AGP Executive Report

Robocall crackdown: Missouri Attorney General Andrew Hanaway joined 49 AGs urging the FCC to tighten rules so scammers can’t buy legitimate phone numbers to fuel robocalls and texts, after Americans lost nearly $2 billion last year to the schemes. Courts: A Missouri appeals court largely upheld a judgment for PharMerica in a pharmacy asset-purchase dispute, but reversed part of the ruling tied to personal liability under a corporate-veil theory. Local roads: MoDOT announced a Clay County pavement resurfacing pilot with daily delays on Route D through July 24, weather permitting. Community & culture: MU Extension is helping launch the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail, linking towns from Bethany to Branson with native pollinator habitat. Sports (regional): Little League district tournaments are underway across Southwest Missouri. World Cup (Kansas City): Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to set a quarterfinal vs. Argentina at Arrowhead Stadium. Weather: Saharan dust is expected to bring hazy skies across Kansas and Missouri Thursday through Saturday.

World Cup in Kansas City: Argentina stunned Egypt 3-2 after trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes left, setting a Saturday quarterfinal at Arrowhead against Switzerland, which beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties. Local Public Safety: Missouri State Highway Patrol reports nine deaths over the July 4 weekend, with crashes and injuries down sharply from 2025. State Budget & Taxes: June general revenue collections in Missouri fell 9.5% year over year, while Missouri’s August primary ballot includes major tax and initiative changes. Health & Consumer Watch: New federal caps on graduate student borrowing are forcing colleges and students to scramble. Local Government & Infrastructure: West High Street in Jefferson City is closed for emergency water main repairs; Cole County officials preview a Binder Lake stormwater basin plan. Community & Growth: Jefferson City welcomes a new dedicated doughnut shop; Tipton is set for a sheltered workshop for people with disabilities; rural nurse home-visiting services get expanded funding.

World Cup, Kansas City: Lionel Messi scored again as Argentina rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarterfinals; the next opponent will be Switzerland or Colombia, with the match set for Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Mid-Missouri Storm Recovery: Electricity has been restored at the Jefferson City Correctional Center and Algoa Correctional Center after days on generators following Fourth of July storms. Callaway County Data Center Plans: The Callaway Chamber of Commerce and Crusoe will host an open house July 14 in Kingdom City to share details and answer questions about a potential data center project. Public Safety, Jefferson City: Missouri’s Department of Conservation reopened the Andy Dalton rifle/pistol range after planned maintenance, with summer hours set for the Greene County facility. Local Crime, Kansas City: A man faces charges after an alleged March road rage shooting that injured another man’s arm; prosecutors say the victim needed multiple surgeries. State Parks Economy: A new University of Missouri analysis says Missouri’s state park system generates about $1.5 billion in business sales and supports nearly 12,000 jobs.

Jefferson City Construction Update: Jefferson City Council approved key steps for a downtown conference center and hotel, including design-build and execution agreements, with the hotel plan now adding 12 rooms (203 to 215). Mid-Missouri Safety: Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Kahoka woman injured in a Clark County crash on Highway 136 after her car left the road and overturned. Boating Incident: A 16-year-old was seriously hurt after being ejected from a personal watercraft that hit a wake on Table Rock Lake. Vehicle Theft Prevention: Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance urged drivers to lock up, park in well-lit areas, and understand what auto insurance covers during Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. Holiday Numbers: MSHP shared preliminary July 4 weekend stats, including 3 traffic crashes, 3 injuries, and 3 drownings. Local Road Work: MoDOT set a two-night closure of a ramp on U.S. 54 from Camden County Route Y for guardrail replacement. Fireworks Fallout: Arkansas AG Tim Griffin opened an investigation into Missouri fireworks vendor A.M. Pyrotechnics after it canceled the Red, White & Blue Festival in Mountain Home. Sports (World Cup): Argentina’s Lionel Messi is set for a last-16 showdown with Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.

