AGP Executive Report

Transportation Policy: Missouri’s new law lets the Highway Commission raise speed limits up to 75 mph on select interstates (I-35, I-44, I-55, I-70) starting Aug. 28, while urban areas under 70 mph can keep lower posted limits—drivers are urged to watch construction-zone speed changes. Energy & Regulation: The Missouri Public Service Commission scheduled an extra in-person public hearing on Aug. 26 for Ameren Missouri’s CCN request covering renewable generation and battery storage, in Moscow Mills. Local Housing & Jobs: Independence’s Community Services League is building affordable three-bedroom homes using SIP panels, aiming to stabilize families and create pathways to homeownership and employment. Food Safety: A jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak tied to Mexico has sickened 345 people across 27 states, prompting recalls and renewed consumer warnings as other outbreaks continue. Agriculture Innovation: University of Missouri researchers are testing purple corn pigments (anthocyanins) as a potential natural alternative to synthetic food dyes, targeting heat- and shelf-stability challenges. Public Safety/Health: St. Louis-area growth in debt-collection lawsuits is rising sharply, with many cases ending in default judgments that can lead to garnishments and liens. Business/Infrastructure: MoDOT is rolling out major I-44 improvements with a $471 million project and a Southwest I-44 groundbreaking set for Aug. 24 in Springfield.

Transportation & Infrastructure: MoDOT plans major bridge work that will close Route Z in Cape Girardeau County (West Clark St. to County Rd. 222) starting Aug. 24, with completion targeted for Sept. 1, 2027; in Nodaway County, U.S. 71 intersection improvements will replace the 340th St. intersection with j-turns, narrowing traffic to one lane and adding an 11-foot width limit through early Nov. 2026. Workforce & Immigration: A new look at Missouri’s seasonal labor needs highlights how H-2A (agriculture) and H-2B (non-ag seasonal industries) fill short-term gaps when U.S. workers aren’t available. Public Health & Food Safety: CDC/FDA updates tie salmonella to recalled jalapeños distributed to restaurants and wholesalers, with 345 sickened across 27 states; meanwhile, the cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, including Missouri. Business & Community Growth: Clementine’s Ice Cream will open a new Columbia parlor Aug. 14, expanding its Midwest footprint. Agriculture Grants: Missouri Department of Agriculture opened Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grants for 2026, reimbursing 75% (up to $10,000) for qualifying projects. Energy & Utilities: Algonquin Power & Utilities reported Q2 2026 results, citing regulatory progress in Missouri, California and Kansas. Healthcare Costs: Missouri and Kansas insurers are filing for double-digit 2027 ACA premium hikes again.

Food Safety Watch: Cyclosporiasis tied to Taco Bell and Taylor Farms’ recalled lettuce hit 6,358 cases, with Missouri among newly added states as CDC updates the nationwide tally. Public Health: A separate salmonella outbreak linked to recalled Mexican jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states; Chipotle and Qdoba removed the peppers after notification, and officials say there’s no ongoing risk from the restaurants. Missouri Water & Environment: Missouri DNR says failing equipment at Leadwood’s wastewater treatment plant is driving E. coli contamination into the Big River, with temporary repairs and cleanup support underway. Business & Industry: ESCO Technologies reported Q3 2026 results with 14% sales growth to $339M, higher EPS, and record backlog of $1.54B. Workforce & Training: Missouri’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is open for 2026-27, covering tuition/fees and some apprenticeship costs for adults in high-demand programs. Local Economy: Texas Roadhouse is set to open in Olivette at Olive Crossing, its seventh St. Louis-area location. Education & Research: Missouri S&T students are designing systems for the university’s nuclear reactor to expand neutron imaging and gamma radiation research.

Defense & Manufacturing: Boeing has started initial production of the BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Unit for the U.S. Navy’s JDAM LR, a 500-pound-class precision weapon aimed at striking beyond 300 nautical miles—an Air Force-backed step toward cheaper long-range strike capability. Workforce & Training: Iron Workers Local 392 instructor Don Koleson earned a 50-year American Welding Society “gold card,” highlighting Missouri-area trade education and apprenticeship roots. Healthcare for Unions: Marathon Health is expanding its union-partner model across Missouri, using union dues to fund preventive care through local health centers. Food Safety: Qdoba joined Chipotle in removing jalapeños after a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled peppers spread to 27 states; meanwhile, the CDC also expanded the Cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce outbreak to 15 states, with Missouri reporting 1,095 cases. Ag & Rural Policy: USDA is launching a $35 million feral swine eradication grant pilot to help landowners reduce wild hog numbers. Transportation: MoDOT is seeking public input on high-priority but unfunded projects, and reopened a Cole County Route AA bridge over South Moreau Creek after deck replacement work.

