AGP Executive Report

Heat & Worker Safety: A dangerous heat dome is pushing record-breaking temperatures across the eastern U.S., with heat indices staying deadly overnight and raising risks for workers in plants, warehouses, and delivery routes. Missouri Budget Cuts: Gov. Kehoe signed Missouri’s $50B budget with major vetoes and restrictions, including reduced opioid-prevention funding that hits teen early-intervention programs and other substance-use services. Water & Mining Oversight: Upper Missouri Waterkeeper won a temporary restraining order against Montana DEQ over a “backroom” approval tied to extractive mining near the Big Hole River. Wildlife & Recreation Rules: Missouri’s MDC warns fireworks are prohibited on conservation areas, citing wildlife disruption, debris hazards, and fire risk. Livestock Biosecurity: Missouri tightened animal import rules to prevent New World screwworm spread, requiring faster inspections for animals leaving infested states. Agriculture Disease Watch: Tar spot concerns are growing in humid Indiana, and scouting is urged as the season progresses. Missouri Outdoors: Missouri State Parks is rolling out Learn2 programs (kayaking, fishing, archery, climbing) to get people safely outdoors. Glyphosate Business Move: Bayer consolidated its U.S. glyphosate operations into Ruveon LLC, based in St. Louis.

Wake Boat Rules in Mozingo Lake: Maryville-area officials approved a new ordinance taking effect immediately that bans “wake enhancements” on Mozingo Lake—ballast tanks/bags must be empty and wake-shaping devices are prohibited—after concerns about safety and environmental damage to shorelines and lake bottoms. Data Centers vs. Water in Missouri Politics: A growing backlash over data centers is spilling into Missouri primaries, with GOP candidates demanding action as communities question transparency and impacts like water use; the debate mirrors national pressure on big tech’s resource footprint. Extreme Heat Safety for Missouri: Heat warnings and advisories are in effect across parts of the region, with Missouri facing dangerous holiday-week conditions—heat index values pushing above 100—prompting reminders to hydrate, check on vulnerable neighbors, and protect pets. Missouri Drought Recovery (and the uneven rebound): After months of dryness, spring rains have eased drought across much of the state, but the Bootheel still lags and some areas are now dealing with too much rain instead. Missouri Budget Freeze: Gov. Mike Kehoe vetoed nearly $53 million and froze an additional $441 million in spending from the FY budget, citing revenue shortfalls and a shrinking surplus. Parks, Soils & Water Tax Vote: Missouri voters will decide Aug. 4 on Amendment 1 to continue the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax, with revenue supporting state parks plus soil and water conservation.

PFAS Watch: The FDA says it will move to limit PFAS in bottled water, aligning with EPA’s drinking-water limits after finding PFAS in some samples—setting up new rules that could tighten what Missourians buy and drink. Water Safety: Christian County officials warned that E. coli levels in the Finley and James rivers are unsafe after June runoff, with updates expected as conditions change over the July 4 weekend. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri’s whitetail deer story continues in a new MDC series, highlighting how the state rebounded from near-extinction to topping national harvest rankings—while noting today’s management challenges. Outdoor Access: Pierre opened the Missouri River Overlook Trail, adding a new natural-surface route for walking and mountain biking with river views. Conservation & Law: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled FIFRA preempts state failure-to-warn claims tied to Roundup labeling, a decision that could reshape pesticide-related lawsuits nationwide. Local Environment & Boats: Table Rock Lake residents are pushing for stronger rules on ballast-equipped wake boats, citing shoreline erosion and water impacts. Fire Preparedness: Missouri awarded $1.455M in equipment grants to 108 volunteer fire departments statewide, boosting rural emergency response.

Lake Protection Push: Table Rock Lake residents are calling for stronger rules on ballast-equipped wake and surf boats, saying the bigger waves are driving shoreline erosion, damaging docks and vegetation, stirring up sediment, and raising water-quality and safety concerns. State Budget & Funding Cuts: Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the $50.7B FY2027 budget, with vetoes and restricted funds totaling about $490M+; Kansas City groups lost some support, while the plan keeps major spending on public safety, education, healthcare, economic development, and agriculture. Extreme Heat Warning: Central Missouri and much of the region face dangerous heat and humidity around the July 4 holiday; health officials and the Red Cross urge hydration, cooling, and checking on older adults and outdoor workers. Deer Management Help: MDC and the National Deer Association will host a free July 28 webinar on R3 deer hunting programs and venison donation. Ag & Pesticide Policy: The EPA approved two fluorinated pesticides for corn and soybeans, while broader pesticide legal fights continue to shape what farmers and consumers can challenge. Missouri Outdoors: Pierre opened the Missouri Overlook Trail, a new natural-surface route for walking, hiking, and mountain biking with river views.

