AGP Executive Report

Child Exploitation Case: Sedgwick County prosecutors say former Wichita detective Shawn McMahon will face a jury trial on charges tied to mishandling child internet-crimes investigations. Wrong-Way Fatality: Kansas Highway Patrol reports an 80-year-old woman died after driving the wrong way on I-35 in Coffey County and hitting a semi head-on. Local Tax Burden: Kansas ranks No. 9 nationally for combined state-and-local sales tax rates, with Hutchinson’s rate set to rise to 9% Oct. 1 and some areas climbing higher. Chiefs Parade Shooting: A Jackson County grand jury approved a superseding indictment adding assault and child-endangerment counts against alleged 2024 Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooter Lyndell Mays. Heat Alert: National Weather Service forecasts a hot weekend across Kansas City—100 to 105 degrees—plus dangerous heat in cars. K-State Schedule Update: Wildcats won’t open in Week 0 in 2026; they host FCS Nicholls Sept. 5 after watching TCU-North Carolina in Dublin. Kansas City Royals: The Royals host the Guardians Saturday with Daniel Lynch expected to start, while Kansas City looks to keep momentum after a 1-0 series lead.

Royals’ Hot Streak: Michael Wacha struck out 10 over eight innings and Carter Jensen hit a two-run homer in the ninth as the Royals beat the Guardians 3-0, snapping Cleveland’s seven-game run and pushing Kansas City to 11 wins in 12. Road Safety in Johnson County: KDOT will give Olathe $18.7 million for a bypass around the K-10/Lone Elm interchange, aimed at cutting heavy-truck traffic near schools and pedestrians; design is expected later this year, with construction starting in 2028. Heat and High School Football: A new heat wave is testing Kansas high school teams during final practices, with schools using heat-stress readings to decide when practices must pause. Wildlife & Parks Changes: The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved new state park fee increases and hunting regulation updates, including changes to nonresident waterfowl hours and the return of fall turkey hunting for residents. Public Health Alert: KDHE and KDWP issued a blue-green algae advisory for multiple Kansas water recreation sites—avoid contact and keep pets away. Local Construction: Sumner Academy in Kansas City, Kansas, is replacing decades-old outdoor classroom trailers with $12 million in bond-funded permanent classrooms and a storm shelter. Crime Update: Police arrested Terrell D. Cummings of Augusta on alleged juvenile sex-crime charges and executed a search warrant at his home.

Drug Enforcement: Sedgwick County deputies, with KBI and Wichita SWAT, executed a narcotics search warrant near Haysville and arrested four people, including a 65-year-old on drug distribution and paraphernalia charges and a 30-year-old Wichita man on felon-in-possession and a bench warrant. Courthouse Watch: Kansas health officials walked through the Bourbon County Courthouse after asbestos concerns surfaced; they didn’t see immediate hazards as long as the material isn’t disturbed, and commissioners say they’ll bring in experts. Public Safety & Courts: Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson plans a “major update” in the Chiefs rally shooting case tied to Lyndell Mays, with a Friday news conference; Mays faces multiple charges tied to the Feb. 14, 2024 parade shooting. Education Enforcement: The U.S. DOJ and Education Department announced enforcement steps against Olathe and Shawnee Mission school districts over gender-inclusive policy compliance issues tied to FERPA and Title IX. Wildlife & Fees: Kansas Wildlife and Parks approved higher camping and vehicle permit fees and voted to bring back fall turkey hunting permits for the first time since 2023. Tech in Agriculture: Thales and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems launched a BVLOS drone network partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture for crop spraying, scouting, fertilizing and seeding. Local Weather: Hays saw heavy early Friday rain, with drought still affecting much of Kansas.

Royals’ Hot Streak: Jac Caglianone went 5-for-6 with a homer and six RBIs as the Kansas City Royals crushed the Toronto Blue Jays 13-2, extending their surge to 10 wins in 11 and two straight series on the road. Bullpen Moves: Toronto signed veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year deal to help a heavily used bullpen, a day after using seven relievers in a 3-0 win over Kansas City. Local Sports: Fort Hays State opened its season with a 4-1 win over Rockhurst in Hays, while Lawrence High held an open scrimmage at KU ahead of next week’s opener. City Hall Tension: Hutchinson City Council’s executive session on the Hutch Rec investigation was derailed after a member refused to recuse, with the city attorney citing conflict concerns. Tech + Privacy Debate: Lawrence’s sustainability advisory board discussed using AI and even existing cameras to track goals, drawing fresh questions about surveillance oversight. Public Safety: A Lawrence mail carrier was hospitalized after a dog attack that cost her the tip of a finger; the owner was cited and the dog quarantined.

