AGP Executive Report

Election 2026: Early voting is underway in Missouri ahead of Nov. 3, when voters will decide on the state’s congressional map, judicial retention and several constitutional amendments. Public Records: Missouri media groups are suing the Highway Patrol over crash reports with names and other details blacked out, renewing a fight over access to public information. Cannabis Market: A state study says Missouri doesn’t need more marijuana business licenses, but researchers couldn’t determine whether ownership is concentrated among a few companies. State Oversight: Missouri’s auditor is pressing the USDA over millions in questionable food-program spending, while state leaders have announced a joint anti-fraud effort with the Justice Department. Energy and Growth: Missouri’s new energy strategy puts nuclear power at the center, as state leaders promote consumer protections tied to data-center development.

Election Watch: Missouri’s Nov. 3 ballot includes a proposed sovereign wealth fund, judicial retention votes and major constitutional fights. Early voting is underway, with Jasper County reporting more than 1,600 in-person absentee votes so far. Government Oversight: Gov. Mike Kehoe and federal officials launched Operation Show-Me the Money to investigate fraud in benefit programs; State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is also seeking USDA action over questionable food-program spending. Data Centers: Amazon is exploring a second Montgomery County campus, with 15 buildings across 890 acres proposed east of Danville. The company has not disclosed a price tag or acquired the land. Energy: Missouri’s new energy plan puts nuclear power at the center of efforts to boost energy independence and reliability, including proposed financing tools and a possible state nuclear authority. Education: Missouri’s interim education commissioner resigned amid controversy over the state’s A-to-F school ratings.

Public Records: Missouri news organizations are suing the Highway Patrol, saying it illegally redacts names and other details from crash reports that were public for decades. Election Watch: A federal judge has blocked DHS voter-fraud field operations in Missouri and eight other states, citing flawed data and risks of voter intimidation. Meanwhile, Gov. Mike Kehoe and federal officials launched Operation Show-Me the Money to target fraud in benefit programs. Ballot Measures: Voters will decide Amendment 7, a proposal to create a state investment fund whose long-term goal is eliminating state taxes. Amendment 3, which would repeal Missouri’s 2024 abortion-rights protections and restrict most abortions, remains a major focus of the final campaign push. Roads: MoDOT says crews have finished paving and opened three lanes in each direction on the Blue Springs-to-Grain Valley stretch of I-70; work is also complete on a section in Lafayette County.

Election Oversight: A federal judge has barred DHS from conducting election-related field operations in Missouri and eight other states through Election Day, citing flawed data and potential voter intimidation. State Government: Gov. Mike Kehoe and Missouri officials announced a DOJ partnership, Operation Show-Me the Money, to investigate fraud in public benefit programs, beginning with SNAP. Ballot Measures: Amendment 6 supporters are campaigning to protect the initiative process, while opponents say it would constrain lawmakers. Amendment 3 would again ban most abortions, with exceptions, and includes a provision on gender-transition care for minors. St. Louis Police: Kehoe questioned the process behind a board decision to raise Chief Robert Tracy’s salary to $295,000 and extend his contract through 2030. Energy and Accountability: Missouri regulators approved Ameren’s proposed solar and storage projects; meanwhile, state media groups are suing the Highway Patrol over redacted crash reports.

Election Oversight: A federal judge restricted DHS voter investigations in Missouri and eight other states, citing error-prone data that could wrongly target citizens. The order is on hold until Friday while the administration considers an appeal. Public Spending: State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick asked the USDA to review Missouri’s child-care food program, citing weak oversight and millions in alleged waste or fraud. Jobs and Training: Southeast Missouri received a $3.54 million federal grant to train workers in skilled trades, construction and information technology across 14 counties. Transparency: Missouri news organizations are suing the Highway Patrol over redacted crash reports, arguing the records should be public. Education: Missouri’s education board has chosen a temporary agency leader as controversy continues over the state’s A-F school grading system.

Election Oversight: A federal judge has blocked Homeland Security from conducting voter-status field operations in Missouri and eight other states through Election Day, citing the risk that flawed data could intimidate eligible voters. Public Records: Missouri news organizations are suing the Highway Patrol over redacted crash reports, arguing the blacked-out names and details violate the state’s open-records law. Environment: PFAS were found at all 20 Missouri waterways tested from 2022 to 2024, with researchers detecting 44 types of the chemicals. Education: Missouri’s interim education commissioner has resigned amid controversy over the state’s A-F school ratings; the education board is moving ahead with a search for a new leader. At the Ballot Box: Early voting is underway as Missourians prepare to decide on abortion access, congressional maps and limits on lawmakers’ power to change voter-approved measures.

