AGP Executive Report

Kansas Politics: Gov. Laura Kelly announced dozens of appointments across state boards and commissions, including roles tied to sentencing policy, disability access, and agricultural remediation. Public Health & Agriculture: Kansas officials say they’re monitoring after the USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in a Texas calf, with movement restrictions and outreach to veterinarians and livestock owners. Healthcare Research: Kansas leaders and a U.S. representative are pressing federal health officials over delays in NIH research funding reaching universities, warning the slowdown is hitting cancer, dementia, diabetes, and rare-disease work. Infrastructure: A new national look at road conditions highlights how much repair work remains nationwide, with funding set to face a major cliff in October 2026. Community Spotlight: In Emporia, “Ron’s Ride” for Special Olympics surpassed its $5,000 goal, raising about $5,400 ahead of the torch run to state games in Wichita.

Local Government: Harper, Kansas adopted Ordinance No. G-452 to define and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single- and two-family zones, and Ordinance No. G-451 to set monthly sewage service charges, including $22.70 for many residential and commercial users. Public Safety: A man died in an officer-involved shooting after a struggle outside the Pittsburg Public Library; the Kansas Bureau of Investigation took over and the officer was placed on administrative leave. State Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $40.5 million for 31 local bridge projects statewide, including Russell and Rush County awards. Higher Ed Policy: The Kansas Board of Regents is weighing a proposal to let universities offer bachelor’s degrees in three years (90 credits) instead of four. Behavioral Health: Douglas County leaders are exploring a “clubhouse model” for adults living with serious mental illness, aiming for a peer-driven, non-clinical support space by 2028. Politics: Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog filed to run in the Democratic primary for Kansas governor, with Dr. Jen B. McKenney as his running mate. Economy/Taxes: Kansas corporate income tax collections have fallen sharply while other revenue streams run above projections, fueling fresh debate between GOP and Democratic leaders.

War Powers: The House passed a resolution to halt U.S. military action against Iran, sending it to the Senate where a final vote is still pending. Kansas Transportation: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $40.5M for 31 local bridge projects statewide, with Jewell, Mitchell and Washington counties among recipients. Local Honor: Kansas flags will fly at half-staff Thursday for Ford County firefighter/paramedic William Cory “Liam” Price, who died in the line of duty. State Budget Watch: Kansas revenues topped projections in May, but corporate income tax collections lagged sharply while other streams ran above estimates. Health Research Funding: Kansas leaders and a U.S. representative are pressing HHS/NIH on delays in releasing federal research dollars. Education Funding Debate: Kansas educators and task force members are wrestling over data as school funding negotiations continue. Housing Pressure: Lawrence commissioners heard that the city needs more housing units to improve affordability. Crime & Courts: A Tonganoxie woman was sentenced to 15 months for stealing a dead relative’s identity to collect about $450K in benefits.

PFAS Testing Breakthrough at KU: A new University of Kansas approach, published in PLOS Water, promises faster, cheaper detection of ultra-low PFAS levels in drinking water—cutting sample prep from hours to minutes while keeping regulatory sensitivity. Kansas Land Fraud: A Washburn ag law professor says farmland title fraud is rising, targeting absentee owners with fake identities, deeds, and even forged leases. Local Government, Real Estate: Lawrence city commissioners approved buying a former printing press building for a $2.1 million City Hall annex, with major renovations still ahead. Housing Support in Douglas County: A supportive housing program for chronically homeless residents is projected to save about $108,000 in public service costs, according to a county analysis. Rural Health Funding: KDHE awarded nearly $5.5 million to PrairieLINK to strengthen rural healthcare access and coordination across multiple counties. Data Center Moratorium Update: Riley County planning officials say a six-month moratorium is meant to build criteria for data centers before applications resume. KU Football Recruiting: Offensive tackle Richie Dexter committed to Kansas, adding depth to the Jayhawks’ 2027 offensive line class.

