AGP Executive Report

Ballot Fight in Jefferson City: A statewide coalition, Respect Missouri Voters, rallied outside Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ office after he ruled Amendment 6 unconstitutional, and the group says it will keep pushing in court. Abortion Money in Missouri: Bloomberg donated $1.25 million to a Missouri abortion-rights campaign as November voters face another fight over whether to reinstate a near-total abortion ban. Local Elections Set for November: Missouri House District 59 is set for the general election after Carrie Tergin won the GOP primary; the race will be watched as term limits bring new faces to the legislature. Redistricting Referendum Pressure: Missouri ballot initiative fights continue, with lawsuits aimed at forcing votes and challenging the secretary of state’s handling of petition efforts. Jefferson City Government: Shelby Convery was named the city’s new finance director, taking over after the retirement of Shiela Pearre. Food Safety: USDA recalled 5,084 pounds of breaded swai products sold in Missouri and other states due to export eligibility issues. Missouri in National Sports History: Sen. Eric Schmitt’s resolution adds Missouri’s 1960 football team to the U.S. Senate’s list of national title claimants.

US Senate & Missouri Football: Sen. Eric Schmitt’s resolution adds Missouri to the list of teams claiming the 1960 national title, another twist in a sport long shaped by polls and rankings. Federal Courts & Missouri: A former St. Louis aldermanic candidate, Justin Idleburg, pleaded guilty to Social Security disability fraud, admitting he exaggerated symptoms and hid business income while collecting about $51,388. Missouri Ballot/Redistricting Fight: “Respect Missouri Voters” is back in court, suing to overturn Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft Hoskins’ rejection of a ballot initiative. Public Safety/Justice: Protester Elijah Gantt’s case continues to draw attention after a pre-trial hearing in St. Louis County, where prosecutors sought 66 years on 12 charges. Food Safety: USDA recalled 5,084 pounds of breaded swai products sold in Missouri and seven other states due to production in a country not eligible to export siluriformes fish to the US. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Missouri fuel prices easing in early August, with multiple county-level lows for regular, E15, and premium.

Ballot Fight in Jefferson City: A pro-initiative group, Respect Missouri Voters, is suing Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins after he rejected its proposed November amendment that would make it harder for lawmakers to change voter-approved measures; the group says it submitted 367,000 signatures and is rallying outside the office as the case heads to court. Election Fallout: Missouri’s Aug. 4 primary results show voters overwhelmingly rejected Amendments 4 and 5, including the income-tax phaseout and tighter rules for citizen initiatives, while Amendment 1 (parks funding) and Amendment 2 (elected Jackson County assessor) passed. Sports Betting Dollars: Missouri’s sports wagering industry has started sending money to education, with $3.213 million allocated so far in fiscal 2026, even as taxable revenue dipped in June. Federal Courts & Law Enforcement: The U.S. Senate confirmed a package of 74 Trump nominees, including U.S. attorneys and U.S. marshals, with Missouri’s James Arnott among those confirmed. College Sports Policy: Missouri-area college sports leaders are watching the Protect College Sports Act, but even supporters say Senate recess timing could push action to 2027.

FCC Media Consolidation: A 2-1 FCC vote lifted a national TV ownership cap, drawing sharp criticism from Missouri-relevant media-diversity advocates who warn it could mean fewer local outlets, fewer jobs, and less ownership by people of color. Missouri Elections & Ballot Fights: Secretary of State Denny Hoskins told a group suing over his refusal to certify a ballot measure to “bring it on,” as courts weigh challenges to Missouri’s redistricting referendum process and Republicans try to run out the clock. Jackson County Corruption Case: Federal prosecutors indicted interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota on five bribery counts tied to the 2026 election; the case adds to a pattern of legal trouble around the county’s top executive. Debt Collection Pressure: St. Louis-area researchers say the region is seeing the fastest growth in consumers facing debt-collection lawsuits, with many ending in default judgments. Abortion Money in Missouri: Bloomberg donated $1.25 million to oppose a November amendment that would roll back Missouri’s 2024 abortion protections. Federal Disaster Help: Missouri’s SEMA is scheduling FEMA Public Assistance briefings for 34 counties hit by June storms.

