AGP Executive Report

PFAS Testing Breakthrough at KU: Researchers at the University of Kansas say they’ve developed a faster, cheaper way to detect ultra-low levels of PFAS in drinking water, cutting sample prep from hours to minutes while keeping sensitivity for regulated levels. Iowa GOP Primary Upset: Zach Lahn won the Iowa Republican nomination for governor in a close race, defeating Randy Feenstra after Feenstra conceded; Lahn will face Democrat Rob Sand in November. Kansas Baseball Super Regional Spotlight: Kansas is set for its NCAA Super Regional, with Tyson LeBlanc highlighted for a breakout season that helped the Jayhawks earn hosting duties. Land Title Fraud Warning: A Washburn professor of agricultural law says farmland title fraud is rising in Kansas, often targeting absentee owners and using fake identities, deeds, and forged leases. Local Health & Environment: Residents near a landfill outside Galena report lingering odors and health concerns tied to hydrogen sulfide and a smoldering fire, prompting calls for a long-term fix. Community Support: Jersey Mike’s Subs donated $4,000 to Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, continuing a partnership that helps local youth programs.

Kansas Tax & Transportation: Kansas ended May with $703.8 million in total tax collections, 6.4% above estimate, with individual income tax beating projections while corporate collections lagged. Gov. Laura Kelly also announced $5.9 million through KDOT’s Cost Share Program, leveraging $3.7 million in local matches for nine projects statewide. Local Planning & Community: Russell is moving toward a downtown Main Street historic designation, with a June 9 public presentation. In Iola, crews have started a major U.S. 54 rebuild through downtown, with traffic and sidewalk changes underway. Health & Safety: KU Hospital Authority sued CVS over alleged diversion of nearly $62 million in 340B prescription drug savings. Children’s Mercy Kansas introduced Benny, a facility comfort dog for young patients. A woman received a Kansas Highway Patrol Honorary Trooper award for pulling someone from a burning vehicle. Economy & Industry: Deep Fission announced a partnership to build a test underground nuclear reactor in Parsons. Agriculture: K-State dairy experts say high-protein demand is reshaping milk markets. Kansas wheat harvest is underway but slowed by recent rain, and stripe rust could last the whole wheat season.

Kansas Politics: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer is ending his 2026 governor campaign, leaving the GOP field to candidates including Ty Masterson and Scott Schwab. Elections Watch: Kansas filing deadlines are shaping a crowded race, with multiple tickets now set for the November ballot. Public Health & Rural Care: Kansas lawmakers are moving rural hospital support forward, with federal funding and program extensions aimed at keeping care available in small communities. Local Environment: Residents in Galena say a nearby landfill is producing harmful odors, including hydrogen sulfide, and they’re worried about health and property values. Sports (Kansas): Kansas baseball is headed to the NCAA super regionals, set to host Oklahoma in Lawrence. Sports (Nationwide): The super regional field is set after winner-take-all games, with several top seeds eliminated and new matchups across the bracket. Community & Pride: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly marked Gilbert Baker Day, celebrating the Parsons native who created the rainbow pride flag.

Kansas Economy & Taxes: Kansas closed out May with total tax collections of $703.8 million, up 6.4% above estimate and 7% higher than May 2025, with individual income tax leading the gains. Crops & Weather Watch: USDA reports corn is 85% planted (67% emerged) and soybeans are 75% planted (57% emerged), while winter wheat is nearly all headed. Local Government & Elections: Three candidates filed for Shawnee County Commission District 1—Cooper Melvin, Jack Calcutt and Lance Royer—with the primary set for Aug. 4. Rural Health Investment: Clay County Medical Center won $2.536 million to expand surgical care, including a da Vinci 5 robotic system. Community & Public Safety: Eureka Lake’s swim beach is closed due to elevated E. coli levels. Volunteer & Conservation: Kansas is seeking volunteers for the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas to help map habitats and populations across the state. Sports (Kansas): Free State baseball coach Mike Hill announced retirement after 29 years at the school.

Kansas Politics & Elections: Kansas’ online voter registration was down over the weekend due to a Department of Revenue server migration, just ahead of the June 1 party-change deadline for the Aug. 4 primary. NCAA Baseball (Lawrence): Kansas baseball won its first-ever NCAA regional title in Lawrence, rallying from a 5-0 deficit to beat Arkansas 13-10 and advance to the super regional. NCAA Baseball (Next Game): Missouri State’s season ended in the Lawrence Regional; the Bears now face Northeastern in an elimination game at noon CT Saturday. Weather: After Monday’s hot, humid stretch, forecasters warn of strong storm risks tonight with heavy rain, hail and damaging wind possible across parts of Kansas and the central U.S. Environment & Outdoors: The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks confirmed a southeast Kansas bow fisherman landed a record longnose gar in the Spring River. Community & Schools: Salina USD 305 kicks off free summer meals Monday, with breakfast and lunch plus activities and book giveaways.

