AGP Executive Report

Congressional Map Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court again rejected President Trump-backed Missouri congressional districts, clearing the way for Missouri to use the 2022 map for the November general election even though the state already held its August primary under the newer 2025 lines—meaning up to about 1-in-4 voters could face different district choices than they did just weeks ago. Election Administration: Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins backed down to follow the court directive, while the broader mid-decade redistricting chaos continues to ripple through voter confusion and legal deadlines. Abortion Ballot Measure: A fresh SLU/YouGov poll finds Missourians narrowly split on Amendment 3, with support and opposition nearly even and uncertainty still in the mix. Public Safety: Kansas City police are investigating a fatal shooting at a Midtown Walgreens, with no suspect details released. Missouri Courts & Guns: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sued the ATF to challenge federal NFA registration rules for suppressors and short-barreled rifles. Policy & Health: Missouri moves forward on hemp THC product restrictions as a federal ban is delayed, with companies preparing for possible 2027 reassessment. Local Government: Platte County kept its 1-cent property tax levy for 2027 after a budget debate.

Missouri Redistricting: The U.S. Supreme Court again blocked a Trump-backed Missouri congressional map, clearing the way for November elections to use the state’s 2022 districts—meaning Missouri could send different House candidates than those voters saw in the August primary. Election Fallout: Missouri’s map fight is headed back into court next week, with lawsuits still alive over which districts should govern the midterms. Abortion Ballot Fight: A new Missouri poll finds the abortion measure race remains razor thin ahead of November, with Amendment 3 (reproductive rights repeal and an abortion ban with limited exceptions) splitting likely voters. Healthcare Politics: The Trump administration is preparing $500 Obamacare rebate payments for up to 1 million Americans ahead of the midterms, a move that could land squarely in campaign messaging. Agriculture & Antitrust: USDA is gathering farmer input on alleged fertilizer “cartel” practices as federal regulators investigate pricing and competition concerns. Courts & Health: A Missouri judge is set to weigh final approval of a $7.25 billion Roundup settlement tied to non-Hodgkin lymphoma claims. Workforce at Mizzou: LiUNA 955 and Mizzou workers protested for higher wages and benefits, pushing for a $19 minimum wage for essential employees. Public Health: The CDC says the multistate cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce is over, though investigations continue.

Redistricting Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court again blocked Missouri from using a Trump-backed GOP congressional map, clearing the way for the state to run November with the 2022 districts—meaning some voters could face different candidates than in the August primary. Election Administration: Missouri’s map fight has left local clerks scrambling and voters confused as court orders keep flipping, with the state’s top election official also facing contempt proceedings tied to the dispute. Child Welfare: Gov. Mike Kehoe named 18 members to a new Missouri Child Welfare Task Force to recommend safety standards and coordination changes across the system. Tech & Privacy: A national investigation into Flock license plate reader misuse continues to trigger arrests, firings, and investigations. Health Care: The White House announced $500 ACA refund checks for nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including Missouri. Courts & Business: Bayer’s $7.25 billion Roundup settlement heads to a Missouri court hearing as the company tries to resolve thousands of cancer claims. Environment & Growth: Advocates are pushing for rules on data center outdoor lighting as facilities expand across the region. Civic Organizing: Grundy County Democrats formed a year-round club to boost local engagement ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Redistricting Showdown: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Missouri from using the Trump-backed congressional map for the November election, clearing the way for the state to use the 2022 districts instead—ending a months-long legal whiplash that left voters and local clerks unsure which ballots would count. State Court Fallout: Missouri’s Supreme Court also found Secretary of State Denny Hoskins in contempt for defying its order, though he later “purged” himself by directing clerks to use the 2022 map; the court’s written order and any penalties are still pending. Local Election Impact: Kansas City voters described the chaos as “bizarre” and “ridiculous,” with some worried the scramble could depress turnout. Candidate Stakes: In the 5th District, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver and state Sen. Rick Brattin both reacted to the ruling, with Brattin warning it could disenfranchise primary voters if maps can change between elections. Healthcare Refunds: The White House announced $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Missouri. Gas Prices: Fuel reports showed pockets of lower prices statewide in the week ending Sept. 5, including $3.52 regular in Laclede County and $3.56 regular in Jackson County. Civic & Community: A Tunnels to Towers 9/11 memorial exhibit opened in Jefferson City for the 25-year mark, and the American Royal debuted its new Wyandotte County barns and Exhibition Hall.

