AGP Executive Report

World Cup Security: The 2026 World Cup’s security plan is being described as unprecedented, with federal, state, local, and private teams using tools from drone netting to AI cameras amid fears tied to regional conflict and possible AI disruptions. Kansas City Violence: Kansas City police are investigating a late-night shooting on Westport Road that left two men dead; no suspect is in custody. Lee’s Summit Downtown Days: Downtown Days turned chaotic with fights, bear spray exposure, and a recovered firearm; police say no serious injuries were reported and they pushed back on social media claims. Missouri Politics on the Ballot: Gov. Mike Kehoe placed four amendments on Missouri’s Aug. 4 primary ballot, setting up a turnout-focused fight over parks funding, assessor elections, and citizen-initiative rules. Missouri Business & Courts: Missouri’s SB 1272 targets abusive “drive-by” website accessibility lawsuits, adding a 90-day safe harbor for good-faith fixes. Local Costs: Moberly residents face higher water and sewer rates starting July 1, plus new card processing fees.

World Cup Security: Federal, state, and local agencies are gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s “78 Super Bowls over 39 days” scale, using tools from drone netting to robot dogs and AI cameras as threats evolve. Missouri Agriculture: Missouri has activated its New World Screwworm response plan after USDA confirmed the pest in a Texas calf, with new rules for animal movement and a joint working group coordinating across agencies. Data Center Water Debate: Amazon’s proposed “Project Green” data center near New Florence would rely on deep wells and could use about 50 million gallons of water a year, drawing local pushback and broader questions about data-center resource demands. College Sports Policy: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt is among lawmakers backing the Protect College Sports Act, aiming to stabilize NIL and transfer chaos while giving the NCAA an antitrust exemption. Kansas City Pride: KC Pride organizers paused production after the city’s conversion therapy ban repeal, saying replacement language is too vague and demanding stronger protections. Gun Violence Awareness: Kansas City leaders and students marched in orange for National Gun Violence Awareness Month, with speakers urging action after ongoing harm to kids. Local Innovation: Maryville rodeo developers Shipps and the late Espey created Calf Tracker to help contestants quickly access livestock info during timed events. Missouri Weather: Magnolia-area forecasts call for Sunday showers and thunderstorms, then hotter, drier conditions early this week.

Data Center Water Fight: Amazon’s “Project Green” in New Florence could tap 1,500-foot wells and use about 50 million gallons of water a year, sparking local opposition and a wider debate over data-center resource demands. Public Health & Agriculture: Missouri activated its New World Screwworm response plan after USDA confirmed the pest in a Texas calf, with new rules for animal movement into the state. Gun Violence Push: Kansas City leaders and students marched on Troost Ave. to demand action during National Gun Violence Awareness Month, with major metro buildings lit orange. College Sports Overhaul: Trump backed the Protect College Sports Act, with Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt among sponsors, aiming to stabilize transfer rules, NIL, eligibility, and program costs. World Cup Security: The 2026 World Cup’s security plan is being billed as unprecedented, with federal, state, and local agencies using advanced tools amid heightened threat concerns. ICE Detention Scrutiny: A new investigation highlights a surge in suicides among ICE detainees, raising questions about mental health oversight in Missouri jails.

Missouri Tax Fight: A state appeals court kept Gov. Mike Kehoe’s plan to eliminate the income tax on the Aug. 4 ballot, but ordered revised ballot language so a “no” vote still allows future tax changes. Healthy SNAP Rollout: Missouri DSS pushed the Healthy SNAP relaunch to Feb. 15, 2027, extending work with grocers and partners while the state awaits USDA guidance. Kratom Crackdown: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based American Shaman will immediately suspend in-state sales of kratom and 7-OH after a lawsuit over “deceptive” marketing. Gun Violence Push: In Columbia, Mom’s Demand Action Missouri and Powerhouse Community Development held a gun-violence awareness event at Douglass Park, with survivors calling for stronger local action. Data Centers & Local Control: Kansas City-area residents and officials keep clashing with data-center plans, while a KC stadium incentives petition drive seeks a citywide vote on $600 million in public support. Public Safety: A 14-year-old died after a train derailment collision with a semitruck in Iowa involving a Palmyra, Mo., driver. Agriculture Watch: MU’s pest network flagged first 2026 Japanese beetle captures and urged soybean and corn scouting.

