AGP Executive Report

Bombardier Trade Fight: President Trump says Bombardier must build planes in the U.S. or lose access to the market, escalating Canada’s tariff retaliation; the dispute puts Kansas in the spotlight because Bombardier has a Wichita defense/aerospace presence and a broad U.S. supplier network. Kansas Agriculture & Research: K-State opened a new L. Eldon Gideon Agronomy Research and Innovation Complex to boost crop, soil, water and precision-ag research for producers. Local Business/Tech: Textron Aviation says Hawker 700/800/900 operators can add high-speed Starlink connectivity via an FAA-approved kit. Sports (Kansas Ties): Kansas State football’s Collin Klein era got a big early spotlight after a 71-3 opener, with players calling it a “family” tradition. Public Safety: Crews responded to a report of light smoke in Topeka’s Townsite Tower; no injuries or damage reported. Weather: A heat advisory and a marginal severe-storm risk were flagged near the Nebraska-Kansas line. Arts: Manhattan Short Film Festival returns to the Brown Grand Opera House in Concordia on Sept. 27.

Bombardier Trade Fight: President Trump renewed his push to block Bombardier jet sales in the U.S. unless the company builds in America, drawing a quick response from Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran defending Bombardier’s Wichita jobs and supply-chain impact. Public Health & Local Policy: Lawrence health officials are weighing a temporary moratorium on new tobacco retailer licenses as the city’s number of retailers keeps growing. Labor Negotiations: Teachers in Tonganoxie rallied over a proposed “double docking” plan that would charge two leave days for certain vacation uses tied to major holidays and school-year boundaries. Sports—Chiefs & College Football: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes faces renewed ACL-recovery scrutiny, while Washington State turns to Kansas State after an Apple Cup loss, with third-down struggles highlighted. Kansas City Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a deadly shooting near NW Englewood Road, and another fatal shooting at an apartment complex on East 88th Terrace with a person of interest detained.

Local Water Safety: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for the Walnut Grove, LLC public water supply near St. George in Pottawatomie County, effective Sept. 7, with residents told to boil water for one minute and follow cleanup steps until the risk is resolved. Regional Development: The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas board will weigh updates on railroad crossing safety work in Emporia, Evergy’s tentative solar project around the Emporia Energy Center, and a president search after the role has been unfilled since 2024. Community Events: Emporia’s Great American Market returns Saturday, followed by the Main Street Japan launch, while Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention rolls multiple past events into one bigger “You Matter Fest” on Sept. 26 at the Lyon County Fairgrounds. Sports (Kansas ties): Kansas City-area coverage includes Royals action and NFL season kickoff chatter, plus a Kansas Highway Patrol report of a DUI-related crash north of Emporia that ended in an arrest instead of a hospital trip.

Kansas Sports Spotlight: Kansas State opened the Collin Klein era with a 71-3 rout of Nicholls, with Avery Johnson throwing three TDs and the Wildcats piling up a 10-touchdown night. Royals Update: Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez homered as the Royals beat the Blue Jays 6-1 to avoid the sweep. NWSL Record Watch: Ashley Sanchez set an American single-season NWSL scoring record with 18 goals after a hat trick for North Carolina Courage. Airport Access Change: TSA PreCheck members can now use the “Gateside” program to enter airport departure gates without a ticket at 13 U.S. airports, if they apply online in advance. Education Data (Sedgwick/Wichita State): Sedgwick County’s Asian bachelor’s completion rate at Wichita State was 67.8% for the 2018 cohort by 2024. Hunger Action Month: Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month in Kansas, highlighting food insecurity for kids and seniors. Wildlife Conservation: Kansas’ 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan update was approved, setting 10-year guidance for vulnerable species and habitats.

