AGP Executive Report

Missouri Good Neighbor Week: Residents are being urged to nominate and document everyday acts of kindness during the Sept. 28–Oct. 4 statewide campaign, with awards planned for the most neighborly business, neighborhood, and individual. Higher Education: U.S. News ranked the University of Missouri No. 95 nationally, citing gains in student success and research, including a 91% first-year retention rate. Maternal Care Crisis: A new report says more than half of Missouri counties are maternity care deserts, pushing many rural families to travel long distances; officials point to telehealth, mobile units, and doula support. Courts & Elections: Missouri’s congressional map fight is back before the U.S. Supreme Court as voting proceeds, with competing sides arguing over whether the state can switch maps between primary and November. Public Safety & Health Funding: The state auditor says agencies failed to properly monitor $569 million in federal funds, while Missouri DSS awarded about $35 million to strengthen rural hospital infrastructure. Crime & Justice: Missouri AG Hanaway launched an investigation into Students for Justice in Palestine fundraising and solicitation claims. Local Tragedy: Remains of missing Texas State student Jason Landry were identified after six years.

Missouri Supreme Court & Schools: The state’s high court heard arguments on whether a 2022 law banning “explicit sexual material” in school libraries is constitutional, a case tied to hundreds of books pulled from shelves. Congressional Map Fight: Missouri’s redistricting battle is back before the U.S. Supreme Court for a third time as absentee voting begins and conflicting court orders leave voters in limbo. Public Health: Missouri is issuing fresh measles exposure advisories, including potential exposure tied to Busch Stadium, while Kansas City health officials warn about a rise in rabid bats and urge prompt evaluation after any bite or scratch. Healthcare Access: Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall will end inpatient labor and delivery Sept. 30, pushing expectant families to travel farther. Local Government Budgets: Glendale faces a revenue shortfall after Missouri’s senior property tax freeze, threatening funding for a voter-approved bond project. Housing Pressure at MU: Off-campus housing near the University of Missouri is nearly fully pre-leased for 2026-27, with rents up to about $839 per bed. Crime & Courts: A Missouri mother was sentenced to 13 years after her 1-month-old died in an oven, with a murder charge dismissed as part of a plea. Transportation: MoDOT plans major Crystal City closures on Sunridge Trail and Hwy. 61-67 for drainage work.

Supreme Court Showdown: Missouri’s GOP-backed congressional map is back at the U.S. Supreme Court for a third time after a federal appeals court ordered it reinstated for November, even as ballots and absentee voting have already started under earlier districts—raising the stakes for how states handle map changes between primaries and general elections. Local Safety: A Saint Robert woman was seriously hurt when her SUV left the road and overturned in Maries County; in Chillicothe, a crash involving a Chillicothe police vehicle and a semi is under investigation. Politics & Public Safety: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway issued a formal nuisance demand to Reign Bar in Columbia over repeated violence and gunfire concerns. State Oversight: The Missouri State Auditor launched a performance audit of the St. Louis County Special School District amid treatment and financial worries. Mid-Missouri Agriculture: Orchard owners say extreme March weather cut apple crops sharply, with some struggling to keep customers. Sports: Mizzou and Missouri State games, plus ranked SEC football at Mississippi State, are driving the week’s college sports buzz.

Congressional map fight: Missouri’s 2025 GOP-drawn congressional map is back in play for November after an 8th Circuit ruling, but the order is on hold while opponents seek U.S. Supreme Court review—leaving voters and county clerks warning that ballots could change and that absentee voters may get only one chance. Election logistics: Kansas City and Jackson County election boards say absentee ballots are counted under the map in effect when the ballot is cast, and if districts shift after voting, voters won’t get to vote again for a new congressional race. Abortion ballot: Absentee voting also brings Amendment 3 back to Missouri voters, aiming to restrict abortion two years after voters approved constitutional protections. Measles alert: Health officials report a third Missouri measles case tied to the same train exposure, with warnings for places including Busch Stadium and nearby businesses. Public safety: A Kansas City woman was sentenced to 13 years for endangering a child resulting in death after allegedly putting a 1-month-old in an oven. Local life: MoDOT announced major upcoming road work, including an Oct. 6 public info session on the 2027 I-70 closure near downtown stadiums.