Meta Settlement: Meta (Facebook/Instagram) agreed to pay up to $17.1B to 47 states, including Kansas, over claims its platforms were designed to be addictive and harmful to children, with Meta denying wrongdoing but promising safety changes like daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Kansas Courts & Elections: Emporia City Commissioner Erren Harter filed a lawsuit to block a recall effort, arguing the recall petition is legally insufficient after allegations involving undisclosed hospitality and related votes. School Safety: Two Manhattan juveniles were arrested after reports at Manhattan High School involving alleged drug distribution within 1,000 feet of a school and battery charges. KU & Trans Rights: Supporters rallied in Lawrence for a KU transgender custodian after she was warned for using bathrooms she cleans, with organizers preparing for possible legal fights. Public Safety Data: Kansas launched NERIS Public so fire departments can upload incident-level information more quickly, giving Kansans fresher data on local emergencies. Housing Help: Southwick House in Emporia received a $171,722 grant to launch transitional housing services for women and families ahead of an early-2027 opening.

KU & Campus Tech: KU says campuswide internet trouble was caused by a “bad card” in its border router, then scheduled wireless code updates Wednesday night that may cause brief 10–15 minute interruptions. KU Reads: The University of Kansas picked “Orbital” as its 2026-2027 common book, with campus events tied to the novel. KC Storm Recovery: A KCK church heavily damaged by last week’s storm held an outdoor prayer event and says it’s worshiping at Carl B. Bruce Middle School while repairs and insurance timelines play out. Local Schools: KCPS is moving forward with the Bryant Elementary lot “Sunflower” plan for 14 homes, while neighbors debate demolition and keep collecting petition signatures. Sports (Royals/Blue Jays): Toronto’s Nathan Lukes hit a three-run homer as the Blue Jays shut out the Royals 3-0, ending Kansas City’s nine-game win streak. Kansas Money/Taxes: Douglas County commissioners approved a 2027 budget that lowers the mill levy but many residents may still see higher bills due to rising property values. Kansas Courts/Policy: Kansas will receive $134 million from a Meta social media settlement tied to addiction claims, with advocates calling it accountability but not a cure for families’ losses.

Cybersecurity: The FBI is investigating a ransomware breach at Micro-Comm in Olathe, a Kansas maker of water and wastewater control tech, after a group claimed it stole nearly 850,000 files (about 644 gigabytes) and posted them online—raising alarms about attacks on the systems that run local utilities. Public Safety: Wichita police arrested two suspects after a shooting left a 39-year-old man wounded and placed two children in protective custody due to the home’s conditions. Housing & Accountability: Kansas City’s Public Safety Task Force relocated Gladstone Court tenants without advance warning, continuing a fast-moving dispute tied to city repair orders and tenant advocates’ claims about safety and contractor threats. Education & Workforce: USD 333 in Concordia says it filled all teaching positions for 2026-27 while noting statewide shortages still leave about 500 openings, especially in elementary, special education, and key subjects. Local Economy: Elanco Animal Health finished a 25,000-square-foot expansion at its Elwood, Kansas biologics site, citing added capacity and jobs. Sports (KC): The Royals kept rolling, beating the Blue Jays 5-3 to extend their streak to nine straight wins.

Royals’ Hot Streak: Salvador Perez drove in two runs and Seth Lugo limited Toronto to one run as the Royals beat the Blue Jays 5-3, extending Kansas City’s winning streak to nine games. Chiefs Offensive Line Move: Kansas City traded for Giants guard Josh Ezeudu, sending a 2028 seventh-round pick to bolster protection for Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes Update: Mahomes says he’s on track to start Week 1 after ACL recovery, noting he’s hit the needed knee checkpoints in camp. Storm Recovery in KCK: Community groups are still stepping in after last week’s Wyandotte County outages, and an expert says the long restoration was unusual given the storm damage and utility size. Lawrence Airport Watch: Lawrence’s new airport manager says he doesn’t have a timeline for resolving FAA grant issues, even as the airport aims for growth. Homelessness Count: Douglas County’s point-in-time count found a rise in sheltered homelessness in Lawrence/Douglas, with officials urging caution about what the increase means. Kansas Tax Snapshot: Kansas selective sales and gross receipts tax revenue rose 0.5% in 2024 versus the prior year. Kansas City, Kansas Community Aid: After the storm, OCP set up a free food and activities stop on Quindaro Blvd for neighbors still dealing with disruption.