Kansas Sports: Kansas State opened the Collin Klein era with a 71-3 blowout of Nicholls, with QB Avery Johnson throwing for 199 yards and three TDs and adding a rushing score as the Wildcats kept penalties to one for 10 yards. Local Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a fatal, high-speed motorcycle crash on I-435 near Holmes Rd.; the rider died at the scene after the bike overturned and caught fire. Weather Watch: A First Warn heat advisory stays in place across Kansas City, with hotter afternoon feels-like temps around 100–105 and a growing chance of storms later today. Pro Baseball (KC-area): The Blue Jays are surging while dealing with pitching trouble—Jameson Taillon was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation as Toronto tries to complete a sweep of the Royals. College Volleyball (Kansas ties): Hesston listed former Wichita East athlete Brenna Milligan on its women’s volleyball roster for the Sept. 6 week.

Kansas State Football: Collin Klein’s head-coaching debut in Manhattan was a statement: the Wildcats routed Nicholls State 71-3, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions and piling up 559 total yards, with Avery Johnson throwing for 199 yards and four TDs and Rodney Fields Jr. rushing for 101 yards and a score. Hemp Policy Watch: In Wichita, hemp advocates at the Kanna Next conference warned that upcoming federal action tied to a Dec. 11 spending deadline could hit Kansas businesses hard, especially since Kansas lacks a regulated program for cannabinoid products. Airport Access Update: TSA is rolling out “Gateside” for TSA PreCheck members with Known Traveler Numbers, letting some travelers pass security to reunite with loved ones without needing a flight. Local Public Safety: Great Bend police say a 19-year-old suspect, Keegan Martens, was taken into custody in Salina after a fatal backyard shooting; the case remains under investigation. MLB (Kansas City): The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Royals 4-3 on Kazuma Okamoto’s go-ahead single, pulling even with Cleveland for the AL’s final wild-card spot.

College Football Roster Fight: LSU coach Lane Kiffin says the Tigers won’t add ex-NFL fifth-year players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to the 105-man roster despite a Louisiana judge granting a preliminary injunction—Kiffin framed it as a “big picture” decision for LSU. Local Sports Rosters: Kansas State women’s soccer lists former Blue Valley West/Sporting Blue Valley athlete Reece Walrod for the week ending Sept. 6, with a Big 12 trip to Iowa on Sept. 3. Heat Emergency: Kansas City remains under an Extreme Heat Warning through Tuesday, with highs near 100 and heat indexes topping 106; officials urge hydration, cooling centers, and checking on neighbors. Education Equity: Ellis County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black or African American students was 33.3% by 2024, below the statewide 41.5%. Public Health Access: KU Wichita’s first addiction medicine fellow, Luke Rosebraugh, is now Hutchinson’s first full-time addiction medicine specialist, aiming to expand rural treatment options. Community Safety & Planning: Kansas Turnpike Authority is updating the Emporia service exit with a revised schedule—opening targeted for August 2027—and KTAG compatibility now spans nearly 20 tolling agencies in 10 states. Local Crime: A man died after an early-morning shooting at a Kansas City apartment building; police say no arrests had been made as of early Saturday.

KU Football Opener: Kansas returned to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the first time since last November and opened the season with a 51-6 win over Long Island, with Isaiah Marshall making his first collegiate start as the Jayhawks looked sharp once the offense settled in. Royals vs. Blue Jays: Toronto’s Alejandro Kirk, Ernie Clement and George Springer each drove in two runs as the Blue Jays beat the Royals 9-2, snapping Kansas City’s momentum and pushing Toronto back to .500; Jameson Taillon left early with right elbow discomfort after 29 pitches. Local Courts: A judge dismissed Edgerton, Kansas’ lawsuit aimed at citizens who filed a petition to block a hyperscale data center, setting up a new fight over whether the petition process was allowed under Kansas law. Public Safety: Kansas City, Kansas police asked for help locating Melvin Strode, 52, a blind man with a traumatic brain injury last seen near 75th and State Ave. Agriculture: With drought stressing farmers, Kernza—a perennial grain with long roots—was highlighted as a more weather-resilient option that could keep growing year after year. Weather/Services: Labor Day closures hit Lawrence and KU offices, and the National Weather Service flagged a degraded transmitter signal affecting parts of several counties.

