AGP Executive Report

Kansas School Watch: The DOJ and U.S. Education Department announced enforcement moves against Olathe and Shawnee Mission over gender-inclusive policies, including claims tied to FERPA and parents not being told about pronouns or names. Public Safety & Courts: In the Seneca, Kansas priest killing case, a judge found accused killer Gary Hermesch not competent and ordered involuntary commitment proceedings to begin. Community & Culture: Lawrence’s Paper Plains Zine Fest is back with workshops, local zinesters, and a Pokémon tournament—plus KU football on Friday. Local Sports: Cloud County women’s cross country starts the season ranked No. 11 in the NJCAA DI coaches’ poll. Education & Workforce: The federal “Foundry School” launch ties universities (including KU) to manufacturing training aimed at filling millions of skilled-worker roles by 2033. Agriculture: Kansas Dept. of Agriculture named new members to its Marketing Advisory Board, including leaders from food safety, agriculture education, and livestock.

School Policy Clash: The U.S. Department of Justice sued the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools over alleged “secret gender transitions,” arguing the district violated parents’ rights under federal privacy and pupil protection laws. Local School Closures: USD 253 in Emporia moved closer to closing Logan Avenue Elementary after hearings, citing steep enrollment declines and a special education funding shortfall. Library Access Under Threat: Indiana librarians warned that FCC questions about the E-rate program could jeopardize free internet access at public libraries and schools. Community & Culture: Beloit College received Lilly Endowment funding to build a campus “virtue framework” for character development. Kansas Lifestyle Spotlight: Topeka’s library is gearing up for September events, including a young-adult cooking series tied to food access and a Lowrider Culture Fest for Hispanic Heritage Month. Sports & Local Pride: Kansas City-area educator Jen Bianco was named Blue KC Sporting Samaritan for August 2026.

DOJ vs. Kansas Schools: The Justice Department filed a first-of-its-kind federal lawsuit against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools over alleged “secret gender transitions,” saying parents are being kept out of meetings and information under FERPA/PPRA. Local Education & Safety: KDHE opened applications for CPR training and AED funding for schools, libraries, and other groups with approved emergency plans. Maternal Health Access: A new Kansas report urges expanding insurance, telehealth, regional partnerships, and Medicaid reimbursement to close gaps in maternity care—especially in rural areas. Community Calendar: Topeka’s library is hosting “Let Us Cook” for young adults and the free Lowrider Culture Fest for Hispanic Heritage Month. Culture & Learning: K-State education students taught in Costa Rican rural schools, bringing back lessons on culture and language for Kansas classrooms. Local Giving: Osborne County Community Foundation’s Impact Day returns Sept. 25 with matching funds and a bonus match. Campus Updates: Former Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson will become interim dean at Pittsburg State’s College of Education. Lifestyle: A Kansas man’s retirement planning reminder: health care, inflation, and lifestyle choices can quietly raise costs.

DOJ vs. Kansas schools: The U.S. Justice Department sued Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools over alleged “secret gender transitions,” saying district guidelines let staff develop plans for transgender students without parents’ input and violate federal privacy and consent rules. Education & families: The case is framed as “first of many,” with DOJ officials signaling more investigations and lawsuits tied to parental access and student records. Student life in extreme heat: Wichita-area schools are rescheduling practices and games, with some student athletes told to train at 5 a.m. to avoid dangerous conditions. Community anchors: Northeast Kansas City’s Whatsoever Community Center is highlighted as a long-running support hub, and Columbus Park’s Jade Market is opening as a cultural business incubator for AANHPI makers. Health & reading research: A new study challenges old ideas about why kids struggle to read, pointing to auditory processing and comprehension knowledge as key drivers. Local culture & faith: Topeka’s Race Against Breast Cancer marks its 35th year, and Accord Hospice in Manhattan hosts a free Caregiver Day of Renewal. Sports: Cleveland’s Gavin Williams struck out 13 as the Guardians beat Toronto 6-1, keeping the wild-card race tight.

DOJ vs. KCK Schools: The U.S. Justice Department filed a “first-of-its-kind” lawsuit against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, alleging district staff help students with secret “gender transitions” without parents’ knowledge, violating FERPA and PPRA. Community & Care: Topeka’s Race Against Breast Cancer marks its 35th year with a 5K Oct. 3 at Lake Shawnee, raising funds for free/low-cost mammograms across 18 northeast Kansas counties; Accord Hospice in Manhattan hosts a Caregiver Day of Renewal Sept. 11 with speakers, a resource fair, and massages. Peace & Culture: The Center for Peace & Justice plans its 2026 Peace Gala Oct. 9 at the Topeka Zoo’s Japanese Garden, with Mayor Christal Watson delivering the keynote. Local Arts/History: A new traveling exhibit, “Sorting Out Race,” opens Sept. 3 at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid, using thrift-store items to spark conversation about racial identity and stereotypes. Sports & Lifestyle: The Wild West Festival in Hays is ending after 30+ years as its nonprofit dissolves; and Kansas City-area fans get a big Labor Day weekend parade moment with the Johnson County Old Settlers Parade returning to downtown Olathe Sept. 12.

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.