AGP Executive Report

Data Centers in Kansas: Digital Realty is pushing deeper into the Kansas City market with a planned hyperscale campus in De Soto (about 1,440 acres) after buying powered land, while Emporia’s Flint Hills Digital Campus proposal would target a 1,000-acre buildout and is drawing public questions on water, power, jobs, and tax rules. Local Government & Planning: Kansas DOT held a public meeting on the U.S. 24 corridor management plan near Manhattan–Wamego, and Manhattan delayed Fort Riley Boulevard asphalt work, shifting traffic to one lane in each direction. Education: Lawrence school leaders outlined 2026-2027 priorities including expanded preschool access and more college-credit options through KU’s Jayhawk Blueprint. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Kansas Turnpike reopened after flooding, and KDOT bridge replacement work is set to begin in Barton County. Sports Business: Kansas NBA Draft buzz continues with BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson among top prospects, as Wizards fans await Tuesday’s No. 1 decision.

Data Centers & Local Rules: Riley County commissioners kept a six-month moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage centers in place while debating what future regulations should look like, with officials saying the needs vary too much to “pin it down” yet. Energy & Manufacturing: Panasonic says its De Soto, Kansas EV battery plant will shift part of production toward batteries and devices for data centers and AI, with about $3 billion planned for 2027-2029. Transportation Infrastructure: KDOT plans to start a Barton County bridge replacement under U.S. 281 over Blood Creek drainage around June 25, with daylight work and up to 15-minute delays. Sports & Stadium Development: KU marked a topping-out milestone for the east-side bowl of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, completing more than 1,200 tons of steel, though reduced-capacity seating is expected for the 2026 season. Community & Tourism: Kanopolis Drive-In Theatre won a $65,000 Kansas Department of Commerce grant to replace its broken digital projector with a new 4K laser system. Local Governance & Neighborhood Impact: Kansas City is considering liquor-license ordinance changes that would require community votes for upgrades and add neighbor notice when businesses change hands. Agriculture Politics: Kansas Farm Bureau’s farm/rancher PAC endorsed Rep. Tracey Mann for re-election in the 1st District. Public Safety: A fatal UTV crash in Ottawa County is under investigation, and Cowley County Humane Society says flooding is worsening and dogs were evacuated after weekend water damage.

Data Centers & Local Planning: Dickinson County officials are weighing how to handle incoming data center proposals, with residents pushing for safeguards on electricity, water use, noise, and incentives while planners consider conditional-use permits instead of blanket bans. Economic Development & Talent Pipeline: Emporia State University leaders told the Kansas Board of Regents that a potential data center could mean up to 500 full-time jobs and spur tech opportunities for graduates, as the school works to align training with local industry needs. Transportation & Operations: Delta Air Lines is moving to acquire two gates at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, signaling continued expansion even as the airline faces recovery pressure after severe-weather cancellations. Agriculture Markets: USDA’s cattle-on-feed update points to bullish cattle signals while grains show signs of recovery, with wheat supported by weather and disease concerns and renewed interest in U.S. soybeans. Public Safety: A Kansas Turnpike pursuit ended near El Dorado with about 2.2 pounds of meth seized and felony charges filed. Community Spotlight: Special Olympics Airlift operations brought Kansas athletes to the 2026 Games, highlighting aviation and volunteer support for inclusive competition.

Data Center Debate (Hutchinson/Reno County): Hutchinson-area residents are pushing for tighter review of proposed data centers, citing electricity and water use, noise, and public incentives—while officials weigh using conditional-use permits instead of outright bans. USDA Field Office Stability (Kansas): Rep. Derek Schmidt and Sharice Davids introduced the USDA Field Office Stability Act to prevent closures of Kansas USDA county offices, arguing they’re critical for conservation programs, disaster help, farm loans, and staffing. Animal Health & Transport (Screwworm): New World screwworm concerns are disrupting pet rescue flights from East Texas, with some states pausing intake and shelters bracing for overcrowding. Public Safety Tech (World Cup): Kansas City and other host cities are leaning on public safety AI to handle emergency call surges and language barriers during the 2026 World Cup. Weather & Infrastructure: Tornado-like winds knocked down trees and power lines in northwest Kansas, while Kansas City firefighters battled a second blaze at the same home after a power line arced.