Missouri Courts: The Missouri Court of Appeals upheld summary judgment for the University of Missouri in a defamation case brought by former KWMU (St. Louis Public Radio) general manager Tim Eby, ruling the university was protected by sovereign immunity. State Politics & Public Health: Kansas City-based American Shaman agreed to immediately suspend Missouri sales of kratom and 7-OH after a lawsuit by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, alleging deceptive “free sample” marketing that downplayed addiction risks. Local Governance/Data Centers: A St. Charles County executive debate highlighted competing approaches to taxes, public safety, and data center proposals, with candidates promising tighter scrutiny or slower development. Energy & Infrastructure: Liberty will brief landowners on a planned regional transmission project, including new 345 kV lines and upgrades meant to address grid reliability needs. World Cup Watch (Kansas City): Temporary flight restrictions and drone enforcement are set around Kansas City World Cup sites, including fan festival areas and team practice locations. Consumer Notes: Costco is converting its Midtown Kansas City store into a Costco Business Center, dropping services like tire, optical, bakery, and pharmacy. Education: Mt. Vernon school board delayed salary action to June 25 while approving policy updates and personnel changes.

Missouri Health Care: Lawmakers advanced a move to stop insurers from imposing time limits on anesthesia payments, after Anthem floated a policy that sparked backlash; Gov. Mike Kehoe is reviewing House Bill 2372. Power & Growth: Columbia’s $34 million transmission line plan is headed for months of finalization, with public input and a council discussion targeted for November. Storm Aftermath: Missouri’s insurance regulator says insurers have paid $475 million so far for the May 16 St. Louis tornado, while Sen. Josh Hawley presses State Farm over claim delays. Local Governance: Community members in Columbia are questioning the future of The Shops at Sharp End as ARPA funding dries up and deadlines near. Public Safety: Callaway County’s search for an armed man ended after he died by suicide following a traffic stop. Business & Economy: Missouri’s income-tax phase-out campaign drew fresh attention after reports of a $1.9 million infusion. Sports & Tourism: St. Louis was named host of the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, a major economic boost for the region.

College Sports Shake-Up: President Trump backs a bipartisan Senate bill to “bring order” to college athletics, including limits on transfers and eligibility—Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt is among the original co-sponsors. Missouri Courts & Data Breaches: A federal judge ruled Munson Healthcare can’t move two proposed patient data-breach class actions to Missouri, citing personal-jurisdiction issues, while separate lawsuits accuse Hogan Transports of delayed notification after a 2025 employee data breach. Public Health & Safety: Eldon began temporary chlorination after DNR found E. coli in water samples, and residents may notice taste, cloudiness, or pressure changes while the boil order is addressed. Local Government Watch: The Missouri State Auditor released an Elsberry audit finding no fraud but calling for improvements in how the city manages utility rates and transparency. Community & Economy: Carthage is gearing up for a history-and-rodeo weekend, and Springfield’s mayor used the State of the City to push denser, taller housing as growth continues. State Policy & Costs: A new report warns Social Security could face automatic benefit cuts averaging about $490 a month in Missouri by 2032 if Congress doesn’t act.

Education Appointments: Gov. Mike Kehoe named Jordan Bradberry and Robbie Myers to the Missouri State Board of Education, adding a Kansas City real estate executive and a Butler County emergency management leader to the panel. Consumer Fraud: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway charged Kevin A. Greenhaw with 26 felonies, accusing him of taking deposits for unfinished barndominium-style home projects and leaving victims out more than $330,000. Public Safety & Courts: A Kansas City man linked to the “Red Legs” group faces federal charges tied to alleged homemade destructive devices and online discussions about attacks on ICE and other targets. Tax Politics: A Delaware-linked nonprofit reportedly donated $1.9 million to a Missouri campaign pushing Amendment 5, which would shift the state from income taxes toward expanded sales taxes—raising questions about hidden donors ahead of the Aug. 4 vote. Local Government & Infrastructure: Missouri DNR awarded $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report grants to Greentop and Auxvasse to assess wastewater upgrades and reduce stormwater inflow. Business & Growth: Allegiant launched new flights from Columbia Regional Airport, with state economic development officials calling the service a regional boost. Community & Development: Kansas City’s Open Doors! storefront grant program is helping new businesses open in the 18th and Vine District ahead of the World Cup.

