AGP Executive Report

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Scotland County at $3.89 (week ending Sept. 12) and in Camden County at $3.68, while Missouri’s statewide regular average sits at $3.90. Housing Pulse: Zillow data shows home values rising across multiple counties, including Caldwell (+4.4% to $244,439), Henry (+3% to $225,600), Pulaski (+6.6% to $233,344), Greene (+2.2% to $257,748), and Audrain (+9.6% to $191,237). Local Growth & Land Use: Kirksville’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend new zoning limits for data centers, sending the proposal to City Council for study Oct. 19 and expected action Oct. 26. Public Safety Funding: Missouri American Water will split nearly $50,000 in grants among 48 departments statewide, including six Southwest Missouri fire departments, for gear, communications, tools, and training. Consumer Alerts: Walmart recalled Great Value frozen berry blend in 16 states over possible E. coli contamination, with Michigan not included.

Local Infrastructure: Springfield’s Downtown Springfield Association kicks off its 28th annual Cider Days festival this weekend, expecting 30,000+ visitors and highlighting local shops and arts. Public Health & Retail: Hy-Vee will run drive-thru flu shot clinics at every Hy-Vee Pharmacy location in September (no appointment needed), with shots free for Medicare and most insurance holders. Housing & City Budgeting: Columbia City Council is set to vote on a $606.7 million FY2027 budget, including a $41.8 million smart utility meter plan and a proposed Providence Road/Blue Ridge Road roundabout. Data Centers & Community Impact: A Missouri judge allowed an advocacy group to continue challenging Montgomery County’s data center approvals, ruling the group can pursue claims about community notice and impacts. Business & Growth: Springdale’s $4.8 million East Emma Avenue Streetscape project is slated to begin in October, aiming to add sidewalks, ADA ramps, lighting, trees and bus stops while standardizing lanes. Community Recognition: The Wright County Journal won six national newspaper awards, including first place for Best Use of Photographs.

Local Budget Watch: Columbia City Council is set to vote on a $606.7 million proposed 2027 budget, with a $25.2 million gap, $330.8 million in enterprise funds, and plans for 14.5 new full-time roles plus a 3% pay increase for eligible employees. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices stayed volatile in Missouri’s counties, with St. Louis city regular hitting $3.68 and St. Francois County diesel as low as $5.39 in the week ending Sept. 12. State Finances: Missouri’s combined tax revenues fell 9.1% quarter to quarter in Q1 2026, totaling $4.2 billion. Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows steady gains in several Missouri counties, including Morgan (+4.5% to $297,401) and Clinton (+4.4% to $292,529). Data Centers & Community Impact: A judge let an opposition group’s lawsuit against Montgomery County data centers move forward, while a separate report highlights growing backlash over surveillance and data-center power/noise concerns. Business Growth: Costco is moving ahead with a 2027 warehouse opening in Missouri’s region, and Springfield’s Cider Days returns for its 28th year, drawing 30,000+ visitors. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating another homicide after a shooting at 39th and Broadway left a man critically injured.

Diesel Shock to Farms: Record-high diesel prices are squeezing Missouri and Midwest harvest budgets, with farmers facing big fuel bills and fears of higher food costs ahead. Utility Rates: Missouri American Water filed for another WSIRA surcharge with the PSC, seeking about a 2.5% water and 0.5% sewer revenue bump, separate from its larger July rate case. Water Infrastructure Oversight: The PSC set an Oct. 7 deadline to intervene in the Missouri-American Water WSIRA request. Prediction Markets Crackdown: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway issued cease-and-desist orders to six prediction-market firms, arguing sports “event contracts” are unlicensed wagering and raising age-verification concerns. AI Surveillance Pushback: Sen. Josh Hawley invited Flock CEO to testify as Missouri tightens rules on ALPR/Flock-style cameras. Local Business & Growth: Costco is set to open Oct. 2 in Lee’s Summit, with neighbors weighing traffic impacts. Data Center Supply Chain: Prysmian and Rio Tinto will supply low-carbon aluminum cables for an Amazon data center in Ohio, manufactured in Sedalia, Missouri. Community Support: Mizzou’s home game vs. Troy will host the Food Bank’s Score Against Hunger fundraiser. Workplace Safety Spotlight: A Smithfield walkout in Illinois highlights ongoing pressure over meatpacking conditions and preventable deaths. Lottery Watch: Mega Millions climbed to an estimated $244 million for the Sept. 18 drawing.

