AGP Executive Report

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.

Data Center Push Meets Backlash: Protesters from across Missouri gathered at the Capitol in Jefferson City to demand a moratorium on AI data centers, including a Festus group opposing a proposed hyperscale facility. Clean Water Funding in Missouri: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded Sedalia a $5.5 million, no-interest planning-and-design loan for wastewater upgrades, and separately approved $10 million in assistance to Jefferson City to cut sanitary sewer overflows and finish improvements by Aug. 2027. Water Resources Policy: The U.S. House overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, setting up new investments tied to ports, inland waterways, flood risk management, and water infrastructure. Farm Safety Call: A new global study estimates nearly half of farmers experience unintentional, acute pesticide poisoning each year, urging bans on the most hazardous chemicals. Wildlife Monitoring: Louisiana wildlife staff conducted aerial teal counts, but a recording malfunction left parts of the estimate incomplete. Agriculture Tech at MU: MU’s Wurdack Center field day highlights grazing research and virtual fencing technology aimed at improving pasture use.

Climate & Heat Risk: A new report warns extreme weather records keep tumbling worldwide, and Missouri is in the mix as El Niño strengthens and could bring more heat and disruption. Local Safety Enforcement: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued a formal demand to Reign Bar in downtown Columbia, ordering a plan within 14 days to address “nuisance conditions” tied to violence and gunfire. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York and other states sued the Trump administration over offshore wind lease buyouts, arguing federal money was used improperly and could leave investors stranded. Rural Health & EMS: Missouri announced over $45 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding, including $35 million for rural hospital upgrades and $4.2 million to expand EMS training. Stormwater Planning: Springfield opened public comment on its updated Stormwater Management Plan draft, aimed at meeting Clean Water Act MS4 permit requirements. Wildlife & Livestock: A Missouri guide explains how to handle rising black vulture conflicts, including free depredation permits and mitigation steps. Solar Progress (Local): Mills County zoning approved a conditional use permit for the Folsom Lake Solar Project, a large utility-scale solar plan with battery storage.

Offshore Wind Fight: California AG Rob Bonta and the California Energy Commission filed a new federal lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of an unlawful $111M buyout tied to canceling the Even Keel Wind project off Morro Bay, adding to a growing legal push against offshore wind deals. Rural Health Push (Missouri): Missouri announced up to $4.2M to expand rural EMS training and add certified EMT/paramedic capacity, alongside about $35M for 20 rural hospital infrastructure upgrades and up to $6.4M to connect rural providers with rapid behavioral and maternal health specialists. Local Accountability (Schools): Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick began a performance audit of the Special School District of St. Louis County, citing concerns about child treatment and financial/operational problems. Climate Watch (Missouri): The National Weather Service says a strengthening El Niño could bring a wetter-than-normal, slightly warmer winter to southwest Missouri, shifting odds for precipitation and temperatures. Community Nature: MDC’s “A Walk in the Park” returns in St. Louis City with free, short guided hikes highlighting parks, wildlife, and local history.

Hazardous Waste Access: Chillicothe residents can drop off household hazardous materials Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-noon at the CMU Warehouse, with clear limits (latex paint not accepted). Water Quality Watch: The EPA is launching a study to look for abortion-related drugs and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, adding to the growing scrutiny of what ends up in Missouri’s taps. PFAS Legal Pressure: A new look at PFAS in food and beverage highlights rising FDA testing and expanding water-utility disclosure rules starting in 2027, with more litigation risk for companies using PFAS-contaminated ingredients. Community Conservation: Missouri Conservation Corps hosted monarch tagging with the Monarch Watch program, letting volunteers help track migration through coded tags. Outdoor Season: MDC’s fall color report points to a likely solid season in central and north Missouri, but warns drought in the southwest could mean muted colors and early leaf drop. Local Waste Costs: Joplin trash pickup rates rise to $17.42 per month starting Oct. 1 under a new Republic Services contract, with changes to bulky-item pickup. Agriculture Tech: Virtual fencing collars are changing cattle ranching by using GPS boundaries and training to reduce the need for physical wire.

Energy & Resilience: Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón was elected chair of the Southern States Energy Board, highlighting grid upgrades like battery storage, new generation capacity, and a shift toward natural gas to cut outages and improve resilience. Missouri Conservation: The Missouri Department of Conservation will temporarily close Spring Fork Lake (south of Sedalia) for aerial lotus plant treatment, with chemicals applied while the public stays out and drinking-water impacts are described as avoided. Climate & Health in Missouri: A new analysis finds Missouri heat-related deaths are likely vastly underreported—CDC lists 26 per year, but researchers estimate 166 more deaths annually may be missed. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri Botanical Garden experts warn that captive monarch-raising can weaken butterflies and spread disease risk, as monarch populations have fallen sharply with habitat loss. Agriculture Weather: Heavy “ring of fire” rain patterns are stalling harvest across parts of the Corn Belt, with wetter conditions in the East and more workable conditions in the West. Data Centers & Power: A House-passed push would require states to consider making data centers cover the full added cost of electricity and grid upgrades—fueling ongoing local fights over energy, jobs, and impacts. Low-Carbon Industry in Missouri: Prysmian and Rio Tinto say low-carbon aluminum cables made at Prysmian’s Sedalia facility will supply an Amazon data center in Ohio.

