AGP Executive Report

Kansas Politics & Government: Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, the first woman elected to the Senate from Kansas without following a husband into office, died Friday at 94. Kansas lawmakers and Kansans across the state are remembering her independent, moderate Republican style and her long public service, including a landmark 1996 health insurance law bearing her name. Public Safety: The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is probing an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Kansas, after KCKPD officers responded to a noise complaint and later shots-fired reports; a 19-year-old suspect died at the scene and no officers were injured. Economy & Daily Life: Gas prices data from GasBuddy shows Finney County’s lowest premium price at $3.83 for the week ending Aug. 15, with Kansas premium averages rising week to week. National Policy With Kansas Stakes: President Trump is again pushing a plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef for 90 days at 25% below market prices, drawing sharp criticism from cattle groups over consumer savings and impacts on U.S. ranchers.

Kansas Storm Recovery: Gov. Laura Kelly declared a disaster emergency for Wyandotte County after severe storms Aug. 18-19 left widespread damage and thousands without power; residents at R. Bernard Villas have been stuck without electricity for four days, with seniors relying on neighbors and volunteers for meals and medication protection. Data Center Fight in El Dorado: A new court ruling may let El Dorado either adopt a citizen-backed ordinance banning high-impact data centers and BESS or put it to a vote, with “Protect the Heartland” pushing commissioners to choose a path. Kansas Political Legacy: Tributes continue after the death of Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, 94, Kansas’ first woman elected to the U.S. Senate without a husband in Congress; Gov. Laura Kelly and other leaders praised her bipartisan, independent-minded record. Beef Prices and Imports: President Trump renewed a plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef tariff-free for 90 days to cut prices, drawing sharp pushback from Kansas and national cattle groups warning it could hurt ranchers and consumers long-term. AI Data Center Backlash: A nationwide protest push against AI data centers drew coordinated demonstrations across 42 states in July, fueled by concerns over power costs, water use, and local impacts.

Kansas Transportation: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $37.2 million in federal Transportation Alternatives funding for 33 projects statewide, including work in Wallace County. Healthcare Prices: A new national poll finds 88% of Americans want hospitals to publicly disclose prices before care. Kansas Politics: Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker—Kansas’ first woman in the Senate—died at 94, remembered for independent, bipartisan leadership. Rail Labor: CPKC says a months-long strike by about 300 union signal workers is over; workers return Monday and the parties move to binding arbitration. Local Housing: Organizers say tenants were forced out of an unsafe Kansas City, Kansas complex with little warning after ownership changes, raising questions about displacement and records. Gun Safety Pushback: A Winfield resident says a Kansas lawmaker dismissed her plea for gun-safety changes after she described a neighbor’s violent history. Storm Recovery: Wyandotte County is still seeking volunteers for cleanup and support after recent storms knocked out power for thousands. Food Safety: Federal officials say an alfalfa-sprout outbreak linked to Salmonella/E. coli has spread to 15 states, including Kansas.

Storm Recovery in KCK: Wyandotte County is still asking for help as cleanup drags into day three, with volunteers directed to Village Initiative (3004 N. 27th St) for small groups and to Kensington Community Center (2900 State Ave) for larger groups, plus a donation list ranging from bottled water and tarps to gloves, flashlights, and phone power banks. Power Outages: Kansas City, Kansas residents report prolonged outages and downed lines, with BPU relying on mutual-aid crews from nearby cities while street access is blocked until utility work is done. Local Housing Policy: Kansas City Documenters report the KCK planning commission reviewed zoning and special-use items and discussed how the new “By-Right Housing Development Act” will change local compliance. State Labor Watch: Kansas’s July labor report shows unemployment at 3.8% (flat from June) while nonfarm jobs tick up slightly. Data Center Debate in De Soto: Residents pushed for more transparency and safeguards as De Soto weighs new ordinances tied to data center development. Boeing Contract Fight: Boeing’s SPEEA union rejected proposed contracts and authorized a strike if talks fail. Food Safety Alert: A multi-state outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has reached Kansas among 15 states, with CDC reporting 55 cases nationwide.

