AGP Executive Report

Missouri Politics: The U.S. Senate passed a bill making the Missouri Churchill Museum in Fulton a National Historic Landmark, sending it to President Trump for signature. Local Economy & Jobs: Simpson Strong-Tie plans to expand and consolidate operations in Fulton with a nearly $20 million project expected to create 24 jobs, using Missouri Works incentives. Public Safety & Health: Walmart recalled about 4.5 million Expert Grill wire-bristle grill brushes due to loose bristles that can detach and pose an ingestion hazard. Agriculture Costs: A Farm Bureau analysis says diesel prices have surged again, raising fuel costs for Missouri farmers during harvest. State & Community: Missouri wildlife is gearing up for winter in different ways, from stocking food to finding shelter or disappearing for the season. Sports (Missouri): Florida visits Missouri in a key Week 5 matchup in Columbia, with Missouri looking to slow Florida’s offense and pass rush.

SNAP paperwork changes: Missouri will require more documentation for SNAP applications and renewals starting Oct. 1, including proof of housing, utilities, dependent care costs, and financial resources, as the state tries to reduce benefit errors ahead of federal cost-sharing rules. Student success push: Missouri S&T is reorganizing student support by merging academic and student affairs into a Student Success Division, using NSSE/FSSE survey data to tackle “belonging” gaps tied to dropout risk. Mizzou response-rate drive: The University of Missouri is forming a committee to boost NSSE response rates toward a 30% goal and expand how the results feed into strategic planning. Legal warning for shoppers: A Branson attorney says Missouri law can leave people exposed to detention and even assault claims after self-checkout mistakes, citing store immunity for “reasonable grounds.” Local updates: MoDOT announced extended Lee’s Summit lane closures for ADA work and a long-term I-435 bridge-area closure on Blue Parkway/MO 350. Marijuana sales: Missouri’s legalized market is seeing strong sales momentum, with Branson dispensaries highlighting local access and education.

SNAP + utility squeeze in mid-Missouri: Columbia’s SNAP rules now require more documentation starting Oct. 1, right as the city raised electric bills 6% and water rates 10%, adding new affordability pressure for residents. Animal control contract dispute: Central Missouri Humane Society says it will stop providing animal care for Columbia’s new municipal shelter, citing the lack of a sustainable model for running services at two locations. Missouri Capitol K-9 dies: Capitol Police announced K-9 Leon died just short of his 4th birthday after a fast-spreading disease. Road and interchange planning: MoDOT set a full closure of Route H at Taulbee Road in Weston for culvert replacement (Nov. 4–Dec. 1) and held a public meeting Oct. 15 on Forward 44 interchange designs near I-44/Route 50. Local community + services: North Kansas City Schools is trying to close a $16 million budget gap through community input, while Kansas City voters will decide in April on sales-tax funding for a monorail plan. State education data push: Mizzou and Missouri S&T are using NSSE/FSSE results to improve student success and boost survey response rates.

Abortion Ballot Fight: Missouri voters head to the polls in November on Amendment 3, which would repeal the 2024 abortion-rights measure and tighten access again, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies and in cases of rape or incest (first 12 weeks). Court, Maps, and Power: Missouri’s redistricting fight remains in the spotlight after the U.S. Supreme Court again blocked GOP-drawn congressional maps, keeping the 2022 districts in place for the November election. SNAP Changes in Missouri: SNAP benefits rise slightly, but new federal work rules and Missouri documentation requirements could add steps for some recipients at renewal. Public Safety Tech Debate: Missouri lawmakers and U.S. senators are pressing on Flock surveillance cameras and license plate readers, raising privacy and false-arrest concerns. Local News: A Sweet Springs motorcyclist died in a Highway 50 crash near Sedalia; a protein-shake semi overturned on I-70 near Callaway/Boone, briefly snarling traffic; and a wildland fire burned about 500 acres near Raymondville with no buildings lost. Business & Growth: XPO opened new service centers in Cameron, Missouri, and Mesa, Arizona, expanding freight capacity.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service warns of flash-flood potential and possible stronger storms tonight into Thursday across parts of southwest Iowa, southeast Nebraska, and northwest Missouri, with rain totals that could reach 4–5 inches in the heaviest areas. Roadwork in Jefferson City Area: MoDOT has begun the first phase of a bridge project, closing Davis Boulevard at 32nd Street to shift the intersection about 1,000 feet east to connect with Stephens Boulevard. State Emergency for Farmers: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order temporarily allowing certain farm vehicles to use untaxed dyed red diesel on Missouri highways during harvest and easing related weight limits. Animal Health Alert: A tick-borne cattle disease, theileria orientalis, continues spreading across a four-state region, with Missouri reporting cases in dozens of counties and producers facing sudden losses. Columbia Historic Building: Columbia is seeking proposals from fundraising consultants to guide a possible private campaign to restore the historic McKinney Building, with responses due Oct. 16. Local Crime: A Holt County man was booked on charges tied to statutory sodomy and child molestation, and another northwest Missouri man faces charges after a domestic-assault investigation.