Education: Missouri interim education commissioner Stacey Preis resigned amid debate over Gov. Mike Kehoe’s plan to grade public schools A through F. The State Board remains divided over whether letter grades will spur improvement or punish struggling schools. Election 2026: No-excuse early voting is underway ahead of Nov. 3. Voters will decide several statewide measures, including Amendment 3, which would repeal Missouri’s 2024 constitutional protections for reproductive health care. Health Care: BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine will leave Aetna and Anthem Medicare Advantage networks Jan. 1, affecting about 85,800 St. Louis-area seniors. Transportation: MoDOT has selected interstate stretches for 75-mph speed limits under a new law allowing higher rural highway speeds. O’Fallon also approved nearly $1 million for a pedestrian path along Highway N. Public Records: Missouri media groups are suing the Highway Patrol over crash reports with names redacted, arguing the records should be public. Workforce: Missouri’s higher education and workforce agency unveiled a plan to expand training and employment, aiming for 60% postsecondary attainment and 70% workforce participation.

Jobs: Missouri payroll employment fell 0.4% in September, tying for the steepest decline among states in the latest monthly report. Education: The state’s interim education commissioner resigned immediately amid controversy over public-school A–F ratings; no reason was disclosed. Election 2026: Early voting is underway ahead of Nov. 3, when Missourians will decide five statewide measures, including Amendment 3 on abortion access and Proposition A on congressional districts. Public Records: Missouri news organizations are suing the Highway Patrol, arguing that redactions to crash reports violate the Sunshine Law and limit public access to information about road deaths and safety. Utilities: The Public Service Commission has scheduled November hearings on Evergy’s request to build a gas-fired power plant in Buchanan County and a battery storage project in Jasper County.

St. Louis Court: A federal judge dismissed Annie Altman’s sexual-abuse lawsuit against her brother, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, after she missed a court-ordered medical exam. The allegations were not decided on their merits. Election 2026: Missouri voters will consider five statewide measures on Nov. 3, as campaigns on the abortion-rights amendment report millions in fundraising. State Oversight: Missouri news organizations are suing the Highway Patrol over redacted crash reports, while prediction-market companies challenge the state’s crackdown in court. Cost of Living: A Missouri cannabis study found 93% of reported spending went to licensed sellers, but lower prices drew many buyers to illicit sources. Food Security: Missouri food providers report sharply rising demand as families face higher costs and reduced assistance. Agriculture: Missouri pork producer Jesse Heimer will co-chair a new National Pork Board committee focused on growing domestic demand.

Columbia: The City Council approved a $995,000 purchase for a municipal animal pound, but animal-care arrangements remain unsettled; the city expects Boone County to contribute $400,000. Joplin: A councilman’s suggestion to explore a federal immigration-enforcement partnership drew dueling protests. No agreement or vote is in place. Separately, the council approved a nearly $183 million budget, while a proposed 12% employee pay increase needs further readings after dividing members. Public Records: Missouri news organizations sued the Highway Patrol over redacted crash reports, arguing the blackouts limit public access. Prediction Markets: The attorney general ordered platforms including Polymarket and Kalshi to stop offering sports-event contracts, while companies including Crypto.com and Novig are challenging the state’s crackdown in court. Election Watch: No-excuse absentee voting begins Tuesday; Boone County expects higher-than-usual midterm turnout, and Greene County’s clerk says required ballot initials do not invalidate votes. Household Costs: Ameren announced $10 million in added energy-bill assistance across Missouri and Illinois as colder weather approaches.

Prediction-Market Lawsuit: Crypto.com and Novig sued Missouri, arguing sports event contracts fall under federal oversight rather than state gambling rules. Kalshi, Polymarket and Robinhood have not joined the suit. Nov. 3 Ballot: Voters will decide whether to replace the 2024 abortion-rights amendment with tighter restrictions, including limits on abortion and a ban on gender-transition procedures for minors. Webster Groves voters will also consider a school tax increase to help close a projected $5.6 million budget deficit. Public Records: The Missouri Press Association and Missouri Broadcasters Association sued the Highway Patrol over redactions in crash reports, including names of people killed. They’re asking a court to restore full public access. Courts and Elections: Missouri Republicans are pushing to change how top judges are selected after setbacks in court, while Amendment 6 would limit some lawmakers’ power as a safeguard for direct democracy. Utility Aid: Ameren is adding $10 million to programs that help eligible customers pay energy bills and reduce past-due balances.

