AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Watch: New data shows armadillos are spreading across Missouri, with sightings clustering in the south but expanding north and east as winters stay milder and habitat edges grow. Public Health & Environment: A St. Louis researcher’s TEDx talk spotlights micro- and nanoplastics as “invisible pollution” that persists and accumulates in ecosystems and living things. Ag & Soil Tech: MU’s Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center is upgrading precision agriculture tools, including grid soil sampling, to improve nutrient maps and fertilizer/lime plans for Missouri farmers. Pesticides & Cancer: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on whether cancer lawsuits can proceed against pesticide and herbicide makers, with new reporting tying heavy pesticide use to higher cancer rates. Community & Nature: Springfield Botanical Gardens’ free Butterfly Festival (June 27) celebrates pollinators with hands-on activities, Missouri Department of Conservation programming, and live animal experiences. Local Accountability: Former residents are suing a Missouri youth treatment center, alleging physical and sexual abuse and “prison-like” conditions. Real Estate Data: MARIS is waiving MLS application and subscription fees for new Realtors, aiming to offer stable data feeds and syndication options.

Protein Debate: A new report flags that regularly eating far more protein than recommended may raise risks tied to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, with experts warning against going well above about 1.2 grams per kilogram per day. Conservation & Public Lands: The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking public comment on proposed camping permit changes, nonresident deer hunting permit updates, and rules for unstaffed firearm shooting ranges, with potential new requirements set to take effect in 2027. Ag Policy in Jefferson City: Missouri agriculture groups say renewed ag tax credits, permitting clarity for common farm practices, and steps tied to foreign farmland oversight and rural veterinary shortages moved forward during the legislative session. Data Centers & Air Permits: A Missouri-relevant policy explainer breaks down how emergency generator air permits work for data centers—and why the growing generator footprint is sparking air-quality and energy-demand concerns. Wildlife & Land Use: Missouri is also weighing how to manage feral hog impacts and other wildlife pressures, as state agencies continue to refine rules and public input processes.

Missouri Conservation: The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking for public comment on proposed camping permit rules, plus changes to nonresident deer hunting permits and unstaffed firearm shooting range permits, with a final vote expected Sept. 11 and changes targeted for Feb. 28, 2027. Wildlife & Land Management: MDC also announced a free pond management workshop June 13 in Warrensburg, covering watersheds, fish stocking, aquatic plants, invasive species, and control methods. Feral Hogs: Missouri says it’s making “significant” progress in its war on feral hogs, including drone and helicopter removals, with 6,100 hogs removed last year. Outdoor Safety: Joplin fire officials are urging summer water-safety steps, heat precautions, and caution around venomous snakes. Agriculture: A northwest Missouri agronomist warns heavy rains are boosting waterhemp and raising nitrogen-loss concerns, urging timely weed control. Roundup Legal Fight: An attorney is trying to move a proposed $7.25B Roundup settlement to federal court, potentially delaying Missouri’s June 4 opt-out deadline. State Funding: Missouri is cutting funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, dropping from $6M to $2M in the FY 2027 budget.

Missouri Conservation: The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking for public comment on proposed camping permits for MDC conservation areas starting in March 2027, citing rising compliance problems, safety concerns, and environmental impacts from vandalism and illegal activity. Wildlife & Agriculture: Missouri says it’s making “significant” progress in its war on feral hogs, using drones and helicopters to remove thousands of hogs and reduce disease risk. Outdoor Education: MDC is also offering a free pond management course in Warrensburg (June 13) to help landowners with watersheds, fish stocking, aquatic plants, and invasive species control. Parks & Recreation: Ha Ha Tonka State Park released its June lineup, including castle concerts, wildflower walks, bat programs, cave adventures, and a night hike. Farming Watch: A northwest Missouri agronomist warns heavy rains are boosting waterhemp and increasing nitrogen loss risk, urging early weed control. Community Safety: Joplin fire officials are stressing summer water safety, heat illness prevention, and snake awareness as temperatures rise. Conservation Spotlight: Dan and Connie Burkhardt were honored as Missouri Master Conservationists for long-running work along the Katy Trail.

