AGP Executive Report

Redistricting Chaos: Missouri’s congressional map fight hit a new level of whiplash Tuesday: the U.S. Supreme Court refused to let GOP leaders use a Trump-backed House map, but a federal judge then ordered Missouri to use that same GOP-favored map for the November election—setting up more appeals and leaving voters unsure which lines apply. Ballot Deadline Pressure: The clash came with the state’s election paperwork deadline looming, after Missouri’s top court said the new map must go to voters via referendum before it can take effect. Abortion Rights Campaign: Missouri abortion rights groups launched their first TV ads opposing a proposed November ban measure, arguing it would overturn the 2024 legalization vote. Local Economy: Joplin City Council advanced funding for next year’s JOMO Pridefest using lodging tax dollars, while Carthage moved toward a $267M Schreiber Foods expansion promising 100 new jobs. Trade Watch: Experts warned Canadian tariff retaliation could squeeze Kansas City-area jobs and raise costs for consumers.

Missouri Redistricting Crisis: Missouri’s congressional map fight is still in the courts as the Nov. 3 ballot deadline hits, with the state asking the U.S. Supreme Court to act fast while overseas and military ballots must be ready to mail soon. Election Fallout: The Missouri Supreme Court also cleared Amendment 6 for the ballot, reversing efforts to block it and setting up more legal sparring over what map voters should use. Education & Workforce: DESE and MDHEWD are partnering with Google to offer free AI and job-ready training through Grow with Google. Local Roads: MoDOT is seeking public input on Columbia intersection safety upgrades, and separate work is causing a temporary J-turn closure on U.S. 63 near Ashland. Infrastructure Update: The Route 8 bridge rehab over the Union Pacific Railroad is nearing completion, with reopening expected in early October. Higher Ed Funding: The Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation awarded $940,250 through the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship to 223 students.

Redistricting Fight: Missouri is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block a state ruling that would force November elections to use older congressional districts, warning the change could create an “unconstitutional disaster.” Twenty GOP-led states have filed support for Missouri’s emergency request, arguing last-minute map shifts could confuse voters and jeopardize overseas ballot deadlines. Legal Pushback: Attorneys for opponents say the state’s timing problem was self-created and urge justices to reject the stay. Local Governance: In Schuyler County, Sheriff Joe Wuebker sued county commissioners over allegedly withheld sheriff fee revenue totaling $56,569. Public Safety & Local Taxes: Columbia is set to adopt a 1% public safety sales tax expected to raise about $38 million annually for police and fire. Community Notes: Adair County dedicated a new historical society flagpole for Labor Day, and BBB Scam Tracker data shows Fair Grove tied for 68th in Missouri for scam reports in July.

Redistricting Fight: Missouri’s Supreme Court blocked the GOP-backed congressional map and ordered a November vote on the issue, with the state’s AG and Secretary of State pushing appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court as the midterm map remains in limbo. Election Access: A new report says USPS officials raised concerns that Trump-backed mail-voting rules could delay or block ballots, even as the changes moved forward. Public Safety: St. Louis police released photos tied to a Bevo Mill street takeover that left a vehicle burned; investigators say tips could help prevent more dangerous stunts. Education Watch: Missouri’s “A” through “F” school grading rollout is drawing pushback, with districts like Joplin warning the system may not fairly reflect students facing poverty and homelessness. Health & Food: Two companies recalled imported Italian guanciale across eight states after listeria was found. Community & Culture: Maryville’s library is set to celebrate completion of a major historic window restoration, while Missouri’s Capitol dome will light teal and purple for National 988 Day.

