AGP Executive Report

Library Governance: Springfield-Greene County Library’s board added new members and picked new officers, naming Christopher Bozarth president, James Nevins vice president, Mar’Ellin Felin treasurer and Carol Anne Robinette secretary, with committee leadership also reshuffled. Education Accountability: Missouri will roll out new A-F school report cards this fall after Gov. Kehoe’s order, with DESE outlining how grades will be based largely on end-of-year testing and growth, plus graduation and readiness measures for high schools. Public Safety & Courts: A judge is set to decide whether a Missouri ballot initiative strengthening citizen initiatives can reach November, after Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected it as unconstitutional; a separate case also targets ballot status for a redistricting referendum. Suspicious Activity Reporting: Missouri launched the Show-Me Shield website to let residents report suspicious behavior statewide, replacing the SafeNation app, while updating the Courage2Report school tip system. Weather: Central Missouri is drying out after overnight storms, but more scattered storms are possible this afternoon, with damaging wind and hail the main risks. Crime & Justice: Missouri State Highway Patrol says a Stone County shootout video went viral after an open-records release, but officials now say the materials should not have been posted because the investigation is ongoing. Corrections Leadership: Gov. Kehoe named Valarie Moseley as the next director of the Missouri Department of Corrections, effective Oct. 1, 2026.

Ballot Fight in Jefferson City: A Cole County judge will rule Wednesday on whether Missouri’s proposed Amendment 6—aimed at limiting how lawmakers can change citizen-initiated measures—can go to the Nov. 3 ballot, after the secretary of state rejected it over single-subject concerns. Public Safety Reporting: Missouri launched the new “Show-Me Shield” website for suspicious-activity tips statewide, replacing SafeNation, and also updated the Courage2Report school threat reporting system. Housing Numbers: HUD data shows Hannibal added a unit in 2025 (226 total), while Joplin saw a steep drop (down to 76 from 244). Legal Access in Rural Missouri: The Missouri Bar is asking rural residents to take an anonymous survey about difficulty finding lawyers, to guide future policy. Local Sports & Community: Mizzou special teams spotlight Brunno Reus; Crystal City celebrates 100 years of football; and Camdenton names longtime insider Cole Walker as head coach. Health Care Updates: WinnMed welcomed family medicine doctor Megan Slattery, D.O. Crime & Courts: A Carthage-area woman faces a new felony child abuse charge after a toddler was allegedly found confined in a urine-smelling closet.

Jefferson City Politics: Hal Dulle was sworn in as interim Ward 3 councilman, replacing Derek Thomas, as the city also approved renewing its Flock camera agreement and set a Nov. 3 ballot vote for a public safety sales tax increase. Road Safety: A 100-year-old man died in a Warrensburg two-vehicle crash after failing to yield at a stop sign, while North St. Louis County saw a fatal early-morning crash that also knocked out power for about 3,000 Ameren customers. Weather: Heat Advisories are back for parts of the Ozarks and border counties, with heat index readings around 107–110 expected today. Public Health: Kansas City-area health departments report a sharp drop in vaccination demand, raising concerns as measles spreads nationally. State Government: Missouri Budget Director Dan Haug will retire Oct. 1, ending 11 years as budget director. Conservation: The Missouri Department of Conservation updated deer hunting rules for the coming season, including statewide changes tied to chronic wasting disease.

Missouri Corrections Update: The Missouri Department of Corrections is tightening visitor background-check rules, requiring new applications for many adults and setting new compliance deadlines for Oct. 1, 2026. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge in Texas struck down key parts of the National Firearms Act, lifting limits on buying silencers in a patchwork that could affect Missouri gun owners. Food Safety: The FDA announced a Walmart-linked recall of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states due to possible Listeria contamination. Housing Costs: New HUD data show public housing rents in Missouri counties vary widely, including Butler County at $332 a month in 2025 and Livingston County at $422. Local Crime & Community: Kansas City-area Crime Stoppers leaders say anonymity drives tips, while a separate report highlights privacy concerns as Flock license-plate cameras face theft and vandalism in Kearney. Sports: Missouri opens the 2026 season ranked No. 25 in the AP Top 25, and Cam Newton attended Mizzou fall camp practice in Columbia.

