AGP Executive Report

Redistricting Showdown: The Missouri Supreme Court is weighing whether voters can weigh in on the state’s gerrymandered congressional map this November, with a Sept. 8 deadline looming and the outcome tied to whether the referendum can appear on the ballot. Initiative Fight: Justices also heard arguments over Amendment 6, which would protect citizen initiative powers and limit lawmakers’ ability to weaken voter-approved rules. College Eligibility Chaos: A St. Louis County judge denied the NCAA’s bid to dismiss a temporary restraining order, clearing Missouri defensive tackle Sterling Webb to play just before the season opener. Public Safety & Courts: A Jefferson City man was indicted in federal court for fentanyl distribution tied to a death. Local Politics: Republicans are calling on Thomas Ross to withdraw from a Missouri House race after his arrest in Joplin. Weather: Heat stays intense across central Missouri, with heat index values pushing triple digits and a weak cold front mainly lowering humidity late Sunday. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows multiple Missouri cities, including Maryland Heights, tied for high scam-report rankings in July.

Missouri Supreme Court Showdown: The state’s redistricting referendum fight heads to its final legal test Tuesday, with justices deciding whether voters can force a November ballot vote on congressional map changes. Privacy vs. Surveillance: Missouri lawmakers and communities are pushing back on automated license plate reader use and data centers, while New Jersey’s rules show how training, audits, and limits can be built into ALPR programs. Public Health Access: Jackson County Public Health installed a second free naloxone “Bluebox” in Raytown, expanding 24/7 overdose-prevention supplies without collecting names. Sports & Courts: Mizzou’s $250 million Memorial Stadium north-end renovation opens for the season opener, while Missouri’s high court also weighs whether voters can reject district maps and a separate case involves Sterling Webb’s eligibility. Crime & Courts: A Bollinger County man was sentenced to 12 years for coercing two girls into sending nude images, and a Hannibal man pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. Local Life: Missouri deer hunting rules for 2026 include CWD-related changes; a detached garage fire near Willard left no injuries; and a fatal crash killed a Lone Jack woman near Pineville.

Missouri Supreme Court: The court hears arguments Wednesday on whether voters can force a referendum over Missouri’s gerrymandered congressional map and on Amendment 6, with the ballot deadline looming Sept. 8. Sports law: Sterling Webb is back in court seeking another temporary restraining order to keep playing for Mizzou, while the Missouri Supreme Court also weighs a challenge to Kansas City Royals stadium tax credits under the Show Me Sports Act. State politics & abortion: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway’s office is airing a $167,000 state-funded women’s health PSA ahead of the November vote on reinstating a near-total abortion ban. Weather & recovery: President Trump approved more than $40 million in storm recovery funding for Kansas and Missouri. Public safety: Webster County launched a Rest Easy naloxone program at I-44 welcome centers; Missouri drought conditions are creeping back as fall approaches. Courts & crime: A convicted killer appeals his Cass County murder convictions, and a Mexican national was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for illegal reentry in the Kansas City area.

School Safety Law: Missouri’s new “Missouri Rangers” program takes effect, giving schools a voluntary option to use specially trained security personnel as students return. Public Safety & Courts: A federal grand jury indicted six people in a Kansas City fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy, while a separate federal case charges a Kansas City man with illegal ammunition possession. Health & Community: Lionel Richie was hospitalized in St. Louis ICU after feeling dizzy following his Muny performance, with reports pointing to possible dehydration. Social Services: SNAP verification rules change Oct. 1, requiring documented proof for certain expenses and resources for new applicants and recertifications. Education Funding: Missouri’s charter-school commission approved $685,000 in surplus rebates to sponsored schools. State Programs: The treasurer’s office says MO ABLE hit record growth in 2025, adding nearly 1,400 new accounts and topping $15 million in assets. Weather & Safety: Joplin enacted a burn ban amid a hot, dry stretch. Sports: Missouri Southern’s cross country teams were ranked top four in the 2026 MIAA preseason coaches poll.