Conservation & Access: The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing camping permits on MDC areas after a decade-long rise in camping violations, safety issues, and environmental impacts, including more citations and warnings. Water & Flood Resilience: Tributary dams managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers help cut flood risk and avoid millions in downstream damage by storing water during storms and releasing it after danger passes. PFAS & Refrigerants: Regulatory experts say PFAS “forever chemicals” rules are tightening at the state level, while building codes tied to A2L refrigerants keep evolving—both affecting how HVAC contractors plan compliance. Outdoor Events: MDC is hosting Summer Solstice hikes June 20 at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, plus Missouri state parks and historic sites are rolling out June family programming. Community Conservation: The National Park Service is seeking experienced kayakers for a Missouri River cleanup near Yankton on June 6. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri’s Master Conservationists Dan and Connie Burkhardt were honored for long-running restoration work along the Katy Trail, including native tree planting and youth conservation programs. Pollution & Cleanup Tech: Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing modified algae that can bind microplastics, aiming to remove pollutants while also helping clean wastewater.

Severe Weather Watch: A new look at “Tornado Alley” says June’s main tornado threat shifts north into the Central and Northern Great Plains, with longer days and extreme instability driving some of the season’s most powerful storms. Water Infrastructure: Plattsmouth, Nebraska opened a new wastewater treatment plant outside the floodplain after 2019 Missouri River flooding damaged the old facility, with FEMA covering 90% of the nearly $70 million project. Pollution Fight: Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing engineered algae that can bind and remove microplastics from water, aiming to clean wastewater and help recycle captured plastics. Wildlife & Invasives: Maryland is encouraging anglers to hunt invasive northern snakeheads using high-powered bows and arrows to reduce impacts on native fisheries. Missouri Policy & Schools: Missouri’s new antisemitism law for public education takes effect this school year, but free-speech advocates warn it could run into First Amendment problems. Missouri Agriculture Tools: MU Extension highlights free online tools to help livestock producers manage drought-driven feed shortages and budgeting. Local Environment Research: Nebraska awarded 129 undergraduate research stipends, including projects tied to fisheries and wildlife and plant biology. Plastic Cleanup Idea: A separate study describes algae that can “grab” microplastics from water by clumping them for easier removal.

Invasive Species Control: Maryland is enlisting anglers to hunt Northern snakeheads with high-powered bows and arrows, aiming to slow the invasive fish’s spread and protect native fisheries. Mississippi River Spotlight: A Hannibal, Missouri river captain reflects on decades of changes on the Mississippi, from floods and droughts to invasive fish and shifting fertilizer flows. Water Pollution Watch: Montana reports PFAS “forever chemicals” in fish across major waterways, with higher concentrations in larger species—raising fresh concerns for anglers and public health. Missouri River Cleanup: Missouri paddlers can join a guided kayak float and litter removal on June 6, helping keep Green Island trash-free along the Missouri National Recreational River. Food & Farming Tools: University of Missouri Extension highlights free online resources for livestock producers facing drought and rising feed costs, including a tool to compare delivered hay and feed options. Wildlife & Community: Lincoln University Cooperative Extension names John Kessell to lead natural resources and agriculture programs, while Missouri school health staff expand training for nurses to improve student outcomes. Outdoor Safety: Louisiana launches a youth ATV/UTV safety task force to reduce injuries during hunting season.

Missouri Agriculture & Resilience: University of Missouri Extension is pushing free online tools like Feedstuff Finder to help livestock producers cope with drought and rising forage costs by comparing delivery costs and locating feed by location. Missouri Research & Climate-Smart Materials: Missouri S&T researchers won a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to build an AI database of alternative cementitious materials (like coal ash, slag, recycled concrete, and mine tailings) to cut energy use in concrete production. Missouri Waterways & Cleanup: Missouri National Recreational River volunteers can join a guided kayak float and litter cleanup on June 6 from Gavins Point Dam to Riverside Park, focusing on Green Island. Wildlife & Public Health: Mid-Missouri is seeing a tick surge tied to warmer winter conditions and spring weather patterns, with CDC data showing Midwest tick-bite ER visits at the highest levels since 2017. Environmental Justice in Courts: A U.S. Supreme Court case in St. Louis could reshape how far U.S. pollution lawsuits reach beyond U.S. borders, involving emissions claims tied to a Missouri-based parent company’s Peru operations. Conservation & Ecosystem Risk: A study highlights how invasive feral hogs may spread chronic wasting disease prions by scavenging infected deer, potentially influencing the disease’s spread.

