AGP Executive Report

World Cup Security: Kansas City police say nine adults were injured in a mass shooting on Troost Avenue early Saturday, just days before England’s team arrives for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AI & Public Ownership: In Washington, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders pushed a plan for public ownership stakes in AI companies; Trump also floated a similar “American people” equity idea. Missouri Education: Gov. Mike Kehoe has education bills on his desk, including measures tied to school security, antisemitism protections, and changes to how appeals work for high school activities. Missouri Amendments Fight: Platte County Democrats are urging turnout for the Aug. 4 primary, arguing Kehoe’s amendment placement is designed to help Republicans pass unpopular proposals. Redistricting Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a GOP-favored congressional map, with the NAACP calling it intentionally discriminatory—another sign redistricting battles may keep spreading. Missouri Data Centers: A Missouri editorial argues state rules and tax breaks for data centers are colliding with local concerns about water use and grid strain. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports midgrade prices in Douglas County hit $4.39 in the week ending May 30.

Healthcare Access: Missouri lawmakers wrapped up a 2026 health care session that includes “Food is Medicine” coverage, oral contraceptive requirements, and changes tied to 340B drug reimbursement and doula coverage—now awaiting Gov. Mike Kehoe’s mid-July decisions. Court & Civil Rights: Kansas City Pride organizers paused production after the city repealed its conversion therapy ban, saying the replacement language is too vague and demanding stronger protections. Federal Surveillance Fight: The U.S. Senate blocked a procedural vote to extend Section 702, leaving the warrantless foreign surveillance authority set to lapse June 12—while a House anti-CBDC rider remains stuck. College Sports Overhaul: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt helped introduce the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, with President Trump backing it as a “last chance” to stabilize NIL and transfer chaos. Public Safety & Community: Kansas City leaders and students launched National Gun Violence Awareness Month with a metro-wide “lit orange” push and calls for action after kids are hit by gun violence. Veterans & Community Service: A Ride for Veterans stop in Topeka highlighted mental health and transition support for service members. Missouri Local Government: Nodaway County commissioners approved agenda items and reviewed incoming emails on a proposed data center.

World Cup Security: The 2026 World Cup kicks off next week with an “78 Super Bowls over 39 days” security operation, using drones, robot dogs, X-ray trucks, and AI cameras amid heightened geopolitical risk. Gun Violence & Local Action: Kansas City leaders and students marched along Troost Ave. to demand action, with Children’s Mercy ER physician Amelia Bray-Aschenbrenner calling gun violence “the number one killer of kids.” College Sports Overhaul: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt is a co-sponsor of the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, which Trump backed as a “last chance” to stabilize college athletics. Missouri Courts & Taxes: A Missouri appeals court kept the income-tax elimination plan on the Aug. 4 ballot but ordered changes to the ballot summary. Local Government Fight: Jefferson County mayors urged Gov. Mike Kehoe to veto parts of HB 2818 that would tighten annexation rules. KC Pride & Policy: KC Pride paused production after Kansas City repealed its conversion therapy ban, citing backlash over the repeal and replacement language. Boone County Jail Vote: A coalition opposed to a new Boone County jail is challenging Proposition L, a proposed sales-tax increase tied to the jail plan. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show scattered low prices across Missouri counties, with volatility tied to global oil and shipping risks.

Missouri Ballot Fight: The Missouri Court of Appeals kept the income-tax elimination plan on the Aug. 4 ballot but ordered rewritten ballot language, after ruling the measure’s summary needed to be “fair and sufficient.” Election Integrity Clash: Sen. Josh Hawley blasted four GOP senators who joined Democrats to block adding the SAVE voter ID measure to a Senate package, arguing Missouri voters already backed voter ID in the constitution. Gun Violence Push: In Columbia, Mom’s Demand Action Missouri and Powerhouse Community Development held a gun-violence awareness event with survivors calling for stronger local action. Criminal Justice Update: A plea deal in the Chaviz Nguyen case left victim Haley Frillman “disgusted,” as one defendant accepted reduced charges. State Policy & Public Safety: Missouri’s “Bentley and Mason’s Law” passed, requiring drunk drivers convicted of killing a parent to pay child support. Courts & Institutions: Missouri’s appeals court affirmed summary judgment for the University of Missouri in a KWMU defamation dispute. Local Governance: Kansas City’s Royals stadium incentives face a new petition drive aimed at forcing a citywide vote.