Midwest Agriculture Stress: Farmers are drawing 1980s-style comparisons as higher interest rates, heavier debt, and negative corn/soy margins squeeze operations, even with today’s crop insurance safety net. Food Safety & Retail Fallout: Qdoba removed jalapeños from all locations as a Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to peppers grown in Sinaloa spreads to 27 states, including Missouri. Power & Industry Demand Response: Missouri PSC approved conditions for Evergy to let Nucor Steel Sedalia join Evergy’s Business Demand Response program, expanding load-reduction participation. State Policy & Taxes: Missouri voters rejected Amendment 5, keeping the state income tax in place and rejecting a shift toward higher sales taxes; Amendment 4 also lost. Water & Wastewater Compliance: Missouri DNR moved to address failing Leadwood wastewater treatment after degraded equipment allowed partially treated sewage into the Big River. Transportation Watch: MoDOT and Evergy begin a U.S. 71 intersection upgrade in Nodaway County Aug. 10 using J-turns, with lane narrowing during construction. Local Business Growth: Marco’s Pizza signed a three-unit Columbia, Mo., development deal slated to open in October 2026. Health & Research: Missouri S&T researcher Dr. Mostafa Yazdi won NCI funding to develop personalized triple-negative breast cancer treatment using patient-derived tumor material to train the immune system.

Rural Workforce & Health Access: Missouri’s Rural Immersion Program brought 19 future healthcare professionals to Grundy, Mercer, Harrison, Gentry and Nodaway counties to see how agriculture, economic development, education and public policy shape care delivery. Energy & Environment: A proposed 100-megawatt hydroelectric project at the Mississippi River lock and dam is in federal licensing, drawing Sierra Club scrutiny over potential impacts to wildlife and river access. Data Center Policy: Godfrey extended its pause on new data center applications, while the St. Louis region continues arguing it’s ready to compete for AI-era infrastructure. Agriculture & Federal Services: Sen. Josh Hawley urged USDA to preserve Missouri Farm Service Agency operations after planned office reductions that could affect key October payments. Missouri Tax Vote: Voters rejected Amendment 5, keeping the state income tax in place, with knock-on concerns for consumer sales tax changes. Local Public Safety Funding: Columbia narrowly approved a 1% public safety sales tax to fund police, fire and related services. Crypto Crime: Three Missouri men were charged in a Connecticut Bitcoin robbery conspiracy tied to a roughly $245M crypto theft. Transportation Updates: MoDOT work on Route 89 (Chamois to Belle) is progressing with lane closures and resurfacing starting Aug. 6.

Food & Manufacturing Watch: A new analysis says U.S. food manufacturing hit a record 1.77 million workers in 2025, even as the sector’s share of the workforce keeps shrinking over time—still a major engine for turning farm inputs into grocery staples. Automation & Industry Earnings: St. Louis-based Emerson Electric beat quarterly estimates, citing strong demand for industrial automation and software-connected test and measurement systems. Ag/Biofuels & Soy Crush: Biofuel blending rules are pushing another round of soybean crush expansion; ADM plans upgrades adding 700,000 metric tons of annual crush capacity across plants including Missouri. Public Health & Retail Recall: Walmart-linked Bettergoods pistachio nut butter is recalled in 19 states, including Missouri, over possible Salmonella contamination. Local Business & Infrastructure: Independence postponed a design contract change tied to Truman Connected Phase II after a revised plan expanded impacts from about 20 properties to 178. AI Policy & Consumer Risk: Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley pressed concerns about “surveillance pricing,” warning companies could use personal data and AI to charge different customers different prices. Transportation Projects: MoDOT announced Route W bridge work in Pike County and lane narrowing on Route W in Jefferson City, both aimed at safety and capacity upgrades.

Missouri Medicaid: Attorney General Catherine Hanaway joined a multistate push urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, which would expand state Medicaid Fraud Control Unit authority to investigate and prosecute fraud by beneficiaries and recipients. Road Safety: MoDOT starts a year-long Route 367 safety project Wednesday, using temporary barriers to cut speeding and crashes on the I-270 to Halls Ferry corridor, with a public meeting set for Aug. 13. Local Elections: Missouri voters head to Tuesday’s primary with a high-stakes rematch tied to AIPAC money and the future direction of the Democratic Party. Cannabis Regulation: Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services proposed rules that would allow dispensaries to offer curbside pickup, with security and transaction requirements spelled out for the change. Business & Industry: Brewer Science completed its acquisition of Heraeus Epurio’s semiconductor chemicals business, adding an ultrapure materials facility in Dayton and expanding its semiconductor supply chain. Food Safety: Botticelli Foods recalled bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold through Walmart after salmonella was found in jars. Manufacturing Pulse: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index points to continued regional manufacturing growth, but inflation and labor supply concerns remain.

