AGP Executive Report

Ballot Fight in Missouri: Amendment 6 would strengthen Missouri’s citizen initiative process by requiring 80% support in both chambers before lawmakers can send certain changes back to voters, a move supporters call protection of direct democracy and opponents say could limit lawmakers’ ability to fix voter-approved laws. Missouri Economy Watch: The Mid-America manufacturing sector stayed on a growth track, with Creighton’s index moving above growth neutral for the eighth straight month, hinting at steady regional momentum. Infrastructure & Travel: MoDOT is holding public open houses for I-44 improvements in Phelps County and also plans meetings on I-44 work near Rolla and St. James. State Policy & Privacy: Missouri continues tightening rules around license plate readers amid privacy concerns, while national debate over “Flock” mass surveillance keeps spilling into courtrooms. Agriculture Spotlight: Missouri proclaimed October as Pork Month, highlighting the state’s hog inventory and the industry’s economic impact. Local Business & Community: Rooted Web launched a redesigned site and RW iQ marketing platform for small businesses in Cape Girardeau. Sports & Schools: A Missouri college football coach resigned after a postgame confrontation, and Missouri Democrats raised concerns about anonymous donations funding the education commissioner search.

I-70 Disruption: MoDOT is laying out plans for an 11-month, early-2027 closure of I-70 through Blue Springs to add a fourth eastbound lane and repair 23 bridges, aiming to cut delays and crashes for an estimated 105,000 drivers a day. Columbia Public Safety: Columbia police say downtown enforcement helped drive a nearly 48% jump in reported downtown crime, while a local group argues the rise reflects more police-initiated activity than a true spike in harm. Local Development: Columbia City Council approved about $750,000 in Rainbow Softball Center upgrades but rejected a proposed student housing project on Rock Quarry Road. Death Penalty Debate: A botched execution in Tennessee is reigniting Missouri death-penalty conversations, with advocates pointing to Missouri’s use of the same lethal-injection drug. Entertainment & Culture: Jim Bakker, the Branson-area televangelist tied to PTL, died at 86; and Days of Our Lives star Robert Kelker-Kelly died at 62. Road to the Theater: The documentary “World Without Cows” is expanding its U.S. theatrical tour with select screenings in Missouri starting Oct. 14.

Local Business: Columbia’s Shops at Sharp End is closing after three years, ending a downtown incubator that helped 24 minority entrepreneurs test and grow—though coaching and training will continue through REDI and the Missouri Women’s Business Center. Civic Life: Missouri is observing National 4-H Week (Oct. 4-10), highlighting youth projects from robotics to community gardens and encouraging families to enroll for the new 4-H year. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge ruled a warrantless Flock automated license plate reader search unconstitutional, throwing out drug evidence in a case tied to travel-history tracking; Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley is pushing new limits on ALPR data use. Consumer Alert: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states, including Missouri, due to undeclared Yellow dyes. Agriculture: Time is running to enroll steers for the 2026-27 Missouri Steer Feedout, with entries due Oct. 15 and feeding starting in November. Weather/Outdoors: A Missouri Native Grasslands push is encouraging more farmers to plant native grasses to better handle heat and drought.

Historic Preservation: Columbia’s Save Katy Station coalition says developers told them the station can’t stay on Broadway and must be “physically move” it, with option sites like Flat Branch Park or Gateway Plaza; organizers estimate the move and restoration could cost $1M–$1.5M. Local Politics & Housing: Columbia City Council meets Monday on plans for a new student housing complex (“The Retreat”), plus Rainbow Softball Center upgrades and a possible acquisition of the former Columbia Animal Hospital for a city/county shelter. Public Safety & Privacy: A federal judge in Oklahoma tossed a drug case over concerns that warrantless use of Flock/ALPR-style camera tracking can violate the Fourth Amendment. State Cannabis Rules: Missouri DHSS proposed cannabis rule changes covering facility ownership, license operations, recall procedures, and how prior violations affect participation; comments run Nov. 2–Dec. 2. Infrastructure & Travel: MoDOT warns of lane restrictions and bridge/road work affecting Kirksville and other Northeast Missouri routes next week. Missouri Sports: Missouri jumped to No. 14 in the AP Top 25 after a 45-17 rout of Florida.