Jackson County Corruption: Federal prosecutors indicted interim Jackson County Executive Philip LeVota on bribery-related charges tied to the 2026 election, alleging he tried to persuade a candidate to withdraw in exchange for government jobs and then lied to investigators. Ballot Access Fight: A campaign called Respect Missouri Voters sued Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins after he refused to certify signatures for a November amendment aimed at limiting lawmakers’ ability to weaken citizen initiatives and referendums. FEMA Storm Aid: SEMA scheduled FEMA Public Assistance applicant briefings for Aug. 12 in Milan for 34 flood/tornado/straight-line wind-declared counties, including Green Hills counties like Daviess, Grundy, Harrison, Linn, Putnam and Sullivan. Abortion Access: A new Guttmacher data snapshot says Missourians obtaining medication abortions via out-of-state telehealth quadrupled since 2023, as Missouri still restricts in-state telehealth. Local Government & Environment: Columbia’s storm sewer permit was renewed after a city rule change, and Joplin is weighing a trolley expansion from three routes to five. Public Safety: A Jefferson City man faces felony charges after a traffic stop allegedly found drugs, a loaded handgun, and impairment. Community Funding: The State Historical Society opened a local history grant application for up to $1,000 (Brownlee Local History Grants).

Missouri Ballot Fight: Missouri voters rejected Amendment 4 and Secretary of State Denny Hoskins said he won’t certify separate citizen petitions, citing rules like the single-subject requirement—setting up more legal sparring over ballot access. Redistricting Court Battle: A referendum campaign is suing to block Missouri’s new congressional map and keep it off the November ballot, after Hoskins declared the petition unconstitutional, leaving candidates in limbo. Congressional Primary Fallout: In Missouri’s 1st District, Rep. Wesley Bell beat former Rep. Cori Bush again in the Democratic primary, while the redistricting fight could complicate how November races run. Federal/State Governance: Missouri’s AG Catherine Hanaway announced an agreement to stop a St. Louis-area distributor from selling 7-OH kratom products in Missouri. Disaster Response: SEMA will hold briefings for 34 Missouri counties seeking FEMA help after June flash flooding, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. Regional Disruptions: FAA reported Midwest flight impacts from a Minneapolis air traffic control outage, with no delays at MCI at the time.

Missouri Redistricting Fight: Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a citizen referendum aimed at overturning the new “Missouri First” congressional map, saying the constitution doesn’t allow a referendum on redistricting—prompting People Not Politicians to sue and push voters to keep fighting. Missouri Elections: Tuesday’s primary vote showed strong turnout in Cole County (nearly 44%), with voters overwhelmingly rejecting Amendments 4 and 5 (about 79% “no” on 4; 86% “no” on 5). Congressional GOP Primary: Former radio host Chris Stigall won the GOP nomination for Missouri’s 6th District, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Josh Smead. Voting Rights in St. Louis: A new Missouri law signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe will restore voting rights for more than 41,000 people on probation or parole. Public Safety Tech: Sen. Josh Hawley grilled AI “surveillance pricing” practices at a Senate panel hearing, arguing it enables data-driven price discrimination. Local Government Ops: MoDOT plans lane closures next week on Missouri Boulevard near South Ten Mile Drive for signal and lighting work. Immigration & Military Families: A new AP investigation says Trump’s immigration crackdown has detained dozens of parents and spouses of active-duty troops, raising concerns about military readiness.

Missouri Ballot Fight: Voters crushed two GOP-backed constitutional amendments in Tuesday’s primary—Amendment 4 (tightening citizen initiative rules) and Amendment 5 (phasing out the state income tax). Election Watch: In Missouri’s 1st Congressional District Democratic rematch, Rep. Wesley Bell beat former Rep. Cori Bush, a major test of the party’s pro-Israel vs. anti-Israel fault line. Primary Results: Brandon Phelps won Missouri House District 54 GOP primary, setting up a November matchup with unopposed Democrat Taigan Plummer. Redistricting Court Fight: A campaign committee is suing Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins after he refused to certify signatures for a referendum aimed at forcing a public vote on the congressional map. State Government & Accountability: The Missouri State Auditor found “insufficient” oversight in Webster Groves credit card use, with former employees accused of personal charges. Campaign Money: Michael Bloomberg donated $1.25 million to a Missouri abortion-rights PAC ahead of the November ballot. National Policy Shock: An AP investigation says Trump’s immigration crackdown has detained dozens of active-duty troops’ parents and spouses, raising concerns about military readiness. Public Health: Cyclospora linked to lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with investigators focusing on Taylor Farms.