Planned Parenthood Expansion: Planned Parenthood Great Rivers began offering in-clinic procedural abortions in Springfield, adding the fourth Missouri location for procedures after the 2024 constitutional amendment protected abortion rights. Maternal-Child Health Focus: Boone County released its 2026 Maternal and Child Health Assessment, naming strengths-based family relationship and social-emotional support as the top priority for the next five years. Agriculture & Heat Safety: U-M researchers won a $1.15 million USDA grant to expand HotHog, a mobile app that helps pork producers spot heat-stress risk in pigs before symptoms show. Weather Watch: A cold front brought cooler, drier conditions Monday, but forecasters warn of severe storms Tuesday with hail and damaging winds possible. State Government Oversight: Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick launched a petition audit of the city of Gilliam, the first performance audit there since 1997. Road Safety Tragedies: A high-speed Lake City crash killed two women; the driver was arrested after leaving the scene.

Utility Eminent Domain Fight: Liberty Utilities’ proposed Ozarks transmission work is drawing pushback from landowners who say the company is moving too fast with purchase offers and threats tied to eminent domain, with residents urging the Missouri Public Service Commission to require more steps. Roadwork & Travel: MoDOT laid out upcoming Northern Missouri maintenance closures and lane restrictions, warning schedules can shift with weather. Local History & Education: Ashe County elementary schools will receive a donated Daniel Boone children’s book, part of a heritage trail effort that also offers a teacher resource guide. Community Safety & Service: Columbia’s Operation Sgt. Rosie life jacket drive for veterans and pets handed out hundreds of vests and honored students for wildfire heroism. Sports & College Football: Kansas soccer routed Missouri State 7-0, while Missouri aviation students celebrated the start of a new commercial pilot training program at Columbia Regional Airport. Public Housing Snapshot: New HUD data show Schuyler County public housing households averaged $425 monthly rent in 2025, about 20% of income.

Mid-Missouri Commute Watch: MoDOT says fresh roadwork and closures are planned across Boone and nearby areas Monday through next Sunday, including maintenance on Routes J and O, Route UU work, shoulder widening on Route 124, and ongoing bridge-related closures that could slow traffic. Jefferson City Local Government: The Jefferson City Council meets Monday to pick a Ward 3 representative and to consider moving forward with a public safety sales tax increase. Jefferson City Community Updates: The city is gearing up for a Sept. 3 ribbon cutting for the new Jefferson City river market, and Olive Garden’s grand opening is set for Monday at 512 Missouri Blvd. Health & Workforce: Lincoln University nursing student Ella Lewis received a $1,000 scholarship from Jefferson City Medical Group. Public Safety Careers: Missouri State Highway Patrol Maj. Paul Kerperin announced he’ll retire at month’s end after more than three decades. Politics—Abortion: Missourians are preparing for another fight over abortion restrictions, with Amendment 3 on the Nov. 3 ballot. Business/Tech: Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Rosella Schad of Holts Summit to the Missouri Board of Geologist Registration.

Weather Watch: Mid-Missouri is set for a cooldown after showers clear by sunset, with isolated Sunday thunderstorms possible but a very low severe threat; humidity lingers and heat indices may still near 100. Chiefs-Rams Preseason: Kansas City’s preseason opener at Arrowhead drew tailgaters and a familiar tradition, but the Rams won 20-12 as rookie Ty Simpson sparked a comeback; Chiefs backup Justin Fields went 4-for-4 early. Injury Update: Rams rookie OL Keagen Trost was ruled out with a hamstring injury, with no timetable given. Public Safety/Crime: A Missouri fugitive sex offender was arrested in Florida about 12 hours after moving there. Food Recall: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside Tomato Bisque soup kits in 29 states, including Missouri, due to possible listeria contamination. Local Life: Columbia’s trail system is reopening after August storms and flooding, with major washouts on the MKT Trail repaired and more work planned next week. Sports & Community: Missouri’s tax collections show selective sales and gross receipts totaled $2.3B in 2024, while local train clubs and model builders drew families to an intergenerational open house.

