Rural Power Boost: USDA Rural Development is backing Missouri electric infrastructure with major federal loans, including $213M for Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative transmission work and $28.7M for Ralls County Electric Cooperative line upgrades plus smart grid tech. Local Health & Construction: Hannibal City Council approved nearly $2M to demolish the former St. Elizabeth Hospital, with hazardous-material removal and engineering lined up as the site’s future use remains open. College Sports Policy: Big Ten and SEC leaders pushed back on the Protect College Sports Act, saying it doesn’t fix the patchwork of state NIL rules and could increase litigation. College Athletics NIL/Transfer Rules: Senators Cruz and Cantwell unveiled a new college sports compensation framework, aiming to “restore order” amid NIL and transfer portal chaos. Water Costs in St. Louis: The St. Louis Water Division is nearing a budget shortfall and is seeking customer rate increases starting July 1 as aging infrastructure drives record main breaks. Agriculture Education: Jarred Sayre is spotlighted for shaping rural Missouri students through agriculture instruction tied to his family cattle operation. Farm Supply Chain: A proposed class action in federal court targets fertilizer giants over alleged price-fixing and supply limits, naming major NPK producers. AI Data Center Fight: Independence residents are pressing for a data center moratorium tied to the Nebius AI hyperscale project, after a court ruling blocked a referendum. Public Works: MoDOT will remove overhead flashing lights at two Alton intersections June 3, shifting traffic to one lane during work. Food Safety: FDA and CDC reopened a salmonella probe into imported moringa supplements after additional illnesses, expanding the recall list. Business Growth: Yesway reported strong Q1 results after going public, citing higher fuel margins and plans to add stores.