AGP Executive Report

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.

Sports Labor Watch: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says owners’ salary cap proposal could trigger another 1994-style work stoppage, arguing the post-2003 luxury tax system isn’t fixing competitive balance. Higher Ed Policy: The Kansas Board of Regents is weighing a shift to accelerated bachelor’s degrees in three years (90 credits), aiming to cut cost and time—while experts warn employers may treat them differently by field. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $40.5M for 31 local bridge projects statewide, including Russell and Rush counties, with matching funds pushing total value near $44.5M. Local Government & Safety: Overland Park marked completion of a Southwest Boulevard “road diet” to improve safety and crossings, while Leawood launched a Safe Streets plan funded by a federal grant after a fatal e-scooter crash. Business & Growth: Kansas City-area restaurants near Sporting KC’s training facility are gearing up for World Cup traffic, staffing up for visiting fans. Tech Investment: Kansas City-based BoreDM secured private equity funding to expand its cloud platform for geotechnical data management.

Fed Watch: New Fed chair Kevin Warsh is set to dial back forward guidance, potentially making rate signals less predictable for markets and everyday borrowers, as the latest Beige Book points to consumer strain and inflation pressures tied to energy costs. Offshore Wind Fight: New York and other states sued over Trump-era offshore wind lease cancellations, arguing the payouts and oil-and-gas condition undermine grids and climate goals. Kansas Economy: The Kansas City Fed’s Ag Credit Survey says the farm downturn is now in its 12th straight quarter, with higher input costs and crop prices below breakeven squeezing working capital and boosting loan demand. Tech & Consumers: Starlink says residential and roam users can hit a 1,200 concurrent-session limit, which may drop older connections during heavy usage. Local Business: Martin City Brewing is expanding in Kansas City, opening Martin City Tavern & Terrace in the Crossroads on June 5. Education: Kansas educators and task force members are debating data and school funding tradeoffs, with paraprofessional support and classroom staffing at the center of concerns.

Kansas Transportation & Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $5.9M for KDOT cost-share projects, adding Lincoln County to the list of funded transportation improvements. Local Government & Housing: Lawrence City Commission approved a $2.1M purchase of a former printing press building for a City Hall annex, with major renovations still ahead. Health Care & Long-Term Care: Lansing Care and Rehab in Leavenworth County earned a three-star CMS rating for Q1 2026, with CMS data noting a small fine and one penalty during the quarter. Gaming & Tribal Business: Everi is deploying its Vi mobile gaming platform with Prairie Band Casino & Resort in Mayetta, expanding Class II mobile gaming beyond the casino floor. Public Safety & Business Costs: Kansas City’s Crossroads Community Improvement District is funding private security with a 0.5% sales tax collected from area businesses, aiming to reduce crime concerns in the entertainment district. Tourism & Short-Term Rentals: Ahead of Kansas City’s first World Cup match, short-term rental bookings are rising, but a property manager warns hosts shouldn’t expect a windfall as inventory has surged. Community Events: Wichita is preparing a free Global Fan Zone watch party for World Cup matches, featuring local food vendors and World Cup ticket giveaways.

Aerospace Investment: Hexcel broke ground on a new Hexcel Applications Center at Wichita State’s NIAR, aiming to speed composite materials and automated aerospace manufacturing work. Health & Regulation: Kansas-based Cingulate said the FDA declined to approve its ADHD treatment, citing manufacturing issues, though the FDA raised no safety or effectiveness concerns. Higher Ed Policy: The Kansas Board of Regents is set to vote in mid-June on letting state universities offer accelerated bachelor’s degrees with as few as 90 credit hours. Digital Infrastructure: Emporia and Lyon County are moving ahead with plans for the Flint Hills Digital Campus, a multi-phase data center and tech ecosystem pitched as a major jobs and tax-base boost. Local Business & Community: Parisi Coffee’s World Cup “Soccer Capital of America” blend sold out in 14 days; Konza United Way named Tyler Dupy its next executive director. Public Safety: A Kansas City, Kansas police shooting is under investigation by the KBI after officers fired during a reported mental health crisis. Sports Business: NFL free-agent landing predictions are driving betting-market chatter around receivers like Diggs and Tyreek Hill.