Legal Guidance: Attorney William Catlett says many people wait too long to get help, and that civil legal problems often grow into bigger messes before anyone seeks advice. Public Health: Hawaii DOH confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case tied to a military member; officials say the public risk remains low and there’s no known link to earlier cases. Food Safety: The FDA reports a widening cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce, while egg and soup-kit recalls continue—egg recalls were upgraded to the highest risk level, and Walmart tomato bisque soup kits were recalled over possible listeria. Missouri Communities: Republic was named among Missouri’s fastest-growing cities; Marceline tenants got power back early after a transformer failure; Kirksville’s downtown mural project is underway with AARP grant support. Sports & Local Interest: Mizzou fall camp highlights freshmen pushing for playing time, and a Missouri youth baseball team advanced to Class B state amateur semifinals. Weather: Extreme heat persists in parts of Missouri, with heat advisories and dangerous heat-index readings.

Child Exploitation Case: Missouri State Highway Patrol is honoring Corporal Adam McAtee for long-running work targeting child sextortion and trafficking, including a multi-agency case that traced online messages across state lines. Court Charges: A “Christian” YouTuber, Amber Sinkler, faces federal and state charges alleging she failed to protect her daughter from years of alleged sexual abuse; prosecutors say she knew and didn’t report it. Public Safety & Crime: Columbia leaders say they’re responding to downtown safety concerns with new steps, including added camera coverage and other initiatives. Domestic Violence: A cousin of Destiny Dunn, killed in a Columbia domestic altercation, is asking the public to remember her life as the case moves forward. Food Safety: Walmart’s Marketside tomato bisque soup kits are recalled nationwide over possible listeria contamination; no confirmed illnesses reported. Transportation: MoDOT will reduce southbound I-55 over the Meramec River from five to four lanes during nightly barrier and striping work starting Aug. 17. Health Watch: FDA and CDC are continuing a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to Taylor Farms, including travel to Mexico for onsite work. Weather: Hot, humid conditions continue through the weekend with lingering rain chances, then a cooler start to next week.

Mid-Missouri Veterans: An American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol for the nation’s 250th anniversary was presented to 95-year-old Mitchell Bennett of Ashland at Big Mama’s Cafe in Columbia. Fatal Crash: A 73-year-old Kansas City-area man, Rex Schowengerdt, died after a rock smashed through his Jeep roof during a national parks trip at Glacier National Park in Montana. Transportation Updates: MoDOT says the Route 13/U.S. 160/Route 248 roundabout project in Stone County won first place in the 2026 America’s Transportation Awards regional competition for safety. Road Closures: Jackson County drivers face MO 291 and U.S. 50 closures and lane changes for bridge replacement work starting Aug. 14, with longer impacts running into November. Local Construction: Sidewalk and ADA pavement improvements are set to begin the week of Aug. 17 in Cedar and Greene counties, with work also planned in Adair County starting Aug. 17. Health & Safety: MU Health Care in Columbia earned Joint Commission Comprehensive Cardiac Center certification for coordinated cardiovascular care. Weather: Hot, humid conditions continue across the region with a chance of spotty storms Friday into the weekend. Civil Rights: The EEOC filed a lawsuit against Washington University alleging racially segregated DEI training and retaliation. Public Health: The cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce now involves 17 states, including Missouri.

Downtown Construction: Kirksville says contracted street improvements for the Downtown Business District start next week, with overnight work (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and no parking on several downtown streets during the resurfacing window. Food Safety: Whole Foods is recalling select prepared foods made with jalapeños due to possible salmonella contamination, sold in multiple states including Missouri, with best-by dates Aug. 7–16. Local Aviation: Kirksville held a ribbon-cutting for a new, larger airport terminal, funded in part by federal support, aimed at improving travel experience for the region. Public Safety in Columbia: Emails and recent incidents are fueling renewed concerns about downtown violence near Ninth and Walnut streets, with UM System President Mun Choi pressing for more city action and police resources. Justice: A former Monroe County elected official was sentenced to 10 years for stealing from disabled persons under her care. Health Watch: CDC says cyclosporiasis cases may be slowing slightly, but the outbreak remains large nationwide. Consumer Alerts: A hair mousse recall warns of possible can leaks and explosion risk, distributed including in Missouri. Legal/Business: A lawsuit seeks to stop a multi-billion data center project in Independence, alleging Sunshine Law and zoning violations. State Policy: Missouri AG says a St. Louis-area kratom distributor agreed to stop selling 7-OH products to Missouri consumers.

