AGP Executive Report

Kansas Industry Watch: The Kansas City Chiefs are moving ahead on a major Olathe buildout, naming Populous as lead design architect for a new $300M headquarters and training facility opening before the 2031 season, a sign of continued sports-driven construction and local services demand. Public Utilities & Safety: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Valley Falls after a waterline break caused a pressure loss, while KDOT is pushing “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right” to cut bridge-strike crashes. Food & Agriculture Risk: Kansas remains in the expanding cyclospora investigation tied to contaminated produce, with experts warning the outbreak could shift long-term consumer buying habits for items like lettuce. Rural Water Funding: EPA held a rural water roundtable in Hays focused on funding, workforce support, and local projects. Manufacturing & Compliance: Fuller Industries, based in Great Bend, says chemical product makers are facing tougher regulatory and sustainability demands as they modernize for robotics and new standards.

Manufacturing & Automation: Researchers say an AI system can learn each 3D printer’s “personality” and adjust routing to cut defects—an efficiency boost for scaled production. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: The cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps widening; Kansas is now in the nine-state mix, and a new poll shows 40% of U.S. adults are buying or eating less produce. Transportation Costs: A Kansas trucking operator reports rising fuel, insurance, and maintenance forcing price hikes and customer pushback. Energy Infrastructure: Crews contained a gas leak in Pittsburg after a construction accident involving a high-pressure natural gas line. Local Governance & Public Meetings: A Kansas teacher was arrested after clapping at a data-center zoning meeting in Emporia, underscoring tensions around hyperscale development. Community & Workforce: Volunteers In Action of Central Kansas won an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant to expand volunteer service in Barton County. Business Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Kansas City tied for fifth among Kansas cities for scam reports in June.

Food Safety & Agriculture: The CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak to nine states, with Kansas included, tied to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico; officials still haven’t found a positive product test, but hospitals report rising cases and consumers are shifting toward farmers markets or skipping iceberg. Public Health & Consumer Impact: Former FDA chief Scott Gottlieb says the outbreak isn’t fully under control as the investigation widens and fears reshape grocery shopping. Water & Farming Resilience: NRCS and Big Bend Groundwater Management District No. 5 authorized the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed Project in central Kansas, including an augmentation wellfield and retirement of 2,500 acre-feet of water rights to protect Quivira National Wildlife Refuge while keeping irrigated acres in production. Transportation Safety: KDOT is joining the “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right” bridge-strike campaign after Kansas recorded 377 bridge strikes in 2025, killing 9 and injuring 138. Local Industry & Community: KWCH 12 won nine Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards, including first-place honors for “Eye on Agriculture.” Governance & Growth: Kansas voters will weigh a Supreme Court election tied to abortion policy, while the state’s 2026 governor race field is taking shape.

Kansas Agriculture & Food Safety: KDHE says cyclosporiasis cases in Kansas are now at 289 as the national outbreak tied to Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce keeps widening, with the FDA tracing the source and Kansas health officials interviewing patients to prevent more illness. Wheat & Pasta Supply Chain: K-State is rolling out a new Kansas-grown durum wheat aimed at semolina for pasta, as farmers look for ways to diversify amid shifting wheat acres. Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports Kansas E85 and diesel pricing snapshots, including a Butler County E85 low of $2.47/gal for the week ending July 18, while diesel and regular prices vary by county. Water Policy & Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced Connie Owen’s retirement as Kansas Water Office director, with Owen credited for major updates to the Kansas Water Plan and funding milestones. Transportation Projects: The Polk-Quincy Viaduct in Topeka remains on schedule, with one bridge expected to open for both lanes around November-December. Oil & Local Industry: The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is selling DGH Oil LLC, covering operating and non-operating interests in more than 90 wells across 10 northwest Kansas counties.