NFL Trade Shockwave: The Cleveland Browns sent two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for pass rusher Jared Verse plus a 2027 first-round pick and additional draft capital (2028 second, 2029 third), after contract changes made the move possible. Kansas City Sports Business: The Royals snapped a six-game skid with a 9-2 win over the Reds, a reminder that Kansas City’s on-field churn still drives big decisions off the field. Local Governance & Growth: In Jackson County, Kansas lawmakers discussed a proposed 120-day data center moratorium after neighbors raised concerns about transparency and accountability versus promised tax benefits; no vote was taken. Finance & Payments: A new federal push aims to expand fintech access to Federal Reserve payment services, with regulators seeking public comment on account access rules. Rail & Competition: The federal Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger request, asking for more details and public input before environmental review. Community & Health: Kansas-linked rural health policy momentum continued as lawmakers backed extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration, supporting payment model testing for cash-strapped rural hospitals.

Kansas Politics: Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog jumped into the Democratic race for governor, filing just hours before the deadline and naming Fredonia physician Jennifer Bacani McKenney as running mate, positioning himself as an outsider to a “dysfunctional Legislature.” Gubernatorial GOP Shakeup: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer dropped out of the Republican governor nomination fight after President Donald Trump endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson. FTC & Farm Inputs: Kansas corn leaders welcomed the FTC’s fertilizer pricing investigation, saying farmers are facing a “generational input crisis” as input costs surge and market concentration concerns grow. Kansas Agriculture Watch: Crop conditions get their first look in the season’s progress report, with eastern Kansas seeing some rain while animal health worries rise after a new screwworm case near the border. Health Insurance Costs: A KFF report highlights how expiring enhanced ACA premium tax credits are pushing some Kansans and other Americans toward cheaper plans that may not meet comprehensive coverage standards. Local Business & Community: United Way of Central Kansas opened ticket sales for “Keys for Change” in Great Bend, with proceeds supporting local youth and family programs. Sports Business: The Rams’ blockbuster trade for Browns star Myles Garrett sent a ripple through NFL betting and team-building plans.

Rail & Labor: Canadian Pacific Kansas City says it’s running on contingency plans after IBEW signals workers in Canada rejected contract offers and began a strike Sunday, while CPKC says service is continuing and urges binding arbitration. Local Schools Tech: Kansas City Public Schools is moving toward an “All-Apple District,” phasing out 30,000+ Windows PCs and Chromebooks for MacBook Neo devices for older students, after buying 4,500 units in the first phase. Insurance Costs: Verisk reports roof replacement costs are rising sharply even as overall claims volume fell, driven by hail volatility and older roof stock—an issue that can ripple through Kansas housing and construction. Media Business: Scripps Local Media pulled 54 stations from DIRECTV in a retransmission-rate dispute, threatening access to major sports and local programming. Kansas City Sports Business: The Chiefs restructured DE George Karlaftis’ deal to open cap space, keeping roster flexibility as WR needs and offseason trade talk swirl. MLB Trade Watch: Detroit’s Drew Anderson and Gleyber Torres are drawing trade attention as the Tigers’ postseason odds fade—something that could affect Kansas City’s AL landscape.

Kansas Politics: GOP Secretary of State Scott Schwab filed to run for governor, naming Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate—an ag-focused pairing aimed at voters frustrated by property taxes. Workforce & Training: Salina Area Technical College is getting a $50,000 scholarship donation from Larry and Stephanie Hettenbach to expand support for allied health and skilled trades programs. Health Care Funding: KDHE awarded nearly $80M to strengthen rural health care across Kansas through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, with area hospitals among the recipients. Local Business: Alternacare Home Health Services marked 30 years in Great Bend, highlighting long-term local healthcare support and workforce stability. Consumer & Safety Tech: Bosch Home Comfort Group launched the York YH9 heat pump (21 SEER2), built for cold-climate performance and faster installation with a communicating thermostat. Public Integrity: A former Scott City postmaster pleaded guilty after taking more than $57,000 from USPS payments and failing to log receipts. Sports & Community: Salina Tech also received a $50,000 gift for scholarships, while Kansas City-area sports coverage continues to drive weekend attention.

