AGP Executive Report

AI & Privacy: A University of Kansas study finds AI can help deliver relevant ads without tracking users across the internet. Health Research: KU researchers report estrogen-based hormone therapies and lifetime hormone exposure may protect brain health in older women. Education Policy: Kansas Board of Regents definitions for “DEI-CRT” are drawing faculty concern over vague wording and potential academic freedom impacts. Campus Tech Rules: KU is adding a 5 p.m. building curfew during the World Cup, limiting after-hours access to students and staff with KU IDs. Public Safety Tech: Kansas City’s counter-drone approach at the World Cup is highlighted as a layered local-federal model using detection sensors and signal-jamming “drone guns.” Infrastructure & Water: Douglas County may extend the Wakarusa Drive extension timeline by two years due to an environmental review tied to federal property. Industrial Automation: GrayMatter acquired New Frontier Technologies, boosting industrial automation capabilities and expanding its Kansas City footprint. Data Centers & Water Use: A draft feasibility study weighs potable and cooling-water options for a proposed Nodaway County data center. Fraud Watch: Experts warn of rising farmland title fraud targeting absentee landowners.

Rural Infrastructure: Douglas County may extend the Wakarusa Drive Extension timeline by two years after an environmental assessment requirement tied to federal property managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Healthcare Access (Kansas): Kansas hospitals are using new federal Rural Health Transformation Program dollars to expand rural maternal care and add AI-driven tools aimed at preventing chronic illness in kids. Brain Health Research: University of Kansas researchers report a link between lifetime estrogen exposure (from birth control and menopausal hormone therapy) and better brain health in women ages 65–80. Biotech & Military Medicine: Oxeia Biopharma adds former U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Don Plummer to its advisory board as military concussion treatment needs remain unmet. School Tech & Safety: Lawrence Public Schools selected Durham School Services for transportation through 2029, citing GPS tracking and AI-enabled dash cameras for safety. Community STEM/Outreach: Kansas Wetlands Education Center (FHSU) announces free drop-in nature craft workshops plus a summer explorer guide for kids. Local Courts/Policy: A Kansas state employee sues after being fired over a Facebook comment about Charlie Kirk’s death, arguing a First Amendment violation. Ham Radio: Mine Creek Amateur Radio Club hosts a public disaster-communications Field Day-style event June 27.

Data Centers in Kansas: Digital Realty says it’s buying powered land in De Soto (about 1,440 acres) for a hyperscale campus and also increased its stake in Teraco, while a separate proposal would build a Flint Hills Digital Campus near Emporia that could reach 1,000 acres—both raising big questions about jobs, tax base, and local impacts. Classroom Tech Debate: Shawnee Mission parents pushed the district to cut individual screen time, block more streaming and social apps, and add digital citizenship training, arguing current device use is too heavy. Public Health—Parkinson’s: CDC data show Parkinson’s death rates for adults 65+ rose from 2014 to 2021, then declined in 2024; the highest rates include men and White non-Hispanic adults, with Kansas among states reporting elevated mortality. Aviation Research Hub: Wichita State’s NIAR opened the 170,000-square-foot HAMR facility for industry and government work in advanced manufacturing and digital engineering. Community STEM: Emporia State will mark the fifth anniversary of its Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center with a free Science Saturday featuring tours, hands-on activities, and aquatic ecology demos. End-of-Life Planning: K-State Extension urges Kansans to put health and financial wishes in writing, including durable power of attorney and health directives, and to include digital assets. Local Tech & Learning: KU researchers received a professorship to expand Mars simulant research that links art and ecology. Ham Radio: The Kansas-Nebraska Radio Club will host Amateur Radio Field Day June 27–28 in Glasco, showcasing emergency communications.