Food Safety: The FDA and CDC widened their cyclosporiasis probe tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, adding four states and bringing the total to nine: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, with 1,947 reported illnesses, at least 98 hospitalizations and no deaths; Taylor Farms has temporarily shut its central Mexico processing facility linked to the recall. Public Health: Kansas health officials also issued blue-green algae advisories for multiple lakes and recreation spots, urging residents to avoid suspicious blooms and keep pets away. Local Justice: A Wichita man, Lafayette J. Washington, was sentenced to 237 months for a Labor Day weekend 2025 robbery that ended in a fatal shooting in Wichita. Agriculture & Markets: Wheat futures reacted to Black Sea shipping turmoil after attacks in the Sea of Azov, with Kansas and Minneapolis wheat also rallying as risk premiums rose. Policy & Water Planning: Kansas is holding public consult meetings on water planning and funding priorities, including a Wichita session Aug. 27.

Agriculture & Food Innovation: Kansas State University is testing a new durum wheat variety aimed at boosting protein and helping farmers tap the pasta market, as wheat acreage shifts and producers look for new ways to stay profitable. Public Health: The CDC and FDA expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce to nine states, with Kansas among the affected; officials report 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations, while Taylor Farms says it pulled implicated product and disputes testing confirmation timing. State Infrastructure: KDOT has started two Rooks County resurfacing projects—U.S. 24 and K-18—with lane reductions and delays up to 15 minutes, targeting completion in early September. Water Planning: Gov. Laura Kelly’s Kansas Water Office is holding summer consult meetings statewide to shape water conservation, quality, and future funding priorities, including a Wichita session Aug. 27. Local Health Alerts: KDHE and KDWP issued blue-green algae advisories for multiple Kansas lakes, warning residents to avoid contact and keep pets away. Safety & Courts: A Sedgwick County jury conviction sent a Wichita man to 141 months in prison for a DUI crash that killed a young mother in 2023. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports Kansas regular gas averaging $3.58 statewide for the week ending July 18, with the lowest in Atchison County at $3.54.

Public Health: KDHE and Kansas Wildlife and Parks issued blue-green algae advisories for multiple Kansas lakes, warning swimmers and boaters to avoid suspicious blooms and keep pets away. Food Safety: The FDA/CDC widened a cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell to nine states, now including Kansas, with 1,947 reported illnesses and 98 hospitalizations. Agriculture & Markets: Kansas State University is testing a new durum wheat variety aimed at boosting pasta-grade semolina production as wheat farmers look for diversification and better returns. Water Planning: Kansas agencies are holding statewide public input meetings on water conservation, quality, and infrastructure funding priorities. Local Government Budgeting: Derby City Council advanced its 2027 budget planning, including staffing additions tied to water treatment and public safety. Sports & Local Culture: Kansas soccer and community momentum stays in focus, from KU’s World Cup-era enthusiasm to local youth programming and events.

Energy & Housing Funding: The U.S. Department of Energy is making up to $218.5M available for federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations to fund home energy efficiency upgrades under the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate program, with updated guidance and an application deadline pushed to Dec. 11. Public Health: Kansas health officials issued a blue-green algae advisory for multiple lakes and recreation sites, warning residents and pet owners to avoid contact and report suspected exposure. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC expanded the cyclospora investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, now including Kansas among nine states and reporting 1,947 illnesses. Agriculture Relief: USDA is urging Congress to approve $11.1B in emergency farm aid as Southeast Kansas producers face weak prices, higher costs, and uncertainty. Local Tech & Land Use: Ottawa residents in Franklin County are pushing back on a proposed 300-acre technology campus/data center plan, backed by a city sales contract with Lightfield Energy. Kansas City Economy: Early World Cup data shows Kansas City hotels and short-term rentals saw higher occupancy and nightly rates, especially near downtown and FanFest.

Data Centers & Local Control: Kansas lawmakers and local officials are being urged to do “homework” on data center developers after a Topeka summit framed the boom like a gold rush, warning that inexperienced or underfunded players can create real community risk. Civic Power & Ballot Battles: In El Dorado, residents gathered signatures to ban “high impact” hyperscale data centers and large battery storage, but city leaders asked a judge to keep the measure off the ballot, arguing it’s administrative. Public Health: KDHE and KDWP issued blue-green algae advisories for multiple Kansas lakes, warning residents to avoid contact and keep pets away. Food Safety: The FDA/CDC widened the cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, now including Kansas among nine states and nearly 2,000 reported infections linked to Taco Bell exposure. Water Safety: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Natoma’s public water supply after a disinfection unit failure. Agriculture Markets: Heat and Black Sea tensions are pushing wheat concerns as crop prices surge, with Kansas producers watching yield and supply risks closely. Roads & Construction: I-70 KC bridge work will close key stretches July 31–Aug. 3, with lanes and ramps affected around the Cleveland Ave. bridge.

