AGP Executive Report

NFL Sunday Ticket Fight: A new push in Congress targets NFL Sunday Ticket’s rising costs and shrinking value, with lawmakers arguing fans are getting squeezed by complicated streaming “windows.” Kansas Arts & Community: Topeka’s SENT is collecting Halloween costume donations through Sept. 30, aiming to keep kids included with a costume giveaway and child wellness fair. Public Health: Kansas health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak tied to the Axtell Days Festival (Aug. 6–9) and asking attendees to complete a survey. Sports Spotlight: The Kansas City Royals roll into a Toronto series chasing a ninth straight win after a 7-0 homestand, while Kansas State soccer stays perfect with a 2-0 win over South Dakota State. Local Entertainment: Lawrence’s new Rustick Golf & Fare is betting on “time-efficient” golf with high-tech bays and nighttime play. Remembering Nancy Kassebaum: Former Kansas U.S. senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker has died at 94, prompting tributes across the state.

Community Wellness: AdventHealth wrapped up its championship tournament with a “Champion Your Health” fair focused on brain health habits and social connection. Human-First Art: A traveling portrait exhibit in Kansas City spotlights hundreds of faces with cleft lips and palates, urging visitors to “reframe difference” and see shared humanity. MLS Spotlight: Atlanta United hosts Sporting Kansas City as the Five Stripes try to keep momentum after a summer turnaround, while SKC remains stuck near the bottom. MLB Royals Surge: The Royals outlasted the Tigers 11-7, completing a perfect 7-0 homestand and extending their hot streak. NFL Preseason Buzz: Harrison Butker’s 69-yard field goal keeps him in the spotlight, even as debate over his Catholic-themed remarks continues. Local Events: Northeast Kansas and East Wichita calendars highlight board games, music bingo, charm hunts, and retro film series. Kansas Politics/Ag: Kansas lawmakers join backlash against Trump’s plan to lower beef prices via more imports.

Sports on the rise: Trevor Megill’s “hidden no-hitter” stretch for the Brewers is turning heads, and the Blue Jays’ Dylan Cease also flirted with a no-hit as Toronto edged the Yankees. NFL preseason buzz: Jalon Daniels sparked a Buccaneers comeback over the Chiefs, including a key offsides bait on third-and-1, while Patrick Mahomes says he’s ready to return soon after being forced to sit. NASCAR: The Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire is set with Tyler Reddick on pole, and TV/streaming details are out for Sunday’s race. Soccer in the region: Seattle Sounders are reportedly closing in on a deal for Sporting KC’s Dejan Joveljić, and Vancouver Whitecaps roared back to top the West with a 5-0 win over FC Dallas. Community & culture: Protest art is having a moment again, and Kansas is seeing the “color of democracy” through public creative resistance. Local human interest: A Kansas teen died after collapsing during football practice on the first day of school; officials say there’s no foul play while an autopsy is pending. Civic safety: Death threats tied to AI data center projects are spreading nationwide, with some towns pausing or restricting builds amid backlash.

NASCAR Spotlight: Tyler Reddick rebounded from a rough practice to win Cup pole at New Hampshire, turning a 131.094 mph lap into his fourth pole of the season. NFL Preseason Buzz (Iowa): Chiefs vs. Buccaneers hits Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT in Tampa, with Kansas City leaning on QB Justin Fields reps while fans watch roster battles—plus a fresh SB Nation Reacts poll flags receiver concerns. Chiefs Locker-Room Drama: Reports say players traded opinions in private group chats about Travis Kelce’s wedding guest list, including talk around Harrison Butker’s absence. Rams vs. Saints Highlight: LA’s Alex Cook took a pick 100 yards for a touchdown, a huge moment in the backup QB/roster scramble. Local Sports + Community: K-State kicked off fall sports with “Meet the Cats,” and Wyandotte County residents are still cleaning up after a storm left them without power for days. Arts & Culture: A caricature artist at the Dodge County Fair is drawing “energy” one face at a time, while Kansas City’s Ethnic Enrichment Festival returns with food, dance, and performances from 40+ countries.

NFL Preseason Spotlight: The Chiefs host the Buccaneers at 6:30 p.m. CT on KSHB 41, with Justin Fields early and Garrett Nussmeier likely in the mix as Kansas City’s QB2 battle heats up. Local Pride: Russell’s post office is now the Bob Dole Post Office, honoring the hometown senator with a ceremony bringing together family, lawmakers, and USPS staff. Chiefs Camp Buzz: Travis Kelce and Justin Fields traded jokes in practice—Fields admitting he didn’t know Blink-182 left Kelce stunned. Film & Music Culture: Kansas City, Kansas teen punk band “Nimrods” hits theaters with a nostalgia-soaked road trip to Green Day glory, and the movie leans hard into the band’s early touring energy. Pop Music Watch: Taylor Swift is reportedly planning three new albums over four years, with no tour “in sight” for now. Soccer (Kansas City): Sporting KC tries to end a road skid Sunday vs. Atlanta United, while Seattle’s Reign closes out a road trip in Kansas City. Arts & Ideas: A new book, “Mixed Metaphors,” explores the craft of translation through playful, personal storytelling.

