AGP Executive Report

Higher Education Leadership: Kansas Board of Regents named Dr. Jennifer Bonds-Raacke its next president and CEO, starting Aug. 2, as the state’s public colleges brace for budget pressure and an “enrollment cliff.” Rural Water & Careers: EPA held a rural water roundtable in Hays with local leaders from Hays and Russell, focusing on funding, workforce support, and projects like the R-9 Ranch water line. Student Programs: Fort Hays State University announced a new leadership team for its Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS), naming Dr. Jonathan Granberry director and Dr. Andrea Moreland assistant director. Chiefs Growth in Olathe: The Chiefs selected Populous as lead design architect for a new $300M headquarters and training facility, targeting an opening before the 2031 season. Voting Rules: A Kansas appeals court upheld the three-day grace period for counting mail-in ballots. Community Care: O’Connell Children’s Shelter opened Elsie’s Place in Douglas County, adding wraparound services and beds for youth in mental/behavioral health crisis. Local Culture & Identity: A Wichita North End historical walk unveiled new panels highlighting Mexican immigrant history and activism in the neighborhood. Education & Pronouns: A Kansas City, Kansas teacher says she’ll keep using students’ preferred names and pronouns despite a federal probe into district gender-identity policies. Civic Tensions: An Emporia teacher was arrested after clapping during a public meeting about a controversial data center proposal.

Faith & Leadership: Kansas State’s new coach Collin Klein leans on his Christian faith, from a childhood “all in” moment to players and recruits saying scripture and church shape his program. Student Rights vs. Oversight: Kansas State Board of Education is weighing a complaint form tied to a new law restricting student walkouts—raising privacy and First Amendment concerns as August approval nears. Education Tech Rules: Lawrence Public Schools is moving to a stricter, bell-to-bell cellphone ban to comply with state law, with limited exceptions for IEP/504 needs and medical necessity. Immigration & College Access: The Trump administration is pressing courts and states over in-state tuition for undocumented students, with Kansas named among states facing similar challenges. Transgender Policy Clash: DOJ threatens to sue Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools over transgender student guidelines, citing FERPA noncompliance. Politics & Elections: Kansas Democrats are lining up for federal races, including Adam Hamilton’s push for GOP and independent voters, while a proposed Kansas Supreme Court selection amendment would shift the system toward direct elections. Lifestyle & Weather: Extreme heat is disrupting travel and local life, while Kansas City urban farms are racing to harvest tomatoes and protect workers during sweltering conditions.

Community & Health: The American Red Cross says the national blood shortage is now critical, with type O especially tight, and urges Kansans to donate ASAP. Civic Life: Sedgwick County opens satellite early in-person voting sites starting July 28, with multiple church and library locations across Wichita, Derby, Bel Aire, and Haysville. Food as Medicine: A study from the Navajo Nation finds medically tailored meals using traditional Diné foods cut heart-failure ER visits and hospitalizations. Local Sports & Pride: Derby’s Panther football program is in its final offseason push, tracking athletes from eighth grade through senior year. Education & Culture: A Kansas teacher was arrested for clapping during a public meeting tied to anti–data center activism, raising fresh questions about protest rules. Faith & Community Support: Hope Methodist Church welcomes new pastor Ian Beevers, and local churches continue pantry and outreach work. Lifestyle & Learning: Extension shares how to spot and manage brown patch in tall fescue during hot, humid weather. Arts: A Kansas City metro dance showcase, “The Collective Pulse,” spotlights community connection through standalone dance.

Local Sports & Pride: Salvador Perez made Royals history, passing George Brett for the franchise’s all-time home run lead with his 318th homer, and Kansas City celebrated the milestone with messages from Brett and Patrick Mahomes. Community & Culture: The KC Fringe Festival is spotlighting boundary-pushing acts across the metro, giving audiences a chance to catch artists before they “become famous.” Faith & Community Life: Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, is marking 140 years with a monthlong anniversary celebration in August focused on reflecting, celebrating, and envisioning the future. Family & Mental Health: A Lawrence teen’s tough year of trauma and bullying ended with a dream gift from Dream Factory, turning support into a real-life reset. Kansas Agriculture: Kansas State University is rolling out a new durum wheat variety aimed at boosting the pasta market—potentially helping farmers diversify as wheat acres keep shrinking. Public Safety & History: Topeka’s Shawnee County Historical Society hosted a Civil War cannon demonstration at the Ritchie House, bringing local history to life for families. Immigration & Courts: A Mexican national in the Kansas City area was sentenced to federal prison for helping stage armed robberies so immigrants could fraudulently apply for U-visas.

