AGP Executive Report

Rural Economic Boost: Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new round of Kansas SEED grants, with up to $25,000 available for small communities (pop. 5,000 or fewer) to fund childcare/senior programs, libraries, food retail, and community vibrancy. Space & STEM Inspiration: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, with Sen. Jerry Moran highlighting the push to spark Kansas students’ interest in science and aerospace. AI Data Center Backlash: Kansas-area officials and residents are weighing the growing fight over AI-driven data centers, as larger builds bring louder community opposition. Privacy Tech in the Crosshairs: Gardner, Kansas shut off Flock license plate cameras amid privacy and data-access scrutiny, while Comcast faced questions over an Xfinity WiFi feature that can detect motion without cameras. Local Tech + Growth: Lawrence commissioners approved annexation and rezoning for Beacon Landing, and Kubota expanded U.S. construction equipment manufacturing in Salina. Health Tech: A Kansas panel issued first clinical guidelines for using e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking option, and Bates County Memorial Hospital announced monthly ophthalmology surgical services starting Sept. 16.

Rural Economic Boost: Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new round of SEED grants totaling $250,000 for the state’s smallest communities, with up to $25,000 each for projects like childcare/senior programs, food retail, libraries, and community vibrancy. Space & STEM Inspiration: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran, spotlighting the lunar mission and careers in science and aerospace. Kansas Health Tech: HaysMed welcomed Rep. Tracey Mann to discuss rural healthcare upgrades, including a planned PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program money. Beef Research & Training: K-State Research and Extension announced a Sept. 9–10 Cow Camp in Hays covering nutrition, vaccine handling, neonatal calf care, reproduction, finance, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control. Climate Watch: NOAA says July was the hottest on record for the Lower 48, topping Dust Bowl-era heat and raising alarms about worsening conditions. Cybersecurity & Privacy: A Kansas City researcher’s noRecognition project uses printed patterns to disrupt surveillance AI detection like license plate readers and face tracking.

Rural Development: Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new round of SEED grants totaling $250,000 for very small communities (pop. 5,000 or fewer), with awards up to $25,000 for childcare/senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail access, and library upgrades. Space Science: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch, plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran, highlighting the next era of lunar exploration and STEM inspiration for Kansas students. Physics Research: A University of Kansas-led CERN study using the ALICE experiment found gluons inside atomic nuclei behave in ways that distinguish between competing explanations, sharpening how scientists map matter at extreme scales. Tech & Policy: Starlink’s gigabit gateway upgrade is facing FCC scrutiny after Iridium warned of potential radio interference from proposed ground “gateway” stations. Local Education & Workforce: KCKCC opened a new downtown campus in Kansas City, Kan., adding classes in areas including biomanufacturing, automation engineering, and other career and technical programs. Health Care: HaysMed highlighted plans for a new PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program dollars to expand advanced diagnostics for western Kansas patients.

Rural Innovation Funding: Kansas is opening a new round of SEED grants totaling $250,000 for communities of 5,000 or fewer, with awards up to $25,000 aimed at childcare and senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail access, and library upgrades. Space & STEM Inspiration: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran highlighting how astronaut visits can steer Kansas students toward science and aerospace careers. Beef Cattle Training: K-State Research and Extension will run a hands-on Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays covering nutrition, vaccine handling, neonatal calf care, reproduction, finance, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control. Weather Forecasting Research: Oklahoma State University researchers are testing whether infrasound—low-frequency sound below human hearing—can help identify tornadoes earlier, including field work planned in Kansas. AI in Healthcare: At Fort Leavenworth’s Munson Army Health Center, “ambient listening” AI is helping clinicians spend more time with patients by drafting clinical notes from the visit conversation. Tech & Connectivity: Globalstar has launched eight replacement satellites for its iPhone satellite messaging network, aiming to strengthen the HIBLEO-4 constellation after delays. Education & Art: KU’s Spencer Museum will open “Looking After: Art and Care in Education Across Kansas” Aug. 18, using art integration and social-emotional learning themes for K-12 classrooms.