Missouri Redistricting Fight Heads to U.S. Supreme Court: Missouri Republicans asked the U.S. Supreme Court to keep the 2025 GOP congressional map in place for the Nov. 3 midterms, arguing the state already ran primaries under those boundaries and that switching back to the 2022 map would disrupt elections for about 1.2 million primary voters. Ballot Access, Amendment 6: The Missouri Supreme Court ordered a gerrymandered-map referendum and Amendment 6 to go to voters in November, setting up a high-stakes deadline scramble. Mid-Missouri Roadwork: MoDOT announced Sept. 7–13 maintenance and construction across multiple counties, with some closures and lane shifts tied to bridge work and resurfacing. Local Economy & Energy: New University of Missouri research finds wind and solar can boost rural jobs, wages, and local economic output—while also noting community concerns over land and permitting. Consumer Tech Update: Walmart is rolling out tap-to-pay in Missouri stores and Sam’s Club locations through September and October. Storms & Power Outages: Strong storms knocked out power for tens of thousands across the Kansas City metro, with officials citing downed lines and transmission impacts. Sports, With Missouri Ties: Wrigley Field suspended a Nebraska–Missouri volleyball match due to moisture on the court.

Education Funding: Missouri’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is ending new enrollments after budget cuts at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; current families stay in until remaining funds run out. School Budgets: Property tax changes are already squeezing district finances, with Jackson County and beyond bracing for knock-on cuts. Small Business Relief: The SBA is reminding eligible Missouri private nonprofits to apply for disaster physical damage loans before Oct. 3 after June 4-18 severe weather. Public Safety Tech: A Massachusetts judge ordered state police to release automatic license plate reader location records, adding fuel to the national fight over Flock-style surveillance. Crime: Cooper County investigators arrested three people tied to a Wednesday burglary, including suspects accused of cutting copper and tools for scrap. Local Government: Arnold, Mo., approved a 2026-27 budget aimed at stormwater upgrades and cost-saving changes. Elections & Maps: Missouri’s redistricting fight keeps escalating as GOP leaders push appeals tied to whether a referendum can reach voters.

Congressional Redistricting Fight: Missouri lawmakers and voters filed a federal complaint challenging the state’s congressional map switch after the Missouri Supreme Court ordered a gerrymandered map to go to a November vote and required use of the 2022 map for the general election. Supreme Court Push: Missouri also asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause the state ruling and let it use the GOP-backed districts in the midterms, warning the change after August primaries would create election chaos. Local Election Impact: Boone County officials are preparing for district reshuffling on the November ballot, aiming to keep voters informed as candidates change for some districts. Utilities & Billing: Liberty Utilities is seeking permanent Missouri Public Service Commission exceptions to billing-cycle rules for consolidated accounts, citing meter-read schedule differences. Education Funding: Missouri’s Imagination Library is ending new enrollments after budget cuts, though current families will keep receiving books until remaining funds run out. Public Safety Tech Backlash: A growing list of Missouri communities has moved to end or suspend automated license plate reader programs amid surveillance concerns. State Sports: Texas A&M routed Missouri State 50-0, while Boone County rolled to a 67-0 win over Routt Catholic.

Redistricting Fight: Missouri Republicans filed a new federal lawsuit Friday night to revive the GOP congressional map for the midterms, arguing the Missouri Supreme Court’s order to send the issue to voters has plunged the state into “legal and electoral uncertainty.” The case follows a unanimous state high-court ruling that the gerrymander can’t take effect without a November referendum, even though Missouri already held its August primary under the newer boundaries. Supreme Court Pressure: Missouri’s AG and Secretary of State also asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause the state ruling and reinstate the Republican-drawn map. Public Safety: A body was found floating in the Missouri River near a Jefferson City boat ramp, and police are investigating how the person ended up in the water. Local Business/Community: Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative announced CEO Troy Amoss will resign effective February 2027, setting up a leadership transition. Civic Finance: Lee’s Summit schools face a $7M–$10M shortfall tied to Jackson County’s property tax credit program, with job cuts on the table if the district doesn’t reverse course.