Data Center Fight: Missouri lawmakers’ attempts to regulate data centers stalled, leaving communities to rely on local moratoriums and divisive elections as projects spread. Kansas City Royals Ballpark Vote Push: KC workers plan to deliver 4,500+ signatures to force a public vote on the Royals’ Crown Center stadium funding. Education Leadership: Mitch Barnes, a longtime rural Missouri education leader, is retiring after nearly 28 years. Abortion Access: Planned Parenthood is allowing some women to obtain abortion pills in advance for “just in case” use, and telehealth access is highlighted as crucial for domestic violence survivors. Federal Surveillance: The U.S. Senate blocked renewing a key warrantless surveillance program, with Missouri Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt among those voting no. Missouri Oversight/School Choice: State treasurer seeks ESA vendor changes to improve auditing and curb misspending and fraud. Public Safety & Courts: Pettis County rewrote landfill rules after a judge struck down key restrictions tied to a proposed waste facility. ISIS Case: A Leawood man was among three arrested for alleged material support to ISIS. Health Watch: U.S. measles cases topped 2,000 for a second year, including cases in Missouri. World Cup Prep: KC continues World Cup preparations as local permits and events roll out.

First Amendment Watch: A new explainer breaks down “jawboning,” when government pressures private actors to restrict others’ speech, and how courts analyze whether that crosses constitutional lines. Missouri Courts & Ballot Access: A three-judge panel heard arguments over whether Missouri’s Amendment 5 income-tax phaseout plan can bypass voter protections; the case centers on voter protections and a “tax swap” claim. State Government Appointments: Gov. Mike Kehoe named five people to state boards and commissions, including roles tied to clean water, elections, workforce and disability services. Local Government: Clay County voters will decide a Nov. 3 measure that would add benefits for commissioners and raise sheriff and prosecuting attorney pay. Public Safety & Funding: Skidmore will hold a June 9 public hearing on a CDBG grant to build a new fire station. Health & Consumer Protection: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based American Shaman will suspend kratom and 7-OH sales in Missouri, ending litigation. Kansas City World Cup Prep: FIFA reversed its reusable water bottle policy for venues, as KC officials push hydration and heat-safety plans for fans. Community & History: Missouri’s Capitol will open a new exhibit on the state’s 250th-anniversary era, built with University of Missouri students.

Supreme Court Fight: Democrats are floating major Supreme Court changes—like adding new justices—while Republicans warn it would “fundamentally alter” the court, setting up a high-stakes election-year showdown. Local Appointments: Perry County is taking applications to fill a vacancy on the Health Department Board of Trustees, with the deadline set for June 30. Broadband Funding: State broadband offices are pushing to keep BEAD implementation on track, with calls to avoid office “sunset” dates that could cut off long-term work. Missouri Courts & Records: A Missouri Court of Appeals ruling upheld a decision in a Sunshine Law dispute, finding no willful or knowing violation by the city official involved. Government Accountability: Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released an audit of the City of Elsberry, citing needed improvements in how utility rates and city funds are handled. Public Safety & Health: Ameren Missouri donated 950 ENERGY STAR air conditioners to Cool Down St. Louis as part of ongoing summer assistance programs. Education Policy: Missouri lawmakers largely missed education goals by session end, with both parties blaming the other for stalled Senate action. Ballot Watch: The Missouri AFL-CIO is urging voters to vote NO on Amendments 4 and 5 in August.

Missouri Education: Gov. Mike Kehoe named Jordan Bradberry (Kansas City) and Robbie Myers (Poplar Bluff) to the Missouri State Board of Education, filling seats tied to the 4th and 8th congressional districts, as Mary Schrag stepped down as board president. State Taxes: A Cole County judge cleared Amendment 5 for the Aug. 4 ballot, keeping alive Missouri’s push to phase out the income tax and replace it with expanded sales taxes—while a Delaware-linked nonprofit and other groups are pouring money into the campaign. Congress & College Sports: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt is co-authoring the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, aiming to rein in NIL and transfer-portal chaos, as the SEC and Big Ten oppose parts of the plan. Public Safety & Courts: A Kansas City man tied to the “Red Legs” group faces federal charges over alleged homemade explosive devices and talk of attacks on ICE and DHS. Local Governance: Jackson voters will decide in August on a proposed 5% hotel and tourism tax to fund tourism promotion. Energy & Infrastructure: Ameren broke ground on the Big Hollow Energy Center, a $900 million natural gas generation and battery storage project. World Cup Watch: The DEA is warning Kansas City-area crowds could create opportunities for drug trafficking during the 2026 World Cup. Data Centers: An AI data center plan in Kansas City’s Northland withdrew its Port KC bond application after community backlash.

