AGP Executive Report

Blue-Green Algae Alerts: KDHE issued new public health warnings for harmful blue-green algae at multiple Kansas lakes, urging people to avoid contact and keep pets away; Lake Shawnee was added to the Watch list after Friday’s update, with symptoms ranging from rash and vomiting to fever and headache. New State Park Opening: Kansas will welcome its newest state park, Lehigh Portland State Park, with a grand opening and visitor-center open house Aug. 12 in Iola, featuring trails, camping, and a transformed former limestone quarry landscape. Conservation Spotlight: Three finalists were named for the 2026 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award, honoring landowners using practices like prescribed fire, cedar removal, no-till and cover crops, and large-scale native grass protection through conservation easements. Drought Watch: A Kansas drought update says conditions are trending drier, with above-normal temperature odds and only a chance of precipitation in the coming forecast window. Invasive Species Prevention: Alberta added two invasive-mussel detection dogs to its waterway inspection effort, highlighting how early detection and prevention can protect aquatic ecosystems. Community & Habitat Work: Kansas City University students partnered with local nonprofits in Joplin for We Care Day, including invasive plant removal and building an outdoor classroom at Wildcat Glades. Public Health Update: Cyclosporiasis cases in Kansas continue to rise, with KDHE reporting 615 cases Wednesday and ongoing hospitalizations and potential cases under interview.

Farm Bill Stalls in Senate: Kansas farm leaders are watching the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee fail to advance the farm bill, with the fight centered on whether states should pay more of SNAP costs tied to error rates—an issue that could reshape budgets for rural programs. Kansas Data Centers, Local Pushback: In Pottawatomie County, a data-center opponent won a county commission seat, citing concerns about power, water use, and pollution that local zoning can’t fully control. Wildlife & Public Health: Kansas officials are warning about West Nile virus risk statewide, while cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise in the state. Waterfowl Warning: Pittsburg parks staff urged visitors to stop feeding bread to ducks and geese after a goose became ill, saying bread can cause malnutrition and disease. Science & Climate Context: NOAA forecasts El Niño-driven warmer-than-normal conditions for parts of the U.S., adding to the broader heat-and-weather pressure Kansans already feel. Wildlife Rescue: The Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo took in a young Mississippi kite for rehab until it’s ready to return to the wild.

Farm Policy Standoff: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee rejected a five-year farm bill in a 10-11 vote, with Democrats rebelling over SNAP cost-sharing rules and GOP absences (including Sen. McConnell) leaving the panel short-handed. Kansas Education & Health: Kansas’ bell-to-bell cellphone ban is set to roll out in Lawrence schools next week, with parents getting FAQs on enforcement and exceptions. Public Health Watch: KDHE warned Kansans about high West Nile virus risk statewide. Wildlife & Community Care: Pittsburg urged residents to stop feeding bread to ducks and geese after a goose fell ill; and the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo is rehabilitating a rescued Mississippi kite. Environmental Governance: Environmental groups petitioned the FCC to reverse approval for a “space mirror” satellite that could increase light pollution. First Responder Support: Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt opened reimbursement requests for the HERO Act pilot to help cover treatment for duty-related trauma.

West Nile Watch: KDHE says Kansas is at high risk for West Nile virus statewide, with one non-neuroinvasive case reported as of Aug. 5 and officials urging mosquito bite prevention. Public Health Surge: Kansas cyclosporiasis continues to climb, reaching 615 confirmed cases statewide (up 154 from a week ago), with Sedgwick County holding 80 cases; health officials note recalled items are the concern. Wildlife Decline: A prairie-focused report highlights how some Kansas animals, including the Texas horned lizard, appear to be disappearing, pointing to shrinking numbers rather than just shifting range. Heat & Climate: A new Stacker look ranks the hottest Augusts in Kansas since 1895, underscoring how record heat is becoming more common. Water & Livestock: Feedlot managers are emphasizing heat stress mitigation as extreme summer temperatures threaten cattle losses across the Plains. Local Governance & Data Centers: Kansas communities keep pushing back on high-impact data centers, including a court fight over Emporia’s proposed ban and a Kansas City plan commission denial for a Quality Hill project. Green Tech: A study finds green roofs can cut rooftop temperatures by up to 40°F while helping manage stormwater and habitat.