Hospital Consolidation: A new look at why hospitals merge for survival—and what it can cost in local control and accountability. Kansas Tax & Transportation: Kansas ended May with $703.8M in tax collections, 6.4% above estimate, while Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $5.9M for nine spring 2026 cost-share projects. Health Care Fight: KU Hospital Authority sued CVS over alleged improper diversion of nearly $62M in 340B drug savings. Nuclear in Parsons: Deep Fission announced a partnership with Day & Zimmermann to build a test small nuclear reactor in Parsons. Rail Merger Pause: The federal Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and asked for more details, as Kansas and other states weigh in. Local Schools & Community: A petition drive aims to stop Logan Avenue Elementary’s closure in Emporia, and Russell is holding a June 9 meeting on a downtown historic designation. Ag & Markets: Protein-driven demand is reshaping dairy, while “beans, beef and Boeing” talk is blamed for market jitters.

Rural Health Policy: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch says the Senate unanimously passed a bill to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, letting rural hospitals test new Medicare payment models to stay financially afloat. Kansas Politics: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer ended his 2026 governor bid after Trump endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson; Masterson’s running mate is Lansing Sen. Jeff Klemp. Democratic Primary Filing: Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog filed to run for governor, joining Sen. Ethan Corson and Sen. Cindy Holscher in the Democratic field. Local Governance & Growth: Jackson County residents weighed a proposed 120-day data center moratorium while Overland Park-area officials in Gardner discussed similar limits. Environment & Public Health: Galena residents are pressing state and local officials over landfill odors they link to hydrogen sulfide and a smoldering fire, raising fears about safety and property values. Sports: Kansas baseball will host its first-ever NCAA Super Regional against Oklahoma at Hoglund Ballpark. State Budget Watch: Kansas reported May tax collections of $703.8 million, 6.4% above estimate, with corporate income tax still coming in weak.

Kansas Politics: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer ended his 2026 bid for the Republican nomination for governor after President Donald Trump backed Senate President Ty Masterson, leaving Masterson’s ticket—running mate Sen. Jeff Klemp—set ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. Kansas Elections: The filing deadline has passed, setting the stage for a crowded GOP and Democratic field across statewide races. State Finance: Kansas closed May with $703.8 million in total tax collections, 6.4% above estimate, but corporate income tax came in below projections—an ongoing warning sign for the state’s budget. Agriculture & Business: The FTC launched a fertilizer pricing investigation after Kansas farm groups pushed for action over rising input costs. Local Economy: Parsons continues to lean on its railroad identity, importing nearly 5,000 workers daily while drawing thousands to Katy Days. Health & Workforce: Wichita GED graduates celebrated second chances through a local program tied to job training. Dairy Leadership: Chelsea Good was named the next executive director for Kansas Dairy, starting June 1.

Elections & Voting Access: Kansas’ online voter registration system was down over the weekend due to a Kansas Department of Revenue outage tied to a scheduled server migration, just ahead of the June 1 noon deadline to change party affiliation—state officials say voters can still use a paper form. Agriculture & Federal Grants: A USDA cancellation of $300 million in farm grants is drawing scrutiny, with one Kansas-linked nonprofit describing terminations that hit dozens of grantees in a single week. Public Health & Ethics: The Better Business Bureau Midwest Plains announced its 2026 Torch Awards for Ethics luncheon, honoring ethical leaders and businesses across five states plus scholarships for first-generation, low-income students. Housing & Insurance: A new Verisk study finds roof replacement costs are rising even as overall claims volume falls, driven by hail volatility and aging roofs. Sports: Kansas baseball rallied to beat Arkansas 13-10 in the NCAA regional in Lawrence and advance to the super regional.

