AGP Executive Report

World Cup sticker shock: Fans are venting about stadium concession prices, with beer often topping $20 and some items going far higher, turning “just a game” into a major budget hit. Kansas infrastructure: KDOT says a bridge replacement project in Barton County will start around June 25 on the box bridge beneath U.S. 281 over Blood Creek drainage, with single-lane traffic and delays up to 15 minutes. NBA Draft spotlight for Kansas: Former Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is positioned as a top contender for No. 1 overall, with the Wizards’ pick set to be decided Tuesday night. Local governance and liquor licensing: Kansas City is considering ordinance changes that would require community votes for liquor-license upgrades and add neighbor notice when businesses change hands. Data center policy pause: Riley County commissioners say they’re still sorting out how to regulate data centers as a six-month moratorium nears its end in November. Public health funding: KDHE announced Chronic Disease Risk Reduction community grants for multiple Kansas counties and partners, targeting tobacco, nutrition, and physical activity. Business and jobs in Kansas: Panasonic plans to shift part of its De Soto operations toward batteries and systems for data centers and AI, with major investment slated for 2027-2029.

Data Centers & Local Planning: Dickinson County officials are starting to draft a framework for incoming data centers, weighing zoning, utility capacity, and how to handle fast-moving, confidential early development. University-Led Economic Development: Emporia State University told the Kansas Board of Regents that a potential data center could bring up to 500 full-time jobs and create tech pathways for graduates. Tourism Dollars in Kansas: Abilene’s CVB says seven local attractions will join the 2026 Kansas Sunflower Summer program, extending free admission for eligible families and boosting local tourism revenue. Kansas Business Climate (Policy/Tax): A commentary by Michael J. Hicks criticizes Indiana’s property tax approach as chaotic and harmful to local services—an argument that will resonate with Kansas business leaders watching state tax policy. World Cup as a Kansas Economy Driver: Coverage highlights how Kansas City and Lawrence are drawing international attention and spending tied to World Cup travel, food, and fan events. Sports & Local Interest: The Kansas City Royals fell 12-10 to the Cardinals on Sunday, with JJ Wetherholt driving the offense.

World Cup & Kansas City small business boost: Union Station’s “City of Entrepreneurs” marketplace is drawing World Cup crowds, with nearly 15,000 visitors in its first five days and about 100 vendors selling food and handmade goods through the tournament. Local business hit by break-in: A Topeka Italian restaurant, Chef’s Kiss Ristorante, says it was broken into again—this time with a suspect carrying out a cash register through a broken window—prompting a Sunday closure while staff recover. Data center debate in Kansas: Hutchinson and Reno County are weighing proposed data centers, with residents pushing for strict scrutiny on electricity and water use, noise, and whether incentives could shift costs to taxpayers. Education affordability update: Fort Hays State University says its 2026-27 tuition/fees will rise by less than $145 for full-time resident undergrads, keeping it the most affordable university in Kansas. Sports business angle: Kansas City-area fans are also driving World Cup attention at local bars and restaurants as the tournament rolls on.

World Cup in Kansas City: Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room turned in a record-setting 15-save shutout to earn the tiny island nation its first World Cup point, holding Ecuador to 0-0 at Arrowhead—an upset built on sheer volume of stops after a brutal opener. Climate & governance: Environmental groups are pushing back on FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s heavy private-jet travel during the expanded 48-team tournament, including stops in Kansas City, arguing the carbon impact is hard to justify. Local fan logistics: A Kansas City report says shuttle travel from the Fan Festival to Arrowhead improved after earlier transportation headaches, with officials loading buses earlier and keeping lines moving. Kansas business & research: The University of Kansas unveiled a privacy-preserving AI approach for electrocardiogram data, aiming to protect sensitive personal traits inferred from heart signals. Trade & agriculture: Kansas Wheat hosted a Nigerian flour-milling trade mission, connecting global buyers to the U.S. wheat supply chain and Kansas breeding innovation. Sports business ripple: The World Cup’s Kansas City draw is also boosting local bars and watch parties as fans pack in to follow matches.

