AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Showdown: Missouri’s Trump-backed congressional map is back before the U.S. Supreme Court for the third time, even as absentee voting has already started using the 2022 districts—setting up fresh confusion for voters and election officials. Election Administration: The Jackson County Election Board says ballots will be treated as final once cast, even if courts later change which map applies, while local boards juggle conflicting court guidance. Legal Crossfire: Opponents argue lower courts can’t override the Supreme Court’s prior stays, and the dispute could also shape how states handle different maps for primaries versus general elections. Public Safety: A Jackson County jury convicted serial killer Fredrick Scott of murder in four of six deaths tied to Kansas City’s Indian Creek Trail. State Oversight: Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick launched a performance audit of the St. Louis County Special School District amid concerns about finances and services. Local Government: Ferguson City Council approved major tax-incentive redevelopment plans for the former Emerson campus and a data center, despite resident backlash.

Missouri Redistricting: The 8th Circuit rejected an emergency bid to pause its order requiring Missouri to use the GOP-drawn 2025 congressional map for the Nov. 3 election, even as absentee voting has already started and election officials warn switching maps is messy. Election Operations: Clerks across the state are telling voters to be cautious—some say they’re proceeding under the 2022 map while courts decide, and voters may not get a second chance if districts change after they vote. Abortion on the Ballot: Missouri voters are set to weigh Amendment 3, which would restrict abortion and repeal parts of the 2024 constitutional protections. Public Safety & Licensing: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway demanded Reign Bar in downtown Columbia submit a plan within 14 days to address “nuisance conditions” and violence, warning of legal action if it doesn’t comply. Local Taxes: Kansas City is considering a property tax bump to offset falling home values and close a budget gap. Consumer Legal News: Eight major pork producers agreed to a $117 million antitrust settlement, with Missouri consumers potentially eligible if they bought covered products during the 2014–2018 window.

Redistricting Fight: Missouri’s referendum backers asked the 8th Circuit to pause a ruling that would force use of the GOP-backed 2025 congressional map in November, setting up another Supreme Court showdown as absentee ballots already go out. Voting Access: Boone County says it’s ready for absentee voting after the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s push to restrict mail ballots, while overseas voters start receiving ballots amid map uncertainty. AI & Privacy: Sen. Josh Hawley backs federal testing of advanced AI systems for national security, even as Missouri courts and local governments wrestle with surveillance tech like Flock gunfire alerts and ALPR cameras. Gunfire Tech Debate: A report questions whether gunfire-detection systems can unfairly treat lawful gun owners as suspects based on proximity, raising a fresh Fourth Amendment issue. Local Governance: Jackson County voters will decide county executive and multiple Legislature seats, with at-large races drawing attention ahead of a courthouse turnover. Economy/Business: A major Wendy’s franchisee operating 314 restaurants filed for Chapter 11, highlighting pressure on the fast-food sector. Public Safety: A Springfield-area crash on Highway 5 left a man dead after a Kia crossed the center line into a semi.

Congressional Redistricting: A federal appeals court ordered Missouri to use the GOP-backed 2025 congressional map for the Nov. 3 midterms, saying the state can’t switch back to the 2022 districts after using the 2025 lines in the Aug. primary; the ruling is paused for a week while challengers seek U.S. Supreme Court review, keeping election officials in limbo as ballots have already been mailed for overseas and military voters. Election Administration: With the map fight still unresolved, Missouri voters are also receiving absentee ballots tied to the current district lines, while a separate ballot question asks whether to approve the 2025 map going forward. Local Government & Courts: A judge extended a restraining order in Benton County’s data center moratorium case, as a developer seeks to block enforcement while the county argues for limits. State Policy & Gambling: Missouri Attorney General Hanaway ordered six prediction markets to stop offering unlicensed sports wagering, escalating enforcement against platforms operating in the state. Energy & Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile statewide, with multiple counties reporting the week’s lowest diesel and regular gas rates around mid-$3 to mid-$5 ranges. Business & Infrastructure: Little Rock Air Force Base will keep providing C-130 training under a renewed $300 million contract with CAE USA through 2035.

