AGP Executive Report

Redistricting Fight: Missouri asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate a GOP congressional map that would add an extra Republican seat, warning of “unprecedented chaos” for federal elections after the state Supreme Court blocked it for November. Local Politics & Data Centers: Palmyra is weighing a year-long moratorium on new data centers after residents raised concerns about water use and noise. Consumer & Health Alerts: Schnucks faces a class action settlement that could pay up to $7 to loyalty members; meanwhile, multiple IV saline recalls cite fiberglass or iron-oxide particles, and frozen berry recalls tied to an E. coli outbreak have expanded to more states. Public Safety: Lawrence County issued a burn ban due to dry, windy conditions. Community & Service: Festus/Crystal City could start building transitional housing by late October, and UCM plans a Sept. 11 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to benefit its campus food pantry.

Bridge Work Update: MoDOT says the Mercer County U.S. Route 136 Grand River Overflow Bridge deck replacement will switch traffic Sept. 14-15 with up to 15-minute intermittent closures, then narrow to one lane with a 15-foot width limit; delays push reopening to mid-November 2026. Scam Tracker Watch: Warsaw, Neosho, and other Missouri cities logged small but real BBB Scam Tracker activity in July, with Missouri’s biggest losses concentrated in major metro areas like St. Louis and Kansas City. Immigration Enforcement Bill: Rep. Madeleine Dean and Illinois Rep. Delia Ramirez introduced the “No Shock Act” to ban ICE “shock gloves,” after DHS planned millions for thousands of the devices. Food Assistance Rule: A new USDA SNAP requirement could force many convenience stores to stop accepting food stamps unless the rule’s fresh-produce and protein standards are delayed or clarified. Local Business & Health: Bloom Healthcare acquired Christian Care House Calls, expanding home-based senior care in Missouri and Texas. Education & Jobs: Missouri S&T and Insper signed a partnership to expand international opportunities, including student projects tied to modernizing banking. Agriculture Payments: U-M’s FAPRI expects sizable USDA farm program payments this fall, including corn and cotton, with details to come. Missouri Economy/Trade: Trump threatened to halt some trade unless the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates—an issue that could ripple into Missouri’s business climate.

Redistricting Fight: The Missouri Supreme Court ruled November’s election will use the 2022 congressional maps, a blow to a GOP-backed mid-decade redistricting push—sparking immediate backlash from Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II and challenger Rick Brattin, who says the decision disenfranchises voters. Legal & Voting: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to step in over a judge’s block on USPS mail-in voting restrictions as midterms near. Statehouse Watch: Missouri’s AG push to collect a $24.5 billion COVID-era PPE judgment against Chinese defendants moved forward as new filings challenge the default judgment. Local Government & Growth: Missouri American Water completed its $34.5 million purchase of Neosho’s water and wastewater systems, bringing new staff and planned upgrades. Business & Jobs: Simmons Bank plans to close 26 branches across six states, including 5 in Missouri, effective Dec. 4. Public Health: Central Missouri Humane Society temporarily suspended dog intake after a confirmed parvovirus case. Food Safety: Walmart expanded a recall of Great Value organic triple berry blend in 16 states, including Missouri, over possible E. coli contamination. Power & Property: Landowners in northeast Oklahoma raised concerns about a proposed transmission project tied to a broader Oklahoma-Kansas-Missouri grid effort. Agriculture: Tyson Foods cut 2026 revenue guidance as beef pressures squeeze margins.

Data Centers & Power: Ameren Missouri says a Festus data center project can’t move forward without a required power-use study, with officials calling it a key “gating” step for large-load customers. Local Education: Branson agricultural educator Nicole Crocker is named a finalist for Missouri’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, advancing to state interviews later this month. State Law Changes: Missouri has 76 new laws taking effect Friday, including updates to intoxicated driving penalties and other public-safety measures. Politics & Policy: Democrats are criticizing GOP-backed “Opportunity Zones” tax breaks tied to accelerating AI data center construction in low-income areas. Agriculture & Water: Iowa’s cover-crop program is enrolling a record number of acres to target nitrate-heavy drinking water sources feeding the Des Moines metro. Kansas City Governance: Mayor Quinton Lucas recommends former Councilman Kevin McManus to fill the 6th District At-Large seat through Aug. 1, 2027. Business & Growth: Newmark Zimmer arranged a 1.4 million-square-foot industrial lease in Independence at Space Center underground industrial park.

