AGP Executive Report

Consumer Safety: The Better Business Bureau warns of a nationwide scam using “Infinity Auctions” (auctionsinfinity.com), which falsely claims a Rapid City, South Dakota address and copies vehicle photos from legitimate listings. Civic Culture: Missouri’s State Historical Society says the Declaration of Independence will be read simultaneously in 796 U.S. locations, including a Columbia reading at 5 p.m. at the Cole County Courthouse. Education & Community Life: Missouri teachers push back on Gov. Mike Kehoe’s A–F school grading plan, while a separate report highlights how student-centered dining changes at West Virginia University boosted satisfaction and sales. Health & Rights: Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid funding restriction expired July 4, and a federal appeals court revived a fight over local bans on licensed Christian counselors’ talk therapy for minors. Local Support for Veterans: Veterans Community Project opened a new Kansas City outreach center to help with jobs, benefits, and housing stability. Faith & Tradition: Catholic bishops issue guidance to avoid SSPX services after Vatican excommunications tied to unauthorized consecrations. Sports & Belonging: World Cup watch-party culture keeps growing in Kansas City’s Power & Light District as fans pack in for USA matches.

Historic Education & Memory: Clay County Historic Sites won a Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area grant for an interactive “Slave Dwelling Project with Joseph McGill” at the Jesse James Birthplace, bringing overnight living-history programming and public talks aimed at sparking honest discussion about slavery’s legacy. Community Learning & Youth Support: Green Hills Head Start earned Missouri Schoolwide Positive Behavior Supports Tier 3 Award of Excellence, recognized for whole-child supports and intensive interventions. Faith & Local Heritage: The Archdiocese of St. Louis marked its 200-year milestone, launching a bicentennial jubilee year with an archdiocesan-wide Mass set for July 18. Culture & Ideas: A new book, “My America: Langston Hughes on Democracy,” reframes Langston Hughes as a writer who saw democracy as dignity and community responsibility. Work & Rights: Missouri cannabis workers are scoring union wins, including a first collective bargaining contract for dispensary workers in Columbia. Public Safety: Springfield police issued crosswalk citations during extra HAWK enforcement on North Glenstone after pedestrian deaths.

Human Trafficking Awareness: About 50 people gathered in Kansas City’s Loose Park for a candlelight vigil during the World Cup, urging residents to watch for warning signs and support survivors. LGBTQ+ & Faith Clash: A First Amendment fight is heating up over whether a biblical “rainbow” can share space with Pride Night rainbow messaging on MLB caps, spotlighting workplace religious rights. Missouri Education Leadership: Missouri DESE named Lisa Sireno deputy commissioner of learning services, tapping her experience in assessments, accountability, charter schools, and gifted education. Abortion Access Update: A Jackson County judge struck down multiple Missouri abortion restrictions, paving the way for medication abortions again after years of limits. Local Culture & Community: Jefferson City’s new river market aims to revive the East Capitol neighborhood with year-round amenities, while a Jefferson City architectural salvage store expands to preserve local history through reclaimed materials. Scouting & Service: Three Missouri Torah Institute triplets earned Eagle Scout honors, showing how faith communities can build civic leadership.

Missouri Education & Policy: DESE named Lisa Sireno deputy commissioner of learning services, tasking her with building on the state’s A–F grade card and school improvement work. State Budget Watch: A Missouri budget roundtable breaks down vetoes and spending freezes as Gov. Mike Kehoe signs a nearly $50B plan while lawmakers weigh future income-tax changes. Reproductive Rights in Court: A Jackson County judge struck down multiple Missouri abortion restrictions, clearing the way for medication abortions after years of limits—setting up an appeal fight. Local Culture & Community: Jefferson City’s Historic City of Jefferson expands Reclaim Architectural Salvage, turning donated building parts into a bigger retail space that funds preservation. Listening Culture: A new wave of “listening bars” is spreading, including Missouri’s XO HiFi in Kansas City, bringing album-focused hangouts back into the spotlight. Sports & Spotlight: Frontier Schools is preparing to open Columbia’s first charter school (Frontier STEM Academy) in fall 2027, starting with preschool through second grade. Health Care Workforce: Missouri Hospital Association data shows nurse and clinical turnover rose in 2025, with the central region seeing the highest RN turnover.

