AGP Executive Report

Immigration Showdown: The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill, 52-47, sending it to the House after GOP leaders beat down internal revolts over added limits to a Trump-linked payout fund. Kansas Courts: The Senate confirmed Great Bend attorney Jeff Kuhlman as a U.S. District Court judge for Kansas, 52-46, with two other Kansas nominees (KBI chief Tony Mattivi and Kansas Solicitor General Anthony Powell) still pending. Counterterrorism: Federal authorities arrested three men, including Leawood’s Bisaam Ghafoor, alleging they conspired to provide material support to ISIS, including plans to fund drones and rocket-propelled grenades aimed at U.S. service members. World Cup Security & Tech: The FAA issued drone restrictions around Arrowhead Stadium and the National WWI Museum during World Cup dates, warning violations are federal crimes. Privacy Push: Kansas lawmakers joined a broader wave of state proposals to limit sharing of license plate camera data, amid growing scrutiny of surveillance networks. Local Military Tribute: Topeka’s Museum of the Kansas National Guard hosts Heartland Salute to America 250 on June 6, featuring a Patton re-enactment and WWII display.

World Cup logistics in Kansas City: ConnectKC26 is rolling out three World Cup bus routes—Stadium Direct, Region Direct, and Airport Direct—with a downtown bus mall taking shape near 27th and Grand and free KCI-to-downtown rides for pass holders. Public safety for drones: The FBI is warning Kansas City-area drone operators that temporary flight restrictions around stadiums and fan events are in force, and flying in restricted zones is a federal crime. Kansas energy policy fight: Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Rep. Leo Delperdang urged federal energy regulators to protect competitive bidding for transmission projects, criticizing a southcentral Kansas line awarded to Evergy without a formal bid. Local law enforcement: Kansas Highway Patrol graduated 16 new troopers in Salina. Kansas courts and crime: A Wichita man who attacked two women downtown was sentenced to the maximum under Kansas law. Kansas agriculture and health: Kansas legislators backed agricultural funding priorities, while the state is also responding to a newly detected screwworm case in Texas that could threaten livestock. Topeka-area politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed GOP gubernatorial candidate Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 primary.

Federal Reserve Watch: Ahead of Kevin Warsh’s first Fed meeting, Friday’s May jobs report is set to test whether inflation concerns are now outweighing worries about hiring, with economists expecting 85,000 jobs added and unemployment holding at 4.3%. U.S. Senate & Immigration: Senate Republicans passed an immigration enforcement bill after weeks of internal fights, including efforts tied to a White House “ballroom” and disputes over an “anti-weaponization” DOJ fund. Kansas Politics: Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas was among six GOP senators who broke with Trump to block the White House ballroom plan without explicit congressional approval. Kansas City World Cup Prep: Kansas City police secured a $17 million federal grant for World Cup security, including overtime, equipment, and IT support for operations across venues. Topeka/State Infrastructure: A WIBW report flags a 68% jump in crashes on Highway 24 between Meriden and Detlor during a Shawnee County road project, raising safety concerns for drivers and workers. Local Health: Stormont Vail infectious-disease specialist says World Cup crowds in Kansas City are unlikely to trigger rare outbreaks like Ebola, but common respiratory and stomach viruses remain the bigger risk. International Spotlight (Kansas City): Algeria pulled off a surprise win over the Netherlands in a World Cup warm-up, setting the stage for Algeria’s opener against Argentina in Kansas City.

Kansas Politics & Appointments: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 25 Kansas board and commission appointments, including reappointments to the Kansas Sentencing Commission and new members across public safety, health, and disability access. Federal/State Power & Public Health: A new NPR report says many states and localities weakened public health emergency powers after COVID, leaving communities more exposed as outbreaks like Ebola and hantavirus concerns grow. Elections & Governance: A Senate vote-a-rama failed to block Trump’s planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom unless Congress approves it; six Republicans joined Democrats, including Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas. Law & Courts: Kansas AG Kris Kobach highlighted a Lyon County retail fraud sentencing tied to a new state law allowing felony charges for organized retail crime. Local Public Safety: Smithville police reopened the suspicious death investigation of Ryan Weeks, missing since 2022, and are seeking tips. Kansas Infrastructure/Travel: KDOT reminded drivers about the June 6 start of “Biking Across Kansas,” with an eight-day route across southern Kansas. World Cup in Kansas City: Multiple stories track World Cup-related ticket pricing backlash and Kansas City-area fan events, including a Zona Rosa outdoor watch party.