Rural Development: Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new round of SEED grants totaling $250,000 for communities of 5,000 or fewer, with awards up to $25,000 for childcare/senior programs, community vibrancy, food retail, and library upgrades. Space & STEM Outreach: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran, highlighting the next era of lunar exploration and inspiring Kansas students toward science and aerospace careers. Health Tech in Western Kansas: HaysMed welcomed Rep. Tracey Mann and discussed plans for a new PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program money, alongside its hybrid operating room opened in 2025. Local Learning & Research: Lawrence High student Liam Sturm is building “Lawrence WaterWatch,” a prototype network of low-cost river monitors to track water temperature, pH, clarity, and dissolved materials in real time. Agriculture Training: K-State Research and Extension will host a two-day Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays covering beef nutrition, vaccine handling, neonatal calf care, reproductive management, finance, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control. Climate Watch: NOAA reports July as the hottest month on record for the Lower 48, surpassing the Dust Bowl-era peak.

Rural Economic Boost: Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new round of SEED grants totaling $250,000 for communities with 5,000 or fewer residents, with awards up to $25,000 for childcare/senior programs, community vibrancy, food retail, and libraries. Space & STEM Inspiration: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran, highlighting the next era of lunar exploration and careers in science and aerospace. Water Monitoring Tech (Student-Led): Lawrence High senior Liam Sturm built a prototype for Lawrence WaterWatch, aiming to measure Kansas River conditions in real time using low-cost sensors and wireless data. Beef Supply Pressure: A national look at why beef is so expensive points to a shrinking cattle herd and slow herd recovery, keeping prices elevated. Turnpike Funding: Kansas Turnpike Authority approved a three-year toll adjustment plan starting Sept. 1, 2026, to support a nearly $500M infrastructure and technology investment. Hydrogen From Rock: Engineers are testing stimulated geologic hydrogen, using electrical pulses to fracture iron-rich rock and generate hydrogen on demand. Rural Healthcare Upgrade: HaysMed discussed plans for a new PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4M through the Rural Health Transformation Program, expanding advanced diagnostics for western Kansas.

Rural Development: Kansas Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a new round of SEED grants totaling $250,000 for the state’s smallest communities, with up to $25,000 available for childcare and senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail, and library upgrades. Space & STEM Outreach: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran, highlighting the next era of lunar exploration and inspiring Kansas students toward science and aerospace careers. Beef & Ag Training: K-State Research and Extension will run a two-day Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays with hands-on sessions on nutrition, vaccine handling, neonatal calf care, reproduction, finance, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control. Health Tech in Rural Kansas: HaysMed welcomed Rep. Tracey Mann to discuss rural access to advanced care, including plans for a new PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program support. Climate Watch: NOAA says July was the hottest month on record for the contiguous U.S., surpassing the Dust Bowl-era peak.

Rural Economic Boost: Kansas is opening a new round of SEED grants, with $250,000 available for very small communities (pop. 5,000 or fewer) to fund projects like childcare/senior programming, libraries, food retail access, and community vibrancy. Space & STEM Inspiration: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran, spotlighting the next era of lunar exploration and careers in science and aerospace. Heat Stress on Dairy: Kansas dairy producers are battling extreme summer temperatures that can cut milk output and degrade key milk components, pushing farms to adapt for animal comfort and productivity. Education & Tech Policy: The Kansas State Board of Education is drafting recommendations—and possibly a mandate—for how districts use classroom technology and control student access to devices. Public Health & Vaccines: Kansas says it will keep its vaccine schedule based on “scientific evidence,” not an executive order’s suggested changes. Local Learning for Producers: K-State Research and Extension is planning a Sept. 9–10 Cow Camp in Hays with hands-on training on herd health, nutrition, calf care, reproduction, and more. Climate Record Watch: NOAA reports July was the hottest on record for the Lower 48, underscoring the growing pressure on agriculture and communities. Rural Healthcare Upgrade: HaysMed highlighted plans for a new PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program. SNAP Shock in Kansas: Kansas SNAP enrollment dropped sharply after new requirements took effect, with thousands losing benefits amid increased paperwork and recertification failures.