Police & Courts: The family of Jose Enrique Cartagena-Chacon, shot and killed by Lenexa police in 2025, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and two officers, arguing the shooting was unjustified and that the man was asleep in his car with a pellet gun, months after prosecutors cleared the officers. Local Government & Courts: Kansas cities are suing residents to block citizen petitions that would ban large data centers, with Edgerton, El Dorado and Emporia challenging whether the petitions are legally binding. Public Safety & Recovery: Wyandotte County is still working through storm recovery after outages and debris from Aug. 19 severe weather, with 311 and BPU hotlines plus an overnight Red Cross shelter. State Consumer Protection: The Kansas Department of Insurance says it helped recover $29.2M for consumers in 2025, a 147% jump from 2024. Education: Sumner Academy in Kansas City, Kansas, is ranked #1 in the state for an eighth straight year by U.S. News, with strong college-level coursework results despite a largely economically disadvantaged student body. Workforce & Veterans: Wyakin Wheels is launching in Kansas to help veterans earn commercial driver’s licenses and move into trucking careers. Economy & Daily Life: Gas prices vary widely across counties, with multiple Kansas locations reporting some of the lowest regular and premium rates in the week ending Aug. 15.

Fentanyl Case in Topeka: A Topeka man, Courtney McGee Cannon, pleaded guilty after leaving a bag of fentanyl at a daycare restroom—then was found with distribution quantities during a later search. Public Safety & Accountability: In Chase County, a deputy lost his job after an investigation tied him to a party where underage people were cited for alcohol consumption. Local Government Watch: Edgerton is suing residents who gathered signatures to put a data center ban on the November ballot, arguing the city should decide while opponents cite health and environmental concerns. Election Administration: Sedgwick County election officials began recounts in two primary races, including a constitutional amendment vote that would have changed how Kansas Supreme Court justices are elected. Healthcare Funding Debate (Lawrence): Lawrence commissioners discussed options to stabilize a self-funded employee healthcare plan, including health savings accounts and a potential partnership with LMH Health. Federal Policy: The FCC is seeking public comment on whether E-Rate internet subsidies for schools and libraries should be reduced or ended.

U.S. Senate Race (Kansas): Democrat Rev. Adam Hamilton kicked off his general-election push in Lebanon with a “meeting in the middle” ad targeting healthcare, costs, and Washington-style politics as he prepares to face Sen. Roger Marshall. Church Accountability: The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas imposed ministerial restrictions on former Bishop Miege leader Phil Baniewicz after an independent investigation concluded he’s not suitable for roles involving minors or vulnerable adults. Courts: The Kansas Supreme Court reversed a Wyandotte County man’s convictions tied to failing to pay a mandatory $20 offender registry administrative fee, saying the statute’s strict criminal liability raised constitutional concerns. Local Governance: Emporia City Commission is set to return to in-person meetings Sept. 2, with commissioners weighing stronger rules for decorum and public comment after threats prompted virtual sessions. Public Safety: A violent felon escaped drug treatment and was recaptured in Salina after officers found him hiding in a closet; an officer was injured during the arrest. Health & Military: Fort Leavenworth held an open house at Munson Army Health Center to connect service members and families with TRICARE, enrollment, and readiness services. State Policy Watch: Kansas Supreme Court action and the Senate race both underscore how legal and political fights are shaping day-to-day life across the state.

Data Center Backlash: A new poll finds public support for AI data centers collapsing in Canada and the U.S., with 75% opposing local development amid concerns over energy, water, noise, and community pushback. Local Roads & Spending: Sedgwick County budget talks are reigniting questions about the long-stalled Northwest Expressway, with officials saying next year’s funding is missing and a new feasibility study is slipping to early next year. Housing Numbers Across Kansas: Multiple county-by-county HUD rankings show where assistance is concentrated—Sedgwick leads overall HUD-assisted units (5,436) and project-based Section 8 (1,456), while Leavenworth ranks 6th overall (965) and Shawnee jumps to 4th overall (3,306). Federal Finance Watch: Global bonds steadied after the U.S. Treasury moved to stop a bond-market rout by expanding long-duration debt buybacks. Public Safety: A Pawnee Heights student died after collapsing during football practice; an autopsy is planned. Courts: A Douglas County trial centers on a gas-station gun incident, with dueling claims of self-defense versus assault. Tech & Delivery: Amazon says drone delivery will expand to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by year-end.

