AGP Executive Report

Local Sports Tragedy: William Jewell College says junior running back MicahJo Barnett died after a medical emergency on the sideline during the Cardinals’ Division II season opener vs. Fort Lewis in Liberty. Barnett scored a 1-yard touchdown in the first quarter, then collapsed about 20 minutes later; emergency crews transported him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The game was suspended and later canceled, and the school held a vigil and directed students to counseling and chaplain support. Public Safety & Surveillance Debate: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock automated license-plate cameras amid backlash over misuse concerns, including a case where an officer was indicted for repeatedly searching a former partner’s plate. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Ava tied for 68th among Missouri cities with scam reports in July, with one report logged. Politics & Elections: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration USPS mail-voting rule that would have required ballots to be sent only to voters on a national eligibility list, citing serious risk of disenfranchisement close to the November election.

Data Center Fight: Thief River Falls, Minnesota is moving toward an 18-month moratorium on new data center projects after power-cost concerns from multiple would-be investors, with a public hearing set for Sept. 15. Surveillance Cameras in Missouri: Columbia City Council members are signaling they may revisit the city’s Flock camera contract amid ongoing resident distrust and protests, with renewal discussions expected in spring. Missouri Politics & Social Media: U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley has opened an investigation into Flock Safety over claims about how the cameras collect and share Americans’ data. State Government Shakeups: Missouri Gov. Kehoe named Kurt Schaefer to lead the Office of Administration and tapped Jake Buxton to take over the Department of Natural Resources. Local Remembrance: Northeast Missouri’s Sgt. Max Dean Ramsey, identified after Korean War “Unknown” remains were reexamined, will be laid to rest Sept. 4 near Martinstown. Weather: Hot conditions continue in Magnolia through the weekend into Monday, with officials also tracking elevated solar activity.

Food Safety: A lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps widening, with the CDC reporting thousands of lab-confirmed cases nationwide and three more states added since last week. Local Government & Housing: Kansas City reached a relocation deal with the North Lawn Apartments tenant union after vacate notices, adding rent support plus help with storage, moving, groceries and deposits. Courts & Consumer Tech: A federal appeals court ruled Meta can’t use its user agreement to block a class action by local publishers and broadcasters claiming ad targeting misled advertisers. State Politics & Libraries: Missouri officials’ fight over a Columbia Public Library LGBTQ story time is still in play, with the library saying it’s following state law while state leaders push back. Public Health & Safety: Columbia police plan meetings with bars and nightlife managers to coordinate downtown safety after recent violence. Business & Growth: Kirkwood is weighing tax breaks for developers as it faces financial strain and considers a major apartment project. Missouri Legal/Crime: A Ste. Genevieve County man faces felony child sexual abuse material charges and alleged social media registration violations. Wildlife & Science: A Pittsburg State grad student is tracking prothonotary warblers in southeast Kansas, linking their presence to habitat changes. State Administration: Gov. Kehoe named DNR director Kurt Schaefer to lead the Office of Administration.

Flock Safety backlash in Missouri and beyond: Sen. Josh Hawley launched a Senate probe into AI-powered Flock license-plate cameras, demanding records on data access, placement, retention, and sharing as cities shut off systems over privacy worries. Missouri schools under scrutiny: State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is pushing for a long-term governance fix for St. Louis Public Schools after a second audit raised concerns about leadership and accountability. Child welfare hearings: Missouri lawmakers pressed Children’s Division leaders on foster care safety after reported fatalities and questions about placements for medically fragile kids. Truck parking + highway upgrades: MoDOT broke ground on a $33M I-70 project adding 255 truck spaces and reconstructing 191 miles to improve safety and freight flow. Housing pressure: A new report finds “zombie homes” are slightly down, but overall vacancy stays tight—keeping prices high. Local roadwork: MoDOT posted Northeast Missouri maintenance plans and closures through early September. Business/tech: Uber Eats is moving toward drone delivery via Zipline, with Missouri-area implications as the rollout expands.

