AGP Executive Report

Manufacturing Workforce Push: The Trump administration rolled out “Foundry School,” a national program aimed at training 3.8 million skilled workers by 2033 for semiconductors, defense, energy and other advanced manufacturing needs. Aviation Safety & Kansas Supply Chain: Boeing paid a $3.1M FAA fine tied to safety and quality-control violations, including issues linked to the 2024 Alaska Airlines MAX 9 incident and hundreds of quality findings at Boeing’s Wichita-area supply work. Public Safety & Local Infrastructure: Sedgwick County issued a burn ban amid dry, windy conditions and approved a $21M emergency dispatch upgrade with Motorola equipment. Kansas Transportation Planning: KDOT began an 11-mile U.S. 69 survey in Crawford County for intersection redesigns, with work expected to wrap by early 2027. Consumer Product Recalls: The CPSC announced two recalls—overheating LED light kits for riding mowers and headphone amplifiers that can become electrified—both with no reported injuries. Business/Tech in Kansas: Kustom Entertainment detailed its pending acquisition of Tickets For Less (TFL), outlining ticketing, festival, and casino/resort synergy targets.

Data Center Politics: A new Kansas-Ohio-Wisconsin campaign backed by major AI-linked donors is pushing voters to see data centers as “good neighbors,” turning zoning and power/water strain into a high-stakes election issue. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Emporia brought back in-person public comment at City Commission, while the city also accepted a $1.2M grant for school safety improvements; meanwhile, Olathe shared early visuals for the Santa Fe/I-35 interchange redesign. Energy Costs: GasBuddy price checks show midgrade and diesel deals shifting county by county across Kansas, with Cherokee County midgrade hitting $3.95 and Marion County diesel at $4.75 in the week ending Aug. 22. Public Safety & Health: A Kansas maternal-care access report urges broader coverage, telehealth, and better Medicaid reimbursement as many residents live an hour from high-risk pregnancy care. Community & Business: Emporia State shut down east seating at Welch Stadium over structural deficiencies, and Kansas HVAC crews report heat-wave demand pushing systems to max capacity. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker lists Tecumseh and other small Kansas cities with just one July report, while Wichita and Overland Park lead statewide totals.

Election Administration: Kansas Sec. of State Scott Schwab is pushing back on courts changing mail-ballot rules midstream, including a restored three-day grace period after ballots were already sent, and he’s urging federal courts to block new USPS mail-ballot rules before November. Local Governance: Emporia city commissioners are bringing public comment back to in-person meetings after threats tied to the city’s data-center inquiries, with the next agenda including stormwater and Safe Routes to Schools work. Agriculture & Weather: Dryness is still shaping Kansas farm decisions as winter wheat planting lags and topsoil moisture stays short; meanwhile, extreme heat is shortening the sunflower season at Grinter Sunflower Farm near Lawrence. Energy & Costs: Gas prices remain volatile across Kansas, with GasBuddy reporting some of the lowest diesel and midgrade deals in select counties during the week ending Aug. 22. Workforce & Industry: The Trump administration is launching Foundry School to train workers for manufacturing and industrial supply chains, targeting millions of skilled hires needed by 2033. Retail & Consumer Services: Lemonade expanded renters insurance in Kansas with coverage starting at $5/month, aiming for instant quotes and faster claims. Business Expansion: Mountainland Supply Company selected Thrive Technologies to rebalance inventory across its 42 branches and cut dead stock.

Workforce & Manufacturing: The Trump administration is set to launch “Foundry School” on Sept. 3, a national training push aimed at filling an estimated 3.8 million skilled manufacturing jobs by 2033, with a curriculum built through a Stanford partnership and focused on semiconductors, defense, and energy. Road Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol is stepping up enforcement for Labor Day, urging buckle-up habits, sober driving, and route checks via kandrive.org. Construction & Commuting: K-15 bridge work in Dickinson County is delayed again after unexpected geology, extending the closure through summer 2027 and keeping motorists on a K-18/U.S. 77/K-82 detour. Public Safety Ops: Cherokee County saw three impaired-driving arrests during a Kansas Highway Patrol checkpoint and roving patrol. Community Services: An Olathe nonprofit, Community Threads, opened a boutique-style clothing assistance space designed to offer dignity and a “shopping” experience with volunteer personal shoppers. Agriculture & Research: KU, K-State, and partners are involved in an NSF-funded, drought-tolerance research effort for rice and wheat using mycorrhizal inoculants. Local Economy & Events: Hays’ Wild West Festival committee voted to dissolve the nonprofit ending the long-running Fourth of July tradition after rising costs and volunteer strain.