Elections: A new Missouri law signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe restores voting rights for more people on felony probation or parole for non-violent, non-sexual crimes, adding about 41,000 eligible voters for the November midterms. Public Safety: A tougher school-bus passing law (Senate Bill 1421) now brings automatic license points and higher fines, with prison possible if a child is struck or injured. Health & Community: Lionel Richie was hospitalized in St. Louis after falling ill during a Muny performance, with reports pointing to possible dehydration. Environment: The Missouri Department of Conservation is urging residents to create monarch “Waystations,” including planting milkweed and nectar sources, and will host a virtual program Sept. 12. Local Life: United Way Mark Twain Area kicked off its fall fundraiser in Hannibal, and Central Missouri Humane Society is seeking homes for 69 farm animals. Sports: Mark Mitchell has reenrolled at Missouri after backing out of Kentucky, while UNI’s Jadyn Petersen earned MVC Libero of the Week.

Top Story—Mizzou Football Opener: Missouri kicks off its 2026 season Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. at Faurot Field against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on SEC Network, with the newly renovated north end zone opening after a $250 million Memorial Stadium upgrade. Public Safety—KC Officer-Involved Shooting: Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating after Kansas City police officers fired at a pickup that backed into their patrol vehicle during a traffic stop near 34th and Gillham; the driver was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound and was reported stable. Courts & Crime: A Phelps County jury convicted Stephen T. Scott of eight charges tied to the Dec. 4, 2022 killings of two women in Qulin. Child Safety—Federal Child Porn Case: A Kansas City man on Missouri parole for prior child pornography convictions was charged in federal court after investigators seized thousands of images from his devices. Health—COVID Update: Adams County officials say CDC estimates show COVID cases rising in Missouri and Illinois and urge vaccination and basic prevention steps. Infrastructure—Hospital Access: University Hospital’s main entrance and circle drive in Columbia close for construction, with traffic redirected to Children’s Hospital entrance. Local Life—Gas Prices: Missouri average gas prices fell 7.9 cents over the past week to about $3.80 a gallon.

MoDOT Road Work: Crews scheduled multiple closures and lane restrictions across Adair, Knox, Linn, Putnam and Sullivan counties, including Route 3 culvert work Sept. 2 and U.S. 63 core drilling Sept. 10. Kansas City Crime: Kansas City police are investigating a homicide after a shooting call Sunday afternoon in the 8700 block of East 63rd Street. Medicaid Update: Missouri is moving ahead with work and community engagement requirements for some MO HealthNet adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, with eligibility reviews every six months and 80 hours of approved activities for those who can’t be verified. Child Safety Law: A new Missouri law cracking down on grooming, sextortion and sex trafficking took effect Friday, raising penalties and adding restitution requirements. Public Safety Alerts: Clinton police issued an endangered person advisory for a 1-year-old taken during a supervised visit; authorities say she was taken by her non-custodial birth mother. Severe Crash Reports: A motorcycle rider was airlifted after hitting a deer in Miller County, and two people were seriously injured in a Pulaski County crash after a pursuit tied to a shots-fired call. Sports Tragedy: William Jewell College held a vigil for running back MicahJo Barnett, who died after a medical emergency during a game.

Weather: Central Missouri is heading into a hot, dry week with highs in the mid-to-upper 90s and feels-like near 100, plus sparse rain chances. State Government: Gov. Mike Kehoe named Kurt Schaefer as the new director of the Missouri Office of Administration, moving him from his DNR commissioner role. Courts/Policy: A federal judge will weigh whether Missouri’s intoxicating hemp product ban is clear enough to enforce, as industry groups argue it’s unconstitutional. Education Funding: Missouri’s early childhood programs face strain as state budget cuts reduce pre-K and child care subsidy support. Public Safety: Missouri launched “Show-Me Shield,” replacing the SafeNation app for residents to report suspicious activity online. Crime: Kansas City police say a man died after a suspected road rage shooting; one person of interest was taken into custody. Sports/Local: Southwest Missouri fire chiefs warn of an “extreme” fire season as drought worsens; and William Jewell College suspended its opener after running back MicahJo Barnett died following a medical emergency.

