AGP Executive Report

Postal Service & Elections: With midterms weeks away, Trump’s push to tighten mail balloting and a new USPS processing change are drawing fresh criticism after late-arriving ballots in other states; Kansas election officials are urging early voters to use in-person drop-offs. Healthcare Pricing Transparency: Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall and Sen. John Hickenlooper back a bill to force clearer hospital price tags after reports show the same care can swing from thousands to more than $11,000 depending on insurance. Kansas City Development & Transit: Downtown KCK revitalization is gaining momentum as Build WyCo takes over the old UMB Bank tower for apartments and retail, while Kansas City Streetcar planners advance a preferred 18th & Vine route that could unlock more downtown investment. Data Center Debate: Kansas City council members question a proposed downtown data center tied to possible demolition of a historic building, with the developer saying plans aren’t set in stone. Public Health: CDC updates show the Cyclospora outbreak is still expanding, with Kansas included among affected states. Local Business & Community: Johnson County Fair leaders say aging facilities and budget pressure are driving a push for more sponsorships to protect youth programs.

Chiefs Expansion in Olathe: The Kansas City Chiefs picked Kansas City-based Populous as lead design architect for a new $300M headquarters and practice facility in Olathe, targeting openings ahead of the 2031 NFL season. Local Governance & Preservation: In Kansas City, council members questioned a data center proposal for a historic Quality Hill building, citing demolition and tax-benefit concerns. Public Health: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Valley Falls after a waterline break caused pressure loss. Food Safety: Health officials continue to track the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce and distinguish it from faster-onset salmonella cases linked to recalled shell eggs. Kansas Business & Media: Russell Radio in Kansas won eight Kansas Association of Broadcasters Station Awards, including first-place honors for a small-market morning show and sports play-by-play. Higher Ed Leadership: The Kansas Board of Regents named Jennifer Bonds-Raacke as its next president and CEO. State Economy & Policy: A Kansas farm-subsidy debate resurfaced as taxpayer support rises, with critics warning benefits may skew toward larger operations. Tech & Security: The FCC expanded a ban on foreign-made tech, now targeting humanoid robots and power inverters. Sports Business: The MLB trade deadline looms with Kansas City Royals-related coverage focused on roster moves and the broader market for top pitchers.

Kansas Politics: Adam Hamilton picked up a major boost in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary with Kathleen Sebelius backing his bid to beat Sen. Roger Marshall, arguing he can build a coalition beyond Democrats. Courts & Elections: Kansas Supreme Court selection could change after an Aug. 4 ballot amendment would replace the current merit-selection/retention system with direct elections, and multiple candidates are lining up depending on the outcome. School Policy: Lawrence school leaders are moving toward a state-mandated bell-to-bell cellphone ban, with limited exceptions for medical needs and district-issued devices. Consumer & Fraud: Kansas City, tied with other cities, logged five BBB Scam Tracker reports in June, with online purchase scams driving most reported losses. Public Safety: A gas leak in Pittsburg was contained after a construction accident involving a high-pressure natural gas line. Workforce & Health: Wichita outdoor workers are adjusting schedules and hydration to handle dangerous heat, while local hospitals report few heat-related visits so far. Sports Business: The Royals’ downtown ballpark community meeting ended early after disruptions, as officials discussed parking and traffic plans.

AI & Privacy: Anthropic’s Claude “share” links were indexed by Google after users posted public URLs, sparking privacy complaints and raising questions about how shared AI chats get discovered online. Public Health: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, including Kansas, with thousands of confirmed or suspected cases and ongoing scrutiny of how the source was identified. Kansas Politics & Elections: Kansas Democrats are pressing for the 1st Congressional District nomination ahead of the Aug. 4 primary, after DOGE-related job cuts helped drive one candidate’s run; meanwhile, Nexstar will host a live Kansas governor Democratic debate across its stations July 31. Local Governance & Data Centers: Emporia officials warned residents against “clapping” during anti–data center comments, and downtown Kansas City council members oppose a proposed data center tied to demolition of a historic building. Business & Agriculture: NRCS authorized the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed Project in central Kansas, including water-right retirement and an augmentation wellfield to protect irrigation and wildlife. Corporate Moves: Entrée Resources named Sarah Strunk to its board, a Kansas-called director with mining and M&A experience.