Suicide Prevention & Firearms: A KFF Health News report argues that because clinicians can’t reliably predict who will attempt suicide, prevention should focus on reducing access to lethal means—especially guns. AI Policy Debate: As AI leaders discuss slowing advanced model development, questions remain about how to “hit the brakes” without harming the economy or daily services. Missouri Abortion Ballot Fight: Missouri voters face abortion again this November, with opponents pushing a near-total ban via Amendment 3 after a prior ballot measure flipped restrictions. Sports Betting Crackdown: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway issued cease-and-desist letters to six prediction market operators (including Polymarket and Kalshi), saying “event contracts” are unlicensed sports wagering. Redistricting Chaos: Kansas City-area voters remain in redistricting limbo as courts weigh whether to use the 2022 map or the 2025 districts while overseas ballots go out. Local Governance & Homelessness: Jefferson City Council will consider rezoning for a nonprofit plan for a resource center and winter emergency shelter at 107 Adams St. Privacy & Surveillance: A KCUR investigation finds out-of-state agencies drive much of Kansas City’s ALPR data collection, as Parkville and others push back on Flock cameras.

Missouri Redistricting Fight: Missouri abruptly dropped its federal lawsuit seeking to exclude undocumented immigrants from the census count used for congressional apportionment, ending the case without a court ruling but “without prejudice.” Election Administration: Missouri election officials are mailing ballots as the congressional map dispute heads back through the courts. Surveillance & Privacy: Missouri’s governor signed executive order safeguards for Flock Safety and other automated license plate reader systems, as communities push back on vehicle tracking; Flock also announced voluntary buyouts amid backlash and morale fallout. Statehouse/Local Governance: Kirksville’s planning commission advanced zoning code changes to regulate data centers, limiting them to heavy industrial areas with special permits. Campaign Trail: Two candidates are vying for Missouri House District 3, with platforms split between rural healthcare/school funding and farm-focused, lower-regulation local control. Legal/Justice: Missouri AG Hanaway pursued a statewide Medicaid fraud crackdown, charging 17 defendants tied to more than $450,000 in alleged stolen funds. Public Safety: Springfield police investigated a fatal Sept. 20 shooting; a suspect was arrested by MSHP. Energy Costs (GasBuddy): Weekly fuel reports show spotty low prices across Missouri, including E85 at $2.87 in Buchanan County and diesel at $5.29 in Taney County.

Missouri Redistricting Fight: Federal appeals court review is still roiling Missouri’s congressional map as overseas and military ballots go out under the older 2002 lines, raising the stakes for voters already facing map whiplash. Election Administration: Missouri election officials are mailing ballots while courts weigh whether the GOP-drawn 2025 map can be used, with a ruling that could force rework for some already-cast ballots. AG Crackdown on Prediction Markets: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued cease-and-desist letters to Polymarket, Kalshi and others, arguing “event contracts” are unlicensed sports wagering under Amendment 2. Transportation Oversight: MoDOT director Ed Hassinger sparred with lawmakers at a transportation hearing over I-70 upgrades, fuel tax questions, and broader infrastructure priorities. Public Safety & Courts: A Jefferson City man faces DWI and hit-and-run charges after a Sept. 4 crash; a Walgreens employee was charged with stealing $7,822 from store deposits. Local Law Enforcement: In Noel, criticism is growing after an interim marshal joined ICE’s 287(g) program without prior board buy-in. Health: A measles case tied to a Jackson County health department exposure has reached more than 250 people. Crime Threats: A Missouri woman was federally indicted in Texas over alleged death threats to Austin Metcalf’s family.

Congressional Map Fight: Missouri overseas voters are getting ballots mailed out while an 8th Circuit review of the GOP-drawn 2025 congressional map could force changes to which candidates appear—raising fresh confusion as courts weigh whether ballots already sent under the 2002 map should be voided. Election Administration: With the legal back-and-forth continuing, Missouri election officials are preparing for more potential shifts even as ballots are already in the mail. Prediction Markets Crackdown: Missouri AG Hanaway issued cease-and-desist orders targeting prediction-market operators, including Polymarket and Kalshi, after concerns that sports “event contracts” are unlawful wagering. Surveillance Cameras: The state is tightening rules around Flock Safety-style license plate readers and driver-location data, while Flock’s own voluntary exit offer signals mounting contract and privacy pressure. Budget Watch: Missouri’s combined tax revenues fell 9.1% from Q4 to Q1 2026, with sales and income taxes driving most of the decline. Federal Courts & Public Safety: A Missouri woman faces federal charges for alleged death threats tied to the Austin Metcalf case, and a separate federal case involves a VA fraud plea by an Independence man. Community & Veterans: A VFW Auxiliary fundraiser in O’Fallon is backing service dogs for Missouri veterans.