Elections & Courts: Missouri’s congressional map fight is back in the spotlight as a federal appeals panel again ordered the state to use the GOP-backed 2025 districts in November, while opponents rush an emergency appeal and overseas voters start getting ballots amid the legal whiplash. Voting Access: Absentee voting begins Tuesday, but conflicting rulings are sowing confusion for some Missouri voters. Public Safety: I-70 reopened Tuesday morning after a fatal Cooper County motorcycle crash; separate crashes reported include a serious Maries County overturn and a deadly Jefferson County rollover. State Policy: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway joined a multi-state push warning about Chinese-linked suppliers tied to compounded GLP-1 drug ingredients. Education: Brainfuse was approved as a Missouri provider for live, high-dosage K–5 literacy tutoring tied to Reading Success Plans. Environment: MDC announced a free prescribed fire workshop in Linneus. Sports: Missouri heads to Mississippi State for an SEC matchup, with the Tigers’ special teams highlighted after a win over Troy.

Congressional Map Fight: A federal appeals court ruled Missouri must use the GOP-backed 2025 congressional map for the Nov. 3 election, but the order is paused for a week as opponents seek another U.S. Supreme Court showdown—leaving ballots and election planning in limbo. Public Safety & Health: Missouri health officials warned of possible measles exposure at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium (Sept. 12), urging anyone there to watch for symptoms. Mizzou Sports: Mizzou football set a 2:30 p.m. homecoming kickoff vs Florida (Oct. 3, ESPN/ABC), while QB Austin Simmons’ uneven night vs Troy is being dissected. Recruiting: Missouri basketball landed 2027 four-star forward Cameron Barnes, a Lee’s Summit native. Local Infrastructure: BNSF’s new Missouri River train bridge work is operational, but bike trails and sidewalks remain closed during the next phase. Community: Jackson County voters will decide in November whether to renew the COMBAT sales tax funding anti-crime efforts.

Pettis County Shooting: The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating an officer-involved shooting after deputies responded to a mental health crisis call and a woman was struck when she allegedly raised a rifle; she’s hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Road Safety: A fiery semitruck crash shut down westbound I-44 near Eureka after the driver lost control and hit the median; no injuries reported. Traffic Fatalities: A Purdy man died in a Barry County crash after failing to stop at a sign, and a separate crash report notes another fatality in the region. Sports Betting Crackdown: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued cease-and-desist letters to six prediction market operators, arguing their “sports event contracts” are unlicensed wagering that dodges state rules and taxes. Rail Safety Week: Missouri Operation Lifesaver kicked off “See Tracks? Think Train!” to push safer behavior around trains. Health & Prevention: A report finds some Missouri pharmacies are promoting early flu shots despite guidance that September/October is best. Heat Deaths Undercounted: Research says Missouri heat-related deaths are far higher than official counts suggest. Local Roadwork: MoDOT plans a ramp closure on westbound U.S. 54 near Jefferson City for widening work, with impacts lasting months.

Mizzou Football: Missouri survived a scare and beat Troy 27-17, rallying from a 10-point deficit with 24 straight points in the second quarter; the win keeps the Tigers undefeated and sets up SEC play next week at Mississippi State. Coaches Poll Update: After the Troy win, Missouri moved up to No. 21 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Marshall vs. Missouri State: Marshall held off a late Missouri State comeback for a 30-24 win, with Carlos Del Rio-Wilson throwing and running for key scores. Local Safety: A UTV crash in Taney County sent two people to the hospital with serious injuries; a man faces felony DWI charges tied to the crash. Mid-Missouri Roadwork: MoDOT scheduled pavement widening, ramp work, and lane closures across the region, including intermittent I-70 single-lane impacts. Housing Watch: Zillow reported Cole County’s typical home value rose 7.8% to $289,489 in August 2026. Community: Mid-Missouri Peaceworks hosted a 5K walk and rally pushing for climate action and updated local building codes.