Beef & Ranching: Trump’s “discounted” tariff-free beef imports (300,000 metric tons) begin Tuesday, with critics warning the policy could undercut Kansas ranchers and raise food-safety concerns. Food Safety: A sprout recall expands after an outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts, adding a radish sprout mix due to possible cross-contamination with E. coli and Salmonella. Local Roads: K-99 work in Greenwood County wraps up, including a chip seal and a box culvert replacement over Homer Creek. City Hall & Taxes: Eureka City Council approved a 2027 budget and a 75.0-mil levy after choosing to exceed the revenue neutral rate, while addressing condemned-structure responsibilities. Public Safety Staffing: Bangs City Council appointed an interim police chief after opting not to sign a contract for a permanent hire. Tech & Power Debate: A Kansas-focused push by an AI-backed group ramps up amid growing voter backlash over data centers’ electricity and water impacts. Business Watch: Daxor CEO Michael Feldschuh says the company is still in “Day 1” mode, detailing a mid-year update as it builds toward broader adoption. Kansas Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show midgrade and E15 prices varying across counties, with Kansas averages still above earlier-year levels. Sports/Branding: Travis Kelce’s Tommy Hilfiger campaign spotlights Kansas City ties as the NFL star expands his fashion footprint.

Data Center Legal Fight: Edgerton, El Dorado and Emporia are suing over citizen petitions that would restrict or ban large-scale data centers, arguing over whether voters can shape local rules through Kansas’ petition-to-vote process. Cybersecurity & AI Risk: A broad coalition of major tech and cybersecurity firms is urging urgent protections for hospitals, water systems and other critical infrastructure after reports of AI agents acting beyond their assigned tasks. Healthcare Costs Transparency: A Lawrence pharmacy says Kansas’ SB 20 transparency law for pharmacy benefit managers is already cutting revenue as the industry adjusts to new rules. Beef & Ranch Economics: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall says he’s “frustrated” by Trump’s beef import moves, warning they could pressure Kansas cattle producers even as USDA expands incentives like heifer-retention insurance. Local Government Services: Sedgwick County approved a 2027 budget that lowers the mill levy again while boosting EMS staffing and ambulances and strengthening core operations. Kansas Infrastructure: KDOT warns I-70 and U.S. 77 delays in Geary County during game-day travel and ongoing interchange and bridge work. Kansas Fuel Watch: GasBuddy price checks show steady regional variation, with regular gas lows reported in Chautauqua County ($3.94) and diesel lows in Leavenworth County ($4.76). Film Industry Business: AMC Theatres is launching Leawood Films, a Kansas-named indie distribution label aimed at fully financed or completed projects.

Beef Trade & Farm Politics: Trump’s temporary tariff lift for 300,000 metric tons of imported lean beef trimmings kicks in Tuesday, with Kansas ranchers and farm-state Republicans warning it could squeeze domestic cattle profits even if the White House says it’s meant to lower prices. Kansas Agriculture Economics: Kansas Farmers Union vice president Matt Ubel says high diesel and fertilizer costs are already cutting margins, and the beef-import move adds more uncertainty for producers heading into election season. Solar + AI Investment: A new report says AI is reshaping the solar value chain, with hyperscaler-driven demand and about $13B in cumulative investment signaling a structural shift in how solar is built and integrated. Local Tech Privacy Fight: Kansas communities are pushing back on automated license plate readers and data-center expansion, with candidates calling for statewide privacy guardrails. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows La Crosse and Wellington each logged one scam report in July, tying them for 28th among Kansas cities. KDOT Funding: Kansas Department of Transportation opened applications for its Innovative Technology Program, with a Sept. 11 deadline for safety and mobility tech projects.

Workforce & Training: Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship awarded five Rural Apprenticeship Innovation grants to expand learn-and-earn programs in rural communities under 50,000 people. Agriculture: USDA reported mixed Kansas crop progress as topsoil and subsoil moisture remain tight in many areas, with corn and soybeans mostly in fair-to-good condition. Public Health: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Ellis County’s RWD 1C after a waterline break caused pressure loss; residents are told to boil water until testing clears the system. Health Care Spending Watch: Kansas Medicaid billing data shows sharp local swings, including Kansas City’s $41,873 in “drugs administered other than oral” claims and big category jumps in multiple towns for radiology, surgery, and supplies. Energy Prices: GasBuddy tracked the week’s lowest E15 and E85 prices in several Kansas counties, while diesel pricing also varied by county. Safety & Crime: Police are investigating a fatal stabbing near KU campus in Lawrence with the suspect still at large, and a separate Osage County case led to meth charges after a traffic stop.