Firefighter Remembrance: Hundreds of candles lit the sky at Missouri’s 24th annual Fire Fighters Memorial vigil in Kingdom City, honoring firefighters and adding five new names, including Larry Roland Duncan, a Missouri Task Force One member who died in 2025 after cancer tied to Ground Zero. Columbia Safety Probe: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway says her investigation into Columbia’s Reign Bar for “nuisance conditions” began after an email from University of Missouri President Mun Choi, following late-night violence concerns near Ninth and Walnut. Roadwork in Jefferson City: Starting Monday, MoDOT will install concrete medians on westbound Missouri Boulevard near South Ten Mile Drive, removing direct access to businesses like Capital City CDJR, Texas Roadhouse, and McDonald’s. Missouri Sports: No. 25 Missouri bounced back with a 45-17 rout of No. 8 Florida, with Austin Simmons throwing for 340 yards and Jamal Roberts running for 211. Politics at the Ballot: Amendment 7 would create a long-shot plan to eliminate state taxes via a permanent endowment fund, while a separate story flags FEC questions about donations tied to Sen. Eric Schmitt.

Missouri Courts & Privacy: A federal judge ruled a southwest Missouri woman’s case can’t use data from a nationwide Flock automated license plate reader search, calling it an unconstitutional, warrantless mass surveillance move tied to a later meth seizure. Consumer Protection: Missouri joined a growing crackdown on “We Buy Houses” wholesalers, requiring advance written notice to vulnerable sellers warning deals may be discounted and urging them to consult an attorney. Public Safety: A 5-year-old in Marshfield died after accidentally shooting herself with a gun that wasn’t properly secured. State Economy: Missouri reported an 8.2% jump in sales and gross receipts tax revenue in 2024, reaching $7.6 billion. Sports (Mizzou): No. 25 Missouri routed No. 8 Florida 45-17, with Austin Simmons throwing for 340 yards and two scores and Jamal Roberts running for 211 and three TDs. Local Life: Independence’s Golden Corral is closing after about 15 years.

Missouri Agriculture Relief: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and temporarily easing fuel and weight limits for farm haulers, aiming to cut harvest-season transportation costs as diesel and fertilizer pressures mount. Food Safety: A Chilean supplier expanded a recall of frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people and hospitalized six; Missouri shoppers are urged to check freezer lots tied to the recall. Local Business & Jobs: Simpson Strong-Tie plans to expand and consolidate operations in Fulton, investing more than $19 million and adding 24 jobs, with support through Missouri’s Works Program. Politics Watch: A new Missouri Scout/Remington poll shows State Senate race tightening (Jon Patterson 45%, Keri Ingle 48%) and voters split on Amendment 3 (52% against, 34% in favor). National Politics: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt’s Senate Judiciary clash with former special counsel Jack Smith went viral after a basketball-team mix-up undercut his perjury push.

Missouri River Policy: Gov. Larry Rhoden and other governors urged Congress to remove a Missouri River restriction from the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, arguing it would require unanimous approval before any diversion or even study. State Government & Utilities: The Missouri Public Service Commission set an Oct. 16 intervention deadline in Liberty’s fuel adjustment clause request, with an estimated $3.22 monthly decrease for a typical residential customer. Local Public Safety: St. Louis police arrested a man accused of damaging 77 fire hydrants after a recycling facility helped track him down. Transportation Funding: Sen. Eric Schmitt announced $42.1 million for I-70 upgrades near Lambert Airport, targeting key interchange improvements. Privacy & Surveillance Tech: A new federal push would block the government from using Flock automated license plate readers, while Missouri lawmakers have been weighing related rules. Community Resilience: Boone County launched a Community Organizations Active in Disaster network to coordinate nonprofits and faith groups for disaster response. Elections Watch: A national roundup lists voter registration deadlines by state as the Nov. 3 midterms approach.