Missouri Politics: Missouri House Democrats are pushing the State Board of Education to return private donations and switch to a publicly funded search for the next education commissioner, arguing anonymous donors are effectively “purchasing control” of the process. Education & Research: Mizzou and Missouri S&T are leaning harder on NSSE/FSSE student survey data to boost response rates and improve “belonging” and student success. Public Safety: Missouri 242 in Miller County was shut down Tuesday evening after a reported bomb threat tied to a potential DWI; the Highway Patrol later cleared the area. Weather: Heavy rain and flood risk are expected in the Kansas City area as remnants of Hurricane Polo collide with a cold front. Transportation Costs: Missouri drivers have until Wednesday to file for the gas tax rebate, with the state warning against scam apps. Legal/Policy: A Missouri Dental Hygienists’ Association lawsuit targets the state Dental Board’s push to expand dental assistant duties, setting up a turf fight over who can do what. Community: A Kansas City-area event at Arrowhead Stadium offered free dental care for underserved kids.

U.S. Supreme Court Map Fight: The court again blocked Missouri’s GOP-favored congressional map, keeping older district lines in place for the 2026 midterms, a major win for voters and a fresh setback for Republicans. Local Politics & Schools: Columbia Public Schools filed a second lawsuit over a Boone County charter plan, arguing the application process wasn’t handled correctly and could divert millions from district classrooms. Public Safety & Health: A new study recommends violence-prevention steps for Columbia, including more street outreach and hospital-based intervention. Weather: Hurricane Polo’s moisture is expected to bring heavy rain to mid-Missouri, with Thursday the wettest day and some areas facing flood-watch conditions. Economy & Jobs: Boeing won a more-than-$20 billion Navy fighter contract to build the F/A-XX in St. Louis, boosting the region’s defense manufacturing footprint. Community Notes: Kirksville kicked off Missouri Good Neighbor Week, while Lawrence County authorities and the Humane Society rescued more than 100 animals from hoarding conditions. State Money: Missouri drivers have until Wednesday to claim a gas tax refund covering 12.5 cents per gallon.

Missouri Supreme Court Map Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Missouri will use the 2022 congressional map for the November election, ending a chaotic scramble for ballots after early voting began while maps were still in legal limbo. Election Fallout: Missouri election officials said voters were “tired” as they tried to explain whether ballots would count, with the court’s decision preserving the 2022 district lines. Ballot Measures Watch: Missouri Republicans are now racing to build late campaigns on Proposition A (redistricting) and Amendment 6 (limits on initiative changes) as absentee voting is already underway. Public Safety & Health: A nurse at St. Louis Children’s Hospital shared what NICU care is like after her daughter was born extremely premature, as NICU Awareness Month highlights families across Missouri. Local Business: A new bookstore, The Reading Nook, opened in downtown Fayette, adding a fresh stop for readers and special orders. Weather: Flood watches are in effect across parts of the region, with heavy rain expected to raise flood risks Tuesday through Thursday.

