AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals that they’re not posting required pricing info, with penalties up to $2 million a year, signaling tighter enforcement ahead of the November midterms. Ag Chemicals Accountability: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” bills to block lawsuits tied to cancer-risk claims, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state failure-to-warn cases. Missouri Roads & Construction: MoDOT is rolling out multiple bridge and resurfacing projects, including Route H over Monegaw Creek reopening, I-49 crossover-lane work starting the week of June 15, and Route 28 resurfacing moving in mid-June. World Cup Business Boost (KC/Columbia): Kansas City venues are leaning into FIFA 2026 with events like a Midtown guest book and Crossroads Night Market, while Columbia businesses host watch parties to capture tourism spillover. Local Development Watch: Columbia’s planning panel stalled a proposed 194-unit apartment complex after residents raised traffic concerns. Agriculture Update: MU seed trials show strong early wheat yields in parts of southeast Missouri, with some locations topping 100 bushels per acre.

Agriculture & Food Policy: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to cancer claims from products like glyphosate, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals to post basic pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually, signaling tighter enforcement of price transparency rules. Missouri Business & Infrastructure: MoDOT opened completed interchange improvements in Columbia ahead of schedule, with Boone County Route AC/US 63 access ramps now live (though some single-lane work may remain). Energy & Environment: Severe storms damaged solar panels at Missouri’s Morris Solar Farm, with crews repairing affected sections. Public Safety & Logistics: A semitruck triggered a chain-reaction crash in an I-70 construction zone in Boone County, injuring multiple drivers. Local Economy & Growth: Nova Construction & Remodeling opened a new Columbia showroom, expanding its remodeling and construction services. Wildlife & Communities: Black bear sightings in Columbia underscore a growing Missouri bear population spreading beyond the Ozarks.

Medicaid Work Rules: CMS has released final federal rules for Medicaid work requirements, spelling out what millions of enrollees must do to keep coverage, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration is warning more than 500 hospitals to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually, aiming to curb surprise medical bills. Labor & Benefits Litigation: Employer groups are urging the 8th Circuit to revisit a class-certification ruling in an ERISA case tied to tobacco-use surcharges, arguing the lower court didn’t properly weigh individualized defenses. Severe Weather: Tornadoes and storms battered the Midwest and Northeast, including confirmed tornadoes outside Chicago, power outages for hundreds of thousands, and at least one death in Iowa. Missouri Infrastructure: MoDOT says the St. Charles Road bridge work in Columbia is progressing faster than expected, with the driving surface poured and an earlier-than-planned opening target. World Cup Logistics in KC: KC2026 leaders and volunteers are ramping up to host FIFA 2026 visitors, coordinating across Missouri and Kansas on transport, security, and hospitality. Fuel Prices: Gas prices fell for a third straight week, with the national average dropping to about $4.12 per gallon.

Healthcare Costs & Compliance: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals to post basic pricing or face penalties up to $2M annually, pushing tougher enforcement of federal price-transparency rules. Cannabis Retail Expansion: Dialed In launched limited “Golazo” World Cup-inspired rosin gummies in Missouri (and Massachusetts), aiming to ride soccer fandom into local dispensary sales. Agriculture Watch: NOAA officially declared El Niño, with a 63% chance it strengthens later this year—an ag-weather signal Missouri growers will be watching. Construction Workforce: Missouri is rolling out a new University of Missouri workforce program to train people for high-demand construction roles as contractors report major hiring trouble. Data Centers & Local Power: A Missouri construction-workforce shortage story sits alongside fresh reporting on communities moving to slow data centers, including a Montgomery County deal that uses Missouri’s Chapter 100 incentives. Consumer & Community: Kansas City’s mayor introduced legislation to back a $1.4B CPKC Stadium expansion, while Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway urged World Cup fans to avoid ticket and lodging scams. Food & Farming Inputs: USDA said the U.S. winter wheat crop is smaller, with acreage and yields down versus last year.