Missouri Budget Fight: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the $50.7B FY27 budget but vetoed and restricted nearly $500M, including freezes tied to lagging revenues and cuts to some mid-Missouri programs. Heat & Public Health: With temperatures in the 90s and a wider heat dome risk, Kansas City families are leaning on pools for relief while doctors warn about heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Air Quality & Weather: Saharan dust moved into the Tri-States, bringing hazy skies and dramatic sunsets as conditions were expected to improve. Pesticide Legal Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court’s Roundup ruling continues to ripple—Bayer is now seeking duties on Chinese-made glyphosate, angering farmers already under pressure. Local Environment & Permits: In Neosho, residents raised concerns at a DNR meeting about proposed large sludge storage tanks for meat-processing waste. Gardening Education: MU Extension opened registration for a fall Master Gardener online course, aimed at helping Missourians “learn to grow.”

Extreme Heat Watch: A heat dome is building over the Midwest and parts of the East, with Missouri forecast highs in the mid-90s and humid heat index values around 100–110 degrees through the Fourth of July, raising risks for older adults, people with respiratory issues, and pets. World Cup Heat Safety: FIFA World Cup matches in open-air stadiums, including Kansas City, Missouri, face dangerous conditions as a heat dome pushes heat index temperatures into the triple digits, prompting calls for stronger scheduling protections. Missouri Conservation & Hunting: The Missouri Department of Conservation is taking online applications for more than 140 managed deer hunts starting July 1 through July 31, with results expected online Aug. 15. Outdoor Learning in Missouri: MDC’s Southwest Region is lining up summer wildlife and fishing programs, including reptile and native fish virtual sessions and a two-part fly-tying class in Springfield. Local Schools & Community Planning: St. Louis Public Schools is considering closing 15–22 schools by 2027–28 as it tackles declining enrollment, rising costs, and tornado-related repair needs. Energy Policy Debate: A Senate farm bill draft released by the Agriculture Committee would expand crop insurance and shift conservation funding, while leaving out some livestock and pesticide-labeling changes sought by different groups.

Heat & Public Safety: A heat dome is parking over Missouri with highs in the 90s and heat indexes around 100–110 through the Fourth of July, prompting extreme heat warnings and cooling-center reminders. Local Conservation: Missouri’s Department of Conservation will lower Kendzora Lake for renovations through spring 2027 to replace water-control equipment and improve wetland habitat. Outdoor Recreation & Wildlife: MDC is taking online applications July 1–31 for 140+ managed deer hunts, with results posted Aug. 15; separate wildlife notes include bear-sighting cautions in Arkansas and fishing-focused programs at local nature centers. Legal/Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court sided with Monsanto/Bayer in a Roundup labeling liability fight, limiting state failure-to-warn claims—an outcome Missouri residents are watching closely. Community & Planning: Columbia residents are weighing the future of the Shops at Sharp End as funding runs out; Springfield approved a 120-day moratorium on new data center applications while it studies water, energy, noise, and air impacts.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Missouri’s neighbors are seeing more black bears, and Fort Smith police are urging caution after at least 10 sightings over the weekend, reminding residents not to approach or feed bears and to call non-emergency if one is spotted. Deer Hunting Access: The Missouri Department of Conservation is taking online applications July 1–31 for more than 140 managed deer hunts statewide, with hunts running mid-September through mid-January and results posted online starting Aug. 15. Animal Health Biosecurity: Missouri agriculture officials updated rules to guard against the New World screwworm, requiring a veterinary inspection certificate within 14 days for animals entering from infested zones and barring animals from moving through those areas. Outdoor Learning: MDC is offering free Discover Nature Fishing lessons in July at Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area, with online registration required for four progressive classes. Courts & Pesticides: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Roundup “failure to warn” cancer lawsuits, ruling federal pesticide law preempts state claims—an outcome likely to dismiss thousands of cases. Heat & Climate Impacts: A study finds heat waves have increased across Türkiye’s biggest cities, adding to the growing picture of climate-driven extremes.

