AGP Executive Report

Missouri Agriculture & Tech: A Missouri S&T researcher is leading an international AI effort to help farmers protect corn and rice using drones, sensors, and robotics—aiming for earlier warnings and practical recommendations during the growing season. Local Government & Land Use: White Cloud Township in Nodaway County will put a zoning measure on the November ballot, with the tentative plan to zone the township as agricultural and handle variances through local boards. Education Policy: Missouri’s back-to-school start date has been delayed under state law, pushing districts to wait until the next week after the usual late-summer window. Public Safety: Kansas City investigators are treating a woman’s death after an early-morning house fire as a homicide, with the cause still under investigation. Health & Consumer Alerts: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños has expanded recalls of salsa, guacamole, dips, and other prepared foods sold in Missouri and across the country. Business & Community: Current Cannabis marked its first anniversary in South County with a community event featuring local partnerships and conservation support.

Transportation & Infrastructure: The Missouri Route 47 bridge over I-70 at Warrenton reopened to traffic after a ribbon-joining ceremony, with more interchange work planned through 2027. Local Business & Culture: Kansas City’s iconic Western Auto sign is set to light up again after restoration, with workers replacing thousands of neon bulbs. Consumer Watch: Walmart shoppers in 29 states should check for recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits due to possible listeria contamination, and salons/consumers should verify whether Schwarzkopf Osis Grip Extra Strong Mousse is among recalled batches because pressurized cans could leak or burst. Public Safety & Privacy: Kearney is dealing with stolen and vandalized Flock cameras as the privacy debate continues, while Bolivar has already moved to remove its cameras. Community & Health: Missouri agriculture students at the State Fair are packing 250,000 meals for Drive to Feed Kids, and a new report flags potentially unsafe fecal contamination at many monitored Missouri recreational waterways. State Policy & Economy: A new Missouri law lets businesses round cash totals to the nearest nickel starting Aug. 28.

Buc-ee’s Expansion: The Texas travel chain opened its first Arkansas location in Benton, a 74,000-square-foot stop with 120 fueling spots and 200+ jobs, bringing the brand to 58 sites nationwide. Missouri Agriculture & Food: University of Missouri researchers won a $1.15 million USDA grant to expand HotHog, a mobile app that helps pork producers spot heat-stress risk in pigs before symptoms show. State Fair Spotlight: Monday at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia is Missouri Farm Bureau and farm family day, with honored farm families plus discounts and fair events. Community Service: ServMO announced 2026-2027 AmeriCorps planning and operational grant recipients, targeting disaster relief, education, housing and food insecurity, and more across Missouri. Public Health Alert: A jalapeno recall expanded due to possible salmonella contamination, with cases reported across many states including Missouri. Local Culture: Kansas City’s iconic Western Auto sign is back on and set to stay lit after restoration. Animal Care: The Animal Protective Association of Missouri received a $25,000 grant to help families care for senior pets, including vet support and vaccinations.

Local Consumer Watch: The Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker shows Missouri cities with reports in July, including St. Louis (87), Kansas City (46), Springfield (26), and Columbia (14), while smaller places like Mansfield and Pineville each logged just one. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA inspection updates include one St. Louis-area medical devices firm flagged for “voluntary action indicated,” while an Ozarks-area utility fight is brewing as landowners challenge Liberty Utilities’ property acquisition methods. Tech & Civil Rights: A St. Louis man suing over a facial-recognition arrest says Amazon Rekognition and AWS were involved, expanding a case tied to a grainy image and 17 months behind bars. Education & Workforce: Moberly Area Community College and Columbia officials opened a new commercial pilot training program at the Columbia Regional Airport, aiming to feed a growing aviation workforce. Community & Service: A Columbia life-jacket drive for veterans and K-9s honored students for wildfire heroism and handed out hundreds of vests. Agriculture & Outdoors: Mizzou’s South Farm sunflower field returns in waves through September, with free public access.