World Cup & Kansas City Tourism: Kansas City kept rolling as fans flooded the Crossroads and packed watch spots ahead of the next match, with Curacao supporters turning the airport and streets into a party and local businesses riding the surge. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Tornado-like winds hit northwest Kansas, knocking down trees and power poles and closing roads as Midwest Energy reported thousands without power. Healthcare & Community Capacity: LMH Health unveiled plans for a Heart Center renovation aimed at keeping cardiac services running as one system to meet rising demand. Sports Business & Tech: FIFA’s Infantino jet travel drew climate criticism, while Curacao’s Eloy Room stole the spotlight in a historic Kansas City performance and FIFA’s Kraken crypto tie-in added a tech layer to matchday. Agriculture Markets: USDA NASS crop and range updates are in focus as weather swings and lingering supply risks shape expectations for Kansas and the Plains. Research & Privacy: KU researchers reported a privacy-preserving AI approach to protect sensitive traits inferred from ECG data.

World Cup Logistics in Kansas City: KC2026 rolled out transportation updates for Saturday’s Ecuador–Curaçao match at Kansas City Stadium (7 p.m.), with fans already filling Midtown barbecue spots and the FIFA Fan Fest scene. Medicaid Spending Watch (Kansas): Hutchinson Medicaid claims for Procedures/Professional Services hit $54,364 in 2024 (+6.8%), while Ottawa radiology bills jumped to $3,608 (+78.4%) and Winfield dental services rose to $17,879 (+28.4%). Public Safety: Kansas City police identified the June 16 Truman Rd. shooting victim as Jeremy T. Keenan and opened a homicide investigation tied to other reported shootings. Agriculture Markets: A corn selloff is being blamed on aggressive spec positioning washout, but analysts say supply risks still linger as fertilizer and energy prices cool. Tech & Governance: Facial recognition deployments are expanding, but guidance and public trust concerns are growing as agencies face training and oversight pushback.

Data Centers & Local Planning: Panasonic says its De Soto plant will begin making data-center batteries (EV output continues), with first cells targeted for mid/late 2028 or early 2029, while Pottawatomie County sets a July 28 public hearing on draft data-center rules near the Jeffrey Energy Center. Kansas City World Cup Logistics: KC2026 and FIFA plan earlier staffing and earlier entry for the next match after Tuesday’s traffic and gate bottlenecks; the KC Streetcar also hit a new ridership record with 196,284 trips from June 11-17. Food & Retail Industry: Yum Brands agreed to sell Pizza Hut (excluding Mainland China) for $2.7B, splitting $1.5B to LongRange Capital and $1.2B to Yum China. Agriculture Markets: Wheat futures closed mixed ahead of Juneteenth, with export sales totaling 400,844 metric tons for the marketing year week of June 11. Community Support: Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas is offering disaster relief help for storm-impacted households across its 31-county area.

Education & Workforce: Kansas Board of Regents approved a three-year pilot for reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees, letting public universities propose programs down to 90 credit hours if Kansas employers show demand and the plans meet general education, accreditation, and federal aid rules. Infrastructure & Energy Resilience: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities won more than $13.7M in federal and state funding for airport and energy grid resilience projects, using IIJA dollars plus matching support from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund. Public Safety: A Lawrence driver was seriously hurt after crashing into a Lawrence police patrol vehicle on I-70; officers were not in the SUV at the time, and investigators are looking at possible impairment. Animal Health & Logistics: Texas screwworm concerns are delaying some East Texas pet rescue flights, tightening out-of-state intake and increasing shelter crowding pressure that could spill into Kansas partner capacity. Food & Consumer Travel: Cracker Barrel launched a 10-week “Fuel Your Summer Road Trip” sweepstakes with a $250,000 grand prize pool for rewards members at Kansas City-area locations. Agriculture Markets: U.S. Wheat Associates set its summer board meeting in Fargo, with leadership transition to Kansas farmer Gary Millershaski and a focus on export momentum and market challenges. Kansas City World Cup Ops: KC2026 says it’s improving match-day transportation for the next Kansas City game, including ride-share drop-off rules, earlier traffic control, better signage, and expanded Stadium Direct options. Health & Research: K-State-led guidance highlights post-wheat cover crops as a way to add grazing and protect soil in High Plains dryland systems when moisture conditions allow.

