AGP Executive Report

World Cup Security: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off next week with an unprecedented security operation across 16 U.S., Mexico and Canada cities, using everything from robot dogs and AI cameras to drone-detection tech as officials warn of a complex threat environment. Human Trafficking Push: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway announced a partnership with global campaign “It’s a Penalty” to help stop human trafficking during the tournament, urging people to report suspected exploitation. SNAP Restrictions: New USDA rules are driving more states to limit SNAP purchases of items like soda, candy and certain desserts; Missouri is among the states moving forward, with dates staggered across the country. Kansas City Parking Rules: Stadium-area residents near Arrowhead face a new free, temporary parking permit requirement on FIFA match days, and some neighbors say they only learned about it recently. Missouri Data Center Water Fight: Google says it’s expanding water conservation efforts, including funding wetlands restoration in Georgia’s Flint River basin and water projects in Missouri and other states. Local Watch: St. Louis climbed into the top 20 worst bed bug cities, while Shrewsbury’s “6-7” event ended in fights and arrests. Jobs Impact: Bausch + Lomb confirmed a mass layoff in Kirkwood as it transfers production of certain surgical products out of the St. Louis area.

World Cup Security: Kansas City is bracing for a major security test as a shooting near England’s World Cup hotel and training base left nine people injured, none seriously, with no suspects detained yet. Missouri Appointments: Gov. Mike Kehoe named five people to state boards and commissions, including a foster care advocate and a geology professor. AI vs. Kids: A new push for rules on how children interact with AI is gaining bipartisan momentum, with Missouri lawmakers watching the national debate. Data Center Backlash: As Heartland communities protest data centers, Missouri lawmakers are moving to regulate development, including concerns about water use and infrastructure strain. Kratom Crackdown: Missouri’s attorney general action continues to target “deceptive” kratom sales, with a major distributor agreeing to halt sales in the state. Local Government & Schools: Kirkwood’s school board president faced backlash over a controversial private Facebook post, while Pea Ridge filled multiple administrative and coaching openings after resignations. Community Updates: Columbia’s new North Village Park is planned with accessibility features, and Moberly residents are set for higher water and sewer rates starting July 1.

World Cup Security: The 2026 World Cup’s massive U.S.-Mexico-Canada footprint is bringing an unprecedented security scramble, with federal, state, local and private teams using everything from drone netting to AI cameras amid fears tied to regional conflict and AI disruption. Missouri Data Centers: Missouri lawmakers’ push to regulate data centers is colliding with local concerns over water, power, and tax breaks, as Google’s planned New Florence facility highlights the fight over who pays and who benefits. Local Utilities Pressure: Moberly residents are set for higher water and sewer rates starting July 1, while utility assistance funds face strain as summer demand climbs. Small-Business Legal Shield: Missouri’s SB 1272 targets “drive-by” website accessibility lawsuits, creating a 90-day fix period that can presume abusive litigation if businesses act quickly. Agriculture Costs: Missouri corn growers say fertilizer prices are being driven up by limited competition and supply chain pressure tied to the Iran war’s impact on global shipping. Community & Culture: Juneteenth celebrations in Parkville and Pridefest in Jefferson City show how Missouri communities are building local momentum through events, history, and youth leadership.

Missouri Hot Weather Law: The state’s Hot Weather Law is now in effect through Sept. 30, blocking investor-owned utilities from disconnecting power or gas for nonpayment when cooling is needed and the National Weather Service forecast predicts extreme heat within the next 72 hours. World Cup Security: The 2026 World Cup kicks off next week with a massive, multi-agency security effort across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, with officials warning of unprecedented risks amid geopolitical tensions and fears of AI-fueled disruptions. Amazon Data Center Water Debate: Amazon’s proposed “Project Green” data center near New Florence would use deep wells and could draw about 50 million gallons of water a year, sparking local and broader concerns about water and energy demands. Agriculture & Health: Missouri has activated its New World Screwworm response plan after the pest was confirmed in Texas, with rules for animal movement into the state. Local Utilities & Roads: MoDOT plans resurfacing that will close a portion of the U.S. 63 exit onto Renz Farm Road next week, with one-lane traffic and flaggers during work. Sports: The Cardinals are shifting to a six-man pitching rotation, and St. Louis is promoting Hunter Dobbins into a bigger role as the rotation struggles. Community Grants: Southwest Missouri Bank announced its seventh year of Corley Trust grants, funding 72 local nonprofits with $270,276.