Data Center Debate in Rural Missouri: Trenton and Grundy County officials met Aug. 14 to talk data centers’ impacts on utilities, zoning, natural resources, and infrastructure, with local leaders saying rules are still unclear and residents want answers. Local Governance: Oak Grove approved a one-year moratorium on new data center proposals while it revises its code, and Blue Springs residents are pushing for a vote on major industrial projects. Legal/Business: A Wall Street Journal op-ed by former Missouri Farm Bureau leader Blake Hurst urges data center developers to bid on his land, arguing a massive project could bring jobs and tax revenue despite strong opposition. Public Health: The FDA says one company in a Saline County-area city—ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC—received an inspection in July with “No Action Indicated.” Health Care: Kansas City’s OmniRx Health topped 10,000 subscribers and expanded virtual primary care to 44 states. Food Safety: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup kits in 29 states due to possible listeria contamination. Community & Culture: Jefferson City’s long-awaited Olive Garden opens Monday at 512 Missouri Blvd.

Immigration & Public Safety: DHS plans to spend $20M on ICE electric shock gloves, after Missouri-linked law enforcement comments surfaced that framed the gear as “low optic” and aimed at avoiding visible marks—sparking outrage from immigration advocates. Local Relief: A Kansas City nonprofit is collecting donations for Colombia earthquake victims, with organizers saying community support is already rolling in. Food Safety: Walmart recalled 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Missouri, after possible listeria contamination; Henkel also recalled Schwarzkopf Osis Grip hair mousse in Missouri due to a can-pressure explosion risk. Severe Weather: Heavy flooding across the Midwest has killed at least three people and left more than 150,000 without power, with watches stretching from Iowa and Missouri eastward. Missouri Economy & Taxes: Census data shows Missouri collected $2.3B in selective sales and gross receipts taxes in 2024. Community & Health: Missouri State Fair week includes a Drive to Feed Kids push—packing 250,000 meals for children—plus Nine PBS sued over lost cloud-stored historic footage. Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker lists Missouri cities including Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia among the state’s highest for July scam reports.

Food Policy Watch: New York City is moving ahead with city-run grocery stores promising about 30% discounts on staples, while other cities’ past attempts—including one in Kansas City—ran into cost and theft problems. Local Housing: Hannibal is partnering to flip 25–30 city-owned lots into affordable rental homes for low-income families, with plans for solar and geothermal features. Scam Alerts: Columbia ranked among Missouri’s top scam-report cities in July, with 14 reports and losses topping $11,600, while St. Louis and Kansas City led the state. Health Watch: Missouri residents are among states affected by a Walmart tomato bisque soup recall over possible Listeria contamination. Public Safety/Animals: Sea lion shows at the Missouri State Fair were canceled after a crash on I-70; the animals are safe, but the operator’s animal care history is under scrutiny. Community Good News: Central Missouri Humane Society will waive adoption fees for older pets as part of a nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign.

Food Safety Alerts: Walmart shoppers in Missouri should check their pantry: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,240 packs of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states over possible Listeria, with no confirmed illnesses reported so far. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case tied to travel, while the broader U.S. outbreak linked to Cyclospora continues to expand, with regulators pushing inspections and sampling. Local Community & Culture: Kirksville is getting a new downtown mural, funded by a $15,000 AARP grant, and Northwest Missouri State is bringing back its Bearcat Buddies program for kids 12 and under. Missouri Environment & Safety: Leadwood wastewater progress is underway, but E. coli levels in the Big River remain high, keeping public contact advisories in place. Business & Growth: TTi Logistics is expanding St. Louis-area warehousing with a second Earth City facility. Sports & Entertainment: The Missouri State Fair canceled a sea lion show after a crash involving the animals.

