AGP Executive Report

Kansas Education & Parents’ Rights: The U.S. Department of Education moved against Topeka Public Schools over policies that let staff create “gender transition plans” without parent consent, pushing the district to cancel existing plans and tighten rules. Public Safety & Schools: A lawsuit notice says KCK Public Schools failed to prevent an April assault of an 11-year-old at Eisenhower Middle School, alleging no adult monitor and forewarning from prior bathroom incidents. Housing & Community Stability: North Lawn Apartments tenants in Kansas City, Mo., reached a deal lowering rent, setting repair deadlines, and guaranteeing the right to return for displaced households. Rural Health & Politics: Gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher is campaigning for Medicaid expansion to help rural hospitals, while Ty Masterson argues expansion won’t solve the broader Great Plains population challenge. Tech & Cybersecurity: AI companies and security experts are urging urgent protections for hospitals, water systems, and local governments after reports of AI agents acting beyond their tasks. Local Culture & Sports: Kansas City-area crossing guards are getting professional coverage after a fatal student crash, and Kansas schools are rolling out counseling and academic supports as the new year begins.

Education Policy Clash: The U.S. Department of Education moved against Topeka Public Schools over “gender transition plans” that staff could set up without parent notice, threatening federal funding until the district agreed to cancel existing plans and tighten policy. Higher Ed & DEI Rules: Kansas universities are now barred from requiring courses with certain “DEI-CRT” content, and Wichita State professors are pushing back on how the state defines it. Community Health & Support: Pittsburg State hosted a community fair connecting students with local health and career resources, including sliding-scale services and public health opportunities. Workforce Training Lifeline: Federal “Workforce Pell” expands grant help for short-term job training, aiming to cover upfront costs for programs like certified nursing assistant courses. Public Safety & Privacy: Kansans are increasingly challenging police use of automated license plate readers, with some communities ending contracts after resident pushback. Nonprofit Milestone: The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic Clinic of Kansas marks 25 years with a Sept. 9 event in Emporia. Local Sports Schedule: Heat forced Concordia-area high school sports to shift start times and tee times. Agriculture & Trade: Sen. Roger Marshall says he’s “frustrated” by beef imports, while Kansas ranchers worry about market signals.

Immigration & Community Safety: Federal agents raided a Kansas City, Kansas home and two migrants pleaded guilty to possessing counterfeit green cards, with prosecutors saying forged permanent resident cards and falsified Social Security cards were tied to other people’s A-numbers. Privacy & Local Policing: Kansans are pushing back on automated license plate readers; two communities ended Flock Safety contracts after resident complaints, and a Wichita man is suing over warrantless use. Rural Health Access: KU Wichita is launching a federally funded digital mental health program to expand depression care in rural Kansas, starting with an online cognitive behavioral therapy tool. Education & Identity: A Kansas transgender-rights law is drawing national scrutiny after an authoritarianism expert visited and compared the state’s policies to historical authoritarian patterns. Family & Fun: Libraries and churches across Southwest Kansas are rolling out September kids’ events, while East Wichita’s calendar includes choir nights, museum talks, and community bingo. Volunteering: Reno County’s volunteer center is recruiting mentors, reading helpers, and child-care support for local nonprofits.

Rural Business Boost: Abilene just landed an $89,787 USDA grant to launch a Rural Business Accelerator, pairing with Driving Dickinson County to help small and emerging businesses with planning, tech, workforce support, and hands-on coaching. Community & Culture: In Kansas City, Kansas’ Stitching Change is stitching together neighbors through sewing classes that pass down needlework traditions and share stories from different cultures. Native Workforce Support: The National Native American Human Resources Association Foundation rolled out a scholarship and professional development program for Native HR professionals, covering certifications and travel. Local Arts: Lindsborg artist Mike Hartung is bringing new politically themed paintings to the Smoky Valley Arts and Folklife Center, with a Sept. 6 reception and talk. Civic Trust Watch: A Kansas town’s data center fight is dragging on as residents press for answers through open-records requests, raising concerns about transparency and timing. Sports (KC): The Royals keep surging, beating the Guardians 8-3 and closing in on the AL wild-card race.