Local Housing Policy: KCK’s planning commission moved forward on zoning and special-use requests while flagging one short-term rental application, and staff briefed commissioners on the new “By-Right Housing Development Act” that takes effect July 1. Sports & Community: Chiefs star Travis Kelce is leaning into leadership and mental health, saying he meets with a therapist weekly, while a separate clip has Justin Fields joking he’s never heard of Blink-182—“back in the day” banter included. Arts & Culture: Kansas Wesleyan’s Brinegar Show opens a new gallery season with Cary Brinegar’s “Journey,” a free exhibit running through Sept. 20. Music Buzz: Turnstile is releasing “Never Enough: Versions” Aug. 28, with guests ranging from Elton John to Hayley Williams and even death metal act Dying Fetus. Roadside News: A fatal Sheridan County crash closed U.S. 24 after a motorcycle was struck by a semi during a left turn.

Women’s Soccer Spotlight: Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium is being floated as a 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup host, with local leaders and KC Current officials pitching the venue as proof the city can stage the biggest moments. Sports & Community: United Way’s annual campaign kicks off with a $500,000 goal and a stronger push toward direct services like emergency food relief and help accessing government-issued ID. Weather & Safety: A new look at tornado trends asks whether climate change is driving more frequent outbreaks east of the Great Plains, while experts say the link is still complicated. Local Arts & Culture: Chelsea Wolfe adds a London date to her Dark World Tour, with Kansas listed on the U.S. run-up. Baseball History: Kansas Public Radio spotlights Luther Taylor, a Kansas-born major leaguer from the early 1900s, ahead of the Little League Classic buzz. First Amendment in Action: Hays Public Library hosts a Lunch and Learn on freedom of speech with a Washburn Law professor via Zoom. School Life: A Kansas teacher argues classrooms need to move beyond a culture of “no,” as districts roll out new rules for phones and social media. Music: Rob Zombie releases the official video for “Black Rat Coffin.”

College Football Playoff tweaks: The CFP keeps the 12-team format and clarifies automatic bids, including a “plus one” for the Group of Six and a special rule that gives Notre Dame a guaranteed spot if it finishes top 12. Kansas sports business: Kansas City Royals’ new Crown Center stadium lease cleared the Kansas City Council, setting up a $1.9B project with public/private funding and a Feb. 1, 2031 start. Chiefs injury watch: Patrick Mahomes is again out for the preseason opener’s follow-up, with Justin Fields expected to start vs. Tampa Bay. Tech + schools: The FCC is weighing cuts to E-Rate internet discounts for schools and libraries, raising alarms about what communities will lose. Local community resilience: After a damaging storm in KCK’s Quindaro area, neighbors and groups are stepping in with generators, food, and supplies while thousands wait for power. Music in Kansas: Wichita Forever Fest returns with a big slate of homegrown acts across local venues. Sports entertainment: Luke Combs announced expanded 2027 tour dates, including a Kansas City stop, with tickets going on sale Aug. 21.

Retro Nostalgia in Kansas City: Pizza Hut’s “Classic” retro makeovers are pulling customers from hours away, with Wichita-based operator Tim Sparks saying the vintage vibe is boosting face-to-face family time. MLB + Kansas City Spotlight: Sporting Kansas City and St. Louis City played to a 1-1 draw, with Eduard Lowen scoring early and Calvin Harris equalizing after a VAR reversal. Chiefs Training Camp Buzz: Jason Kelce popped up at camp and got a laugh from a fan shout about Donna Kelce; meanwhile Steve Spagnuolo singled out safety Jaden Hicks for standout play. Big 12 Health Fight: Doctors and scientists are urging the Big 12 and NCAA to pause a new Monster Energy sponsorship over concerns for kids and teens. Kansas Law Protest: Transgender men in Kansas staged a “compliance crew” bathroom protest, highlighting confusion and awkward encounters under SB244. Music & Pop Culture: Beck released “Disappearing Act,” and Role Model’s album “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass” gets a close look—plus Dakota Johnson and Role Model reportedly split. Local Human Interest: A Wichita man, Dylan Standfast, died after being struck by lightning while hiking Mount Etna in Italy.

Kansas City Arts & Culture: The Kansas City Streetcar is rolling into “Oz” with the “Oz Express,” a fully wrapped car in emerald green featuring Wizard of Oz characters, teaming the KC Streetcar Authority with the Kansas City Ballet ahead of “The Wizard of Oz” (tickets now on sale). Local Arts Spotlight: Solomon City Park unveiled a new nature-themed mural on its restroom building, created by 2026 Solomon High grad Caylee Cook, adding a painted swing for photo ops. Sports & Community: KC Current co-founder Brittany Mahomes is helping launch a free youth soccer league in Historic Northeast Kansas City, with equipment provided and an eight-week season tied to World Cup quarterfinal excitement. Pop Culture: Robin Williams’ kids revived his official Instagram to share his legacy with “authenticity, warmth, and care,” 12 years after his death. Entertainment Tech: Amazon plans to expand Prime Air drone delivery to nearly 500 cities by year’s end, including more Kansas availability. Storm Aftermath: Quindaro neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas, saw snapped trees and downed power lines after overnight severe weather.