Energy & Utilities: Missouri’s Public Service Commission approved Ameren Missouri’s 250-megawatt solar “Reform Project” in Callaway County and set a June 12 intervention deadline for Ameren’s CCN requests covering multiple battery storage and solar sites, while the state’s Hot Weather Law kicks in June 1 with a 72-hour forecast protection window to prevent certain summer shutoffs. Public Finance: Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick warned the state is on track for “painful” emergency budget cuts, saying General Revenue Fund balances could be exhausted early FY2028 without changes. Healthcare & Consumer Costs: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced a $4.87 million multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, and the Trump administration is pressing hospitals nationwide to post clearer pricing or face penalties. Agriculture & Food Prices: Beef costs hit record highs as New World screwworm was found in Texas, adding another supply risk for cattle and restaurants. Tech & Local Economy: Data center backlash is spreading, with Missouri lawmakers and communities facing pressure as AI-driven power and water demands collide with local concerns. Missouri Business & Workforce: CoxHealth celebrated 1,300+ graduates of its Industry-Driven Healthcare Apprenticeship Program, a paid pipeline into medical roles.

College Sports Policy: U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell pushed a bipartisan college athletes’ compensation bill, arguing critics must answer “what’s the alternative” as the measure faces conference pushback. State Budget Pressure: Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick warned Gov. Mike Kehoe’s FY2027 process is set for more than $1.7B in deficit spending, with the General Revenue Fund surplus nearly gone and “emergency” cuts looming. School District Accountability: Fitzpatrick found Francis Howell R-III paid a former superintendent $229,167 after weak vetting and a flawed search process. COVID Testing Settlement: Missouri’s AG actions are tied to a $4.87M multistate GS Labs deal over overpriced, delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution and fee reimbursements for affected consumers. Workforce & Wages: An economist says Oklahoma’s proposed $15 minimum wage could reduce turnover and retraining costs, even as small employers warn of strain. Agriculture & Food Costs: Beef hit a fresh record as drought and the New World screwworm keep the herd smaller. Community & Water Infrastructure: Missouri 4-H Foundation awarded 95 scholarships totaling $127,000, while DNR granted drinking-water engineering funds to Caledonia, Holcomb, and Waverly. World Cup Consumer Safety: Missouri AG Brenna Hanaway urged Kansans City visitors to avoid ticket, rental, and parking scams ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Healthcare Costs & Compliance: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide—including multiple in the region—that they’re not posting required price information, with penalties up to $2 million annually for noncompliance. Childcare Workforce: Missouri childcare centers say staff retention is still being squeezed by low wages and limited education pathways for workers, driving turnover rates reported as high as 26% to 40%. Local Transportation Safety: Maryville, Mo., is weighing tighter rules and public education for e-bikes and e-scooters after residents reported near-collisions involving minors. Energy Reliability & Rates: Ameren Missouri is seeking public input on a four-year, $881 million transmission upgrade expected to add about 25 cents per month for residential customers. Manufacturing Growth in Missouri: Western Smokehouse Partners won New Markets Tax Credits to expand its Mexico, Mo., plant, aiming to renovate 300,000 square feet and add 377 jobs. AI Infrastructure Backlash: A new lawsuit in Mississippi accuses xAI and SpaceX of creating public nuisance via noise and vibrations tied to power equipment for nearby AI data centers.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Western Smokehouse Partners won New Markets Tax Credits to expand its Mexico, Missouri plant, planning a 300,000-square-foot renovation and 10 new production lines that the company says will double output and create 377 jobs. Water Infrastructure: Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources awarded Maryville $52.5 million for a new surface water treatment plant, including a $2.5 million grant and $50 million loan through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, with completion targeted for July 2028. Healthcare Costs & Compliance: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide, including several in Arkansas, to post transparent pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually. Home Care Financing: PRN Funding expanded home care invoice factoring into Ohio, Minnesota, Florida and Missouri, aiming to help agencies cover payroll and staffing faster when claims take time to pay. Supply Chain & Logistics: FreightWeekSTL highlighted how tariff swings and geopolitical risk are pushing companies toward more regional, flexible sourcing and tools like Foreign Trade Zones. Local Business Growth: IntegrateIT opened a larger Overland Park smart home showroom to let Kansas City-area homeowners test integrated systems in person. Energy & Industry: A report on Missouri data center regulation notes local moratoriums and failed state efforts as hyperscale growth outpaces oversight.

