AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Water Safety: Missouri conservation officials say invasive silver and bighead carp die-offs along the Mississippi are likely driven by hot weather, low water levels, and low oxygen—not a chemical spill—after dead fish piled up near Riverside Landing Park. Pollution Watch: Missouri DNR and a Fenton metal fabrication facility reached an abatement order after used oil allegedly flowed into Saline Creek, triggering cleanup actions. Local Environment & Health: Leadwood’s failing wastewater treatment plant is contaminating the Big River with high E. coli levels; DNR says people should avoid contact near affected access points and keep pets/livestock away. Research & Infrastructure: Missouri S&T researcher Dr. John J. Myers leads a $450,000 MoDOT project to improve guidance for prestressed concrete bridge girders, aiming for efficiency without sacrificing safety or durability. Community Outdoors: MU Extension’s Tree-Mendous Ride on the Katy Trail will teach riders about Missouri forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and invasive species control. Conservation & Industry: A Missouri S&T workshop in Rolla brought together leaders on critical minerals supply chains, including recycling and workforce needs. Marine Rescue Tech: Midland donated dozens of radios to the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key to help coordinate rescue efforts for threatened manatees.

Missouri Environment: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and a Fenton metal fabrication facility (Production Castings) reached a consent abatement order after an alleged used-oil discharge into Saline Creek, with EPA-led cleanup and follow-up after oil reappeared. Wildlife & Water: Warm, low-oxygen conditions are blamed for mass invasive carp die-offs in the Mississippi River near Alton and multiple counties along the Great River Road. Public Health: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to Mexican iceberg lettuce has expanded to more states, with Missouri among those reporting cases; health officials are urging residents to watch for symptoms and not assume it’s “diet-related.” Forests & Conservation: MU Extension is inviting cyclists to the Tree-Mendous Ride along the Katy Trail to learn about Missouri forests, wetlands, wildlife management, and invasive species control. Food & Farming Innovation: Mizzou researchers are testing purple corn pigments (anthocyanins) as a potential natural alternative to synthetic food dyes, aiming to solve stability issues for heat- and shelf-life-heavy processing. Rural Health: A Rural Immersion Program is bringing future healthcare professionals to northwest Missouri to connect health outcomes with agriculture, natural resources, and local community systems. Energy & Policy: Advocates warn proposed USDA restructuring could disrupt support for farmers, including plans to move many Washington-based employees to regional hubs. Waste & Services: Meridian Waste is expanding northeast Missouri operations by acquiring Sutton Disposal Service assets.

Food Safety & Public Health: Missouri is seeing a fast-growing cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce, with MU Health Care reporting 96 cases and state totals rising to 1,095 as the CDC expands the outbreak to 15 states; health officials also warn against the dangerous “cyclospora skinny” trend that claims intentional infection for weight loss. Water Quality & Pollution: The Missouri DNR is working with Leadwood after investigations found the wastewater plant released partially treated water into the Big River, with elevated E. coli detected upstream and downstream and temporary repairs underway while longer-term upgrades are planned. Local Water Infrastructure: Vermillion City Council moved forward on water system fixes, funding preliminary engineering for a water main project and a well field study after a major East Cherry Street break caused large water loss. Wildlife & Conservation: Missouri’s Otter Slough Conservation Area is highlighted as a top cypress-tupelo swamp destination for wildlife viewing and duck hunting, with a boardwalk trail and nearby fishing and birdwatching. Agriculture & Land: Farmland sale prices appear steady year over year, with recent reporting looking at regional farm values including Missouri. Community Gardening: Registration is open for the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Fall 2026 course in Warrensburg, running Aug. 25–Nov. 17.

Food Safety Watch: Qdoba joined Chipotle in removing jalapeños tied to a multistate Salmonella outbreak, with CDC reporting illnesses across 27 states and dozens hospitalized; health officials say the risk is not expected to be ongoing. Wildlife & Waterways: A 117-pound paddlefish was finally caught after 22 years evading lures, a reminder of how Missouri River basin fish management can pay off. Public Health & Produce Supply: A cyclospora outbreak continues to spread in the Midwest and beyond, with Missouri and nearby states reporting cases tied to contaminated produce and raising fresh concerns about how concentrated food supply chains can amplify outbreaks. Missouri Environment Policy: Missouri updated its MS4 permit with new illegal dumping requirements, targeting stormwater pollution before it reaches local waterways. Outdoor & Community Access: A new Eastern Trail segment in Maine highlights how trail connectivity can boost outdoor recreation—an idea Missouri readers may want to watch as local projects expand. Local Jobs/Industry: St. Charles announced a $36.4M pasta facility expansion, adding 150+ jobs and leaning on the state’s agricultural and logistics strengths.