November Ballot: Missouri abortion-rights groups are making a final push over Amendment 3, which would repeal current protections and ban most abortions, with limited exceptions. Amendment 6 would protect citizen initiatives and limit lawmakers’ ability to overturn voter-approved measures. Courts and Elections: Republicans are pushing to change Missouri’s judge-selection system after the state Supreme Court blocked their congressional map. In the 2nd District, a new poll shows Republican Ann Wagner and Democrat Fred Wellman in a close race. Local Taxes: Webster Groves schools want voters to approve a 65-cent operating levy to address a projected $5.6 million deficit; the district says it would cost the owner of a $400,000 home about $494 a year. City Services: Columbia and Boone County are considering a $995,000 purchase for a government-run animal shelter as their current provider plans to end its contract. The city council is also set to hold a public hearing on Flock cameras. Business: Columbia-based MidwayUSA reports more than $500 million in annual sales and about 350 employees, making it one of the area’s largest employers.

Missouri Politics: Republican lawmakers are pushing to change the state’s 86-year-old nonpartisan judicial selection system after the Missouri Supreme Court rejected their redistricting effort. Midterm Watch: A newly formed Missouri nonprofit gave $2.9 million to the campaign seeking to overturn the state’s reproductive-rights amendment. No-excuse absentee voting opens Oct. 20; voters need valid photo ID or may cast a provisional ballot. Kansas City: A crash involving a cattle truck on I-70 sent cows loose across downtown and critically injured two people. Roads: Mid-Missouri drivers face a week of construction and lane closures from Oct. 19 to 25, including ongoing I-70 work.

Mizzou Football: No. 13 Missouri fell 31-3 to No. 9 Ole Miss, with the Tigers held to 39 rushing yards and shut out after an opening field goal. Election Push: Thousands rallied at Kansas City’s Mill Creek Park urging voters to act before November’s midterms; no-excuse absentee voting in Missouri starts Tuesday. St. Louis Policing: The police board extended Chief Robert Tracy’s contract through 2030 and raised his salary to $295,000. The police union criticized the deal, while Mayor Cara Spencer said the cost could limit hiring. Cannabis Market: A state-commissioned study found Missouri’s legal market handles 93% of marijuana purchases, with consumers spending an average of $161 a month. Consumer Protection: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is suing Temu, alleging deceptive business practices and improper data collection. Local Business: Independence’s Fun House Pizza and Pub is closing after nearly 58 years; owner Tina Rushton cited health problems and a legal dispute over the building.

Public Safety: Thirty-three new Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers graduated Friday and are due to report to their assigned posts Nov. 2. November Ballot: A new poll puts Amendment 3 support and opposition even at 43% each; Amendment 6, which would change the initiative process, drew 46% support and 26% opposition, with many voters undecided. Consumer Protection: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sued online marketplace Temu, alleging deceptive practices and improper collection of users’ personal data. Economy & Infrastructure: Missouri employment fell in September, while Columbia secured a $16.2 million federal grant to modernize its local railroad. Health & Hunger: Food assistance providers report a sharp rise in demand as household costs climb; meanwhile, federal funding is set to support rural health workers and maternal care in Missouri. Local Governance: Osage Beach is weighing whether to join federal immigration enforcement efforts. College Football: No. 13 Missouri visits No. 9 Ole Miss in a key SEC matchup.

Consumer Protection: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sued Temu, alleging deceptive practices and improper collection of users’ data; the claims have not been proven in court. Election 2026: Campaigns on both sides of Amendment 3 have raised millions ahead of November’s vote on abortion rights. Other ballot measures would change Missouri’s initiative process, create a fund aimed at eliminating state income taxes, and make sheriffs constitutional officers. Gaming Regulation: Prediction-market company Novig sued Missouri after state officials told platforms to register with gaming regulators or stop operating, challenging the state’s authority over sports event contracts. Infrastructure & Jobs: Columbia secured $16.2 million in federal funding to modernize its 21-mile COLT Railroad, while Republic Services broke ground on a Bridgeton recycling center expected to process up to 45 tons an hour when it opens in 2028. St. Louis Development: A proposed $3.1 billion tech district anchored by a large data center is drawing public backlash and legal challenges as the city pursues a regional technology hub.