World Cup Watch: The U.S. vs. Belgium winner heads to the quarterfinal against Spain after Spain edged Portugal 1-0; the U.S. match is Monday at Lumen Field, with the quarterfinal Friday, July 10 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Veterans Services: Veterans Community Project opened a new, expanded Kansas City outreach center aimed at tackling veteran homelessness, offering help with documentation, rent and bills, job placement, and more. Local Government & Energy: Independence is weighing a 180-day moratorium on new data center and battery storage projects amid ongoing controversy over a major AI facility. Utilities & Costs: Missouri American Water filed for rate increases tied to a $1.6 billion upgrade plan, including work in Jefferson City and Joplin. Roads & Safety: MoDOT is resuming Improve I-70 work after the holiday pause, adding lanes and safety upgrades; separate news: I-70 lane closures begin Tuesday for a bridge demolition in Saline County. Public Safety: Eric R. Phillips II was arrested in Independence after months on the run in the 2025 shooting death of Elayjah Murray. Agriculture: Missouri winter wheat harvest wrapped up with quality still strong despite muddy conditions from June rains, and a dry window helped producers put up quality hay.

Education Leadership: Webster City High School alum Dr. Ryan Bergeson has been named a Northeast Region president by the Missouri Association of School Administrators, continuing his long run as superintendent in Scotland County R-I. Severe Weather & Power: Storms across mid-Missouri left thousands without electricity, with Osage City restricted to property owners until power is restored. Public Safety: A swatting call sparked a major police response at a Bolivar Walmart, but officials later confirmed no shooting occurred. Health & Community Support: United Way’s 211 caregiver support program is expanding into Missouri, aiming to connect family caregivers with services through a 24/7 helpline. Local Infrastructure: Jefferson City correctional centers regained power amid inmate complaints, while roadwork and bridge closures are affecting travel around the capital area. Sports (KC): The Phillies and Royals meet again Monday at Kauffman Stadium as Kansas City looks to turn momentum into a series win.

Power Restored in Jefferson City Corrections: After severe storms knocked out power and running water at the Jefferson City Correctional Center, officials say air conditioning and water have been restored, though inmates raised complaints about food, medication and sanitation. Labor Tension at MU Health Care: LiUNA Local 955 plans a picket and march Monday after MU Health Care layoffs, pressing for good-faith bargaining, equity raises and living wages. Mid-Missouri Storm Aftermath: Power outages lingered across the region, with thousands still without electricity in counties including Camden, St. Louis and Miller. Road Safety Alerts: A man was critically injured after being pinned between vehicles on I-70 near Prospect Avenue in Kansas City; separate crashes injured others statewide, including a golf cart overturn near Stoutsville and a fatal I-44 crash in Phelps County. Local Development: Jefferson City is preparing to open a river market on Chestnut Street, with year-round amenities and new trail connections. Sports & Culture: Mets legend Ron Hunt is in hospice care in St. Louis; and Missouri communities marked America’s 250th with parades, fireworks and memorials.

Violence in Ferguson: A Missouri mother, Shakeela Martin, was shot and killed at a BP gas station while buying slushies for her children; police say the kids were not physically hurt and a man was also shot and survived, with no arrests reported. Severe weather and heat: A record-setting heat wave and storms disrupted Fourth of July events nationwide, while Missouri saw severe-threat warnings ease and rain/heat impacts continue across the state. Aviation update: Federal investigators released a preliminary report on a Missouri skydiving plane crash that killed 12, saying there was no sign of engine failure or other major mechanical problems. Public safety program growth: Gov. Mike Kehoe announced the Missouri Blue Shield program has expanded to 350 participating counties, cities, towns and a school district. Holiday traffic and water incidents: Multiple Missouri crashes and boating incidents were reported, including a serious Lake of the Ozarks jet ski wake injury and a fatal motorcycle crash in Cass County. Local sports/community: Jefferson City American Legion Post 5 Freshmen beat the Missouri Padres 12-4 in the Ozark Mountain World Series consolation game. Lottery: Missouri Powerball numbers for July 4 were 17-38-46-50-69 with Powerball 20.