School Closures: Emporia’s Logan Avenue Elementary may shut after 2026-27 as enrollment drops more than 27% since 2016, leaving families and staff to grieve while districts across Kansas consolidate to keep classrooms funded. Federal Court Fight Over Schools: The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Kansas City, Kansas public schools over alleged “secret gender transitions,” pushing the dispute into another high-stakes legal round. Public Safety & Justice: A 70-year-old Kansas pastor is charged in Linn County with multiple child sex crimes; meanwhile, another case in northeast Kansas found an accused priest killer not competent to stand trial. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Mayetta tied for 28th among Kansas cities with one scam report in July, with statewide fraud losses still climbing. Kansas Sports: Kansas soccer rolled to a 3-0 win over Kansas City Roos, while Kansas volleyball and other prep matchups continue amid lingering heat. Weather & Agriculture: Extreme heat warnings persist into Labor Day, and farmers are leaning on perennial grains as one possible answer to harsher conditions.

DOJ & Schools: The U.S. Justice Department is suing Kansas City, Kansas public schools over alleged “secret gender transition” practices, arguing students were protected from being outed without parental consent. Local Accountability: In Kansas City, Kansas, a school board member is pressing for more transparency after questions about high hotel costs and delays or steep fees tied to Kansas Open Records Act requests. Housing Debate: Wichita-area lawmakers are raising concerns about a surge in duplex construction, arguing it may affect affordability and neighborhood character. Agriculture Appointments: Kansas Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam named four Kansans—including an Ellsworth teacher—to the Marketing Advisory Board. Education & Community: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library remains a Kansas literacy touchpoint as the state continues expanding the book-gifting effort. Public Safety: Extreme heat warnings are in effect across much of Kansas, with Lawrence forecast to hit dangerous heat-index levels. Sports: Kansas volleyball notched its first win of the season, beating Lipscomb 3-1, while the Royals avoided a sweep with a 7-3 win over the Marlins. ICE Detention: A Belarusian woman held at a CoreCivic-run ICE facility in Leavenworth County is reported to be in worsening medical condition ahead of a federal court hearing.

Kansas City Homelessness Relief: Shelter KC says it’s “critically low” on hygiene basics—soap, toothpaste, body wash, laundry detergent, underwear, shower shoes, and toilet paper—and is asking residents to drop off items at 1520 Cherry St. or use its Amazon wishlist. DOJ vs. Kansas Schools: The Justice Department sued Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools over alleged “secret” transgender student guidance, seeking to stop the district’s internal policy and restore parents’ access to records. Public Safety: A chain-reaction crash on I-70 in Leavenworth County killed a 68-year-old passenger and sent the Acadia driver to KU Med with serious injuries. Local Courts/Claims: A pending $5M notice says an 11-year-old was allegedly sexually assaulted in a KC, Kansas school restroom, with claims the district failed to station adult monitors despite known restroom issues. Road Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $24.1M for 32 intersection and road projects statewide. Weather: A Kansas City heat wave continues with “Impact Days” and heat index near 105. Sports (KC): Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy says he’s building chemistry with Patrick Mahomes and expects him to be ready for Week 1.

DOJ vs. Kansas schools: The U.S. Department of Justice sued the Kansas City, Kansas, school district over policies it says allow “secret” transgender transitions without parents’ knowledge, arguing the rules violate federal privacy and pupil-rights laws. Heat-and-drought impacts: Kansas homeowners are adjusting lawn care as drought pushes many yards into dormancy, with K-State Extension urging patience for recovery when cooler, wetter weather returns. Local courts: Federal bankruptcy court listed multiple Kansas Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 filings, including cases in Geary and Riley counties. Kansas City Chiefs: L’Jarius Sneed says he feels “back at home” after reuniting with the Chiefs, while Patrick Mahomes is reported on track to start Week 1 vs. Denver and Xavier Worthy says “He’s back.” Public safety and community: A mother and daughter in Ottawa, Kansas, are recovering after a car hit them while walking to school, and their dog was killed; they’re urging compassion for the driver. Sports business: UMKC’s Roos men’s basketball is set to earn $300K over three years from a JE Dunn jersey sponsorship deal.

