AGP Executive Report

Education & Civil Rights: The U.S. Department of Education sent letters of impending enforcement to Olathe Public Schools, Shawnee Mission School District, and Topeka Public Schools over alleged Title IX and FERPA violations, while Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools got a “letter of impasse,” raising the stakes for possible federal funding consequences. K-12 Politics: Kansas Board of Education races are getting reshuffled as five GOP incumbents won’t seek reelection, setting up contested primaries in August for multiple seats. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a double homicide at a Westport Road convenience store; separately, Hutchinson authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting. Drugs & Courts: Multiple Kansas drug arrests followed traffic stops, including a Saline County case where an infant was possibly exposed to meth. Capital Punishment: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency for death-row inmates, arguing executions are tightly vetted. World Cup & Health: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s costs and complexity. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring transportation projects, matched by local funding.

World Cup Health Prep: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s pricing and complexity, even as teams expand translation and staffing. Local Public Safety: A Montgomery County traffic stop near Cherryvale led to the seizure of over two pounds of crystal meth and arrests of James Sims and Sherry Hester. Drug Enforcement (KC area): Jackson County deputies arrested Ashanti Hernandez after a stop for a revoked license turned up meth, ecstasy, marijuana, and paraphernalia. Capital Punishment Fight: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency to death row inmates, arguing it would override jury and court decisions. Transportation Funding: Gov. Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring 2026 road projects, leveraging $3.7M in local matches. Education Politics: Five GOP incumbents are stepping aside on the Kansas Board of Education, setting up August primaries in multiple districts. Court/Politics: A Texas judge granted a temporary injunction letting Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, escalating legal and conference fallout.

World Cup Health Prep: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for international patients, but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare system’s costs and options, so leaders are expanding translation and coordination. Kansas Politics—Death Penalty: AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency to Kansas death row inmates, arguing it would override jury and court decisions. Immigration Enforcement: A nearly $70B immigration enforcement bill narrowly passed the House and now heads to President Trump; Kansas GOP lawmakers backed it. Transportation Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring 2026 road projects, leveraging local matches for safety and connectivity. Education Elections: Five GOP incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside, setting up August primaries with open seats. Public Safety: Kansas law enforcement reported multiple drug and violent incidents, including a Hutchinson officer-involved shooting and ongoing homicide investigations in Kansas City.

Courts & Elections: A recently retired Douglas County judge is set to speak in Lawrence about Kansas courts and a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected. State Government: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9 million for nine spring 2026 transportation projects, leveraging $3.7 million in local matching funds. Education Politics: Five Republican incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are not seeking reelection in 2026, setting up contested primaries in August for multiple seats. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a double homicide after two men were shot at a Westport Road convenience store; no arrests were reported. Law Enforcement & Drugs: Shawnee County authorities arrested a Wichita woman after a traffic stop tied to a stolen vehicle and drugs; Saline County investigators say an infant was possibly exposed to meth, leading to charges against the child’s mother. College Sports: A Texas judge granted a temporary injunction allowing Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, escalating pressure on the NCAA and Big 12. World Cup & Kansas City: Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored off the bench in a 3-0 warm-up win as Kansas City prepares for World Cup matches, including Algeria on June 16.

Kansas Politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 GOP gubernatorial primary, aiming to rally pro-life voters and undercut rival Vicki Schmidt. Elections & Governance: Five GOP incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside, setting up contested Aug. primaries in three districts while Democrats run single candidates in all five. Courts & Public Safety: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to reject clemency for death row inmates, calling it an affront to jury verdicts. Sports Law: A Texas judge granted Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, sparking Big 12 backlash and broader questions about NCAA enforcement. Local Law Enforcement: KBI is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Hutchinson; Kansas City police are investigating a double homicide; and separate cases include drug charges after stops in Atchison and Jackson County. State Policy Watch: The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will meet June 18 to consider changes tied to night vision hunting and boat decal fees. World Cup in Kansas City: A World Cup mural is planned near the downtown streetcar corridor ahead of the first match at Kansas City Stadium.

Kansas Supreme Court ballot fight: A proposed constitutional amendment would change how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected—shifting from the current commission-and-governor model to direct voter elections, with a public informational meeting in Great Bend drawing attention to the stakes for judicial independence. State politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 GOP gubernatorial primary, aiming to rally pro-life voters and undercut rival Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. College sports law: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play despite an NCAA gambling ineligibility finding, setting off alarm from the NCAA and Big 12 leaders about the rule’s broader impact. Public safety—storms: Severe thunderstorms left tens of thousands without power across northeast Kansas, including Topeka and Manhattan, with restoration delayed by damage and hazards. Local crime: Sedgwick County sentenced Wichita offender Ishara Samson to 36 months in state prison plus 12 months in county jail for battery and an offender registration violation; in Salina, police investigated a meth exposure case involving an 8-month-old. Law enforcement—homicide: Kansas City detectives are investigating a double homicide after two men were found shot at a Westport Road convenience store. World Cup in Kansas City: Organizers say the regional transit plan is ready for match-week crowds, while international fans are already arriving despite recent violence headlines.

