. 23, 2027 trial in a federal copyright case brought by storm chaser Reed Timmer over alleged unlicensed use of tornado video.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Dodgers made a splash by acquiring Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, then kept moving by trading for Royals reliever Kris Bubic as the deadline closed. Kansas City Royals: Kansas City also picked up Phillies DFA reliever Nolan Hoffman in a cash-and-prospect swap, adding bullpen depth as it reshapes its roster. State Politics & Elections: Kansas voters are deciding a Supreme Court selection referendum, with heavy outside spending and “vote yes” vs. “vote no” messaging aimed at shifting how justices are chosen. Public Health: Kansas health officials reported a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with investigations continuing into the food source tied to the illness. Community Support: Wichita-area families received free “Filling the Gap” meal packs from the Kansas Food Bank as summer programs ended and school hadn’t started yet. Kansas Business/Tech: NASA selected Colorado’s Lunar Outpost to develop software for autonomous robotic swarms for moon missions, a reminder of the region’s growing space-tech push.

MLB Trade Deadline: The biggest domino is already in place: the Detroit Tigers traded two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith, reshaping contender pitching plans as Monday’s deadline hits. Kansas City & Colorado: The Royals and Rockies both stayed active in the run-up—Colorado swept Kansas City over the weekend, highlighted by Kyle Freeland’s first complete game in years in an 8-1 win at Coors Field, while Kansas City’s Lane Thomas and Bailey Falter were dealt to the Braves. Local Business & Community: Holy Rosary Credit Union in Kansas City highlighted its 80-year mission serving underserved communities, with multilingual services and member-owned banking. Tech & Growth Concerns: More than 100 Topeka-area residents pressed Compass Datacenters at an open house over unanswered questions about a proposed data center near Washburn Rural. Policy & Courts: A Kansas ballot measure on judicial selection could reshape rural school funding and campaign rules, with former lawmakers warning of major downstream impacts.

MLB Trade Deadline: The biggest dominoes fell Saturday night as the Detroit Tigers traded ace Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith, while the Royals also sent outfielder Lane Thomas to Atlanta for two minor-league arms—moves that reshape contenders’ pitching and lineup depth right before Monday’s deadline. Kansas Sports: Kansas City’s Lane Thomas is headed to the Braves, likely as a lefty-hitting platoon option in Atlanta, while the Royals continue navigating a tough stretch as they look toward the future. Food Security: The Kansas Food Bank is providing free “Filling the Gap” meals for Wichita-area kids Monday, with five breakfast and five lunch meals per child at five pickup sites from noon to 1 p.m. Rural Health Policy: U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Tina Smith introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (REH 2.0) to expand federal support for rural hospitals at risk of closure. Kansas Economy & Politics: Kansas’ data center boom is drawing fresh attention in the governor’s race, as candidates debate growth, costs and guardrails. Markets: Bond traders are signaling higher risk as Fed communication stays unclear, pushing longer-term yields higher.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Dodgers pulled off the biggest move of the deadline, acquiring Tigers ace Tarik Skubal for three prospects—Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith—giving Los Angeles a stacked rotation for a postseason push. Kansas Sports & Business: In a Royals-to-Braves deal, Kansas City traded outfielder Lane Thomas and lefty Bailey Falter to Atlanta for minor-league pitchers Lucas Braun and Carter Holton, a sign the Braves are shopping for depth as the stretch run nears. Kansas Politics: Kansas voters will decide Tuesday on a constitutional amendment that would let voters elect Supreme Court justices instead of having the governor appoint them, a shift Republicans say boosts accountability and Democrats warn could politicize the court. Energy & Industry in Kansas: Deep Fission’s underground nuclear reactor project in Parsons missed a July 4 criticality goal, but the company says it’s now focused on testing and commercialization after receiving a prototype canister for a proof-of-concept well program. Local Housing: Tenants at Kansas City’s North Lawn apartments launched a rent strike after a July 31 bargaining deadline, citing long-running habitability problems and demanding repairs and rent relief.

Kansas Tech Fight: Ottawa residents are launching a ballot petition to block a planned 300-acre Lightfield Energy development that could include data centers and a gas plant, aiming to cap power use at 25 megawatts and force a November vote if signatures clear. Local Governance & Housing: A rare bipartisan federal housing bill became law after a delayed signing process, but affordability advocates warn the changes may only help marginally without addressing household income pressures. Kansas Business & Community: Wichita’s Kansas Literacy Festival marked its 10th year, spotlighting young authors from the LEAP Program and tying literacy to entrepreneurship and publishing. Sports-Linked Economy: The MLB trade deadline is driving Kansas City and Colorado roster churn, including the Royals’ ongoing pitching-market chatter and the Rockies’ outfield squeeze as Brenton Doyle returns. Crypto Security: Bitcoin’s worst calendar month on record is starting after a Coldcard hardware-wallet exploit reportedly drained about $38.3 million from roughly 500 wallets.

