AGP Executive Report

Kansas Politics & Courts: Kansas Supreme Court judges remain chosen under the current system after voters rejected a constitutional amendment to change how justices are elected, keeping the status quo in place. Local Governance: A Douglas County Commission election story shows how partisan, single-party filing can leave some seats uncontested in the general election—shrinking voter choice and raising gridlock concerns. Housing & Legal Help: Douglas County’s Tenant Eviction Defense pilot is up and running, with attorneys helping renters at answer hearings and in advance to avoid automatic landlord wins when tenants don’t show. State Government Appointments: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 46 appointments, including regional picks to state boards and task forces. Elections Law: Senate Republicans again delayed the SAVE Act push, leaving voter ID and citizenship-proof fights to drag into September. International Trade: Kansas and the Czech Republic signed a mutual cooperation statement aimed at aerospace, agriculture/biotech, advanced manufacturing, and nanotechnologies. Public Safety: Police are investigating drug allegations after an Atchison County arrest tied to fentanyl and alprazolam possession.

Kansas Politics: Kansas voters decisively rejected a GOP push to change how Supreme Court justices are selected, keeping the state’s current merit-based system and underscoring how even Republican-leaning voters can split from party leaders. Gubernatorial GOP Primary: President Trump’s endorsements helped carry Ty Masterson to the Kansas governor nomination, along with big wins for U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall and other GOP incumbents in the Republican primary. Purple Heart Day: Gov. Laura Kelly and lawmakers proclaimed Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day and designated Kansas a Purple Heart State, honoring nearly 2,500 recipients. Education & Safety: A new Kansas law bars students from using phones, earbuds and smartwatches during the school day, while parents push for tighter limits on devices like iPads. Housing Help: Douglas County’s eviction defense pilot is now running, offering free legal help to tenants facing eviction. Online Safety: A Kansas mom whose son died after sextortion is urging the Senate to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. Tribal Land: The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is nearing a long fight to reclaim ancestral Illinois land.

Purple Heart Day in Kansas: Gov. Laura Kelly issued a proclamation marking Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day and declared Kansas a “Purple Heart State” for the first time, highlighting nearly 2,500 living recipients and the sacrifices behind the medal. KCK Firefighters sue Unified Government: The Kansas City, Kansas firefighters union filed suit alleging chronic under-staffing and restrictions on firefighters speaking at commission meetings, seeking a restraining order and arguing the issues affect safety and free speech. Head Start overhaul could hit Kansas City-area classrooms: A Trump administration proposal would cut hundreds of federal Head Start rules, with local directors warning teacher-to-child ratios could loosen and weaken standards. Kansas Supreme Court selection fight stays in the spotlight: Coverage continues around Kansas voters rejecting a push to directly elect Supreme Court justices, keeping the current selection approach in place. Kansas politics and campaigns: Reports note growing national GOP anxiety ahead of November and spotlight Kansas Democratic Senate nominee Adam Hamilton’s faith-based appeal as MAGA-aligned voters reportedly sour on Trump.

Kansas Supreme Court Amendment Rejected: Kansans voted down a constitutional change that would have shifted Supreme Court justice selection to partisan elections, keeping the current governor-and-nominating-commission system intact. Gubernatorial Primary Shakeup: State Sen. Cindy Holscher won the Democratic nomination for governor, setting up a November matchup with GOP Sen. Ty Masterson, with data centers emerging as a major campaign flashpoint. U.S. Senate Race Odds Shift: National forecasters moved Kansas’ Senate contest from “safe/solidly R” to “likely R” after a Democratic primary win by Rev. Adam Hamilton, a small rating tweak with big implications. Topeka-Area Schools Under Federal Scrutiny: The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation involving Topeka Public Schools’ transgender student policies. Local Firefighters Sue Over Staffing: Kansas City, Kansas firefighters’ union sued the Unified Government, alleging officials illegally silenced safety concerns after staffing cuts. Gun Policy Court Win: A federal judge invalidated parts of the NFA registration/transfer rules for suppressors and short-barreled rifles after the tax underpinning the scheme was eliminated. ICE Enforcement at Airports: Immigration advocates say ICE arrests surged at Philadelphia International Airport, raising concerns for travelers with valid documentation. Data Center Backlash Spreads: A new wave of community opposition and pro-industry messaging is reshaping how Kansas and other states handle AI-driven data center proposals.