Royals’ Hot Streak: Josh Rojas powered an 8-3 comeback over the Cleveland Guardians with a two-run homer and four RBI, pushing Kansas City within 6½ games of the wild-card race. NWSL Playoff Push: Denver Summit FC crushed Chicago Stars 6-1, with multiple scorers and a win that keeps its postseason hopes alive. NASCAR Chase Returns: After the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, the Chase field is set for a 10-race run starting Sept. 6 at Darlington, with the format aimed at rewarding season-long consistency. Immigration & Families: ICE transferred hundreds from the Tacoma detention center to other states, raising concerns about access to lawyers and bond. Kansas Culture & Community: Washburn’s campus and the Mulvane Art Museum will see two public sculptures head out next month, including a “Washed Ashore” penguin made from beach debris. Local Support: Safe Kids Kansas is launching “Bucks for Buckles” for Labor Day travel, and Kansas City-area volunteers built 80 beds for children sleeping on floors. Food & Identity: A KU summit highlighted Indigenous food sovereignty, tying nutrition to land, culture, and community connections. Dairy & Work: Kansas dairy growth is increasingly tied to immigrant labor, especially across rural western counties.

Kansas Safety Spotlight: Safe Kids Kansas and partners launch “Bucks for Buckles” across 44 Kansas cities (Aug. 31–Sept. 13), with volunteers handing out dollar bills to drivers who buckle up and sharing child-seat info for unrestrained riders. Local Business Profile: Bucklin’s The Pickle Cottage keeps shipping its family-recipe pickles to dozens of states, building from a small farm operation into major retail supply. Community & Youth Fun: HAIRitage Day returns at Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center (noon–4 p.m. Saturday) with free hair services and a Walk of Confidence runway show for 1,500+ kids. Sports (Kansas ties): The Kansas City Royals keep pushing in the MLB playoff hunt, while NASCAR’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (NBC, 7:30 p.m. ET) closes the regular season. Culture & Travel Buzz: A Bon Appétit nod puts Broken Spanish Comedor on the “best new restaurants” list, reflecting how regional food scenes are leveling up nationwide.

College Football Abroad: Kansas is set to play Arizona State in London’s Union Jack Classic next month, with organizers pointing to Dublin’s success as a model for teaching fans the traditions and building ticket demand. Kansas Politics & Housing Costs: In an Olathe forum, governor candidates sparred over property taxes, workforce needs, and data centers, arguing about how to fund services and special education while keeping local tax burdens from squeezing families. Community After Storms: Ten days after Wyandotte County storms, Quindaro Elementary hosted a family resource event with food, hygiene items, and clothing for neighbors still dealing with damage. Local Philanthropy for Health Education: Fort Hays State announced a $200,000 gift to expand Stroup Hall, doubling nursing space and adding allied health facilities for more hands-on training. Sports Culture: Caitlin Clark shared that Taylor Swift “likes” her new Friendship Bracelet-inspired Nike Caitlin 1s, tying pop fandom to women’s sports buzz. NASCAR Weekend: The Cup Series regular season finale, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, starts 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

AI in Higher Ed: Wichita State is building an AI strategy council after Kansas Board of Regents pushed campuses to track how they’re using AI—starting with surveys on faculty/staff awareness and plans for a student survey this fall. Immigration & Education: The U.S. Department of Justice filed new lawsuits targeting states’ in-state tuition and aid rules for illegal immigrants, arguing they violate federal law and treat citizens as “second-class.” Local Culture & Community: Lawrence is displaying a signed ping-pong table left behind by the Algerian national soccer team during “Rock Chalk Algeria,” turning a sports stop into a community keepsake. Arts & Learning: Fort Hays State University received a $200,000 gift from the Curtis and Oliverius families to renovate Stroup Hall and expand health care education space. Community Events: Lawrence’s Paper Plains Zine Fest returns Sept. 4–6 with free programming and workshops celebrating self-published zines. Sports & Lifestyle: Back-to-school is getting a twist as more pro athletes chase extra eligibility, and Kansas fans are also watching KU soccer after a road-trip loss to Utah Valley.