Heat & health: NPR and Boston University analysis finds Missouri heat-related deaths are far undercounted—CDC lists 26 a year, but researchers estimate 166 more than reported, because heat often gets recorded as heart or kidney failure. Wildlife & habitat: Missouri Botanical Garden experts warn that captive monarch-raising can backfire: monarchs need native prairie “snacks” for migration, and released captive butterflies may be weaker and carry pathogens. Deer disease watch: Missouri Department of Conservation asks the public to report hemorrhagic disease in deer; symptoms include lethargy and facial/neck swelling, often near water. Climate action locally: Mid-Missouri Peaceworks held a climate rally and 5K walk, urging Columbia to update building codes to newer energy standards. Data centers & community impacts: A Kirksville planning vote recommends zoning limits for data centers, while Missouri Capitol protests push for a statewide moratorium; separate reporting highlights how data-center debates are reshaping politics nationwide. Water infrastructure: House overwhelmingly passed the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, including Missouri River flood-control priorities. Food safety & research: USDA’s Beltsville food-threat lab is slated to close, forcing scientists to relocate.

Climate Action Rally: Mid-Missouri Peaceworks hosted a 5K walk and rally urging faster climate action, including Columbia updating building codes—city leaders will decide whether to repeal current standards and adopt the 2024 energy code. Data Center Zoning Fight: Kirksville’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended new rules limiting data centers to the M-2 heavy industrial district with a special use permit, sending the proposal to City Council for action in late October. Wildlife Health Watch: The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking the public to report signs of hemorrhagic disease in deer, noting outbreaks often cluster near water sources and are tied to biting midges. Weather & Climate Signals: A meteorologist says El Niño may bring above-average snow to many states this winter, with a map pointing to likely “snow a lot” areas. Outdoor & River Life: Missouri River Outdoor Expo returns for its 21st year at Ponca State Park, highlighting family outdoor activities and wildlife learning.

Data Centers Pushback in Missouri: More than 100 people rallied at the Missouri Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, with residents citing noise, utility impacts, and local officials moving ahead despite concerns. FEMA Disaster Funding: FEMA approved over $33 million in post-disaster help across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, including hazard mitigation and repairs to critical infrastructure. Ag Expansion Raises Environmental Worries: A Butterball turkey operation in Bronaugh, Mo., is seeking approval to expand to 267,386 birds, moving it into a higher CAFO class and prompting nearby residents to worry about odor and impacts. Wildlife & Water: Missouri River Expo returns to Ponca State Park for its 21st year, while Missouri conservation updates include invasive brittle naiad detection in Missouri River backwaters and a call to track hemorrhagic disease in deer. Community Outdoors: A 100 Miles, 100 Days walking program is bringing Missourians outside, with tick-safety education and native-plant learning during county walks.

Data Center Backlash in Missouri: More than 100 people rallied at the Missouri Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, with residents citing noise, utility impacts, and ignored local concerns, including a Festus resident warning a planned 300-acre project could make life less affordable. Federal Disaster Funding: FEMA approved over $33 million in post-disaster help for Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, including hazard mitigation and public assistance for repairs and safety upgrades. Wildlife & Water: Missouri conservation coverage highlights invasive brittle naiad in Missouri River backwaters and urges vigilance, while MDC also asks the public to help track hemorrhagic disease in deer. Solar Momentum: A new report says states that voted for Trump are leading the U.S. in solar buildout, with eight of the top 10 solar-building states among them. Gardening for Biodiversity: Missouri Extension shares fall planting tips like pansies, plus guidance on keystone plants to boost local insects, birds, and pollinators.

Data Center Backlash in Missouri: More than 100 people rallied at the Missouri Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, citing noise, utility strain, and local impacts; the march ended at the Governor’s Mansion with one arrest. Solar Momentum: A new report says states that voted for Trump are driving most of the country’s solar buildout, with Sun Belt leaders like Texas and Florida topping the list. Wildlife Health Update: After a decade of decline from white-nose syndrome, Indiana bats show signs of slow recovery in 2026, thanks to long-term research and response work. Garden & Lawn Season: September is flagged as prime time for cool-season lawn recovery and fall garden prep, including fruit sanitation and turf fertilizing/reseeding. CAFO Expansion Concerns: A Butterball-linked turkey operation in Bronaugh is seeking to expand to more than 267,000 birds, pushing it into a higher CAFO class and raising odor worries from nearby residents. Public Health Watch: A measles case tied to a Jackson County health department exposure has reached more than 250 people so far, underscoring low vaccination pockets. Clean Energy Planning: Mills County approved a conditional permit for a large solar farm near the Missouri River, with debate over wildlife habitat and farmland loss. Sober-Living Support: Healthy Blue awarded a $500,000 grant to open a new sober-living home for women in recovery and their children in Missouri.