College Sports Policy: Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified in Congress urging lawmakers to “bring order” to NIL and the transfer portal, backing the Cruz-Cantwell Protect College Sports Act and warning the current legal uncertainty could push schools to cut non-revenue sports. Education Appointments: Gov. Mike Kehoe named Jordan Bradberry and Robbie Myers to the Missouri State Board of Education, adding a Kansas City real estate executive and a Butler County emergency management leader to the board. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A Missouri fire-truck shortage is drawing national attention as delivery delays stretch years and costs climb, with Rep. Josh Hawley citing the impact on communities. Local Economy & Housing: Boone County’s Upward Mobility Initiative was highlighted by the Urban Institute, while a Branson tiny-home village opened with $495 fully furnished rentals—an affordability model gaining traction. Transportation: Springfield reported two serious James River Freeway crashes Tuesday, including one fatality. Aviation: Allegiant launched its first Columbia flight from Orlando-Sanford, adding new Central Missouri travel options.

Missouri Education: Mary Schrag has resigned as president of the Missouri State Board of Education, with Vice President Brooks Miller stepping in until the board elects a new leader June 23. Local Schools: Ozark High School will get interim principal Kent Sappington and assistant principal Fernando Sustaita as the district reshapes its 2026-27 leadership team. Public Health & Safety: A “bobcat fever” tick-borne risk is spreading in the U.S., and vets urge Missouri cat owners to stay on flea-and-tick prevention and keep cats indoors. State Politics & Policy: Missouri may raise the bar for citizen amendments, a move that could reshape how residents qualify ballot measures. Economy & Infrastructure: St. Louis Water Division is nearing a budget crunch and is seeking customer rate increases after record main breaks. Community & Culture: Kirksville’s SOMO Summer Games are returning for a third year in 2027, bringing about 1,200 athletes and families to town. Sports Law: The Eighth Circuit upheld drug convictions where rap lyrics were treated as admissible evidence.

Tax Fight in Missouri: The Missouri Association of Realtors poured $1.9 million into the campaign opposing Amendment 5, escalating the fight over a plan that could steer lawmakers toward eliminating the state income tax by expanding sales taxes. Early Literacy at Risk: Missouri cut funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library from about $6 million to $2 million for fiscal year 2027, putting new enrollments in jeopardy and worrying families across the state. Local Government Clash: Jefferson County mayors and officials are unifying against House Bill 2818, arguing the measure would let annexation-style changes disrupt local planning and projects. Education Leadership: The Missouri State Board of Education president, Mary Schrag, resigned effective immediately, with Vice President Brooks Miller stepping in until elections June 23. Agriculture Policy: Missouri ag groups advanced priorities including renewed ag tax credits, permitting reform to reduce extra state permitting burdens, and steps tied to foreign farmland oversight and rural veterinary shortages. World Cup Liquor Hours: Missouri is among states allowing extended bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with local approvals determining how late businesses can stay open. Workforce Boost: Great Jobs KC expanded into Nodaway County with a $3.8 million grant to fund tuition-free training and job support in rural areas. Business/Logistics: Seattle-based Carrix will fold Five Rivers Distribution’s Arkansas River port operations into its Logistics Services unit, expanding inland river logistics.

Missouri Courts & Elections: A Cole County judge postponed the first hearing in a lawsuit accusing Missouri officials of pressuring county clerks over use of a gerrymandered congressional map, setting a new hearing for June 11. Free Speech Law: Missouri lawmakers advanced a bill to strengthen anti-SLAPP protections, replacing the state’s current law with a broader model statute aimed at quickly tossing lawsuits meant to chill critics, activists, and journalists. State Politics & Policy: Missouri leaders met to set the future course of AI, while another Missouri measure would make it easier to dismiss lawsuits targeting public criticism. Public Safety & Justice: Boone County prosecutors filed charges in a Columbia road-rage case alleging a gun was fired from a moving vehicle. Local Transit: Kirk-Tran added four new stops in Kirksville and adjusted routes after low ridership. Agriculture & Environment: Riegel Dairy in Missouri is installing a manure co-digestion system to produce energy and soil amendments. Business & Health: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics partnered to expand access to blood tests for Alzheimer’s-related amyloid pathology across Latin America and the Caribbean. Sports & Community: Argentina’s World Cup team arrived in Kansas City, with severe weather including a tornado warning disrupting the welcome.