Severe Weather Disrupts 250th Celebrations: Jefferson City’s “Salute to America” was paused Saturday as a severe thunderstorm watch hit mid-Missouri, with organizers urging people to shelter at the Capitol; officials said the parade was canceled and fireworks were still unclear. Local Relief for Taxpayers: Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota signed an order delivering property tax credits to more than 200,000 residents after assessment errors, aiming to spread relief over three years. Aviation Update After Deadly Crash: A preliminary NTSB report on a Missouri skydiving plane crash found no indication engine failure caused the tragedy, and said the engine appeared to be producing power. World Cup in Kansas City: Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 to reach the Round of 16, with Jhon Arias scoring early and the match played at Arrowhead in heavy heat. Holiday Safety and Heat: Across the region, officials warned that extreme heat and storms could make July 4 dangerous, urging residents to limit time outdoors and watch for severe weather.

World Cup in Missouri: Colombia punched its ticket to the Round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Ghana at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, as Jhon Arias scored in the 14th minute after Luis Suárez’s cross. Colombia will face Switzerland next in Vancouver. Local Sports: The Royals open a three-game home series against the Phillies on Saturday night at Kansas City, with pitching matchups listed for Jesus Luzardo vs. Michael Wacha. Health Watch: A CDC study found alpha-gal antibodies in about a quarter of adult blood samples from higher-risk states, with Missouri among the highest at 26%, tied to tick-linked red meat allergy markers. Missouri Lottery: Missouri Lottery results for July 3 include Mega Millions 05-09-29-47-57 (Mega Ball 16) and Pick 3 midday 1-7-3, evening 9-9-8. Community & Safety: A Nodaway County three-vehicle crash sent six people to the hospital, including three children, after a semi and two cars collided near Burlington Junction.

Missouri Politics & Voting Rights: A letter warns that Amendment 4 on the Aug. 4 ballot could weaken Missourians’ ability to protect citizen-initiated amendments, arguing it would require majorities in every congressional district and effectively let a small share of voters block statewide results. Utilities & Cost of Living: Missouri American Water is seeking a major rate increase in St. Louis County, with filings projecting about a $23-a-month bump for the average customer to fund system upgrades and pipe replacements. Public Safety: The DOJ says Operation Patriot Shield led to 224 arrests across Missouri and Illinois, clearing hundreds of warrants and rescuing three children. Health Access: A Springfield-area report highlights fuel cards helping breast cancer patients travel for treatment, easing gas and travel costs for people driving long distances. Local Safety Reminder: A Bates County sheriff is urging drone operators to stay away from crash scenes because drones can interfere with air ambulance landings and delay care. Fireworks Safety: A Missouri-based fireworks company is recalling nearly 100,000 aerial cake devices sold nationwide due to a risk they can tip over and cause injuries.

World Cup in Missouri: Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 to reach the Round of 16, and the next match is set for next Tuesday in Vancouver against the winner of Colombia vs. Ghana in Kansas City. Local Sports & Talent: Missouri State named new economic development leaders—Rachel Munday as assistant vice president for economic development and Matt Curry to run the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center. Education Watch: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education submitted an A-F school grading plan to Gov. Mike Kehoe, warning it could cost more than $500,000 to build and over $700,000 a year to maintain, with budget cuts and IT staffing risks. Outdoor & Conservation: The Missouri Department of Conservation is considering requiring permits for unstaffed shooting-range users, including small game permits, to address rising range damage. Public Safety: A motorcycle crash north of Hannibal sent a driver to Mizzou Health Care with serious injuries. Charity Spotlight: Ahead of their Madison Square Garden wedding, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $26 million to 20 charities, including Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Utilities & Rates: The Missouri Public Service Commission set a July 17 deadline for public groups to intervene in Missouri-American Water’s general rate case, where the company is seeking about a $191.9 million annual base-rate increase. Aviation Safety: The NTSB released preliminary findings on the June 14 skydiving crash in Butler that killed 12, saying there were no signs of preimpact engine problems and describing a gradual left turn before the plane went down nose-first. State Government Watch: A state auditor closeout audit gave former Gov. Mike Parson’s office a “Fair” rating, citing missing or unclear flight purposes, weak travel documentation, and improper or poorly documented payments. Agriculture & Livestock: Missouri ag groups praised a U.S. Supreme Court pesticide ruling that they say restores regulatory certainty, and the state tightened animal import rules to help prevent New World screwworm spread. Public Health: A CDC study found Missouri among states with the highest prevalence of alpha-gal antibodies, linked to tick bites and a red-meat allergy risk. Road Work: MoDOT announced multiple Northeast and Northwest Missouri maintenance closures and lane restrictions, including bridge and intersection work affecting drivers in the coming days.