Data Center Transparency Fight: In Emporia, a resident says he’s still waiting on Kansas Open Records Act documents tied to a proposed hyperscale data center after paying $1,740 for the search—fueling distrust as the city annexed land for the project. Federal Reserve Watch: At Jackson Hole, Fed officials including Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid warned inflation is still “sticky,” keeping September rate-hike chatter alive. Health Care Spending (Medicaid): Local Medicaid billing spikes show up across Kansas—Salina’s medical and surgical supplies jumped to $6,584 (2024), Osage City’s national codes rose 0.3%, and multiple towns saw big increases in surgery, radiology, pathology/labs, and dental services. Public Health & Safety: KDHE and KDWP issued blue-green algae advisories for several Kansas fishing waters, urging residents to avoid contact and keep pets away. Ag & Food Industry: Kansas ranchers argue record herd size is driving beef prices, while dairy leaders point to immigrant labor as key to rural growth. Workforce & Infrastructure: KDOT held a Salina-area highway maintenance career fair with starting pay up to $19.85 an hour and CDL training support.

Consumer Safety & Fraud: Maize and other Kansas cities continue to show up on BBB Scam Tracker, with Maize tied for 18th in July after two reports—mostly debt collection and an online purchase scam—while the FTC says Americans lost $12.5B to fraud in 2024. Public Policy & Finance: Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole remarks put more pressure on rate-hike expectations, warning inflation must slow “clearly and at sufficient speed” or the Fed has “work to do.” Food & Agriculture: Trump’s duty-free beef import plan (300,000 metric tons) is being questioned by Kansas State meat economist Glynn Tonsor, who says the supply boost is about 2% of U.S. consumption and may not move burger prices much. Local Business: Bucklin’s Pickle Cottage story highlights how Kansas food makers can scale beyond the region, shipping to 38 states. Health & Mobility: Safe Kids Kansas is running “Bucks for Buckles” Labor Day seat-belt push across 44 cities, as e-bike and scooter injuries keep climbing statewide.

Transportation Safety: A Coffey County crash on I-35 near U.S. 75 killed an 80-year-old woman after her SUV hit a semi head-on; the semi driver was unhurt. Local Infrastructure & Industry: Olathe is set to receive $18.7 million from KDOT for a bypass around the K-10/Lone Elm interchange to reroute heavy trucks away from schools and pedestrians, with construction targeted for 2028. Public Health & Water Recreation: KDHE and KDWP issued a blue-green algae advisory for multiple Kansas lakes and recreation areas, urging residents to avoid contact and report suspected harmful algae incidents. Agriculture & Land Economics: Kansas producers are weighing how crop and soil decisions affect wheat yields, while broader farmland “financialization” coverage highlights how farmers are treating land as an investment as crop prices swing. Fed Watch: Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s hawkish Jackson Hole message kept rate-hike expectations elevated, rattling markets and adding pressure to borrowing costs. Food & Meat Processing Policy: Trump’s push to let farmers and ranchers process their own meat drew mixed reactions from Kansas cattle producers, who say competition and pricing rules matter too. Kansas City Area Construction: Kansas City, Kan., schools broke ground on $12 million in bond-funded upgrades at Sumner Academy, replacing decades-old classroom trailers with permanent indoor space and a storm shelter.

Education & Construction: Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools is replacing decades-old outdoor classroom trailers at Sumner Academy with a $12M bond-funded expansion that adds five indoor classrooms, a weight room, and a community space that can also serve as a storm shelter. Housing Repair & Workforce: The Urban League of Greater Kansas City launched Operation Rebuild, a $1.4M effort to fix 43 owner-occupied homes in the Prospect Corridor, with repairs like roofs, windows, and driveways and hands-on construction training for program graduates. Local Infrastructure: Emporia’s South Commercial (K-99) geometric improvements are moving ahead “blow and go” once underground utilities shift, while Overlander Road expansion work nears completion and street rehab/preservation follows. Road Planning: KDOT will start an 11-mile U.S. 69 survey in Crawford County Aug. 31 to support intersection design work, with fieldwork expected to wrap by early March 2027. Agriculture & Markets: Kansas cattle producers are reacting to Trump’s push to let farmers and ranchers process their own meat—some see potential relief, but say it won’t fix all the economic squeeze. Food Policy Politics: A food industry group is running ads in Kansas to back GOP ingredient-labeling reforms, arguing a single federal standard could reduce grocery costs. Cybersecurity & Tech: Wichita State is ramping up AI use via a campus strategy council and surveys focused on AI awareness, ethics, and disclosure. Public Safety: Raytown police are investigating a Friday shooting outside a business on 350 Highway that left a man seriously injured. Regulation & Compliance: Polymarket says it withdrew a Kansas City Chiefs Week 1 Mahomes participation market after CFTC guidance, while other operators face similar pressure to avoid trades tied to injuries or officiating.