Missouri Politics & Policy: Missouri is rolling out new guidance on automated license plate readers, with the Department of Public Safety urging “lawful, ethical, transparent and accountable” use and setting limits like 30-day retention and human review before enforcement. Courts & Public Safety: Three men were sentenced in the St. Louis area for a check-theft conspiracy targeting U.S. Postal Service collection boxes, using fraudulent documents to open bank accounts. Economy & Jobs: Simpson Strong-Tie broke ground on a Fulton facility, investing more than $19 million and adding 24 jobs. Agriculture & Cost Relief: Farmers are pushing for diesel relief as fuel prices stay high; Missouri is among states easing rules for harvest operations and dyed diesel use. Education & Community: Mizzou formed a committee to boost NSSE response rates, aiming for a 30% target, and Missouri is celebrating National 4-H Week with a governor’s proclamation. Health & Consumer Impact: The Treasury began sending $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million enrollees across 30 states, including Missouri. Weather & Risk: Hurricane Rachel strengthened to Category 3 off Mexico, with life-threatening surf and flooding risks for parts of the U.S. Southwest and northern Mexico.

Education Funding: The Missouri Board of Education approved a budget request that’s $270 million short of what the state funding formula says districts need, keeping per-student support flat while some districts say they’re still getting hundreds of dollars less per child. SNAP Changes: Missouri rolled out new SNAP paperwork rules and documentation requirements on Oct. 1, with benefit and eligibility updates that could affect hundreds of thousands of families as utility costs also rise in places like Columbia. Public Safety Tech: Missouri continues issuing guidance on license plate readers for law enforcement, as privacy concerns grow around systems like Flock. Courts & Cannabis: A federal judge denied a motion to dismiss a Missouri cannabis lawsuit accusing Good Day Farm of limiting competition and inflating prices, allowing the case to proceed with an opportunity to amend. Local Government & Animals: Columbia’s animal control contract shift is already causing fallout, with the Central Missouri Humane Society saying it won’t operate care at the city’s proposed new shelter. Business & Community: An Ozarks roofer accused of taking homeowner money without finishing promised work was sentenced to probation with restitution. State Economy Watch: New Census Bureau tax rankings show Missouri’s neighbors tracking mixed fortunes in state tax collections, underscoring how revenue pressures vary across the region.

Education & Campus Data: Mizzou is forming a committee to boost its NSSE response rate to 30% (up from 17%) and better use student-survey results for planning and student success. State Government Oversight: A new Missouri State Auditor report gives Mercer County a “fair” rating overall but flags fixes needed in the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, including segregation of duties and seized-property recordkeeping. Public Safety & Courts: Missouri’s AG Catherine Hanaway says she’s focused on fighting Jew-hatred while opening a financial probe into Students for Justice in Palestine, emphasizing activity over speech. Food Assistance: Missouri is adding new paperwork requirements for SNAP applicants and renewals starting Oct. 1, including proof of housing, utilities, dependent care, and bank balances. Agriculture Relief: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an order temporarily easing harvest fuel and weight rules, including allowing dyed diesel on state highways for agricultural use. Business & Growth: Missouri’s Commerce and Insurance eased rules for small third-party insurance administrators by creating an exemption from mandatory CPA audits for qualifying new or small TPAs. Local Economy: Missouri treasurer promoted MO ABLE accounts in Springfield, highlighting tax-free growth for disability savings without jeopardizing key benefits.

Missouri Agriculture Relief: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an emergency order easing harvest rules—Missouri will allow dyed diesel on state highways and raise ag hauling weight limits from 88,000 to 90,000 pounds for 30 days, aiming to cut transportation costs. Public Safety Tech: The Missouri Department of Public Safety issued new guidelines for Flock cameras and license plate readers, urging a legitimate reason to access data, tracking who uses it, deleting much of it after 30 days, and auditing use monthly. Courts & Accountability: A Missouri judge sentenced Kelli Lepler to 15 years probation and ordered $266,636 restitution tied to Monument Advisors headstone fraud. Healthcare Money: The Trump administration began mailing $500 Affordable Care Act refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, excluding people who got subsidies. Higher Ed & DEI: Mizzou is investigating a professor after a secret recording claimed DEI work continues despite state restrictions. Local Life: Kansas City’s Sun Fresh on Blue Parkway has drawn complaints for months of near-empty shelves. Sports Politics: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt’s Hawks-vs-Hawkeyes gotcha at a Jack Smith hearing backfired, turning attention to his mistake.