Data Centers & AI Power Buildout: Digital Realty says it’s buying about 1,440 acres near Kansas City for ~$475M to support hyperscale development, with power scaling from 600 MW by early 2028 to 2 GW, while also expanding its Teraco stake and planning to acquire Columbia Capital—moves aimed at feeding the AI infrastructure boom. Local Housing Pressure: A new Wichita/Sedgwick County report ties rising homelessness to affordability stress, citing high shares of “ALICE” households living paycheck to paycheck and heavy housing cost burdens. Public Health & Food: Gambino’s Pizza is running blood-cancer giveback nights in Wichita-area communities, donating a portion of sales to Blood Cancer United to support patients, research, and transportation aid. Education Leadership Change: Wichita school board member Ngoc Vuong resigns after accepting an out-of-state psychology faculty role. Kansas Science/Tech in the News: KU researchers unveiled a method for safeguarding privacy of electrocardiograms. Agriculture Safety: K-State reports a fire at its dairy research unit damaged grain and feed storage bins, with cause under investigation.

Aviation & Community Support: Textron Aviation helped kick off a Kansas send-off for athletes and coaches headed to the Special Olympics USA Games, framing the airlift as “removing boundaries” through volunteers and local partners. Early Learning in Kansas: Kansas education officials approved a Pilot Pre-K Program for USD 239 North Ottawa County starting in 2026-27, aiming to expand access to early childhood education and improve early learning and transitions. Health Tech Research (KU): University of Kansas researchers unveiled a privacy-preserving AI approach for electrocardiograms that aims to reduce how much sensitive personal traits can be inferred from ECG data. Public Safety AI (World Cup): Host cities are leaning on advanced public safety AI to handle crowd surges and emergency call spikes during the 2026 World Cup, adapting in real time to language and location challenges. Kansas Wheat & Trade: Kansas Wheat hosted Nigerian flour-industry leaders for harvest tours and talks on wheat breeding tech and global supply-chain demand. Local STEM/Family Events: East Wichita listed kids and family activities for June 21-27, including library and maker-style programming.

Public Safety AI: At the 2026 World Cup, host cities are leaning on advanced public safety AI to handle crowd surges and emergency call spikes, aiming to coordinate responses across stadiums and transit hubs. Privacy Tech (Kansas): Researchers at the University of Kansas unveiled a privacy-preserving AI method for electrocardiograms that helps prevent sensitive personal traits from being inferred from ECG signals. Facial Recognition Governance: A new pushback story highlights how facial recognition deployments are colliding with training gaps and public trust, as agencies face legal and operational scrutiny. World Cup in Kansas City: Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room made a record 15 saves in a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, while Chinese officials also marked a World Cup milestone by officiating the same match. Education (Kansas): Kansas State Department of Education approved a pilot Pre-K program for USD 239 North Ottawa County starting 2026-27. Health & Lifestyle: A piece on maximizing intention for lasting health behavior change ties psychology to practical exercise and habit-building.

Health Tech: KU researchers unveiled a privacy-preserving AI method for electrocardiograms that aims to stop models from inferring sensitive traits like identity, sex, age, and race from heart signals. Medical Infrastructure: LMH Health’s Heart Center renovation is designed to expand and streamline cardiac services as heart disease and heart failure pressures grow. Agriculture & Trade: Kansas Wheat hosted a Nigerian trade team to tour K-State agronomy fields, the IGP Institute, and the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, linking global buyers with the Kansas supply chain. Biometrics & Privacy: A facial recognition governance debate continues as Ohio’s social media parental consent law survives an appeals court challenge, highlighting how states are testing tech rules. Food Markets: A corn-market note points to a “positioning washout” after geopolitical and weather risk premiums eased, but warns risks may be deferred. Kansas Sports Science: A World Cup spotlight hit Kansas City as Curaçao’s Eloy Room made 15 saves in a 0-0 draw with Ecuador—one of the tournament’s biggest goalie performances.

Kansas Lawn Science: K-State horticulture expert Matt McKernan says the best weed control starts with strong turf—mow at the right height (avoid scalping), keep mower blades sharp, and water deeply but less often so roots grow stronger and weeds struggle. Facial Recognition Governance: A new push for facial recognition in public settings is colliding with real-world training and public trust gaps, as agencies expand use while lawsuits and privacy concerns highlight how hard “getting it right” can be. UF Leadership Fight: Florida’s AG is disputing the state university board’s delay in confirming Dr. Stuart Bell as University of Florida president, arguing the board isn’t legally out of compliance. Animal Health Alert: Texas screwworm cases are prompting shelters to tighten wound checks and step up parasite prevention as the outbreak spreads beyond cattle. STEM & Health Funding: A Kansas researcher argues Alzheimer’s and dementia research and care need more investment, pointing to local brain-health work and training. World Cup in Kansas City: U.S. wins early group games and faces a clearer knockout path, while international fans are sharing surprisingly warm experiences of American hospitality.