Storm Response in KCK: The Unified Government warned Kansas City, Kansas residents to expect a multi-day power restoration after severe Aug. 19 storms left more than 16,000 households without electricity, urging safety around downed lines and reporting outages to BPU. Local Government & Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $24.1M for 32 road and intersection projects statewide through the City Connecting Link Improvement Program, including U.S. 56 work near Great Bend, Larned, and Lyons. Public Safety: Cowley County investigators are seeking a white Jeep driver after a hit-and-run collision on U.S. 77 and 222nd Road sent a Winfield man to the hospital. Courts & Crime: A Hays man was sentenced to 29 months in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and interference with law enforcement tied to a 2025 shooting incident. Civic Education: Kansas Boys State at K-State in Manhattan wrapped up with leadership awards announced for the 2026 session. Housing Data Watch: New HUD-assisted housing rankings show Wyandotte and Shawnee leading public housing, while Leavenworth ranks 7th in project-based Section 8 units.

Transportation Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $24.1 million for 32 Kansas intersection and road projects through the City Connecting Link Improvement Program, including local awards in Downs, Great Bend, and Larned. Local Government Tech & Privacy: Gardner police are shutting off and canceling their Flock Safety license plate camera contract amid growing scrutiny over automated license plate readers and how data can be accessed. Immigration/Detention Oversight: Leavenworth residents and city officials are reacting after CoreCivic sold the Midwest Regional Reception Center to the Department of Homeland Security for $238.4 million, with the city saying it has not had direct communication with DHS or ICE. Public Safety: Cowley County investigators are seeking the driver of a white Jeep, possibly a Wrangler, after a hit-and-run collision on U.S. 77 and 222nd Road sent a Winfield man to the hospital. Elections & Political Climate: Republicans opened a GOP Victory Center in Newton, featuring national and state party figures and sharp rhetoric aimed at key races ahead of November.

Press Freedom in Kansas: Marion County will pay $850,000 to former Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn to end her federal lawsuit over a 2023 police raid on the newspaper’s offices, a case that raised national questions about search powers and newsroom protections. State Government Tech: Kansas lawmakers canceled a $288,000 annual Indigov contract meant to help legislators manage constituent outreach after low adoption and usability complaints. Local Public Safety: Cowley County investigators seek a white Jeep after a hit-and-run injured a Winfield man; separate Winfield and Kansas City cases include a deadly family shooting investigation and a bank robbery suspect search. Civic Research: University of Kansas researchers report that media literacy and social media habits can predict trust in institutions and civic engagement. Jobs & Rural Funding: Lt. Gov. David Toland announced $250,000 in SEED grants for small Kansas communities and a statewide virtual job fair Aug. 27. Nonprofits & Community Data: New IRS-based rankings highlight top-revenue nonprofits across multiple Kansas towns, from Tonganoxie to Lake Quivira.

Press Freedom Settlement: Marion County will pay $850,000 to former reporter Phyllis Zorn to end her federal lawsuit over a 2023 police raid on the Marion County Record, with Zorn alleging the search violated constitutional protections and worsened her health. State Funding for Rural Kansas: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $37.2 million in federal Transportation Alternatives grants for 33 projects, backing safer walking/biking routes, trails, and school safety upgrades. Local Government & Equity: Lawrence’s Human Relations Commission will examine whether unhoused people face discrimination in social services tied to housing status, after city leaders reported the number sleeping outside has dropped sharply. Community Development: KCKCC opened a $67 million downtown campus for its first day of classes, preserving parts of the historic St. Mary’s Church in the new building. Public Safety: Winfield investigators say a family shooting left five victims and the suspect dead; police also reported a bank robbery in Kansas City and a hit-and-run in Cowley County. Workforce: KansasWORKS is hosting an August 27 virtual statewide job fair for jobseekers and employers.