Data Centers & Local Land-Use Fight: Kansas City’s Quality Hill plan for a 20-story data center was blocked by the City Plan Commission after public outcry, with the historic Western Newspaper Union building at the center of the debate. Courts & Moratorium Push: In Emporia, city leaders filed for a “declaratory judgment” in Lyon County District Court to determine whether a proposed ban on high-impact data centers can move forward through the initiative process. Public Health: Kansas health officials say cyclosporiasis keeps rising—615 confirmed cases statewide as of Aug. 5, up 154 from a week earlier, with Sedgwick County leading. Climate & Heat: A new Stacker ranking finds Kansas has seen its hottest Augusts since 1895, underscoring how record heat is becoming more common. Water Utility Support: Salina rolled out a new policy to help customers dealing with water quality concerns like rust-colored water, including a rebate path for eligible filtration systems. Wildlife & Disease Risk: A CDC update flags Candida auris as an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat, with Kansas among states reporting screenings.

Data Center Water Fight (Coffeyville): A Kansas content creator is urging a legal moratorium on a proposed AI data center after posting concerns about fiber buildup and heavy water use for cooling, arguing Kansas water law prioritizes agriculture and that local residents should scrutinize deals before construction. Urban Forestry Research (Manhattan): Kansas State University, Manhattan, and the Kansas Forest Service launched a street-tree engagement project with QR-code signs so residents can learn species benefits and help guide future planting and long-term care. Public Health (Kansas City, KS): McKinley Elementary in KCKPS is doing extra cleaning after mold was found near classroom ventilation areas; district says air tests show conditions are safe and school starts Aug. 12. Water Safety (Saline County): KDHE issued a “Do Not Drink” order for the Sundowner, Inc. public water system due to low chlorine residual and unknown manganese levels, with strict infant precautions. Heat Stress (Kansas dairy): A Linn-area dairy farmer describes how extreme summer heat is stressing cattle and reducing milk output and quality, highlighting growing pressure on livestock operations. Invasive Species (Alberta, border inspections): Alberta added two detection dogs to inspect incoming watercraft for zebra/quagga/golden mussels, expanding mandatory checks through Sept. 30.

Data Center Pushback: Kansas voters and officials are still wrestling with the rapid spread of AI data centers, with reports of arrests tied to protests and local meetings—showing how land-use fights are becoming a major political issue. Public Health—Water: KDHE issued a Do Not Drink order for the Sundowner, Inc public water supply system west of Salina due to low chlorine residual and unknown manganese levels, with strict infant precautions. School Safety: Kansas City, Kansas schools stepped up cleaning at McKinley Elementary after mold was found near ventilation areas, with district testing saying indoor air is safer than outside. Heat & Agriculture: Kansas farmers and dairy producers are dealing with intense heat stress, with livestock showing reduced comfort and productivity as temperatures climb. Livestock Water Access: K-State Extension highlights how reliable, high-quality water sources—like spring boxes and regular spring checks—can make pastures and rangelands more usable and sustainable. Plant Health: With warm, wet weather boosting disease pressure, Kansas gardeners are urged to scout for plant problems and avoid assuming one cause. Nuclear Debate: Parsons residents are debating a proposed mile-underground experimental reactor pilot, weighing potential benefits against impacts on the region’s oil-and-gas legacy. Foodborne Illness: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to lettuce continues to affect multiple states, including Kansas, as health agencies track cases and deaths.