Kansas Education & Tech: Emporia Public Schools is rolling out a stricter bell-to-bell cell phone rule for 2026-27, requiring devices to be powered off and stored during the school day, with limited exceptions for IEP/504 and medical needs. Community & Faith: Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas is gearing up for a monthlong 140th anniversary celebration in August, highlighting decades of worship, education, and outreach under Rev. Dr. Ricky D. Turner. Health & Safety: The CDC expanded its cyclospora investigation tied to shredded lettuce, now linking the outbreak to Kansas plus several other states, with nearly 2,000 cases reported and dozens hospitalized. Local Culture & Arts: The Kansas Arts Commission announced $750,000 in grant awards across 43 communities, supporting public art, murals, and arts programs statewide. Sports & Mental Health: Former NFL Super Bowl winner Jordan Devey, who played for the Patriots and Chiefs, died by suicide at 38, prompting renewed focus on mental health and the long-running CTE conversation.

Governance Watch: A new “Insight Kansas” column argues voters should look past campaign “poetry” and demand clearer plans for how candidates will actually govern. Arts & Community: Salina-area groups are among Kansas Arts Commission grant recipients, with funding aimed at activating public spaces and boosting local well-being. Local Culture & Identity: Lawrence events spotlight Prairie Band Potawatomi beadwork, queer history, and Indigenous foodways—plus a Disability Pride celebration marking 36 years of the ADA. Civic Access: Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew warns voters about Kansas’ advance-ballot rule change: ballots must arrive by Election Day to count. Education & Policy: KU staff say an anti-transgender bathroom law is being enforced, after a transgender employee was reported for using the women’s restroom. Public Safety & Mobility: NKC Schools and BikeWalkKC host a “Wheel Smart Bash” to teach kids safer riding as e-bikes and motorized devices grow. Food & Farming: K-State releases a new Kansas-grown durum wheat variety aimed at strengthening the pasta market. Sports (Kansas ties): The Royals rally past Detroit, while Dylan Cease throws a one-hit shutout for Toronto against Boston.

Immigration & Education: The DOJ is suing Colorado over its in-state tuition and financial aid rules for undocumented students, arguing the state is treating citizens unfairly; similar fights are popping up across multiple states. Mental Health & Community: Kansas-area readers are also reacting to the death of former NFL and Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey, 38, with his family citing a long private mental health struggle and raising questions about possible CTE. Schools & Tech: Emporia Public Schools is rolling out a new “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban for the 2026-27 year, with limited exceptions for health plans and emergencies. Arts & Local Culture: Kansas Arts Commission grants totaling $750,000 are headed to 92 projects statewide, including area arts groups and public art. Sports & Weekend Plans: Powerball is climbing to a $600 million jackpot for Saturday, and NASCAR’s O’Reilly Series returns to Indianapolis with a CW broadcast. Kansas Lifestyle Spotlight: Dynasty Andrews, a Northside volleyball standout, is suiting up one more season at the Division I level with UMES.

Data Center Debate: A Lawrence resident argues data centers will strain Kansas water and electricity needed for housing and small businesses, calling the push “corporate welfare” and warning of inflation. Work & Community: Remote-worker relocation bonuses are fading as employers bring staff back to offices, though some communities still try to lure talent with lower costs and quality-of-life perks. Animal Welfare: Kansas Humane Society transport volunteers say “petflation” is driving more pets into shelters and rescues, with rising vet and food costs leaving organizations at capacity. Public Health: The CDC expanded a cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce at Taco Bell to include Kansas, with nearly 2,000 cases reported nationwide. Politics & Faith: Pastor Adam Hamilton pitches Democrats on choosing a pastor for the Senate race, framing decency and justice as core values. Education Leadership: KU’s PK-12 education administration program was selected to brief the Kansas State Board of Education on training school leaders. Local Arts: Lawrence nonprofit Van Go unveiled 20 new benches made by teens through its Benchmark program. Sports & Community: KU softball coach Jennifer McFalls signs a new multi-year agreement after leading the program back to the NCAA tournament. Legal Accountability: A Wyandotte County judge faces a formal complaint alleging racially insensitive remarks toward a pregnant public defender attorney.