Missouri Ballot Rebuke: Voters crushed Gov. Mike Kehoe and GOP priorities by rejecting Amendments 4 and 5 in huge landslides (A4: 80%-20; A5: 83%-16), signaling lawmakers will face tougher resistance on constitutional and tax-change efforts. Congressional Primary Shock in St. Louis: Rep. Wesley Bell beat Cori Bush in Missouri’s 1st District Democratic primary (Bell 59.2%, Bush 36.9%), a major win for the pro-Israel wing after heavy outside spending. Statewide Election Takeaways: Missouri voters approved Amendment 1 (parks/soil/water funding) and Amendment 2 (Jackson County assessor becomes elected), while also rejecting the citizen-led constitutional amendment changes in Amendment 4. Redistricting Fight Heads to Court: Opponents sued Secretary of State Denny Hoskins after he rejected a referendum petition challenging the new GOP congressional map, setting up a court battle over whether voters can force a public vote. Local Governance: Jackson County Democrats chose Stacy Lake for county executive, and multiple county races moved toward November matchups.

Redistricting Fight: Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins refused to certify a citizens’ referendum that would force a statewide vote on the GOP-backed “Missouri First” congressional map, calling the effort unconstitutional and saying the referendum is “null and void,” setting up another court battle. Election Access & Turnout: In Cape Girardeau County, turnout for the Aug. 4 primary is running ahead of April municipal elections, with voters citing the added constitutional amendments and a competitive county commission race. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved Public Assistance for 34 Missouri counties hit by June storms, including flash flooding and tornadoes, with more than $32.3 million estimated for emergency response and damaged public infrastructure. Medicaid Oversight: Missouri Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a multistate push urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, expanding Medicaid Fraud Control Units to target beneficiary and recipient fraud. Local Governance: Joplin City Council adopted new data center rules—covering noise, water use, wastewater, emissions, and generator standards—while also approving higher trash rates and infrastructure spending.

Missouri Primary Day: Polls opened Tuesday morning across Missouri for the Aug. 4 primary, with voters deciding Amendments 4 and 5 plus congressional races under newly drawn maps; election officials expect turnout to be unusually high, with one forecast putting it near 1.4 million statewide as ballot measures drive interest. Constitutional Amendments: Amendment 4 would make citizen-led constitutional changes harder by requiring approval in each of Missouri’s congressional districts, while Amendment 5 would phase out the state income tax and shift toward sales and use taxes. Local Governance: In Columbia, voters are weighing a 1% public safety sales tax to fund police and fire staffing, stations, and equipment; in Jefferson City, a separate sales tax renewal decision is on the ballot. Democratic Rematch: Missouri’s Democratic primary also features a high-profile rematch between Cori Bush and Wesley Bell, with outside money and Israel-related politics again shaping the contest. Election Logistics: Missouri requires photo ID at the polls, and counties report higher-than-usual absentee activity ahead of Election Day.

Election Countdown: Boone County’s early voting for the Aug. 4 Missouri primary hit an all-time high, with more than 7,000 ballots already cast and the clerk expecting turnout to jump to roughly 30%–40% on a “full ballot” packed with constitutional amendments. Voting Rules: Missouri voters are reminded to bring state- or federally issued photo ID (including a driver’s license, passport, veteran or military ID, or tribal ID), and mail ballots must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on election day. Amendment Fight: Kansas City-area volunteers are canvassing ahead of Tuesday’s vote on Amendments 4 and 5, with opponents warning Amendment 5 would cut school funding while supporters argue it’s a path away from the income tax. Constitutional Process Clash: A major legal and political fight over Missouri’s redistricted congressional map is set to collide with election day deadlines, with a Supreme Court decision tied to whether the map can be paused for a vote of the people. Policy & Public Safety: Attorney General Catherine Hanaway backed federal action to help states crack down on Medicaid fraud, urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act. Local Government Watch: A Missouri state audit found Carterville’s water and sewer fund in serious trouble, citing overspending, weak oversight, and major compliance problems. Democratic Rematch: In Missouri’s Democratic U.S. House primary, Cori Bush is again challenging Wesley Bell, with the race drawing national attention and outside spending.