Kansas Politics: Kansas’ online voter registration system is down statewide, leaving voters with party-change deadlines (noon Monday, June 1) to use a paper form instead. NCAA Baseball (Lawrence Regional): Arkansas kept its season alive with a 10-9 elimination win over Northeastern, setting up a Sunday 5 p.m. showdown with Kansas at Hoglund Ballpark; Arkansas must win twice to reach the Super Regional. Weather: Another round of storms is expected overnight into early Monday, with heavy rain the main risk and a few strong storms possible. Kansas Outdoors: The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is recruiting volunteers for the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas, with training in May and June and a push to survey unsampled prairie areas. Ag & Drought: A Barton County agriculture instructor says drought conditions remain severe in parts of Kansas despite recent rain, with wheat abandonment still a concern heading into early June. Sports Recruiting (K-State): Kansas State added 2027 cornerback Logan Davis, a Texas prospect who visited Manhattan this weekend.

NCAA Baseball (Lawrence Regional): Kansas keeps its historic home run going after beating Northeastern 6-3, setting up a big Saturday matchup with Arkansas at Hoglund Ballpark. Arkansas advanced with a 9-5 win over Missouri State, and the pitching matchup has KU starting Mason Cook against Arkansas’ Hunter Dietz. Local Sports (Regional updates): Northeastern also stayed alive in the Lawrence Regional by topping Missouri State 5-1 in an elimination game, with a weather delay pushing first pitch. Severe Weather Alert: A Weather Alert Day is in effect for parts of central Kansas, with large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes possible later today into the evening. Public Health Funding: KDHE awarded nearly $80 million to Kansas health care organizations to strengthen rural care, including grants tied to the Rural Health Transformation Program. Road Safety: A Wichita man was seriously hurt in a motorcycle crash on I-235 south of Central Avenue, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Kansas Politics: National Democrats are ramping up spending to beat Attorney General Kris Kobach in 2026, setting up a likely rematch against Chris Mann and framing the race as nationally important. Food Assistance: A new report says more than 10,000 Kansas children lost SNAP benefits after federal changes tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” renewing pressure on voters who stayed home in 2024. Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to allow states to purge voter rolls close to elections and require proof of citizenship, a move advocates warn could disenfranchise eligible voters. NCAA Baseball (Lawrence Regional): Kansas hosted its first-ever NCAA regional and beat Northeastern 6-3 in front of a record crowd; Saturday’s winners-bracket matchup has Kansas facing Arkansas, with Arkansas’ Hunter Dietz expected to return from injury. Local Culture: Kansas State’s McCain Performance Series is back for 2026-27, featuring Broadway titles and ticket sales starting Monday.

NCAA Baseball (Lawrence): Kansas opened its first-ever NCAA regional at Hoglund Ballpark with a 6-3 win over Northeastern, powered by seven strong innings from Dominic Voegele and late insurance runs as the Jayhawks advanced to face the winner of Arkansas vs. Missouri State. Local Elections: With the 2026 filing deadline nearing, Douglas County races show a mix of unopposed seats and a few primaries, including contests in Lawrence-area House districts. Food Assistance: Kansas Appleseed says more than 10,000 children in low-income families have lost SNAP access since federal changes took effect, pointing to a drop in enrollment statewide. Health Policy Lawsuit: Hospital groups have sued CVS and related entities over alleged diversion of 340B drug pricing savings. Civic Rights (National): A federal judge struck down New Hampshire’s anti-voter law, ruling it unconstitutional and blocking it from future elections. Kansas Sports (K-State): A roundup of the Wildcats’ rough 2025-26 season highlights the most painful moments for fans. Cycling (Flint Hills): UNBOUND Gravel XL kicked off from Emporia on a 350-mile, self-supported ride through the Flint Hills.

Great Lakes protection: Construction has started on the $1.15 billion Brandon Road Interbasin Project in Illinois, aimed at stopping invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. Topeka traffic watch: As the full I-70 closure approaches for the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project, Topeka police say they’ll be monitoring local streets for congestion and early accidents. NCAA baseball in Kansas: Regionals begin Friday, including Kansas hosting Northeastern in Lawrence, with Missouri State opening against Arkansas in the same regional. Health care fight: Federal lawsuits allege CVS and its PBM affiliates concealed about $250 million in diverted 340B reimbursements from 2020 to 2025, with cases filed in New York, Michigan, and Kansas. Drought relief: The SBA is offering low-interest disaster loans for drought-impacted areas across Kansas and neighboring states. Local environment: Lawrence’s sustainability board is weighing changes to weed control rules to better support native landscaping, and Douglas County Master Gardeners are holding a native plant sale Saturday.