Kansas Politics: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the Aug. 4 GOP gubernatorial primary, framing the race as a pro-life choice and targeting rival Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. Courts & Elections: A Great Bend forum lays out a ballot measure that would change how Kansas Supreme Court vacancies are filled—shifting from a governor-appointed list from a nomination commission to a direct voter election. 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. Law Enforcement: KBI is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Hutchinson after a theft-related encounter escalated when a suspect allegedly regained a handgun; the officer was not injured. Education Policy: Olathe Public Schools is preparing for the state’s new cell phone ban and anti-walkout law, with plans to avoid device searches and roll out details for board approval. Local Governance: Wyandotte County officials are pushing back on claims they’re barred from oversight of the new Chiefs stadium authority, arguing their subsidy should earn a board seat. Crime & Courts: Sedgwick County DA sentenced Jared Michael Mendez to 25 years to life for aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Traffic Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol and partners launch “Operation Zero” to crack down on speeding, impaired driving, and seatbelt violations through summer.

World Cup security in Kansas City: Federal authorities say three U.S. citizens—including a Kansas man—were arrested for allegedly conspiring to provide ISIS material support, with prosecutors alleging plans to fund drones and rocket-propelled grenades aimed at U.S. servicemembers. Local law enforcement: In Jackson County, Topeka resident Ashanti Lashay Hernandez was arrested after a traffic stop led to suspected meth, ecstasy, marijuana, and paraphernalia. Wichita shooting update: Sedgwick County investigators say a suspect, Carl Weems, was booked after a shooting injured two men in North Wichita. Kansas public safety push: The Kansas Highway Patrol and partners are launching “Operation Zero,” stepping up enforcement on speeding, impaired driving, and unrestrained occupants through summer. Kansas agriculture leadership: Glenn Brunkow was named president of the Kansas Farm Bureau after Joe Newland’s resignation. Student government accountability: A Kansas university student council is facing criticism for incomplete public updates on resolutions and bylaw violations in published documents. World Cup logistics in Kansas City: Algeria’s national team arrived in the metro and is set to train in Lawrence and play at Kansas City’s Arrowhead-area stadiums.

Kansas Crime & Courts: Sedgwick County prosecutors say Jared Michael Mendez, 38, was sentenced to 25 years to life for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, plus additional concurrent time for attempted rape and criminal threat. Wichita Shooting Update: Police detained Carl Weems, 62, after a North Wichita shooting injured two men; Weems faces multiple aggravated assault and firearm charges. Public Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol and partners launch “Operation Zero” starting June 6, targeting speeding, seatbelt violations, aggressive driving, and impaired driving through summer. Counterterrorism (Kansas link): The DOJ says three U.S. men—including Bisaam Ghafoor of Leawood—were arrested for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, including talk of drone attacks. Kansas Infrastructure/Local Gov: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $40.5 million for 31 local bridge projects, plus $5.9 million for KDOT cost-share work. World Cup in Kansas City: KC 2026 CEO Pam Kramer discusses the pressure and opportunity of hosting six matches as the tournament begins June 11.

Kansas Courts & Public Safety: Sedgwick County DA says Jared Michael Mendez, 38, was sentenced to 25 years to life plus additional concurrent time after convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, attempted rape, and criminal threat. Counterterrorism: Federal prosecutors say three men were arrested in a Kansas case for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, including sending more than $2,000 in crypto tied to attacks on U.S. forces. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $40.5 million for 31 Kansas local bridge projects, with matching local funds pushing total project value near $44.5 million. Energy & Rates: Topeka-area lawmakers asked FERC to protect competitive bidding for transmission projects, criticizing a process they say handed a major southcentral Kansas line to Evergy without a formal bid. Labor & Health Care: Kansas PERB mail ballots in a KU Health System pharmacy workers union vote are being contested after additional delayed ballots arrived. Federal Policy Watch: New SNAP work rules raise concerns that uneven state enforcement could push recipients toward “laxer” jurisdictions. World Cup in Kansas City: Messi sat out Argentina’s friendly vs. Honduras with hamstring fatigue; Argentina returns to Kansas City next as the tournament approaches. Military Policy: ABC reports the Army is preparing for possible executions under a Trump order, including transfers to Terre Haute, Indiana.

Kansas Federal Courts: The U.S. Senate confirmed Great Bend attorney Jeff Kuhlman as a federal district judge, with two other Kansas nominees (KBI Director Tony Mattivi and Solicitor General Anthony Powell) still headed to the full Senate. Kansas Politics: Gov. Laura Kelly hit the campaign trail backing Ethan Corson in the Democratic governor primary, while Corson and state Sen. Cindy Holscher spar over “establishment” politics. Public Safety & Courts: A Kansas expungement and driver’s license clinic is set for June 25 in Chase County, offering free legal help for eligible cases. State Government & Health: Kansas agriculture officials are warning ranchers about a New World screwworm case found in a Texas calf, a threat to livestock herds. Federal Justice & National Policy: The Army is preparing for possible death-row executions if ordered by the president, according to an internal planning document. World Cup in Kansas City: FIFA’s security push for the 2026 tournament is described as unprecedented, with Kansas City among the host hubs.

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.