Utility Relief: Missouri’s Hot Weather Law is now in effect through Sept. 30, blocking investor-owned utilities from disconnecting power or gas for nonpayment when cooling is needed and the National Weather Service forecast predicts extreme heat within the next 72 hours—though bills still must be paid. Data Center Water Fight: Amazon’s planned “Project Green” data center near New Florence could rely on 1,500-foot wells and use about 50 million gallons of water a year, drawing local pushback and reigniting the debate over data-center impacts on Missouri resources. AI Politics: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders floated public ownership in AI firms, and Trump also signaled interest in letting Americans benefit from AI success. World Cup Security: The 2026 World Cup is being treated like “78 Super Bowls over 39 days,” with major security planning amid war-related tensions and fears of AI-fueled disruptions. Agriculture Health: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf, prompting Missouri to activate its response plan and coordinate animal movement rules.

State Appointments: Gov. Mike Kehoe named Drew Lock of La Plata to the State Soil and Water Districts Commission, along with four other board picks tied to foster care, oil and gas, and children’s trust work. Food Assistance Update: Missouri’s Healthy SNAP rollout is delayed to Feb. 15, 2027, giving DSS more time to line up local grocers and partners for the healthier-food requirements. Kratom Crackdown: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based American Shaman will immediately suspend kratom and 7-OH sales in Missouri after allegations of deceptive “free sample” marketing. World Cup in KC: Kansas City is ramping up for the FIFA World Cup, with major events and stadium preparations underway as the tournament begins June 16. Agriculture & Livestock: MU Extension announced a Sheep and Goat Field Day Aug. 7 focused on management-intensive grazing, plus Missouri 4-H State Congress wrapped with leadership and service projects.

Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions is up to an estimated $368 million for tonight’s drawing, with the cash option listed at $163.6 million. Public Health & Consumer Protection: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based American Shaman has agreed to immediately suspend in-state sales of kratom and 7-OH, ending a lawsuit over alleged “deceptive” marketing and “free samples.” State Policy: Missouri is pushing the Healthy SNAP initiative back to Feb. 15, 2027, extending the rollout to incorporate feedback from grocers and community partners. Local Government & Housing/Industry: A Missouri data-center regulatory fight is playing out in communities, with failed state efforts and contentious local moratoriums and elections. Cost of Living: A new map shows residential electricity prices vary widely by state, from about 12¢/kWh in North Dakota to about 42¢/kWh in Hawaii. Kansas City Politics: Missouri Workers Power says it has gathered more than 4,500 signatures to seek a public vote on the Royals stadium plan at Crown Center. Agriculture & Livestock: Missouri is preparing for the New World screwworm threat after USDA confirmed a detection in Texas.

Missouri Health Care: Lawmakers are moving to block insurers from imposing time limits on anesthesia coverage, after Anthem floated a policy in 2024 that sparked outrage. Severe Weather: A tornado warning hit northwestern Missouri near Albany, with officials urging residents in multiple communities to take shelter as a dangerous storm moved northeast. Storm Insurance Fallout: Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance says insurers have paid $475 million so far for May 16 tornado damage, while complaints about delays and low settlements continue. Public Safety on the Road: The Missouri State Highway Patrol completed its 2026 annual school bus inspections, reporting thousands approved and hundreds defective or out of service. Local Community Watch: In Columbia, residents are questioning the future of The Shops at Sharp End as funding deadlines near and the project’s connection to the neighborhood’s history is debated. World Cup in KC: Kansas City leaders are preparing for the FIFA Fan Festival and ConnectKC26 transit service, with training and infrastructure on track.