Firefighters’ Free Speech Fight: The Kansas City, Kansas firefighters union (IAFF Local 64) sued the Unified Government in federal court, saying it was barred from speaking publicly about staffing and safety at public meetings. Farm Bill Stalls in Senate: Kansas Farmers Union leader Nick Levendofsky said the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move the farm bill, with SNAP cost-sharing rules driving a tight, partisan split. Immigration Detention Money Moves: CoreCivic said it expects to use proceeds from selling immigration detention centers to DHS—including Leavenworth, Kansas—to buy back stock, raising questions about contract changes. School Cellphone Rule: A new bell-to-bell cellphone ban is set to hit Kansas K-12 classrooms next week, with enforcement details still being finalized by the Lawrence school district. Local Election Watch: Dickinson County’s primary canvass is set for Aug. 14 after unofficial results showed close races, including a Supreme Court amendment vote split. Public Safety Alerts: KBI issued an endangered persons advisory for missing Yates Center woman Tava Glover, and Kingman police arrested daycare operator Tony Streight on child sex-crime allegations.

Kansas Primary Fallout: Democrats chose Cindy Holscher for governor, setting up a November matchup with GOP Senate President Ty Masterson, while Republicans and Democrats both weaponized past Laura Kelly remarks in the closing stretch. Turnout Watch: A Washburn political science professor called the Aug. 4 Kansas primary “near-tragically disappointing,” with turnout around 30.5% and unaffiliated participation near 8.5%. U.S. Senate Race: The Kansas Senate contest is now set for Roger Marshall vs. Adam Hamilton after Hamilton’s Democratic win, with Democrats betting on voter anger and a church-leader appeal. Courts & Elections: Kansas voters again rejected a constitutional amendment that would have changed how Supreme Court justices are selected, keeping the current system in place. Local Governance & Public Safety: Bonner Springs schools added AI gun-detection software to cameras using a state grant, while Leavenworth’s immigration detention oversight faces new questions after DHS bought the CoreCivic facility. State Policy: Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt launched reimbursement requests for the HERO Act to help first responders cover PTSD-related treatment.

Kansas Courts & Abortion: A Kansas judge permanently blocked multiple abortion-care restrictions, including state disclosure demands and “pill reversal” requirements deemed biologically implausible. Gun Policy: A federal judge ruled a major part of the National Firearms Act unconstitutional after Congress zeroed out the tax tied to suppressors and short-barreled guns—potentially ending related registration rules. Elections & Ballot Integrity: Kansas voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have changed how Supreme Court justices are selected, keeping the current nominating commission system; separately, Kansas election officials continued audits and reviews after ballot irregularities. Public Safety & Corrections: CoreCivic announced it sold the Leavenworth detention facility to the federal government, raising local oversight and tax questions; the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton was also sold to DHS. Consumer/Business Law: A federal appeals court revived part of a lawsuit accusing Hill’s Pet Nutrition in Topeka of false advertising tied to grain-free pet food health claims. State Politics: Gov. Laura Kelly shifted support after her preferred Democratic gubernatorial candidate lost the primary, backing Cindy Holscher for November. Local Government: Topeka Public Schools outlined how it will comply with new limits on school staff responding to students on social media.

Kansas Courts Vote: Kansans decisively rejected a GOP-backed constitutional amendment that would have changed how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected, keeping the current governor-and-commission appointment system and rejecting direct voter elections by about 61% to 39%. State Politics: The vote was framed by supporters as reducing attorney influence, while opponents warned it would inject more politics and money into the judiciary—especially around abortion and school funding. Primary Results (Southeast Kansas): In Kansas House District races, voters picked nominees for November, including District 2 (Kenneth Collins vs. Dan Muter) and other Southeast Kansas contests. Local Governance: Kansas voters also rejected the Supreme Court selection change statewide, while local primaries continued to set up November matchups across counties. Corrections & Community: A Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters raffle drew more than $72,000, with prize winners announced after the primary.

