AGP Executive Report

KU Earth-energy reorg: KU is merging geology, environmental studies, and geography & atmospheric science into a new Department of Earth, Energy & Environment, and renaming its Chemical & Petroleum Engineering department to Chemical & Energy Engineering to match the school’s energy push. Rural health tech funding: Kansas is set to receive nearly $17M for rural healthcare upgrades, including telehealth, AI, diagnostic tools, and faster specialty-transport coordination. Medicaid eligibility shakeup: New federal rules will cut Medicaid payments in Kansas and other states, and separate changes tied to immigrant eligibility will leave many Kansas City-area noncitizens uninsured starting Oct. 1. Space/communications: Starlink says select maritime users with its Performance Gen 3 kit will get gigabit speeds by December; meanwhile, Poland reports a Starlink ground facility near Warsaw was sabotaged. Kansas science & community: The Sternberg Museum faces closure amid $2.4M budget-cut claims, while the Land Institute marks 50 years with its Prairie Festival. Research in the field: Monarch Watch data collection continues with Kansas-area school field trips tagging migrating monarchs.

STEM & Food Security: KU researchers landed a $1.9M NSF grant to study drought tolerance in wheat and rice using fungal samples from the Kansas Biological Survey’s INVAM fungi library, aiming to boost resilience and cut irrigation needs. STEM Infrastructure: Pittsburg State University launched a $53M capital campaign to modernize science buildings (Heckert-Wells and Yates Hall) with lab safety upgrades and new connections for STEM programs. Agritech & Branding: Camso agricultural tracks will be renamed under Michelin’s “Bibtrack” label, keeping the same Kansas manufacturing and track technology while streamlining product names. Public Health & Safety: FDA recalled 1.7M pounds of brown and powdered sugar in Kansas and other states due to possible wheat contamination. Tech Policy & Security: A RedMonk discussion highlights software supply chain security and post-quantum cryptography progress, including faster-than-expected PQC deadlines. Kansas Tech & Community Events: KU in the Community brings free sessions in Salina (Oct. 10) including engineering-biology for growing plants on the Moon and AI/social media management. Local Science Events: Flint Hills Discovery Center opened “Sea Monsters Unearthed,” a Smithsonian traveling exhibit featuring a 23-foot mosasaur skeleton.

AI Policy & Politics: Kansas lawmakers are pushing a bipartisan push for AI guardrails, while national Democrats and Republicans trade sharper messaging as midterms near. Data Centers & Local Control: Communities are wrestling with the “locally unwanted land use” problem as data-center debates spill into zoning fights, threats, and arrests; in Kansas, Emporia’s petition battle shows how tech infrastructure can become a political flashpoint. STEM & Education in Kansas: Pittsburg State University is launching a $53M capital campaign to modernize science buildings, and KU is offering free “KU in the Community” workshops in Salina, including sessions on AI, health, and even engineering biology for growing plants on the Moon. Space & Research: A new report highlights how the Roman space telescope will study galactic evolution, and a separate item flags early research on possible reproductive impacts from spaceflight. Public Science & Nature: The Flint Hills Discovery Center opens “Sea Monsters Unearthed,” bringing Smithsonian paleontology to Kansas, while The Land Institute’s Prairie Festival marks 50 years of perennial agriculture.

Rural Health Tech Boost: Kansas is set to receive nearly $17M in federal rural grants to expand telehealth, AI, diagnostic tools, and regional transportation coordination for faster specialty care. Ag & Energy Costs: Kansas wheat growers are weighing 2027 drilling timing across K-State’s zone windows as diesel prices and market uncertainty add pressure; meanwhile, ag economists warn a proposed diesel export ban could backfire on prices and supply. Biotech Watch: Amgen reported positive Phase 3 topline results for dazodalibep in Sjögren’s, a potential disease-modifying step that could reshape treatment expectations. Cybersecurity: The ShinyHunters gang claims it breached the FBI’s jobs portal and accessed sensitive systems; the FBI says it’s investigating. Local Tech & Education: JCCC shared Spring 2027 enrollment logistics, while Kansas City advanced an $11.8M contract to repave streets after water and sewer repairs. Policy & Consumer Health: Kansas AG Hilgers urged consumers to file claims tied to multistate generic drug price-fixing settlements. STEM in the Spotlight: K-State highlighted a new Western Star Global Grain and Food Center, tying ag research and innovation to Kansas’ future.

