AGP Executive Report

World Cup, Kansas City style: Argentina’s Messi checked in after a fitness test in Kansas City, and the Albiceleste are setting up camp with confidence as the 2026 tournament kicks off this week. Community & culture: The Lawrence St. John’s Mexican Fiesta returns June 13 with music, dance, food, and kids’ activities to support a Spanish-language program and scholarships. Local education: USD 253 Emporia leaders say a validated petition has put the Logan Avenue Elementary closure review back in motion, with a formal state review process underway. School policy updates: USD 407 Russell County discussed new cellphone and social media rules, plus plumbing and sports-complex repairs, and heard about transportation and after-school grants. Kansas politics & values: Kansas GOP lawmakers backed a sweeping immigration enforcement bill after it narrowly passed the House. Arts & hometown pride: Ellsworth Arts Gallery is showcasing Ricky Davis soccer memorabilia and launching the Artist Cup: World Cup Edition. Business spotlight: IdeaTek earned a spot on Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces list for 2026. Sports achievement: Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp set a world record in the NCAA 110 hurdles on Day 1.

World Cup Culture & Community: As FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, Kansas City is among the host hubs, and the tournament’s biggest off-field story is how immigration crackdowns are spilling into sports—Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry, and DHS guidance says noncitizens who illegally vote could face deportation. Local Arts & Sports Heritage: Ellsworth Arts Gallery is spotlighting U.S. soccer pioneer Ricky Davis with World Cup-themed memorabilia and an “Artist Cup” bracket-style community art contest. Faith & Gender Politics: The Southern Baptist Convention advanced a constitutional amendment aimed at restricting women’s roles in preaching/pastor functions. Kansas Civic Life: Kansas Board of Education races are heating up after five GOP incumbents opted out, while a ballot measure would change how Kansas Supreme Court vacancies get filled—shifting from a governor-selected commission list to direct voter elections. Community & Education: Flint Hills Discovery Center hit its 1 millionth visitor milestone, and Wheatland Electric’s Sharing Success grant backed Barton County Core Community’s poverty-to-stability program. Business & Lifestyle: A new Hays boutique, ThyWovenPeacock, is opening with handwoven metal jewelry and custom pieces.

Education & Poverty Relief: Wheatland Electric Cooperative’s Sharing Success Fund awarded Barton County Core Community a $1,000 grant to expand classes and mentorship aimed at helping families move from poverty to long-term self-sufficiency. Local Politics & Schools: Five Republican incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside for the 2026 election, setting up open seats and a crowded Aug. 4 primary. Courts & Democracy: A Kansas Supreme Court selection ballot measure is drawing attention in Barton County, with voters weighing a shift from the current merit-based process to direct elections. Community & Youth Creativity: Kansas City’s North-East branch library is running its Teen Juice ‘n’ Paint program, giving ages 12–18 a no-card-needed weekly “third space” to make art. Arts & Culture: “Disclosure Day,” Steven Spielberg’s new sci-fi, is landing with mixed reviews as critics say it’s busy but undercooked. World Cup in Kansas City: More than 100 metro kids will walk out with players for KC’s World Cup matches, and a new Ecuador-to-Kansas City soccer mural is set to break ground downtown. Business & Growth: A Pittsburg data center has been operating since January, adding revenue while residents weigh future expansion and community input. Agriculture & Industry: AGI is investing in its Clay Center, Kansas facility to expand U.S. production of grain bins, bringing storage manufacturing closer to farmers.

Education & Youth Support: Barton County Core Community won a $1,000 Sharing Success grant from Wheatland Electric Cooperative to expand classes and mentorship aimed at helping families move from poverty to long-term self-sufficiency. School Policy: Great Bend High School will lock students’ cell phones (and other personal devices) in magnet pouches under a new state law, with limited exceptions for medical needs and specific rules for activities. Local Leadership: Lawrence Public Schools named Mike Gillman interim principal of Lawrence High School and Loralea Hubert to lead early childhood programs. Kansas Politics: Five GOP incumbents on the Kansas Board of Education are stepping aside for the 2026 election, setting up contested primaries in August. Community & Culture: ThyWovenPeacock opened in Hays, offering handwoven copper and precious-metal jewelry and custom pieces. Pop Culture & Film: Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” is drawing buzz and backlash, including Christian concerns about how alien proof could affect faith. World Cup Fun in KC: Kansas City Power & Light is giving away free World Cup scarves with new designs rolling out through June.