Data Center Court Fight: A Cole County judge heard arguments on a motion to dismiss a lawsuit trying to halt a Montgomery County data center project by Google and Amazon; plaintiffs say notice, water, electricity info, and tax abatement terms weren’t handled properly, with a Sept. 4 next hearing set. Missouri Election Watch: The Missouri Supreme Court will take up challenges tied to the new congressional map and whether a referendum process can force voters to weigh it. Meta Settlement Fallout: Missouri will investigate other social media platforms after its $100M share of the $17B Meta youth-safety settlement, with the money aimed at general revenue and consumer fraud funds. AI Confessions in Court: A Missouri case highlights how people’s ChatGPT chats can end up in court as “digital confessions,” raising new privacy and legal risks. Flock Camera Scrutiny: Missouri’s AG and national lawmakers are pressing for oversight of Flock’s automated license plate reader network amid misuse and privacy concerns. Local Housing Incentives: Mississippi County’s “Work Here. Live Here.” keeps expanding as major employers add millions toward helping workers buy homes locally. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Whole Foods guacamole/dip recall to its highest risk level after a Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated jalapeños.

Stadium Fight in Kansas City: Kansas City leaders are reportedly steering around a voter showdown for a new Royals ballpark by using a pricier financing route that keeps the public vote out of the process, even as the overall project is estimated around $3 billion with taxpayers covering about 60%. Big-Tech Surveillance Pushback: U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley is demanding answers from Flock Safety over its AI camera network—120,000 cameras across 49 states and billions of vehicle scans monthly—pressing for safeguards on data access, retention, and misuse. Missouri Legal Accountability: The Missouri Supreme Court disbarred attorney John N. Wiles II for multiple ethics violations. Child Welfare Scrutiny: Missouri lawmakers grilled Children’s Division leadership after fatal cases involving kids in foster care, including a teen who died after being placed far from home. Local Development: UMusic Hotels is converting Kansas City’s historic Scarritt Building into a 169-room music-focused hotel, with a residential tower and entertainment venue planned. Community & Culture: A new Missouri documentary, “The Trail State,” will premiere Sept. 11 in Columbia, spotlighting the Katy Trail and other trail projects.

Surveillance & Privacy: Sen. Josh Hawley launched an investigation into Flock Safety’s AI license-plate camera network, pressing for details on data access, retention, and whether information is being pooled into a searchable national database—amid growing city pullbacks over privacy fears. Consumer & Courts: A Missouri appeals court revived a class action against Santander over alleged delays in releasing a vehicle lien after payoff, saying Missouri standing rules allow statutory damages claims without proof of concrete loss. Missouri Lawmaking: Seventy-six new Missouri laws take effect Friday, including tougher penalties for drunk driving causing injury or death and changes tied to “Bentley and Mason’s Law” for child maintenance after intoxicated-driving deaths. Meta Settlement Hits Home: Missouri is expected to receive $100M to $150M from a proposed $17.1B multistate Meta deal over teen social-media addiction claims, with new child-safety limits on Facebook and Instagram. Local Government: Independence councilman John Perkins faces a Sept. 1 recall election over tax incentives approved for an AI data center. Road Safety: St. Charles is moving ahead with a redesign of First Capitol Drive after crash data showed hundreds of collisions and the corridor’s high-injury history. Scams & Cyber Risk: Bridgeton logged two scam reports in July, while a TruStage cyberattack has caused funeral-payment delays for some families.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Missouri’s neighbors are celebrating a sweeping $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta that forces major Instagram and Facebook changes for kids, including daily time limits, nighttime shutoffs, stronger age checks, and added parental controls—court approval is still required. Missouri Law Changes Friday: New Missouri rules kick in this week, including higher highway speeds up to 75 mph, tighter rules around porn access with age verification, and changes that make divorce easier for pregnant people. Data Center Pushback in St. Louis County: St. Louis County held another public hearing on data center rules for unincorporated areas, with residents raising concerns about rates, water use, noise, pollution, and strain on infrastructure. Local Tech Oversight: Missouri sheriffs are backing limits and stricter misuse penalties for automated license plate reader cameras, pointing to privacy concerns and storage rules. Road & Public Safety: A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper was seriously hurt after being struck during a Clay County traffic stop; MoDOT also scheduled an I-35 truck parking closure for pavement work. Business & Community: Realty ONE Group Esteem opened a new Northland Kansas City office, and R.K. Black sponsored a youth autocross event giving kids with disabilities a chance to drive.