Elections & Voting Tech: Kansas’ online voter registration system is down statewide for about 24 hours due to a Department of Revenue outage, just before the June 1 noon deadline to change party affiliation; officials say voters can still meet the deadline using a paper form submitted to county election offices or the Secretary of State. State Courts: 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 courts and make judges beholden to donors. Politics & Campaigns: GOP Secretary of State Scott Schwab has filed to run for Kansas governor and named Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate, with Rahjes chairing the House Agriculture Committee. Public Safety & Weather: Storms knocked out power for more than 1,000 customers in parts of southeast Kansas, with outages reported in Cherokee, Neosho and Crawford counties. Local Business & Health: KDHE awarded nearly $80M to strengthen rural health care across Kansas, including the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program. Sports: Kansas baseball beat Arkansas 5-3 in the NCAA regional in Lawrence, setting up a chance at the regional title.

Rural Health Funding: KDHE announced nearly $80M in grants to strengthen rural health care across Kansas, including Regional Partnerships Grant Program and Rural Emergency Hospital conversion funding under the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program. Local Housing & Grants: Hays city commissioners debated a Community Development Block Grant request tied to renovating 1012 Main St. into three Airbnb-rentable units, with questions raised about the developer’s finances and the project’s impact. Kansas Politics Filings: Two candidates filed for the Kansas House District 69 race ahead of the June 1 deadline, with campaigns focused on food access, healthcare, affordability, childcare, housing, education, and economic opportunity. Voting Rights Debate: A new Kansas-focused opinion argues that tightening voting rules could backfire by harming rural and senior voters, as party coalitions shift. AG Lawsuit Watch: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach continues legal fights, including a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a federal firearm suppressor regulation. Wildlife Protection Quirk: A new Olathe truck buyer faced a delivery delay after a robin nested on a sold F-250, triggering federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act protections. Sports & Community: Kansas baseball advanced in its NCAA regional; meanwhile, Kansas college and community updates included scholarship and grant wins.

Rural Health Funding: Kansas is set to receive $79.1 million for rural care through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, with KDHE awarding grants to 39 organizations statewide to strengthen hospitals and emergency services. Kansas Elections Watch: The SAVE Act’s push for proof of citizenship to register to vote is drawing fresh scrutiny after Kansas courts struck down a similar state requirement that disenfranchised about 30,000 voters; Secretary of State Scott Schwab says he doesn’t expect the federal plan to cause the same harm. Attorney General Race: National Democrats are ramping up investment to defeat Republican Kris Kobach in 2026, setting up what’s shaping as a high-stakes rematch. State Politics: Republican Scott Schwab named Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate, leaning into rural and agriculture priorities. Local Accountability: A Douglas County district judge vacancy has attracted nine nominees, with interviews set to begin June 1. Food Assistance Impact: A new report highlights that 10,000 Kansas children lost SNAP benefits after 2024 voter inaction. Sports & Community: Kansas baseball opened its NCAA regional with a 6-3 win over Northeastern at Hoglund Ballpark.

340B Fight: Kansas’ own University of Kansas Hospital Authority is among major hospital systems suing CVS over alleged “spread pricing” that diverted about $250 million in 340B specialty drug savings from patients and providers. NCAA Spotlight: Kansas baseball opened its NCAA regional in Lawrence with a 6-3 win over Northeastern, keeping the Jayhawks on track as the No. 1 seed at Hoglund Ballpark. Rural Health Funding: KDHE announced nearly $80 million in grants to strengthen rural care statewide through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program. Data Center Pushback: Osawatomie and Alcove Development say a $1 billion, 500+ megawatt data center campus is moving forward—despite local opposition—while officials tout major projected tax revenue. Kansas Politics: Republican Scott Schwab named Rep. Ken Rahjes as his running mate, highlighting rural and agriculture priorities. Local Housing Help: A Crawford County program helped 11 families exit homelessness by covering document recovery costs and rental application barriers. Children Online Safety: Kansas AG Jay Jones joined efforts urging stronger guardrails for kids online, opposing federal bills that would limit state enforcement.

