AGP Executive Report

Amendment 5 Fight in Carthage: Missouri lawmakers and supporters are pushing the Aug. 4 ballot measure to phase out the state income tax and replace it with higher sales or use taxes, while healthcare workers warn it could raise costs for patients. Healthcare Price Transparency: The Trump administration has warned more than 500 hospitals to post basic pricing or face penalties up to $2 million a year, signaling tighter enforcement. World Cup Prep in Kansas City: KC is bracing for major FIFA traffic and spending as Kansas and Missouri host teams and matches, with local agencies also ramping up anti-human trafficking stings. Public Safety Grants: Charleston earned the Missouri Blue Shield Designation for 2026, and the state is seeking to expand funding for local police support. Road Work Update: MoDOT says Columbia’s Highway 63/Grindstone Parkway interchange and nearby ramps are now open after an $11 million project. Agriculture & Water: North Dakota officials highlighted an irrigation study showing potential to expand irrigation acreage and boost economic output.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS released final rules for Medicaid work requirements, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Healthcare Costs Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually. World Cup Watch in KC: Kansas City is bracing for crowds as FIFA brings four teams and at least six matches to the metro, with local planners still unsure how big watch parties will get. Missouri Politics: Sen. Eric Schmitt kept the spotlight on his viral Congressional Baseball diving catch while also pushing ICE funding. Legal & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Florida’s challenge to other states’ commercial driver licensing programs. Local Justice Access: The Missouri Bar will hold a rural legal services listening session in Worth County June 18. Business & Growth: Sagility is buying Kansas City-based CareSeed to expand Medicare Advantage and AI-led quality work. Public Safety: Police say a Belton man admitted stealing Ford F-350 wheels and tires from a Clinton business. Federal Surveillance: The House failed to extend FISA 702 for now, setting up another fight over warrantless data collection.

Health Care Costs: The Trump administration has warned more than 500 hospitals to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million a year, with enforcement set to tighten as patients can’t shop for costs like blood work and imaging. Missouri Budget Watch: Missouri’s top auditor warns the state could run out of money by fiscal year 2028, putting voters’ income-tax elimination plan into question as spending outpaces revenue. World Cup in Missouri: With Kansas City expecting huge crowds, DHSS is urging heat-safety steps for outdoor events and watch parties as humidity can turn dangerous fast. Local Courts: Missouri’s Eastern District Court of Appeals dismissed a property dispute appeal and ordered $10,000 in damages, citing serious procedural problems including AI-generated fictitious cases. Business & Tech: Sagility is buying Kansas City-based CareSeed to expand AI-led quality and Medicare Advantage performance work. Data Centers: Nodaway County is seeking a written development agreement before a proposed data center starts, as residents worry about water impacts. Sports & Culture: Dialed In launched World Cup-themed rosin gummies in Missouri, tying soccer fandom to local retail activations.

Child Care Crisis: Child care centers across Missouri are struggling with staff retention as low wages and limited education requirements push turnover, leaving families with fewer options. Higher Ed Watch: Columbia College’s finances are raising red flags, with experts pointing to declining revenue and years where spending outpaced income. Public Safety—Sex Crimes: Cass County authorities are investigating alleged sex crimes involving a Kansas man accused of abusing middle school-age girls, with charges including statutory rape and sexual exploitation of a minor. Courts & Voting: A Missouri judge delayed a key step in the GOP redistricting fight, raising the odds opponents miss the Aug. 4 referendum window. Energy & Utilities: The Missouri Public Service Commission set multiple intervention deadlines tied to Evergy, Ameren, Spire, and Missouri-American water/sewer filings—watch these if you care about future rates and infrastructure. Storm Damage: Severe storms hit Putnam County, destroying a mobile home and flattening a barn. World Cup in KC: Kansas City is in full World Cup mode, with thousands of volunteers ready to welcome fans and local match-day guidance rolling out.

Budget Crunch Warning: Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick says the FY2027 plan is set up for deficit spending of more than $1.7 billion, with the General Revenue Fund projected to be nearly exhausted by early FY2028—urging Gov. Mike Kehoe to balance now to avoid “emergency” cuts. Public Money Accountability: Fitzpatrick also found Francis Howell R-III School District paid a $229,167 settlement after officials allegedly failed to properly vet a former superintendent before signing a three-year contract. Election Court Fight: A first hearing is set Wednesday in a case accusing Missouri officials of pressuring county clerks over use of a gerrymandered congressional map for voter rolls, with potential impacts on 2026 primaries and the general election. Title IX Compliance: The U.S. Education Department confirmed a whistleblower claim that it violated a federal court order in Title IX cases tied to gender identity and sexual orientation. Local Governance Spotlight: Springfield-area Rep. Bill Owen was selected as the next House budget chair, pending reelection. Business & Jobs: EquipmentShare named two new directors, while Missouri Chamber officials highlighted a healthcare apprenticeship program tied to former Sen. Roy Blunt’s work.