Kansas City Chiefs Stadium Watch: The team unveiled first renderings for a $3B, fully enclosed Kansas dome set to open in 2031, aiming to boost crowd noise and gameday experience, with a translucent ceiling and about 70,000 seats. Local Food & Farming: Kansas City expanded its Plant Grant Program for community gardens and urban farms, offering up to $250,000 total (up to $5,000 for newer projects, $10,000 for established ones) to grow neighborhood food production. Aerospace & Engineering: JetZero will open a Wichita State University Innovation Campus engineering office focused on advanced materials, digital engineering, and certification testing for its Z4 program. Energy & Transportation: Union Pacific topped 2Q forecasts on strong demand and higher freight rates, while noting fuel costs remain a major pressure point. Public Health & Environment: Lawrence’s Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board urged the city to weave sustainability into the next strategic plan at every level, including infrastructure and housing incentives. Kansas Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol reported a fatal multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 50 in Edwards County involving a Jeep, a semi, and a Silverado.

Kansas Agriculture & Water: Soil cracks and heat are stressing some north-central Kansas fields, with producers watching corn and soybeans lose vigor as rain stays scarce. Wheat Health: Extension guidance highlights wheat streak mosaic complex planning for 2026, pointing to high curl mite pressure and the need for timely mitigation. Public Health: KDHE reports 289 Kansas cyclosporiasis cases in 2026 tied to the national outbreak and recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce, with counts by county led by Johnson and Shawnee. State Government & Revenue: Kansas Department of Revenue says it collected $1.8B in delinquent taxes since 2019, emphasizing payment plans and outreach. Water Leadership: Gov. Laura Kelly announced Connie Owen’s retirement as Kansas Water Office director effective Aug. 1. Aviation Security: TSA Gold+ is rolling out at select airports, including Kansas City International, shifting screening to private contractors under TSA oversight. Industry & Logistics: Rush Enterprises and MCT Companies plan a 50-50 joint venture to expand refrigerated transportation dealership services across the Midwest and coasts. Energy & Data Centers: Lyon County approved a six-month moratorium on data centers and solar/battery projects while zoning concerns are addressed.

Kansas City Chiefs Stadium Watch: The Chiefs released first concept renderings for a $3 billion enclosed, ~70,000-seat stadium in Wyandotte County, Kansas, with a translucent roof and design choices aimed at preserving Arrowhead traditions and maximizing crowd noise; Manica leads design, HNTB is architect of record, and the team expects to move in after Arrowhead’s lease ends in 2031. Local Governance & Oversight: Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Christal Watson says the city is still waiting on the state and the Chiefs for the exact Star Bond District location and timeline details. Construction Safety: Gov. Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 366 banning handheld phone use in Kansas school and construction zones, with warnings first and a $60 fine starting July 1, 2027. Public Health: KDHE reports 289 Kansas cyclosporiasis cases in 2026 and continues investigating links to the national outbreak and Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce. Agriculture Research: KU researchers received a $1.2 million Keck Foundation grant to test a new Alzheimer’s hypothesis, aiming to improve treatments beyond modest anti-amyloid effects. Food & Policy: The White House’s move to end SNAP-Ed is drawing criticism as nutrition advocates say it undercuts healthy-eating goals while food prices stay high. Road Work: KDOT started resurfacing in Rooks County, with lane reductions and up to 15-minute delays expected through early September.

