AGP Executive Report

Education & Community: Kansas State Board of Education is drafting tech-use guidance for districts, with possible requirements for laptop/pad access rules as the 2027 Legislature approaches. School Safety & Daily Life: A new Kansas law bans handheld devices in active construction and school zones (hands-free still allowed), with warnings first and fines starting July 1, 2027. Local Government: Great Bend’s Chamber hosted a Civic Leadership Lab, giving residents a behind-the-scenes look at how county institutions and budgets work. Rural Programs: Kansas’ SEED grant round is opening $250,000 for small communities (pop. 5,000 or fewer) for childcare/senior programs, libraries, food retail, and community vibrancy. STEM Inspiration: The Cosmosphere welcomed Artemis II astronauts and NASA leadership to spotlight lunar exploration and careers in science. Agriculture Learning: K-State Extension is running a hands-on Cow Camp in Hays (Sept. 9–10) covering herd health, nutrition, calf care, and more. Sports (Kansas ties): Stetson Bennett is set to start the Rams’ preseason opener at Kansas City, while Ty Simpson gets playing time.

Education & Tech Policy: Kansas schools are rolling out Gov. Laura Kelly’s “bell-to-bell” device ban, requiring K-12 students to lock up phones and other personal electronics all day, with limited medical and program exceptions. Rural Economic Growth: Lieutenant Gov. David Toland announced a new $250,000 round of SEED grants for Kansas communities of 5,000 or fewer, with up to $25,000 each for childcare/senior programs, community vibrancy, food retail, and libraries. STEM Inspiration: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran to spotlight lunar exploration and careers in science. Community & Culture: A Volga German history celebration in Hays and Ellis County marked the 150th anniversary of the Volga Germans’ settlement, including a performance of “Josie’s Gift.” Agriculture & Training: K-State Research and Extension is hosting a two-day Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays, covering beef nutrition, calf care, reproductive management, and more. Local Safety Planning: Kansas City is seeking resident input on Prospect Avenue safety improvements after designating a corridor as part of its High-Injury Network. Food & Fun: Hellmann’s crowned America’s favorite sandwich in a bracket-style showdown that ended with Kansas’ burnt end sandwich facing Pennsylvania’s Philly cheesesteak.

School Safety & Surveillance: Wichita is weighing a federal grant to add panic buttons in public schools that would feed live audio/video into the city’s Real Time Crime Information Center, sparking privacy and surveillance-network concerns. Public Health: Kansas says it will stick with “scientific evidence” for its vaccine schedule despite a Trump executive order, keeping guidance aligned with major medical groups. Immigration & Education: The DOJ is suing more states over in-state tuition rules for immigrants without permanent legal status, with Kansas among those facing pending challenges. Community & Culture: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts and NASA leadership to spotlight space careers for Kansas students. Rural Life & Learning: K-State Extension is launching a two-day Cow Camp in Hays (Sept. 9–10) with hands-on beef management sessions. Local Grants: Kansas’ SEED program is opening a new $250,000 round for small communities, with funding up to $25,000 for childcare/senior programs, food retail, libraries, and community vibrancy. Sports & Fun: Powerball keeps rolling toward another near-billion jackpot, and Kansas’ burnt-end sandwich made it to the final showdown in Hellmann’s “America’s Sandwich” bracket.

Space & STEM: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson welcomed Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch, plus NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, to spotlight lunar exploration and inspire Kansas students. Education & Community: Emporia Public Schools approved a strategic planning process through 2031+ with surveys and focus groups, while Wichita State launched a “Parents and Caregivers Community Program” to support student parents with family-friendly campus resources. Youth Learning & Fun: Topeka Zoo announced fall camps and free monarch butterfly tagging classes, and Wonderscope Children’s Museum teamed with NASCAR for a “Science of Speed” STEAM day. Local Quality of Life: Lieutenant Gov. David Toland announced a new round of SEED grants ($250,000 total) for Kansas communities of 5,000 or fewer, including projects for childcare, libraries, food retail, and community vibrancy. Sports Culture: Travis Kelce finally shared wedding reflections, calling it “the best night of my life,” after his secret Madison Square Garden nuptials with Taylor Swift. Politics & Identity: Spring Hill parents are pushing to change a yearbook pronoun policy, arguing Kansas law may not allow the current approach. Agriculture: K-State is inviting producers and community members to 2026 Western Kansas Research-Extension field days, and K-State Extension is running a hands-on Cow Camp in Hays this September.