FBI Leadership Shake-Up: Former Missouri AG Andrew Bailey announced he’s stepping down as FBI co-deputy director after just over a year, saying he’s returning to family in Missouri. Road Work in Mid-Missouri: MoDOT is shifting traffic on U.S. 67 in Butler County starting Tuesday evening, with a fast, continuous transition expected to finish within about 36 hours. Harvest Fuel Pressure: Diesel prices in Missouri have hit an all-time high around $6.34 a gallon, squeezing farmers during peak harvest when agriculture burns most of its yearly diesel. Health Coverage Threat: Thousands in the Kansas City metro face losing Medicaid coverage this week unless immigration status changes, according to local health organizations. Weather Watch: Remnants of Hurricane Polo could bring heavy rain to southwest Missouri, with drought relief possible but flash-flood risk rising. Local Consumer/Business: Dent County funeral homes were shut down by state regulators, and affected families are speaking out about pre-need contract problems. Politics & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court again blocked Missouri’s GOP-favored congressional map, keeping 2022 districts in place for November. Sports: Texas A&M-Missouri on Oct. 10 has a scheduled kickoff window on ABC or SEC Network.

Supreme Court Fight Over Missouri Map: President Donald Trump blasted the U.S. Supreme Court after it blocked Missouri from using a 2025 congressional map for the November 2026 election, keeping the 2022 map in place as the legal battle drags on. Mid-Missouri Road Work: MoDOT warned of overnight I-70 eastbound single-lane closures in Lafayette County, plus a ramp closure at MO 13 to I-70, for pavement repair Monday night into Tuesday morning. Table Rock Lake Boating Incidents: A St. Charles woman was injured in a two-boat crash on Table Rock Lake, while a Cassville man died after a watercraft capsized near Eagle Rock Marina. Education and Enrollment Reality: A spotlight story looks at how shrinking student populations are forcing major changes in Missouri schools, including the fallout from St. Louis Public Schools’ steep enrollment decline. Business Expansion: Regent Bank announced it’s expanding into Kansas City and St. Louis with commercial lending offices. Public Safety: Authorities reported an unidentified body recovered from the Missouri River in Cass County, and St. Louis County issued a silver advisory for a missing 81-year-old man with dementia.

Missouri Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Missouri’s GOP-backed congressional map for a third time, ordering the state to use the 2022 lines for the 2026 midterms; President Trump blasted the ruling as Missouri’s redistricting fight heads into another round of local fallout. Local Government: Boone County officials are pushing Proposition L, arguing the county is spending millions to house inmates out of state and needs a new jail funding boost. Higher Education: Missouri S&T is reorganizing to improve student “belonging,” merging academic and student affairs into a Student Success Division and using NSSE/FSSE survey data to guide changes; Mizzou is also working to raise its NSSE response rate. Sports: Missouri football stayed No. 25 in the coaches poll after a 31-24 loss to Mississippi State, and the AP Top 25 also reflected SEC shakeups with Florida surging to the top 10. Community & Events: Columbia’s Pride Parade drew thousands for the second day of Mid-Missouri PrideFest. Health Care: Northeast Regional Medical Center expanded heart care with a Heart Failure Program using an implantable pulmonary artery pressure reader and added leadless pacemakers.

U.S. Supreme Court: The high court blocked Missouri from using a GOP-backed congressional map for the Nov. 3 midterms for a third time, ordering courts not to require the new lines and effectively keeping the 2022 map in place. Elections & voting rights: Pro-voter groups and civil rights advocates said the latest ruling ends another attempt to force an unlawful map into the election, while critics warned about “chaos” if changes were allowed midstream. Jefferson City public safety: Voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to raise Jefferson City’s public safety sales tax from a quarter-cent to a half-cent, as officials warn the current funding can’t cover staffing and response needs. Local governance: The Diocese of Jefferson City asked the city for a variance to build a 120-foot cell tower at 2215 W. Main St., with the Board of Adjustment set to consider it Tuesday. Crime (Kansas City): Police are investigating a woman’s death after she was found shot in a Casey’s gas station parking lot; no suspect is in custody. Sports (Mizzou): Missouri fell 31-24 at Mississippi State in a ranked SEC matchup, despite Austin Simmons’ 295-yard, three-touchdown performance.

