AGP Executive Report

Highway Safety: Three people were injured in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 north of Lathrop after construction slowed traffic, with two women and a man transported to Liberty Hospital. State Policy & Public Safety: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a package of bills, including tougher DUI penalties under “Bentley and Mason’s Law,” which also requires intoxicated drivers who kill a parent to pay child support for surviving children. Housing Market: U.S. existing home sales fell 2.4% in June as tight inventory pushed prices to record highs, keeping affordability pressure on first-time and lower-income buyers. Community Giving: United Way of Central Missouri kicked off its 2026 campaign with a “Reach for the Sky” push, targeting $2.9 million to support health, education, financial stability and basic needs. Energy & Industry: Reuters reports an aluminum supply shock is reviving long-idled Western smelters, including Missouri’s New Madrid restart by Magnitude 7 Metals. Data Centers & Local Backlash: A proposed AI data center in El Segundo, California, was withdrawn after heavy public opposition, adding to a broader wave of data center pushback across the U.S. Missouri Business & Infrastructure: MoDOT awarded the Jefferson County Port Authority a $186,000 grant for a new front-end loader at the Herculaneum port to support freight operations. Construction & Transportation: A ribbon cutting is set for the Don Welge Memorial Bridge opening, connecting Perryville, Mo., and Chester, Ill., after a $307.1 million MoDOT/IDOT project.

Missouri Agriculture & Rural Policy: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed multiple ag bills, extending key farm tax credits and easing rules for cotton gins, including changes to air-quality permitting and exemptions for older farm vehicles from emissions inspections. Public Safety & Economic Development: Kehoe also signed 19 bills overall, including “Clean Slate” automatic expungement for eligible nonviolent offenses and tougher penalties for intoxicated drivers; separate measures include telecom infrastructure updates, mortgage modification provisions, and a new Missouri Ireland Trade Commission. Energy & Utilities: Ameren Missouri asked the Missouri Public Service Commission for about a $343M rate increase, projecting roughly a $13/month hit for average residential customers, citing reliability and growing demand. Courts & Insurance: A federal court limited an apartment complex’s shooting-related insurance coverage to $50,000. Health & Consumer Protection: Missouri’s AG joined a push for stronger federal rules to block illegal robocalls, while national headlines also flagged ongoing scrutiny of infant formula safety and Cash App fraud practices. Transportation & Infrastructure: MoDOT approved the FY 2027-2031 statewide transportation improvement program, laying out major road, bridge, and airport funding through 2031. Agriculture Tech: Missouri Soybeans highlighted robotics, precision ag, and soybean cyst nematode research as growers look for efficiency gains amid tight margins.

Industrial & Manufacturing Leadership: CM Shredders named Michael Hillstrand as new general manager, tasking him with tightening execution across finance, engineering, operations and sales. Foodservice Distribution: EPI inked a merger with Paragon Marketing, expanding its rep footprint across Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Southern Illinois effective Aug. 1. Energy & Rates: Ameren Missouri filed to raise electricity prices next year, with AI data centers and a “large load tariff” debate likely front and center. Data Centers & Missouri Politics: Missouri won’t get a special legislative session on data centers; meanwhile, coverage highlights how Amendment 5 messaging may not directly target data centers. Public Safety Law: Gov. Mike Kehoe is set to sign tougher drunken-driving measures, including longer minimum sentences for intoxicated crashes with fatalities. Farm Economy: Farm bankruptcies are rising sharply in Iowa, Missouri and Illinois, driven by higher costs and weaker returns. Housing Development: Milhaus received MHDC LIHTC approval for 194 affordable apartments in Kansas City, supported by local housing funds and tax abatements. Transportation Projects: MoDOT advanced multiple corridor updates, including Route 94/Route D improvements and major I-70 lane work near David Hoekel Parkway. Consumer Protection: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway joined a push for stronger FCC rules to curb robocalls by limiting scammers’ access to legitimate phone numbers. Agribusiness & Trade: Broiler placements stayed slightly ahead of pace, while USDA acreage data showed little change.

Robocall Crackdown: Missouri AG Andrew Hanaway joined a bipartisan push urging the FCC to tighten rules that let scammers buy legitimate phone numbers, after Americans lost nearly $2B to robocalls and texts last year. Banking & Finance: Business First Bancshares agreed to acquire community-bank consulting firm American Planning Corp., aiming to deepen outsourced CFO and capital planning services for other banks. Consumer Payments: Block (Cash App) agreed to a $45M settlement with 46 state AGs over alleged misleading claims about fraud detection and lack of live dispute help. Energy & Industry: Mars will close its Nature’s Bakery Hazelwood plant, cutting 345 jobs, while Missouri’s Callaway nuclear plant leaders point to rising power demand from manufacturing, EVs, and AI data centers. Logistics & Real Estate: Diamond Properties bought a fully leased 52,272-sq.-ft Hazelwood warehouse, and Earnheart Oil sold its downstream retail/wholesale/transport portfolio to two buyers. Ag & Food Supply: USDA data shows broiler placements still running about 2% ahead of 2025 pace. Local Business Climate: MU Extension and partners are building the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail to boost pollinator habitat and rural tourism.