Water Safety: A boil water advisory in Franklin County (Ottawa area) was extended through August after insufficient chlorine residual, with possible pressure drops and outages; KDHE urged residents to boil water for one minute and follow cleanup steps if water looks dirty. Public Health: Kansas health officials reported a continued surge in cyclosporiasis, with state counts reaching 461 cases and Barton County among those seeing new reports. Agriculture & Wildlife: Southern corn rust has been detected in Kansas for the first time this year, with growers urged to scout—especially later-planted fields—since warm, humid conditions can drive rapid spread. Local Governance & Energy: In Coffeyville, residents are organizing an online push for a moratorium on AI data center growth, arguing for stronger guardrails around electricity demand and environmental impacts. Rural Policy: A coalition says a revised federal farm bill still falls short for young farmers, citing missing land access and nutrition supports.

Public Health: Kansas health officials say West Nile virus risk is high statewide, urging residents to use EPA-registered repellent, wear long sleeves/pants, and drain standing water to cut mosquito breeding. Food Safety: Kansas is seeing a surge in cyclosporiasis (“explosive diarrhea”) cases, with state reporting hundreds of infections as investigators track sources amid a broader U.S. outbreak. Agriculture & Wildlife: Southern corn rust has been detected in Kansas for the first time this year, with warm, humid conditions expected to help it spread—growers are urged to scout, especially later-planted fields. Local Governance & Energy: In Coffeyville, residents are pushing for a moratorium on new AI data center development, arguing for stronger guardrails on environmental and utility impacts before more projects move forward. Climate & Heat Impacts: Kansas dairy producers are dealing with extreme heat stress as hotter conditions reduce milk output and quality, forcing farms to adjust to protect herds. Farm Policy: A coalition says a revised farm bill still falls short for young farmers, criticizing gaps on land access and nutrition support.

Public Health: Kansas health officials say the whole state is at high risk for West Nile virus, urging residents to use EPA-registered repellent, wear long sleeves/pants, and drain standing water. Local Governance: More than 100 residents packed a Topeka-area open house for a proposed data center, leaving many frustrated that key details still weren’t answered. Water & Infrastructure: Kansas River cleanup efforts are underway in Wamego, with partners working to remove metal from the river. Food Safety: Kansas cyclosporiasis cases are climbing, with KDHE reporting hundreds of infections statewide and health officials continuing to investigate likely sources. Energy & Environment Policy: Kansas debate over data centers and related development continues, with opponents raising concerns about water use and health impacts while supporters push for guardrails. Community Conservation: Post Rock Community Foundation is accepting fall grants for local projects, including conservation and environment work.

Public Health: Kansas health officials say the state is at high risk for West Nile virus as mosquitoes carry the threat statewide, urging residents to use EPA-registered repellents and take bite-prevention steps. Water Safety: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Franklin County RWD 2 & 3 and the City of Princeton after systems couldn’t maintain required chlorine levels, with guidance to boil water before drinking or cooking. Local Governance & Environment: Ottawa residents are pushing a ballot petition to block large data center development tied to a proposed 300-acre project, including concerns about power and water use. Health Watch: Kansas continues tracking cyclosporiasis as cases rise, with KDHE reporting hundreds statewide and urging food safety steps. Energy & Industry: In Parsons, an underground nuclear reactor project missed a July 4 criticality goal but says it’s now focused on testing and commercialization work.

Nuclear Watch (Kansas): Deep Fission’s one-mile underground nuclear reactor in Parsons missed a July 4 criticality deadline, but says it’s still on track—shifting focus to testing and commercialization, including a full-scale “proof-of-concept well” workflow before any nuclear work. Public Health (Kansas): KDHE reported a sharp rise in cyclosporiasis, with 461 Kansas cases and multiple counties affected, as officials continue outbreak investigations and urge food-safety precautions. Water Safety (Franklin County): KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Franklin County RWD 2 & 3 and the City of Princeton after systems couldn’t maintain required chlorine levels, with residents told to boil water and follow cleanup steps until conditions improve. Local Governance (Data centers): Ottawa residents launched a ballot fight over a planned 300-acre tech campus that could include data centers and a gas plant, seeking an ordinance limiting data centers above 25 megawatts. Climate & Heat (Broader U.S.): Coverage highlights record-warm conditions and intensifying wildfire pressure in other states, underscoring how extreme heat and smoke are straining emergency response.