Chiefs Camp Update: Eric Bieniemy returned to Kansas City after his wife’s shooting, telling reporters Mia Bieniemy is “on a great road to recovery” and that she gave him her blessing to come back. NFL Business & Culture: Travis Kelce’s NIL push keeps growing—Publicis Groupe launched Tekta to help brands structure athlete deals, with Kelce advising. Local Arts & Community: Kansas Wesleyan University announced free fall concerts (choirs plus string, wind, percussion and jazz), kicking off Sept. 18 during Family Weekend. Music Scene: Chicago singer-songwriter Squirrel Flower’s new album “Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going” leans into folk warmth and road-made collaboration. Weather + Art: Southbury Public Library hosts a free Zoom program on wild weather as art inspiration, featuring Kansas tornado imagery. Sports Watch: The Royals rallied late to beat the Athletics 4-3, while the Cubs aim for a sweep of the White Sox. Power & Storms: More than 100 outages hit Jefferson County early Wednesday, with Wyandotte County taking the hardest hit.

Kansas City Arts & Nightlife: Parlor KC, a longtime Crossroads food hall, announced it’s shutting down for good Aug. 22, blaming shifting neighborhood conditions and falling foot traffic. College Sports Sponsorship: Progressive is expanding its college athletics investment with on-field branding deals that include Kansas State and other major programs, rolling out with the 2026 season. Chiefs Update: Eric Bieniemy broke his silence at camp on his wife’s alleged shooting, saying she’s “doing great” and praising her recovery as the team turns back to football. Local Football Growth: Wamego is launching its first girls’ flag football season after KSHSAA approval, aiming to get started early with district support. Kansas Sports Spotlight: K-State wide receiver Brandon White is being framed as a breakout offseason performer, earning a spot in the main rotation despite being 5-foot-7. Iowa Entertainment: Kansas is coming to Rhythm City Casino in Davenport on Oct. 23. Sports Business Watch: Royals stadium documents are headed to a full City Council vote after committee approval, with analysts raising concerns about provisions.

Ticket Buzz: The Jonas Brothers are expanding their “Burning Up Tour: All Over Again” into a 45-city North American run, with presales kicking off this week (Spotify Reserved) and general sales Friday via Ticketmaster, including a Dec. 19 stop at UBS Arena. Music & Film: Green Day’s Tre Cool says “American Idiot” movie talks could restart after the success of their new “Nimrods” film, keeping the album-to-screen dream alive. Sports Fandom: Nielsen’s new NFL Fandom Index ranks Buffalo, Kansas City and Green Bay as the most passionate markets, while Nashville lands at No. 15. Local Arts/Community: Wichita’s largest homeless encampment is set to be razed and guarded soon, as the city moves to clear the area. Public Safety: Authorities are investigating a deadly Wichita house fire that killed a 61-year-old man and his wife, and a separate Cowley County case where a 56-year-old woman was found dead in a vehicle with a dog also believed to have died from heat exposure.

Kansas Postpunk Spotlight: Wichita State English faculty are turning Kansas’ postpunk history into a new book, “No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution,” aiming to prove the state isn’t just a “fly-over” culture stop. Local Tech & Business: ThrottleNet jumped to No. 295 on the 2026 MSP 501 managed-services ranking, up nearly 90 spots from last year. Community Festival Buzz: Cowley County’s Cider Days is back for its 45th annual run Sept. 19-20 at Stormont Vail Events Center, with vendor applications still open. Big Media/Internet Change: Cox customers in Wichita are preparing for the Spectrum switch after the Cox-Charter deal gets final approval, with pricing and billing details still unclear. Arts in Education: KU’s Spencer Museum of Art debuts “Looking After: Art and Care in Education Across Kansas” Aug. 18, tying art to learning, empathy, and classroom standards. Music Tour Heat: The Jonas Brothers expand their “Burning Up Tour All Over Again” into a 45-city North American run, with Cleveland’s Oct. 19 stop at Rocket Arena. Sports Fandom Watch: Nielsen’s new NFL Fandom Index crowns the Bills top for fan dedication, while the Dolphins land near the bottom.

Kansas Entertainment & Pop Culture: Taylor Swift turned up at the U.K. wedding of recording engineers Oli Jacobs and Laura Sisk, debuting her shortest hair in years while wearing her wedding ring—another high-profile music-industry moment tied to her Kansas City life. Film Spotlight: Green Day-inspired road comedy “Nimrods,” set in a Kansas-to-L.A. dream scenario, is getting attention after a Hollywood premiere that also brought Liza Soberano into the mix. Sports-Entertainment Crossover: ESPN breaks down the “make it louder” trend in MLB ballparks, where teams are leaning into constant, arena-style noise to keep fans engaged. Local Kansas City Entertainment Calendar: Southeast Kansas City lists this week’s events (including a City of Independence homeschool recreation and chess club), giving readers quick plans for arts-and-community fun. Kansas Sports Business: A federal court sided with Kansas AG Kris Kobach in the Nexstar-Tegna antitrust fight, a reminder that local media shakeups can reshape what audiences see.