Water Watch: Manhattan officials are monitoring Tuttle Creek, Wildcat Creek and the Blue River after heavy rains left soils saturated, with concerns about runoff if more storms hit. Public Health: Kansas has issued blue-green algae warnings for a dozen lakes and watches for several others, urging people to avoid contact with blooms that can release toxins. Kansas Research & Agriculture: K-State experts say a healthy lawn can outcompete invasive weeds, while a K-State-led study finds post-wheat cover crops can support grazing and protect soil in dryland High Plains systems. Education Policy: The Kansas Board of Regents approved a pilot for reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees (down to 90 credits) and set tuition increases at multiple universities, including 4% at K-State and 4.8% at KU. STEM & Workforce: Kansas City University hosted a dental education camp for Joplin middle schoolers using hands-on tools and virtual reality simulators. Tech & Security: A former Kansas avionics executive was sentenced for smuggling advanced aviation technology to Russia without required licenses. Environment Data: Partners are running an airborne electromagnetic survey to improve understanding of Ogallala Aquifer conditions in southwest Kansas.

Kansas Higher Ed: The Kansas Board of Regents approved a three-year pilot allowing reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees down to 90 hours, with universities required to show strong Kansas employer demand and keep general education and accreditation rules intact. Tuition Pressure: Regents also cleared tuition hikes at five schools, including a 4% increase at K-State (about $212 more per semester for the average full-time student), as universities balance rising costs and state budget cuts. Ag & Soil Health: K-State Extension and partners say post-wheat cover crops can support dryland grazing and protect soil, with species choices depending on whether producers want late-summer/fall or fall-through-spring forage. Public Health: Kansas officials issued blue-green algae warnings and watches for a dozen lakes, urging residents to avoid contact with water near blooms. Tech & Trade: An Olathe avionics executive was sentenced to federal prison for smuggling controlled aviation technology to Russia without required licenses. STEM in the Classroom: A Kansas City-area teacher built a World Cup curriculum for students, using the tournament to teach history and global cultures.

Advanced Manufacturing: Wichita State’s NIAR opened a 170,000-square-foot Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research (HAMR) on the Innovation Campus, bringing together digital engineering, precision machining, smart automation, and workforce training for industry and government partners. Behavioral Health Tech: WellSky said it’s expanding its behavioral health footprint, adding Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare and Rhode Island’s BHDDH while deepening a long-running partnership with Oceans Healthcare across inpatient and outpatient facilities. Public Safety Tech: A new report says ICE plans to extend a facial recognition app so deputized local officers can photograph people in the field and compare faces to federal records—while a separate lawsuit argues probable cause can’t come from facial recognition alone. Kansas Higher Ed Policy: The Kansas Board of Regents approved a pilot allowing reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees (as low as 90 credits) if universities show strong employer demand and follow general education and aid rules. Local Science & Health: K-State experts warn homeowners that healthy lawns help prevent invasive weeds, and note Kansas rose growers are seeing rose rosette virus and blackspot—no cure for infected roses, so removal is key.

Kansas Politics: A new GOP-backed vacancy law could let Kansas Republicans steer a U.S. Senate race by pushing Roger Marshall to resign, potentially delaying an election until 2028. Higher Ed & Money: Retiring Kansas Board of Regents CEO Blake Flanders urged universities to be cautious about private equity and venture capital deals that could trade away control of athletics revenue and media rights. Public Safety: Mulvane Fire Rescue warned residents after a trash truck fire traced to a lithium battery in a discarded computer—don’t toss devices with batteries in the trash. STEM in Schools: Kansas Beef Council’s On the Farm STEM program brought hands-on science and an AI workshop to 24 educators, using ranching and genetics to teach real-world tech. Local Tech & Industry: A proposed hyperscale data center in Emporia is sparking transparency concerns among residents after annexations for the “Flint Hills Digital Campus.” Science & Learning: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rainforest-themed exhibit with live animals through fall.