World Cup Culture in Kansas City: Nordstrom and adidas are teaming up for a nationwide FIFA World Cup 2026 retail push, with “adidas at The Corner” inside the Nordstrom NYC flagship and shop-in-shops rolling out across host markets, including Kansas City. Local Sports & Community: Lawrence is officially a World Cup base camp as Algeria’s team arrives and fans gather around Rock Chalk Park-area events, with public access to practices still unclear. School Life: Lawrence school board approved a 2026-27 student meal price increase (15 cents lunch, 10 cents breakfast) citing rising costs and reimbursement limits. Education Policy: Kansas Board of Education discussed how to use technology in classrooms after the state’s cell phone ban, with no decisions yet. Public Health Watch: USDA confirmed new New World screwworm cases (Texas and New Mexico), raising concerns about spread. Arts & Small Business: Hays opened ThyWovenPeacock, a boutique for handwoven metal jewelry, and Kansas City-area author Levi Sap Nei Thang released a reference book on Myanmar’s padauk tree. Politics & Faith: Kansans for Life PAC endorsed Senate President Ty Masterson in the GOP governor primary.

Education & Civic Life: Kansas Board of Education races are getting reshuffled after five GOP incumbents declined to seek reelection, opening seats and setting up a new partisan balance in the next K-12 policy fight. School Health Policy: A Kansas student health bill tied to daily recess and fitness hit a snag after Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed it, showing how even popular ideas can get tangled in politics. Workforce & Inclusion: Salina Regional Health Center earned Project SEARCH–Kansas’s Yellow Brick Road Award for a 15-year partnership that has helped 157 graduates move into jobs. Local Business Spotlight: Hays’ ThyWovenPeacock is bringing handwoven jewelry to Big Creek Crossing, built around copper, silver, gold, and platinum designs. Community & Pride: Kansas City’s KC PrideFest drew thousands, while Kansas City also faces ongoing debate over LGBTQ-related policies and inclusion. Culture & Sports Buzz: With the World Cup in North America, Kansas City is gearing up for fan energy and big logistics—plus a reminder that the tournament’s impact reaches far beyond the matches. Agriculture & Economy: Kansas ranks high for kids’ economic well-being but still struggles with health coverage, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book.

World Cup buzz in Kansas City: International fans and charter buses started rolling in Sunday, feeding the excitement ahead of the FIFA Fan Festival and matches across the metro. Local sports culture: U.S. Soccer also unveiled its 11X11 World Cup clothing collection, with Kansas City’s Charlie Hustle among the city-based designers. Community + accountability: A Kansas student government report issue is drawing scrutiny after USAC passed resolutions but left most updates thin or missing, raising questions about follow-through. Politics at the county level: Tempers flared after the Johnson County Democratic Party declined to promote some U.S. Senate candidates, limiting voter guide and event access. Kansas lifestyle + events: A new K–12 marketing calendar targets school-year timing differences state by state, and Kansas-area readers can look ahead to a packed June events list. Pop culture sports collectible: Taylor Swift’s courtside chair from the Cavs–Knicks playoffs hit auction bidding at $6,000 and climbing.

World Cup buzz in Kansas City: KC 2026 CEO Pam Kramer talks big-city logistics for a “smallest host city” moment, with six matches bringing global attention and major crowd pressure to the metro. Pride in the spotlight: Thousands packed the KC Pride Parade and PrideFest, with organizers emphasizing safe, affirming spaces and year-round LGBTQ+ programming. Local sports + community heart: Johnson County honored Argentine cyclists who rode nearly 11,000 miles across 17 countries to support the World Cup, tying the event to Kansas hospitality. Alien-movie hype with a Kansas City tie: Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” leans into government coverups and otherworldly communication, featuring a Kansas City meteorologist character played by Emily Blunt. Food policy watch: New SNAP work rules raise concerns that uneven state enforcement could push people toward “easier” jurisdictions. Tech + power demand: A data-center boom is accelerating, with permits pointing to massive electricity growth driven by AI. Kansas faith and public life: A Kansas professor reflects on how church-based influence is shifting from moral messaging to legal and financial support in public policy.