Missouri Redistricting Showdown: The Missouri Supreme Court is set to hold Secretary of State Denny Hoskins in contempt over which congressional map to use in November, after conflicting state and federal orders left election clerks scrambling over HB 1’s 2025 districts versus the 2022 map. Court Escalation: Missouri lawmakers are threatening impeachment of state justices if Hoskins is punished for obeying the federal order, while a federal judge refused to block the contempt hearing. Local Election Fallout: Mid-Missouri county officials say the legal whiplash is pushing deadlines and forcing clerks to wait for the hearing outcome before finalizing ballots. State Politics Mood: A new SLU/YouGov poll finds more Missourians disapprove of President Trump and Gov. Mike Kehoe, with Trump hitting his first negative net approval rating in the poll’s history. Education Funding Debate: A new analysis argues Missouri charter schools still lag traditional districts in revenue per pupil in Kansas City and St. Louis, even after earlier funding boosts.

Congressional Map Chaos: Missouri’s fight over which congressional districts to use in November is back in the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal appeals panel declined to stop a ruling requiring the Trump-backed 2025 map—prompting opponents to immediately appeal; the Missouri Supreme Court had ordered the 2022 map instead, leaving election officials scrambling and voters unsure which candidates will appear on ballots. Courtroom Stakes for Voters: With absentee voting set to begin soon, county clerks say they’re delaying ballot finalization because conflicting state and federal orders effectively leave the state without clear, settled guidance. Housing Numbers (HUD Programs): In HUD-assisted housing rankings for 2025, Greene County is 5th for 811/PRAC units (59), Jackson County leads overall HUD-assisted units (19,934), and local voucher/public housing counts vary widely—highlighting how federal assistance is distributed across Missouri counties. Abortion Medication Access Battle: A new legal fight over telehealth and mail delivery of mifepristone could decide whether states with abortion bans can restrict access beyond their borders, with Missouri among states facing similar challenges.

Missouri Redistricting Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court refused Missouri’s emergency bid to use a Trump-backed congressional map for the November midterms, but a federal judge’s quick, conflicting order has left the state’s House elections in legal limbo. Courts in Chaos: Justice Brett Kavanaugh denied the stay without explanation, while dueling rulings continue to force election officials to wait for clarity on which map applies. Local Governance: Desloge aldermen discussed possible rules after a data center town hall drew about 150 residents, with leaders weighing controls like a moratorium. Public Safety: A pedestrian was critically hurt crossing US 40 in East Kansas City after a driver swerved too late, and a Ridgeway man faces two felonies after a K9 stop led to a stolen handgun discovery. State Policy & Daily Life: Missouri’s quiet-hours rules for lawn mowing vary by city, and hemp-THC businesses are bracing for a federal ban this December. Federal Immigration: The Trump administration ended TPS for more than 170,000 Salvadorans, raising major concerns for Missouri residents.

Congressional Redistricting Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court refused Missouri Republicans’ last-ditch bid to use a Trump-backed, GOP-favored congressional map in the Nov. 3 midterms, leaving the Missouri Supreme Court’s order in place that voters must decide the new lines via a statewide referendum—meaning the 2022 map is set to be used for now. Conflicting Court Orders: Almost immediately, a federal judge in Missouri issued a temporary order requiring the state to use the GOP-drawn 2025 “Missouri First” map for the general election, creating fresh confusion as election officials race to finalize ballots. Ballot Deadline Pressure: The legal whiplash hit right before the state’s ballot-finalization deadline, with both sides warning of chaos and voter confusion if maps change between primaries and the general election. Abortion Ballot Fight: Missouri abortion rights groups launched their first TV ads opposing a proposed November ban, setting up a high-stakes campaign over Amendment 3. Local Government/Infrastructure: Kansas City advanced steps toward expanding CPKC Stadium, with the city considering up to $185 million in funding for a larger, revamped venue.