Redistricting Fight in Missouri: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court after the Missouri Supreme Court blocked a GOP congressional map and ordered a November vote, setting up a fast-moving legal showdown over which districts apply for the midterms. Local Impact on Voters: In places like Boone County and along Kansas City’s Troost Avenue corridor, the ruling means some residents may be back in 2022-era districts for November, with clerks scrambling to finalize ballots. Election-Process Pressure: Missouri also asked the U.S. Supreme Court to step in quickly, warning of “unprecedented chaos” if the map fight isn’t paused. Public Safety & Health: A Kansas City man was critically wounded in a Friday night shooting in east KC, and Missouri’s Capitol dome will light teal and purple for National 988 Day to spotlight suicide and crisis support. Economy Watch: Diesel hit record highs, with Missouri drivers feeling the pinch as trucking costs threaten prices for everyday goods. Community & Culture: Marching Mizzou turned up at MU’s season opener, while a Missouri River Bar and Grill in Cascade was declared a total loss after an early-morning fire.

Redistricting Fight: The Missouri Supreme Court blocked the GOP-backed congressional map from being used in the Nov. 3 midterms and ordered a statewide vote, rejecting Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ bid for a pause while he lines up an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Election Integrity & Voting Access: The court fight is part of a broader national scramble over election rules, with Missouri officials and Democrats both watching how ballot questions and map timing could reshape November outcomes. Public Safety vs. Surveillance: Rep. Eric Burlison is pushing to “hit the pause button” on expanding license plate camera networks, arguing the searchable systems can track people’s daily lives. Local Fraud Watch: Neosho landed among Missouri cities with BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with online purchase scams driving reported losses. Agriculture: FAPRI expects sizeable USDA farm program payments this fall, including corn and cotton, with details coming later. Business & Health: Missouri S&T and Insper are partnering to expand student and faculty opportunities, while a Missouri telehealth clinic expanded its Selank peptide program for eligible patients.

Missouri Supreme Court Showdown: The state’s high court unanimously blocked a Trump-backed GOP congressional map from being used in November, ordering Missouri to vote on the redistricting in a statewide referendum—while Republicans vow to appeal and Trump calls it a “Dark Day for ‘Justice’.” Ballot Measures: The court also cleared two items for November: a citizen referendum on the map (Prop. A) and Amendment 6, which would raise the bar for lawmakers to repeal citizen-passed laws. Election Integrity Push: DHS opened a coordinated voter-fraud investigation across nine states, including Missouri, targeting alleged noncitizen voting. Criminal Politics Case: A Missouri GOP candidate who won a primary by 33 votes faces federal charges after an alleged plot to plant cocaine and Adderall on his opponent. Flood Recovery: FEMA aid was approved for Missouri counties hit by July floods, but residents say they’re still waiting on help. Local Governance: Columbia’s school board picked Paul Wagner to fill a vacancy. Health & Community: Central Missouri Humane Society paused dog intake for two weeks after a parvovirus case. Sports & Business: MU employees rallied for better wages and benefits; Simmons Bank plans to close 26 branches, including 5 in Missouri.

Election Integrity in the Crosshairs: A Missouri House candidate, Thomas Christopher Ross, was charged with conspiring to plant cocaine and Adderall on his political opponent, after an FBI probe tied the alleged plot to his former campaign manager. Public Utilities & Energy: The Missouri Public Service Commission set a Sept. 17 intervention deadline in Evergy’s requests for new power and battery storage projects, including a 710-megawatt gas plant and a 109-megawatt battery system. Local Government: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas recommended former Councilman Kevin McManus to fill the 6th District At-Large seat left vacant when Andrea Bough moved to lead the city’s economic development corporation. Economic Development: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed bills aimed at boosting downtown redevelopment and historic preservation in St. Louis, including innovation zones, office-to-housing incentives, and expanded historic tax credits. Business Growth: Sunrise Moving and Packing says it has topped 25,000 completed moves and is expanding commercial relocation capacity across the Kansas City area.

