Utilities & Regulation: The Missouri Public Service Commission approved Empire Electric d/b/a Liberty’s phased electric rate increase, letting the utility start collecting higher charges Aug. 3; the average 1,000 kWh residential bill is projected to rise to $185.60 after three years. Water Infrastructure: Missouri DNR awarded Pike County Public Water Supply District No. 1 $4.2 million for upgrades in Silex, including a new booster pump station and a 500,000-gallon elevated storage tank, funded by a $2.5 million grant and $1.76 million loan. Local Tax & Public Safety: Columbia voters face an Aug. 4 decision on a 1-cent sales tax for public safety, including staffing increases and a new police facility, while Jefferson City also weighs extending a capital improvements sales tax sunset to 10 years. Health Policy & Costs: U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley and Sen. Richard Blumenthal pressed UnitedHealthcare and other Medicare Advantage insurers over prior authorization denials and the use of AI in coverage decisions. Business & Jobs: Springfield’s Genie Recon is expanding its lift reconditioning operation, adding more than 200 jobs, as the state highlights momentum in remanufacturing. Energy Projects: PSC set local and virtual public hearings starting July 28 on Ameren Missouri’s request for battery storage and solar projects. Courts & Consumer Risk: A lawsuit targets a Lake of the Ozarks casino signature-gathering effort, while a separate Missouri AG probe into former ESPN analyst Matt Miller centers on alleged financial fraud tied to a charity/fantasy football operation. Economy Watch: The Creighton Mid-America Business Conditions Index moved above growth-neutral for a fifth straight month, signaling steady regional manufacturing improvement despite job losses and higher wholesale inflation.