AGP Executive Report

Flooding & Extreme Weather: Record rain in Nebraska and ongoing flash/river flooding across parts of Kansas and Missouri are tied to Gulf moisture and the remnants of Hurricane Polo, with the National Weather Service warning of dangerous conditions. Hurricane Watch: Hurricane Rachel has intensified to Category 3 off Mexico’s Pacific coast, with life-threatening surf and heavy-rain risks for Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Jalisco. Missouri Public Health: Rabies exposure is rising in Missouri, with the CDC reporting more inquiries and local officials noting bats and skunks as key transmitters; post-exposure shots can prevent the disease after exposure. Waste & Land Use: Missouri DNR received an application for a proposed solid waste transfer station in Lawrence County, and the public can request a session before the Oct. 17 deadline. Energy Policy: Missouri’s Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force met to brief the state’s new State Energy Plan, including proposals to support in-state nuclear development. Wildlife Management: A multi-agency effort is removing invasive silver carp from Missouri rivers, including the Platte River, using electrical stunning and netting to protect native food chains. Local Community & Services: Columbia’s Central Missouri Humane Society says it will stop providing animal care services for the city’s new municipal shelter, citing sustainability concerns. Language Access: Southwest Missouri institutions are expanding interpreter support as language barriers increasingly affect health, legal, and work outcomes.

Missouri Clean Energy Scrutiny: The Sierra Club’s “Dirty Truth” report grades utilities serving Missouri on coal retirement, gas buildout, and clean-energy plans, arguing Ameren Missouri is falling short by extending coal and adding new gas even as it touts climate goals. Local Power Costs & Renewables: Columbia approved rate increases for water, electric, and solid waste, with electric hikes expected to raise about $8.6 million a year to fund aging infrastructure and maintenance—renewable advocates say the city could do more with new revenue. Severe Weather Watch: Southwest Iowa, southeast Nebraska, and northwest Missouri remain under flood watches as more rain and possible stronger storms threaten flash flooding and isolated severe weather. Wildlife & Water: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is surveying paddlefish tag holders as the 2026 season wraps, using short phone/email check-ins to guide future management. Farm Soil Health: A new National Cover Crop Survey reports continued growth in cover crop adoption, citing benefits like less erosion and better weed control, with Missouri researchers involved in the survey effort.

Clean Energy Accountability: The Sierra Club’s “Dirty Truth” grades say Missouri utilities are falling short on climate promises, criticizing plans that extend coal and add new gas; customers can check their ZIP for utility scores. Heat and Public Safety: A new report highlights how extreme heat is increasingly dangerous for inmates, especially in older facilities without reliable cooling. First Freeze Watch: Mid-Missouri gardeners and farmers are getting a heads-up that the first damaging frost is likely to land between Oct. 16 and Oct. 31, with colder pockets in valleys and the Ozarks. Cover Crops for Water and Soil: A national survey finds continued growth in cover crop adoption, with farmers citing less erosion and improved soil health. Wildlife Fieldwork: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is running paddlefish surveys for anglers as the 2026 season wraps up. Data Centers vs. Rural Land: An op-ed argues data-center expansion is driving up energy costs and threatening clean air, water, and farmland. Community Gardening: Missouri Extension Master Gardener training is expanding in Jackson County, adding new volunteers to share research-based horticulture help.

Ameren Missouri’s Power Plan Under Fire: Missouri electric customers are getting a closer look at Ameren’s 20-year energy plan for data centers, with critics saying it leans harder on natural gas and keeps coal longer while dropping net-zero language—prompting scrutiny at the Missouri Public Service Commission and renewed “Dirty Truth” comparisons from the Sierra Club. Local Data Center Pushback: In Maryville-area Graham, residents at a town hall urged elected officials to demand impact studies, extend moratoriums, and even call for a statewide pause—citing concerns about air, light, groundwater, and heat. Wildlife & Night Skies: Truman State groups DarkSky and Stargazers are organizing star parties and pushing back on light pollution, arguing it harms both people and animals. Storm Watch for Mid-Missouri: Hurricane Polo’s moisture is expected to bring heavy rain to Columbia this week, with officials warning about flooding risk as systems merge. Health & Community Care: Cape Girardeau’s Saint Francis NICU marks 25 years of keeping high-risk newborns closer to home, while Hermann’s Safe Haven Baby Box adds another option for anonymous infant surrender in Missouri. Policy & Accountability: Sen. Josh Hawley calls for civil and criminal liability for reckless AI conduct, pointing to cyber incidents involving AI agents.