Domestic Minerals Push: The U.S. House approved a bill to expand domestic mining and speed permitting, aiming to cut China’s grip on critical minerals as the measure heads to the Senate. Workplace Safety Check: A new OSHA “Top 10” webinar urges employers to use citation trends as a self-audit tool to find training and supervision gaps before injuries or penalties. Missouri Energy Investment: MU broke ground on the Payne Energy Innovation Center, a $50 million gift-backed project expected to open in 2028 to tackle power-and-water sustainability. Data Center Backlash: In Ralls County, residents demanded more transparency after an AI data center proposal was paused, with worries focused on soil and water impacts. Law Enforcement Tech Scrutiny: A Louisville detective is under investigation over alleged Flock license-plate searches, months after a separate suspension tied to misuse of access. Local Justice Update: In Joplin’s “house of horrors” case, four family members face expanded charges, including first-degree kidnapping. Sports & Community: Mizzou opened its renovated North End Zone, while NSU volleyball returns for the first time since the early 1980s.

Data Center Backlash in Missouri: Independence voters recalled City Council member John Perkins after he backed $6B+ in tax breaks for a planned AI data center, with nearly 70% voting to remove him—showing how local control and infrastructure concerns are colliding with big-tech promises. Local Governance & Housing: O’Fallon City Council rejected a conditional use permit for a proposed 42-unit senior community, citing traffic and maintenance worries. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data put Sedalia tied for 19th among Missouri cities for July scam reports, with four reports and about $664 in losses. Agriculture & Community Service: Missouri FFA chapters packed 252,564 meals at the Missouri State Fair through Missouri Farmers Care’s Drive to Feed Kids. Business & Jobs: Jarrell Contracting announced a Hazelwood expansion creating 105 jobs and a new 191,000-square-foot headquarters. Broadband Growth: Socket Fiber launched CDG’s Elements platform to support its expanding Missouri fiber network.

Big Tech Child Safety Settlement: Missouri is set to get at least $115 million from a massive federal settlement with Meta over child safety, with penalties up to $17 billion over 10 years and new platform changes for minors. Local Courts & Consumer Protection: A Jefferson County roofer accused of defrauding 16 tornado victims is headed toward trial after waiving a probable cause hearing; the AG alleges $130,000 in downpayments with little or no work. Power & Public Safety: A St. Louis County homeowner says a tree branch has dangled on power lines for nearly three months, raising fears it could become a bigger hazard. Adoptions & Animal Welfare: All 70 barnyard animals rescued from a Boone County property have been placed into new homes after rapid community support. Ag & Community Hunger Relief: Southeast Missouri rice farmers and the SEMO Food Bank kicked off Hunger Action Month with a donation of 12,300 pounds of rice, aimed at feeding about 10,000 families. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker lists multiple Missouri cities tied for low single-digit scam reports in July, including Odessa and Eolia.

Missouri Economy & Industry: La-Z-Boy is investing $23 million to expand in Neosho, building a new 150,000-square-foot distribution facility and creating up to 100 jobs, with support through the Missouri Works Program. Local Business & Community: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams says it’s expanding to Five Points in Jacksonville, while Missouri’s SEMO is moving ahead with Talbert Terrace construction, including an 18-foot Redhawk sculpture set to debut in October. Food, Health & Courts: A federal jury sided with Mead Johnson in a trial over Enfamil premature formula claims tied to necrotizing enterocolitis, while Abbott reached a $670 million settlement over similar preterm formula allegations. Politics & Policy: U.S. Rep. Jason Smith says Missouri and the U.S. must reduce dependence on China by boosting critical minerals supply chains, including potential Missouri processing. Tech & Public Pressure: Trump is pushing data centers as economic engines, but Missouri communities and others are still raising concerns about water, power costs, and quality of life. Safety & Fraud: Missouri scam reports continue to trickle in, with Hillsboro logging six in July, and a separate federal USPS ballot portal dispute raises questions about how mail ballots are scanned.