Utility Regulation: The Missouri Public Service Commission set an Oct. 7 deadline for parties to intervene in Missouri-American Water’s request to adjust water and sewer infrastructure rate adjustments, seeking about a 2.5% bump in annual water revenues and 0.5% in sewer. Public Safety Tech: Gov. Mike Kehoe issued an executive order tightening Missouri rules for automated license plate readers, including 30-day deletion requirements, limits on non-law-enforcement use, and a ban on integrating AI facial recognition. Healthcare & Competition: Independent pharmacies are suing Express Scripts in Arkansas over alleged underpayment below drug acquisition costs, adding to state-level pressure on PBMs; Novo Nordisk and Anthropic also announced a drug-discovery and AI collaboration. Agriculture & Costs: A FarmDoc webinar expects Missouri and other Midwest cash rents to stay near current levels as input costs offset market rallies. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported spotty but generally elevated fuel pricing across Missouri, with diesel still hovering around the mid-$5 range statewide in the week ending Sept. 12. Rural Business: MU Extension helped connect two southwestern Missouri farm businesses into a local dairy-to-produce supply chain, boosting fresh access. Local Economy: The Greater Maryville Chamber highlighted emerging leaders at its annual banquet. Fraud & Finance: A Missouri man pleaded guilty in federal court to a cattle-investment Ponzi-style scheme tied to his role at Community First Bank, involving about $4.48 million in loans/credit lines.

Ponzi Fallout: A federal judge sentenced Siddharth Jawahar to 11 years for a $35 million Ponzi scheme tied to investors across Missouri and beyond, ordering $31.35 million in restitution; prosecutors say he used new money to repay earlier investors and funded an extravagant lifestyle. Local Courts & Public Safety: Edina, Mo. is ending its trial of automated license plate readers after residents raised privacy and trust concerns, while Schuyler County Sheriff Joseph Wuebker’s lawsuit over civil-process fees is moving forward with a special judge assigned. Missouri Business & Jobs: Missouri S&T won a $2.6 million NIST award to expand a Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, aiming to help small and mid-sized manufacturers adopt advanced tech like AI, robotics and automation. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain volatile, with Kansas City seeing some stations above $4 a gallon and diesel prices staying elevated in multiple counties. Health & Community Services: Columbia/Boone County plans to buy the Columbia Animal Hospital building for $995,000 to bolster animal control capacity. Elections: Johnson County absentee voting opens Tuesday, Sept. 22, with deadlines for mailed ballots set for Oct. 21.

Missouri Energy & Rates: The Missouri Public Service Commission set an Oct. 12 deadline for parties to intervene in Liberty’s large-load customer rate plan, a process tied to Senate Bill 4’s requirement that big energy users’ tariffs reflect their share of costs. Data Centers & Local Control: Hundreds of Missourians rallied at the Capitol for a statewide data center moratorium, citing water use, power demand, farmland impacts, and calls for transparency and oversight. College Sports Policy: U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt backed a bill to overhaul how college athletes get paid, arguing the current model shrinks opportunities and drains budgets for non-revenue sports. Local Business Growth: Joplin’s Joseph Newman Innovation Center marked 20 years supporting startups and entrepreneurs, highlighting affordable space and services for new companies. Fraud & Finance: A St. Louis federal case ended with Siddharth Jawahar getting 11 years for a Ponzi scheme that prosecutors say bilked 64 victims, including Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. Public Health: St. Louis County reported its first measles case in 20 years, with officials working to identify potential exposures after a traveler boarded a Chicago-bound train. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy data showed some of the week’s lowest Missouri prices in multiple counties, including regular at $3.63 in Buchanan County and $3.83 in Moniteau County.

Ponzi Fallout: A Texas-based investment adviser, Siddharth Jawahar, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for a $35M Ponzi scheme that prosecutors say bilked 64 victims, including Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, with restitution ordered at $31.35M. Fraud Crackdown: A Missouri State Auditor-led purchasing card audit helped trigger federal fraud charges against a MoDOT employee accused of about $50,000 in personal charges. Public Safety & Privacy: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order tightening rules on automated license plate readers, including Flock-style systems, requiring most data deletion within 30 days and banning facial-recognition use; Lee’s Summit also paused sharing Flock data with other jurisdictions pending an MOU. Local Education: St. Louis Public Schools faces a restructure and possible closure/repurpose of a dozen schools, with the teacher union pushing for community feedback. Higher Ed Costs: A survey of college business officers finds many schools are not using most of their physical space, while cost-revenue mismatches increasingly point to facilities. Business & Consumer: Schnucks reached a $6.3M tax settlement tied to how sales tax was calculated when shoppers used rewards points. Economy Watch: The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate from 3.75% to 4%, likely lifting borrowing costs for households and businesses. Community Events: The 40th annual Clark County Mule Festival runs Sept. 17-19 in Kahoka.