Kratom Crackdown: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based American Shaman will immediately suspend all kratom and 7-OH sales in the state, ending litigation tied to alleged “deceptive” marketing and “free samples.” Cybersecurity & Courts: A Michigan judge ruled Munson Healthcare can’t move two proposed patient data-breach class actions to Missouri federal court, citing lack of personal jurisdiction. Local Business: Carthage is gearing up for a busy weekend of history and rodeo events, including the Battle of Carthage reenactment and the Carthage Stampede. Healthcare Expansion: Mercy Springfield Communities plans a graduate medical education program starting summer 2027 to grow local physician training slots. Road Work: MoDOT says major I-55 widening work near Pevely will shift into the area, with southbound ramp closures expected through late fall. Community & Safety: Fort Leonard Wood held a Ready and Resilient Fair with 600+ attendees and 46 agencies focused on substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention, and family resources. Education & Growth: Missouri partners with Odyssey to modernize the MOScholars program.

Education Appointments: Gov. Mike Kehoe named Jordan Bradberry and Robbie Myers to the Missouri State Board of Education, adding leaders from Kansas City and Butler County to the state’s education oversight. Tax Fight: A Delaware-linked nonprofit, Missouri Promise Inc., reportedly gave $1.9 million to a campaign backing Missouri’s Amendment 5, which would phase out the income tax and expand sales taxes—raising questions about who’s funding the push. Solar Expansion: Ameren Missouri is seeking approval to add 400 megawatts of solar plus 545 megawatts of energy storage, with public filings due June 12. Energy Infrastructure: Ameren broke ground on the Big Hollow Energy Center, a $900 million natural gas and battery storage project in Jefferson County. Data Center Tension: A proposed $6 billion data center near Maryville drew a packed community forum, with details still unclear about the final end user. Legal Accountability: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway resolved litigation with Liberty Utilities over a fatal Lexington gas explosion, requiring a civil penalty and remapping of gas lines. Local Business & Growth: Aritzia opened its first Missouri boutique at Plaza Frontenac in Frontenac. Lake of the Ozarks Update: Developer Jeff Tegethoff filed for Chapter 11, and the Oasis at Lakeport team confirmed his removal while continuing the project.

World Cup & Kansas City Business: The Western Auto sign deal is moving forward, but it likely won’t be lit for the start of the FIFA World Cup, even as the city chips in $100,000 to get it fixed. Local Government & Education: Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Jordan Bradberry and Robbie Myers to the Missouri State Board of Education. Missouri Agriculture & Farm Costs: University of Missouri Extension is urging ranchers to plan ahead on pasture fences, noting new fencing can qualify for tax breaks like Section 179 and bonus depreciation. AI Data Centers & Community Pushback: An AI data center project in Kansas City’s Northland withdrew its bond application from Port KC after local concerns about energy and water use. Scams Targeting Job Seekers: A Hartford-address employment scam is reaching job seekers nationwide, including Missouri, using fake offers and Teams-only interviews. Health Workforce: WalletHub ranked Louisiana among the worst states for nurses, highlighting shortages projected by 2030. Research & Medical Progress: U. Missouri researchers report a new approach to protect pancreatic islet transplants without broad immunosuppressive drugs.

Budget & Food Assistance: Missouri’s new budget cuts $2 million from Double Up Food Bucks, limiting the program’s expansion for SNAP users to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. Public Health Watch: A proposed federal cut would slash funding for the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System, raising alarms as a new COVID “cicada” variant spreads. Local Health Tips: Vets warn Missouri cat owners about “bobcat fever” (cytauxzoonosis), spread by Lone Star ticks, and urge strict flea-and-tick prevention. Rural Power: USDA Rural Development is backing Missouri electric co-ops with major loans, including $213 million for Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative and $28.7 million for Ralls County Electric Cooperative. Community & Safety: Missouri partners with an app to help people discreetly report suspected human trafficking ahead of World Cup events. Infrastructure: Old Lemay Ferry Road near Arnold is partially closed to northbound traffic for widening work through Aug. 24.