Nuclear Energy: Deep Fission, a Kansas-linked advanced nuclear developer, priced a $40M public stock offering for its underground small modular reactor project, with shares set to start trading June 18. Agriculture & Biosecurity: K-State Research and Extension launched a webinar series to help ranchers track the return of New World screwworm after recent cases in Texas and New Mexico, with sessions planned through late June. Environment & Health: A new report highlights how America has lost about half its historic grasslands, with experts warning that protecting remaining prairie is key for biodiversity. Kansas Higher Ed: The Kansas Board of Regents approved tuition increases for 2026-27, including a 4.8% KU hike, and also recognized KU and Hutchinson Community College for data quality. STEM in the Community: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in Impact Grants supporting local youth, caregiver resources, and an engineering/innovation lab for hands-on STEM learning in Barton County. Cybersecurity: TENEX.ai was named Official Cybersecurity Partner of the Kansas City Chiefs, aiming to protect stadium and digital operations.

Agriculture & Animal Health: K-State Research and Extension kicked off a webinar series on New World screwworm, as the pest has returned to Texas and New Mexico after decades away; the next sessions are June 23 and June 30. Home & Community Safety: Kansas State horticulture experts say a healthy lawn can help homeowners fend off invasive weeds, with key fixes like mowing at the right height and watering deeply instead of often. STEM in Local Places: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits, including an engineering and innovation lab for students and safer playground surfacing. Public Health & Environment: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach urged the EPA to treat mifepristone as a water contaminant, reigniting debate over water protections. Cybersecurity & Business Tech: TENEX.ai was named Official Cybersecurity Partner of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Tier4 Group expanded its partnership with i.c.stars to grow tech talent pipelines. Kansas Science & Nature: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a traveling rainforest exhibit with live animals through fall.

Kansas Soil Health Payoff: K-State research presented at a soil health field day suggests profitability rises with higher soil health scores, but the “right” practices depend on local conditions and farm fit—not just adopting more techniques. Heat-Safety for Farm Work: K-State’s Kansas Agriculture Safety and Health Program urges Kansas producers to use cooling vests or lightweight long sleeves, take short shaded breaks, and use canopied or enclosed-cab equipment to reduce heat illness risk. Weed Control Tech in Western Kansas: A June 18 K-State field day in Hays will cover herbicide resistance and practical tools including AI weed recognition, drones, See & Spray, and autonomous robots for targeted control. World Cup Medicine Meets Privacy: University of Kansas researchers unveiled a privacy-preserving AI model for ECGs that keeps clinically useful heart information while reducing exposure of sensitive traits like age and sex. Local Health Planning: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup patients, focusing on translation and clearer guidance for how to navigate U.S. healthcare costs and options. Community STEM Grants: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 to five Barton County nonprofits, including an engineering and innovation lab for hands-on STEM learning. Animal Education Exhibit: The Sternberg Museum in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a traveling rainforest exhibit featuring live animals and bilingual interpretive displays.

Data Centers & Water/Electricity: Dickinson County leaders are debating how power and water demands from data centers could hit household bills and strain local resources, with commissioners pushing for clarity before more development. Weed Control for Kansas Lawns: K-State horticulture specialists say the best weed prevention is strong turf—mow at the right height, avoid scalping, and water deeply but less often—plus a June 18 field day will cover weed management tools from drones to autonomous robots. STEM in the Community: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits, including an engineering and innovation lab for students. Kansas City World Cup Tech & Safety: Federal agents seized drones around Fan Fest and Arrowhead Stadium during World Cup preparations, citing incursions into restricted airspace. Healthcare Access During the World Cup: Kansas City hospital leaders say they’re ready for international patients but worry visitors may struggle with the U.S. healthcare “menu,” so translation and navigation support are a priority. Ag & Markets: U.S. Wheat Associates names Kansas farmer Gary Millershaski as incoming chairman as it reviews export demand and research priorities. Biotech Update: Edgewise Therapeutics reported phase 2 data in cardiomyopathy, positioning it as a potential challenger to established rivals.