College Sports Overhaul: Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified before a Senate panel urging Congress to create a national framework for NIL and the transfer portal, warning that uncertainty is driving more lawsuits and pushing the system toward a pro model. Missouri Redistricting Fallout: A week of court and map updates keeps the focus on whether GOP gains from mid-decade redistricting can hold in November, with Missouri among the states reshaping House districts. Police Funding Fight in St. Louis: A judge rejected the state police board’s bid for about $67.5 million in extra city funding; the board says it will appeal, setting up another round in the long-running dispute. World Cup Prep in Kansas City: City bars in select districts can apply for extended hours until 5 a.m. for the World Cup (deadline June 8), as Kansas City gears up for visitor traffic and events. Veterans Therapy Push: Missouri Rep. Dave Griffith’s push to allow psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans stalled in the Senate after strong House support, even as federal VA trial plans add momentum. Data Centers vs. China Ties: Rep. Jason Smith says GOP investigations found Chinese-funded nonprofits targeting data centers and wants Treasury to strip their tax-exempt status. Local Justice: A Missouri man was arrested in Illinois on murder charges after a shooting tied to a case that began with his arrest at Lambert.

Missouri Ballot Fight: A Cole County judge upheld Missouri’s Aug. 4 Amendment 5 ballot language, rejecting a challenge that said the income-tax replacement plan is misleading and improperly bundles unrelated changes—setting up another round of legal and political pressure as Republicans push to replace the state income tax with expanded sales taxes. Campaign Cash: The Missouri Association of Realtors poured $1.9 million into the fight against Amendment 5, escalating a high-spending battle that already includes large, similarly named contributions from other groups. State Government: Missouri State Board of Education President Mary Schrag resigned effective immediately; Vice President Brooks Miller will serve as interim president until the board’s June 23 elections. Local Governance: Kansas City is weighing a new ordinance to ban paid therapeutic practices that claim to promote suicide risk in LGBTQ youth, after a prior conversion-therapy ban was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Courts & Public Safety: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway announced an order committing a Jackson County sexually violent predator to the state mental health system for treatment. Education & Policy: Missouri voters may also see a separate proposal—Amendment 4—changing how citizen-led constitutional amendments qualify, requiring district-by-district support.

Education Funding Fight: Missouri is cutting state support for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, dropping funding from $6 million to $2 million for fiscal year 2027, with reports saying new enrollments could stop July 1. State Board Shakeup: Missouri State Board of Education President Mary Schrag resigned effective immediately; Vice President Brooks Miller will lead until elections at the June 23 meeting. Elections & Courts: A federal judge heard arguments on lawsuits seeking to halt President Trump’s executive order creating a federal voter list and restricting mail voting, with voting-rights groups warning of major disruption for states. Local School Governance: The Purdy school board reviewed how proposed state education changes were not pushed through this session, while more issues may return next year as voters weigh Gov. Kehoe’s income-tax elimination plan. Missouri Politics & Policy: Missouri’s income-tax replacement plan is headed to an Aug. 4 ballot after a judge kept it there, and Cole County court rulings also cleared tax measures for the August election. Campaign Finance Watchdog: A Missouri watchdog urged the attorney general to investigate the ACLU Foundation over alleged foreign funding tied to Missouri ballot campaigns. Military & Defense: Whiteman Air Force Base’s 509th Bomb Wing received the Strategic Command Omaha Trophy for top strategic bomber performance in 2025. World Cup Alcohol Rules: Missouri is among states approving extended bar and restaurant hours for the World Cup, with some cities allowing late-night service.

Missouri Elections & Courts: A Cole County judge ruled Amendment 5 can stay on the Aug. ballot, rejecting claims it violates the single-subject rule in the plan to phase out Missouri’s income tax; an appeal was filed quickly. Free Speech & Legal Reform: A Missouri bill awaiting Gov. Mike Kehoe’s signature would strengthen anti-SLAPP protections by replacing the state’s current law with a broader model statute to help judges toss lawsuits meant to chill public criticism. Local Government & Culture Wars: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says he’ll bring a replacement ordinance after the City Council repealed its conversion therapy ban, promising tougher rules that can survive legal challenges. Ballot Fight Fallout: In a separate case, a hearing was postponed in a lawsuit accusing Missouri officials of pressuring county clerks over use of a gerrymandered congressional map for voter roles. Public Policy & Health: Missouri leaders met to set the future course of AI, while a Missouri bill targets lawsuits meant to punish public criticism. State Tax Politics: The income-tax overhaul and sales-tax expansion plan continues to drive court fights and campaign spending ahead of August voting.