SNAP Budget Pressure: Missouri and Kansas face rising SNAP payment error rates, with FY2025 data putting them on track to owe big new costs starting in October 2027—on top of added admin bills—just as state budgets tighten. Road Funding Watch: Gov. Mike Kehoe used a line-item veto to restrict funds for two road projects in Jasper and Newton counties, a reminder that Missouri infrastructure plans can change fast. Primary Election Guide: Missouri voters head into the Aug. 4 primary with early voting set to begin July 21, with four statewide ballot measures including tax and initiative-petition rules likely to drive the most spending and attention. Energy Resilience Grant: California, Mo. received a $1.7M electric resilience grant to harden the grid against outages, with a required local match. Public Safety Update: Missouri’s Independence Day weekend saw fewer crashes and injuries than 2025, according to preliminary Highway Patrol figures. Agribusiness Baseline: The June 30 USDA Acreage Report was largely neutral for corn and soybeans, keeping attention on acreage shifts as the season develops.

Renewables & Tech Infrastructure: LRE marked major milestones across its 725 MW Oklahoma solar portfolio, including Salt Branch, Huckleberry, Mayes and Twelvemile projects, with the work aimed at reliable power for Google operations and regional demand. Healthcare Workforce: Taylor Nursing Academy in Grandview is expanding its CNA pipeline, having licensed nearly 300 certified nursing assistants since launching in 2022. Hospital Deals: “Signed and Scrubbed” reported on June 2026 hospital M&A activity, including a Freeman Health System purchase of four Arkansas hospitals. Local Data Center Pushback: Callaway County plans an open house July 14 with Crusoe about a potential data center, while nearby communities continue debating AI data centers. Transportation & Construction: MoDOT’s five-year STIP cleared $13B for statewide projects, with Howard County bridge and pavement work highlighted; MoDOT also reopened the Route 43/North Fork Spring River bridge to traffic and set an Andrew County Route B bridge deck replacement open house July 8. Agriculture & Education: Missouri Farmers Care’s Ag Moves brought hands-on lessons to Chillicothe students, and Enel Green Power renewed its Tarkio Tech wind scholarship for a sixth year. Banking Expansion: BTC Bank completed system conversions for former Tri-County Trust and other Missouri locations, folding them into its network.

Missouri Auto Theft Watch: The state Department of Commerce and Insurance is urging drivers to lock up, hide valuables, and avoid leaving keys or running vehicles unattended as vehicle thefts remain a major cost to owners. Local Public Safety & Infrastructure: MoDOT is starting an $18.4M safety upgrade on Route 67 in St. Charles County after a crash-heavy stretch; separately, Marion County is cutting speed limits and restricting commercial traffic on Paris Gravel Road after GPS routing created safety concerns. Economic Development & Data Centers: Joplin City Council delayed a data-center ordinance to tighten standards after public input, while Independence is weighing a 180-day moratorium on new data center and battery storage projects after backlash to a major AI facility. Power & Reliability: Jefferson City Correctional Center is back to normal operations after Fourth of July storms knocked out power, running on generators in the meantime. Business & Consumer Alerts: BBB warned of a nationwide scam using a fake “Infinity Auctions” site that targets vehicle buyers with a phony Rapid City address. Banking Expansion: Arvest Bank, based in Bentonville, plans its first Texas office in Frisco to expand commercial lending. Construction & Tourism: Jefferson City moved closer to breaking ground on a downtown conference center and hotel, and the Truman Library in Independence began a $13M landscape and visibility project.

Data Centers & Energy Policy: Independence is weighing a 180-day moratorium on new data center and battery energy storage projects after earlier controversy tied to a large AI facility, as city leaders say they need time to review zoning, safety, and welfare impacts. Utilities & Rates: Missouri American Water has filed for a rate hike tied to a $1.6 billion 2025-2028 overhaul, with upgrades planned across the state including Joplin. Highway & Freight Safety: MoDOT is resuming I-70 work after the July 4 pause, including plans to add lanes and expand truck parking to improve highway safety. Local Infrastructure: A major $18.4 million Route 67 safety project is underway in St. Charles County, targeting a crash-prone stretch with heavy daily traffic. Workforce & Manufacturing: Genie Recon (a Springfield remanufacturing operation) plans a Springfield expansion, boosting its workforce by 50% and aiming for 90 employees by year-end. Labor in Missouri’s Cannabis Industry: Missouri cannabis workers are scoring union wins, including a ratified contract for dispensary workers in Columbia and more organizing elections expected statewide. Storm Recovery: Power restoration continues after Fourth of July storms, with thousands still affected in mid-Missouri as crews coordinate across co-ops.