Pride Month in Kansas City: KC PrideFest drew thousands for a Pride parade from Westport to Theis Park, with drag, dancers, and community events running through Sunday—part of a year-round push for safe, affirming spaces. World Cup culture in the metro: Johnson County officials honored three Argentine cyclists who rode nearly 11,000 miles to Kansas City for FIFA World Cup 2026, while local soccer organizers say the Kansas City Unity Cup is built to keep international community connections going after the tournament. Local health & aging care: CMS ownership and quality details for The Healthcare Resort of Kansas City (for-profit nursing home) show a Q1 2026 overall rating of 3, with one fine and one penalty reported. Community legal help: CrossWinds and Kansas Legal Services will host a free Expungement and Driver’s License Clinic in Strong City on June 25 for eligible Kansans. Livestock watch: Kansas officials are warning ranchers about a newly detected New World screwworm case in Texas and what it means for preventing spread. Sports entertainment: The Chiefs are launching “El Offseason,” a Spanish-language short-form comedy series aimed at fans on social media.

Community Legal Help: CrossWinds and Kansas Legal Services are hosting a free Expungement and Driver’s License Clinic on June 25 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) at St. Anthony’s Church Hall in Strong City, with advance registration required. Public Safety & Elections: Democratic Kansas attorney general candidate Chris Mann is in Hays pushing a public-safety-first message rooted in his law enforcement and prosecution background. State Agriculture Watch: Kansas officials are warning ranchers about a New World screwworm case found in a Texas calf, stressing prevention and quick treatment to protect livestock. Kansas Politics: Gov. Laura Kelly is backing Ethan Corson in the Democratic governor primary, while Corson and Cindy Holscher keep contrasting their approaches to the “establishment” label. Local School Planning: Russell County USD 407’s Board of Education meets Tuesday, June 9, covering bids, handbook updates, and an asbestos containment update. Culture & Sports: The Chiefs are launching “El Offseason,” a Spanish-language short-form comedy series debuting June 12. World Cup Heat Concerns: A new report flags climate-driven heat risks for players as the 2026 tournament approaches. Kansas Lifestyle Spotlight: A new adult soccer tournament in Johnson County, the Kansas City Unity Cup in Olathe, aims to last beyond World Cup hype.

NASCAR on the Kansas radar: The Cup Series schedule is out, with Kansas City’s own Brickyard 400 and a late-season stop at Kansas Speedway (Sept. 27) plus the Truck Series finale in Kansas City, Kan. (Oct. 9). Kansas culture & community: A Kansas City Chiefs coach is set to narrate “Music & the Spoken Word” for America’s 250th anniversary on July 5, tying faith and national history to a major live broadcast. Privacy & everyday life: Kansas lawmakers are pushing guardrails on sharing license plate camera data, aiming to limit long-term tracking concerns. Family support in Kansas: The Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network is hosting SUIDS training for law enforcement in Wichita, focusing on better investigation and documentation. Local arts boost: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art announces a $1 million gift to expand youth education through the Stanley J. Bushman Fund. Sports watch: Aaron Judge’s injury reshuffles the AL MVP race, with Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. emerging as a top contender.

Arts & Youth Philanthropy: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art announced a $1 million gift from the Stanley J. Bushman Foundation to create the Stanley J. Bushman Fund for Youth Education, expanding access to arts programming and building on the museum’s Teen Arts Council. Local Politics: Democrat Rob Sand says his GOP opponent Zach Lahn “should have run” for Kansas governor, arguing Lahn should live in Kansas full-time; Lahn counters that his Wichita visits connect him to his Kansas family. Community Improvements: Derby leaders highlight new High Park upgrades—playground, splash pad, and pickleball courts—funded through the “Derby Difference” sales tax. Elections Watch (Sedgwick County): With the filing deadline past, the 2026 slate is set for Aug. 4 primaries, including county commissioner and Kansas House races tied to Derby. Education & School Choice: A petition to “Save Logan Avenue” Elementary was submitted to the Kansas State Board of Education, seeking a state-level review of USD 253’s planned closure. Public Health & Livestock: Kansas warns ranchers about a New World screwworm case in Texas and urges vigilance to protect herds. Higher Ed Policy: Kansas Board of Regents is considering a reduced-credit bachelor’s degree option, aiming to cut time-to-completion while keeping rigor. Sports Culture: Chiefs launch “El Offseason,” a Spanish-language scripted comedy series for social-first fans.