Redistricting Fight in Federal Court: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway says the state Supreme Court used “a legal fiction” by ordering a referendum to force use of older congressional lines in November, as she and Secretary of State Denny Hoskins push for a U.S. Supreme Court emergency stay. Education & School Governance: St. Louis NAACP challenges a State Auditor recommendation that would rethink SLPS board structure, while educators warn Missouri’s rushed “A” to “F” report card rollout could unfairly label schools before the system is fully built. Public Safety Laws: New Missouri statutes effective Aug. 28 expand rules on critical infrastructure crime, unmanned aircraft limits, speed-limit authority, school bus safety, impaired driving, cybercrime, stalking/harassment, fraud, and child-related offenses. Healthcare Contract Deadline: BJC and Anthem remain locked in negotiations; if no deal by Dec. 31, BJC could go out of network for Anthem patients starting Jan. 1, 2027. Workforce Push: Gov. Mike Kehoe proclaimed September Workforce Development Month, highlighting apprenticeships, Workforce Pell, and job-center services. Local Courts: Schuyler County Sheriff Joe Wuebker sues county commissioners over withheld fee revenue. Sports & Military: Northwest Missouri State hosts Washburn with Military Appreciation Day, and a Navy veteran will sing the anthem at multiple Kansas City events.

Redistricting Fight Heads to SCOTUS: Missouri is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block a state Supreme Court order that would force the November election to use the older 2022 congressional map while voters decide whether a newer GOP-backed map should take effect. The dispute is getting national backup: 20 other states’ attorneys general filed an amicus brief urging a stay, warning of voter confusion and election chaos if maps change late. Local Governance: Columbia’s school board picked Paul Wagner to fill a vacancy, with the new member saying he wants a “fresh perspective” while learning how district policy plays out day to day. Public Safety: A St. Louis-area dispute tied to a Jimmy John’s ended with a 14-year-old shot in the leg; police say a restaurant employee faces felony charges. Energy Watch: Gas prices in Missouri eased in the latest GasBuddy reporting week, with multiple counties posting lowest regular prices in the mid-$3 range and diesel hovering around the mid-$5s. Community & Culture: Adair County dedicated a new commercial-grade flagpole at its historical society museum for Labor Day.

Redistricting Fight: The Missouri Supreme Court’s decision to send the GOP-drawn 2025 congressional map to voters in November is now triggering fresh legal action, with Republicans asking federal courts to keep the map used in primaries and arguing the switch could disenfranchise voters who didn’t get to choose those districts. Election Access: Separate reporting says USPS officials warned that new mail-voting rules could delay or block ballots, raising concerns about mass disenfranchisement ahead of the midterms. Education Policy: Missouri school leaders are pushing back as the state moves toward an “A” through “F” report card rollout, saying the system is being rushed and could publicly label schools as failing before details are finalized. State Courts & Ballots: Missouri’s redistricting mess is also spilling into ballot deadlines and referendum logistics, with multiple lawsuits aimed at controlling which map governs November. Local Governance: Arnold named new members to its transportation development district boards, reshuffling leadership tied to city development plans. Public Safety Tech: A Missouri debate over Flock-style license plate cameras continues, with readers arguing over privacy and policing tradeoffs.

Redistricting Fight: Missouri’s Supreme Court ordered the state to use the older 2022 congressional map for the 2026 midterms and put a gerrymandered map on the November ballot, after Republicans tried to keep the newer map in place; Secretary of State Denny Hoskins refused to place it on the ballot, and the dispute is now headed to the U.S. Supreme Court as Missouri seeks an emergency stay. Ballot Measure: Amendment 6—limiting lawmakers’ ability to revise voter-passed initiatives—cleared the ballot fight and will be decided by voters in November. Election Rules in Court: Trump’s administration is again asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow new mail-voting restrictions before the midterms, as lower-court blocks remain in place. New State Laws: Missouri’s Aug. 28 law changes cover public safety, including tougher rules for critical infrastructure crimes, traffic and school bus penalties, and felony upgrades for certain intoxicated-driving cases. Gas Prices Watch: Diesel and gasoline prices vary by county in the week ending Aug. 29, with standout lows like $4.95 diesel in Jasper County and $3.64 regular gas in Barton County. Sports & Local Notes: Missouri S&T and other schools list multiple former Missouri high school athletes for the Sept. 6 week, while SEMO players sue the NCAA over eligibility for a fifth season.