Energy & Utilities: Ameren Missouri is seeking a mid-2027 rate increase that would raise the average bill by about $13, as lawmakers and residents keep pushing for affordable, reliable power amid rising demand and summer heat. Data Centers & Local Economy: Missouri lawmakers are weighing new rules for large data center projects after residents raised concerns about transparency, utility costs, and water use, with some communities considering big tax abatements for major campuses. Agriculture & Environment: A report on herbicide drift highlights how potent weedkillers can damage crops and trees, and critics say EPA’s new dicamba rules may not stop long-distance drift. Food & Consumer: Community Coffee is leaning into changing tastes with new products, betting on direct community connection as it competes in a wider grocery and e-commerce market. Construction & Infrastructure: Work is progressing on the historic Kirkwood Train Station, aiming for a Sept. 15 reopening after a $5.7 million renovation funded by public donations plus state and federal grants. Public Safety & Weather: Storms knocked out power across mid-Missouri, including Jefferson City correctional facilities, with officials reporting restored cooling and water after outages. Transportation & Travel: The Southwest Trail’s rail-to-trail conversion continues to open new stretches, turning a decades-old railroad corridor into a regional recreation route. Business Climate: Missouri’s budget roundtable focuses on cuts and spending freezes as the state balances investments with tighter fiscal forecasts.

Agribusiness & Food Security: A new soybean nodulation mechanism could boost yields and resilience, with researchers pointing to gene-editing as a path to fine-tune the discovery. Energy & Utilities: Ameren Missouri filed for a mid-2027 rate increase that could add about $13 to the average bill, tied to its Smart Energy Plan and storm-hardened upgrades; meanwhile, Missouri lawmakers are also weighing how to keep electricity affordable as demand grows. Severe Weather & Public Safety: A heat wave blamed for at least 25 deaths across the U.S. coincided with storms that knocked out power for more than 1.3 million customers, including outages and downed lines in the Jefferson City area. Transportation & Construction: MoDOT advanced a major I-64 Fort Hill Bridge rehab contract worth $74.5M, with work expected to start this fall. Local Government & Business Climate: Data center backlash is spilling into Missouri politics as residents and lawmakers question transparency, utility costs, and water use tied to large projects. Agriculture Exports: Trade policy remains a make-or-break factor for corn farmers, since a big share of the crop must be sold globally to support prices.

Severe Weather Disruptions: July 4 events across the U.S. were hit by thunderstorms and a heat wave, including evacuations at Washington’s National Mall and delays to “Salute to America.” Missouri Storm Response: In Eastern Cole County, Osage City was left “impassable” after storm damage; crews rescued seven people and urged only residents to access the area while recovery and damage assessment begin. Power Grid Strain: Eastern utilities faced record demand and repair needs as heat lingered, with officials warning that storms could be severe and that grid stress remains a risk. Fuel Watch (Missouri): GasBuddy reported lower diesel and gasoline prices in multiple counties for the week ending June 27, including regular gas as low as $3.39 in Perry County and diesel lows around $4.14–$4.29 in several areas. Data Center Backlash: A zoning-notice dispute helped kill a major planned data center campus, adding to growing local opposition to AI infrastructure.

Local News Investment: David Hoffmann is doubling down on community journalism as chairman of Lee Enterprises, backing local papers with tens of millions and arguing newspapers are “running right toward” what others abandon. Aviation Safety: A preliminary NTSB report on a Missouri skydiving crash that killed 12 found no sign of engine failure or other serious mechanical problems, noting the engine appeared to be producing power and fuel samples were clean. Independence Day in Missouri: Parkville’s Independence Day parade went on despite light rain, with residents saying the 250th anniversary made the event feel bigger. Fuel Watch (Missouri): GasBuddy reports show Perry County’s cheapest diesel at $4.25 and regular at $3.39 (week ending June 27), while St. Francois County’s lowest diesel hit $4.19. AI Data Centers & Local Rules: A Blackstone/QTS data center plan was withdrawn after Prince William County missed required public notice timing, adding to growing community pushback against AI infrastructure. Transportation & Public Works: MoDOT approved a $13B statewide transportation improvement program for 2027-2031, including dozens of projects across Mid-Missouri counties, and Springfield scheduled a Commercial/Robberson intersection closure July 6-9 for stormwater and sidewalk work.