Public Safety: A 57-year-old Joplin man died July 1 after his motorcycle overturned on Reinmiller Road in Newton County while he tried to avoid an obstruction; he was not wearing a helmet. Crash Updates: Two people were hurt in an Adair County two-vehicle crash July 1 when a westbound pickup failed to yield and was hit by another vehicle; the 84-year-old driver and a 66-year-old passenger were taken to a local hospital. Courts & Accountability: A Missouri Valley man was charged in Iowa with first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse in the 2023 killing of a man reported missing in 2023; investigators say the body was buried near an I-29 rest area. Health & Consumer Watch: A new report highlights how infant-formula complaints can get handled behind the scenes, including a case where a manufacturer said a file could be closed after an internal review. Local Infrastructure: U.S. Rep. Sam Graves announced a $9.3 million BUILD grant for Sullivan County and the City of Milan to reconstruct Grand Avenue and improve Market and 3rd streets. Community Spotlight: Schuyler County Nursing Home in Queen City is marking its 50th anniversary with a free concert featuring Rhonda Vincent on July 12.

Public Safety & Heat: Extreme heat warnings continue across parts of southwest Iowa and northwest Missouri, with heat index values up to 105–110°F and reminders to hydrate, limit time in the sun, and watch for heat illness. Local Infrastructure: MoDOT has approved a $13 billion, five-year statewide transportation plan (FY 2027-2031), including bridge and safety upgrades statewide. Road Work in Mid-Missouri: Joplin’s Route 66 (7th Street) improvement project continues, with an overnight closure July 6-7 between Florida Avenue and Highland Avenue for stormwater work. Community & Culture: Festus’ Twin City Firecracker Festival drew about 22,000–25,000 despite heavy rain and a temporary stage power outage. Elections & Voting Rights: Missouri AG Chris Carr backed Indiana’s voter ID law in a multistate legal filing, arguing states should control election rules. Agriculture: USDA reports 2026 broiler placements are running ahead of 2025 pace, suggesting steady year-over-year production momentum. Business & Jobs: Crowder College and MoDOT’s Southwest District won a Governor’s Award for Quality and Productivity for a workforce partnership targeting diesel and transportation shortages.

Missouri Health Care: Missouri’s Medicaid bureaucracy is set to get even more paperwork-heavy under new federal rules tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” with critics warning rural hospitals will feel the strain as eligibility checks tighten. State Budget & Education: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Missouri’s $50.7B budget while cutting nearly $500M and restricting funds, and lawmakers’ education funding shortfall is raising alarms as Amendment 5 could worsen school budgets. Local Governance/Data Centers: St. Charles County is weighing a temporary ban on large data centers, with officials and residents focused on water, noise, and public health impacts. Courts & Voting: Missouri officials are facing fresh scrutiny over voter-data handling, while national fights over birthright citizenship continue after the Supreme Court ruling—Trump says Congress should act. Public Safety: A Missouri Search and Rescue team helped recover a missing person’s body after a two-day grid search. Sports: Former Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel pleaded guilty in a 2025 DWI case, and Missouri’s athletic performance is again under the microscope in Director’s Cup standings.