Missouri Politics: Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins says the Supreme Court’s rejection of efforts to use the 2025 congressional map will be remembered as a historic legal fight, even as voters will stick with 2022 district lines. Courts & Justice: A federal appeals court halted Tennessee’s planned execution of Christa Pike about an hour before it was set to happen, ordering review of whether her childhood sexual abuse claims were fully considered at sentencing. Local Government & Infrastructure: MoDOT plans a one-lane reduction on Route E in Wayne County for pavement repairs Oct. 8, with flaggers and a pilot car guiding traffic. Education & Community: MU Extension is offering urban farm classes in the St. Louis area, including zoning-focused training and a farm labor workshop for growers. Business & Jobs: Norton Rose Fulbright named Luke Maher partner-in-charge of its St. Louis office as the firm grows. Tech & Industry: Missouri’s redistricting fight also remains in the national spotlight as lawmakers and analysts debate how much presidential influence can reach election systems.

Missouri Politics & Courts: A Missouri jury heard opening arguments in the first Roundup cancer trial after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, as plaintiffs accuse Monsanto of downplaying risks and steering regulators. Public Safety & Community: Neosho voted to sell its water and wastewater system to Missouri American Water, with residents expecting first bills in late October or early November. Consumer & State Services: Missouri drivers have until Wednesday to claim a refund tied to the state’s gas tax increase—12.5 cents per gallon on fuel bought from last July through this June. Health & Education: Mizzou is forming a committee to boost NSSE response rates and better use student survey data for planning and student success. Environment & Energy: Ameren Missouri filed a long-range energy plan that would lean more on fossil fuels, drawing criticism over its emissions goals and public health impacts. Local Human Interest: Over 100 animals were rescued from a Lawrence County hoarding case, with the rescue ongoing and custody set for an Oct. 26 hearing. Sports: Missouri faces Florida Saturday as Jadan Baugh’s explosive start puts pressure on the Tigers’ defense.

Missouri Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court kept Missouri’s 2022 congressional map in place for the Nov. 3 election, again blocking a GOP-drawn alternative—another setback for state Republicans after multiple high-court rulings. Federal politics: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt helped push the Protect College Sports Act through the U.S. Senate, aiming to rein in NIL and transfer “chaos” with new eligibility rules. Public safety & courts: A Missouri Supreme Court case continues to draw attention as the state’s cannabis business application process faces renewed scrutiny. Local government: Maryville rejected a short-term rental permit and an RV park plan tied to data-center construction workers, citing neighborhood concerns. State policy & business: TruMo Analytics opened a Missouri cannabis testing lab in Strafford, promising faster compliance panels and statewide sample pickup. Infrastructure: MoDOT scheduled major road closures for culvert work, including Route H in Weston (Sept. 30–Nov. 4) and Route O in Sullivan County (Sept. 30, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.). Health & community: Pregnant patients face higher heat risks, with doctors urging extra precautions during hot weather.

FBI Leadership Shake-Up: Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is stepping down as FBI co-deputy director after a little more than a year, saying he’s returning to family as the bureau continues major leadership changes under Kash Patel. Missouri Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court has again ordered Missouri to use the 2022 congressional map for the November election, ending another round of map fights and leaving candidates to recalibrate campaigns. Public Safety & Surveillance: A northeast Missouri city voted unanimously to end its Flock camera contract, with officials citing concerns about surveillance and costs tied to removal. College Sports Overhaul: The U.S. Senate passed a major bipartisan college athletics bill that sets national rules on athlete compensation and eligibility, sending it to the House. Local Governance & Crime Concerns: Downtown Cape Girardeau business owners are pushing for action after a recent shooting, saying safety issues are hurting foot traffic. Health Coverage Risk: Thousands in the Kansas City metro face losing Medicaid coverage soon due to federal funding changes tied to immigration status. Missouri Economy: Diesel prices hit an all-time high, squeezing farmers during peak harvest season. Education & Community: Mizzou is forming a committee to boost NSSE survey response rates to improve planning and student experience.