Data Center Fight in St. Louis: A proposed TerraWatt data center in an old warehouse has sparked a lawsuit and community backlash over noise, water use, electricity, and lack of environmental studies, as many residents say the AI promise feels like fear and hype. Climate Resilience in St. Louis: First Alert 4 reports hotter temperatures and heavier rain are pushing the city to redesign roads, parking lots, and sewers for the next century. Social Media for Minors: Missouri is set to receive at least $115 million from Meta’s settlement, with new limits on Instagram/Facebook use for minors—though experts warn workarounds could blunt benefits. Baby Formula Trial: A federal jury in Chicago sided with Mead Johnson in the first baby formula case, rejecting liability tied to NEC illness claims. Fraud Watch (BBB): Missouri cities including St. Louis and Kansas City remain high on BBB Scam Tracker reports, with online purchase scams still driving losses. Local Service & Food Security: Missouri Farmers Care’s Drive to Feed Kids hit 252,564 meals packed by FFA members. Animal Rescue: Central Missouri Humane Society says dozens of barnyard animals from a Boone County property were adopted quickly after a court order.

Crime & Safety: Normandy police say a would-be burglar was fatally shot after forcing his way into an occupied home Aug. 13; footage reportedly showed 42-year-old Jody Jordan holding what looked like an Uzi. Missouri Politics: With no big statewide races, Missouri’s November vote still looks tense, with ballot initiatives and downballot contests set to test the balance of power after two GOP-backed constitutional amendments failed in August. Local Economy: La-Z-Boy plans a $23 million Neosho expansion and new distribution center, aiming to add up to 100 jobs. Education & Workforce: MU and Boone County opened a new Jefferson Farm and Garden learning center to expand hands-on agriculture education and research demos. Tech & Privacy: A Washington Post review says chatbot transcripts are showing up in court records, raising fresh questions about how private your AI chats really are. Transit Watch: Kansas City and Olathe leaders weigh fixed-rail ideas, including potential commuter rail using existing lines. Community & Culture: Stockton Lake’s PRCA rodeo hosted its first End of Summer Luau with Polynesian food, dance, and music. Consumer Protection: A BBB tracker update shows Marshfield logged two July scam reports, both debt collection scams.

Data Center Fight in Missouri: A Platte City-area look at BBB Scam Tracker shows fraud reports continue to pop up statewide, with Platte City tied for 21st in Missouri for July scams—3 reports and $798 in losses—highlighting how everyday residents are getting hit while bigger projects like data centers spark local backlash. AI Surveillance Pushback: Missouri-area and national attention keeps growing on Flock-style license plate cameras, with Sen. Josh Hawley launching a federal probe into Flock’s data practices and critics warning the systems can track people without warrants. Courts and Privacy: A separate report says private ChatGPT-style conversations are increasingly showing up in court, raising new concerns for anyone who thinks those chats are protected. Public Services and Costs: A Missouri Medicaid spending snapshot finds Moberly pathology and lab payments rose 9.7% in 2024, a reminder that health costs ripple through local budgets. Local Community News: Central Missouri Humane Society drew more volunteers than dogs for a deep-clean and “Doggy Day Out” event, showing neighbors stepping up fast.

Child Safety in Kansas City: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced six prosecutions of trusted adults accused of exploiting minors, with the FBI stressing accountability for educators and other caretakers. St. Louis Housing Investment: Blue Land Homes opened a new Clayton office, saying it has acquired and renovated 150+ distressed properties and is building a rental portfolio. Missouri Hemp Ban in Court: A federal judge is weighing whether Missouri’s intoxicating hemp product ban is clear enough to enforce, as the hemp industry argues overlapping definitions make it unconstitutional. Early Childhood Funding Pressure: Missouri’s pre-K system faces strain after state funding cuts, with districts and providers warning they may have to scale back. Surveillance Backlash: Flock Safety’s AI license-plate tools are drawing fresh scrutiny, including claims it can track vehicles and flag “associates,” as lawmakers push investigations and some states tighten spending. Public Health Alert: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce has added Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, bringing confirmed illnesses to 11,458. Local Crime Crackdown: Missouri law enforcement seized 700+ pounds of drugs during the Gathering of the Juggalos after the festival relocated to Macks Creek. Drought and Fire Risk: Southwest Missouri fire chiefs warn of an extreme season as severe drought conditions worsen.