Missouri Tax Vote: With polls closing Tuesday, Missourians decide Amendment 5, which would phase out the state income tax and let lawmakers expand sales taxes—supporters call it a taxpayer win, while opponents warn it’s a “blank check” because the ballot language doesn’t spell out key exemptions. Healthcare & Medicaid: Attorney General Catherine Hanaway backs federal “STOP FRAUD in Medicaid” changes aimed at letting states pursue beneficiary fraud, while Missouri Medicaid faces fresh budget pressure under a new federal law tied to error-rate penalties. Utilities & Grid: Midwest utilities argue for fewer hurdles to build new power lines to serve major users like AI data centers, pushing back on competition requirements. Food Safety: Walmart-linked bettergoods pistachio nut butter is recalled in 19 states, including Missouri, over possible Salmonella contamination (lot LB028ACP04). Local Business & Infrastructure: MoDOT schedules Route 13 bridge work in Humansville starting Aug. 10 and resurfacing on Routes 7 & 13 in Henry County, with lane reductions during daytime hours. Agriculture: USDA and Pro Farmer updates point to corn deterioration in parts of the western Corn Belt, while soybean conditions hold steadier. Workforce & Education: Missouri Southern opens its Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center with simulation hospital and operating room training.

Utility Regulation Watch: The Missouri Public Service Commission set an Aug. 17 intervention deadline for Ameren Missouri’s CCN request tied to a major natural gas generation project at the Sioux Energy Center, and also set an Aug. 18 deadline for Confluence Rivers’ WSIRA water and sewer infrastructure rate adjustments. Rate Case Timeline: The PSC set a July 17 intervention deadline for Missouri-American Water’s general rate case seeking about a $191.9M net base-rate increase. Customer Input: The PSC opened a public comment window on investor-owned utility assistance programs, asking Missourians to share experiences by Aug. 31. Health Costs: Missouri released preliminary 2027 individual and small-group health insurance rate information, with final rates due by Oct. 31. Tax Ballot: Missouri voters head to the polls Tuesday on Amendment 5, which would phase out the state’s individual income tax and shift replacement revenue options to lawmakers. Food Safety: A federal egg recall linked to drug-resistant Salmonella includes cartons with specific codes and sell-by dates through Aug. 17.

Tax & Retail: Missouri’s Tax-Free Weekend returns Aug. 7-9, with rules on what’s exempt (like clothing under $100, school supplies under $50, and computers up to $1,500) and guidance that online orders count if delivered or picked up in Missouri. Transportation & Construction: MoDOT is scheduling road work across northern Missouri counties, including Route K bridge maintenance in Adair County and multiple Route E closures and patching in Knox County, with weather-driven changes possible. Healthcare & Policy: Missouri’s Medicaid faces tougher budget years as a new federal law threatens penalties unless the state cuts its error rate, while officials weigh extending managed care contracts through 2028. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: Federal authorities warn water and wastewater systems are at risk after cyberattacks in multiple states, following intelligence that Iran likely targeted Minnesota water systems. Agribusiness: The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council elected Kevin Mainord as chair, with plans to invest checkoff dollars in research, market development, education, and commercialization. Workforce & Economic Development: SEMO REDI launched “Industry Insights,” spotlighting workforce-focused regional opportunities, including a featured industrial park video and an apprenticeship push.

Cybersecurity & Water Infrastructure: Federal officials warn that Iranian-linked hackers are targeting internet-connected PLCs at water and wastewater systems, with attacks reported in at least seven states after Minnesota disruptions. Workforce & Agriculture: USDA is launching a veterans and military-spouse hiring push, including expanded SkillBridge partnerships and a “100 Hires in 100 Days” effort aimed at skills like cybersecurity, data/AI, and geospatial work. Health Insurance Costs: Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance released preliminary 2027 rate information for ACA-compliant individual and small-group plans, with multiple insurers expected to offer coverage statewide. Construction & Permitting: Missouri 811 enforcement hit a record in July, underscoring the state’s “call before you dig” rules as summer excavation ramps up. Local Housing Strategy: A Lawrence housing study lays out tactics to add thousands of units and preserve affordability, including approaches seen in other U.S. cities. Business & Supply Chain: A Fed Beige Book update for the St. Louis region points to robust price growth, with electricity and food costs driving consumer trade-down behavior.

Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: Iran-linked hackers are being blamed for attacks on water systems in at least seven states, and Missouri is among those warned—officials urge utilities to cut direct internet access to control systems, lock down passwords, and limit remote access to approved engineering devices. Construction & Compliance: Missouri 811 hit its biggest month on record in July, as the AG’s office steps up enforcement reminding excavators to call 8-1-1 before digging. Health Insurance Costs: Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance released preliminary 2027 ACA plan rates, with multiple insurers offering coverage statewide and reviews still ongoing. Trade & Supply Chains: DOJ’s Trade Fraud Task Force topped $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses in under a year, targeting customs and mislabeling schemes that hit importers and logistics. Business Climate: A new roundup of state business tax rates highlights how low-tax states keep drawing attention from companies planning where to operate. Energy/Prices: A St. Louis Fed report says prices are rising at a robust pace, with electricity and food costs driving pressure on households. Local Transportation Planning: MoDOT outlined planned 2027 intersection upgrades in Columbia, including signal changes and lane reconfigurations.

Workplace Health: A Missouri worker’s story highlights how engineered-stone countertop fabrication can expose workers to deadly silicosis, with symptoms that can progress to lung transplant needs. Local Business Impact: Joplin businesses say MoDOT’s Seventh Street construction is blocking access and confusing customers, with at least one nearby restaurant forced to close temporarily. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat, covering Missouri and 16 other states. Data Center Debate: In the Missouri primary spotlight, Franklin/Jefferson/St. Louis County residents and voters are pushing for more public input and stronger scrutiny of water and environmental impacts from proposed data centers. Agriculture & Food Supply: A proposed fertilizer storage tank in Cassville is drawing odor and property-value concerns as DNR reviews the permit. Road & Construction Updates: MoDOT scheduled multiple northwest Missouri projects for Aug. 3-9, including resurfacing, culvert work, and intersection improvements. STEM Workforce Pipeline: Burns & McDonnell hosted hands-on STEM workshops for regional elementary teachers, aiming to bring classroom-ready engineering challenges back to students. Public Finance: A Cole County judge is set to rule soon on a lawsuit challenging Missouri property tax caps tied to stadium funding.

Energy & Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order covering Missouri and 16 other states to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat, letting the Southwest Power Pool dispatch generation and use backup resources through Aug. 3. Courts & Tax Policy: A Cole County judge is set to rule soon on a legal challenge to Missouri property tax caps tied to stadium funding, which could determine whether caps or freezes take effect in 61 counties. Transportation & Construction: MoDOT is planning multiple road impacts across the state, including lane closures on I-70 near Foristell/Warrenton to Wentzville and a Route 124 access closure in Boone County, plus sidewalk-repair reductions on Route 61 in Perry and Cape Girardeau counties. Ag & Food Supply: ADM plans to expand soybean crush capacity, including work at Green Bison Soy Processing in North Dakota with Missouri’s Deerfield plant also in the mix, while a U.S.-India NSF-backed project targets precision soybean breeding. Local Business & Jobs: Kansas City Hickory Provisions is building a new 72,000-square-foot production and distribution facility in Harrisonville, aiming to open in early 2027 and add up to 20 jobs. Community & Education: Burns & McDonnell hosted STEM workshops for area elementary teachers, and Missouri 811 enforcement hit a record month as the AG’s office pursued more underground utility compliance cases.

Healthcare & Labor: A Missouri federal judge let stand a lawsuit against O’Reilly Auto Parts over claims workers were charged higher health insurance premiums for using tobacco. Agriculture & Food Tech: The NSF is funding a $528,137 India-U.S. soybean AI project led by the University of Memphis, aiming to boost yields using drones, sensors, and smart breeding. Public Health & Supply Chains: Cyclospora tracking is getting harder as produce moves through long, multi-state supply chains, complicating how Missouri and Kansas investigators trace contamination. Energy & Rural Development: USDA launched a veterans hiring push combining SkillBridge and a “100 Hires in 100 Days” campaign, while Missouri communities like Fulton won rural innovation grant support for downtown and workforce plans. Infrastructure & Permitting: Jefferson City’s new airport control tower is expected to open by end of 2027, and MoDOT is rolling out a year-long Route 367 safety demonstration starting Aug. 5. Business & Logistics: Uber Eats added regional grocers, expanding on-demand delivery options for Missouri-area shoppers. Manufacturing: GM confirmed a $157M investment in its Wentzville assembly plant.