KU & NATO Simulation: KU students took part in a NATO Allied Command Transformation-backed Model NATO class, staging a scenario where Russian cyberattacks contaminate Baltic water and force a debate over whether to invoke Article 5. KU Teaching Awards: The University of Kansas named five Lawrence faculty as 2026 William T. Kemper Fellows for Teaching Excellence, with recipients receiving $7,500 each. High School Sports: Rain pushed Kansas KSHSAA state softball and baseball games in Wichita and Lawrence to Friday, with several schedules adjusted. NCAA Baseball in Lawrence: Kansas is preparing for its NCAA regional at Hoglund Ballpark, including a boost in capacity to about 4,000 and new fan areas to improve the game-day experience. State Tuition Watch: Five Kansas public universities are seeking in-state undergraduate tuition increases for 2026-27, while Emporia State is asking to hold steady. Food Assistance Concern: Kansas Appleseed says thousands of low-income children have lost SNAP access since federal changes tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Lottery Numbers: Powerball results for May 27: 5-14-21-31-51, Powerball 13, Power Play 4.

Hantavirus Watch: Kansas lawmakers approved extending Gov. Laura Kelly’s emergency declaration tied to three residents being monitored after a hantavirus exposure connected to a cruise outbreak; the extension runs through June 7 as officials keep the asymptomatic people in voluntary isolation. Rural Health: U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids and Tracey Mann joined a bipartisan push for interest-free loans for rural hospitals to build or renovate facilities, citing Kansas’ high number of hospitals at risk of closure. Education & Costs: Kansas public universities are seeking tuition or fee increases for 2026-27, with the Board of Regents set to decide in June; KU is proposing a 4.8% tuition hike for residents. Local Community: K-State Extension is running a 3-day gardening and cooking camp for kids ages 9-12, teaching them to grow and cook foods like tomatoes. Public Safety: A copperhead bite at El Dorado State Park sparked questions because the snake is usually found farther east, with park and wildlife experts urging people to keep distance from any snake.

Higher Ed & Public Health: Kansas lawmakers approved extending Gov. Laura Kelly’s hantavirus emergency for three residents being monitored after exposure tied to a cruise outbreak; the extension runs through June 7 while patients stay asymptomatic at home. Tuition & State Budget Pressure: Five Kansas public universities are seeking in-state undergraduate tuition hikes of 3.5% to 6%, while Emporia State wants to hold tuition steady to boost enrollment. Local Agriculture & Food Economy: Barton Community College trustees approved anti-fraud software to stop “ghost students” from siphoning federal aid; Kansas also has free fishing days coming June 6-7 and a statewide hantavirus update continues. Farm Logistics: The U.S. DOT temporarily loosened hours-of-service rules for fertilizer haulers in more than 30 states, including Kansas, to keep deliveries moving during planting. Community Outdoors: Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma are lining up multiple free fishing weekends with standard creel and length limits still in place.

NCAA Baseball Bracket Buzz: UCLA earned the No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, setting up a Friday start with 16 regionals and a path to Omaha beginning June 12. Local Roads & Construction: KDOT says a portion of I-70 in downtown Topeka will fully close June 8 through December for the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project, with detours via I-470. Public Safety: A Kansas woman was injured in a Highway 36 crash near Stewartsville after her SUV hit a log and overturned; separately, KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Luray in Russell County after a loss of pressure. Courts & Crime: A federal jury convicted 25 people tied to a $215 million international email scam targeting 1,000+ victims. Business & Labor: Cargill locked out workers at a beef plant in Colorado after contract talks with Teamsters Local 455. Sports (Kansas): WVU says catcher/second baseman Gavin Kelly is “100 percent” after being hit by a pitch in the Big 12 title game.

Mizzou Football: Missouri says its Sept. 19 game vs. Troy will be the Memorial Stadium 100th-anniversary event, with commemorations and new merchandise tied to a north-end-zone renovation expected to finish for the 2026 season. Kansas Courts & Justice: Johnson County prosecutors charged seven people with distributing THC to minors after a four-year investigation, including arrests tied to vape shops in Olathe and De Soto. Public Safety: A Saline County woman reported losing more than $10,000 to a sweepstakes scam after being told to pay to claim prizes. Roads & Construction: Crews are set to begin rebuilding U.S. 54 through Iola next week, starting with a downtown lane closure. Sports: Kansas baseball is hosting an NCAA regional at Hoglund Ballpark as the Jayhawks enter as the No. 15 national seed. Weather/Agriculture: Eastern Kansas farmers report extreme variability—winter wheat still struggling with moisture while corn and soybeans are off to a stronger start. Lottery: Mega Millions rolls to a $311 million jackpot after Memorial Day.

NCAA Baseball Spotlight: Kansas just locked in its first-ever NCAA regional host role in Lawrence, with the Jayhawks (No. 15 seed) opening Friday, May 29 at noon CT against Northeastern at Hoglund Ballpark, joined by Arkansas and Missouri State. Local Sports Buzz: KU’s Big 12 title run is still fresh, and coach Dan Fitzgerald says injured starter Brady Ballinger is expected to be available for the regional. Politics Watch: Democrats are vowing a redistricting counterpunch, but face a tougher path than Republicans because of state rules and court risks. Courtroom/Justice: A Kansas man, Russell Scott IV, was sentenced to 72 months after a Wichita traffic stop turned up about 3,000 fentanyl pills and firearms. Community & Safety: Douglas County commissioners will consider a new truancy intervention program aimed at getting kids back in class before cases reach court.