Missouri Politics & Courts: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway dropped her bid to block Kansas City’s minority- and women-owned contracting program after the city repealed it, ending a fight that had raised big questions about how the city awards contracts. Child Welfare: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order creating a Missouri Child Welfare Task Force to set clearer safety standards and improve coordination across agencies and courts. Local Government & Privacy: Independence councilman John Perkins faces a recall election next week after supporting a major Nebius AI data center deal that included billions in tax breaks. Public Safety & Law: Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson urged the state AG and police board to address concerns with Missouri’s self-defense law, tied to fallout from the 2024 Chiefs parade shooting. Consumer & Tech Safety: Back-to-school photo trends may expose kids’ personal details over time, cybersecurity experts warn. Business & Growth: Collier & Associates announced a private-label partnership with Compass International to bring Compass tech and resources to its agents. Sports & Education: Mizzou fall camp stock-risers and a new 2027 commitment from St. Louis-area guard Will Powers highlight the state’s recruiting and campus buzz. Transportation: MoDOT will narrow I-44 near Stoutland to one lane for bridge repairs, with drivers urged to slow down and watch for crews.

Healthcare Costs: A new MediFind ranking finds West Virginia leads the nation in healthcare cost-to-income burden, with Missouri showing up among the states facing heavy strain as hospital, doctor, dental, and prescription spending weigh on household budgets. College Sports Policy: Mizzou athletic leadership is backing Sen. Eric Schmitt’s Protect College Sports Act, pushing for national rules on NIL, transfers, and eligibility as schools juggle mounting financial pressure. Local Health Access: Howard County’s public health department is expanding lab testing options—adding panels like thyroid, lipids, A1C, and urinalysis—so residents can get results without driving to Columbia. Workplace Rights in Cannabis: Springfield dispensary workers at Key Cannabis have ratified their first union contract, joining Missouri’s small but growing list of cannabis workplaces with collective bargaining protections. Community & Governance: Springfield City Council moved to strip its human rights commission of investigatory duties, replacing them with mayor-assigned special projects after the commission was deemed short-staffed. Tech & Economy: Missouri S&T’s Dr. James Sterling was named to the Missouri Technology Corporation board, reinforcing the state’s push to fund and grow high-tech startups.

Transportation & Growth: MoDOT crews started roundabout construction at Clark Lane and Hanover Boulevard in Columbia as part of the Improve I-70 program, with the intersection closed for about two months and detours routing drivers via St. Charles Road and I-70. Local Government & Data Centers: Ralls County put a one-year moratorium on economic development projects and data centers after learning a company sought power for a potential 53-acre site, and commissioners plan to let voters weigh in. Consumer Protection: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says a Maries County contractor, Gene Matlock, pleaded guilty to deceptive business practices and stealing $25,000+; the court ordered nearly $192,000 in restitution. Food Safety: A federal fact check notes multiple recent food recalls and outbreaks, including a multistate Salmonella Javiana investigation tied to imported jalapeños that has sickened 431 people in 32 states, including Missouri. Tech & Privacy: A Kirkwood roofing company says AI was used to clone its website and scam customers using its credentials. Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Ozark, Holts Summit, and other Missouri cities tied for low single-digit scam reports in July, while St. Louis and Kansas City lead the state. Agriculture & Trade: Kansas and Missouri cattle ranchers are pushing back on Trump’s beef import plan, warning it could pressure ranchers even as it aims to lower grocery prices.

Education & Policy: Stanley County Public School students start classes today under a new rule banning cell phones during the school day, with devices locked in Yondr bags and parents told to call the office for emergencies. Higher Ed & Community: MU Jefferson Farm and Garden is holding an Aug. 27 ribbon cutting for an expanded education center adding classroom capacity, updated tech, and indoor-outdoor teaching, with programs ranging from Master Gardener to workforce training. Agriculture: The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program board meets Sept. 14 at MU’s Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center to plan the Nov. 20 sale. Cannabis Business: Missouri’s final lottery for 77 marijuana microbusiness licenses is set for Sept. 9 after nearly 900 applications, under tougher rules following earlier round problems and revocations. Labor in Cannabis: Springfield dispensary workers secured Missouri’s second union contract after a four-year wait, winning raises, bonuses, and more time off. Local Infrastructure: MoDOT is running a single-lane I-35 closure in Clay County for pavement repair through early Aug. 26. Business Growth: BWH Hotels is expanding its Aiden boutique brand, including a new Aiden by Best Western in downtown Kansas City. Public Safety: Kirkwood residents reported low water pressure after utility disruptions and a major water main break; the city is reviewing emergency communications after mixed messaging.