Local Zoning & Housing: Harper, Kansas adopted Ordinance No. G-452 to define and allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single- and two-family districts, updating height/area/use rules. Local Utilities: Harper also set new sewage service charges in Ordinance No. G-451, adjusting monthly rates and flow charges for commercial/industrial and outside-city service. Public Safety: Nashville, Kansas passed Ordinance No. 106 targeting junked, wrecked, abandoned vehicles as nuisances, authorizing removal/abatement and penalties. Kansas Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $40.5M for 31 local bridge projects, including Russell and Rush counties, with matching funds pushing total project value near $44.5M. State Politics: Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog filed to run in the Democratic primary for Kansas governor, while the Kansas Democratic Party criticized the GOP gubernatorial field after Jeff Colyer exited. KCK Schools: A Kansas City, Kansas school police deputy chief says he’s being fired after an internal affairs investigation, raising concerns about crime reporting and accountability. World Cup Watch: Kansas City-area coverage highlights preparations for Argentine fans and security planning as the 2026 tournament begins next week.

Forensic Funding Boost: The U.S. Justice Department is sending more than $700,000 to Kansas to upgrade KBI forensic testing and cut backlogs, including new toxicology equipment for opioids and novel substances. Local Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $40.5M for 31 local bridge projects statewide, with matching funds bringing total project value near $44.5M. Honor Flight (Kansas City-area): Veterans paired with high school student guardians departed for Washington, D.C., for memorial visits as part of the Honor Flight program. Emporia Data Center Fight: Residents packed the Emporia City Commission meeting to oppose the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, raising concerns about water, power, environment, noise, and transparency. Kansas Budget Watch: A new state revenue report says overall collections are above projections, but corporate income tax receipts are lagging sharply. Federal Court Case: A Tonganoxie woman was sentenced to 15 months for stealing a dead relative’s identity and collecting about $450,000 in benefits. National Security/War Powers: The House advanced a war powers resolution aimed at halting U.S. military action against Iran, sending it to the Senate.

PFAS Testing in Kansas: A new KU-linked approach published in PLOS Water could cut PFAS drinking-water testing time from hours to minutes while keeping ultra-low detection sensitivity, aiming to lower costs as stricter standards roll out. Local Government & Public Safety: Norman approved sending eight police officers to Kansas City to help with FIFA World Cup security, with federal grant funding covering personnel. Kansas Elections: Johnson County early voting sites are being reduced (18 down to 12) ahead of the August primary, drawing criticism from Democrats and Rep. Sharice Davids over access and how the decision was made. Riley County Data Centers: Riley County’s data center moratorium (started May 18) is giving planners six months to set criteria and learn from other Kansas and national approaches before regulations return. Kansas Courts: The Kansas Supreme Court is set to weigh whether rap lyrics can be used as evidence in a case. Kansas Agriculture: A Washburn ag-law professor says farmland title fraud is rising, warning absentee owners to monitor county records and watch for fake deeds and forged leases.

Kansas Revenue Watch: May 2026 tax collections landed at $703.8M, 6.4% above estimate, with individual income taxes beating projections while corporate income tax came in far under. Transportation Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring 2026 Cost Share Program projects, leveraging $3.7M in local matches for safety and connectivity upgrades. Healthcare Accountability: KU Hospital Authority sued CVS over alleged improper diversion of nearly $62M in 340B drug savings, and claims CVS ended its contract after KU sought an audit. Courts & Elections: Senate confirmed Kansas and Montana judges; meanwhile, a Kansas Supreme Court case asks whether rap lyrics can count as “evidence.” Public Safety: Kansas proclaimed June 2026 National Safety Month, spotlighting workplace injury prevention. Local Justice & Community: A Baldwin City yoga studio faces a lawsuit over alleged sexual assault during a massage; Emporia High Theatre will stage final local performances of “A Piece of My Heart” before a major festival. Rail Oversight: Federal regulators paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and asked for more details, as Kansas and other states’ attorneys general push back.