School Safety Hiring: Missouri’s new “Missouri Ranger” program is now in effect under Senate Bill 905, creating a school-focused peace officer role trained for threats like active shooters and bomb/arson response, with applicants facing background checks, fitness tests, and a 160-hour training course before schools can hire graduates. Mizzou Football Update: Starting left tackle Cayden Green will miss Missouri’s season opener Thursday, with sophomore Jack Lange and junior Whit Hafer expected to fill in. Tragedy in College Sports: William Jewell College running back Micah Jo Barnett died after a medical emergency on the sideline during the season opener against Fort Lewis; the game was postponed and the school plans a vigil. Local Lawsuit: Residents and groups sued St. Louis over a proposed Midtown data center, arguing the Board of Adjustment wrongly denied appeals and that the project raises concerns about pollution, noise, and power needs. Abortion Ballot Push: In Columbia, Stop the Ban MO held door-to-door talks urging voters to reject Amendment 3 in November. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Callao tied for 68th among Missouri cities for July scam reports, with an online purchase scam cited.

Military & Local Ties: Four crew members from the USS Columbia will visit mid-Missouri Oct. 9-14, including stops in Columbia, Columbia College and the Columbia Fire Department, with the delegation presented at Mizzou’s Oct. 10 home game vs. Texas A&M. Veterans: Remains of northeast Missouri Army Sgt. Max Dean Ramsey, killed in the Korean War, will be laid to rest Sept. 4 near Martinstown after identification through modern forensics. Education & Safety: Missouri is expanding school sewer drug testing statewide and has new rules taking effect, including higher school bus stop-arm fines to $500. State Policy: Missouri’s “Evie and Sophie’s Law” criminalizes grooming, and a new state law lets couples finalize divorce during pregnancy. Public Health: Health officials issued an urgent measles warning as vaccination rates fall below herd immunity. Sports: Week 1 high school football brought big wins across the region, and Missouri’s college football season is set to kick off Sept. 3 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

State Politics & Culture Clash: Columbia Public Library says it will keep planning LGBTQ-themed story time events despite threats from state officials over funding. Natural Resources Leadership: Gov. Kehoe named Kurt Schaefer, the current DNR director, as the next Office of Administration commissioner. Public Safety & Schools: Missouri is expanding mandatory school wastewater drug testing after earlier results showed fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in many participating schools. Criminal Justice: Three Hamilton defendants face burglary charges in Caldwell County. Health & Community: More St. Louisans could get radiation relief. Sports (Local Interest): Mizzou will honor its 1960 national title team in a Sept. 19 ceremony; Missouri Southern volleyball fell in its opener; Northwest Missouri State women’s soccer lost 1-0 in a regional opener. Crime (Kansas City): Police are investigating a shooting where a man was found with gunshot wounds outside a Raytown shopping center. Local Human Interest: Two Ozarks women will represent Missouri at Miss America.

Missouri Child Welfare Scrutiny: Missouri lawmakers grilled Children’s Division leaders after foster-care deaths, including a 17-year-old with diabetes and autism who died after being placed with a caregiver not trained for his medical needs, as officials also faced questions about high turnover. St. Louis Public Schools Audit: Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released a second “poor” rating for the St. Louis Public Schools Board, saying weak oversight damaged trust and accountability, and urged major governance changes. Foster Care Safety: The same hearing highlighted how placements for high-needs kids can go wrong, with lawmakers pressing for safeguards when appropriate homes can’t be found. School Bus Enforcement: New Missouri laws take effect Friday, including steeper penalties for illegally passing school buses and added consequences if a child is hurt. State Scholarship Access: Missouri opened applications for a Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship to help students cover tuition and fees for college-level classes while in high school. Public Safety Leadership: Missouri State Highway Patrol promoted Sgt. Shawn A. Brazas to lieutenant, moving him to the Training Division in Jefferson City. Local Business Expansion: Mokas Coffee & Eatery signed a nine-unit development deal to expand across the Kansas City area, with openings planned for 2027.

