Missouri River & Hydropower: The U.S. Army Corps says Missouri River reservoir storage is set to keep sliding this fall, with Gavins Point winter releases at minimum levels and hydropower generation projected below average as drought grips most of the basin. Healthcare Contract Crunch: BJC Healthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield remain deadlocked; if no deal lands by Dec. 31, BJC could go out-of-network for Anthem patients starting Jan. 1, 2027—putting coverage for millions at risk. Energy Innovation Investment: Mizzou broke ground on the $120M Payne Energy Innovation Center, backed by a $50M David Payne gift, aiming to boost research and workforce in energy production, storage, security and delivery. Workforce Push: Gov. Kehoe proclaimed September Workforce Development Month, spotlighting apprenticeships, Workforce Pell, and AI-focused skills training tied to Missouri Job Centers. Agriculture & Trade: Trump’s temporary beef import tariff suspension could affect Missouri’s cattle recovery, raising the question of whether more supply can cool prices without disrupting herd rebuilding. Lottery Digital Shift: Missouri Lottery is moving toward online ticket and instant-game sales via proposed rules allowing direct online purchases using state wallets and geolocation. Food Aid Spotlight: Second Harvest highlighted mobile food distribution and senior and children’s programs in Trenton, underscoring ongoing hunger relief needs across northeast Missouri. Local Business IT Reminder: Stimulus Technologies urged Jefferson City businesses to “grade” their IT systems—backups, security, access and updates—before problems hit. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported weekly lows across Missouri counties, with regular and diesel prices easing from spring highs but still volatile heading into Labor Day travel.