Forensic Oversight: Lawrence City Commission debate over a proposed “forensic audit” of major capital projects is still searching for consensus, with commissioners questioning scope and intent. Food Safety: KDHE reports 289 Kansas cyclosporiasis cases in 2026 tied to the national outbreak and Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce recall, with investigators interviewing patients and tracking exposures. Stadium & Local Economy: The Kansas City Chiefs unveiled first renderings of a $3B enclosed, noise-focused stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, targeting a 2031 opening and tied to a broader Wyandotte County development plan. Energy Costs: Kansas utility regulators approved rate increases for Kansas Empire District Electric, pushing average residential bills up about $28 per month over two years. Aerospace Growth: A new site-selection report ranks Ogden and Salt Lake City among the nation’s top aerospace/defense manufacturing locations, signaling more scaling investment. Waste & Services: Sedalia council approved a one-year GFL solid-waste disposal contract at $31 per ton. Community & Heritage: A Pittsburg mural honoring immigrant miners is being restored to preserve the city’s mining history. Health & Wellness Education: Bellus Academy partnered with MeevoPay to let Kansas salon/spa customers donate to Beauty Changes Lives scholarships.

Energy & Fuel Costs: AAA reports regular gas averaging $4.019 nationally, up 16 cents in a week, with Kansas still in the lower range versus the coasts. Roads & Construction: KDOT says a $15.95M U.S. 69 overlay in Linn and Bourbon counties is delayed to the last week of July, with lane-by-lane closures and a 65 mph work-zone limit. Workplace & Compliance: A new report warns Kansas employers that hiring-process legal risk can hit years later, not at the offer stage, as regulators and lawsuits intensify. Animal Welfare Pressure: Kansas rescues say “petflation” and higher vet costs are pushing shelters to capacity, with fewer spay-and-neuter surgeries worsening overpopulation. Food & Ag Innovation: K-State is testing a new durum wheat variety aimed at boosting Kansas pasta production and farm income. Local Governance & Housing: Lawrence weighs how to use a $4M KU affordable-housing commitment, with a new incentive policy and long-range housing study on deck. Data Centers: Residents in Lawrence are organizing to fight incoming data center proposals in the region, citing farmland, water, and power concerns. Legal/Policy: Kansas AG Ford announces a $29.6M multistate settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price-fixing. Public Safety Tech & Rules: KDOT reiterates political signs can’t go on state highway right of way and will be removed.

Rural Energy & Tech Tension: Montgomery County commissioners rejected a proposed moratorium on new data centers plus wind, solar, and battery storage, despite residents urging a pause to study grid and community impacts. Local Data Center Pushback: In Emporia, a petition to ban high-impact data centers cleared the signature threshold and now moves to the next step toward an ordinance or a vote. Utility Costs: Kansas Corporation Commission approved base rate increases for Kansas Empire District Electric, sending residential bills up about $28 a month on average over two years. Workplace Safety Law: Gov. Laura Kelly will sign Senate Bill 366 to curb cell phone use in active construction and school zones; police warn first, fines start in 2027. Manufacturing & Aerospace: Park Aerospace announced the death of VP and corporate controller Daniel McNamara, highlighting the Wichita-area advanced composites maker’s leadership change. Ag & Food Safety: Kansas restaurants and families are rethinking food safety amid a reported cyclospora outbreak in the Kansas City metro. Tourism Funding: Kansas Tourism opened applications for its Tourism Marketing Grant program, with deadlines set for Aug. 31.

Olathe Construction Oversight: The Kansas City Chiefs tapped Burns & McDonnell as owner’s representative for a $300M HQ and practice facility, with independent oversight on budget, schedule, and risk as the project targets a pre-2031 opening. Data Center Fight in Topeka: Kansas leaders and business groups met on hyperscale data center plans while protesters pressed for clearer rules, citing heavy energy and water use. IP Firm Expansion: Lathrop GPM is combining with HG Law to grow its engineering-driven IP bench and add offices in New York and London, boosting global patent capabilities. Aviation Security Shift: Tampa International Airport is opting into TSA Gold+, moving most screening staffing and equipment management to a private partner while keeping federal oversight. Kansas Water Safety: KDHE rescinded a “do not drink” order for Great Bend Industrial Park’s water system after lab results showed no bacteriological contamination, though nitrate guidance remains. Community & STEM: El Dorado Chamber updates local events, including Kids STEM Day and a Lift for Veterans fundraiser, highlighting Kansas workforce and tech pipeline efforts. Scam Watch: Leavenworth ranked among Kansas’ top scam-report cities in June, underscoring ongoing fraud pressure on local consumers.