Missouri Politics & Courts: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says the state will investigate other social media platforms after the Meta settlement, with a possible jump from $100 million to $150 million if similar cases are pursued; the probe targets TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Discord and Roblox. Public Health: A new “Food is Medicine” program takes effect Friday to help Medicare and Medicaid patients afford nutritious food. Consumer Safety: Whole Foods recalled multiple dips sold in 13 states, including Missouri, due to possible Salmonella contamination tied to jalapeños. Boating Safety: Missouri expands boater safety card requirements to cover all state waters starting in 2027, aiming to cut accidents and fatalities. Local Access: Neosho’s Lime Kiln Access is shifting as the Missouri Department of Conservation ends its management Aug. 27, with public use unclear after Missouri American Water takes over. State Watch: Missouri’s unclaimed property auction kicked off in Columbia, with items up for bid after years without owner contact. Sports (Local Interest): Missouri State named 2026 football captains as the season nears.

Meta Settlement: Missouri will receive up to $150 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal focused on child safety on Instagram and Facebook, with new required protections for minors. New Missouri Laws: Seventy-six state laws take effect Friday, including tougher penalties for drunk driving that causes injury or death, a new “Bentley and Mason’s Law” for child maintenance, and a rural interstate speed increase to 75 mph. Child Welfare Push: Gov. Kehoe signed an order creating a Missouri Child Welfare Task Force aimed at unifying statewide safety standards. Public Safety & Courts: A former Missouri pastor was convicted in St. Louis federal court in a $1.2 million pandemic loan fraud scheme; separately, a St. Joseph man received 50 years for fentanyl trafficking and money laundering. Crime Update: A Carrollton double-homicide suspect was found dead in Illinois as authorities continued the investigation. Road & Weather: A cold front brings lower humidity and a near-total lunar eclipse is expected to be visible in mid-Missouri tonight.

Independence Recall: Independence City Councilman John Perkins faces a Sept. 1 recall election tied to his vote for tax incentives for an AI data center, with residents calling it the first U.S. recall over a data center decision. Meta Settlement: Missouri could receive $100M to $150M from a proposed $17.1B multistate Meta deal over Instagram/Facebook youth safety, with new limits and parent controls on minors. Child Welfare Watch: Missouri lawmakers are pressing the Children’s Division after complaints about delays and understaffing, citing high turnover and a backlog of cases. Flock Safety Probe: Sen. Josh Hawley is investigating Flock’s AI camera network, demanding answers on data safeguards and alleged misuse. Public Safety & Courts: A Missouri man was sentenced to federal prison after embezzling $1.4M; in another case, a court upheld a resisting-arrest conviction. Local Disruptions: A tractor-trailer overturned on a Joplin ramp, briefly shutting it down; Kansas City reported a street cave-in near West 31st Street. Health & Community: International Overdose Awareness Day coverage highlights free Narcan availability in Adair County.

Public Safety: A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper was seriously hurt after being struck by a passing driver during a midnight I-35 traffic stop in Clay County; the highway reopened after hours of investigation. Crime Update: Kansas City police are investigating a fatal shooting near 81st and Wayne Avenue, with a person of interest believed to have left before officers arrived. Health Watch: Missouri health officials are monitoring a Salmonella outbreak and urging families to follow prevention guidance as cases are assessed. State Government: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order creating a Missouri Child Welfare Task Force to set unified safety standards and improve coordination across the system. Environment & Outdoors: The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is adjusting fall hours and ending seasonal motorized boating restrictions mid-September, with several campground closures scheduled into December. Community & Local Life: Missouri’s Conservation Department will begin taking orders Sept. 1 for native tree and shrub seedlings for landowners and gardeners. Sports: Mark Mitchell officially committed to Kentucky after securing transfer eligibility, while local sports coverage included Rock Port’s season opener and Byrd standout Tilley Armstrong’s verbal commitment to Louisiana Tech.