Rural Economic Boost: Kansas Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a new round of SEED grants totaling $250,000 for communities of 5,000 or fewer, with awards up to $25,000 for projects like childcare/senior programming, food retail, libraries, and community vibrancy. Space & STEM Inspiration: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, with Sen. Jerry Moran, to spotlight lunar exploration and careers in science and aerospace. Beef Cattle Training: K-State Research and Extension will hold a two-day Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays, mixing hands-on demos and producer networking on topics from nutrition and vaccine handling to neonatal calf care and fly/tick control. Climate Watch: NOAA says July was the hottest on record for the contiguous U.S., surpassing the Dust Bowl-era mark—an alarming signal for the Plains and beyond. Tech in Schools: The Kansas State Board of Education is drafting guidance on classroom technology use, including possible requirements for districts to control student access to devices. Local STEM Outreach: The “Curiosity Cube,” a solar-powered mobile lab, is bringing synthetic biology experiments to Kansas City-area kids through Aug. 21.

Rural Economic Boost: Kansas is opening a new round of SEED grants with $250,000 total available for very small communities (up to $25,000 each) aimed at childcare/senior programs, food retail access, libraries, and community vibrancy. Space & STEM Inspiration: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran, spotlighting the next era of lunar exploration and careers in science and aerospace. Rural Health Tech: HaysMed welcomed Rep. Tracey Mann to discuss advanced care for western Kansas, including a planned PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4 million in Rural Health Transformation dollars and a hybrid operating room opened in 2025. Beef Producer Training: K-State Research and Extension will run a two-day Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays covering nutrition, vaccine handling, neonatal care, reproduction, finance, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control. Education Tech Policy: The Kansas State Board of Education is drafting recommendations—and possibly a mandate—for classroom technology use, with a focus on laptop/pad access rules. Surveillance Debate: In the Kansas City area, Flock license plate reader cameras were damaged or stolen, fueling privacy concerns. Extreme Heat: NOAA reports July was the hottest on record for the contiguous U.S., raising alarms about climate-driven impacts.

Rural Economic Boost: Kansas is opening a new round of SEED grants totaling $250,000 for the state’s smallest communities, with up to $25,000 available for projects like childcare/senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail, and library upgrades. Space & STEM Outreach: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran highlighting how space visits can spark Kansas students’ science and aerospace careers. Rural Health Tech: HaysMed welcomed Rep. Tracey Mann and discussed plans for a new PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program dollars, aiming to bring advanced diagnostics closer to western Kansas patients. Privacy vs. Automation: Flock Safety says it’s changing automated license plate reader rules after misuse concerns, limiting use to active cases and adding safeguards starting Jan. 1. Hydrogen From Rocks Pitch: Element One is betting Columbia University tech can produce natural hydrogen from rock at far lower cost than oil and gas—though it’s still pre-commercial. Local Solar Payoff: A Fort Scott printing firm finished a large solar-plus-battery system designed to cut costly demand charges. Education Tech Policy: Kansas schools begin enforcing a “bell-to-bell” device ban, requiring students to lock phones and other personal electronics away during the school day.

Rural Funding Push: Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new $250,000 round of SEED grants for the state’s smallest communities, with up to $25,000 each for projects like childcare/senior programming, food retail access, libraries, and community vibrancy. Healthcare Tech in the West: Newman Regional Health is among early recipients of Kansas’ Rural Health Transformation Program, getting over $110,000 for Community Health Workers plus “Food is Medicine” work aimed at improving outcomes. Space & STEM Outreach: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch, plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran, highlighting the next era of lunar exploration and inspiring Kansas students toward science and aerospace. Beef Research Training: K-State Research and Extension will run a two-day Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays, mixing hands-on demos with topics like nutrition, vaccine handling, neonatal care, reproduction, and fly/tick control. Public Safety Surveillance Debate: Wichita is seeking a DOJ grant to add school “panic buttons” tied to its Real Time Crime Information Center, but the plan faces privacy and surveillance-network concerns from residents. Transportation Infrastructure: The Kansas Turnpike Authority approved a three-year annual toll adjustment and a nearly $500M widening/modernization plan, with passenger tolls rising 3% starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Space & STEM Outreach: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Sen. Jerry Moran, spotlighting the next era of lunar exploration and inspiring Kansas students toward science and aerospace careers. Rural Health Tech: HaysMed welcomed Rep. Tracey Mann to discuss rural healthcare upgrades, including a planned PET/CT scanner funded by $2.4 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program, and a look at the hospital’s hybrid operating room opened in 2025. Small-Town Economic Development: Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new $250,000 round of SEED grants for communities of 5,000 or fewer, with funding up to $25,000 for childcare/senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail, and libraries. Agriculture Training: K-State Research and Extension is set to run a two-day Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays, covering beef nutrition, vaccine handling, neonatal calf care, reproduction, finance, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control. Weather Risk: A report warns tornado “Alley” risk is shifting eastward as warming climate patterns increase exposure in more populated areas. Community STEAM: Wonderscope Children’s Museum in Kansas City held a NASCAR “Science of Speed” event with hands-on stations on motion, force, friction, and aerodynamics. Public Safety Tech Debate: Pioneer approved Flock license-plate reader cameras for a two-year trial, drawing privacy and constitutionality concerns.