Water Safety Alerts: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Franklin County RWD 2 & 3 and the City of Princeton after systems couldn’t maintain required chlorine residuals, urging residents to boil water for one minute and follow strict cleanup steps until conditions improve. Water Safety Alerts (Update): KDHE also rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Pottawatomie County’s RWD 4 after lab testing found no bacteriological contamination, though another Delia-area advisory remains in effect pending results. Public Health: Kansas health officials reported cyclosporiasis cases continue to climb, with KDHE now reporting hundreds of cases statewide and ongoing investigation into sources and prevention steps. Local Power & Data Centers: Ottawa residents launched a ballot petition to limit a planned 300-acre development that could include data centers and a gas plant, seeking an ordinance capping data center power use above 25 megawatts. Climate & Food Prices: National commentary links extreme heat and “climateflation” to higher food costs, underscoring how weather swings can hit grocery bills fast. Cybersecurity for Utilities: The FBI warned of growing cyberattacks targeting water and wastewater systems across multiple states, urging utilities to secure internet-exposed control devices.

Water Safety Alerts: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Franklin County RWD 2 & 3 and the City of Princeton, citing inability to maintain required chlorine residuals; residents are told to boil water for one minute and follow KDHE guidance until conditions are fixed. Water Update: KDHE also rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Pottawatomie County after a waterline break and pressure loss were resolved and samples showed no bacteriological contamination. Cybersecurity for Utilities: The FBI and EPA warned that hackers have targeted water and wastewater utilities in at least seven states, exploiting internet-exposed control systems and causing operational impacts like pressure loss and flooding risk. Carbon Capture in Kansas: PureField Ingredients launched and expanded a carbon capture and sequestration facility in Russell, Kansas, capturing CO2 from ethanol production and routing it to a deep injection well. Data Centers & Local Tensions: A Kansas teacher was arrested after clapping during public comment at an Emporia meeting about a proposed hyperscale data center, highlighting rising friction over development. Wildlife News: Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard reported a rare premature giraffe calf born via emergency C-section and receiving around-the-clock care.

Water Security: The FBI and EPA warn that hackers have targeted water and wastewater utilities in at least seven states, using internet-exposed control systems to disrupt operations and potentially cause pressure loss and flooding. Public Health: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Pottawatomie County after a waterline break; testing found no bacteriological contamination, though Delia’s advisory remains in effect pending samples. Carbon & Agriculture: PureField Ingredients cut the ribbon on a Russell carbon capture and sequestration project and says it will expand ethanol capacity, aiming for very low-carbon fuel from Kansas wheat and sorghum. Local Environment & Community: KU is building an accessible entrance to the Natural History Museum, supporting broader access to biodiversity learning. Outbreak Watch: Kansas continues tracking cyclosporiasis as national counts rise, with state reporting updates and ongoing investigation into the source. Data Center Tensions: A Kansas teacher was arrested after clapping during public comment at an Emporia data center meeting, underscoring how environmental and community concerns are colliding with rapid development.

Public Health Alert (Kansas): KDHE says Kansas cyclosporiasis cases tied to the national outbreak and recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce have surged to 461 confirmed cases (up from 289 a week ago), with 20 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; Barton County reports 8 cases, and KDHE warns counts may rise due to a reporting lag. Food Safety: The outbreak continues to be linked to lettuce served at restaurants, while federal updates keep tracking possible sources. Clean Energy/Carbon Capture: PureField Ingredients marked the launch of a 150,000-ton-per-year carbon capture and sequestration facility in Russell, touting low-carbon fuel output and announcing plans to double ethanol production. Local Environment & Community: Leavenworth County Master Gardeners unveiled a native wildflower mural at the fairgrounds, turning a plain fence into a native-plant showcase. Local Governance/Industry Pressure: Ottawa residents are pushing a ballot petition to block future data center development at Proximity Park, citing pollution concerns.