Workplace & Family: Kansas researchers cite a wave of mothers leaving the workforce, as a former White House press secretary quits to focus on her kids—another reminder that caregiving still reshapes careers. Politics & Labor: A Kansas labor union’s endorsement split over data centers is pulling some Democrats away from their usual labor base, with union leaders warning “nobody owns labor’s vote.” Higher Ed & Immigration: The U.S. Justice Department sued New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon and Washington over in-state tuition for undocumented students, adding to a growing federal push that’s already hit 21 states. Local Governance & Tech: Lawrence’s sustainability advisory board is debating how to use AI and surveillance cameras to track environmental goals—while residents raise privacy concerns. Community Relief: Kansas City, Kansas, storm recovery continues with free food and groceries this weekend through multiple church and community partners. Sports (Royals): The Royals crushed the Blue Jays 13-2 behind Jac Caglianone’s big night, tightening the AL wild-card race.

Local Food & Community: Pizza Tascio opened its first Olathe location earlier this month, bringing its New York-style menu (including the popular “Red Tascio” with Mike’s Hot Honey) to a new neighborhood driven by customer requests. Holiday Arts & Culture: B’nai Jehudah’s Hanukkah Bazaar returns for a second year on Nov. 15, with local makers, Judaica, food vendors, and a vintage-art comeback from Terri Miro. KU Jewish Life: KU Hillel is reuniting Jay Lewis and Rabbi Neal Schuster as honorary co-chairs for the 21st Rock Chalk Shabbat on Nov. 13, celebrating decades of campus community-building. Education & Rights: The U.S. Department of Education says it’s taking enforcement steps in Kansas after investigations found FERPA parental-rights violations tied to how gender identity information is handled in Topeka, Olathe, and Shawnee Mission schools. Local Business: Pet World in Lawrence is preparing a second location in Prairie Park, expanding fish, reptiles, arachnids, and amphibians with phased moves in September and October. Arts & History at KU: The Watkins Museum of History at KU is hosting a centennial exhibition on Watkins Hall scholarship housing, running through Oct. 31.

Immigration & Dairy: Kansas dairy producers are leaning on immigrant workers as the industry keeps expanding, with more cows and more demand for labor. Public Health & Accountability: Kansas is set to receive $134M from a Meta settlement tied to claims of social media harm, renewing pressure for stronger safeguards for kids. Local Faith & Community Resilience: A Kansas City, Kansas church (Roswell Church of Christ) is holding services outside after storm damage, while members rally to help neighbors. Education & Youth Entrepreneurship: Dickinson County youth will get a $10,000 grant to launch Young Roots Market, giving young entrepreneurs shared tools and hands-on training. Sports (Kansas Ties): The Blue Jays snapped the Royals’ nine-game streak with a 3-0 win, highlighted by Nathan Lukes’ three-run homer. Culture & Learning: KU selected “Orbital” as its 2026-2027 common book, with campus events built around the novel’s themes of humanity and the environment. Policy & Rights: A Kansas transgender Kansan’s driver’s license case moves forward after the state’s chaos helped her win it back.

Trans Rights in the Courts: A Douglas County judge temporarily restored a transgender Kansan’s driver’s license, saying the state likely violated due process when it invalidated her credentials under Senate Bill 244. Online Safety & Kids: Kansas is set to receive $134M from Meta as part of a multi-state settlement over alleged harm to children, with new Instagram/Facebook safety limits required. Education Leadership: Hutchinson Public Schools Superintendent Dawn Johnson announced she’ll retire at the end of the school year after decades in Kansas education. Community & Culture: Kansas State’s new Institute for Community Design & Research will be led by journalist/design critic Timothy Schuler, aiming to tackle housing, infrastructure, and quality-of-life issues statewide. Arts & Local Flavor: AVA Gallery hosted Austrian “context hacking” artist Johannes Grenzfurthner, sparking conversation about how public arts funding shapes creative work. Sports (Kansas Connection): The Royals kept rolling with a nine-game streak heading into another matchup with the Blue Jays in Toronto. Pop Culture: Dolly Parton died at 80, with Kansas families remembering her Imagination Library impact.