Infrastructure & Energy: Northwest Missouri State University is entering the final phase of a roughly $105M campus modernization, including HVAC upgrades and switching from a centralized steam plant to a decentralized hot-water system, with more temporary closures expected. Grid Reliability: Ameren is seeking public input on a 130-mile Eastern Missouri Grid Transformation Project aimed at replacing aging transmission infrastructure, with work targeted to start in summer 2028 and finish by 2032. Construction/Materials: Breedon is paying $120M for Missouri’s Falling Springs Quarry to expand U.S. aggregates operations near St. Louis. Data Centers & Water: Reports say an Amazon Web Services data center near New Florence could rely on wells drilled 1,500 feet down, using about 50M gallons a year—fueling fresh Missouri water-use concerns. Local Governance: Maryville City Council discussed motor scooters, a proposed data center, and boat-docking rules, while Jefferson County accepted a $50,000 MoDOT grant to study an airport site. Public Safety: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway launched a World Cup-focused human trafficking campaign with billboards and the Simply Report app.

Food & Agriculture Costs: USDA’s May milk price benchmarks ticked up—Class III at $16.92/cwt (highest since Nov. 2025) and Class IV at $22.32—while cheese output rose modestly, signaling gradual rebound but still below year-ago levels. Livestock Health & Supply Chain: Texas activated an “escalated response” to the New World screwworm after new detections, warning of potential livestock and beef-price ripple effects if the pest spreads. Meat Industry & Consumer Impact: Shoppers have until June 30 to file claims in an $87.5 million beef price-fixing settlement tied to allegations involving major meatpackers including Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef. Missouri Business Leadership: Tyson Foods named veteran Wes Morris as COO, effective June 15, as the company continues operational performance push across major protein segments. Logistics & Investment: FreightWeekSTL 2026 opened with a venture-focused session on funding supply-chain innovation, highlighting St. Louis-area momentum in logistics tech. Local Missouri Governance: Ava aldermen’s agenda includes ordinances on a municipal police shooting range and a temporary moratorium on data center approvals. Energy & Infrastructure: EPA approved a $40 million WIFIA loan for South Sioux City wastewater upgrades, aimed at boosting capacity and reliability. Transportation & Construction: Missouri DOT roadwork planning continues for the week of June 8, with ongoing bridge and roadway projects across the region. Retail Fuel Watch: Diesel pricing dipped in New Madrid County to $5.09/gallon for the week ending May 30, reflecting broader cooling in gas prices.

Cloud & Data Centers: Lightedge says it will start selling IBM Power Virtual Server (PowerVS) to IBM i customers, signaling more competition in the managed IBM i cloud market. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Kirkwood is asking MoDOT to lower the speed limit on Manchester Road from 35 mph to 30 mph to improve safety near North Kirkwood Middle School; Columbia’s North Village Park project is also moving ahead with ADA sidewalks, accessible parking, and sensory-friendly play. Public Works & Logistics: MoDOT outlined northern Missouri roadwork and closures, while Route FF in Platte County is shut until Nov. 1 for drainage and resurfacing tied to a corridor upgrade. Business & Jobs: Missouri’s Healthy SNAP launch has been delayed to February 2027 (and later extended to 2027), and Moberly is raising water and sewer rates starting July 1 as utility costs climb. Enforcement & Consumer Protection: Missouri AG charged a Greene County builder with 26 felony counts tied to alleged home-construction fraud. Security & Major Events: A mass shooting near England’s Kansas City World Cup base camp left nine injured, though authorities say it wasn’t connected to tournament venues. Energy & Costs: Gas prices continue to cool in Missouri-area reporting, with midgrade lows noted in Douglas County.

AI Policy: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders floated a plan for the public to take a major equity stake in AI firms, with Altman saying he can’t back the 50% threshold but wants to work on the idea; Trump also signaled executives could visit the White House to discuss “public” benefits from AI. Missouri Utilities: Moberly approved a 3% July 1 water and sewer rate hike and added card processing fees, while Missouri’s Hot Weather Law (through Sept. 30) blocks utility shutoffs during extreme-heat forecasts. Data Centers & Water: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses at U.S. data centers by 2030, expanding “water stewardship” amid local concerns. Transportation Planning: MoDOT’s commission approved a long-range transportation plan guiding needs through 2050, with projects still handled via the five-year improvement program. Local Government & Infrastructure: Kirksville City Council meets June 8, including public-safety radio upgrades and pool work contracts. Agriculture Costs: Missouri corn growers warn fertilizer and diesel costs are squeezing margins as fertilizer competition and supply remain problematic. Business Snapshot: Nine Missouri firms made the Fortune 500, led by Centene at No. 19.