Missouri Redistricting Court Fight: Voters filed a second class-action lawsuit against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, alleging he delayed action on a congressional redistricting referendum until it was too late to stop disputed districts from being used in the Aug. primary. 5th District GOP Nominee Challenge: A separate Cole County lawsuit seeks to void the Republican primary results in Missouri’s 5th Congressional District and force the party to pick a new nominee, arguing the August primary voters won’t match November voters if the 2022 map is used. Prediction Markets Crackdown: AG Catherine Hanaway issued cease-and-desist letters to Polymarket, Kalshi, Crypto.com, Novig, Underdog and Robinhood, saying “event contracts” are unlicensed sports wagering and warning about age-verification gaps. Public Safety Tech: Sen. Josh Hawley invited CEOs behind Flock automated license plate readers to testify as Missouri communities tighten ALPR rules. Health Access & Coverage: A federal lawsuit targets a Medicaid rule that narrows protections for medically frail enrollees, raising the risk of losing coverage. Rural Pharmacy Closures: Reporting highlights pharmacy shutdowns that are shrinking access to medicine in rural areas. Diesel Squeezes Farmers: Record diesel prices are driving up harvest costs and threatening higher food prices. Local Election Watch: The Fulton NAACP plans an Oct. 8 candidate forum ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Missouri Redistricting Fight: Ballots for Missouri’s Nov. 3 election were mailed to military and overseas voters even as a lawsuit could still change the congressional map, leaving some voters using the 2022 lines while the August primary used a different, GOP-favored map. Election Litigation: Missouri voters also filed a second class-action lawsuit against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, adding to his legal troubles over how the congressional map and related election steps were handled. AG Crackdown on Prediction Markets: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued cease-and-desist orders to six prediction market platforms, saying they can’t sell sports “event contracts” without a sports wagering license. AI & Surveillance Rules: Gov. Mike Kehoe issued new safeguards for agencies using Flock license-plate cameras, including faster data deletion rules and limits on facial recognition use. Public Safety & Courts: Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed an active criminal investigation into Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd after his death, with no further details released. Local Governance: A 12-year-old e-bike rider was struck by a car on Telegraph Road in South County; police are investigating and Missouri’s e-bike age rules depend on the bike’s class.

Missouri Election & Courts: Missouri voters and officials are still locked in a redistricting fight as a federal appeals court weighs whether to revive a GOP-backed congressional map after the Supreme Court blocked earlier changes, while new lawsuits target Secretary of State Denny Hoskins over ballot timing and referendum handling. State Government & Law Enforcement: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway announced felony charges against 17 defendants in Medicaid fraud schemes totaling more than $450,000, including alleged identity theft and improper adult daycare billing. Public Safety Tech: Missouri’s debate over surveillance tech continues as communities and officials grapple with Flock-style camera rules and privacy safeguards, with local pushback framed as a “surveillance state” concern. Campaign Trail: On the national stage, Sen. Josh Hawley unveiled a “Declaration for Life” with Christian leaders and urged a ban on the abortion drug mifepristone. Cost of Living: Record diesel prices are squeezing Missouri-area farmers and could feed into higher grocery costs ahead of the midterms. Local Economy: Rural Missouri and the Midwest keep weighing data center proposals, with mayors and residents asking who gets to decide and how to protect water and power.

Redistricting in court: A federal appeals panel heard arguments on whether Missouri can use the Trump-backed 2025 congressional map in November even after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked it, with overseas and military ballot deadlines looming and clerks warning it may be “practically impossible” to switch maps late. Election lawsuits: A new Cole County case asks a judge to void the August GOP primary in Missouri’s 5th District and disqualify the certified winner, adding to the map fight and the scramble over which districts voters will face. Secretary of State under fire: Denny Hoskins defended his record at a Mizzou Turning Point USA event as multiple lawsuits target his handling of election-related duties, including referendum issues. Local government budget pressure: Columbia’s Fire Department got a one-time $60,000 fuel boost after diesel prices and added apparatus pushed its fuel budget up 33%. Public safety leadership loss: Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd, 53, died at the Platte County Courthouse; officials say an investigation is underway. Economy watch: The Fed raised interest rates for the first time in three years, citing persistent inflation tied to fuel costs.