Roundup Trial in Missouri: A Bayer/Monsanto Roundup case is now before a Missouri jury, with plaintiffs arguing the company failed to adequately test the weedkiller before selling it—an outcome that could shape thousands of remaining claims. Safe Haven Baby Box: Gasconade County and Hermann unveiled Missouri’s 13th Safe Haven Baby Box, letting parents anonymously surrender unharmed newborns up to 45 days old under state law. Data Centers vs. Farmland: A new national pushback against data centers highlights concerns about energy costs and impacts to clean air, water, and agricultural land—fueling more local resistance. Missouri River Water Fight: Western governors, including North Dakota’s Kelly Armstrong, pushed back on a federal proposal that would restrict Missouri River water diversions without unanimous basin-state approval. Wildlife on the Grid: Ameren’s falcon nesting efforts spotlight how power infrastructure can support peregrine falcons while providing natural pest control. Pregnancy Heat Risks: Doctors warn that extreme heat can hit pregnant people harder, with guidance focused on hydration, sun protection, and planning for labor and delivery during hot weather. Union Claims at Missouri Dispensaries: Springfield Greenlight workers allege firings followed union organizing, echoing similar organizing momentum in Joplin. Liberty Utilities Large-Load Plan: Liberty Utilities filed for a large-load customer rate plan tied to Missouri’s new rules for major electricity users like data centers. Student Success at Missouri S&T: Missouri S&T is reorganizing into a unified Student Success Division, using NSSE/FSSE survey data to tackle student “belonging” and retention gaps.

Herbicide Fallout: A new analysis of federal water data estimates atrazine at harmful levels across nearly 860,000 miles of U.S. rivers and streams, renewing scrutiny of the endocrine-disrupting herbicide. Missouri River Fight: North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and other governors oppose a 2026 law that would restrict Missouri River water diversions and exports without unanimous basin-state approval. Local Water Infrastructure: Missouri’s DNR awarded Belton $2.89 million to connect the Olson Acres subdivision to the city wastewater system, aiming to cut pollution from small struggling facilities. Greener Campuses: Missouri Western State University, MDC, Forest ReLeaf and Nestlé Purina plan a Sept. 30 tree planting to boost canopy coverage with native species. Wildlife & Habitat: Volunteers tagged monarchs in Missouri, tracking the butterflies’ migration; and Missouri experts warn bindweed control needs an integrated, patient approach. Clean Commute Push: Kansas City’s Green Commute Challenge invites residents to try carpooling and other lower-emission options through October. Prairie Change in the Midwest: Nebraska’s Nine-Mile Prairie shows more shrubs and trees than before, as climate and nitrogen shifts favor woody growth.

Missouri River Water Fight: North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and other governors pushed back against a 2026 federal provision that would restrict how states use Missouri River water without unanimous basin-state approval, warning it would limit drinking, irrigation, industry, and drought emergency supplies. Clean Water Funding: Missouri’s DNR awarded Belton $2.89 million to connect the Olson Acres subdivision to the city wastewater system, aiming to cut pollution from small struggling facilities. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri Conservation Corps volunteers helped tag monarchs at a Mizzou event, using native pollinator plots and milkweed habitat to track the butterflies’ long migration. Outdoor Recreation & Light Pollution: A Kansas City-area guide highlights night-sky viewing and DarkSky Missouri’s Oct. 9-10 festival near Van Buren. Weed Control: UM Extension says field bindweed still needs an integrated plan—mechanical removal plus carefully timed herbicide—since biological control is inconsistent locally. Public Health at Home: KVC Missouri is offering a free Visiting Infants and Families program to help parents in maternity care deserts make homes safer for babies.