Kansas Agriculture: Southwest Kansas wheat harvest is turning out uneven, with some fields down near 20–25 bushels per acre after drought stress, while better spots are closer to 40; producers are also racing weeds after recent rain and watching for New World screwworm and federal farm policy shifts. Infrastructure & Energy Resilience: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities secured $13.7M+ for airport and energy grid resilience projects, including $10.1M in IIJA funds plus state matching. Local Transportation: Shawnee County approved an $820,000 study for a potential I-70/Auburn Road/Highway 24 interchange, weighing economic gains against possible traffic impacts. Aviation/Manufacturing: Wichita State and NIAR opened the 170,000-square-foot HAMR advanced manufacturing hub, bringing major aerospace and defense partners into new R&D and training space. USDA Access: Reps. Sharice Davids and Derek Schmidt introduced the USDA Field Office Stability Act to block closures and require minimum staffing for rural service offices. Public Safety/Community: Russell City Council approved fireworks rules for July 3–4 and set a July 4 community display. Sports & Talent: Seaman High alum Dagen Brewer was named Division II Baseball National Player of the Year; Wichita-area aviation research and Kansas sports continue to draw national attention.

Kansas Board of Regents: Regents approved a pilot allowing Kansas public universities to propose reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees, potentially down to 90 credits, if there’s clear employer demand and the programs meet general education and federal aid rules. Higher Ed Finance: Regents also backed Emporia State University’s plan to keep tuition flat for another year, aiming to protect affordability while fees rise only slightly. Agriculture Watch: Kansas wheat harvest results are uneven across southwest Kansas, with drought cutting yields in some areas while other fields rebound; producers are also tracking weed pressure after recent rains and the threat of New World screwworm. USDA Operations: USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said a major reorganization is moving into the “action phase,” including shifting parts of the Foreign Agricultural Service to a Kansas City hub and streamlining the Agricultural Marketing Service. Infrastructure & Roads: KDOT began a bridge repair project on Toulon Ave over I-70 in Ellis County, with one-lane traffic and an 11-foot width restriction; crews also plan a one-day K-103 closure in Cherokee County to replace a drainage pipe. Community Support: United Way of Central Kansas is helping riders with discounted KCATA fares, while Cloud County’s community foundation awarded more than $39,000 in scholarships for the upcoming school year. Public Safety: A North Dakota derailment report points to deteriorating culverts and inspection problems by the railroad operator.

Kansas Wheat Harvest: Southwest Kansas producers are seeing wildly different wheat results, from fields likely to be abandoned to spots near 40 bushels an acre, as drought cut yield potential and post-rain weed growth adds pressure to get harvest done. Energy & Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities won more than $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects, including $10.1M in federal IIJA funds. Solar Zoning & Local Planning: Sedgwick County approved an interim development control for large-scale solar zoning applications through Dec. 11, 2026. Community Grants: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 to five Barton County nonprofits, backing youth mentoring, STEM labs, and family support tied to substance use recovery. Data Centers Concerns: A Kansas series on data centers highlights resident worries about noise, odors, and quality-of-life impacts from cooling systems and backup generators. Agriculture Safety: K-State Extension shared lawn and weed-care tips, while K-State reported a June 17 fire that destroyed storage buildings at its dairy unit; investigations are ongoing. Business & Logistics: eGourmet Solutions scaled order management to handle rapid cold-chain growth, including COVID-driven volume spikes. Aviation Tech: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted a Kansas-built Cessna 208 test tied to next-gen aviation pilots-on-the-ground plans.

Manufacturing & Energy: Panasonic says its De Soto, Kansas EV battery plant will shift part of production toward AI/data-center batteries, with about $3B planned for 2027-2029 and a ramp tied to customer demand. Agriculture: Kansas wheat harvest results are highly variable as drought cuts yields in some areas while recent rain boosts weeds; K-State also launched a webinar series to help ranchers track the return of New World screwworm. Workforce & Training: Neosho County Community College received major CDL equipment donations from Old Dominion Freight Line to launch a fall 2026 commercial driver training program. Infrastructure: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced $13.7M+ in airport and energy grid resilience grants for 18 communities, leveraging IIJA funds. Local Transportation: KC2026 says stadium-entry congestion during the first World Cup match was driven by operational constraints under FIFA control and has sent recommendations for upcoming games. Business: Yum Brands agreed to sell Pizza Hut for about $2.7B, splitting operations between LongRange Capital and Yum China as the brand struggles with declining sales.