Kansas Politics: A new court filing has reopened scrutiny of Hutchinson Rep. Kyler Sweely’s residency after a debt collector struggled to find him for an unpaid parking ticket, reviving questions about where he lives. Public Safety: Russell Junior-Senior High School in Russell County was cleared after a bomb threat prompted sweeps and a Kansas Highway Patrol K-9 search with negative results. Local Government & Community: Charter Communications’ $34.5B Cox deal is moving Kansas Cox customers to the Spectrum brand, with the company saying frontline changes will be limited and sales hiring will ramp up. Health & Accountability: Kansas City’s Health Commission is pushing a compromise to settle a long-running dispute over how health-levy money is distributed, including new reporting requirements. Sports (Kansas City): Chiefs coach Andy Reid says Patrick Mahomes is “doing great” but won’t name a Week 1 starter yet, taking it day by day. Agriculture: Kansas leaders and ranchers are reacting to Trump’s beef import plan, warning it could undercut rebuilding efforts for U.S. cattle supplies.

Education & Science: Topeka teacher Amelia Black spent 12 days aboard a NOAA ship in the Gulf through the Teacher at Sea program, bringing hands-on ocean science back to her English-learner classroom. School Policy: Lawrence school staff briefed the board on an AI policy path, emphasizing student data privacy, AI as support not replacement, and training for staff and students. Public Safety: Russell Junior-Senior High in Russell was briefly placed on “hold” after a reported bomb threat; police and KHP searched the building and found no credible threat. Local Development: Lawrence planning commissioners voted 4-3 to recommend denying annexation of 177 acres west of K-10, even as rezoning requests for parts of the same land moved forward. Kansas Weather/Recovery: Kansas City, Kansas storm damage recovery continues, with some senior residents still without power and struggling to get help. Agriculture: Kansas wheat harvest is on track for the smallest winter wheat yield in decades, with some farmers reporting dramatically lower bushels than usual. Sports: The Chiefs’ preseason injury list is still long, but Trey Smith returned to practice as Kansas City prepares for its final preseason game.

Local Government: Barton County commissioners will hold an Aug. 25 meeting to hear public comment and approve the 2027 operating budget, including appropriations and updated capital improvement and equipment replacement plans. Cost of Living: AAA reports Kansas gas averages are rising again as summer winds down, with Monday unleaded at about $3.85 a gallon and diesel also climbing. Public Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol says a 2000 Toyota Camry rollover near Sedan left one 19-year-old passenger seriously injured; neither occupant was wearing a seat belt. Environment & Wildlife: Perry Lake in northeast Kansas is seeing a second successful osprey nesting and fledging, building on the state’s first recorded success in 2023. Education & Data: KU’s Kansas Statistical Abstract turns 60 this year, with the 2025 edition set to go online Sept. 1 and public programming planned in September. Law Enforcement Training: The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center graduated its 361st basic training class, sending new officers into Kansas communities. Agriculture & Politics: Kansas Republican lawmakers push back on Trump’s plan to lift beef tariffs and allow tariff-free ground beef imports, warning it could hurt ranchers. Sports: The Kansas City Royals extended their winning streak to eight with an 11-7 win over the Tigers.

Energy Prices: The EPA issued an emergency fuel waiver aimed at lowering gas prices, letting E-10 be sold with higher Reid vapor pressure starting Sep. 1 through Sep. 15; Kansas’s average was about $3.87 as people in Wichita weighed whether the change will help at the pump. Public Health: The FDA inspected Mid-Kansas Cooperative Association in Marquette on Aug. 3 and found no need for corrective action after reviewing animal drugs, feed and devices. Local Safety: Deputies arrested a man at Western Plains High School in Ransom, Kansas, as part of an ongoing investigation, with officials saying there’s no ongoing threat to students or staff. Crime & Courts: A Kansas man, Gavin Onuffer of Haysville, was sentenced to 121 months for receiving child pornography, with investigators saying a cybertip and a search of his cellphone led to the case. Sports (Kansas): Kansas soccer rebounded from its first loss with a 3-1 win over Kent State, and the Royals kept rolling—winning their eighth straight with an 11-7 sweep finish over the Tigers.