Medicaid Crackdown: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced felony charges against 17 defendants in statewide Medicaid fraud schemes totaling more than $450,000, including identity theft, PCA billing abuses, and adult daycare fraud. Banking Fraud: Craig Johnson, a former Community First Bank vice president and loan officer who also served as a pastor, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and false statements tied to a cattle-investment scam that routed loan proceeds into risky trading. Ponzi Scheme Fallout: A Missouri prosecutor said Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was among the victims in a $35M+ Ponzi scheme; the operator, Siddharth Jawahar, was sentenced to 11 years and ordered to pay $31.35M in restitution. Local Business & Growth: Crafton Tull promoted Daniel Ellis to chief operating officer as the engineering firm reorganizes to support expansion. Disaster Response: Boone County officials and Heart of Missouri United Way are forming a coalition of churches, nonprofits, businesses, and community groups to pool resources for faster flood and tornado response. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest diesel in Barry County at $5.09/gal (week ending Sept. 5), while Missouri’s diesel average rose to $5.38/gal. Infrastructure Update: MoDOT says Highway 54 widening in Camdenton has reached the halfway point, with work shifting to westbound lanes and completion targeted for late 2027.

Crypto Policy Shock: The Senate blocked the CLARITY Act, a major push to bring crypto markets under clearer federal rules, with the procedural vote falling 11 short; the setback sent crypto stocks and bitcoin lower and highlighted ethics concerns tied to Trump-era conflicts. Missouri Courts & Housing Costs: The 8th Circuit upheld $110.6 million in added class-action settlements tied to alleged anti-competitive real estate rules, bringing total payouts in the broader deal to about $1.02 billion. Fraud Crackdown: A Missouri man, Craig Johnson of Butler, pleaded guilty in federal court to a cattle-investment fraud scheme that involved loans from Community First Bank totaling about $4.48 million. Local Infrastructure: Franklin is using $250,000 in 2026 CDBG funds to pave and repair targeted blocks on Pacific, Norman and Missouri streets. Business & Growth: Casey’s says prepared chicken wings are driving new customers as it expands wings to more stores, with Missouri set to be a next distribution focus. State Economy: Missouri collected $87.9 million in tobacco sales taxes in 2024, about 0.5% of the state’s total tax collections. Trade Mission: Gov. Mike Kehoe will lead a Missouri economic development trip to Italy starting Sept. 17, aiming to boost investment and exports. Kansas City Development: Royals officials outlined plans for a new downtown ballpark at Crown Center, targeting an opening day in 2030 and moving demolition into 2027.

Federal Fraud Crackdown: Vice President JD Vance says the U.S. is permanently suspending 870,000 people from SBA and other federal loans tied to suspected COVID-era fraud, with DOJ actions citing about $245 million in alleged losses. Crypto Policy Shock: The Senate blocked the Clarity Act in a 49-50 procedural vote, leaving Missouri’s Josh Hawley among those voting “no” and raising uncertainty for banks and community lenders. Tariffs Hit Missouri Manufacturers: A new analysis estimates Missouri has paid about $3.2 billion in executive tariffs since Jan. 2025, with big impacts on steel, auto parts, and metal products. Farm Costs Watch: University of Missouri Extension warns 2027 could bring another record year for farm input costs, even if commodity prices rise. Education Funding: The Missouri State Board of Education declined to seek a roughly $300 million school-aid increase, opting to request the same amount as this year. Local Business & Jobs: MU Extension will host the 2027 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference in Perryville, aiming to spur long-term local business growth. Energy Prices & Risks: GasBuddy reports the lowest DeKalb County regular price at $3.75/gal for the week ending Sept. 5, while Missouri continues to see fuel-tank leak investigations. Health & Consumer Safety: FDA escalated recalls of alfalfa sprouts tied to Salmonella/E. coli concerns, including brands sold in Missouri.

COVID Loan Fraud Crackdown: Vice President JD Vance says the SBA has suspended nearly 870,000 borrowers tied to suspected pandemic loan fraud, linked to about $39 billion, while officials say flagged borrowers can appeal. Corporate Legal Fight: In Missouri federal court, Bayer’s Monsanto unit urged a judge to approve a proposed $7.25 billion Roundup settlement, arguing there’s no other deal path as cancer plaintiffs and their lawyers weigh in. Local Data Center Pushback: In Franklin County, commissioners are set to vote on rezoning and rules for two big data center projects amid water and cost concerns; in Montgomery County, a town hall drew residents and a lawsuit over alleged Sunshine Law notice violations. Public Safety & Courts: A Kansas City homicide investigation identified 36-year-old Eric White as the victim; a Butler County man pleaded guilty in a Community First Bank-linked cattle investment fraud scheme. State & Community Business: Missouri DNR awarded Farber a $16,000 grant to study wastewater upgrades; Western Missouri Medical Center joined the Show-Me High Value Network to pursue value-based care efficiencies. Energy Costs: GasBuddy data shows St. Francois County’s lowest midgrade price at $3.89 in the week ending Sept. 5.