AI & Data Centers: A rare left-right coalition is pushing back on fast-moving AI data center plans, citing farmland loss, water strain, and higher power bills. Local Government: Greentop, Mo., is weighing storm/fire siren upgrades and possible zoning changes tied to data center concerns, plus city speed-limit tweaks. Public Safety & Weather: Southwest Missouri fire chiefs warn severe drought is setting up an “extreme” fire season after a fast-moving field fire in Lawrence County. Agriculture & Consumer Rights: Farmers are being notified about a John Deere settlement over alleged repair-tool monopoly tactics, but right-to-repair advocates say the fight isn’t over. Tech Surveillance: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott froze funding for Flock cameras amid growing backlash over mass license-plate tracking. Courts & Privacy: ChatGPT conversation logs are showing up in court records, raising new worries about what users assume is private. Health Alerts: FDA recalls include IV sodium chloride bags from B. Braun and Baxter due to particulate contamination concerns. Missouri Fraud Watch: Ava tied for 68th in Missouri scam reports in July, with one BBB Scam Tracker report. Sports & Community: Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka is rebranding as Mid-America Adventure under new owners. Tragedy in KC: A Kansas City family sues after alleging an Amazon delivery vehicle hit and killed a 4-year-old child.

Food Safety Watch: Jefferson County’s Health Department posted routine food inspection results for the week of Aug. 16, with scores at 71–100 across 35 checks, including violations ranging from rodent droppings and leaking drains to improper food storage and sanitation issues. St. Louis Baseball Moves: The Cardinals recalled lefty Brycen Mautz from Triple-A and designated Caleb Ferguson for assignment ahead of the Pirates matchup. Columbia Surveillance Debate: Columbia City Council members are weighing whether to revisit the city’s Flock camera relationship as residents renew trust and oversight concerns ahead of a possible spring renewal decision. Labor Pressure at Starbucks: Starbucks Workers United announced a nationwide boycott tied to contract demands from unionized baristas, with walkouts reported in multiple states including Missouri. Lottery Update: Mega Millions has no grand-prize winner; the jackpot climbs to $160 million for Tuesday. Public Health Alert: The FDA upgraded a Whole Foods guacamole recall to its highest-risk Class I level after possible salmonella contamination, with the product sold in Missouri and other states. Weather: Magnolia is forecast to stay hot and mostly sunny through Monday, with highs near 97–100 degrees.

WWII Remembrance in Indiana: Allen County native 2nd Lt. James R. Thompson will be honored with a memorial brick as Indiana’s Enduring Promise project marks missing-in-action service members. Local Church Milestone: Trinity Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon kicks off a year of events for its 100th anniversary starting Sept. 13. Missouri Natural Resources Leadership: Gov. Mike Kehoe names Kurt Schaefer as the next Office of Administration commissioner, moving him from DNR director to the new role. Park Rebrand in Eureka: Six Flags St. Louis officially becomes Mid America Adventure, with a new name, logo, and 2027 season pass rules for recent buyers. Food Safety Alerts: Whole Foods guacamole dips recalled nationwide at the FDA’s highest risk level, while a lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps expanding. Health Product Recalls: Baxter recalls multiple IV saline and dextrose solutions over possible fiberglass contamination. Consumer Fraud Watch: Chillicothe ties for 68th in Missouri scam reports in July, with one reported BBB Scam Tracker case. Road Work: MoDOT schedules northwest Missouri maintenance and construction for Aug. 31–Sept. 6. Business Growth: Mokas Coffee & Eatery signs a nine-unit franchise deal, including a Manhattan, Kansas location.

Surveillance Crackdown: Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley opened a formal investigation into Flock’s AI license-plate cameras after Tempe, Ariz. and Cave Creek, Ariz. shut off their systems over misuse risks, while lawmakers push for tighter oversight. Natural Resources Leadership: Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Jake Buxton as director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, effective Sept. 4, 2026, pending Senate confirmation. Drought Watch: The U.S. Drought Monitor says severe drought is expanding in Missouri’s Lakes Region, with little rainfall expected and worsening impacts for crops and livestock. Beef Market Signals: Cattle prices dipped amid federal moves on feeder-cattle imports and lean-beef tariffs, though a University of Missouri economist says long-term beef fundamentals remain strong. College Sports Branding: Mizzou announced an Ambetter Health jersey patch sponsorship for football and Olympic sports starting 2026-27, joining a growing patch trend in college athletics. Public Health Alert: Baxter issued a voluntary nationwide recall of sodium chloride injection lots after potential fiberglass contamination was detected. Missouri Courts: A Morgan County assault case ended in acquittal for Jason Edward Shifflett after jurors returned not-guilty verdicts on all felony counts. Food Assistance Policy: SNAP “junk food” purchase restrictions begin Aug. 31 in South Carolina and Sept. 1 in North Dakota, with Missouri slated for later implementation. Agriculture Pests: Wisconsin confirmed soybean tentiform leafminer in cultivated fields, a reminder that Missouri growers should keep an eye on new threats.