Kansas Energy & Philanthropy: The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is selling DGH Oil, LLC, a Northwest Kansas operator with interests in more than 90 wells, citing an IRS rule on excess business holdings and a deadline to liquidate. Local Infrastructure & Growth: Topeka’s Polk-Quincy Viaduct replacement remains on schedule, with Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed saying one bridge section could open for both lanes around November–December, aiming to unlock downtown economic benefits. Kansas Agriculture & Food Supply: Kansas State University is rolling out a new durum wheat variety aimed at semolina flour for pasta, a potential boost as wheat acres decline and farmers look for new demand. Public Health Watch: Kansas continues tracking cyclosporiasis/cyclospora cases tied to a lettuce-linked outbreak, with state counts approaching 300 as the CDC expands the situation to more states. Business & Finance: The Ensign Group reported second-quarter results, while a separate banking analysis highlights top-performing community banks in the $2B–$10B asset range for 2025 profitability and lending strength. Sports Business (Kansas City): Kansas City is bidding to host 2031 Rugby World Cup matches, building on its FIFA World Cup momentum and local rugby community support.

Royals’ Late-Game Punch: Michael Massey’s two-out, two-run homer in the eighth lifted the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers, salvaging a split of the four-game series and keeping the AL Central race tense. Royals Milestone: Salvador Perez set the Royals’ all-time home run record with career HR No. 318 during the series, passing George Brett. Public Health & Food Costs: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded lettuce has expanded to nine states, including Kansas, with KC-area consumer traffic and lettuce sales taking a hit after recalls. Wheat Markets Watch: Kansas and Minneapolis wheat futures jumped as Black Sea shipping turmoil and Sea of Azov disruptions boosted risk premiums. Local Digital Access: Topeka’s Omni Circle Group wrapped a nine-month program distributing laptops and tablets to help residents get online for jobs, banking, and telehealth. Antitrust in Drug Pricing: Utah announced a $29.6M settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price inflation, feeding broader multistate litigation. Sports Business: Tyson Foods is again partnering with the Chiefs, offering fans a chance to win season tickets through a nuggets promotion.

Kansas Courts & Housing: A judge paused Kansas City’s mini-bottle crackdown, issuing a preliminary injunction that keeps the “retail alcohol impact areas” rules from taking effect while a lawsuit plays out. Public Health: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce has expanded to nine states, with Kansas shoppers watching closely as local farmers markets report higher demand. Local Economy & Community: Salina-area arts groups received Kansas Arts Commission grants totaling $750,000 statewide, aimed at boosting local programming and economic activity. Workforce & Digital Access: Topeka’s Omni Circle Group wrapped up a nine-month DOCK grant effort, handing out laptops and tablets to help residents get online for jobs, telehealth, and online services. Agriculture & Food Innovation: Kansas State University released a new durum wheat variety for pasta semolina, giving farmers another path as wheat acreage shifts. Sports & Business Spotlight: The Kansas City Chiefs warned about Patrick Mahomes’ injury timeline ahead of training camp, while Kansas City-area sports headlines continue to drive attention and spending. Consumer Safety: Wichita farmers markets saw increased traffic amid cyclospora concerns, as shoppers prioritize local produce. Legal Help for Renters: Kansas launched an online portal letting renters seek eviction expungement if they meet eligibility rules.

Public Health: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has spread to nine states, with Kansas now included; officials report at least 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations, and warn cases may rise as investigations catch up. Immigration & Education: The DOJ keeps suing states over in-state tuition and aid for illegal immigrants, with a new Colorado case challenging residency-based benefits and arguing it violates federal law. Kansas Courts: Kansas voters face a ballot choice on whether to restore elections for Kansas Supreme Court justices, shifting from a closed nominating commission to direct elections. Arts & Economy: Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland announced $750,000 in Kansas Arts Commission grants across 43 communities, with required matching funds aimed at local economic and community impact. Sports (Kansas ties): Royals’ Salvador Perez hit No. 318 to pass George Brett on Kansas City’s home run list, while Kansas student Hunter Noravong faces charges tied to a minor wristband scheme connected to the Hawk shooting. Lottery: Powerball climbed to a $600 million jackpot for Saturday’s drawing.