Agriculture & Markets: A BofA Global Research note says corn’s recent selloff looks overdone after an “aggressive positioning washout,” but warns supply risks are still “deferred,” trimming 2026 upside to $5.50/bushel as fertilizer and energy prices ease and the Strait of Hormuz reopens. Sports & Kansas Business: FanDuel Predicts is pushing World Cup promos tied to Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, including a $25 bonus for Curaçao vs. Ecuador on Saturday. Public Policy & Health Costs: Medicaid spending data show Ottawa-area providers billed $3,608 for radiology procedures in 2024 (up 78.4%); Kansas City saw Procedures/Professional Services jump 62.2% to $891,054, while Overland Park’s durable medical equipment rose 22.2% to $31,481. Local Community & Entrepreneurship: NetWork Kansas’ Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is spotlighting how students can learn business skills and build hometown opportunities across Kansas. Tech & Governance: Facial recognition deployments are expanding, but guidance and public trust concerns are growing as agencies struggle with training and oversight.

World Cup momentum: The U.S. men’s national team clinched a spot in the Round of 32 and won Group D after beating Australia 2-0, setting up a July 1 knockout match in Santa Clara and leaving the Group D top spot scenarios still in play. Kansas City business boost: Kansas City barbecue restaurants say World Cup crowds have doubled sales, with Q39 reporting more than 6,000 pounds of brisket cooked at one location this week. Local governance: Lawrence school district leaders will present findings from months of community engagement, aimed at guiding future improvements for students and staff. Road funding: A county commission approved a $1 million borrowing-backed plan for fiscal 2026 road paving, including specific asphalt projects already underway. Public health rules: Excelsior Springs approved an ordinance regulating kratom sales, including a 21+ requirement and limits on youth-appeal marketing. Corporate deal: Yum Brands agreed to sell Pizza Hut for $2.7 billion, splitting the deal between LongRange Capital and Yum China.

Kansas Higher Ed: The Kansas Board of Regents approved a three-year pilot allowing public universities to offer reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees requiring as few as 90 credit hours, but only if schools prove strong employer demand and keep general education and federal aid rules intact. Tuition Pressure: Regents also set tuition increases at five of six universities, including a 4% hike at Kansas State and a 4.8% increase at KU, as schools cite rising costs and state budget cuts. Public Safety & Local Business: Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas is taking storm-disaster applications for food, repairs, utilities, housing, transportation, and lost wages. Community Watch: Kansas City, Kansas is canceling remaining “Kick It in KCK” World Cup watch parties after lower-than-expected attendance, despite a June 18 crowd of 600+. Retail/Consumer: Sleep Number filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and plans a $415M sale, blaming inflation, tariffs, and supply-chain disruptions. Sports Economy: Sporting Kansas City outlined its weekly schedule around the World Cup pause, with Kansas City Stadium hosting multiple matches and serving as a training base for national teams.

Iran Deal Backlash: Republican leaders are sharply criticizing Trump’s Iran war-ending memorandum, with Sen. Roger Wicker warning it “negotiates away” U.S. military gains and opponents questioning sanctions relief and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund. Kansas City Airport Boost: Kansas City International is rolling out World Cup live music, tastings, and multiple match watch zones for travelers. Local Business Spotlight: The Bar KC is selling World Cup pint glasses with proceeds benefiting the Midwest Innocence Project, while Prairie Village’s Argentina Empanadas says it’s selling about 10,000 empanadas a week during the tournament. Juneteenth in Wichita: Wichita-area events are set for June 19, including free admission at the Kansas African American Museum, a mural experience, and a Juneteenth parade. Short-Term Rentals Watch: In Lawrence, hosts say World Cup hype drove interest in adding properties, but bookings tied directly to the tournament appear limited so far. Health & Community Tech: WellSky reports continued behavioral health growth with new and expanded client relationships, including Oceans Healthcare. Energy/Finance: Mesa Royalty Trust says it will pay no June distribution due to costs exceeding hydrocarbon revenue. Sports Business Note: The Chiefs’ Wanya Morris is reportedly headed to the Falcons in a draft-pick trade, a reminder of how Kansas City’s roster churn keeps reshaping local sports economics.