Endangered Species Watch: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is launching a year-long study to decide whether the plains spotted skunk should get Endangered Species Act protection, after researchers say the little black-and-white animal has become rare across the Great Plains. Invasive Species & Agriculture: USDA is rolling out a $35 million feral swine eradication pilot, using grants to help landowners trap and control wild hogs that damage pasture, forests, and wildlife habitat. Missouri Water Quality: Missouri DNR says Leadwood’s failing wastewater treatment facility is releasing partially treated wastewater into the Big River, with tests showing high E. coli levels and more checks underway. Public Health: Jefferson County reported 62 cyclosporiasis cases so far, tied to a nationwide outbreak linked to contaminated produce. Local Environment & Wildlife Policy: Sen. Rick Scott introduced a bill to speed federal review of state wildlife plans, aiming to reduce delays that stall conservation funding. Community Recycling: Springfield beekeepers are reusing leftover political yard signs to build hive parts, keeping materials out of landfills while supporting pollinators. Climate in Missouri: A new ranking highlights the hottest Augusts in Missouri since 1895, underscoring how extreme heat is becoming more common.

Missouri Climate: A new ranking of the hottest Augusts in Missouri since 1895 points to record-setting heat trends, with average temperatures climbing and monthly highs repeatedly topping 90°F. Solid Waste Policy: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will raise state solid waste tonnage fees by 3.5% starting Oct. 1, 2026, affecting sanitary, demolition and construction landfills plus some transfer and processing stations. Public Health Preparedness: St. Charles County is joining the federal DHS BioWatch program, adding at least three air monitoring stations that will collect filters daily and send them to the state lab for testing. Water & Wildlife: Missouri’s Department of Conservation is offering mentored duck hunts for youth and first-time hunters at a St. Charles wetland education center, with required clinics and permits. Foodborne Illness: The CDC expanded the large cyclosporiasis outbreak to more states, including Iowa, with Missouri already reporting more than 1,000 cases. Water Infrastructure: Central States Water Resources promoted Spencer Hoppes to Assistant VP of Finance & IT, expanding leadership over budgeting and reporting for water and wastewater systems.

Missouri Water & Soil Funding: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources thanked voters after the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax was renewed, saying the dedicated pot supports state parks, historic sites, and soil and water conservation. Wildlife & Outdoor Education: The Missouri Department of Conservation will run daily native wildlife and conservation exhibits at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, including invasive species programming and hands-on demonstrations. Heat Stress in Livestock: University of Missouri researchers are expanding HotHog, a mobile tool that uses weather and pig data to flag dangerous heat conditions earlier, helping producers protect animals during extreme heat. Public Health Alert: The CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak to 15 states, with Missouri reporting 1,095 cases; officials say investigators are still working to pin down the source. Mosquito Season Watch: Kansas health officials warned residents statewide about high West Nile risk, urging precautions as Missouri monitors conditions too. Local Pollution Controls: Joplin adopted new data center rules covering noise, water use, wastewater pretreatment, emissions, and generator standards, after residents raised concerns about pollution and impacts.

Public Health: The CDC is expanding the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, adding Missouri (1,095 cases) tied to shredded iceberg lettuce linked to central Mexico; Michigan has reported the first U.S. deaths. Local Environment & Land Use: Joplin, Missouri, adopted new data center rules covering noise limits, water use, wastewater pretreatment, emissions standards, and generator requirements, after residents raised concerns about pollution and water impacts. Water & Weather: Missouri’s region is watching heavy rain patterns—heat and storms have been driving July conditions, and Iowa’s latest forecasts show more showers and thunderstorms moving in. Wildlife & Outdoors: Missouri conservation partners are hosting a free wildlife food plots webinar (Aug. 25) to help landowners plan for deer and other wildlife. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: The University of Missouri is expanding HotHog, a USDA-funded app that helps pork producers predict heat stress in pigs earlier to protect animal welfare during hot weather. Food Safety: The FDA posted a Salmonella recall for a Walmart BetterGoods pistachio nut butter lot sold in 19 states, including Missouri.