Kansas Wheat Harvest: Southwest Kansas producers are seeing a wide swing in yields, from drought-hit fields that may be abandoned to spots nearing 40 bushels per acre after timely rain, while weed pressure rises after recent moisture. Animal Health & Farm Risk: Farmers are also watching the spread risk from New World screwworm as they plan around changing conditions and federal farm policy. Infrastructure Grants: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects across 18 Kansas communities, leveraging IIJA dollars plus state and local matches. Transportation & Roads: KDOT is moving ahead with culvert and bridge repair work in multiple counties, with lane reductions and short delays expected. Local Community Support: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 to five Barton County nonprofits, including STEM, youth mentorship, and caregiver resources. Public Safety: Kansas City-area police reported a homicide investigation after a crash revealed a shooting victim. Food Industry Watch: Yum Brands agreed to sell Pizza Hut for about $2.7B, splitting ownership between LongRange Capital and Yum China as sales lag and competition bites.

Agriculture & Weather: Kansas wheat harvest results are uneven as drought-hit fields rebound in spots, but producers are also racing weed growth after recent rain and watching the New World screwworm threat. Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities secured $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects, leveraging IIJA dollars plus state and local matches. Local Construction & Roads: KDOT is starting multiple bridge and culvert repairs across the state, including a K-4 culvert extension in Rush County and deck/substructure work on Toulon Ave over I-70 in Ellis County, with lane reductions and short delays. Community & Workforce: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in Barton County Impact Grants for youth mentoring, caregiver support, and hands-on STEM and play-area safety upgrades. Public Safety: Law enforcement reports several Kansas incidents, including a Graham County SUV crash, drug-related arrests in Jackson and Saline counties, and a Kansas City shooting case with suspects held pending transfer. Business & Telecom: Ripple Fiber hired Chris Peeples as Chief Revenue Officer, bringing Kansas-based fiber go-to-market experience to drive growth. Industry Watch: Yum! Brands agreed to sell Pizza Hut for $2.7B in two deals, signaling continued pressure on dine-in brands as consumer habits shift.

Kansas Agriculture: Western Kansas wheat harvest is turning out uneven, with some fields sliding from expected 35–40 bushels per acre down to about 20–25 as drought hit key growth stages, while recent rain is also boosting weeds and adding pressure to get harvest done. Infrastructure & Energy Resilience: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $13.7M+ in federal and state funding for airport and energy grid resilience projects across 18 Kansas communities, leveraging IIJA dollars and state matching funds. Local Growth & Housing: Lawrence City Commission will weigh tax breaks for market-rate apartments, with developers seeking industrial revenue bonds to support a 131-unit project. Transportation Projects: KDOT is starting multiple road and bridge works, including culvert extensions and bridge repairs that will narrow lanes and bring short delays. Community & Youth Services: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 to five Barton County nonprofits through its May Impact Grant cycle, backing STEM, youth mentorship, and family support programs. Public Safety: Police and sheriff’s offices reported several drug-related arrests and shootings across the state, including a Kansas City, Kansas homicide investigation and meth cases tied to traffic stops.

Kansas Agriculture & Risk Watch: Kansas wheat harvest results are swinging wildly by location as drought cut yield potential in some fields, while recent rain is also boosting weeds—producers are balancing harvest timing with the growing threat of New World screwworm and federal farm policy updates. Public Health & Livestock: K-State and state animal health officials are urging vigilance after a confirmed New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, stressing wound monitoring and preparedness as the pest could spread. Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities won $13.7M for airport and energy grid resilience projects, leveraging IIJA dollars plus state and local matches. Transportation Projects: KDOT is advancing multiple road and bridge works, including K-4 culvert extensions in Rush County and a Toulon Ave bridge repair in Ellis County, with lane reductions and short delays. Community & STEM: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 to five Barton County nonprofits, including an engineering/innovation lab for students. Local Business & Food: Kolache Factory marked its second anniversary with World Cup-themed mural photo stops in Shawnee, Kansas, and Houston. Weather & Safety: Hays reported minimal storm rain while Kansas officials continue to track extreme heat and severe weather impacts.