Utilities & Cost Relief: Sioux Center Municipal Utilities is weighing a 7% electric rate increase starting late July, citing higher wholesale power costs, inflation, and reliability upgrades, including local generation work. Energy & Agriculture: Missouri activated its New World Screwworm response plan after USDA confirmed the pest in a Texas calf, with new rules for animal movement into the state. Data Centers & Water Use: New details on Amazon’s proposed “Project Green” in New Florence show deep wells (about 1,500 feet) and an estimated 50 million gallons of water a year, sparking local and statewide debate over resource impacts. State Policy: Missouri’s Hot Weather Law is in effect through Sept. 30, limiting utility shutoffs during extreme heat forecasts while still requiring customers to pay bills. Local Government: Jefferson County mayors are urging Gov. Mike Kehoe to veto parts of HB 2818 that would tighten annexation rules. Transportation: MoDOT plans resurfacing work that will close the U.S. 63 exit to Renz Farm Road next week, with one-lane traffic and flaggers during construction. Community & Business: Southwest Missouri Bank announced its seventh year of Corley Trust grants, distributing $270,276 to 72 nonprofits. Workforce & Education: Mizzou released its spring 2026 dean’s list, with 12,207 undergraduates earning honors.

Data Centers & Water Use: Amazon’s “Project Green” in New Florence is drawing fresh scrutiny after reports say it would tap deep wells 1,500 feet down and use about 50 million gallons of water a year, with locals raising concerns even if the plan is designed to avoid private wells. Livestock Health: Missouri activated its New World Screwworm response plan after USDA confirmed the pest in a 3-week-old calf in Texas—its first U.S. detection since 2023—prompting new movement rules and a statewide working group. Local Governance & Growth: Jefferson County mayors and officials are urging Gov. Mike Kehoe to veto parts of House Bill 2818 that would tighten annexation rules, arguing it limits local control over development. Public Safety Funding: A coalition opposing Boone County’s proposed new jail is pushing back on Proposition L, questioning the final cost and how mental health needs would be handled. Agribusiness Leadership: Gov. Kehoe appointed Drew Lock of La Plata to the State Soil and Water Districts Commission. Health & Consumer Protection: Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman agreed to immediately suspend Missouri sales of kratom and 7-OH after a state AG lawsuit. Community & Commerce: Overland Park’s new Clock Tower Landing Farmers Market opened to big crowds, adding a winter season and expanded gathering space.

Data Center Pushback in Missouri: A Missouri-focused debate over AI-driven data centers is heating up as residents and local officials raise concerns about energy use, water impacts, and quality-of-life—while critics say regulators haven’t filled the gap with clear rules. Kansas City Stadium Vote Fight: Missouri Workers Power says it collected enough signatures to force a citywide vote on $600M in Royals stadium incentives, but the mayor says construction could start before any vote is scheduled. Healthy SNAP Delay: Missouri is extending the Healthy SNAP rollout to Feb. 15, 2027, giving DSS more time to work with grocers and agriculture partners on the “healthier foods” waiver. Energy Costs Watch: New EIA-based mapping shows Missouri residential electricity prices up about 11.9% year over year, with grid investment and demand pressures tied to broader load growth. Agriculture & Livestock: Missouri is preparing for New World screwworm response planning after USDA confirmed a case in Texas, while MU Extension is gearing up for sheep and goat field days and 4-H leadership events. Infrastructure & Public Works: MoDOT plans resurfacing on Outer Road 63/54 in Callaway County during the week of June 8, with lane closures and flaggers.

Data Center Fight in Missouri: A Missouri bill to regulate data centers failed to reach a vote, while local battles keep escalating—St. Charles’ moratorium, Festus recall efforts, and Independence reversing council support for tax breaks show how fast tech is outpacing policy. Google Water Commitments: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and invest $17M in water stewardship, including projects with Ducks Unlimited and Iowa partners. Construction & Jobs: EquipmentShare, based in Columbia, will present at Wells Fargo’s Industrials & Materials conference, highlighting connected jobsite tech as the construction sector keeps moving. Kansas City Royals Stadium Ballot Push: Missouri Workers Power says it gathered 4,500+ signatures to force a public vote on $600M in city-backed Royals stadium funding. Livestock Health: Missouri activated steps to detect and contain New World screwworm if it spreads from south Texas. Transportation & Safety: MoDOT is set to break ground on a $19M West Alton intersection project with J-turns, and Missouri road-safety groups are taking nominations for 2026 awards.