Health & Food Safety: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce now includes Kansas, with cases linked to Taco Bell rising to 1,947 and at least 98 hospitalizations reported. Parenting & Community Support: K-State Extension and partners are offering free “Becoming a Mom” prenatal education sessions in Ellis County starting Aug. 6, covering labor, feeding, infant care, safe sleep, and local resources. Local Agriculture Education: Kansas Wheat and K-State Research and Extension will host free “Wheat Rx” programs Aug. 12 in Hays and Aug. 13 in Wichita, sharing research-based winter wheat recommendations and conservation opportunities for growers. Sports Spotlight: Free State swimmer Ella Marsh earned NISCA All-American honors in the 200-yard individual medley after a league record and 6A state title. School Safety Tech: Lawrence school board members will consider renewing the Centegix Wearable Panic Alert System, with a 50% grant match bringing the district’s cost to $65,600. Arts & Culture: Cherokee Film Productions brought home three Heartland Regional Emmy Awards and nine nominations, lifting its total Emmy wins to 36. Public Health in Towns: Macksville City Library received a $5,000 children’s health grant and is using it to expand health book options and run “Healthy Snack Saturdays” to help families with hunger.

Local Culture & Community: Overland Park’s new TurnStyles Thrift Store opened June 25 with a blessing from Archbishop Shawn McKnight, adding another Catholic Charities outlet that helps clothe and support neighbors. Faith & Care: Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kan., is expanding access to free bilingual mental health counseling, with Dr. Silvia Byer offering support in multiple languages regardless of immigration status. Education Behind Bars: Donnelly College’s prison program marked another milestone at Lansing Correctional Facility, highlighting how incarcerated students are earning degrees and rebuilding their futures. Civic Life: Lawrence’s Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board is pushing for sustainability to be an “underpinning” of the city’s next strategic plan, not just a side goal. Immigration & Community Safety: An Olathe vigil drew residents calling for changes to Trump-era immigration enforcement, while Wichita reports a TikTok “door-kicking” trend that could carry legal consequences. Public Safety & Privacy: Kansas AG Kris Kobach warned Lawrence and other cities to repeal conversion-therapy bans after a Supreme Court ruling. Local Business: El Dorado Chamber of Commerce is seeking donations for welcome bags for about 100 new teachers and will host a member appreciation luncheon July 30.

Local Schools & Tech: Shawnee Mission Schools heard parents push back as it rolls out tighter rules on student tech and generative AI, including no authorized access on district devices and stronger consequences for misuse. Community Events: Lawrence’s weekend lineup spotlights farmers markets, theater, and Disability Pride at the Dole Institute, plus an AI ethics talk at the public library. Ag & Youth Leadership: At the Whitley County Fair, Carly Linnemeier won Supreme Showman, capping a decade of 4-H work and setting up next steps at Butler Community College. State Tax Fairness: Kansas Department of Revenue says it collected $1.8 billion in delinquent taxes since 2019, emphasizing voluntary compliance and payment options. Arts Across Kansas: The Kansas Arts Commission awarded 92 grants totaling $750,000 across 43 communities, supporting public art, murals, and general operating support. Health Watch: Federal officials are investigating a new Cyclospora outbreak tied to a diarrhea-causing parasite, with 72 cases reported so far. Faith & Accountability: Salina Diocese released a statement after Father Ryan McCandless was charged with alleged child sex abuse, noting he was removed from ministry while authorities investigate.

Kansas Politics: Democratic U.S. Senate/primary season chatter heats up as Kansas governor hopeful Cindy Holscher attacks “billionaire boondoggles” and rising property taxes, arguing GOP school-funding cuts push costs onto local districts. Public Health & Food: The White House’s healthy-eating push collides with a major loss for low-income Kansans and others as SNAP-Ed nutrition education is set to end, leaving fewer community cooking and school nutrition supports. Sports & Community: Royals fans got a bright moment with Salvador Perez tying George Brett’s Royals home-run mark (317) after a key late blast. Culture & Learning: KU journalism students teamed with KCUR to report Lawrence’s World Cup stories, showing how local sports coverage can travel far beyond the pitch. Civic Life: Topeka Zoo’s Steins and Vines returns as a primate enrichment fundraiser, and a Topeka church hosts a free Gospel Explosion with multiple ensembles. Surveillance Debate: A new map project highlights how license-plate reader networks spread, fueling fresh concerns about mass surveillance.