Missouri Supreme Court Fight Over Ballot Power: In Jefferson City, the Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments that could decide whether voters can challenge redistricting and how far initiative protections go, with decisions expected before Sept. 8. Local Government Pay Rules: Gov. Kehoe signed a new law rewriting how much county officials and prosecutors are paid in third-class counties, tying future increases to assessed valuation and changing salary commission rules. Downtown St. Louis Redevelopment: Kehoe also signed bills aimed at spurring redevelopment of vacant buildings, including incentives tied to major downtown projects like the former AT&T building. School District Budget Pressure in Lee’s Summit: The Lee’s Summit School District faces a projected $7–$10 million shortfall, forcing a Sept. 29 decision that could mean higher property taxes or cuts to as many as 200 jobs. Joplin “House of Horrors” Escalation: Four family members face added first-degree kidnapping charges, along with increased child abuse/neglect and animal neglect counts. Flock Privacy Scrutiny Spreads: A Louisville detective is under investigation for alleged Flock misuse, adding to the growing backlash over license-plate camera searches. Business Watch: A Cape Girardeau coffee shop announced closure, citing weak foot traffic and the tough small-business climate.

Medicaid Fight: Hospitals say proposed Trump-era CMS Medicaid rules could cut provider payments again, warning of service reductions, layoffs, and possible closures. Missouri Politics: Missouri’s Supreme Court is set to decide whether voters can force a referendum on the congressional redistricting fight, a final test for a November ballot. Local Governance/Data Centers: Independence voters recalled Councilmember John Perkins after his March vote for $6B+ in tax breaks tied to a planned AI data center. Energy/Weather: A heat-driven surge raises blackout risk across the PJM grid, with DOE authorizing backup generation as a last resort. Transportation: MoDOT reports U.S. 54 widening in Camdenton reached the westbound phase, and a Strafford-area Route 125 closure was postponed. Business/Jobs: Jarrell Contracting plans a Hazelwood expansion creating 105 jobs. Courts/Legal: Missouri’s Supreme Court heard arguments on whether to disbar St. Louis attorney Susan K. Roach over alleged ethics and trust-account violations. Public Safety/Privacy: Sen. Josh Hawley opened an investigation into Flock and other ALPR surveillance tools as privacy concerns grow.

Local Infrastructure: Moberly is moving ahead with a $1.5 million DNR-funded wastewater project to reduce reliance on problem lagoons, routing sewage from nearby neighborhoods into a new sewer line with force mains, pumping stations, and generators. Public Safety & Health: Missouri SNAP recipients will face new verification requirements starting Oct. 1, requiring documentation for items like rent, childcare, and bank resources—sparking calls for clearer notice and transparency. Courts & Voting Rights: The Missouri Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether a gerrymandered congressional map and Amendment 6 can go to voters, with decisions due quickly as the ballot deadline nears. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Vienna and other Missouri cities tied for 68th in July, with losses tied to online purchase scams. Community & Animals: Boone County’s barnyard rescue ended with all 70 animals adopted quickly after the Central Missouri Humane Society took custody. Workplace/Compliance: A webinar highlights how employers can use OSHA’s Top 10 citations as a self-check for training, supervision, and safety management gaps.

Library Fight: A new PEN America report says book bans and censorship pressure is spreading from schools into Missouri-style public libraries, with more harassment of staff and pushback over LGBTQ+ and race-related content. Courts & Elections: The Missouri Supreme Court is set to hear arguments tied to a stadium incentives lawsuit, testing how far referendum and standing rules go. Voting Rights: Missouri’s HB 1871 signed by Gov. Kehoe restores voting rights for many Missourians on parole or probation for non-violent, non-sexual offenses. Public Safety & Health: Lionel Richie is reported in St. Louis ICU after a concert stop at The Muny, with doctors checking for possible mild dehydration. Local Life: Westbound I-70 reopened in Columbia after a crash near the U.S. 63 connector; MoDOT also scheduled Route 66 work in Joplin and other road closures statewide. Community & Service: Missouri FFA chapters packed 252,564 meals for food-insecure families during the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation’s Drive to Feed Kids.