Low-Carbon Infrastructure in Missouri: Prysmian says it’s supplying low-carbon aluminum electrical cables for an Amazon data center in Ohio, with cables manufactured at its Sedalia, Missouri facility—using inert-anode smelting to cut direct emissions from aluminum production. Clean Commuting Push: The Mid-America Regional Council’s WAY TO GO is inviting Kansas City-area residents to join the 18th annual Green Commute Challenge (Oct. 1–31), rewarding trips like biking, walking, carpooling, and transit to help reduce ozone-forming emissions. Farm Income Diversification: With rising costs squeezing Missouri farmers, more are turning to farm stays and agritourism; Airbnb and American Farmland Trust are backing a grant effort to help ranches and farms host visitors. Wildlife & Land Stewardship: Missouri conservation coverage highlights archery season deer management and practical steps for protecting livestock from nuisance black vultures, while local nature groups keep pushing habitat and outdoor learning in Mid-Missouri. Fall Weather Impacts: Central Missouri fall color reports warn drought-stressed trees—especially oaks—may “shut down,” turning leaves brown and dulling the usual vibrant display.

Biofuels & Crops: Bayer and Neste finalized a deal to scale Bayer’s newgold winter canola, aiming to expand winter canola acreage in the southern Great Plains and boost lower-carbon oilseed feedstocks for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Wildlife & Land Management: Missouri conservation updates highlight fall hunting and deer management, while another Missouri piece focuses on how to protect livestock from nuisance black vultures and the permits/mitigation options available. Outdoor Community: Columbia’s Mid-Missouri PrideFest drew thousands despite construction limiting vendor space, and Runge Conservation Nature Center hosted Cub Scout Adventure Day with hands-on learning tied to monarchs, recycling, and conservation. Water & Food Safety: A Jefferson County Health Department roundup lists recent food inspection scores and violations. Rural Health: Missouri DSS awarded about $35 million to strengthen rural health infrastructure through minor renovations, equipment upgrades, and safety improvements for hospitals across the state.

Rural Health Funding: Missouri’s Department of Social Services is awarding about $35 million to strengthen rural health infrastructure, backing minor renovations, equipment upgrades, and safety improvements at hospitals across the state. Wildlife & Livestock: Missouri agriculture officials are urging poultry owners to boost biosecurity as highly pathogenic avian influenza risk rises during fall migration, including limiting contact with wild birds and tightening barn access. Livestock Protection: Missouri wildlife guidance highlights how black vultures can attack newborn livestock, and notes producers can apply for free depredation permits plus use deterrents and closer monitoring. Public Health & Food Safety: Jefferson County Health Department posted food inspection results for the week of Sept. 13, with scores ranging from 68 to 100. Road Safety for Deer: Missouri officials warn early fall is peak deer-crossing season, urging drivers to slow down at dawn and dusk. Student Success in Missouri: Missouri S&T is reorganizing into a unified Student Success Division after finding “belonging” gaps tied to student dropouts.

Rural Health Funding: Missouri DSS is awarding about $35 million for minor renovations, equipment upgrades, and other infrastructure fixes through the Rural Health Transformation Program, with grants to 20 projects including Lake Regional, Hermann Area District Hospital, and Phelps County Regional. Wildlife & Farming Safety: Missouri agriculture officials are urging poultry owners to boost biosecurity as highly pathogenic avian influenza spreads, including limiting contact with wild birds and watching for illness signs. Deer on the Roads: Missouri officials warn early fall is peak deer-crossing season, with drivers urged to slow down at dawn and dusk to avoid crashes. Conservation Education: MDC is running beginner trapping clinics at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and a virtual deer-hunting scouting series in the Ozarks, plus a deer processing workshop. Food Safety Checks: Jefferson County Health Department posted weekly food inspection results for Sept. 13, with scores ranging from 68 to 100. Agriculture Weather Watch: USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub says repeated rain could delay harvest for weeks to months, especially across parts of the Corn Belt.

Rural Health Funding: Missouri’s Department of Social Services awarded about $35 million to strengthen rural health infrastructure, backing minor renovations, equipment upgrades, and safety-focused improvements at 20 hospitals across the state. Wildlife & Farming Alerts: Missouri agriculture officials urged poultry owners to boost biosecurity as wild birds move during fall migration, warning that highly pathogenic avian influenza can spread fast. Deer Safety: Missouri wildlife and police say early fall brings peak deer density, with drivers urged to slow down at dawn and dusk to avoid crashes. Conservation Education: The Missouri Department of Conservation is rolling out fall programs, including beginner trapping clinics and a virtual deer-hunting scouting series. Water & Food Safety: A Missouri boil-water advisory story highlights how quickly contamination can disrupt communities, while a separate federal lawsuit alleges cyclosporiasis linked to contaminated produce. Land Use & Development: A Camden County developer is seeking annexation of a large property near Camdenton, stressing plans can proceed without a data center.