Kansas Budget & Public Safety: Sedgwick County cut its mill levy again while still boosting property-tax revenue, and approved an 18.5% EMS funding jump—$4.6 million—to add three ambulances, three support vehicles, and 15 EMT/paramedic positions. Energy Education: Kansas State’s Kansas Energy Program is hosting a free “Energy in Action” workshop in Hays (Oct. 20) for teachers and youth leaders, with hands-on STEM lessons on electricity, efficiency, renewables, and the power grid. Rural Business Spotlight: WaKeeney’s EaglesNest Wood & Pottery is leaning into community pottery parties and handmade wood goods as a small-business model built for rural Kansas. Tech & Politics Clash: A Kansas labor union endorsement in the governor’s race highlights how data-center backlash is splitting organized labor and Kansas Democrats. Consumer Protection: Kansas will receive $134 million from a sweeping Meta settlement tied to child-safety claims, with required platform changes like time limits and school-hour restrictions. Local Infrastructure: Cherokee County approved a bid to repave newly acquired Highway 96 east of Crestline. Health & Food Safety: A new report warns dangerous, drug-resistant salmonella strains are rising in U.S. poultry, renewing pressure on federal oversight.

Meta Settlement in Kansas: Kansas will receive $134M from Meta’s $17.1B, multi-state child-safety settlement, with the company required to roll out protections like daily time limits, nighttime blocks, age verification, and tighter parental controls. Election Rules Watch: New ballot restrictions are on the ballot this November in Kansas and other states, including proposals tied to voter ID and citizenship requirements—sparking fresh debate over who gets blocked. Energy & Ag: Renewable diesel demand is pushing canola acreage higher; Kansas and Oklahoma canola plantings have surged, and Scoular’s Goodland crush facility is positioned to feed the growth. Local Water Safety: Geary County issued a boil water advisory after a waterline incident on K-57. Transportation & Logistics: Trucking failures are mounting as a freight slowdown keeps pressure on carriers, with more Chapter 7/11 filings reported across logistics. Tech & Finance: Markets rallied on Nvidia’s strong earnings and guidance, while Kansas City Fed President Schmid warned inflation is still “sticky” ahead of Warsh’s Jackson Hole keynote. Housing & Planning: A Kansas zoning commission delayed a decision on rezoning for Shops of Highland Park, seeking refinements around height, landscaping, and parking. Public Safety: A Sedgwick County crash left a woman dead days later, and Manhattan teens were arrested on drug distribution charges near a school.

Fed Watch: Kansas-linked economist Jeff Schmid says inflation is still “too hot” ahead of Jackson Hole, arguing the Fed’s short-term rate stance remains too accommodating. Agriculture Markets: Grain futures eased overnight as traders weigh bullish wheat strength against upcoming USDA export sales. Kansas Dairy & Labor: A Kansas dairy industry profile highlights how immigrant workers are keeping production growing fast. Beef Policy: Kansas ranchers push back on Trump’s temporary beef import tariff pause, warning it could distort prices and discourage herd expansion. Local Economy/Tech: Meta will pay Kansas $134M to settle claims tied to social media harm, while a separate report shows middle-income budgets getting only modest relief as gas prices cool. Cybersecurity & Water: CISA says hackers hit more than 100 U.S. water systems in July, targeting control devices and sometimes altering safety functions. Construction/Industry: Titan Machinery reports fiscal Q2 results with margin recovery tied to inventory health. Wildlife: Rolling Hills Zoo continues caring for confiscated ornate box turtles rescued from illegal wildlife trade. Public Safety: Kansas City KS marked the one-year anniversary of Officer Hunter Simoncic’s line-of-duty death with a boulevard dedication.

Road Safety & Local Planning: Lawrence says injury crashes stayed steady in 2025 (317 injury crashes, 4 fatal) as it pushes more Vision Zero projects aimed at cutting serious harm by 2050. Agriculture & Trade: Kansas ranchers and the Kansas Farm Bureau warn President Trump’s proposed beef import/tariff pause could depress prices, disrupt long-term signals, and hurt local producers. Higher Ed & Ag Innovation: K-State’s $125M Western Star Global Center for Grain and Food is set to open Sept. 18, spotlighting private-public partnerships across grain, food, and animal science. Workforce Development: Kansas expands rural apprenticeship funding with RAISE grants to grow registered apprenticeship slots in small communities. Consumer Protection & Tech: Kansas will receive $134M from Meta’s settlement over alleged harms to kids, with required platform safety changes. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show Kansas regular gas averaging about $3.75 statewide for the week ending Aug. 15, with notable low-price pockets in multiple counties. Business & Marketing Tech: Restaurant marketers are leaning harder on AI plus location data to predict customer behavior and improve site selection and hyper-local targeting. Healthcare Policy: A Medicare GLP-1 “Bridge” program is drawing attention as some patients are excluded, even when they face serious weight-related health risks.