U.S. Supreme Court: SCOTUS again blocked Missouri’s GOP-backed congressional map, keeping the 2022 lines in place for the November midterms after a third rejection tied to “chaos” concerns. Missouri Politics: The ruling drew praise from pro-voter groups pushing a referendum, while GOP officials criticized the decision as the map fight heads into the ballot. Investigations: Missouri Independent reporters Clara Bates and Anna Spoerre won a Missouri Press Association investigative prize for their foster care reporting, citing statewide policy failures and resulting changes. Weather: Mid-Missouri can expect showers overnight, then drier conditions Sunday, with more rain chances Tuesday through Thursday. Local Events: Columbia’s MidMo PrideFest released emergency safety protocols, including a nine-step de-escalation plan and staffing/volunteer coverage for an expected 8,000 attendees. Sports: No. 19 Missouri opens SEC play tonight at Mississippi State; elsewhere, Florida routed Ole Miss 52-28. Public Safety: A 14-year-old from Seneca was seriously injured after leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash near Neosho.

U.S. Supreme Court: The high court blocked Missouri from using a new, GOP-backed congressional map for the Nov. 3 midterms, ordering the state to stick with the 2022 districts after ballots were already printed and voting began—citing “electoral chaos.” Local Politics: The ruling ends a fast-moving legal fight that had bounced between state and federal courts, with Missouri Republicans seeking a map change that could have shifted House seats. Sports (Mizzou): Missouri opens SEC play Saturday at Mississippi State (6:45 p.m. CT, SEC Network; streaming via Fubo), after a 3-0 start that includes a win over Troy. Sports (Week 4): Week 4 features multiple ranked matchups across the SEC, including Ole Miss at Florida and Texas at Tennessee. Public Safety: St. Louis County police charged two people in a burglary at the long-shuttered Trinity Catholic High School in Spanish Lake, including one found hiding in a bathroom ceiling. Community: Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest returns behind fences and new rules after Downtown Days was canceled following repeated security problems.

Redistricting Showdown: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Missouri Republicans for a third time from using a GOP-favored 2025 congressional map in the Nov. 3 midterms, ordering Missouri to use the 2022 map instead as absentee and overseas voting are already underway, with the justices warning that switching maps mid-election would create “electoral chaos.” Local Reaction: Gov. Mike Kehoe and other local officials criticized the lack of consistency between the primary and general election maps, while pro-voting groups said voters should get the final say. Attorney General Probe: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway launched an investigation into ActBlue, alleging the Democratic fundraising platform accepted foreign donations and violated state consumer-protection law, demanding documents by Oct. 8. Transportation Safety: MoDOT will hold a Hwy. 61-67 corridor safety demonstration Oct. 15 in Arnold/Pevely, using temporary lane changes to test slower speeds and turn access. Weather Alert: NOAA warns Missouri to brace for heavy rain next week tied to remnants of a powerful Pacific hurricane. Outdoors: Schell-Osage Conservation Area in southwest Missouri will reopen Oct. 3 after construction is finished. Community: Mizzou’s Homecoming Blood Drive set a record 5,150 units collected.

SEC Football Preview: Missouri opens conference play Saturday at Mississippi State, where the Bulldogs are 3-0 and ranked No. 24 after quarterback Kamario Taylor’s breakout start; Missouri will be without star RB Ahmad Hardy as it tries to snap a tough trend against ranked teams. Missouri Courts & Schools: The Missouri Supreme Court is weighing whether a 2022 law banning “explicit sexual material” for school staff violates free-speech protections, after lower courts struck it down and book removals followed. State Audit: A new audit says Missouri agencies repeatedly failed to fix problems in federal spending oversight, including Medicaid system issues tied to duplicate enrollment and backlogs in eligibility reviews. Public Safety: Missouri is asking residents to register for the Oct. 15 Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, with more than 260,000 already signed up. Crime & Sentencing: A Kansas City mother was sentenced to 13 years after pleading guilty in the death of her 1-month-old daughter in an oven incident; separately, a former Louisiana police chief was sentenced to 29 years in a fentanyl case. Local Notes: Trenton’s 41st Missouri Day Parade is set for Oct. 17; and Ronald McDonald House Mid-Missouri named Christina Eberhard Devine as its next executive director starting Dec. 1.