Kansas City Crime: Police identified 36-year-old Eric White as the victim of a Friday afternoon shooting near 39th and Broadway; he was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and detectives are asking for tips, with a $25,000 reward. Federal Fraud Crackdown: Vice President JD Vance and DOJ officials announced suspensions tied to about 870,000 people and nearly $39 billion in suspected COVID-era loan fraud, including alleged Paycheck Protection Program schemes; DOJ says it has found more than $245 million in losses over two months. Roundup Legal Fight in Missouri: Bayer’s Monsanto unit urged a St. Louis judge to approve its $7.25 billion Roundup settlement, arguing there’s no other way to resolve the cancer claims; Judge Timothy Boyer will hear objections before any decision. Real Estate & Growth: CTO Realty Growth is buying Kansas City’s Zona Rosa, a 768,000-square-foot mixed-use center, for $63.3 million as it expands its experiential property portfolio. Sports Business: The Kansas City Royals named a Mortenson/McCownGordon joint venture as construction manager at risk for the team’s new $1.9 billion ballpark and mixed-use district. Local Nonprofits (IRS Revenue Rankings): New city-by-city lists highlight top 2024 nonprofit revenue leaders across Missouri, from large health and utility-linked organizations to community shelters and foundations.

Roundup Settlement in Missouri: Bayer’s Monsanto unit heads to a Missouri court Monday seeking approval of a proposed $7.25 billion Roundup settlement, with Judge Timothy Boyer set to weigh objections from plaintiffs’ attorneys in St. Louis. Banking & Fraud: A former Community First Bank vice president and loan officer, Craig Johnson of Butler, pleaded guilty in federal court to fraud tied to “cattle investment” schemes that funneled about $4.48 million in loan proceeds into risky trades. Healthcare Legal Hiring: Hall Render opened a St. Louis office and added healthcare-focused shareholders Elizabeth Tucker and Brett Travers, expanding regulatory and real-estate support for long-term care and post-acute providers. Local Business Growth: Mid America Bank says it has grown to 11 branches, 150 employees and $1.2 billion in assets after opening a new south Columbia facility. Education Funding: Frontier Schools launched a $2 million campaign to restore amenities cut during construction of its Kansas City transportation and athletic complex. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a new homicide after 36-year-old Eric White was shot in a business parking lot near 39th and Broadway. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Missouri fuel prices easing in recent weeks, with several counties posting the week’s lowest regular or diesel rates.

Missouri Redistricting Fight: The Missouri Supreme Court blocked the state’s new congressional map, meaning the 2022 districts will be used for November midterms even though the August primaries ran under the newer lines—another blow to GOP plans. Elections & Lawsuits: Five Missouri voters filed a class-action against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins over his handling of the congressional map petition; the group says verified signatures could mean payouts topping $80 million. Local Government & Growth: Kirksville City Council will weigh subdivision and rezoning items plus a $36,500 check to expand child care by renovating a former preschool. Business & Community: Hall Render opened a St. Louis office, adding healthcare attorneys Elizabeth Tucker and Brett Travers to expand services across Missouri. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a Friday homicide in a business parking lot near 39th and Broadway; authorities are asking for tips. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports the week ending Sept. 5 saw some of the lowest midgrade and regular prices in parts of Missouri, with Vernon County midgrade hitting $4.12 and Dade County regular as low as $3.51. Road Work: MoDOT scheduled multiple closures and bridge replacements across Adair, Putnam, Sullivan and other Northern Missouri areas this week.

Kansas City Crime: KCPD is investigating a homicide at 39th and Broadway where 36-year-old Eric White was found shot in a business parking lot; police are asking for tips and offer up to $25,000. Banking & Fraud: Craig Johnson, a former Community First Bank vice president and loan officer, pleaded guilty in federal court to a cattle-investment fraud scheme that involved loans totaling about $4.48 million and losses tied to risky securities trading. Healthcare Legal: Hall Render opened a St. Louis office and added healthcare attorneys Elizabeth Tucker and Brett Travers, expanding regulatory and operations support for long-term care providers. AI Policy: Top AI leaders are publicly backing a slowdown in AI development for safety reasons, while antitrust concerns loom over any coordinated pause. Agriculture Costs: Diesel prices are spiking again, hitting record levels and squeezing corn and soybean farmers’ harvest and hauling budgets. Local Tech Oversight: Parkville, Mo., suspended its Flock camera program as officials review transparency and data-access concerns amid broader regional backlash. Business Community: Columbia’s new openings include a wellness studio, a mobile hair tinsel bar, and a pet treat truck—signs of steady small-business momentum.