Congressional map fight: The U.S. Supreme Court again rejected a Trump-backed Missouri congressional map, clearing the way for Missouri to use the 2022 districts for the Nov. 3 election—meaning some voters could face different races than in August. Election administration: Missouri’s secretary of state is still under scrutiny as court battles over redistricting keep forcing last-minute changes. Surveillance policy: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order tightening rules on Flock/ALPR camera use, including limits on how long location data can be kept. State government accountability: A Missouri State Auditor review found about $50,000 in alleged MoDOT purchasing-card misuse by a former employee, with federal charges tied to the findings. Workforce and wages: UMKC service and maintenance workers are pushing for higher pay, while the University says a wage floor isn’t feasible. Education funding: The Missouri State Board of Education declined to request a roughly $300M increase in school aid, opting to ask for the same level as this year. Economy: Missouri’s August jobs report showed a net gain of about 2,100 jobs.

Missouri Redistricting: The U.S. Supreme Court again rejected the GOP’s Trump-backed Missouri congressional map, clearing the way for the state to use the 2022 districts in November—meaning some voters may face different choices than in the August primary. Election Administration: Missouri clerks are still scrambling; Jefferson County says ballot printing is “behind normal schedule” while the map fight plays out. Gov. Kehoe Privacy Push: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order tightening rules on Flock and other automated license plate readers, including deleting most data within 30 days and banning vendor resale and AI facial-recognition use. Legal Fallout in State Courts: Missouri’s secretary of state Denny Hoskins conceded it’s too late to switch to the 2025 map, while the dispute could still shape future referendum fights. Public Safety & Courts: A Ponzi scheme financier got 11 years in federal prison after taking in $35M+ from investors, with Chiefs TE Travis Kelce named as a victim. Local Crime: A juvenile was killed in a shooting near Raytown High School; no suspect was in custody as of Wednesday evening. Health: A measles case tied to an Amtrak exposure has reached 250+ contacts in Jackson County. Energy/Utilities: PSC dismissed a complaint against Ameren Missouri over Rush Island power costs, leaving five cities to absorb deficits.

Redistricting Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court again rejected President Trump-backed Missouri congressional maps, clearing the way for the state to use the 2022 districts in November—setting up a rare mismatch between primary and general-election district lines and raising fresh concerns for voters and candidates. Courtroom Pushback: Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ team is still asking the 8th Circuit to block a redistricting referendum from the ballot and to prevent future map changes, even as local election officials warn it’s too late to switch maps again. Election Integrity Lawsuit: A fired Missouri election integrity director is suing Hoskins, alleging he tried to change local results, misled a federal judge, and used state funds to influence a St. Louis County election. Ballot Measures: Missouri voters will decide Amendment 6 in November; a Saint Louis University poll finds 32% are unsure, showing how much the initiative fight still has to land. Education Oversight: Missouri education officials signaled support for St. Louis Public Schools after a critical auditor report, while the state delayed public release of “A” through “F” grades to at least mid-November. Public Health: Jackson County confirmed a measles case and urged vaccination as officials monitor possible exposure. Rural Health Access: A new report says maternity care is increasingly scarce in Missouri, leaving many families facing longer drives and higher-risk births. Veterans Fraud: An Independence man pleaded guilty to VA disability fraud after fabricating Vietnam combat claims and medals. Agriculture & Climate: Grain and farm coverage highlights how climate volatility and costs are squeezing Missouri agriculture, with adaptation becoming the focus.

U.S. House Map Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court again rejected President Trump-backed Missouri congressional maps, clearing the way for the state to use the 2022 districts for the November election—meaning some voters could face different choices than in August. Election Administration: Missouri election clerks told a federal appeals court it’s too late to switch back to the disputed HB1 map, citing ballot reprints and deadlines. Public Safety: Gov. Mike Kehoe awarded Missouri Public Safety Medals to 22 first responders and two civilians, including a posthumous honor for a Kansas City firefighter/paramedic. State Policy & Governance: Missouri education officials delayed the first public release of “A” through “F” school grades until at least mid-November. Criminal Justice & Law: New Missouri public-safety laws took effect Aug. 28, including changes tied to critical infrastructure crime and traffic rules. Tech & Antitrust: Sen. Josh Hawley said he won’t support antitrust exemptions for AI giants. Agriculture: USDA is collecting farmer accounts amid an FTC probe into fertilizer pricing and possible anti-competitive practices. Local Government: Edina, Mo., is weighing automated license plate readers after residents raised trust and funding concerns.