Public Health: A CDC study found alpha-gal antibodies in up to 31% of blood samples in higher-risk states, with Arkansas at 31% and Missouri at 26%, pointing to a tick-linked red-meat allergy risk. Aviation Safety: An NTSB preliminary report on Missouri’s June skydiving crash says investigators found no major pre-crash mechanical failures or engine component problems, even as the cause remains unexplained. Local Courts/Development: Missouri’s Supreme Court upheld a Springfield ruling allowing a University Heights retail development, rejecting claims that an old deed restricts land to residential use. Data Centers/Tech Infrastructure: Denver-based Crusoe is reportedly in talks to raise about $3B at a roughly $30B valuation, while neocloud Nebius signed an 18MW lease for a Spain data center. Energy/Weather: A major heat wave is straining workers and the power grid, with heat alerts covering hundreds of millions nationwide. Consumer Safety: A Missouri-based fireworks maker recalled nearly 100,000 units nationwide due to burn and explosion hazards. Transportation: Missouri State Highway Patrol data show Troop F traffic fatalities nearly doubled year over year.

Fireworks Safety & Local Rules: A Missouri-based fireworks maker, Winco Fireworks International (Grandview), recalled nearly 100,000 “Unity 7 Shot 200 Gram” aerial cake devices nationwide after CPSC flagged a tip-over risk; in Columbia, most fireworks are illegal inside city limits except sparklers, with seasonal retailer sales allowed June 20–July 10. Holiday Travel & Fuel: AAA expects about 72.2 million Americans to travel for Fourth of July, with regular gas averaging $3.92 nationally; Missouri GasBuddy updates show midgrade and diesel deals in multiple counties, including a Bollinger County diesel low of $4.55 (week ending June 27). Aviation Safety: Federal investigators reported no pre-crash engine failure or other serious mechanical issues in Missouri’s June skydiving plane crash that killed 12. Agriculture & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court reinforced EPA’s primary role in pesticide labeling in Monsanto v. Durnell, limiting certain state failure-to-warn claims. Community & Culture: Missouri River Relief won a $15,000 Missouri Humanities Council grant for “Missouri River Renaissance,” a documentary on the river’s cultural revival.

Economic Development Leadership: Missouri State University named Rachel Munday as assistant vice president for economic development and Matt Curry as executive director of the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center, continuing growth in innovation and partnerships after Allen Kunkel’s retirement. Manufacturing & Jobs: Magnitude 7 Metals plans to restart its Marston, Missouri aluminium smelter, targeting first potline output before year-end and adding 75,000 tons of annual capacity, with hundreds of jobs expected. Energy & Infrastructure: Missouri’s utility regulators set intervention deadlines in rate cases for Missouri-American Water and Ameren Missouri, signaling near-term pressure points for local customers and planning. Public Safety & Consumer Watch: A CPSC recall flagged Unity 7 Shot 200 Gram aerial cake fireworks sold in red, white and blue due to explosion and burn hazards; Missouri AG is also investigating ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller amid consumer-misleading allegations. Workforce Health: A major heat wave is driving dangerous conditions for workers across warehouses and delivery routes, raising the stakes for Missouri employers and safety compliance. Business & Finance: Southern Bancorp will change its name to Uplift Bank, reflecting its community-development mission across multiple states including Missouri.

Utility Regulation: Missouri’s Public Service Commission set a July 17 intervention deadline for Missouri-American Water’s request to raise water and wastewater base rates, seeking about $191.9 million in annual revenue and roughly $23/month for an average St. Louis County customer. Brewing & Manufacturing: Anheuser-Busch says it will spend more than $20 million on upgrades at its Arnold canning plant and St. Louis brewery as part of a broader $600 million U.S. investment, aimed at boosting Michelob Ultra production. Local Development: Kansas City approved an ordinance moving forward with a $1.4 billion expansion of CPKC Stadium and riverfront district plans, including up to $235 million in special obligation bonds. Transportation & Infrastructure: MoDOT outlined Northwest Missouri roadwork for July 6-12 and scheduled a July 13 closure of the Route 129 North Spring Creek Bridge in Sullivan County through November 2026. Agriculture Policy: A Senate Farm Bill draft kicks off the next round of agriculture debate, with Missouri Farm Bureau weighing in on key differences from the House version. Food Safety: FDA is investigating a cyclospora outbreak tied to packaged garden salad mixes from Hy-Vee, Aldi and Jewel-Osco, prompting recalls. Energy/Construction: Missouri’s PSC also set an intervention deadline for Ameren Missouri’s general rate case. Business & Finance: Southern Bancorp announced plans to change its name to Uplift Bank, pending regulatory approval. Tech & Research: Scientists reported making artificial cells that can feed, grow and reproduce—an early step toward building life from scratch.