State Audit Watch: Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced a citizen-requested petition performance audit of the City of Gilliam, the first since 1997, after 32 resident signatures met the threshold—residents can submit tips through the auditor’s hotline. Food Safety: The FDA issued a recall for a Walmart-sold Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit due to possible Listeria contamination, and a separate egg recall was upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level over Salmonella Enteritidis. Agriculture & Costs: MU Extension says higher nitrogen prices are pushing producers to re-check fall fertilizer math, while MU’s Hundley-Whaley Center plans a Sept. 3 field day on crop research and management. Missouri Business & Growth: Silver Dollar City unveiled a new family coaster, Miner’s Mountain Express, opening in spring 2027. Local Government & Housing: Mariposa County moved a workforce housing proposal toward a Sept. 4 planning hearing for up to 85 units. Consumer Scams: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Missouri cities including Anderson and Humansville each logged a scam report in July.

Missouri Politics & Work: A coalition called Will of the People is launching a $1 million push to flip Missouri legislative seats after Republicans repealed paid sick leave and minimum-wage protections in 2025. Local Government & Utilities: Maryville is rolling out text alerts for street closures, boil orders, water service notices, and emergencies. Childcare & Families: Kid City USA in Lee’s Summit is closing permanently with less than 48 hours’ notice, leaving parents scrambling and employees losing jobs and childcare at once. Courts & Development: A new lawsuit seeks to stop a multi-billion Independence data center, alleging Sunshine Law violations and improper zoning changes. Business & Jobs: Cumulus Media layoffs hit longtime Mid-Missouri radio hosts at KFRU, including David Gaines and Simon Rose. Public Safety & Health: Walmart is recalling a Marketside tomato bisque soup kit in 29 states, including Missouri, due to possible Listeria contamination. Sports & Education: SEMO earned the OVC’s top academic recognition, with more than 75% of student-athletes hitting a 3.25 GPA or higher.

Immigration & Public Safety: ICE says it may spend $10M to $20M next year on electric shock gloves for agents, a device designed to deliver brief, painful shocks through direct skin contact. Food Safety: Whole Foods and other retailers are recalling jalapeño-linked salsa, guacamole, dips and prepared foods after a multistate Salmonella outbreak; Missouri is among the affected states, with products pulled from stores and online. Local Faith & Politics: Missouri bishops are urging Catholics to back Amendment 3 in November, while offering a more nuanced view of Amendment 5 after it failed in the Aug. 4 primary. Sports & Community: Travis Kelce says Chiefs training camp is his “sanctuary” after his high-profile wedding to Taylor Swift. Jobs & Business: St. Joseph’s Chamber will host a Community Job Fair Sept. 8, and Missouri’s labor groups are launching a $1M push to flip state legislative seats. Health & Animals: The Animal Protective Association of Missouri received a $25,000 grant to expand senior at-risk dog support.

Food Safety: Whole Foods expanded its jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall, pulling select dips, salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared foods sold in 12 states including Missouri; no illnesses were reported, but shoppers are urged to toss items or get refunds. Public Health: Missouri’s childhood vaccination rates are slipping below herd-immunity levels, and a new Trump executive order could further reduce recommended vaccines and spacing, raising concerns from pediatricians. Local Impact: Moberly Area Community College opened a new aviation training facility at Columbia Regional Airport to launch its commercial pilot program, aiming to address a growing pilot shortage. Agriculture & Accountability: A southern Missouri cattle producer is questioning how the Missouri Department of Agriculture selected beef and dairy grant recipients, alleging favoritism and mismatches with cattle rankings. Infrastructure & Growth: Missouri lawmakers are drafting safeguards for AI and data-center expansion, pushing for developer disclosures, audits, and enforceable agreements to protect local power, water, and taxpayers. Business & Courts: The Missouri Public Service Commission approved agreements tied to Spire’s accounting authority and Timber Creek Sewer’s rate request. Sports & Community: Travis Kelce called Chiefs training camp his “sanctuary” after his Taylor Swift wedding, while Columbia’s Powerhouse event is offering free school supplies and backpacks.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes: State Rep. Jeff Vernetti will help unveil the first Safe Haven Baby Box in Camden County next Wednesday at the Mid County Fire Protection District station in Camdenton, with a second Lake-area box planned later this year. Health Access in Rural Missouri: A new University of Missouri rural immersion program sent 19 future healthcare students across northwestern counties to learn how care works beyond clinics, including workforce and access challenges. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Harrisburg, Missouri, tied for 54th among state cities for scam reports in June, including an online purchase scam involving fake AI obituaries. Food Safety Recall: Henkel issued a nationwide recall of Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair cans sold in Missouri due to a packaging problem that could leak under pressure and pose an explosion risk. Healthcare Costs: Preliminary filings suggest Missouri and Kansas ACA marketplace premiums could rise again in 2027, with requested increases ranging from 10% to 35%. Local Sports & Community: Springfield City Council extended talks on a potential soccer stadium at a former quarry/landfill site, requiring more environmental and planning work before any final plan.