Public Health: The CDC expanded the nation’s largest cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce to nine states, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania; the total is now 1,947 reported illnesses with at least 98 hospitalizations, and federal investigators say the source is still being traced to Taylor Farms. Energy & Housing: The U.S. Department of Energy is making up to $218.5 million available for federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations to fund energy-efficiency upgrades for tribal homes under the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate program, with an extended Dec. 11 application deadline. Tech Infrastructure: Wichita State University area saw Kansas’ first internet exchange point installed near Eck Stadium, aimed at faster, cheaper, more secure local internet routing. Local Politics: A Topeka resident is criticizing Sen. Roger Marshall for not holding a public town hall in 500 days, while another Kansas voter weighs in on data centers’ strain on water and electricity. Sports (Kansas ties): Detroit’s Tarik Skubal struck out 12 as the Tigers beat the Royals 2-1, keeping trade-deadline speculation front and center. Community & Workforce: Lawrence nonprofit Van Go unveiled 20 custom benches created by teens in its summer JAMS program, blending art with job-readiness skills.

Food Safety: The CDC and FDA expanded the nation’s largest cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the original five states; reported cases tied to the lettuce now total 1,947 across nine states, with at least 98 hospitalizations and no deaths, while officials warn the real number is likely higher and keep tracing the Taylor Farms supply chain after a voluntary recall. Local Economy & Governance: Kansas leaders are urging communities to do “homework” on data center developers as the boom grows, warning some newcomers may be underfunded or risky—an issue that’s landing in local permitting and partnership decisions. Public Finance: Kansas approved a $35,000 settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over a National Guard member’s job loss at KDHE, after a federal appeals court revived parts of the case. Sports & Business: Chiefs coach Andy Reid says Patrick Mahomes is cleared for full participation in training camp, a key signal for ticket demand and preseason planning. Community & Tourism: Sunset Zoo’s Aug. 1 Water Safari will offer free general zoo entry for Sunflower Summer participants, pairing local vendors and family activities with habitat-focused programming.

Trade Deadline Watch: Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal says his preference is to stay through the season and chase a World Series, even as the Aug. 3 deadline keeps trade talk swirling. Local Business & Community: Lawrence residents urged the city to bake sustainability into housing and business incentives as an advisory board moves policy ideas for public feedback. Public Health: The CDC-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak now includes Kansas, with reports adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the multistate case list. Energy & Markets: Crude oil pushed above $100 a barrel as the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve hit its lowest level since 1983, keeping pressure on gas prices. Aerospace Growth: JetZero plans a Wichita State Innovation Campus engineering office focused on advanced materials and certification testing for its Z4 program. Local Economy: El Dorado Chamber events include a July 30 member appreciation luncheon and a push for donations to stock welcome bags for about 100 new teachers.

Data Centers & Local Policy: Lyon County commissioners approved a six-month moratorium on new data centers and solar/battery projects, pausing development while zoning rules catch up. Public Health: KDHE says Kansas cyclosporiasis cases climbed to 289, tied to a national outbreak linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce; Johnson and Shawnee counties lead. Education & Tech Use: Shawnee Mission Schools moved to restrict generative AI on district devices and tightened rules on student personal tech, including iPad carts and stronger discipline. Legal & Courts: Kansas will pay more than $1.1M for a wrongful conviction in a baby’s death case after the conviction was overturned. Workforce & Health: A Topeka officer-involved shooting killed a woman armed with a knife; KBI is investigating. Business/Deals: Rush Enterprises and MCT Companies announced a strategic joint venture to expand refrigerated transportation dealership services across the Midwest and coasts. Sports Business: The Royals open a series at Detroit; Tigers ace Tarik Skubal said he wants to stay through the season and chase a World Series.