State Fair Kickoff: The Missouri State Fair opens today in Sedalia, running Aug. 13-23 with daily gates, separate admission and carnival tickets, and major concert programming. Redistricting in Court: A Cole County judge set back-to-back hearings next week for two Missouri ballot fights—one over a redistricting referendum and another over limits on what lawmakers can change after initiatives. Powerball Windfall: A single $1.04 billion Powerball ticket was sold at a Hy-Vee gas station in Quincy, Illinois; winning numbers were 4-26-66-67-69 with Powerball 9. Public Safety—Heat: Dangerous heat warnings and advisories continue across the region through the weekend, with heat indices pushing above 105 and rain chances staying limited. Local Crime: Kansas City police are investigating another homicide after a man was found shot on E. 28th Street. Health & Food: Whole Foods expanded a salmonella recall tied to jalapeño products sold in multiple states. Sports—Chiefs Camp: Travis Kelce returned to Chiefs camp calling the Taylor Swift wedding “the best night of my life,” and said camp feels like a “sanctuary.”

Public Health: Missouri childhood vaccination rates have slipped below herd immunity levels, and a new Trump executive order could further reduce recommended vaccines and change spacing, raising concerns for kindergarteners. Food Safety: Whole Foods joined a widening recall of jalapeño products tied to a salmonella risk; affected items were sold in multiple states including Missouri, with no illnesses reported so far. Local Government/Infrastructure: Jefferson City’s High Street viaduct reopened after repairs to deteriorating concrete, with officials saying it can safely carry traffic again. Courts/Property Liability: A federal judge sided with Kansas City apartment owners in a wasp-attack injury lawsuit, citing a lease release and limits on the tenant’s claims. Community Safety: Newhouse’s Kansas City domestic violence shelter launched a fundraising push after an air conditioning outage left residents and staff without cooling during extreme heat. State Oversight: The Missouri Public Service Commission approved a Timber Creek Sewer Company rate agreement, allowing smaller-than-requested revenue increases for Platte and Clay County customers. Sports/Local Interest: Travis Kelce called Chiefs camp his “sanctuary” and said his Taylor Swift wedding was “the best night of my life.”

Kansas City Homicide: Police are investigating a shooting that killed 53-year-old Derrick McDonald after officers found him with life-threatening gunshot wounds on the 5600 block of E. 28th Street. Federal Immigration Case: A Guatemalan national, Jelber Gomez-Lopez, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after deportation and faces up to two years in prison. Dunklin County Crash: A 52-year-old man died after a Nissan Altima ran off Highway EE and hit a tree north of Kennett; the 50-year-old driver was moderately injured. Judicial Appointment: Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Tom Smith as an associate circuit judge for Missouri’s 21st Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by Judge Joseph L. Green’s resignation. Public Safety: A shelter-in-place was issued in the Metro East area after a hazardous materials fire at a Sauget industrial site. State Courts/Protection Orders: A Hamilton woman was charged with tampering with a victim and violating an order of protection after prosecutors alleged she passed messages to a victim despite a no-contact order. Lottery: Powerball’s jackpot climbed to an estimated $1 billion for the next drawing.

Local Public Safety: University of Missouri System President Mun Choi is pressing Columbia leaders to act after another downtown gun incident, calling for the city to revoke Reign Bar’s liquor license following an arrest tied to gunfire near Ninth and Walnut. Courts & Justice: A Kirksville child abuse case is headed toward a change-of-venue fight as defense teams cite social media activity that they say could taint the jury pool. Sports & Travel Costs: Missouri State approved a new contract for football air charters, estimating $669,750 for six road games. Health & Legal Fallout: ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller was charged with a misdemeanor tied to his June crash that left him with an amputation of his left arm. Community & Recycling: Kansas City metro expanded rules to make many paper and plastic to-go cups recyclable, with guidance on removing lids and straws first. Business & Local News: The Kansas City Call, a long-running Black-owned weekly, missed a print run for health reasons but says it’s not shutting down. Weather: Heat advisories and storm chances are in the forecast for the Tri-States, with damaging wind and brief tornadoes possible.