Kansas Tech & Education: KU Libraries will host American Girl author Angela Cervantes for Hispanic Heritage Month, tying Kansas roots to kids’ storytelling, while Washburn University marked National Forensic Science Week with a roundtable featuring KBI scientists and multiple forensic disciplines. Ag & Research: K-State opened its Western Star Global Grain and Food Center, and Senator Jerry Moran highlighted the facility plus a $1M Wichita airport grant—both aimed at boosting Kansas innovation and connectivity. Public Health & Policy: Kansas AGs urged consumers to claim compensation from multistate settlements over alleged generic drug price-fixing, as new Phase 3 results from Amgen’s Sjögren’s drug dazodalibep point to a potential new treatment path. Rural Tech in Action: A Kansas cattle operation is using GPS-linked “virtual fences” with collars to manage grazing boundaries. Security & Systems: The TSA quietly canceled its TSA Gold+ privatization plan, shifting toward an updated version of its existing screening partnership approach. Local Infrastructure: Lyon County will consider an engineering study and a change order for its 911 Center. Housing Snapshot: Zillow reported mixed August 2026 home-value moves across Kansas counties, including Nemaha up 10.5% and Ottawa up 7.2%.

Lawrence Data Centers: The Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend adding more approval layers for future data centers, including a special use permit and extra public hearings, while keeping the city’s data center moratorium intact. Lawrence Loop Gap: A Connected City Advisory Board backed a plan to close the downtown gap in the Lawrence Loop trail by routing it along Seventh and New Hampshire, with possible changes tied to the Riverfront Mall site. Higher Ed Cuts: Kansas State University’s College of Arts and Sciences is facing a $2.6 million deficit, with faculty terminations expected over the next three fiscal years, echoing broader budget-pressure trends at public universities. Autism Transition Research: KU researchers detailed two evidence-based practices to help autistic students transition out of high school, supported by a $3.3 million grant. Space & Health: A new study on mice exposed to the International Space Station found reduced reproductive capacity in offspring, raising questions for long-term human spaceflight. Cyber/Infrastructure: Microsoft says Internet Explorer’s IE Mode won’t last forever, urging governments and businesses to plan migrations before support ends after 2029. Local Privacy Fight: A Kansas group pushing back against Flock license plate cameras in Lindsborg says it wants the city to revise policy or end its contract.

Autonomous Aviation: Joby Aviation completed the first fully autonomous coast-to-coast flight across the U.S., flying 3,199 miles from California to North Carolina with a safety pilot onboard but no interventions. Space Health Research: KU Medical Center researchers report that extended time in space on the International Space Station reduced reproductive capacity in offspring and grandchildren of lab mice, raising questions for future long-duration missions. Education & Disability Support: KU researchers, funded by a $3.3M grant, studied two evidence-based practices to help autistic students transition out of high school, finding benefits but also real-world implementation challenges. Kansas Workforce Pathways: Allen Community College graduates can now finish a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in as little as 12 months through a Newman University agreement that awards credit for prior learning. Cybersecurity: ShinyHunters claimed it hacked rival CLOP’s site via a Grav content system weakness and is demanding an eight-figure ransom. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Herington officials heard early-stage ideas for a hyperscale data center feasibility study, with presenters stressing no city funding or property selection yet. Housing Snapshot: Zillow reported typical home values rose in several Kansas counties, including Russell (+11.3% to $121,297) and Dickinson (+2.4% to $170,305).

AI Policy & Chips: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s influence is getting tested on Capitol Hill as lawmakers debate AI safety and whether to loosen export limits on high-end chips. Cybersecurity: A vulnerability scan story highlights how penetration testing can show what attackers could actually do, not just what looks weak. Healthcare: Clinicians say shorter antibiotic courses can work just as well and may help slow resistance, with guidance favoring up to 5 days for several common infections. Wastewater Infrastructure: Kansas City’s Blue River plant overhaul is pushing a design-build approach to replace aging biosolids incineration systems without shutting down operations. Kansas Tech & Data Centers: Kansas Board of Regents is crafting AI policy standards, while local fights over data centers continue to shape community planning. Energy Storage: Panasonic Energy is launching a new lithium-ion battery R&D hub in Osaka, with links to manufacturing in Nevada and Kansas. Local Tech Crime: A Kansas businessman was sentenced to 18 months for selling advanced aviation technology to Russia, violating U.S. export controls.