Top Kansas crime: The KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Kansas, early Sunday that left a 19-year-old man dead after police say he refused commands to drop a firearm. Public safety & weather: WIBW reports isolated showers today with better storm chances tonight, plus occasional rain through the week and temperatures near normal. Food safety: The FDA says an alfalfa-sprout outbreak tied to E. coli and Salmonella has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including Kansas, with four hospitalizations; officials warn consumers not to eat or serve affected Calco/Everything sprouts. Kansas politics: Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, a Kansas trailblazer and first woman elected to the Senate without following a spouse into office, has died at 94. Local scams: BBB Scam Tracker lists Andale among 52 Kansas cities tied for 28th in July scam reports, with one report logged. Sports (Kansas City): The Royals keep rolling, aiming to sweep the Tigers after a 3-1 win Saturday; meanwhile, the Chiefs fell 16-15 to the Buccaneers in preseason action.

NFL Preseason (Chiefs-Buccaneers): Tampa Bay rallied for a 16-15 win over the Chiefs as rookie Jalon Daniels led three second-half scoring drives; Kansas City’s Harrison Butker hit a 69-yard field goal, but missed key kicks late. Royals Baseball: Kansas City kept rolling, beating the Tigers 3-1 for a seventh straight win behind Michael Wacha’s seven strong innings and homers from Kyle Isbel and Salvador Perez. MLB (Blue Jays-Yankees): Dylan Cease carried a no-hit bid into the seventh before Toronto edged New York 4-3. Wyandotte County Storm Aftermath: More than 50 seniors at R. Bernard Villas have been without power for four days; Wyandotte County declared a disaster area and says licensed electricians are needed for many repairs. Kansas Politics: Tributes continue after former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker died at 94, remembered for breaking barriers as Kansas’ first woman in the Senate. Public Health: Everything Sprouts recalled alfalfa sprouts tied to a 15-state E. coli and/or Salmonella outbreak, including Kansas. Corrections: Kansas Department of Corrections is investigating the death of an inmate at Lansing Correctional Facility; cause is pending an autopsy.

Food Safety: Federal health officials say at least 55 people across 15 states have fallen ill from a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled alfalfa sprouts, including Kansas cases; FDA urges people not to eat or serve the affected sprouts sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. Local Arts & Community: Emporia-area artists can tap a free Artist INC Express workshop in October to sharpen business skills, branding, and goal-setting for sustainable creative careers. Kansas Politics: Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker, the first woman to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate, has died at 94. Storm Recovery: Kansas City, Kansas officials are still seeking volunteers for storm cleanup as power restoration drags on after outages hit thousands. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the week’s lowest premium price in Rooks County at $4.54, with other county spotlights including Geary midgrade at $3.91 and Cherokee E15 at $3.33. Transportation/Infrastructure: Kansas Turnpike Authority demolition work is underway at the Emporia service exit as part of a broader $500M investment plan through fiscal 2030. Sports: The Royals keep rolling, pushing a sixth straight win over the Tigers as Kansas City’s bats heat up at home.

Storm Recovery in KCK: Wyandotte County is still asking for help as cleanup drags on day three without power, with volunteer sign-ups at Village Initiative (3004 N. 27th St) and the Kensington Community Center (2900 State Ave), plus a donation list that includes bottled water, gloves, tarps, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid kits. Power Restoration Strain: KCK residents remain stuck with downed lines and roadblocks while mutual-aid crews work to restore service. Beef Import Plan: President Trump’s temporary beef import move is drawing mixed reactions from Kansas ranchers and shoppers, with cattle groups warning it could lower prices for producers even if it’s meant to bring down costs. Public Health Alert: A boil water advisory was issued for part of Kingman County, with residents told to boil water for one minute before drinking or cooking. Food Safety Outbreak: CDC/FDA are investigating an E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts, with Kansas among the affected states. Local Transit/Infrastructure: The Kansas Turnpike shut down briefly after a pedestrian was hit near Mulvane, with traffic diverted. Sports: The Royals kept rolling, beating the Tigers 5-2 for a sixth straight win.