Missouri Water Safety: The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 27 drowning deaths so far this year—about 80% higher than last year—urging people to take extra care as late-summer heat brings more people to rivers and lakes. Stormwater & Public Health: Missouri DNR issued final MS4 stormwater permits for Columbia, Boone County, and the University of Missouri after concerns about pollutants tied to encampments, aiming to protect local waterways. Wildlife & Land Stewardship: Missouri Department of Conservation opens registration for the Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt (Oct. 9-11) and also plans a free Aug. 25 webinar on wildlife food plots for deer management. Conservation Education: MDC says it couldn’t staff its wildlife exhibit building at the Ozark Empire Fair this year due to budget limits, pointing residents to other education centers and online resources. Food & Consumer Safety: Walmart-distributed pistachio nut butter is under FDA recall after salmonella was found in jars, with the product shipped to 19 states including Missouri. Agriculture & Soil Health: Walmart says it’s expanding regenerative farming practices with General Mills and ADM, targeting improved soil, water quality, and carbon storage across wheat acres in Missouri and neighboring states.

Stormwater Watch (Columbia): Missouri DNR issued final stormwater permits for Columbia, Boone County and the University of Missouri after concerns tied to encampment impacts, with the MS4 program aimed at stopping illicit dumping and protecting local waterways. Heat & Crops: A University of Missouri Extension climatologist explains “corn sweat,” where heavy transpiration from corn fields boosts humidity and can feed storm development during Missouri’s latest heat wave. Data Centers & Power Politics: A Missouri primary roundup flags data-center construction and solar spending as key issues voters are weighing, with Michigan’s races spotlighting environmental and grid-cost concerns. Wildlife Management (MDC): Missouri’s Department of Conservation is gearing up for a mentored deer hunt in October and a free Aug. 25 webinar on wildlife food plots for landowners and hunters. Food Safety: The FDA updated a recall involving peaches potentially contaminated with Listeria, noting the recall has been terminated after earlier highest-risk classification. Agriculture Policy (Young Farmers): A revised 2026 farm bill proposal still draws criticism from young farmers’ advocates for missing structural fixes like land access and nutrition support.

Missouri Politics & Environment: A key Democratic rematch in Missouri’s deep-blue 1st District—Rep. Wesley Bell vs. former Rep. Cori Bush—could hinge on national issues, but local party rifts are front and center as voters head to the Aug. 4 primary. Public Health & Food Safety: A federal egg recall is tied to drug-resistant Salmonella illnesses in 17 states, with Missouri-area shoppers urged to check carton codes and sell-by dates before August 17. Water & Cybersecurity: Federal officials warn that cyberattacks targeting internet-connected controls at water systems have disrupted operations in multiple states, raising concerns for Missouri’s water infrastructure resilience. Heat & Urban Planning: New reporting highlights how urban infrastructure can intensify heat island effects—relevant for Missouri cities facing hotter summers. Local Land Use: Missouri communities are debating proposed data centers over water use, energy demand, and environmental impact, with public input and monitoring studies at the center of the fight. Wildlife & Ecosystems: Missouri’s tick-borne disease risk is in focus as new reports track the spread of additional tick illnesses in warming conditions.

Cybersecurity & Water Systems: Federal authorities warn that malicious hackers have remotely tampered with internet-connected controls at water and wastewater systems in at least seven states, causing pressure loss and flooding; the alert follows intelligence concerns about Iran targeting PLCs. Extreme Weather & Flood Recovery: Flash flooding has hit communities from Texas to the Midwest, with Missouri reporting storm impacts and rescues tied to severe July rains, raising fears that recovery is becoming a cycle. Heat & Urban Impacts: New reporting highlights how heat island effects from roads, buildings, and bridges can push urban areas warmer than nearby rural land—an issue for Missouri towns too. Food Safety & Cyclospora: A cyclospora outbreak has sickened people in Kansas and Missouri, prompting some residents to rethink produce choices while health officials work to identify sources. Air Pollution Watch: Missouri’s southeast aluminum smelter in Marston is set to restart by year’s end after scrutiny over sulfur dioxide emissions, with state monitoring continuing. Local Governance & Data Centers: Missouri primary voters are weighing proposed data centers amid concerns about water use, energy demand, and environmental review. Wildlife & Invasive Species: Reporting explains how invasive carp spread after escaping pond use, threatening native fish and river ecosystems. Agriculture Pests: Missouri Extension confirms corn leafhoppers in multiple counties, noting they can spread corn stunt pathogens.