Freshwater browning: A new study links lakes turning tea-brown to climate change and land-use shifts, warning it can reshape fish communities and hurt freshwater biodiversity. Extreme heat: A dangerous heat wave is building across the central and eastern U.S., with Missouri cities like Kansas City and St. Louis under alerts and forecasts hinting at record highs around the July 4 stretch. Missouri water quality: Lake of the Ozarks is ranked among the cleanest major lakes in a new national analysis, scoring well on key pollution markers. Local water infrastructure: Missouri DNR awarded Boone County Regional Sewer District about $565,000 to connect and close the Highfield Acres wastewater treatment lagoons. Wildlife habitat in yards: Research highlights how backyard trees, shrubs, and native plants can boost bird diversity in urban areas. Livestock health rules: Missouri updated animal movement requirements after New World screwworm was detected in Texas. Legal fight over weedkiller: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked thousands of Roundup “failure to warn” lawsuits, a major ripple for pesticide-related claims nationwide. Data center backlash in Missouri: Residents near Maryville are organizing against a proposed $6.3 billion AI data-center complex, citing water use, power demand, and local control. Heat safety in Missouri: A guide to when Missouri typically sees its hottest day underscores the need for cooling and check-ins during extreme heat.

Missouri Heat & Public Safety: Forecasters warn a July 4 heat dome could push dangerous temperatures across much of the Midwest and East, including Missouri, with little overnight relief—raising the stakes for cooling, check-ins, and heat safety. Local Water & Wastewater: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded Boone County Regional Sewer District about $565,000 to connect and close the Highfield Acres wastewater treatment lagoons, aiming to cut long-term costs for ratepayers. Clean Water Spotlight: A new Lake.com report ranks the Lake of the Ozarks among the cleanest major U.S. lakes, citing low pollution indicators like phosphorus and ammonia. Data Center Backlash in Missouri: Northwest Missouri residents are organizing against a proposed $6.3 billion AI data center near Maryville, citing water use, power demand, tax abatements, and limited local oversight. Wildlife & Habitat in the Yard: Research highlights how backyard habitat—native plants, shrubs, water, and varied vegetation—can help support bird diversity in growing cities. Big River Pollution Update (Beyond Missouri): Montana DEQ moved the Big Hole River toward impairment status after algae blooms and low oxygen harmed aquatic life and recreation.

Mifepristone Fight With Environmental Twist: Kansas AG Kris Kobach wants to restrict mifepristone, but the drug is also used for conditions like Cushing’s syndrome and unresolved miscarriages—raising concerns that the push could spill into broader health and water-safety claims. Wildlife & Land Management: A Missouri livestock movement update kicks in after New World screwworm was detected in Texas, tightening entry rules for animals from infested zones to protect livestock and wildlife. Clean Water Funding: Missouri DNR awarded about $565,000 to Boone County Regional Sewer District for sewer upgrades tied to closing wastewater lagoons, aiming to cut costs and improve treatment. Heat & Public Safety: Forecasters warn a July 4 heat dome could bring dangerous temperatures across much of the Midwest and Missouri, with limited overnight relief. Local Conservation Spotlight: A new report ranks Lake of the Ozarks among the cleanest major U.S. lakes, based on measured water chemistry. Pesticide Law at SCOTUS: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled FIFRA preempts state “failure to warn” claims tied to Roundup label warnings, a decision that could reshape pesticide-related lawsuits nationwide. Data Center Backlash in Missouri: In northwest Missouri, residents are organizing against a proposed AI data center near Maryville, citing water, power costs, and local control. Training Across Borders: Firefighters and cadets from southwest Missouri trained in Kansas on hose nozzles, water placement, and live-fire smoke behavior.

Water & Wastewater Funding: Missouri DNR awarded about $565,000 to the Boone County Regional Sewer District for the Highfield Acres Wastewater Treatment Facility connection and lagoon closures, with work expected to finish this fall. Clean Water Watch: A new Lake.com report ranks the Lake of the Ozarks as Missouri’s cleanest major lake, citing low pollution indicators like phosphorus and lead. Heat Risk: The National Weather Service warns a July 4 heat dome could push Missouri and much of the Midwest into dangerous high temperatures with warm nights offering limited relief. Wildlife & Disease: Tick season is intensifying as climate shifts expand tick ranges, raising Lyme and other tick-borne risks; a Lyme vaccine push is also in the works. Legal & Environment Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to many Roundup “failure-to-warn” lawsuits, reinforcing federal control over pesticide labeling. Plastics Fight: Missouri is among 17 states suing to block California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and overreach state borders. Local Governance & Climate: A Missouri mayor is highlighted in London Climate Week as part of a push by cities to advance clean-energy plans despite federal rollbacks. Severe Weather Context: Illinois reported 172 tornadoes in 2026 so far, with Missouri close behind at 78, underscoring the region’s storm pressure.