Rural Economic Development: Kansas is opening a new round of SEED grants, with $250,000 available for very small communities (pop. 5,000 or fewer) to fund projects in childcare/senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail, and libraries. Space & STEM Outreach: The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosted Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch plus NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, underscoring the mission’s push to inspire Kansas students toward science and aerospace careers. Agriculture Training: Kansas State Research and Extension is running a two-day Cow Camp Sept. 9–10 in Hays, pairing hands-on beef cattle sessions (nutrition, vaccines, neonatal care, reproduction, finance, and pest control) with producer networking. Health & Food Access: A Kansas “Food is Medicine” program is highlighted as a practical way to improve outcomes for people managing chronic disease, including measurable changes in blood sugar and blood pressure. Public Safety Tech: Pioneer approved installing Flock license-plate reader cameras using state highway funds for a two-year trial, with one council dissent citing privacy and constitutional concerns. Cybersecurity: A researcher claims a new Windows Defender zero-day that could let attackers elevate privileges to “system” level.

Higher Ed Facilities: Kansas Board of Regents leaders warn deferred maintenance is a “ticking time bomb,” citing $123M cleared by tearing down problem buildings. Public Health: CDC data show rising Candida auris cases in 27 states, with experts urging stronger hospital infection controls. Space & Research: KU physicists are part of CERN work that helps distinguish competing models of how gluons behave inside atomic nuclei, while a separate KU-led team received $1M to build new Large Hadron Collider devices. Rural Tech & Training: K-State Extension plans a Sept. 9–10 Cow Camp in Hays covering nutrition, vaccines, calf care, reproduction, finance, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control; meanwhile, a Wisconsin-based humane handling program trained dairy staff at McCarty Family Farms using augmented-reality “cow’s-eye” goggles. Local Science in Action: HaysMed is preparing for a new PET/CT scanner with $2.4M rural health funding, expanding advanced imaging for oncology and cardiac patients. Education & Community: Hays USD 489 nears completion of its $143.5M bond projects, and Pittsburg’s Kelce College of Business and Besse Hotel opened downtown.

KU Physics at CERN: A KU-led team won a $1 million federal grant to build two specialized devices for the Large Hadron Collider, aiming to probe early-universe mysteries tied to the Big Bang. Rural Health Tech: Stormont Vail Health added orthopedic foot-and-ankle surgeon Erik Nott, and discussed a new PET/CT scanner plan funded by $2.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program money. Education + Literacy: Kiewit pledged $1 million to SchoolSmartKC’s “Literacy for All” initiative, backing Brookside Charter School with research-based classroom coaching and tutoring. School Transportation Tech: Kansas City Public Schools is continuing its Zum Transportation partnership, using GPS tracking, alerts, and badge-scanning for bus safety; officials are also exploring automated stop-arm cameras. Internet Access Watch: HighSpeedInternet.com ranked 2026 state internet speeds, reporting modest national gains and highlighting which states improved most. Agriculture Learning: K-State announced fall field days across western Kansas and a Sept. 9–10 Cow Camp in Hays focused on practical beef cattle management. Climate Pressure: NOAA reported July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, underscoring ongoing heat risk for the Plains.