Missouri Redistricting Fight Heads to SCOTUS: Missouri Republicans asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let the GOP-backed congressional map stand for the Nov. 3 midterms after the Missouri Supreme Court blocked it and ordered a statewide referendum, setting up a fast, high-stakes scramble over which district lines apply in the general election. Local Election Fallout: Boone County officials are preparing for voter confusion as some districts change and additional measures land on the ballot, with the clerk focused on making sure voters understand what’s on their ballots. Ballot Access Under Pressure: The week’s broader voting-rights fight also includes a federal court blocking Trump’s anti-mail voting order for the midterms, with the judge citing the risk of disenfranchisement and lack of support for fraud claims. Missouri House Race Shake-Up: In House District 161, the GOP nominee Thomas Ross withdrew after federal drug charges tied to an alleged plot to plant drugs on his opponent; Louise Secker was selected to replace him and will face Democrat Aaron Metzger in November. Housing in Jefferson City: A new city housing strategy would adjust zoning and other policies to boost development, especially downtown, after data showed the area isn’t producing enough homes for demand.

Missouri Redistricting Fight Heads to SCOTUS: Missouri Republicans and state leaders asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate the GOP-backed congressional map for the Nov. midterms, arguing the Missouri Supreme Court’s order to revert to the 2022 map after the Aug. primaries would create election chaos. Federal Court Challenge: Two lawmakers and two voters also filed a federal complaint over the map switch, saying candidates and voters are being forced into new districts after campaigning under the 2025 “Missouri FIRST” lines. Local Election Fallout in Boone County: Boone County officials are preparing for district changes tied to the court rulings and adding measures to the November ballot, with the clerk warning that confusion could depress turnout. House District 161 Shake-Up: After GOP nominee Thomas Ross withdrew following federal drug-planting allegations, the Jasper County GOP selected Louise Secker as the replacement nominee to face Democrat Aaron Metzger in Joplin-area House District 161. Surveillance Policy Push: Rep. Eric Burlison is backing the “Flock-Off Act” to cut federal funding for flock camera expansion amid privacy and surveillance concerns. Utility Billing Request: Liberty Utilities asked the Missouri Public Service Commission to make permanent exceptions to billing rules for consolidated or joint accounts. Public Safety Update: A sheriff investigating the disappearance of Lindsey Watts says foul play is involved and that investigators have identified people of interest.

Redistricting Fight: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let the state use a new Republican-drawn congressional map in November, after the Missouri Supreme Court blocked it and ordered a statewide referendum—an appeal that warns of “unprecedented chaos” because the new districts were already used in August primaries. Elections & Voting Access: The same legal fight is playing out alongside broader court battles over election rules, including a federal judge blocking Trump mail-ballot restrictions for the 2026 midterms. Campaign Corruption Shock: A Missouri House Republican nominee, Thomas Ross, withdrew after federal drug-planting allegations tied to his campaign; investigators say he allegedly tried to have drugs planted on a political opponent. Local Governance Backlash: Across the country, data-center projects are triggering recalls of local officials—Missouri communities are part of that wider pushback. Public Safety/Justice: Kansas City-area loved ones are questioning the police investigation into Katie Garcia’s death, saying the handling may be mishandled while the medical examiner’s findings are awaited.

Redistricting Fight: The Missouri Supreme Court denied Sec. of State Denny Hoskins’ bid to pause its order on the Nov. 3 congressional map fight, keeping the 2022 districts in place for the election while voters decide on the “Missouri First” map via a referendum. Local Impact: Boone County will largely use the same district lines as the August primary, but about 40% of voters will see a different district in November. Legal Escalation: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway and state GOP leaders say they’ll press the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing the switch between primary and general election maps creates a constitutional crisis. Election Access (National): A federal judge blocked USPS from implementing Trump-backed mail voting restrictions ahead of the midterms, setting up another federal appeal. Public Safety/Health: Two IV-saline recalls in multiple states, including Missouri, cite particles found in sealed bags. Local Governance: Platte City approved rules letting its licensed dispensary operate 24/7. Politics & Courts (National): A judge also blocked BLM from forcing American Prairie to remove bison from federal grazing leases.