Hilltop Child Development Center: KU’s Hilltop childcare center is in turmoil after losing more than half its teachers and students, with staff and parents questioning the center’s executive director and citing licensing violations and chaotic classroom placements. Rural Economic Boost: Lieutenant Gov. David Toland announced a new $250,000 round of SEED grants for Kansas communities of 5,000 or fewer, with up to $25,000 each for childcare/senior programs, libraries, food retail, and community vibrancy. Public Safety Tech: Pioneer approved installing Flock license-plate cameras using highway funds for a two-year trial, with one council dissent over privacy and constitutionality concerns. Justice Funding for Local Cities: Nine Kansas cities and counties are set to receive $290 million in federal Justice Department funding through the JAG program to support crime prevention, courts/prosecutors, and victim services. Back-to-School Tech Debate: Parents are pushing for less YouTube and more books, while Kansas districts weigh how much AI and tech belongs in classrooms. Space Inspiration in Hutchinson: The Cosmosphere hosted Artemis II astronauts and NASA leadership to spotlight lunar exploration and spark Kansas students’ interest in science careers. Local Learning Events: Great Bend’s 11th Annual Business Showcase honors Barton County educators, and K-State is running a hands-on Cow Camp in Hays for beef producers.

Higher Ed Watch: Kansas Board of Regents leaders warn deferred maintenance is a “ticking time bomb,” with universities facing ballooning repair costs as funding tightens. Student Life & Family Support: Wichita State rolls out a pre-orientation program for student parents and caregivers, building community and connecting families to campus resources before classes start. Local Schools & Safety: Kansas school zone reminders are in focus as officials say speeding, texting, and passing buses remain common—plus fines are doubled in zones. Community & Culture: KU lands grant funding to boost Indigenous representation in news media through a character-based, solutions-oriented approach, training student journalists to cover Indigenous mental health. Sports & Entertainment: Ted Lasso returns with a new women’s team at AFC Richmond, while Kansas City-area fans get more school-and-soccer energy from local and regional sports coverage. Outdoors & Learning: Kansas Wetlands Education Center pushes its Summer Explorer Guide contest and a Perseid meteor watch party. Lottery Buzz: Powerball keeps climbing, topping $1B after strong ticket sales, with the next drawing set for Wednesday.

Back-to-School in KCK: Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools are in full prep mode for the first day, with teachers calling families and building connections that go beyond lesson plans. Education & Community Investment: Kiewit is putting $1 million into SchoolSmartKC’s “Literacy for All” initiative, backing Brookside Charter School with research-based coaching, tutoring, and family engagement. Local Culture & Arts: Theatre Lawrence’s Louise ImMasche Fund launches with “Chasing Nirvana,” a ‘90s rock-and-pop culture debut that leans into dive-bar grit and coming-of-age dreams. Crisis Support Leadership: HeadQuarters Kansas named Megan Bridges as executive director and Misty Eytcheson as director of operations for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline contact center serving most Kansas counties. School Funding Fight: Four Johnson County districts formed the Kansas Public School Funding Coalition and hired Lathrop GPM to pursue legal action over alleged special education underfunding. Community Planning: Overland Park filed rezoning plans to redevelop Oak Park Mall into a mixed-use district with housing, a hotel, restaurants, and a community theater. Outdoor Learning: Kansas Wetlands Education Center is running its Summer Explorer Guide contest and hosting a Perseid meteor watch party Aug. 14. Sports Buzz: Cubs power rankings keep climbing after a strong stretch, while Kansas City Current’s Temwa and Tabitha Chaŵinga are highlighted in WAFCON 2026 sisterhood storylines.

Kansas Politics: Roger Marshall’s GOP Senate win sets up a November test against Democrat Adam Hamilton, with analysts shifting the race from “safe” to “likely” as spending could top $50 million. Courts & Reproductive Rights: A Kansas judge struck down the state’s Woman’s Right to Know Act, a move that’s already sparking heavy debate about long-running informed-consent rules. Immigration & Community Safety: Federal prosecutors filed a denaturalization case seeking to revoke citizenship for an Olathe man accused of using a false identity after a deportation order decades ago. Education & Tech: Lawrence school leaders are moving to prohibit private, two-way social media contact between staff and students, while nearby metro districts roll out AI classroom guidelines. Local Culture & Arts: Gardner is floating a 335-acre arts/education/entertainment district with a major concert venue, esports space, and a media college. Community & Youth: Jefferson County 4-H is celebrating state competition wins and launching new community engagement events. Sports & Entertainment: KU soccer is building after another NCAA run, and “Ted Lasso” is spotlighting women’s soccer with Kansas City ties. Lifestyle & Odds: Powerball climbs past $900 million, and Kansas City International marks 816 Day with local food, music, and events.