World Cup Late-Night Alcohol: Missouri is among states approving extended bar and restaurant hours for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with some cities pushing closing times as late as 5 a.m. Missouri Ag Policy: Missouri lawmakers advanced ag tax credits, permitting reform to reduce extra state paperwork beyond federal rules, and added priorities like foreign farmland oversight and large-animal vet loan support. Missouri Economy & Jobs: USDA Rural Development highlighted more than $1.8B in Missouri electric infrastructure investments, while Great Jobs KC expanded training and scholarships into Nodaway County with a $3.8M grant. Banking Expansion: FNBO announced it will buy Blue Ridge Bancshares in Independence, Missouri, adding to its Kansas City-area buildout. Local Business & Community: The Big Biscuit opened a second Wichita location, and the Grand River Historical Society Museum received a $15,000 Missouri Humanities grant for a Black history church museum.

Missouri AI Push: Leaders gathered at Mizzou Engineering to map out how Missouri should adopt AI across business, government, and nonprofits, with a focus on real workforce needs and responsible use. Public Safety & Agriculture: Missouri says it’s making “significant” progress in the war on feral hogs, using drones and helicopters to remove thousands—while urging residents not to shoot hogs. Local Transit: Kirk-Tran added four new stops in Kirksville, with a ribbon-cutting set for June 15, after low ridership led to some stop changes. Community & Jobs: Columbia’s CARE program is helping teens land summer work despite a national hiring slowdown, with record interest and city-run placements. Food & Business: Riegel Dairy in Franklin County is installing a manure-to-energy system to capture methane and carbon dioxide, turning farm waste into biochar and fuel. Sports: Auburn baseball rebounded to beat Milwaukee and earn a super regional spot, while UALR celebrated its “super lethal” postseason run. Legal/Policy: Congress is moving fast on “Trey’s Law,” which would ban NDAs in child sex abuse cases.

Labor & Industry: Nearly 1,000 UAW-represented workers at American Axle/Dauch in Three Rivers went on strike early Monday, threatening GM pickup production in coming weeks. AI & State Policy: Missouri leaders gathered at Mizzou Engineering to map a future for AI across agriculture, healthcare, energy, public safety, higher ed, and manufacturing. Consumer Protection: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway sued CoinFlip over alleged cryptocurrency ATM scams, claiming the operator enabled fraudulent transactions and hid fees that could reach nearly 22%. Public Safety: Columbia police investigated a bomb threat at a Courtyard by Marriott on Lemone Industrial Drive; staff and guests were evacuated and later allowed back after a search. Agriculture: Wet weather delayed hay production for many Missouri farmers, raising concerns about forage quality and drought conditions in parts of the state. Local Business & Growth: Zenith Aircraft will hold a June 20 fly-in at its Mexico, Mo. kit manufacturing facility after completing a 12,000-square-foot expansion. Community & Culture: Catholic dioceses are preparing for World Cup travel, with Kansas City’s OneKC Catholic aiming to welcome visiting fans and Catholics.

Missouri Hot Weather Law: The Missouri Public Service Commission says the Hot Weather Law runs June 1 through Sept. 30, blocking utility shutoffs when forecasts predict extreme heat (and expanding the protection window to 72 hours). Agriculture & rural economy: A cover crop incentive program is reopening with higher annual payments—$35 per acre up to 2,000 acres—aimed at boosting adoption, while separate reporting shows farm bankruptcies jumped in April to the highest level in more than six years. State governance: Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed three Mid-Missourians to state boards and councils, including roles tied to clean water and disability employment. Community & environment: After decades of cleanup, fish and mussels are returning to Missouri rivers—but new threats are emerging. World Cup in Missouri: Argentina’s World Cup title team arrived in the Kansas City area, and local restaurants are preparing for visitor tipping expectations with some opting for automatic 20% gratuities. Consumer/tech: Liberty Mutual launched a ChatGPT-based motor insurance quoting app in Missouri and plans to expand to more states. Public safety: KCFD responded to a structure fire near 26th Street and Prospect Avenue. Pets & planning: A Missouri-focused guide explains how pet owners can use legal pet trusts to ensure animals are cared for if something happens to them.