Kansas Supreme Court Amendment Rejected: Kansans voted down a GOP-backed constitutional change that would have ended the merit-based nominating commission and moved to statewide elections for Supreme Court justices, with about 64% voting “no,” a result supporters framed as protecting the court from money-and-politics pressure. Governor Race Locks In: The GOP primary produced Senate President Ty Masterson as the nominee, while Democrats chose Sen. Cindy Holscher; both will meet in November to replace term-limited Gov. Laura Kelly. U.S. Senate Matchup Set: Incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall won the Republican primary and will face Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton, who emerged from a crowded field and surged with fundraising. Abortion Provider Rules Blocked: A Johnson County judge issued a permanent injunction striking multiple Kansas abortion restrictions, including waiting and provider-information requirements, ahead of the judicial-selection amendment vote. Local Government Watch: Kansas City voters approved five ballot measures backing affordable housing, civic building repairs, East Side development funding, and major upgrades to drinking water and sewer systems. Congressional Primaries Advance: Several Kansas House races were decided in Tuesday primaries, setting November general-election matchups.

Kansas Primary Election Day: Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with photo ID required and party registration determining who can vote in candidate races; the big statewide ballot item lets all registered voters weigh in on a constitutional amendment that would change how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected. Judicial Selection & School Funding: The amendment debate is tied to past Kansas Supreme Court rulings affecting abortion rights and the school finance formula, which is set to expire in 2027—making education a major undercurrent in the governor and judicial races. Local Voting Logistics: Multiple guides point voters to the Kansas Secretary of State site for sample ballots and polling places, and note rules for returning advance mail ballots at county locations before polls close. Military Pay Boost: Rep. Derek Schmidt highlights 2027 National Defense Authorization Act provisions including a 5–7% pay raise for current service members and a new education program honoring the Greatest Generation. Data Centers in Kansas Politics: A new report finds data-center protests are drawing arrests nationwide, and Kansas governor candidates are split between moratorium-style approaches and proposals aimed at protecting ratepayers and local control. Kansas Courtroom Watch: A Kansas federal copyright case sets a Feb. 23, 2027 trial date involving storm-chaser Reed Timmer and a Wichita-area roofing company.

Kansas Primary Day: Kansans vote Tuesday, Aug. 4, with governor and a Kansas Supreme Court amendment leading the ballot; early voting was heavy in Johnson County and advance totals show tens of thousands of mail ballots already sent and returned statewide. Supreme Court Amendment Fight: The amendment would move Kansas Supreme Court selection to direct election, and both sides are spending heavily; local coverage highlights confusing ballot messaging and dark-money mailers that critics say misstate cases. Mail Ballot Deadline Pressure: Douglas County election officials urge mail-in voters to return ballots in person because processing changes can delay returns, even after a court reinstated a short grace period. Local Governance: Russell County commissioners approved a new county attorney salary and voted to let the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition participate in federal Endangered Species Act litigation. Statehouse Personnel: Gov. Laura Kelly appointed a new acting secretary for the Kansas Department of Revenue. Topeka/City Watch: Topeka Mayor Spencer Duncan says city legal staff is reviewing whether the city has standing in a nearby Shawnee County data center water-use proposal.

Kansas Supreme Court Amendment: Kansans vote Tuesday on whether to elect Supreme Court justices instead of using the current commission-and-governor appointment system, a move Republicans say will shift the court right and Democrats warn will politicize judges and invite dark money. Election 2026 Logistics: A Kansas court fight over mail ballots continues to shape what voters can expect, with guidance still evolving as the primary approaches. School Food Access: The Kansas Department of Education says all districts and many private schools are participating in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program, with updated 2026-27 income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals. Public Health & Drugs: North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley announced executive actions to curb access to unregulated kratom, citing overdoses and deaths. Antitrust: AG William Tong led a coalition of states in announcing a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Rural Federal Funding: A USDA relocation plan could risk research, trade, and aid programs if staff won’t move, according to union surveys and interviews. Local Safety: Two people were arrested after a hit-and-run crash and pursuit in Jackson County.