Great Lakes & Environment: Construction has started on the $1.15 billion Brandon Road Interbasin Project near Joliet, Illinois, aimed at stopping invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. Kansas Courts & Consumer Protection: A Hays contractor, Timberline Construction, is suing three people for defamation tied to claims he was linked to a defunct remodeling firm found liable in a Kansas Attorney General fraud case. Health Policy & Legal Pressure: Federal lawsuits allege CVS and its PBM affiliates concealed about $250 million in diverted 340B reimbursements from 2020 to 2025; complaints were filed in multiple states including Kansas. Kansas Economy & Agriculture: USDA forecasts Kansas wheat production down 21% from 2025, with farmers citing drought, extreme heat, and higher costs. Local Government: Lawrence city commissioners will consider buying the former Journal World printing press building for a $2.1 million city hall annex. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Topeka police say they’ll monitor local traffic as I-70 fully closes for the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project, with concerns about early congestion and accidents. Community & Civic Life: The Dole Institute at KU announced summer programming for America’s 250th anniversary, including a June 9 Kansas history event.

KU & NATO Training: KU students took part in a NATO simulation at the KU Conference Center, where they played out a cyberattack on Baltic water systems and debated whether to invoke Article 5. Teaching & Campus Recognition: KU named five faculty as 2026 Kemper Fellows for Teaching Excellence, awarding $7,500 each for student-centered innovation. Kansas Baseball & NCAA: KU is preparing to host an NCAA regional at Hoglund Ballpark, with capacity and fan experience upgrades aimed at boosting the home-field atmosphere. Public Health: Kansas lawmakers extended an emergency declaration tied to hantavirus monitoring of three exposed residents, who remain asymptomatic and in voluntary home isolation. Agriculture Under Pressure: Kansas wheat conditions are being battered by drought, freeze damage and disease, while Kansas net farm income jumped in 2025 on stronger yields, beef prices and government payments. Local Business Expansion: Dave’s Hot Chicken announced new Kansas locations, including Manhattan, plus additional openings across the state. Court & Safety: A Wichita-area man accused in a fatal shooting is set for a preliminary hearing, and a separate Caney stabbing investigation is ongoing after false claims spread online.

Education & Money: Kansas lawmakers are debating adding civics and personal finance to graduation requirements, but one recent argument says the missing piece is economics—so students understand how choices shape both public policy and personal budgets. Public Health: Kansas legislative leaders approved extending Gov. Laura Kelly’s hantavirus emergency declaration for three monitored residents through June 7, keeping them under state monitoring after exposure linked to a cruise ship outbreak. Local Governance: Douglas County commissioners delayed a decision on a new elementary/middle school truancy program after a 2-2 vote, with critics saying the nonprofit that provides related services wasn’t part of the planning. Community & Housing: Lawrence is moving toward more affordable housing in an East Lawrence neighborhood, including mixed-income projects aimed at expanding options for a range of incomes. Agriculture: Kansas lawmakers and a USDA official met at K-State to discuss agriculture’s challenges and trade opportunities for Kansas producers. Wildlife: Kansas wildlife officials reminded residents to leave fawns alone during fawning season and avoid handling them.

Higher Ed Fraud Crackdown: Barton Community College trustees approved a $253,420, five-year subscription for Voyatek’s “Application Fraud Firewall” to stop “ghost students” who steal federal aid and vanish after enrollment. Public Health Watch: Kansas lawmakers extended Gov. Laura Kelly’s hantavirus emergency for three monitored residents tied to a cruise exposure; all remain asymptomatic and in voluntary home isolation. Local Weather: An EF-1 tornado hit parts of north-central Kansas near Holton, damaging barns and grain structures with no reported injuries. State Policy: Kansas will raise the offender registration fee by $10 starting July 1 under Senate Bill 487. Consumer Safety & Energy: The Propane Marketers Association of Kansas launched the “Blue Flame Safe” campaign promoting safer propane use for homes, farms and businesses. Courts & Kids Online: Kansas and other attorneys general are backing efforts to block the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority over online child safety. Health Care Fraud: A Kansas man, HealthSplash founder Brett Blackman, was convicted in a $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme and faces up to 20 years. Community Spotlight: Emporia was named Kansas’ most walkable city, timed with the Unbound Gravel influx.