Press Freedom Settlement: Marion County, Kansas will pay $850,000 to former Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn to end her federal lawsuit over a 2023 police raid on the paper’s offices, a case that sparked national debate over search powers and newsroom protections. Rural Economic Development: Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a new $250,000 round of Kansas SEED grants for communities under 5,000 people, with funding up to $25,000 for childcare/senior programs, libraries, food retail, and community vibrancy. Local Government & Ballots: Kansas Court of Appeals upheld dismissal of a lawsuit seeking to restore fusion voting, sending the fight to the state Supreme Court. School Safety & Surveillance: Kansas moves to ban active-shooter simulations in elementary schools and restrict them in middle school, while another report highlights how schools are using tech to monitor students’ online activity. Public Safety Incidents: Winfield investigators say a family shooting left five dead and the suspect dead; Kansas City police are searching for a bank robbery suspect; and Wyandotte County officials report a serious I-635 crash involving a parked vehicle. Energy Watch: Gas prices in parts of Kansas dipped in the week ending Aug. 8, with one McPherson County station reporting premium at $3.96.

Press Freedom Settlement: Marion, Kansas will pay $850,000 to former Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn to end her federal lawsuit over a 2023 police raid on the newspaper’s offices, which she said violated constitutional protections and triggered serious health issues. Rural Economic Development: Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new $250,000 round of Kansas SEED grants for communities of 5,000 or fewer, with up to $25,000 available for childcare/senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail, and libraries. Wildlife & Local Control: Barton County commissioners discussed two ballot questions on whether the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition can join federal litigation over Endangered Species Act “harm” rule changes, with concerns about unintended landowner impacts. Public Safety Incidents: Investigators are probing a Winfield mass shooting that killed five family members and the suspect, plus a separate Kansas City bank robbery and a Cowley County hit-and-run sending a driver to the hospital. State Politics Watch: Kansas Senate race polling shows Adam Hamilton and Sen. Roger Marshall in a tight contest, with national handicappers shifting the race toward “likely” Republican.

Press Freedom Settlement: Marion County will pay $850,000 to former Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn to end her federal lawsuit over a 2023 police raid on the newspaper’s offices, a case that drew national attention for alleged violations of constitutional protections. Public Safety—Winfield Tragedy: Kansas investigators say Ronald Williams Sr., a registered sex offender with a long criminal record, killed five family members and then himself in Winfield; authorities continue the investigation. Local Law Enforcement: Wichita police and a bomb squad responded after an unresponsive 2-year-old was found at a home tied to drug sales; 26-year-old Brandy Glover was arrested on child endangerment and drug distribution charges. Immigration Enforcement: A nanny detained by ICE for a month after arriving in Philadelphia is back out on bond while awaiting a court date, arguing she overstayed a visa but is not an illegal resident. Kansas Politics & Courts: A Kansas constitutional amendment on Supreme Court selection was rejected by voters, keeping the state’s merit-based process. State Government Funding: Lt. Gov. David Toland announced $250,000 in SEED grants for Kansas’ smallest communities, including projects for childcare, libraries, food retail, and community vibrancy.

Kansas Politics & Courts: Kansas voters rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have shifted Supreme Court selection from merit-based appointments to direct elections, a win for the current system and a check on GOP leaders. U.S. Senate Race: Political analysts say the Kansas GOP advantage in the U.S. Senate contest is narrowing to “likely” as Democrat Adam Hamilton faces incumbent Roger Marshall in November. Public Safety & Justice: A Kansas town agreed to pay $850,000 to a former reporter to end her federal lawsuit over a 2023 police raid on a weekly newspaper, raising fresh questions about press freedom. Violent Crime: KBI and Winfield police are investigating the Winfield murder-suicide that killed five family members and the suspect, who had a long criminal record and was a registered sex offender. State Government & Services: Kansas SNAP enrollment dropped sharply after new requirements took hold, with advocates citing paperwork and recertification problems. Rural Economic Development: Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new $250,000 round of SEED grants for very small Kansas communities. Consumer Protection: Kansas AG Kris Kobach warned residents about storm-chasing roofers pushing illegal Assignment of Benefits forms.