Judicial Elections in Kansas: Kansas voters head to the polls Tuesday on a constitutional amendment that would switch Supreme Court justices from the current appointment/merit process to direct elections—an issue supporters say boosts democracy and opponents warn will pour in partisan spending and big-money campaigns. Rural School Funding Stakes: Former Kansas lawmakers John Doll and Mary Jo Taylor argue the court-selection change could reshape rulings tied to school finance, with rural communities facing the biggest fallout. Former Governors Push Back: Former Gov. Bill Graves and Kathleen Sebelius join skepticism over the amendment, saying Kansas’ nonpartisan merit system is the “gold standard” and elected judges would invite politicization. Tribal Food Assistance Fix: Sens. Patty Murray and Catherine Cortez Masto reintroduced a bill letting eligible tribal households use both SNAP and FDPIR in the same month, aiming to cut red tape and improve food security. Local Animal Rescue: Kansas City’s REGAP says five severely malnourished greyhounds rescued from Oklahoma are now in recovery in the Kansas City area after emergency treatment for ticks, anemia, infections, and injuries. Public Safety/Crime: A Manhattan man was arrested in Riley County on allegations including aggravated assault, kidnapping, theft, and animal cruelty.

Kansas Supreme Court Election: Kansans vote Tuesday on whether to elect Supreme Court justices instead of having the governor appoint them, a conservative push aimed at shifting the court right on issues like abortion, school funding, and the death penalty. Election Logistics: Advance voting ends Monday for in-person ballots; mail ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday and returned by Friday under Kansas’ mail-ballot counting rules. Judicial Reform Debate: GOP leaders argue the current system is too insulated, while Gov. Laura Kelly warns judicial elections would make courts more partisan and vulnerable to dark money. Immigration Enforcement at Airports: A rare CHIRLA travel advisory says detentions during domestic flights are rising, including reports from Kansas and other states. Data Centers as a Kansas Policy Fight: Kansas candidates and local officials keep clashing over whether to pause new data centers, with Republicans favoring local control and Democrats pushing for broader study of impacts on the grid and water. Community & Schools: Topeka-area civic groups and Kansas City nonprofits are ramping up back-to-school support, including health fairs and mentorship programs.

Kansas Election Integrity: Wyandotte County election officials acknowledged mail-in ballots were printed with an incorrect return address, sending completed ballots back to voters instead of the election office; the Kansas Democratic Party and the KCK NAACP raised concerns about disenfranchisement ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. Democratic Primary Fight: In the Kansas governor’s race, Democratic candidates Cindy Holscher and Ethan Corson sparred over Gov. Laura Kelly’s behind-the-scenes role in the primary, including allegations of “blackmail” tied to private conversations. Judicial Reform Referendum: A Kansas constitutional amendment would let voters directly elect state Supreme Court justices, a move critics say could spark a broader national push to politicize courts. Local Back-to-School Support: Lawrence Public Schools released its 2026-27 calendar and supply info, while Kansas City, Kansas hosted a large back-to-school and health fair with free immunizations, haircuts, and supplies. Public Safety & Weather Tech: Western Cooperative Electric awarded STEM Harvest funding for a new Hays-area Doppler radar to improve severe weather detection across western Kansas. Law Enforcement Memorial: KCKPD honored Officer Jeffrey A. Young, killed after being intentionally struck by a suspect on I-70 in 1988.

Election Courts & Mail Ballots: Kansas Supreme Court declined to fast-track a challenge to the reinstated three-day grace period for mail-in ballots, keeping the Aug. 4 primary rules that count ballots postmarked by Election Day if they arrive within three days. Wyandotte County Ballot Glitch: Nearly 3,000 advance mail ballots were sent back after an address/return-envelope printing error; the KCK NAACP says it risks disenfranchisement and urges voters to use drop boxes or vote in person. KCK NAACP Pushback: NAACP leaders in Kansas City, Kansas are demanding public answers from election officials and assurances that every returned ballot will be counted. GOP Tele-Rallies: President Trump encouraged Kansans to vote early in a call promoting Republican gubernatorial candidate Ty Masterson. Kansas Supreme Court Amendment Debate: Commentary and ads are heating up around whether Supreme Court justices should be elected or appointed, with critics warning direct elections could inject more money and politics. Local Weather Safety Grant: Western Cooperative Electric awarded $2,500 to STEM Harvest for a Hays-area radar project to improve severe storm detection across western Kansas. Pet Food Lawsuit: A federal appeals court revived part of a Topeka pet food false-advertising case tied to claims about grain-free dog food risks.