Pesticide Fight in Missouri: The U.S. Supreme Court (7-2) sided with Monsanto/Bayer in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, blocking Missouri failure-to-warn claims over Roundup’s cancer warning and limiting how states can require labels beyond what the EPA approves—an outcome that could shrink thousands of similar lawsuits. Plastics Pushback: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Missouri’s, sued California over its Plastics Act, arguing the single-use packaging rules will raise costs nationwide and violate federal limits. Clean Water Funding: The EPA announced over $25 million in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems, tackle PFAS, and remove lead sources. Solar Opposition (Idaho, but relevant to renewables): More than 100 people testified against a proposed 2,400-acre solar farm near Ada and Canyon county lines, citing farmland loss, wildlife concerns, and health/property worries. Water Infrastructure (Missouri ties): Missouri lawmakers released the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, aimed at Corps projects for flood control, waterways, and environmental improvements. Heat Safety (Missouri): U-M Extension climatology warns Independence Day could bring extreme heat and high heat-index risk across Missouri.

Supreme Court & Pesticides: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Bayer/Monsanto can’t be sued in state court over Roundup failure-to-warn claims when the EPA hasn’t required a cancer warning on the federally approved label—an outcome that could slam the brakes on thousands of similar lawsuits, including a Missouri case tied to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Multi-State Plastics Fight: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Missouri’s, sued California to block its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide and oversteps state authority. Wildlife & Water: A study co-led by the University of Missouri finds invasive goldfish can trigger major regime shifts in freshwater ecosystems—another reminder not to release pets into the wild. Outdoor Safety: Missouri’s Fourth of July forecast is shaping up for dangerous heat, with MU Extension urging hydration, shade breaks, and extra care for pets. Local Environment Watch: Crews are nearing completion stabilizing a major cave-in site under St. Louis’ I-44, with safety first before investigators determine what caused it. Conservation & Community: TWRA reports a strong spring turkey harvest and highlights how weather and turkey hatches helped boost results.

Supreme Court Roundup Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court (7-2) sided with Bayer/Monsanto, blocking thousands of state-court lawsuits claiming Roundup failed to warn about cancer risks tied to glyphosate, saying federal pesticide labeling rules preempt state “failure-to-warn” claims. Missouri Conservation Fire Safety: The Missouri Department of Conservation urged safer summer celebrations, warning against fireworks and outdoor burning during dry, windy conditions and reminding people to follow local burn bans. Peru Smelter Fallout: Billionaire Ira Rennert agreed to a $150 million settlement over lead smelter pollution claims in La Oroya, Peru, as residents’ health lawsuits near a key trial moment. Big Hole River Water Quality: Montana DEQ moved toward an impairment designation for the Big Hole River, citing nutrient-driven algae growth that can cut oxygen and harm aquatic life. Missouri Plastics Fight: Missouri joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and overreach state authority. Invasive Species Watch: A new report highlights snakeheads expanding into Missouri waters, renewing concerns about invasive fish impacts on local ecosystems.

Roundup Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked thousands of Missouri-linked lawsuits against Bayer/Monsanto over Roundup cancer claims, saying federal pesticide labeling rules preempt state “failure-to-warn” cases—overturning a $1.25 million Missouri verdict for John Durnell. Water & Infrastructure: Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources handed Billings a $688,000 planning/design loan for a $2.6M wastewater project starting in 2027, and awarded Boone County Regional Sewer District $564,968 to connect and close the Highfield Acres treatment lagoons by fall 2026. Data Center Water Planning: In Maryville, Nodaway County Public Water Supply District No. 1 released a draft feasibility study for the White Cloud Acres data center, estimating about 70,000 gallons per day of cooling water plus 12,000 gallons per day of potable water for domestic use. Plastics Fight: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, including Missouri, sued California to block its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and overreach state authority. Local Wildlife Management: Wildwood is seeking resident input on whether to change archery hunting rules, including potentially allowing hunting on smaller private parcels, after a deer culling program reduced deer-vehicle collisions. Environmental Cleanup: Springfield’s City Utilities says a remediation project at 333 N. Main will remove contaminated soils from an old manufactured gas plant, with work expected to start late July.