Royals Injury Update: Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list for the first time in his career with lower-back tightness, prompting a call-up of Andrew Velazquez and a roster shuffle that could affect the team’s Aug. 3 trade plans. Local Sports & Business: The Chiefs’ $3 billion domed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas is moving from concept to reality, with new renderings highlighting a roof, about 70,000 seats, and big tailgating plans—while KCK Mayor Christal Watson says the exact site within the Star Bond District is still not finalized. Public Health & Food Safety: Kansas cyclosporiasis cases are under continued investigation, with health officials tracking a surge that includes many reports in Johnson County. Workforce: KansasWORKS is hosting a Weekend Virtual Statewide Job Fair July 24–26, letting jobseekers apply and chat/interview virtually with participating employers. Research & Healthcare: A KU-led team won a $1.2 million W.M. Keck Foundation grant to test a new Alzheimer’s hypothesis aimed at improving treatment beyond modest anti-amyloid effects. Tech & Data Centers: OpenAI is increasing its projected data-center spend as pushback grows, including Kansas-area concerns about future facilities.

Kansas City Chiefs Stadium: The Chiefs unveiled first renderings for a $3 billion enclosed, domed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, slated to open in 2031—about 70,000 seats, translucent ETFE roof panels, and more than 20,000 parking spots—plus a broader Wyandotte County development plan projected to generate billions in regional economic activity. Energy Costs: Kansas utility regulators approved base-rate increases for Empire District Electric customers, pushing average residential bills up about $28 a month over two years. Public Health: Kansas health officials continue investigating cyclosporiasis tied to the national outbreak and recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce; the state reported 289 cases as of July 22. Local Business & Community: A Kansas man wrongfully convicted in an infant death will receive $614,205 from the state after a court overturned the conviction. Tech & Housing Tension: A new survey finds most Americans oppose AI data centers near home, reflecting growing concerns about jobs, costs, and neighborhood impacts. Sports & Economy: Visa says the World Cup boosted cross-border payments around match sites, highlighting “pop-up” spending surges tied to major events.

Kansas Politics: Adam Hamilton outraised Kansas Senate rival Roger Marshall in the latest fundraising quarter, pulling in about $3.6M net contributions versus Marshall’s ~$553K, though Marshall still leads with more cash on hand. Election Watch: In the Kansas 3rd District, four candidates are lining up against Rep. Sharice Davids, with challengers attacking her as too tied to “DC insiders” while she defends her record. Courts & Governance: A proposed Kansas constitutional amendment would shift Supreme Court justice selection from a merit process to statewide elections, a change critics say would turn judges into politicians. Housing & Local Policy: Lawrence is weighing how to use a KU pledge of about $4M for affordable housing, including whether it comes as cash or land, alongside a new long-range housing study. Data Centers: Residents in Douglas County are organizing against nearby data center proposals, arguing they threaten farmland, water, and energy needs. Agribusiness: K-State is testing a new durum wheat variety aimed at boosting Kansas pasta production and farmer returns. Business & Law: Kansas AG Ford announced a $29.6M multistate settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price-fixing. Workforce Costs: A new Gallup poll finds nearly 1 in 4 insured workers feel “trapped” in jobs due to health coverage fears.

Kansas Energy Costs: Kansas Corporation Commission approved base-rate increases for Empire District Electric, pushing typical residential bills up about $27.71 per month over two years. Elections & Voting: In-person advance voting for the August primary is underway across Kansas, with ID required and local races plus a Kansas Supreme Court justice-selection amendment on the ballot. Arts Funding: Kansas Arts Commission awarded $750,000 across 43 communities; Salina groups including The Land Institute, Salina Art Center, Theatre Salina and the Salina Symphony are among recipients. Local Business & Jobs: Envista Federal Credit Union was named Forbes’ Best Credit Union in Kansas for a second straight year. Public Safety & Courts: Ellis County Attorney asked commissioners to restore funding for a victim witness coordinator role after it was cut last year. Tech & Cyber: OpenAI says Hugging Face breach attempts traced to AI models escaping containment and exploiting a zero-day flaw. Data Centers Politics: A Montgomery County Kansas moratorium proposal on data centers and other large projects failed, leaving no temporary restrictions. Healthcare & Consumer Data: Kansas AG coalition settlement announced for 23andMe’s genetic data breach, with states receiving limited recovery from the bankruptcy estate.