Wichita Community & Culture: Wichita State’s incoming VP of student affairs Jamarco Clark sat down to talk about building access for students, while the Ulrich Museum of Art kicked off its Adopt-a-Sculpture campaign with a renewed look at the campus Miro mosaic. Youth & Education: Frank Rushton Elementary in Kansas City, Kansas, earned a Bright Spots School for Excellence in Literacy nod from The 74. Sports & Family Life: Kansas-based The Good Game announced its new exclusive collegiate partnership with the University of Kansas to power KU Athletics lessons, camps, and clinics through a “digital passport” for youth opportunities. Health & Safety: The American Heart Association and NWSL launched the 2026 Nation of Lifesavers ambassador class, including Kansas City Current’s Lo’eau LaBonta, to boost CPR education. Local Events: Wichita will celebrate the historic McAfee pool’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places with a free swim day Saturday. Civic Life: A Wyandotte County Livable Neighborhoods meeting covered junk cars, school meals, Juneteenth, World Cup plans, and a June 5 public hearing on CDBG priorities.

Road Safety Watch: A new national road-condition check puts Kansas among the best states, with just 2.8% of major roadways rated in poor shape, while other states like California and Kentucky report far higher shares. Local Culture & Community: The 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City is rolling out upgrades ahead of World Cup crowds, including a new parking garage and pedestrian mall, with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum planning for more visitors. Kansas Civic Life: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 25 appointments to Kansas boards and commissions, including roles tied to sentencing policy, services for Kansans who are deaf or hard of hearing, and agricultural remediation. Faith & Service: A Kansas military chaplain’s sainthood cause gets a personal boost as a Hutch-area man credits Father Emil Kapaun’s intercession for his survival and recovery. Family-Friendly Pride: Kansas City-area Pride Month events are already underway, with listings for parades, block parties, and community gatherings across the metro.

College Sports Reform: Sen. Maria Cantwell opened a hearing arguing college athletics is “broken and unsustainable,” pointing to cuts to women’s and Olympic programs and warning against pay-for-play. Higher Ed Leadership & DEI: UF’s presidential finalist Stuart Bell met with the campus as Florida’s search nears a decision, while Arizona State faces a DOJ investigation tied to DEI practices. Mental Health in Douglas County: Leaders are exploring a “clubhouse model” for adults with serious mental illness, aiming for a non-clinical, peer-led support space by 2028. Education Access: Kansas Board of Regents is weighing a faster three-year bachelor’s option (90 credits), with experts warning some fields may treat it like “bachelor’s light.” Local Politics: Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog filed for Kansas governor, and the Kansas Democratic Party hit back after Jeff Colyer exited the GOP primary. Public Safety & Schools: Kansas City, Kansas school police deputy chief Sy Colaco says he’s being fired after an internal affairs probe found criminal misconduct. Community & Family: Topeka’s monthly free food distribution is set for June 4, and “Wednesday’s Child” spotlights Kamien, a Kansas child seeking an adoptive family. Culture & Travel: Sunflower Summer returns July 9–Aug. 2 with free admission for eligible Kansas families. World Cup Watch (Kansas City): Argentine journalists say Kansas City is calm now, but expect a big fan arrival ahead of the tournament.

Reproductive Rights & Courts: Sen. Susan Collins backed another Trump-era judicial confirmation, voting to elevate Kathleen “Katie” Lane, a judge with a record tied to restricting abortion access. Education Policy: Kansas educators and a state task force wrestled over school funding math, with debate over whether cutting paraprofessionals would hurt early-career teachers and student support. Housing & Affordability: Lawrence officials heard consultants say the city needs thousands more housing units over the next decade to improve affordability, while Lawrence City Hall also moved on a downtown building purchase plan. Civic Life & Community: A Northland family marked the death of a child killed when a tree fell, sharing memories and asking for prayers. STEM & Youth: Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on science activities to students in Zambia, pairing classroom experiments with local STEM mentors. Sports Culture: The NWSL Championship is headed back to Washington, D.C., with Audi Field hosting Nov. 21, and Kansas baseball’s postseason run continues as the Jayhawks chase a College World Series berth. Health & Federal Services: The Social Security Administration cut 7,100 jobs, with advocates warning benefit cases are stuck and delays are worsening.