Local Planning: Liberty’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend denying a proposed 200-megawatt lithium-ion battery storage facility, sending the decision to City Council after staff said it clashes with single-family neighborhood plans. Courts & Health: A Missouri appeals court affirmed a new trial order in a baby formula lawsuit accusing Abbott and Mead Johnson of causing serious illness in preterm infants. Consumer Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño-linked salmonella recall tied to a broader multistate outbreak, with products sold at major retailers including Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Target. Public Safety & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data show Missouri ranked 16th in July with 486 scam reports, while Savannah was tied for 14th in June with four reports. Community & Environment: Kansas City metro recycling rules now accept more paper and plastic to-go cups, with guidance to remove lids and straws before tossing them in recycling. Business & Trade: Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Panama trip highlighted Missouri exports and a 30-year Missouri National Guard partnership, including cybersecurity and disaster response.

Food Safety Watch: Taylor Fresh Foods/Taylor Farms expanded its salmonella recall tied to jalapeño peppers, pulling salsa, guacamole and other prepared items sold across 26 states including Missouri, with Kroger removing two packaged dips. Public Health & Local Impact: The recall follows an earlier cyclospora-linked lettuce investigation, keeping Missouri shoppers on alert for produce and prepared-food contamination. State Politics: Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe says he’ll keep pushing after voters rejected Amendments 4 and 5, including changes to the constitution and the income tax process. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data puts West Plains tied for 31st among Missouri cities for July scam reports, with online purchase scams driving most losses. Business & Growth: Neighbors Bank earned an Inc. 5000 spot, while St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery ranked on the same list for rapid growth. Infrastructure & Energy: Phillips 66, Kinder Morgan and HF Sinclair approved the $5 billion Western Gateway Pipeline to move refined fuels from St. Louis and the Gulf to Arizona and California. Tech & Work: NFIB reports small-business optimism rising even as hiring faces a tougher labor squeeze, with AI data center construction blamed for pulling skilled workers away. Local Culture: Olive Garden set an opening date in Jefferson City after a decade-long wait.

Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeño products has spread to 27 states, with Taylor Farms recalling 20 jalapeño items sold across major retailers and restaurants, including Chipotle, Target, Walmart, Kroger and Trader Joe’s. Public Health: CDC guidance highlights handwashing, avoiding cross-contamination, and extra caution for kids, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems. Local Government: St. Louis County held a public hearing on proposed data center regulations, with many residents urging a moratorium while officials say zoning rules are needed if projects come forward. Consumer Protection: The BBB warns Missouri shoppers about a gas-and-grocery voucher scam that pushes victims to pay a small fee and can lead to unauthorized charges. Courts/Policy: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway asked a federal judge to temporarily block Kansas City’s MWBE contracting program, arguing it violates equal protection by considering race. Weather/Recovery: Power has been fully restored in Unionville and surrounding areas after a storm knocked out electricity for thousands. Workplace Safety: OSHA is investigating the June death of an electrician during renovations at Mizzou’s Memorial Stadium.