Missouri ticks surge: Mid-Missouri residents are seeing record tick activity, with warmer-than-normal winters and early spring conditions helping ticks survive and climb into tall grass once temperatures stay above about 45°F. Wildlife health warning: A new study links feral hogs to chronic wasting disease spread, suggesting scavenging swine can move CWD prions through the environment. MU research upgrades: The University of Missouri’s Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center near Rock Port added equipment (including a refurbished plot combine) to speed harvest and improve soil-and-fertilizer research for farmers. Local river cleanup: Missouri National Recreational River is inviting experienced kayakers to “Paddle With A Purpose” June 6 for a guided float and litter cleanup near Green Island. Rural vet shortage: Across the U.S., rural areas struggle to attract large-animal veterinarians, and states are trying incentives and career support to close the gap. Data center pushback: Southwest Missouri residents are organizing against proposed AI data center and solar projects near Jasper/Webster counties, demanding more transparency and environmental review. Missouri SNAP limits: Missouri plans to restrict food benefits this fall, but grocers say details remain unclear.

SNAP/SuN Bucks Restrictions: Missouri plans to limit SNAP and SuN Bucks purchases starting Oct. 1, banning candy, sugary drinks, and prepared desserts; grocers want a clear banned-item list as implementation details remain unsettled. Farm Costs & Food Security: War-linked diesel and fertilizer disruptions could raise grocery prices, but Missouri row-crop producers largely pre-purchased fertilizer, so impacts may be limited this season. Rural Fire Readiness: Missouri awarded $1.455 million to 108 small volunteer fire departments for gear like turnout suits, extrication tools, SCBA, and radios—aimed at strengthening rural emergency response. Data Centers vs. Communities: Southwest Missouri residents are organizing against a proposed data center, citing health worries and property tax concerns, while Kansas coverage highlights ongoing public pushback to new large-scale projects. Wildlife & Pollution Watch: Hawaii is testing “nets-to-roads” by paving with ocean plastic, raising questions about microplastics; separate reporting also flags Missouri’s ongoing need to protect water and air as development pressures grow.

Data Centers & Water Worries: Missouri residents are raising fresh alarms about proposed data centers, pointing to potential impacts on drinking water and cooling needs. Permitting & Waste: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued a construction permit for Pettis County Development Company LLC’s Presidio Environmental Repository Facility, a sanitary landfill for multiple waste types. Wildlife Safety: Officials reminded Lake of the Ozarks residents after a black bear was spotted swimming, urging people to secure trash and avoid chasing. Rural Fire Readiness: Missouri awarded $1.455M to 108 rural volunteer fire departments for equipment like turnout gear, extrication tools, SCBA, and radios. Rural Healthcare: Sen. Jill Carter was appointed chair of a new Select Committee on Rural Healthcare to tackle hospital sustainability, provider shortages, and access barriers. Public Health Funding: HHS announced $6M for states to pilot predictive analytics in child welfare systems. Community Opposition to Data Centers: Southwest Missouri residents organized against a proposed data center project, citing health and property tax concerns. Conservation & Recreation: Minnesota anglers say a new study finds far higher freshwater catch-and-keep totals than previously estimated.

Data Center Fight in North Missouri: About 200 people packed a Maryville meeting opposing the White Cloud Acres data center, with organizers warning it could harm drinking water, air quality, and local privacy while driving up power costs. Nutrition Access in Summer: Warrensburg Parks and Recreation is bringing back free Summer Food Service meals for kids and teens, with no registration and meals served May 26–July 3. Chronic Wasting Disease Politics: A Louisiana lab is testing deer for chronic wasting disease as new rules ease baiting/feeding limits—critics warn the changes could worsen spread. Heat and Climate Risk: Research ranks Kansas City Stadium as the hottest U.S. open-air World Cup venue, citing urban heat island effects and Midwest humidity. Missouri SNAP Restrictions Ahead: Missouri plans to limit SNAP purchases of sugary items starting Oct. 1, but grocers say key details are still unclear. Wildlife Watch: Scientists and hunters are tracking “zombie deer disease” as politics and disease management collide. Community Recycling: Southwest Missouri’s Region M Waste Management District and Barton County Library will host a free electronics recycling event May 30 in Lamar.