World Cup Security: The AP reports the 2026 World Cup’s security plan is unlike anything before, with federal, state, and local agencies using drones, robot dogs, X-ray trucks, and AI cameras amid war-related and AI-fueled disruption fears. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide—including Missouri patients’ neighbors in the AP list—over missing price transparency, with penalties up to $2 million a year for noncompliance. Local Government Watch: Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick launched a performance audit of Pleasant Hill after a petition with enough signatures to trigger review, and will also scrutinize the municipal court over possible financial discrepancies. Public Safety Grants: The Northwest Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is taking grant applications for traffic-safety programs, with a Wednesday deadline and awards capped at $5,000. Community & Culture: Carl Sandburg College joined a regional maritime training consortium, and UCM’s Gallery of Art and Design is hosting its annual “Seasons” exhibition and reception. Crime & Courts: A federal judge dismissed a Missouri candidate’s challenge to GOP ballot access rules, while Harrisonville police charged an Emporia, Kansas man in alleged sex crimes involving minors.

Public Safety: Missouri Conservation Department is proposing a $5 camping permit system for conservation areas after camping violations and warnings jumped from 13 in 2015 to 183 in 2024, with a public comment window running July 16 to Aug. 14. USDA & Rural Economy: USDA deputy secretary Stephen Vaden says the agency’s reorganization is on track, with mission areas shifting to regional hubs including Kansas City, Missouri, and no reductions in force planned. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals to post clearer price information or face penalties up to $2 million annually, as enforcement of 2019 price transparency rules ramps up. Missouri Courts: Missouri Supreme Court dismissed the state’s appeal in a St. Louis police funding dispute over $67.5 million, ruling the lower court didn’t issue a formal preliminary writ. World Cup Watch (KC): Kansas City is moving to close a rental-car “loophole” so peer-to-peer platforms like Turo pay the same fee as traditional companies ahead of the tournament. Local Business: Western Smokehouse Partners won New Markets Tax Credits for a Mexico, Mo. expansion expected to create 377 jobs. Community & Culture: HindiUSA Saint Louis marked 25 years with a St. Louis Kavi Sammelan celebrating Hindi language and culture.

World Cup Security: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off next week with an unprecedented security setup across 16 cities, as federal, state, local, and private teams lean on drones, robot dogs, X-ray trucks, and AI cameras amid war-related tensions and fears of tech-fueled disruption. Missouri Politics: The Missouri Supreme Court upheld Gov. Mike Kehoe’s authority to call an extraordinary session in August 2025, rejecting a NAACP-backed challenge. Human Trafficking Watch: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway launched a World Cup-focused campaign with It’s a Penalty and the Simply Report app to push the public to report suspected trafficking. Local Government & Public Safety: Kansas City police investigated a mass shooting on Troost Avenue that left nine injured, with city officials pointing to an unlicensed after-hours club. Business & Growth: Breedon agreed to buy a Missouri limestone quarry for $120 million to expand U.S. aggregates operations near St. Louis. Community & Culture: The final Kansas City Symphony Designers’ Showhouse opens June 13 and runs through July 5, ending a long-running local fundraiser. Transportation: MoDOT says Route 71 in Nodaway County will see rolling closures Wednesday for Evergy utility work.

World Cup Security: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off next week with an unprecedented security buildout across 16 U.S. cities, using robot dogs, AI cameras, and drone-detection tech as federal, state, and local agencies coordinate stadiums, fan zones, and team protection. Kansas City Violence: In Kansas City, Missouri, nine people were shot early Saturday near 79th and Troost; injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, and police say the incident followed a large gathering. Boone County Flood Rescues: Floodwater closed Route E in Boone County, where firefighters rescued multiple people from vehicles and urged drivers to use alternate routes. SNAP Restrictions in Missouri: USDA says Missouri is among states rolling out limits on SNAP purchases of non-nutritious items like soda and candy, with implementation dates varying by state. Local Public Safety & Courts: A Kansas City, Kansas man was charged federally for possessing Molotov cocktails tied to alleged plans targeting ICE and the Missouri National Guard; separately, an Emporia man faces charges involving illegal sexual activity with minors. State Policy Watch: Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal tied to Amendment 5 ballot language, keeping the measure moving. Community & Culture: Missouri Stream Teams is inviting residents to join National Rivers Month activities, with events and cleanup opportunities statewide.

World Cup Security: A Kansas City shooting left nine people injured near England’s World Cup base camp area, with police stressing it was not connected to the tournament; the incident adds pressure as federal, state, and local agencies plan for “78 Super Bowls over 39 days” of security across 16 cities. Missouri Politics & Maps: A new push to redraw districts is framed as a threat to minority voting power after Supreme Court changes that make partisan gerrymanders harder to challenge, with Missouri named among states facing map fights. Education & Local Governance: Missouri’s 2026 education session is called a “dud,” while Pea Ridge School District fills major leadership roles after resignations and Kirkwood faces backlash over a controversial Facebook post. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Kirkwood asks MoDOT to lower the speed limit on Manchester Road to protect students and pedestrians. Community & Growth: Columbia’s North Village Park project is set to add accessibility features and new downtown event space. Business & Tech: Lightedge says it will start selling IBM PowerVS to IBM i customers, signaling more cloud competition in the region. Health & Consumer Protection: Missouri AG charges a Greene County builder with felony fraud allegations involving elderly victims.

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.