Housing Costs: A new SoFi analysis says U.S. monthly homeownership costs rose to a median $2,035 in 2024, with big state swings—lowest in West Virginia ($1,272) and Arkansas ($1,375), highest in D.C. ($3,181) and California ($3,001). Local Government Watch: Missouri’s Bates County Sheriff’s Office was rated “poor” in a state audit, accused of wasting $178K+ on horses, rodeos, parties and other questionable spending. Stadium & Infrastructure: The Kansas City Chiefs unveiled first renderings for a $3B, 70,000-seat domed stadium in Kansas (opening planned for 2031), while MoDOT crews prepare overnight girder work next week for Columbia’s Providence Road overpass over I-70, with ramp closures for months. Ag & Business: ADM, General Mills and Walmart are backing regenerative wheat practices across 40,000 acres in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri, aiming to enroll 200+ farmers with incentives and technical help. Public Health & Food Safety: The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce remains under investigation as CDC reports thousands of cases and FDA points to Taylor Farms products. Medicaid Policy: A temporary federal ban on Medicaid reimbursements for routine Planned Parenthood services has expired, restoring coverage for non-abortion care, though states decide implementation. Economic Development: Missouri S&T’s critical minerals Tech Hub won $38M from the U.S. Department of Commerce to strengthen the domestic supply chain. Retail & Franchising: Bojangles says it’s nearing its 900th restaurant milestone after 25 openings in the first half of 2026, with new locations planned including Kansas and Missouri.