Kansas Higher Ed: The Kansas Board of Regents approved a pilot allowing universities to propose reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees (as low as 90 credits), with extra scrutiny on employer demand and federal aid compliance. Community & Workforce: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits, backing youth mentorship, STEM labs, and family stability efforts. Local Development: Lawrence is weighing a STAR Bond proposal from developer Phil Bundy totaling about $1.3 billion, including an arena with a velodrome concept and new housing. Public Safety & Weather: Salina’s first responders handled severe storm conditions with major power damage and high call volume, including serious vehicle crashes. Agriculture Markets: USDA’s Cattle on Feed report showed on-feed numbers rising and May marketings running low, with traders watching screwworm impacts. Sports Business: Country Stampede’s Kansas City-area run ends June 25-27 at Azura Amphitheatre, with the festival moving to Park City near Wichita and expanding capacity.

Chiefs Contract & Roster Moves: Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to a restructured deal that adds two years and pushes total compensation past $500 million, keeping him under contract through 2033. NFL Personnel: Kansas City traded offensive tackle Wanya Morris to the Atlanta Falcons for a sixth-round pick swap and a seventh-round pick; the Chiefs also signed former 49ers tight end Mason Pline after the Morris deal opened a roster spot. Local Economy & Tourism: World Cup crowds are boosting Kansas City-area bars and restaurants, with some venues extending hours to 5 a.m. to keep up with demand. Community Funding: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants across Barton County, backing youth mentorship, STEM learning, and family support programs. Rural Health Watch: A new report says Kansas has 69 rural hospitals at risk of closure, with more than 700 nationwide facing the same threat. Public Safety: Kansas City, Kansas police and the FBI are investigating an armed bank robbery at a Country Club Bank branch near Parallel Parkway; a suspect vehicle was recovered and authorities are seeking tips. Energy & Tech: Kansas communities are weighing data center impacts like noise and odors as planning meetings ramp up. Business & Finance: Deep Fission priced a $40 million public stock offering ahead of Nasdaq trading, while Sleep Number filed for bankruptcy amid cost pressures and supply chain disruptions.

Education & Household Costs: Kansas Board of Regents approved tuition hikes at five of six state universities, pushing average in-state tuition and fees to about $9,700 this fall as schools balance rising costs and state budget cuts. Energy & Manufacturing: Panasonic will convert part of its De Soto EV battery plant to make batteries and components for AI data centers, with about $3 billion in investment planned for 2027-2029. Local Government Finance: Sedgwick County earned the GFOA “Triple Crown” for excellence in financial reporting, popular annual reporting and budget presentation. Agriculture: Kansas wheat harvest updates show wide yield swings tied to drought, freeze damage and residue management, while producers also track New World screwworm and market volatility. Business & Deals: Yum Brands agreed to sell Pizza Hut for $2.7 billion, splitting operations between LongRange Capital (outside mainland China) and Yum China (mainland China). Community & Health: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup-related international patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system. Nonprofits: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County organizations.