Public Safety: Great Bend police say they arrested 19-year-old Keegan Martens after linking him to a Salina-area vehicle using the Flock camera system; Barton County prosecutors charged him with second-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment in the death of 17-year-old Erin Smith. STEM & Agriculture: At the Kansas State Fair, a southwest Kansas farmer highlighted how drones and camera-guided “see & spray” tech are helping with more precise field treatment, even as drought and higher diesel and fertilizer costs squeeze operations. Housing Watch: Zillow data shows Kansas home values are still rising overall, with Jackson County up 6.5% to $258,868 and multiple other counties reporting August gains (while some areas like Mitchell County dipped). Community Health Support: A Wichita medical loan closet is helping Kansans cover expensive supplies like feeding-tube items and formula when insurance falls short. Local Learning & Civic Life: A Kansas Constitution Day program is expanding civic education through events and discussion.

Kansas Higher Ed & AI: The Kansas Board of Regents is drafting statewide AI guardrails, with a committee chaired by SnapIT Solutions CEO Neelima Parasker focusing on responsible use in student teaching, research, and administration. Space-to-Farm Tech: K-State and NASA highlighted how satellite data can help Kansas farmers manage water, track crop health, and improve sustainability at the Flickner Innovation Farm. Autonomous Aviation Milestone: Joby Aviation says its autonomy-equipped aircraft completed the first autonomous cross-country flight across the U.S., navigating 3,199 miles with only a safety pilot onboard. Autonomous Flight in Kansas Research: NASA also backed UAS testing at a Northern Plains site, running medical and agricultural BVLOS demos. Cybersecurity & Disruption: Multiple Kansas counties reported ransomware incidents, underscoring ongoing local IT risk. Data Centers & Local Control: Kansas politics continues to wrestle with data center impacts, with candidates and lawmakers pushing for local decision-making and clearer state readiness. Crypto Payments Watch: Ohio launched a statewide system letting residents pay certain fees with crypto via instant conversion to dollars, while skeptics warn about risk.

Autonomous Aviation: Joby Aviation-backed Cessna Caravan became the first autonomous airplane to complete a cross-country flight across the U.S., flying 3,199 miles with no human pilot and multiple stops. Kansas Higher Ed Tech Policy: The Kansas Board of Regents is crafting AI policy standards, with a committee led by SnapIT Solutions CEO Neelima Parasker focusing on guardrails for teaching, research, and administration. Space-to-Farm Tech: K-State and NASA highlighted satellite tools for Kansas agriculture at the Flickner Innovation Farm, aiming to help producers manage water and improve crop health. Teacher Pipeline Funding: Kansas is receiving $8.4 million in federal support to expand teacher and principal apprenticeships and reading-specialist pathways. Midterms Watch: New polling and political analysis point to mounting warning signs for Republicans with just 45 days left. Housing Snapshot (Zillow): Chase County typical home value rose to $172,468 (+4.8%); McPherson to $224,602 (+1.8%); Jefferson to $295,428 (+8.4%); Wilson dipped to $107,957 (-0.8%). Foster Care Leadership: FosterClub named 50 young leaders with foster care experience as 2026 Outstanding Young Leaders, including an Afghan-girls education advocate.

Teacher Pipeline Boost: Kansas will receive $8.4 million in federal funding to expand teacher and principal apprenticeships and create a reading-specialist pathway, aiming to ease educator shortages in high-need schools. AI Oversight After SVB: A new independent review says Federal Reserve supervisors knew about Silicon Valley Bank vulnerabilities as early as March 2022, blaming a risk-averse culture and unclear decision-making for delayed action. Invasive Plant Control: Cottonwood Extension District urges late-summer herbicide and multi-step management to curb phragmites spreading through Kansas waterways, wetlands, and roadsides. Data Center Rules Under Review: A Kansas county planning commission plans more changes to proposed large data center regulations after public comments on decommissioning, stormwater, water use, and compliance reporting. Cybersecurity Alert: Ellis County says ransomware hit parts of its IT systems; officials report no sign sensitive data was accessed and say 911/public safety operations are fully functional. Research for Drought Tolerance: KU secured a $1.9 million NSF grant to test microscopic soil fungi that could help wheat and rice handle drought better. Monarch Tagging Event: The Kansas Wetlands Education Center hosts its Sept. 26 Butterfly Festival with monarch tagging tied to Monarch Watch research.