Data Center Backlash: More than 100 people rallied in the Missouri Capitol rotunda for a statewide moratorium on new data centers, citing noise, utility strain, and ignored local concerns, then marched to the Governor’s Mansion. Energy Cost Fight: The U.S. House advanced the Ratepayer Protection Act to push large data centers to cover the incremental power and grid upgrade costs they drive, while the Senate stalled a similar push. CAFO Expansion Concerns: A Butterball-linked turkey operation in Bronaugh is seeking approval to expand to over 267,000 birds, moving it into a higher CAFO class and raising worries about odor and environmental impacts. Wildlife & Water Cleanup: UMKC students joined a Kansas River cleanup with Friends of the Kaw to remove trash that can affect drinking water and wildlife. Public Health Alert: Jackson County reported a measles exposure tied to an Amtrak trip, exposing 250+ people and underscoring low vaccination coverage. Climate Action Locally: Mid-Missouri Peaceworks held a Walk for the Climate urging action as extreme weather accelerates. Ag Resilience: MU Extension highlighted how soil testing and cover crops helped an Ozarks hay producer recover after drought-driven yield drops.

Wildlife Health Alert: Missouri Department of Conservation is asking residents to report sick or dead deer as hemorrhagic disease spreads via biting midges, with symptoms like lethargy, drooping head, swollen/discolored tongue, and deer often found near ponds and streams. Drought Impacts: Late-summer heat is browning trees across mid-Missouri, and MU Extension warns fall color may be muted if stress continues. Water & Flood Resilience: Springfield’s “Renew Jordan Creek” daylighting project is nearing completion, reopening about 1,000 feet of channel and adding stormwater features like pervious pavers and water-quality landscaping. Clean Water Policy Watch: A proposed Clean Water Act rule would narrow federal protection for smaller streams and wetlands, raising concerns about environmental fallout in the Prairie Pothole region. Data Center Pushback in Missouri: Hundreds of Missourians rallied at the Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, citing water use, power demands, farmland impacts, and lack of oversight. Solar Development: Mills County approved a conditional use permit for a large Folsom Lake solar project with major battery storage, clearing a key step toward construction. Rare Find in Missouri Waters: MDC reports a rare 37-inch American eel caught during a Mississippi River fish survey near Hannibal.

Data Center Backlash in Missouri: Hundreds of Missourians rallied at the Capitol for a statewide moratorium on data centers, citing impacts to cropland, water use, power demands, and a lack of state oversight; the push followed community concerns tied to an Amazon project in Montgomery County, where at least one arrest was reported during the demonstrations. Local Solar Progress: Mills County’s Board of Adjustment approved a conditional use permit for the Folsom Lake Solar Project, a large utility-scale solar and battery storage plan, clearing a key step for development. Bridge Safety & Environmental Review: St. Francois County moved ahead with plans to replace the Hayden Creek Bridge after inspectors reduced its load limit; required environmental and cultural studies are underway, with state funding covering most costs. Hazmat Cleanup on I-29: A sulfuric acid and nitroglycerin jackknife crash shut down Interstate 29 in Holt County, triggered evacuations, and brought state and cleanup crews into action. Heat and Climate Stress: A late-season heat dome is keeping temperatures in the triple digits across parts of Missouri and the South, raising flash-drought and extreme heat concerns. FEMA Disaster Funding: FEMA approved over $33 million in Missouri disaster recovery and hazard mitigation support, including major repairs for Perry County’s school district.

AI Data Center Backlash in Missouri: Hundreds rallied in the Capitol rotunda calling for a statewide moratorium on hyperscale AI data centers, warning about impacts to water, electricity costs, farmland, and property, and demanding health and environmental protections, transparency, and no tax incentives; the protest spilled toward the Governor’s Mansion and ended with one arrest after demonstrators blocked a roadway. Water Infrastructure Push: The House advanced the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, including Missouri River flood and storm risk management and levee-owner collaboration, with provisions aimed at speeding Corps project delivery. Missouri River Education Milestone: Missouri River Days marked 10 years of fourth-grade field trips connecting students to the river through hands-on learning and boat rides, now offering free Every Kid Outdoors passes to participants. Invasive Species Alert: Missouri River backwaters near Niobrara and Bazile Creek saw a new find of brittle naiad, urging waterfowl hunters to take care to prevent spread of the invasive aquatic weed. Local Energy Oversight: Missouri regulators dismissed a complaint against Ameren Missouri tied to the Rush Island coal plant shutdown, leaving five municipalities to absorb rising electricity supply costs.