Missouri Primary Showdown: Rep. Wesley Bell and former Rep. Cori Bush are in a deeply personal Democratic rematch Tuesday, with the race for Missouri’s 1st District boiling over into accusations and a fight over what kind of Democrat the party wants next. Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot: Missouri voters also decide Tuesday on Amendment 4 and Amendment 5—Amendment 4 would tighten rules for citizen-led constitutional changes, while Amendment 5 would phase out the state income tax and shift future revenue options to lawmakers. Election Logistics: In Grundy County, absentee voting climbed to 305 returned ballots ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. Gov. Kehoe Overseas: Gov. Mike Kehoe will lead a Missouri delegation to Panama this week, tied to the Missouri National Guard’s 30-year partnership and the PANAMAX exercise. Federal Legal Pressure: Student loan borrowers trying to revive the SAVE plan face a setback after a court ruled against them, as other challenges continue into August. National Politics Watch: New polling suggests Trump is underwater in swing states, adding pressure heading toward the November midterms.

Missouri Primary Preview: Tuesday’s Missouri primary is packed with constitutional fights, including Amendments 4 and 5—one would tighten the rules for citizen-led constitutional changes, while the other would push Missouri toward phasing out the state income tax and expanding sales/use taxes. Local Elections: In Cole County, voters will weigh three countywide races plus a Jefferson City tax renewal question, with attention on the county clerk and presiding commissioner contests. State Board of Education: Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Vince Schoemehl and a Kansas City teacher to the Missouri State Board of Education, filling a voting seat and a classroom-teacher advisory role. Public Safety & Courts: A former Hillsboro assistant police chief faces charges tied to alleged sexual abuse and burglary. Cybersecurity Watch: Federal officials warned that Iran-linked cyberattacks have targeted water systems in multiple states, underscoring risks for Missouri’s infrastructure. Fauci Probe Fallout: Missouri’s political debate over COVID-era accountability continues as other states announce investigations tied to Anthony Fauci.

Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: Federal officials warn that Iranian-linked hackers are targeting internet-connected water and wastewater controls, with at least seven states reporting disruptions after tampering with programmable logic controllers—Missouri is among the states receiving alerts and is urged to cut PLCs off the internet, lock down remote access, and change default passwords. Missouri Elections & Voting Access: In Kansas City, Kansas, Wyandotte County voters may have had mail-in ballots returned due to an incorrect PO address on advanced ballots, a problem the local NAACP says was fixed too late for this election. State Politics & Ballot Measures: Missouri is set to vote on anti-trans ballot initiatives this November, part of a broader push in multiple states aimed at restricting transgender people’s access to sports and medical care. Federal Workforce: USDA announced a hiring initiative to recruit veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses into federal agriculture jobs, including “100 Hires in 100 Days.” Sports & Courts: A federal judge’s ruling expanding eligibility for Class of 2022 athletes could reshape Missouri basketball roster planning as players enter the transfer portal.

Missouri Ballot Fight: A Truthout report spotlights Missouri’s upcoming Amendment 4, arguing it would tighten rules for citizen-led constitutional amendments and reduce public influence—part of a broader national push to reshape how voters participate. Election Integrity & Power: The same coverage frames Missouri’s ballot measures as a test of whether civic institutions still protect meaningful public input. Cybersecurity for Water: Federal warnings say Iranian-linked hackers have targeted water systems in multiple states, and Missouri is among those receiving alerts—urging utilities to cut direct PLC internet access, lock down passwords, and limit remote access. Public Safety & Community: Springfield’s Bikers Against Child Abuse hosts its “Day of the Child” event, offering family activities while supporting abused children through court-linked referrals. Missouri Economy & Trade: A Missouri-focused analysis says Trump’s Canada tariffs could hit the Show-Me State hard because Canada is its top export market and many manufacturers rely on Canadian parts. Business & Industry: Boeing reported a larger-than-expected Q2 loss tied to Air Force One replacement costs, while also citing positive free cash flow and continued production momentum. Legal/Policy Watch: DOJ says its Trade Fraud Task Force has topped $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses since launching last year.