AGP Executive Report

Kansas Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 communities won more than $13.7M for airport and electric grid resilience projects, including $10.1M from the federal IIJA and $3.6M in state matching funds. Public Safety Tech: Perry-Lecompton schools rolled out ZeroEyes AI gun detection, aiming to alert law enforcement with location and images within seconds. World Cup Logistics & Security: England’s World Cup gear was stolen in transit to Kansas City; two truck drivers were charged with receiving stolen property after about $18,000 in items was recovered. Healthcare Readiness: Kansas City hospitals say they’re prepared for World Cup patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s pricing and navigation. Sports Business: The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes agreed to a restructured deal adding two years and pushing total compensation past $500M through 2033. Agriculture & Risk: Kansas officials are urging vigilance after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in Texas, while wheat harvest results remain mixed across southwest Kansas. Weather Impacts: Severe storms left more than 5,000 customers without power in southeast Kansas.

Kansas Agriculture & Risk Management: Day 3 of the Kansas wheat harvest shows wide yield swings across southwest Kansas, with some producers seeing drought-hit fields near 20–25 bushels per acre while better spots push closer to 40; rain is also boosting weeds, adding pressure to harvest fast. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities secured $13.7M+ in federal and state funding for airport and energy grid resilience projects, leveraging IIJA dollars with state matching funds. Healthcare & World Cup Readiness: Kansas City hospitals say they’re prepared for international World Cup patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s complexity and costs. Public Health Watch: Kansas officials urged vigilance after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in a Texas calf, emphasizing low risk but readiness to respond if it spreads. Local Government: Russell County Commissioners meet Monday with updates spanning public works, 911, emergency management, budget requests, and economic development discussions. Sports Business: The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes agreed to a restructured contract extending through 2033, pushing total compensation past $500M.

Kansas Infrastructure Push: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities won more than $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects, including $10.1M from the federal IIJA and $3.6M in state matching funds. World Cup Watch in Kansas City: Hospitals across the metro say they’re ready for international World Cup visitors, but worry patients may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s complexity and pricing. Kansas Wheat Reality Check: Western Kansas wheat harvest results are mixed as drought cut yield potential in many areas, while recent rains are also boosting weeds in fields. Livestock Health Alert: Kansas agriculture and animal health officials are urging vigilance after New World screwworm was confirmed in a Texas calf, the first U.S. detection in decades. Local Transportation Updates: KDOT will start a culvert extension on K-4 in Rush County the week of June 15, with daylight delays and shoulder work. Community Grants: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits supporting youth, health, and financial stability. Kansas Politics: Five Republican incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside for the 2026 election, setting up open seats and potential primaries.

Kansas Wheat Harvest: Day 3 of the Kansas wheat harvest shows wide swings—some southwest fields are down to 20–25 bushels per acre after drought stress, while better spots are nearing 40; rain is helping but also boosting weeds, and producers are racing to finish. Animal Health & Agriculture: Kansas officials are on alert after USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf, urging vigilance for open wounds and the pest’s larval stage. World Cup Logistics in Kansas City: Hospitals say they’re ready for international World Cup patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system; meanwhile DoorDash and Uber are adjusting operations around stadium traffic and road closures. Local Infrastructure: KDOT will start a culvert extension on K-4 in Rush County near Bison, with daylight delays and a shoulder-work lane reduction. Nonprofit Leadership: Harvesters named Debbie Espinosa its new president and CEO, bringing decades of food-bank leadership back to Kansas City ties. Education Funding Pressure: The U.S. Department of Education issued letters to Kansas districts warning of potential enforcement action over ongoing Title IX violations. Sports Business: The Chiefs restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract, pushing total compensation past $500 million through 2033.

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.