Fed Watch: Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid says “now is not the time to relax” as inflation stays above target, warning the energy shock’s impact on prices is hard to time and could keep eroding purchasing power. Rural Health Funding: KDHE awarded nearly $80M to Kansas health care organizations to strengthen rural access, including Regional Partnerships Grant Program money and Rural Emergency Hospital conversion support. Energy & Jobs: Heritage Prairie Renewable’s $2.6B wind-and-solar project in Kankakee and Livingston counties is on schedule, with construction targeted to start in June and operations later. Agriculture Legal Help: Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services (KAMS) offers free, confidential guidance for USDA-related disputes, credit and insurance issues, and rural water problems. Local Development: Hays city commissioners approved economic incentives for multiple projects, including a CDBG-backed plan to renovate a downtown building into Airbnb units. Banking/Fintech: Custodia Bank won more time to take its Federal Reserve master-account fight to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Rural Health Funding: Kansas is set to receive $79.1 million in KDHE grants under the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, including Regional Partnerships and Rural Emergency Hospital conversion/transformative capital awards aimed at keeping care accessible in rural communities. Fed Watch: Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman said it’s too early to judge how the Iran conflict will affect inflation, but warned officials may adjust if energy-driven price pressures persist. Kansas Elections: Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab filed to run for Kansas governor, naming Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate. Courts: Nine nominees have been named to fill a Douglas County district judge vacancy created by Judge Sally Pokorny’s retirement, with interviews set to begin Monday. Local Business & Retail: Grocery visits rose 1.7% year over year in Q1 2026, with Kansas among markets showing per-location visit growth above 2%. Health Care Legal Fight: Hospital groups filed lawsuits against CVS over alleged diversion of 340B drug pricing funds. World Cup Logistics: A new report highlights how the 2026 World Cup’s spread across North America will create major travel disparities for teams, with some routes far longer than others.

Fed Watch: Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid said inflation is still “too hot” to assume recent energy shocks are temporary, warning the Fed may need to get more restrictive if oil-driven price pressure persists. Markets & Tech: Wall Street extended its record run as Dell lifted forecasts, while investors kept an eye on potential U.S.-Iran developments that could affect inflation. Cattle Risk Management: Kansas State University experts highlighted how producers can use basis understanding and Livestock Risk Protection to protect profitability amid volatile cattle prices. Agriculture Legal Help: Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services (KAMS) is offering free, confidential help for USDA-related disputes, credit issues, appeals, and rural water problems via a toll-free hotline. Local Economy & Growth: Osawatomie moved forward with Project Catalyst, a 500+ megawatt data center campus, touting major tax and revenue upside while residents push back. Rural Health Funding: KDHE announced nearly $80M in grants to strengthen rural health care access across Kansas. Education/Property Dispute: A developer amended a lawsuit alleging Olathe Public Schools misused eminent domain, after the district terminated one contract and signed a new one tied to the same developer. Business Community: First Kansas Bank named Megan Martinez an Assistant VP and consumer/residential loan officer. Kansas STEM Win: Four Kansas teams placed among top performers at the 2026 World KidWind Challenge. Water Update: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for Coal Hollow Water Company after lab samples showed no bacterial contamination.

Kansas Business & Courts: A Hays contractor, Timberline Construction, is suing three people for defamation after claims tied it to a defunct remodeling firm found liable in a Kansas AG fraud case, spotlighting how local construction disputes can quickly turn into high-stakes legal fights. Rural Health Tech: Southwest Minnesota EMS is rolling out ambulance telemedicine using $9.9 million in federal funding, giving rural responders real-time access to doctors and medics. Small-Business Relief: The SBA is offering low-interest disaster loans for drought-related losses affecting Kansas counties including Cheyenne, Decatur, Norton and Rawlins, plus parts of neighboring states. Food Assistance Impact: A new report says nearly 22,000 Kansans have lost SNAP benefits since major cuts took effect, with children among the hardest hit. Local Development & Traffic: Topeka police say they’ll monitor local streets during the upcoming full I-70 closure for the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project, while downtown businesses brace for diverted traffic. Housing/Business Changes: Kansas City’s Midtown Costco is seeking approval to convert into a Costco Business Center, which would remove items like the pharmacy and food court. Community & Events: Shawnee County Parks and Rec kicks off summer with Doggie Date Night and Garden Grooves, with sponsorship support from The Trust Company of Kansas.