Missouri Elections & Courts: A dispute over whether Missouri’s congressional map referendum should block the new lines is raising the stakes for the 2026 election, with legal and logistical fallout possible. Education Policy: Missouri lawmakers’ 2026 session produced only a handful of education bills that cleared both chambers, including changes tied to antisemitism protections, school activities governance, and school security “rangers,” while other major proposals stalled. Ballot Access: A judge will decide whether a Missouri tax overhaul stays on the August ballot, a reminder that election timing and court fights are still shaping what voters see. State Government Appointments: Gov. Mike Kehoe named five appointees to Missouri boards and panels. World Cup in Missouri: Argentina’s team arrived in Kansas City for World Cup preparations, and Missouri is among states extending bar and restaurant hours during the tournament—good news for hospitality, but dependent on local approvals. Public Safety & Local Services: Greene County’s emergency siren system is explained, including how many sirens cover the area and why residents are urged to rely on multiple warning methods. Healthcare & Community: Missouri librarians brace for possible federal budget cuts tied to library funding threats.

World Cup logistics in Kansas City: Argentina’s World Cup champion team landed in Missouri on Sunday to start preparations for its June 16 title defense at Arrowhead Stadium, arriving on charter flight “1978” with Messi’s No. 10 on the plane and setting up at the Origin Hotel while training begins Monday at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center. Missouri education policy: A new Missouri antisemitism law tied to the IHRA definition takes effect for the upcoming school year, but free-speech advocates warn it could run into First Amendment problems, especially around how criticism of Israel is handled. Local government leadership: University City has appointed Brooke A. Sharp as city manager after she served as interim following Gregory Rose’s retirement. Higher ed legal fight: A federal complaint alleges Bradley University’s race- and LGBTQ-targeted Hometown Scholars Program violates equal protection rules. Public health: A new AI-based study in JAMA Network Open finds long COVID may affect about 1 in 6 Americans—far higher than current federal tracking suggests.

Voting Rights Fight: Conservatives on the U.S. Supreme Court moved to weaken Voting Rights Act protections, a decision critics say could enable more aggressive congressional mapmaking that dilutes Black voting power. Local Government: Jefferson City Councilman Derek Thomas urged rejection of a proposed change to how the city fills council vacancies, arguing the current process is complicated and unusual and that rule changes could shift outcomes. State Politics: Gov. Mike Kehoe placed multiple constitutional amendments on Missouri’s Aug. 4 primary ballot, including a proposal to phase out the state income tax and other local governance and tax-related measures. Healthcare Policy: States are balking at Medicaid work requirements as budgets tighten, with Missouri lawmakers warning the policy pressures health care and education funding. Public Finance Oversight: Missouri’s state auditor flagged late or missing annual financial reports from local districts, including a Gentry County ambulance district and a Nodaway County community improvement district. Higher Ed: Lincoln University named John Kessell as associate extension administrator for its cooperative extension. Missouri Economy/Tax Credits: Missouri restored and expanded historic preservation tax credit provisions after earlier delays and a “poultry panic.” Community & Culture: Missouri Pride events and World Cup travel preparations continue to ramp up across the state.

ICE Detention Oversight: A new AP investigation says ICE detainee suicides have spiked at an “alarming” pace since Trump returned to office, with at least 10 deaths by suicide and experts pointing to failures in care and oversight. Missouri Courts & Law: A Missouri Supreme Court fight over redistricting and election rules continues to shape how voting power is drawn and challenged. Federal Legal Reach: A U.S. Supreme Court case in St. Louis, Reid v. Doe Run, could reshape how far American courts can reach in pollution lawsuits tied to a Missouri parent company’s Peru operations. Public Safety & Justice: A Sweet Springs man faces federal charges after bomb-making videos were allegedly used in a New Orleans terrorist attack. Local Missouri: Bates County deputies found a man’s body after a two-day search that began with a burning vehicle. Missouri Tech & Industry: Missouri S&T researchers won a $2 million DOE grant to build an AI database aimed at strengthening the concrete supply chain. Ballot Politics Ahead: Missouri nonprofits warn that phasing out the state income tax could cut donations and threaten services, including domestic violence shelters.