Kansas Politics: President Trump urged Kansans to vote early on a call boosting GOP gubernatorial nominee Ty Masterson, part of a broader tele-rally push ahead of the Tuesday primary. Courts & Consumer Law: A federal appeals court revived parts of a lawsuit accusing Hill’s Pet Nutrition in Topeka of false advertising tied to claims about grain-free pet food health risks, keeping a major class-action alive. Public Safety Tech: A Wichita machinist sued the city to shut down its Flock license-plate reader network, arguing it amounts to warrantless dragnet surveillance under the Kansas Constitution. Health & Community: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Franklin County systems (RWD 2, RWD 3 and Princeton) after chlorine residuals fell below required levels. Local Funding: Sedgwick County and Wichita are soliciting proposals for substance-abuse projects using opioid settlement funds, focusing on stigma reduction, integrated care, overdose prevention and expanding treatment. Business & Economy: Mortgage rates hit a 2026 high, reshaping Kansas City-area homebuying expectations.

Cybersecurity & Utilities: The FBI and EPA warned that hackers have targeted water and wastewater systems in at least seven states, exploiting internet-exposed Rockwell PLCs and causing reported operational disruptions like pressure loss and flooding. Courts & Privacy: A Kansas lawsuit challenges Wichita’s license-plate reader dragnet, arguing the warrantless system turns routine driving into ongoing surveillance that violates the state constitution. Local Government & Data Centers: Emporia commissioners arrested a resident after brief applause during public comment tied to a data center fight, escalating tensions over how cities handle dissent. Disaster Aid: Gov. Laura Kelly asked FEMA for a major presidential disaster declaration for June storms, seeking hazard mitigation and public assistance for multiple counties and tribal nations. Health & Access: KU Wichita launched a rural mental health program using an online depression therapy platform, funded by a $28 million federal grant. Business & Community: Casey’s is pushing its Cash for Classrooms campaign aiming to raise $1.4M for K-12 schools; Western Cooperative Electric awarded $2,500 to STEM Harvest for a Hays severe-weather radar project. Food Safety: Kansas health agencies reported rising cyclosporiasis cases, tied to a broader outbreak linked to contaminated produce.

College Sports Sponsorships: Banks and fintechs are paying big money to put their logos on college athletes’ jerseys, with deals like JPMorganChase with Ohio State reported around $17M a year as NCAA rules allow sponsored patches. Public Health: KDHE says Kansas cyclosporiasis cases have jumped to 461, with 20 hospitalizations, tied to the national Cyclospora outbreak and Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce; case counts may rise due to reporting lag. Food & Retail Impact: Restaurants and chains are still feeling the lettuce fallout; Yum Brands says Taco Bell US same-store sales are down 2% amid customer concerns, even as sales have started to recover after removing the lettuce. State Politics: Kansas Democrats’ governor primary is roiled by fresh accusations of blackmail and bullying, threatening party unity ahead of the Aug. 4 vote. Kansas Agriculture: K-State is rolling out a new Kansas durum wheat variety aimed at boosting pasta production and giving farmers another wheat-based market option. Local Business & Growth: PureField Ingredients opened a Russell carbon capture and sequestration facility and says it plans to double ethanol output there. Sports Business: The Chiefs are mapping a $300M Olathe training HQ with Populous, with potential for a stadium and indoor sports facility.

Public Safety & Privacy: Sedgwick County and Wichita released four RFPs to spend Kansas Municipalities Fight Addiction settlement funds on stigma reduction, integrated care, overdose prevention, and expanding treatment capacity, with a pre-bid webinar Aug. 3 and proposals due Sept. 15. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: Kansas health officials say confirmed cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to 461 (20 hospitalizations) as the national outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to expand; meanwhile, Yum Brands reported Taco Bell sales down 2% quarter-to-date through July 27 but improving week-over-week. State Government & Disaster Aid: Gov. Laura Kelly asked FEMA for a major presidential disaster declaration for June 4-15 storm damage, seeking Hazard Mitigation and Public Assistance for dozens of counties and two tribal nations. Higher Education: The Kansas Board of Regents named Jennifer Bonds-Raacke as president/CEO, replacing Blake Flanders. Local Business: A Lawrence pretzel truck is moving into a brick-and-mortar storefront, aiming for a mid-November opening. Cybersecurity: Brinks Home warned customers after a ShinyHunters-linked breach threat to leak data. Sports Business: MLB’s Aug. 3 trade deadline is driving major speculation, with Tarik Skubal among the most closely watched names.

Tax Policy Shift: A new report finds states are leaning more on sales taxes while cutting income taxes more often, a move that policy groups say hits lower-income households harder. Kansas Courts & Schools: A ballot amendment to change Kansas Supreme Court selection could reshape rural communities and school funding, critics warn, by removing limits on campaign spending and political activity. Fraud Case: A Prairie Village woman pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $95,000 in Social Security benefits after her husband died, failing to report the payments were still coming. Local Media Wins: Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards highlighted Wichita State University’s KMUW and multiple Eagle Radio and Audacy wins, underscoring strong radio competition across the state. Food Safety Watch: The lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak continues to disrupt restaurant sales, with Kansas among states flagged by federal health officials. Business & Tech: Topeka officials face questions after a private meeting tied to a proposed data center, raising concerns under Kansas open-meetings rules. Sports Business Angle: The Royals shut out the Twins 4-0 as trade-deadline chatter swirls around Kansas City’s next moves.