Missouri Politics: A Cole County judge ruled Missouri’s new congressional districts will stay in place for the November election, rejecting a bid to force a referendum after Secretary of State Denny Hoskins declined to certify petitions. Healthcare & Schools: Democratic candidates at a rally in the Old 169 Club pushed for stronger healthcare access, full public school funding, and more transparency around data centers. Redistricting Fight: A weekly Capitol update says court rulings are also blocking petition protections tied to citizen-led ballot efforts, raising concerns about voters’ ability to challenge lawmakers. Public Safety (Regional): Illinois State Police and the FBI say they’re pursuing a new lead in the 34-year-old Tammy Zywicki case, including a person of interest connected to a truck driver. Agriculture & Costs: Kansas and Missouri lawmakers warned Trump’s plan for temporary tariff relief and increased beef imports could hurt ranchers. Missouri Economy/Community: Kirksville City Council set a public hearing on its 2026 property tax levy and other local measures. Sports (Mizzou): Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy will miss the season opener while recovering from a gunshot wound; coach Eli Drinkwitz also reported progress on several other injured players.

Missouri Politics & Courts: The Missouri Supreme Court set Sept. 2 arguments for two election-related fights involving Secretary of State Denny Hoskins—one over a referendum on the congressional redistricting map and another over whether initiative powers can be limited—after a Cole County judge struck both measures from the Nov. 3 ballot, with rulings due by Sept. 8. Marijuana Licensing: Missouri is drawing nearly 900 applications for its final marijuana microbusiness licensing round Sept. 9, with 77 licenses up for grabs under tougher rules after prior rounds saw revocations. Public Health: India’s ICMR says there’s no new H1N1 strain and urges no panic as cases rise, noting the circulating virus matches vaccine strains. Local Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker shows small but persistent scam reporting across Missouri cities, including Trenton (1 report in July) and Mexico (3 reports in July). Sports (Mizzou): Star RB Ahmad Hardy will miss Missouri’s Sept. 3 opener while recovering from a gunshot wound; coach Eli Drinkwitz says he still needs two full weeks of full-speed practice before a return is considered.

Youth Agriculture Fundraiser: The Missouri State Fair’s Best of Missouri Sale and Sale of Champions raised more than $385,000 for Youth in Agriculture, with mid-Missouri exhibitors contributing $31,500 and top lots including an $8,000 Grand Champion Youth Ham and a $5,200 Reserve Grand Champion Youth Ham. Mizzou Football Injury Update: Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz confirmed star RB Ahmad Hardy will miss the season opener while rehabbing a May gunshot wound, with a return target discussed as “mid-September” but not locked in. Kansas City-Area Storm Recovery: In Wyandotte County, Kansas, residents and nonprofits are still working to restore power and services after Aug. 18 storms, and community leaders say big businesses are now stepping in to help. Health Care Deal Watch: Freeman Health System says it’s working to improve access and care across Northwest Arkansas after completing its acquisition of four hospitals in the region. Public Safety: A Scott County fire chief, Jeremy Perrien, faces murder charges in the 2025 shooting death of his wife, according to state investigators. Fraud Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Missouri cities with reports continue to rack up losses, with Kansas City and St. Louis leading the state list for July.

Retirement Math for Missourians: A new cost-of-living look finds $1.5 million can stretch wildly depending on where you live—highlighting how Social Security alone may not cover the gap for many older adults. Lottery Watch: Missouri Lottery Mega Millions (Aug. 21): 01-25-34-48-57, Mega Ball 24; Pick 3: Midday 4-3-2 (Wild 7), Evening 8-0-2 (Wild 2). Floods and History: Missouri archaeologists say heavy flooding can both expose artifacts and scatter them downstream, complicating how the state’s past is uncovered. Medicaid Pressure in the Region: Arkansas hospital leaders warn Medicaid changes starting in 2027 could add uncertainty as costs rise faster than reimbursement. Local Government Accountability: A Missouri audit of Willard found no fraud tied to a former official, but flagged major water-loss problems that could drive utility-rate pressure. Food Safety Alert: Whole Foods recalled jalapeno-based dips and prepared foods in 12 states, including Missouri, over possible Salmonella contamination. Community Values: An opinion piece points to Gallup data showing many Americans still see and initiate kindness—tying it to Missouri Good Neighbor Week.