Cybersecurity & Water Systems: Federal officials warn that malicious hackers have remotely tampered with internet-connected controls at water and wastewater sites in at least seven states, causing pressure loss and flooding—following intelligence concerns about Iran targeting similar systems in Minnesota. Flooding & Disaster Fatigue: Flash flooding from repeated storms has battered communities from Texas to the Midwest, with Missouri residents among those facing evacuations and major damage as recovery keeps getting interrupted. Tick-Borne Disease Watch: Doctors confirmed the Bourbon virus in Suffolk County, carried by lone star ticks that are spreading as warmer winters help ticks survive. Missouri Environmental Pressure Point: Data center proposals in Missouri counties are drawing intense local pushback over water use, energy demand, and potential impacts on aquifers and rivers ahead of the state primary. Food Safety in the Show-Me State: A cyclospora outbreak has sickened people in Kansas and Missouri, prompting some shoppers to rethink produce choices while health officials work to identify the source. Agriculture Pest Update: Missouri Extension confirmed corn leafhoppers in five counties, warning they can spread corn stunt pathogens and may affect yields if infections hit early growth stages.

Data Center Fight in Missouri: St. Louis-area data center proposals are drawing heavy pushback ahead of the Aug. 4 primary, with residents citing water use, energy demand, and environmental impacts and asking for more public input and environmental studies. Food Safety in the Show-Me State: A cyclospora outbreak has sickened people in Kansas and Missouri, prompting some shoppers to rethink produce choices while health officials work to identify the source. Air Pollution Watch: Missouri’s Magnitude 7 Metals says it plans to restart a southeast Missouri aluminum smelter by year’s end, reviving concerns tied to sulfur dioxide emissions and ongoing state monitoring. Ag Pest Alert: UM Extension reports corn leafhopper confirmations in five Missouri counties, warning the insect can spread corn stunt pathogens. Wildlife & Water: A new report on invasive carp traces how imported fish escaped into the Mississippi River basin and now threaten native ecosystems. National Context: The U.S. EPA and courts continue to shape the debate over glyphosate use, including how much ends up in livestock feed.

Data Centers vs. Communities in Missouri: A St. Louis-area report spotlights how proposed data centers in Franklin, Jefferson and St. Louis counties are fueling debate over water use, energy demand, and environmental impact ahead of the Aug. primary, with residents pressing for environmental impact studies and more public input. Heat and Climate Risk: A global climate commentary warns about heat domes and wildfires, urging people to prepare for extreme heat conditions. Ag Watch: Missouri Extension confirmed corn leafhoppers in five counties, flagging potential impacts on corn health and yields. US–India Food Tech: NSF-backed research with India aims to boost precision soybean breeding using smart sensing networks, with Missouri researchers listed among partners. Wildlife & Waterfowl: The USFWS released results from the 2026 waterfowl survey, noting delayed spring nesting and mixed wetland conditions that could shape next season’s hunting outlook. Outdoor Learning in Missouri: MDC shared August events like Learn to Fish and insect-focused programs to get Missourians outside and engaged with local nature.

Missouri Water & Wildlife: The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service released its 2026 waterfowl breeding population and habitat survey, noting a delayed spring, mixed wetland conditions, and drought pockets that could shift 2026–2027 hunting season bag limits; the Missouri Coteau region is highlighted as improved and a key duck-breeding area. Ag & Food Security: A new NSF-funded U.S.-India project will build a smart sensing network for precision soybean breeding, with University of Memphis professor Xiaolei Huang receiving $528,137 for the three-year effort starting Oct. 1, 2026. Public Health & Food Safety: Missouri and Kansas investigators are still working through a large cyclospora outbreak, with the reporting process complicated by long, multi-state produce supply chains that make it hard to pinpoint where contamination began. Local Environment Watch: Cassville residents are raising concerns about odor and potential pollution from an Arkansas-based fertilizer company’s proposed nearly 1 million-gallon storage tank for organic fertilizer made from food residuals. Outdoor Learning: The Missouri Department of Conservation is rolling out August events across the Southwest Region, including “Learn to Fish,” insect-focused programs, and bug-catching activities.