Kansas Politics: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer abruptly ends his 2026 GOP governor bid after Trump endorses Senate President Ty Masterson, leaving Masterson’s ticket as the clear Republican lane. Democratic Field: Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog files late for governor, joining Sen. Ethan Corson and Sen. Cindy Holscher in a three-way Democratic primary. Election Filing Watch: Kansas’ filing deadline is now past, setting the statewide and Douglas County slates for August primaries and November contests. Local Governance: Johnson County adjusts early voting sites ahead of the August primary, adding options in some areas while cutting others. Health & Education: Haskell Indian Nations University and the Indian Health Service sign a deal to build a new clinic on campus, expanding care and training for Native students. Rural Care Policy: The Senate unanimously advances a bill to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, aiming to help rural hospitals test payment models. World Cup Kansas City: Health experts say Kansas City’s biggest risks for visitors are the usual everyday illnesses, not rare imported diseases.

Kansas Elections Filing Deadline: The Aug. 4 primary field is taking shape after Kansas’ candidate filing deadline, with multiple House races drawing new challengers and Shawnee County Commission District 1 getting three candidates: Cooper Melvin (D), Jack Calcutt (R), and Lance Royer (D). Gubernatorial Race Shake-Up: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer ended his 2026 bid after Trump backed Senate President Ty Masterson; Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog also jumped in late for the Democratic nomination. Local Governance & Public Safety: Park City opted into extended alcohol sales during the 2026 World Cup, aiming for late-night business while keeping rules tight; Los Angeles officials meanwhile warned “bad choices could land you a red card” as World Cup safety plans roll out. Statehouse Watch: Kansas Supreme Court selection reform is back on the radar with events urging voters to keep the court above politics ahead of the Aug. 4 ballot amendment. Agriculture & Economy: Kansas ended May with $703.8M in tax collections, 6.4% above estimate, while dairy continues growing—U.S. herd is the largest since mid-1993. Health & Justice: A Salina animal shelter leadership case heads to trial after charges tied to euthanasia practices; and a federal analysis scrutinized the “Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act” introduced by Rep. Kat Cammack.

Kansas Elections: Kansas’ online voter registration system went down over the weekend due to a statewide Department of Revenue outage, just ahead of the Monday noon deadline to change party affiliation—state officials say voters can still use a paper form. Kansas Politics & Federal Pressure: A commentary says the Trump administration is pressing for state voter information and election roll access despite court setbacks and no clear voter fraud. Local Democracy Outreach: Shawnee County Democrats held a “Democracy Tailgate” to let voters meet candidates one-on-one and ask unscripted questions. World Cup in Kansas City: Lionel Messi and Argentina arrived in Kansas City as the defending champions set up their World Cup base camp in the metro. Kansas City Transit: KC bus fares resumed after six years of free rides, with details on who qualifies for free or reduced fares. CPKC Labor: Canadian Pacific Kansas City said it will keep rail operations running across Canada as signals workers strike after contract talks broke down. Media & Elections: Scripps pulled 54 local stations from DIRECTV starting Sunday night, warning the blackout could disrupt voters and major sports coverage.

Election Systems: Kansas’ online voter registration system is down statewide due to a Department of Revenue outage, hitting voters right before the June 1 noon deadline to change party affiliation; officials say paper forms are still available. Courts & Democracy: A Kansas coalition of about 70 groups is urging voters to reject an Aug. 5 constitutional amendment that would replace merit selection of Kansas Supreme Court justices with general elections, arguing it would politicize the bench. Statehouse Politics: GOP Secretary of State Scott Schwab has filed to run for Kansas governor and named Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate, setting up a high-profile race focused on property taxes. Campaign Integrity: A Kansas Reflector report says a Schmidt campaign manager left a digital trail tied to websites attacking Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hamilton over child sex abuse handling. Public Safety Tech Debate: A Kansas legislator argues for license plate reader tools to fight trafficking, while emphasizing safeguards and limits. Local Government: Mulvane Marauders donated $15,000 to area charities, continuing a decade-plus record of community giving.