Kansas Politics & Elections: A new political science look at Kansas’ Supreme Court selection amendment defeat highlights how voters can back Republicans while rejecting specific GOP-led changes, with the Masterson-backed proposal on the ballot decisively losing. School & Family Life: Kansas drivers are being reminded that a new handheld cellphone ban is now in effect in school zones during posted active hours, with hands-free options still allowed. Workforce & Education: Washburn University Institute of Technology opened a new North Topeka campus in a former Kmart, expanding manufacturing and cosmetology training with state and federal workforce dollars. Community & Safety: Lawrence police say a dramatic drone-and-officer search for a reported basement break-in turned out to be a hoax after children later admitted the story. Agriculture & Rural Life: Kansas drought conditions remain mostly steady but worsening in parts of southwest and south central areas, while K-State invites producers to 2026 Western Kansas Research-Extension field days in Garden City, Hays, and Tribune. Local Culture & Faith: The LGBTQ Foundation of Kansas urged newly elected officials to remember they represent all constituents, criticizing anti-trans bathroom laws while pointing to everyday affordability pressures.

Kansas Politics: Kansas Democrats leaned into electability over ideology in Tuesday’s primaries, with wins across key races and a clear rejection of more extreme left labels. Courts & Democracy: A proposed Kansas constitutional amendment to change Supreme Court selection rules was decisively defeated, underscoring that voters can cross party lines. Education Policy: The U.S. Education Department is granting more states flexibility to reshape federal education requirements, a shift that could ripple into Kansas classrooms. Local Schools: Lawrence school board members will weigh a bell-to-bell personal device ban and related policy updates, with medical and disability-plan exceptions. Agriculture & Weather: Kansas drought conditions remain mostly steady but trending drier in parts of the southwest and south central region, with a warmer forecast and only a modest chance of precipitation. Community & Faith: Multiple Northeast Kansas religious gatherings are scheduled Aug. 9-15, including prayer and adoration events across Leavenworth and Wyandotte areas. Health & Care: Neuro RehabCare Kansas City is expanding specialized neuro rehabilitation services for stroke and brain injury recovery. Sports & Culture: Kansas City-area fans get a fresh dose of NFL and local sports talk, while Kansas Wesleyan adds two new trustees to its board. Baseball Buzz: MLB’s bottom teams look less “tank-y” than in past years, and Kansas City’s Royals are among the clubs hovering near avoiding triple-digit losses.

Kansas Drought Watch: Barton County and much of southwest/south central Kansas are sliding deeper into moderate drought, with forecasts calling for hotter-than-normal weather and only a modest shot at precipitation. K-State Western Kansas Field Days: K-State is inviting producers and community members to see 125 years of research in action at WKREC field days Aug. 25-27 in Garden City, Hays and Tribune. School Tech Policy: The Lawrence school board moves toward final approval of a bell-to-bell personal electronic device ban, with medical and IEP/504 exceptions. Local Sports Growth: Derby High is launching a girls flag football program this fall, with Bryan Chadwick named the first head coach. Community & Faith: Southeast Kansas lists a full week of Catholic adoration and confession events for Aug. 9-15. Civic Debate: A Kansas governor’s race is being reshaped by backlash to data center growth, as voters weigh jobs and tech gains against water, power and tax strain. Business/Consumer: A federal appellate court revived part of a lawsuit accusing Hill’s Pet Nutrition in Topeka of false advertising tied to an unproven pet-food health risk. Education Flexibility: The U.S. Education Department is granting more states flexibility to consolidate federal education dollars, including Kansas-area impacts via broader waiver authority.

Immigration & Public Opinion: A new YouGov poll says about 8 in 10 independents think ICE uses too much force, a shift that could hurt Republicans in the midterms. Local Community Support: Kansas City churches are stepping up for back-to-school—St. Stephen Baptist Church hosted a Back-to-School Bash with backpacks, uniforms, and supplies. Civic Life & Voting Access: In Douglas County, partisan commission races and limited candidate filings left some voters with no real choice in general elections, raising concerns about how much the public can weigh in. Emporia Data Center Tensions: A city meeting clash tied to data center resistance continues to ripple after video of a clapping protester’s arrest went viral. Sports & Culture: Ted Lasso’s Season 4 returns with Kansas City ties, while NASCAR’s Iowa weekend is set for the HyVee Perks 250 (CW, Aug. 9). Education & Youth: Lawrence Farmers Market marked 50 years with tie-dye, live music, and community celebrations. Health & Learning: New research suggests brain-training may deliver broader brain changes beyond classic puzzles.