Kansas Infrastructure Grants: Gov. Laura Kelly says 18 communities landed more than $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience, including $10.1M from the federal IIJA plus state matching funds. Kansas Economy & Housing: Lawrence commissioners approved sales tax breaks for a northwest apartment project, with industrial revenue bonds tied to construction material exemptions. World Cup Logistics in Kansas City: Hospitals and the city’s emergency operations center are coordinating for international visitors, with translation support and around-the-clock monitoring for safety and weather. Pro Sports Business: The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes agreed to a restructured deal worth $504.75M through 2033, pushing total compensation past $520M with incentives. Local Sports Update: Royals starter Seth Lugo is expected to return Friday after a concussion stint; Cole Ragans remains shut down with symptoms. Food & Retail Deal: Yum Brands will sell Pizza Hut for about $2.7B, splitting global operations between LongRange Capital and Yum China. Kansas Agriculture: Wheat harvest results in southwest Kansas are mixed, with drought-hit yields and weed pressure after recent rain, while producers also watch New World screwworm and federal farm policy.

Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly says 18 Kansas communities landed more than $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects, including $10.1M from the federal IIJA plus state matching dollars. Local Government: Abilene city leaders discussed proposed stormwater drainage rate changes tied to a Kansas Municipal Utilities report. Community Grants: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits supporting youth, financial security, and STEM learning. Public Safety & Health: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup-related international patients, but want visitors to understand the U.S. healthcare system and costs. Energy & Jobs: Dickinson County planners are set to discuss data center concerns, with residents focused on power and water impacts. Severe Weather Help: Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt urged Barton County residents to contact the state Department of Insurance for storm-related claim help. Aviation: Frontier Airlines announced 38 new routes launching in July. Business Deal: Yum! Brands agreed to sell Pizza Hut for $2.7B—LongRange Capital buys most operations, while Yum China buys mainland China—signaling a major shakeup for the Wichita-born brand. Clean Energy: Boot Hill Solar (150 MW) reached commercial operation in Ford County, feeding power to Sunflower Electric under a long-term deal.

Kansas Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly says 18 Kansas communities won more than $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects, including $10.1M from the federal Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act plus state matching funds. Education Policy: A new Kansas “bell to bell” cell phone law is forcing districts like Haysville to build phone lockers, at an estimated $150,000 cost, raising concerns about unfunded mandates. Courts & Politics: Kansas voters will weigh an August amendment that would return Kansas Supreme Court justices to direct elections, reshaping the fight over issues like abortion and school funding. Tax Administration: More than 100,000 Kansans are still waiting on state tax refunds, with the Department of Revenue citing staffing and budget constraints. Business & Trade: Ford is seeking U.S. approval to keep selling a China-built Lincoln model after connected-vehicle software restrictions tighten for model year 2027. Local Economy & Community: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits, backing youth programs and financial stability efforts.

Kansas Infrastructure Grants: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities won more than $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects, including $10.1M in federal IIJA funds plus state matching dollars. Public Health & Tourism Prep: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s complexity and costs. Agriculture Watch: Kansas wheat harvest results are mixed as drought hit yields and recent rain boosted weeds; officials also urge vigilance for New World screwworm after a Texas calf case. Community Funding: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits focused on youth, healthy communities, and financial security. Safety & Compliance: Topeka-area food and lodging inspections in May found 79 of 93 establishments in compliance, while Kansas offender registration rules change July 1 with a new $10 technology fee. Sports Business: The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes agreed to a restructured deal topping $500M total compensation through 2033, and the Falcons acquired OL Wanya Morris from Kansas City.

Kansas Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities landed more than $13.7M in federal and state money for airport and energy grid resilience projects, including over $10.1M from the IIJA and matching funds through the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Kansas officials and K-State experts are urging vigilance after New World screwworm was confirmed in a Texas calf, with guidance focused on watching for wounds and protecting pets if the pest spreads. Community Grants: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits supporting youth, healthy communities, and financial security. Local Transportation Work: KDOT will start a culvert extension on K-4 in Rush County the week of June 15, with daytime delays up to 15 minutes and a fall completion target. Education Politics: Five GOP incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside for 2026, setting up contested primaries and shifting the balance on the 10-member panel. Sports Business Signal: The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes agreed to a restructured deal worth $504.75M through 2033, resetting the NFL quarterback market again.