Police & Courts: St. Ann police say an officer-involved shooting followed a juvenile gathering where a man fired an automatic weapon into the air; he was hit and is in critical condition, and the probe is now with Maryland Heights. In Kansas City, the Platte County prosecutor Eric Zahnd died suddenly Thursday, and the Missouri Highway Patrol says a criminal investigation into allegations against him remains active. Missouri Politics & Law: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway sent cease-and-desist letters to six prediction-market firms over alleged unlicensed sports betting, warning they must be licensed and taxed under the state’s voter-approved sports wagering rules. State Government & Infrastructure: MoDOT transportation oversight hearing highlighted the expanding I-70 Improve I-70 plan and other road priorities. Education: Missouri Connections Academy begins its sixth year with about 4,000 virtual students statewide. Sports: No. 20 Missouri rallied from a slow start to beat Troy 27-17; Marshall edged Missouri State 30-24; and local high school football Week 4 results rolled in. Weather: A cold front brings rain and storms Sunday into Monday, then a cooler, drier stretch.

Congressional map fight: Missouri overseas voters are getting ballots mailed out while a federal appeals court weighs whether to use a GOP-drawn map, even as uncertainty remains over which candidates should appear—raising the stakes for military and overseas Missourians. Local government: Columbia City Council is set to vote Monday on a $606.7 million proposed 2027 budget, including a $25.2 million gap, new positions, smart utility meters, and possible animal shelter and road changes. Public safety: A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper was injured in a Sullivan crash, and police are investigating a stabbing in Aurora that sent a victim to a Springfield hospital. Statewide policy: Missouri is also moving to stop sports prediction markets, as the attorney general targets betting practices tied to online platforms. Sports (Mizzou focus): No. 20 Missouri hosts Troy Saturday in a streaming-only game on ESPN Select/ESPN platforms, while the Tigers will be without Ahmad Hardy and Malae Fonoti. Community: Columbia’s Heritage Festival and Craft Show kicked off Saturday at Nifong Park, turning the park into a living history scene.

Mizzou Football: Missouri closes its nonconference slate Saturday night hosting Troy at Memorial Stadium, with the Tigers ranked No. 22 and coming off a 38-21 Border War win over Kansas; kickoff details and streaming are set for SEC Network+ via ESPN+. College Football TV Guide: Week 3 is packed, including ABC’s LSU-Ole Miss prime-time opener featuring Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford, plus national matchups like Mississippi State at South Carolina on SEC Network. Missouri Cannabis Recall: State regulators recalled Juicy J’s cherry limeade infused pre-rolls after testing found Aspergillus mold, marking a second Missouri cannabis recall this month. Prediction Markets Crackdown: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued cease-and-desist letters to multiple prediction market operators, saying “event contracts” are unlicensed sports wagering under state law. Jefferson City Roadwork: A ramp on Route 54 to Callaway County Route W (Cedar City Drive/Airport Road) is set to close next week for several months, with a signed detour in place. Local Politics: A Fulton NAACP candidate forum is scheduled for Oct. 8 ahead of the Nov. 3 election, inviting races for Congress, state House and Senate, and county commissioner.