Federal Courts & Elections: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab is pushing back after a judge restored a three-day grace period for mail ballots mid-election, saying courts shouldn’t change rules once ballots are already sent. Transgender Rights Lawsuit: The U.S. Justice Department sued Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools over alleged “secret gender transitions,” arguing the district violates parental rights and federal privacy laws. Public Safety & Justice: A former Kansas corrections secretary urged Gov. Laura Kelly to commute all death sentences, citing no executions since 1965. Local Roads: Olathe accepted $18.7M in KDOT bypass funding but reiterated opposition to the K-10/Lone Elm interchange, citing safety concerns near schools. Health & Weather: Heat continues to drive school and community impacts, with Kansas City-area schools facing extreme temperatures and an “Impact Day” alert. Community & Culture: Zion Lutheran Church in Concordia is hosting a free showing of “American Underdog” at Broadway Plaza. Sports: Sporting Kansas City fell 3-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps, while Kansas State’s women’s soccer roster lists Kennedy Miller for the week ending Sept. 6.

DOJ vs. Kansas schools: The U.S. Department of Justice has filed suit against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools over alleged “secret gender transitions,” saying district guidelines let staff create student “gender plans” without parents being told or asked, and that the policy violates FERPA and PPRA. Elections in Johnson County: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab’s appointment of Connie Schmidt as Johnson County election commissioner drew pushback from the county BOCC chair, who questioned the process after only one candidate was considered. Heat and safety: Extreme heat is forcing Kansas City-area schools to adjust or cancel outdoor athletics, with officials using wet-bulb globe thermometers to decide when it’s too risky. Wildfire risk: Burn bans are in effect across multiple Kansas counties, including Kingman, Sumner, Comanche, Kiowa, Allen, and Bourbon. Roads: K-15 closure in Dickinson County has been extended for bridge work, with detours in place. Public safety: Kansas Highway Patrol is urging Labor Day travel safety and added enforcement; separate impaired-driving enforcement in Cherokee County led to three arrests. Sports: Miami’s Graham Pauley powered a 6-3 win over the Royals with a homer and triple.

KDOT Projects: KDOT approved about $590,000 in bids for pedestrian and bike paths in Burlington and a separate Greenwood County milling contract worth about $26,000, with work spread across multiple counties. ICE Health Crisis: A Belarusian cancer survivor and asylum seeker is raising alarms about deteriorating health while held in Kansas ICE custody, with court filings citing gaps in specialist care. ATM Jackpotting Case: Five Venezuelan nationals pleaded guilty in a Kansas ATM “jackpotting” scheme after failed malware attempts in Wamego and Manhattan. Public Records & Surveillance: Kansas ranks near the top for automated license plate readers per capita, as residents question privacy and lawmakers consider tighter rules. Meta Settlement: Kansas is set to receive $134 million from a major Meta consumer protection settlement tied to safety promises for kids. Local Housing for IDD: Johnson County broke ground on Floyd Street Apartments, an inclusive, affordable housing project for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Health Access via Telehealth: Newman Regional Health expanded neurology care in Emporia through telehealth with a new KU Health System neurologist. Heat & Air Quality: A heat wave and worsening air quality are prompting Impact Days and advisories across the Kansas City area.

ATM Fraud Case: Five Venezuelan nationals pleaded guilty to trying to “jackpot” Kansas ATMs and force cash payouts, targeting machines in Manhattan and Wamego before failing. Local Public Safety: Kansas City Fire Department is asking residents for input as it builds a new multi-year strategic plan after a 400-page risk assessment. Scam Watch: Lenexa tied for 10th in Kansas for July scam reports in the BBB Scam Tracker, with employment scams showing up most often. School Liability: A lawsuit notice says KCK Public Schools failed to prevent an April assault of an 11-year-old at Eisenhower Middle School, seeking $5 million. Housing & Tenants: North Lawn Apartments tenants reached an agreement with the landlord for lower rent, repair deadlines, and a right for displaced residents to return. Data Center Fight: Edgerton, El Dorado and Emporia sued over citizen petitions that would restrict large data centers, turning local power into court battles. Community Health & Hope: A Kansas City-area family’s “Maddie’s Rock Garden” project is growing to more than 200 painted rocks for a 6-year-old battling cancer.