World Cup, Kansas City style: KU journalism students teamed with KCUR to report how the tournament landed in Lawrence—Algerian fans, local stories, and the ripple effects beyond the matches. Sports + money: Visa says World Cup “pop-up” spending boosted cross-border payments, with host-city dining and retail surges. Lottery night: Powerball climbed to $567 million for Wednesday’s drawing. Local schools under pressure: DOJ gave Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools a federal deadline over a “Transgender Guideline,” demanding full parental access to education records. Tech in classrooms: Shawnee Mission School District paused its AI policy to rewrite broader technology guidelines. Community sports funding: Iola school board weighs a bigger Riverside Park stadium video scoreboard, potentially via partnerships and ads. Health policy: Senators advanced a Kansas-backed hospital price transparency bill. Faith + politics: A Kansas Democrat Senate candidate pastor is facing backlash over claims the Bible has “hundreds” of errors. Public safety: An Allen County Jail inmate died after being found unresponsive; KBI will investigate.

Kansas Senate primary finance: Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton outraised every other Democrat combined in the latest quarter, pulling in about $3.6M, while incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall still leads with more cash on hand ($5.3M vs. Hamilton’s $2.6M) ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. Local elections: A Kansas City Election Board error left hundreds of absentee voters missing two county legislature races; officials say ballots can be fixed with supplemental voting options. Immigration & privacy: DOJ says KCK Public Schools violated FERPA by limiting parents’ access to records tied to transgender students, giving the district 14 days to respond or face a lawsuit. Public safety & transparency: Kansas’ “Halo Act” sets a 25-foot rule for filming law enforcement/first responders, drawing First Amendment criticism. Community & culture: Lawrence is hosting a free Disability Pride celebration Saturday at KU’s Dole Institute of Politics. Arts funding: Kansas Arts Commission grants totaling $750,000 are headed to 92 projects across the state. Food & farming: K-State is testing a new durum wheat variety aimed at boosting Kansas pasta production. Health costs: A new Gallup poll finds millions of insured workers feel “trapped” in jobs because they fear losing coverage.

Arts & Community Funding: Kansas Arts Commission announced $750,000 in grants supporting 92 projects across 43 communities in 34 counties, with Salina-area groups like the Salina Art Center, Theatre Salina, and the Salina Symphony among recipients. Local Education Policy: Wichita Public Schools adopted a “bell-to-bell” device ban, requiring phones, earbuds, tablets, and other personal electronics to be out of sight during the school day, aligning with new state law. School & Civic Recognition: Lawrence Lions Alumni Association named five inductees for its Hall of Honor, including Kim L. Murphree and Judge John B. Nalbandian. Nonprofit Networking: Central Kansas Nonprofit Network will host its quarterly meeting July 22 at Barton Community College, focused on collaboration and building a community resource guide. Faith & Music: Ells County native pianist Matthew Piatt will perform July 26 at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Hays. Public Safety Update: Parsons Police Department released its 2025 annual report, citing continued crime reductions and heavy community-policing activity.

World Cup Afterglow: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final, capping a record-setting 48-team tournament across 16 host cities, with fans and host cities in Kansas City and beyond already trading favorite moments and lingering cultural impact. Kansas City Pride & Arts: Volunteers restored and expanded northeast Kansas City’s International Flag Mural, adding 50 new flags and fresh paint plus sidewalk improvements. Education & Community: KU highlighted faculty/staff wins in its “KU Kudos,” while Kayla Bowens was named a 2026-27 National FFA Teacher Ambassador. Local Governance: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab says election safeguards are holding up ahead of the August primary, pointing to audits and recounts. School Policy Debate: A Derby school board wrestled with wording changes to how “fairly and accurately” controversial topics are handled in classrooms. Public Safety Training: Kansas CPR Training in Great Bend rolled out Active Violence Immediate Response Training for schools, churches, and childcare providers. Sports Health Watch: Detroit’s Casey Mize is expected to make his next start for Kansas City’s next opponent after a groin scare.