Federal Courts: The 8th Circuit upheld the denial of disability insurance benefits for a Missouri woman, finding “substantial evidence” supported an administrative judge’s ruling that she wasn’t disabled during the period she claimed. Utility Regulation: The Missouri Public Service Commission set an Oct. 7 deadline for interveners in Missouri-American Water’s request to adjust water and sewer infrastructure rates, seeking cost recovery for eligible pipe and system upgrades. Education Policy: Missouri’s new A–F school grading system is drawing pushback from educators, with concerns that rankings against other schools could punish communities even when local scores improve. Elections & Redistricting: Ballots were mailed to military and overseas voters using the 2022 congressional map while a lawsuit could still change district lines for the November election. Consumer & Public Safety: Missouri’s AG ordered prediction market companies to stop offering sports “event contracts,” saying they’re operating outside the 2024 voter-approved sports wagering framework. Local Human Interest: A Columbia man who fell from Harpo’s Bar and Grill remains in critical condition after a brief improvement reported by his mother following 27 days in the hospital.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says 17 defendants were charged in a statewide Medicaid fraud push totaling more than $454,000, with local tips and audits helping expose caregivers accused of impersonating patients. Child Safety & Courts: A Bourbon man already facing Internet Crimes Against Children charges was hit with five more counts of possession of child pornography after investigators say a forensic phone review found at least 80 files. Redistricting Fight: Missouri’s congressional map battle is back in federal appeals court, with Republican candidates pressing for a switch even as ballots near distribution. Public Safety Tech: Gov. Kehoe’s latest executive order adds safeguards on automated license plate reader and “Flock” camera data, tightening how location information can be used. Earthquake Preparedness: Missouri is urging residents to register for the Great ShakeOut drill Oct. 15, with officials citing the New Madrid Seismic Zone’s risk. Education & Workforce: A WalletHub study ranks Ohio among the worst states for teachers, while Missouri’s literacy and school grading updates continue to draw attention. Sports: Harding stays No. 2 in Division II polls; Missouri State and Marshall both set up key Week 3 matchups.

Missouri Redistricting Fight: A federal appeals court heard arguments over whether Missouri can still switch to the 2025 congressional map for November, even as overseas and military ballots are set to go out soon—supporters argue the deadline can be adjusted, while election officials say it’s “practically impossible” to revert. 5th District GOP Nominee Lawsuit: Voters and two unsuccessful GOP primary candidates sued Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, asking a judge to block state Sen. Rick Brattin from serving as the Republican nominee and to order a new GOP selection. Local Government & Public Safety: Columbia Fire Department got a one-time $60,000 fuel boost as diesel prices and added apparatus pushed its fuel budget up 33%. Fuel Costs: AAA reports diesel hitting record levels nationally as harvest season ramps up, squeezing farmers and truckers. Health & Animals: Columbia/Boone County plans to buy the Columbia Animal Hospital building for $995,000 to expand animal control capacity. Court & Community: Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd, 53, died Thursday; officials say a death investigation is underway.

Supreme Court Map Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court again rejected a Trump-backed Missouri congressional map, clearing the way for Missouri to use the 2022 districts in November—raising the odds that some voters could face different candidates than they saw in the August primary. Election Chaos: Missouri’s redistricting mess has already triggered multiple lawsuits and confusion for voters, with officials racing to get ballots ready while the legal fight continues. ALPR Safeguards: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order tightening rules on automated license plate reader data, including limits on searches and a 30-day deletion standard for location information. MoDOT Fraud Probe: A state audit found about $50,000 in alleged personal purchases by a former MoDOT purchasing-card user, leading to federal charges. Public Safety: A Clay County crash involving a car and a school bus killed the driver and sent two children to hospitals. Mizzou Football: Missouri hosts Troy to close the nonconference slate, with the Tigers aiming to fine-tune before SEC play. Sports Betting: A bet365 promotion offers $365 in bonus bets for Bills vs. Lions for eligible Missouri customers. Health & Justice: A Manchester man was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material, including AI-generated files.

U.S. Supreme Court Map Fight: The court again rejected a Missouri congressional map backed by President Donald Trump, clearing the way for the state to use the 2022 districts in November—meaning some voters could face different races than in the August primary. Election Administration: Jefferson County clerks say ballot printing is “behind normal” because of the map uncertainty, though they can print on demand if changes come late. Privacy & Policing: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order tightening rules on automated license plate readers, including 30-day deletion, limits on commercial data use, and a ban on facial recognition. Education Accountability: Missouri pushed back public release of A–F school grades to at least mid-November after districts raised concerns about accuracy and timing. Health Costs: Missouri consumers could see 2027 health insurance premiums rise as insurers request increases up to 26%. Public Safety & Courts: The AG announced felony Medicaid fraud charges against 17 people statewide, including cases in southeast Missouri. Local Impact: SNAP enrollment is down sharply in Missouri, raising worries about federal school meal reimbursements—especially in the St. Louis area.