Missouri Consumer Watch: The state Department of Commerce and Insurance is urging drivers to take steps to prevent vehicle theft and to review what their auto policies actually cover, noting Missouri still ranks among the top states for theft despite a national decline. Gov’t Accountability: A new state auditor closeout report says former Gov. Mike Parson’s office spent $375,000 on state aircraft trips without adequate flight records explaining public purpose, with auditors unable to identify a business reason for many flights. Workforce & Industry: Genie Recon, an SRC Holdings partnership that remanufactures aerial lifts, is expanding in Springfield, planning a 50% workforce increase and about 90 jobs by year-end. Power Infrastructure: Otter Tail Power and partners received a final Minnesota route permit for the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345-kilovolt transmission line, aimed at strengthening the regional grid. Local Business Deals: 733Park advised Alipse Payments in its acquisition of Missouri-based ReliantPay, adding a merchant processing portfolio. Economic Development & Land Use: A proposed data center in Nodaway County is drawing continued feasibility questions from residents, including concerns about water use and whether tax breaks are on the table. Banking Expansion: Arvest Bank plans to open a commercial loan production office in Frisco, Texas, expanding its North Texas commercial lending footprint. Legal & Courts: A Missouri jury sided with defendants in a long-running trade secrets and IP dispute involving solar installer claims, avoiding a reported $21 million demand. Energy & Reliability: After the July 4 heat wave, Missouri reported power outages affecting more than 100,000 customers, with officials warning about compounded risks for households relying on medical equipment.