Education & Appointments: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 46 appointments, including Great Bend’s Sara Arnberger to the State Historic Sites Board of Review, Hugo Perez of Hays to the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, and Sen. Tory Blew to the Uniform Fire Code Task Force. Community & Youth Safety: Lawrence police say a “home invasion” hoax by two children triggered a major response and drone search—then detectives learned it was fabricated, with no charges filed. Arts & Culture: Lawrence Farmers Market turns 50 with tattoos, tie-dye, and live music, celebrating decades of local vendors and community traditions. Sports & Local Pride: Kansas City-area college and pro sports culture stays in focus—from Twins ace Joe Ryan’s 15-day IL with a glute strain to the weekend’s big NASCAR stop at Iowa Speedway. Faith & Education: Wichita’s Diocese announced the San Felipe Neri Seminary will open Aug. 26, ending a 20-year planning journey for local priest formation. Streaming Buzz: Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso” Season 4 is already topping charts, with fans treating it like a timely dose of optimism. Early Childhood Watch: A proposed federal Head Start overhaul could reshape Kansas City-area preschool standards, especially teacher-to-child ratios.

Kansas GOP primary results: President Trump’s endorsements swept Kansas Republican primaries, with Ty Masterson and running mate Jeff Klemp winning the governor race and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall taking 80% in his GOP contest, alongside big wins for Tracey Mann, Derek Schmidt and Ron Estes. Democracy in action: A Kansas constitutional amendment to change Supreme Court selection was decisively rejected, a reminder that even GOP-leaning voters can say no to institutional shakeups. Youth sports in Topeka: Miami Heat NBA staffer Remy Ndiaye is bringing a co-ed “Elite Basketball Clinic” to Topeka High School, focusing on fundamentals plus conditioning, accountability and teamwork. Online safety push: A Kansas mom whose son died after sextortion is urging the Senate to pass the Kids Online Safety Act, building on Caleb’s Law. Faith & community: Wichita’s Diocese of Wichita is opening a new seminary—St. Philip Neri Seminary—after 20 years of planning. Early learning stakes: Head Start faces proposed federal rule changes that Kansas City-area directors warn could weaken standards, including teacher-to-child ratios.

Kansas City Housing: The KC Housing Trust Fund board heard pitches from developers behind Belleview Townhomes and Mohawk at 15th, but deferred funding decisions to August, while also updating progress on the Teachers Like Me effort. Community Service: Kansas City University students and staff fanned out across Joplin for We Care Day, including invasive-plant removal and building an outdoor classroom at Wildcat Glades to honor longtime volunteer John Greenwood. Family Support Funding: Kansas DCF is awarding $1.1M for nine agencies to run 10 Family Resource Centers statewide, aiming to strengthen families early and reduce the need for foster care. Outdoors & Travel: Lehigh Portland State Park is set for a grand opening Aug. 12, transforming a former limestone quarry into trails, cliffs, and new camping. School Life: Kansas schools begin the first phase of a new school-day cell phone/device ban, with districts setting storage rules for students. Sports & Culture: “Ted Lasso” Season 4 leans into Kansas City’s women’s soccer footprint, with filming tied to CPKC Stadium and the Kansas City Current.

Kansas Politics & Elections: Kansas Democrats are getting national attention as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spotlights the party’s push in Kansas after pastor Adam Hamilton won the nomination to face Sen. Roger Marshall, framing Kansas as part of a broader effort to expand the GOP-held map. Gubernatorial Race Watch: In Kansas, Ty Masterson and Cindy Holscher emerged from the GOP and Democratic primaries, setting up a November showdown for governor. Local Governance: Comanche County voters picked state House nominee Kyle D. Hoffman in the Republican primary, with no Democratic challenger filed—so the seat is headed to November largely uncontested. Immigration Detention & Health Concerns: CoreCivic’s Kansas detention business is in flux as the company sold a Leavenworth facility to DHS for $238.4 million, while activists allege medical neglect and the federal government expands detention capacity. Community & Schools: Wichita’s Colvin Elementary is getting a teachers’ lounge makeover through the “Design Besties” program, a small but meaningful boost for staff well-being. Culture & Faith: A Kansas diocese is opening its own seminary—St. Philip Neri Seminary—after more than 20 years in the making. Sports (Kansas ties): Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs camp updates and the Royals’ recent low-scoring wins keep Kansas sports fans in the loop.