AI Planning in Missouri: Leaders gathered at Mizzou Engineering for the AI-Ready Missouri Summit, aiming to speed up “responsible” AI adoption across agriculture, healthcare, energy, public safety, higher education, and manufacturing. Business Pulse: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index stayed above growth-neutral but slipped, with the region still facing weak employment and the highest inflation reading in four years. Consumer & Health Watch: Missouri’s nonresident deer hunting rules for 2026 tighten for most nonresidents (antlered buck limit drops to one), while a separate proposal would require a $165 permit for nonresident hunting on public lands starting in 2027. Public Safety & Courts: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway sued CoinFlip over alleged crypto ATM scam facilitation and fees, and also charged a High Ridge contractor, Jacob Kaestner (JK Exteriors), with defrauding 16 customers, including elderly tornado victims. Roads & Local Impact: MoDOT moved an I-70 ramp closure at Boone County’s Routes O and J to Tuesday, with detours expected through November. Community & Economy: St. Louis named Stephen Davis as chief economic development officer, and Missouri’s Steel Works in Illinois secured New Markets Tax Credits to add jobs and equipment.

Missouri Politics & Law: Missouri’s new antisemitism definition for schools takes effect this year, but free-speech groups warn it could run into First Amendment problems. State Government & Services: University City has appointed Brooke A. Sharp as city manager, ending an interim stint and a national search. Public Safety & Weather: Kansas City-area forecasts call for isolated strong storms Sunday night into the overnight, with alert-level conditions possible. Health & Science: A new study finds long COVID may be far more common than federal tracking shows, with Missouri readers likely to care as health systems rethink how they measure post-COVID illness. Business & Tech: Liberty Mutual is rolling out a ChatGPT-style motor insurance quoting app in Missouri and other states, signaling more AI-driven distribution. Environment & Food: Chronic wasting disease lab work continues to expand as “zombie deer” detection ramps up, while river cleanup stories show how mussels can return after decades of pollution—though new threats loom. Sports & Community: Argentina’s World Cup arrival in Kansas City puts Missouri in the spotlight as host-city preparations ramp up.

Missouri Politics: Term-limited GOP Sen. Lincoln Hough says the party has changed after his final session left him voting against leadership at times, including on budget priorities tied to sales-tax reliance. Local Government: Jefferson City Councilman Derek Thomas urged rejection of a proposed change to how the city fills council vacancies, arguing the current process is unusual and the overhaul could reshape future appointments. State Policy: Gov. Mike Kehoe placed multiple constitutional amendments on the Aug. 4 ballot, including a proposal to phase out Missouri income tax and changes affecting county assessors. Healthcare & Costs: Across the country, states are balking at Medicaid work requirements as budgets tighten, with Missouri’s GOP Sen. Brad Hudson warning cuts may follow. Missouri Business/Community: Missouri lawmakers restored and expanded the historic preservation tax credit after a chicken-related snafu, and a new law makes disabled placards easier to obtain and last longer. Sports & Culture: Missouri Pride events gear up statewide, while the Cardinals’ roster questions and local college-sports talk keep fans focused on what’s next.

ICE Detention Crisis: An AP investigation says suicide deaths among ICE detainees have surged to an unprecedented pace, with at least 10 deaths since Trump returned to office in January 2025—raising fresh questions about care and oversight in jails across the country. Missouri Courts & Policy: Missouri lawmakers and courts continue to shape election rules and public policy, including a fresh look at how legal decisions could affect the future of Missouri elections and local police. Mizzou & AI in Classrooms: Mizzou students are pushing back as AI gets integrated into coursework, with many opposing professors using generative tools for assignments and feedback. Public Safety & Justice: A Sweet Springs man faces federal charges after prosecutors say his explosive-making videos were tied to a New Orleans terror attack. Business & Industry: Ford is pausing F-150 production at its Dearborn Truck Plant due to a stamping-plant issue, a reminder of how supply-chain glitches can hit vehicle availability. Missouri Tech Boost: Missouri S&T researchers won a $2 million DOE grant to build an AI database aimed at strengthening the concrete supply chain. Everyday Costs: Tomato prices are up about 40% year over year, becoming a new symbol of affordability squeeze.