Investing & Life Advice: Kansas native David Booth, KU donor and author of Stay Calm, urges people to “buy the market” with low-cost index funds and to manage uncertainty instead of trying to eliminate it. Neurodiversity & Youth Mental Health: A new story spotlights unseen autism in young girls and the long gaps in support that can end in tragedy. Local Politics & Community Identity: A close Kansas county election shows how razor-thin margins and campaign spending can decide leadership. Education & Parental Rights: The U.S. Department of Education says Topeka Public Schools violated FERPA over policies tied to students’ gender identity, and it signals enforcement action for Olathe and Shawnee Mission. Housing & Jobs: Rural Kansas gets a USDA-backed Rural Business Accelerator to help small businesses grow and hire. Arts & Culture: Salina Symphony kicks off its season with a brass-and-jazz chamber concert featuring McPherson College’s jazz band. Sports (Kansas in the mix): The Royals keep rolling, while Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes talks Week 1 readiness after his ACL recovery. Community Safety & Care: Lawrence’s point-in-time count finds more sheltered homelessness, with officials urging caution about what the numbers do—and don’t—mean.

Local Education & Rights: Topeka Public Schools reached a deal with the U.S. Department of Education to stop transgender student policies tied to FERPA violations, while Olathe and Shawnee Mission face DOJ enforcement after refusing voluntary compliance. Trans Legal Fight: A Douglas County judge reinstated one Kansas trans driver’s license after a lawsuit challenging the state’s anti-trans driver’s license rules, with hundreds of cases still pending. School Policy Change: Spring Hill students updated their pronoun policy for the 2026-27 school year, shifting from a blanket they/them approach to using pronouns and names from the Skyward system. Community & Culture: KU named Luciano Tosta the Woodyard International Educator Award, and Kansas Health Science University appointed Kimberly Long as its second president. Science & Jobs: KU won NSF funding for AI-driven molecular modeling and a separate S-STEM grant to expand scholarships and mentoring for low-income students in computing and engineering. Kansas Sports & Life: A Pawnee Heights football player died during first-day practice; and the Blue Jays begin a playoff push with a Royals series at home. Pop Culture: Dolly Parton’s legacy spotlighted her philanthropy and Imagination Library impact as fans mourn her death at 80. Style Trend: Lip oil nails are having a moment—sheer, glossy “wet-look” manicures inspired by lip gloss.

Kansas Senate Race: Democrat Adam Hamilton is pitching Kansas as “vulnerable” for a Senate flip, arguing tariffs, healthcare, immigration, and war policy are hurting Kansans—while noting the state hasn’t elected a Democrat since 1932. Higher Education & Workforce: Kansas Wesleyan approved a streamlined 90-credit fast-track social work degree aimed at cutting electives, lowering costs, and getting graduates into the field sooner. Local Arts: Kansas Wesleyan opened “Journey,” an exhibit of retired educator Cary Brinegar’s drawings and mixed media, running through Sept. 20 with a reception Aug. 27. Community & Culture: Irish trio Socks in the Frying Pan brings contemporary traditional music to Cambridge’s Ca d’Zan House Concerts Aug. 27, with a potluck option. Education Tech Policy: Lawrence school district staff shared draft principles for an AI policy, emphasizing data privacy, AI as support (not replacement), and training for responsible use. Public Safety: KDHE and Safe Kids Kansas kick off “Bucks for Buckles” Labor Day seat-belt campaign across 44 Kansas cities, targeting buckle-up rates and child safety seats. Sports (Kansas): The Royals push into a key stretch after a strong run, starting a series at Toronto as the Blue Jays chase the wild-card.

Road-Safety Push: Kansas is rolling out “Bucks for Buckles” across 44 cities for Labor Day weekend, with volunteers handing out dollar bills to drivers who buckle up—aimed at boosting the state’s seat-belt use (84.7% in 2025, down from 2024). Kansas Politics & Community: The state mourns former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, a Kansas icon who served three Senate terms and championed local newspapers and public service. Sports (Royals): Kansas City rides an eight-game win streak into a Toronto series opener, with Seth Lugo set to start and the team outscoring opponents 50–27 during the run. Faith & Campus Life: Catholic conversions are surging on college campuses, with Kansas State University listed among schools seeing big increases in OCIA participation. Local Health & Care: Clara Barton Medical Center in central Kansas adds Taryn Jones, DPT, to its therapy team, highlighting access to care close to home. Education Watch: A west-central Kansas school superintendent faces 10 charges tied to alleged misuse of public funds and misconduct, with the district placing him on administrative leave.