Rural Cybersecurity: Ellis County says parts of its IT systems were hit by ransomware Sept. 17, with impacted systems isolated and outside specialists brought in; officials report no sign sensitive data was accessed, but some services may see delays and residents are urged to be cautious with emails from ellisco.net. AI in Kansas Higher Ed: The Kansas Board of Regents is turning to AI, with a committee led by SnapIT Solutions CEO Neelima Parasker tasked with drafting guardrail recommendations for student teaching, research, and administration. KU Research Funding: KU won a $1.9M NSF grant to test microscopic soil fungi that could help wheat and rice handle drought, aiming to reduce irrigation needs. Rural Health Tech Money: Kansas will receive nearly $17M in federal rural health transformation funds to expand telehealth, AI, diagnostics, and transportation coordination for specialty care. Autonomous Flight Milestone: Joby says a converted Cessna Caravan completed a 3,199-mile cross-country flight with no control inputs from a safety pilot, navigating reroutes around severe weather. Water Safety Update: Wichita’s boil water advisory is lifted for the city and some wholesale areas after testing found no contamination, but remains in place for wholesale customers pending their own sample results. Local Science Event: The Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 13th annual Butterfly Festival is set for Sept. 26 in Great Bend, with monarch tagging and Monarch Watch research support.

Aviation Tech Update: The FAA says its radar replacement program is slipping two-plus months, with 612 radar system upgrades now expected to finish in September 2028, slowed by supply-chain issues, tariffs, and damage in transit. Cybersecurity: A Brevo marketing-provider breach let attackers tamper with thousands of websites, pushing a fake “verify you are human” screen that tricks users into running malware. Kansas Energy & Power: Evergy briefed Lyon County on updated Cottonwood Solar plans, aiming for over $60M in local property tax revenue over a 30-year run and adjusting layouts after neighbor feedback. Rural Health Tech: Kansas lawmakers and partners highlighted $16M in rural health transformation grants tied to emerging healthcare technologies. STEM/Community Science: Great Bend’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center will host its 13th annual Butterfly Festival Sept. 26, with monarch tagging tied to Monarch Watch research. Local Data & Policy: Ellis County’s ALICE report finds nearly 4 in 10 households struggling with rising essentials costs despite not qualifying for public assistance. Education & Civics: Kansas schools and cities are marking Constitution Week with proclamations and mock trials for students.

Kansas Agriculture Research: K-State Research and Extension released the Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2026, updating variety profiles and disease/insect ratings to help growers pick fall wheat with better resistance and agronomic fit. Beef Industry Tech & Health: K-State’s 27th annual Beef Stocker Field Day (Sept. 24, Manhattan) will cover Theileria impacts, mineral nutrition, corn silage strategies, and penning tactics for stocker performance. Space for Ag: NASA visited K-State’s Flickner Innovation Farm to highlight how satellite data can support Kansas water management, crop health, and sustainability. Cybersecurity: The FBI warned that scammers are using AI to impersonate police and government officials, with losses topping $1.6B in recent complaints. Energy & Local Planning: Evergy briefed Lyon County commissioners on updated Cottonwood Solar plans, including projected local property tax revenue over a 30-year lifespan. Nuclear Oversight: Deep Fission published its federally approved safety design agreement for a one-mile underground reactor in Parsons, amid community concerns about transparency and waste handling. Community Science: The Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 13th annual Butterfly Festival (Sept. 26) will include monarch tagging tied to Monarch Watch research.

Data Centers vs. Local Farms: Hundreds packed a Leavenworth County meeting to oppose Cloverleaf’s proposed 1,000-acre Project Bluestem data center and power plant near Tonganoxie, with residents raising concerns about water, energy use, pollution, noise/light, and possible health impacts. Agronomy for Kansas Wheat: K-State Research and Extension released the Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2026, updating disease and insect resistance profiles and adding new variety profiles for KS Tradition, KS Flintlock, AP Sunbird, and Orange Blossom CL+. Beef Industry Field Notes: K-State’s 27th annual Beef Stocker Field Day (Sept. 24, Manhattan) will cover Theileria impacts, corn silage in growing programs, mineral nutrition, and penning tactics. Monarchs in Great Bend: The Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 13th annual Butterfly Festival (Sept. 26) offers monarch tagging and supports Monarch Watch research. AI in Schools: A Kansas program is rolling out guidelines for educators on using AI technology in classrooms. Cybersecurity Tactics: CISA urged organizations to consider “cyber decoys” like honeytokens and fake credentials to detect and divert hackers. Workforce Education in Topeka: SENT and Washburn Tech partner to offer GED classes at SENT’s Hi-Crest Family Resource Center starting Sept. 28.