Paraquat crackdown: Vermont became the first state to ban the toxic herbicide paraquat, with other states—including Missouri—considering similar limits, citing links to Parkinson’s disease and pushing for public-health protections. Electronics recycling: Region M Waste Management District and the Barton County Library will host a free electronics recycling event Saturday, May 30, in Lamar, helping keep TVs, computers, phones, and batteries out of landfills. Seed banks under threat: The USDA’s proposal to move major seed collections drew criticism, including concerns that relocating soybean and maize genetic resources hundreds of miles could put irreplaceable diversity at risk. Missouri outdoors & wildlife: A Missouri-linked “Frankenfish” story highlights snakehead spread, with warmer conditions and heavy rainfall helping the invasive fish expand upstream. Mosquito control near Missouri River: Air Force Reserve larvicide treatments are planned near Williston over riparian Missouri River areas, aiming to reduce mosquito larvae before biting adults emerge. Foster care need: KVC Missouri is urging families to become foster parents as thousands of Missouri children still need homes, including therapeutic foster care options.

ICE Custody Suicides: An AP investigation says ICE detainees are dying by suicide at an “alarming” rate, pointing to failures in mental health care and oversight in detention facilities, including a Missouri case involving isolation and delayed treatment. Rural Health Pressure: Missouri rural hospitals warn a $50B federal rural healthcare investment won’t offset looming federal Medicaid reimbursement cuts that could further strain already fragile systems. Missouri River Recreation Cuts: The Missouri River Program faces reductions as the summer recreation season begins, raising concerns for access and local outdoor economies. Data Centers vs. Water & Farmland: Moniteau County commissioners move to study regulations for data centers as rural communities debate electricity, water use, and environmental impacts; the issue is also tied to broader Missouri planning and public pushback. Pollinator & Wildlife Events: MU Jefferson Farm and Garden hosts its free Butterfly Festival June 13, while USDA announces $52M to expand public access to private lands for hunting, fishing, and habitat conservation. Agriculture & Climate Signals: Biofuels demand is boosting soybean oil futures, and tick-borne cattle disease alerts continue after detections in nearby regions.

ICE Suicide Spike: An AP investigation says ICE detainees are dying by suicide at an “alarming” rate—at least 10 deaths since Trump took office in January 2025—far outpacing detainee population growth, with experts pointing to failures in care and oversight; one Missouri case described a detainee’s mental health requests being delayed and phone access restricted before he was found unconscious in his cell. Workers’ Comp Crosswinds: Workers’ compensation is getting more complicated as federal health policy shifts and state regulatory activity collide, potentially pushing costs and claim pressures across systems. Missouri Trucking Pipeline: A new 10-week CDL training partnership is turning beginners into licensed truck drivers with job offers lined up after graduation. Energy Lawsuit Fight: Georgia AG Chris Carr urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a local attempt to set broad energy policy through climate-related litigation—Missouri joins the coalition. Online Kids Protections: Missouri AG Brown and other states oppose the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state power to protect children online. Local Data Center Clash: In Montgomery County, residents are pushing back as Google and AWS build rural data centers, raising cost and community impact concerns.

Robotics Spotlight: St. Joseph Catholic School’s Natural Disaster VEX IQ team from Rice Lake just made history—earning the VEX IQ Elementary Excellence Award at the 2026 VEX World Championship in St. Louis, the top elementary team in the world this season. Online Child Safety: Connecticut AG William Tong says Roblox is under investigation after reports of child exploitation and harm, joining a broader push against major platforms. Bees Under Pressure: The USDA plans to close the Beltsville Bee Research Lab, raising alarms for disease diagnosis just as beekeepers face heavy losses. Missouri River Access: Cochrane Dam will open for a public hike/bike crossing on June 6 as part of National Trails Day. Energy & Industry: The Army Corps approved Dakota Access Pipeline easement work to keep the Missouri River crossing operating, with new monitoring conditions. Legal Fight Brewing: A proposed $7B Roundup settlement could face delays as an opt-out deadline nears and a dispute over where the case should be handled heats up. Local Growth: Missouri Trucking School launched CDL training inside ITF Group’s Hazelwood operations.