Rural Health Funding: Kansas health officials say KDHE awarded nearly $80M to strengthen rural care, including RPGP and Rural Emergency Hospital conversion grants under the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, backing 39 organizations statewide. State Politics & Elections: Two candidates filed for Kansas House District 69—Miranda Bachman and Meagan Rico—as the June 1 deadline nears, while an opinion piece warns Kansas voting-law changes could backfire on Republicans by depressing turnout among rural and senior voters. Public Safety: Kansas City, Kansas police identified a homicide victim found in the roadway and took a person of interest into custody. Agriculture Legal Help: A reminder from Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services (KAMS) highlights free, confidential guidance for USDA-related disputes, appeals, credit issues, and farm foreclosures. World Cup Local Color: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup about two weeks away, Lawrence businesses are leaning into soccer fever as Kansas City prepares for host-city crowds.

Rural Health Funding: KDHE announced $79.1 million in grants across Kansas under the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, including Regional Partnerships and Rural Emergency Hospital conversion funds—aimed at keeping care accessible in rural communities. Food Assistance Fallout: A new report says more than 10,000 Kansas children lost SNAP benefits after federal changes tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” raising fresh questions about how national policy hits local families. Attorney General Race: National Democrats are ramping up investment to beat Republican Kris Kobach in 2026, setting up a likely rematch with Democrat Chris Mann and signaling the race’s national stakes. Courtroom Politics in Focus: Kansas election and courts debates continue to swirl as coverage highlights the broader fight over proof-of-citizenship voter rules and what happens when courts strike down state requirements. Local Courts: Douglas County’s judge vacancy nomination process is moving forward, with nine candidates listed to replace retired Judge Sally Pokorny. Campaign Trail: Republican Scott Schwab named Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate for governor, emphasizing rural and Western Kansas priorities.

340B Lawsuits: Kansas hospital systems, including the University of Kansas Hospital Authority, are suing CVS and related pharmacy benefit managers over alleged diversion of about $250M in 340B savings meant for low-income patients. Election Law Watch: A federal judge in New Hampshire struck down the state’s anti-voter law and ordered easier citizenship proof for registration, a reminder of how election rules can get tied up in court. Kansas SNAP Impact: Kansas Appleseed says thousands of children have lost SNAP benefits after new federal work requirements and funding changes took effect. Rural Health Funding: KDHE announced nearly $80M in grants to strengthen rural care across Kansas through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program. Kansas Politics—Campaign Trail: Scott Schwab named Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate for lieutenant governor, leaning into rural and agriculture priorities. Local Development: Osawatomie moved forward with a 500+ megawatt data center campus, pitching major tax revenue and jobs while residents raise concerns. Agriculture Help Line: KAMS highlighted free mediation and legal guidance for USDA-related farm and ranch disputes. Sports & Community: Kansas City’s World Cup consular center is taking shape for international visitors, with services appointment-only.

Kansas Politics & Courts: Kansas voters face approaching deadlines as new election rules take effect, while the Kansas Supreme Court remains a flashpoint as lawmakers push to keep it “above politics.” Food Assistance: A new report says nearly 22,000 Kansans have lost SNAP benefits since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including more than 10,000 Kansas children—raising summer hunger fears. Public Safety: A Jackson County offender is back in jail on new allegations, including multiple aggravated offender registration violations and criminal carry of a weapon by a convicted felon. Health & Pharma Oversight: Federal lawsuits allege CVS concealed diverted 340B reimbursements, with complaints filed in Kansas and other states as state attorneys general press oversight concerns. Education & Community: The Dole Institute of Politics at KU announced summer programming for America’s 250th anniversary, including public events tied to U.S. history. Local Human Interest: Lawrence adult education graduates were celebrated for resilience, with 29 earning Kansas Board of Regents diplomas via GED completion. World Cup in Kansas City: Argentina named Lionel Messi as captain for the 2026 squad; the team’s Kansas City base camp includes a local teen’s rehab at Children’s Mercy Sports Medicine Center.