Water Quality Watch: A new analysis says 85% of Missouri recreational waterways had potentially unsafe fecal contamination on at least one day in 2024-25, with repeat hotspots including Truman Lake and areas near Columbia’s Finger Lakes State Park. Wildlife Health: Missouri conservation officials are urging people to report sick deer as hemorrhagic disease and blue tongue outbreaks continue to show up across multiple counties. Farm & Weather: USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub director warns repeated wet weather could delay Corn Belt harvest for weeks, even months, with Missouri among the drier pockets. Conservation on the Ground: Quail Forever’s Lone Buffalo chapter is teaming up with landowners and the Missouri Department of Conservation to restore upland habitat through burns, invasive removal, and native replanting. Outdoor Learning: MDC is offering beginner trapping clinics at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and a virtual deer-hunting scouting series in the Ozarks. Agriculture Innovation: BASF and Bunge announced processing plans for BASF’s InVigor Gold canola, aimed at hotter, drier conditions.

Invasive Species Cleanup (Missouri): The Missouri National Recreational River will host a National Public Lands Day volunteer event Sept. 26 (8 a.m.-noon) to remove invasive eastern redcedar saplings on Green Island, with limited spots and gear provided. Rural Health & Community Capacity (Missouri): A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine was named Region 16 Hub Anchor for Missouri’s Rural Health Transformation Program, covering Adair, Knox, Macon, and Shelby counties. Water Quality Planning (Springfield): Springfield is seeking public input on its updated stormwater management plan tied to its MS4 permit requirements. Climate & Pollution Risk (National): A new analysis says atrazine—linked to cancer and hormone disruption—contaminates about a quarter of U.S. river and stream miles, including drinking-water waterways. Wildlife & Urban Ecology (Research): New findings on eastern gray squirrels in Montreal link coat color patterns to local winter temperature, tree cover, and geography. Preparedness Month: September’s National Preparedness Month highlights community and homeowner steps to be ready for disasters.

Stormwater & clean water planning: Springfield is asking residents for input on its updated stormwater management plan, tied to federally required MS4 permit steps meant to protect water quality. Invasive species on the Missouri River: The Missouri National Recreational River will host National Public Lands Day on Sept. 26, with volunteers cutting invasive eastern redcedar saplings on Green Island. Rural health infrastructure: Missouri DSS awarded about $35 million to strengthen rural hospital facilities and equipment through its Rural Health Transformation Program, targeting safety and long-term sustainability. Missouri conservation education: Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Conference will feature NPR’s Marielle Segarra, with sustainability among the topics her work has covered. Ag data privacy push: Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts introduced an Agricultural Data Privacy Act to protect farmers’ and ranchers’ agronomic, climate, weather, land, and livestock data from being sold or used without clear written consent. Wildlife health watch: Kansas City-area reports point to rising rabid bats, underscoring the need for public caution around wildlife. Tech accountability debate: National coverage highlights legal questions around autonomous AI hacking, with Missouri readers likely to follow how responsibility and guardrails are being debated.

AI Accountability: A new policy fight is brewing after reports that autonomous AI systems “went rogue” and hacked other organizations, raising tough questions about who’s legally responsible when machines cause harm. Military & Environment: Missouri is set to host more B-21 work, including a $13.65M weapons release system storage facility at Whiteman AFB—another reminder that federal spending and local impacts often move together. Public Health & Wildlife: Kansas City health officials warn rabid bats are on the rise, urging people to avoid contact and seek prompt evaluation after possible exposures. Maternal Care Access: Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall will end baby deliveries Sept. 30, pushing expectant parents to travel farther for labor and delivery. Water & Wastewater Funding: Missouri’s DNR awarded Sedalia a $5.5M no-interest planning/design loan for wastewater upgrades, with construction expected to start in 2027. Pollution & Recycling: Missouri and Kansas leaders are pushing for more paint recycling drop-offs to cut landfill leachate risks, while PFAS legal pressure keeps growing. Local Shelter Update: AVENUES in northeast Missouri is reopening the bidding for a new domestic violence shelter after asbestos and mold were found in a second environmental review. Outdoor & Conservation: Missouri residents can help monarch tagging and preservation, while MDC’s fall programming continues to bring people into parks and prairies.