Missouri Business & Community: Barry-Wehmiller elected Kyle Chapman chairman, while Busey named Mike Daley chief strategy officer and Turner Tree Specialists’ E.J. Turner won the Midwest Tree Climbing Championship; Variety the Children’s Charity also added new board members. Public Safety & Justice: Operation Patriot Shield reported 224 fugitive arrests across Missouri and Illinois, with fentanyl and firearms seized. Immigration Courts: The Justice Department asked the U.S. Supreme Court to delay reinstating “Remain in Mexico,” a policy tied to a Texas-Missouri lawsuit. Culture & Lifestyle: Japanese American Miki Sudo won the Nathan’s Famous hot dog contest in New York; Missouri’s World Bird Sanctuary brought a bald eagle to Charleston’s America 250 celebration. Faith & Community Life: Latter-day Saint leaders defended religious liberty beyond Christianity; a Jesup nun marked 75 years with a Jubilee Mass. Arts & Reading: A book review spotlights biologist George Schaller’s Alaska roots, and a Met gift shop story highlights jewelry made from broken instruments. Sports & Pop Culture: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married at Madison Square Garden, with Adam Sandler officiating.

Missouri & Culture Calendar: Missouri Master Naturalists (Chert Glades Chapter) is hosting an informational meeting for anyone interested in joining the Fall 2026 training class on July 21 at Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin’s Wildcat Park. Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to delay reinstating “Remain in Mexico,” a policy tied to asylum seekers being sent back to Mexico while cases play out. Faith & Community: The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is nearing its end as “perpetual pilgrims” reflect on carrying the Blessed Sacrament and living “being with Christ 24/7” ahead of closing events. Arts & Lifestyle: A Kansas City-area jewelry maker is selling wearable art made from broken, unplayable instruments now featured in The Met’s gift shop. Big Pop-Culture Moment: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married at Madison Square Garden in a star-studded, tightly guarded ceremony with Adam Sandler officiating. Science & Wonder: University of Minnesota researchers say they built a synthetic cell from scratch that completes a full life cycle, marking a major step for synthetic biology. Missouri Civic Spaces: The Truman Library in Independence will start a $13 million landscape transformation project July 6, adding new trails, signage, and courtyard upgrades.

Pop Culture & Sports: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially married, with the singer’s publicist confirming the Friday evening ceremony at Madison Square Garden—custom Dior looks, Cartier jewelry, and Adam Sandler officiating—while fans gathered outside the mostly private event. Missouri Sports & Education: Mizzou announced Dr. Nicki Webber Moore as the latest inductee into the 2026 Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring her standout track career and later leadership in athletics administration. Missouri Community & Safety: A 73-year-old man and 63-year-old woman were jailed after a public sex act at Flat Branch Park, and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers are stepping up patrols for speeding and impaired driving around the July Fourth weekend. Missouri History & Identity: As the U.S. marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, Missouri historical leaders highlight the Show-Me State’s role in westward expansion and the nation’s defining struggles, pointing readers to free state historical sites for Independence Day. Church & Faith: Coverage also looks at the Vatican’s move involving SSPX and what it could mean for unity and pastoral outreach.

World Cup Round of 32: Colombia and Ghana set up a Round of 16 showdown after Friday’s late-night match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with the bracket finalized as the tournament shifts into knockout mode. Missouri River Culture: Missouri River Relief secured a $15,000 Missouri Humanities Council grant for “Missouri River Renaissance,” a documentary tracing how the river’s image has changed thanks to volunteer-driven community work. Community Fundraising: A Centralia bakery pop-up fundraiser for a teen killed in a June crash is set for Friday at First Christian Church, with proceeds going to the victim’s family. Ethics in Business: BBB Midwest Plains named Riekes Equipment the 2026 Torch Award for Ethics winner, advancing it to international judging later this year. Faith & Tradition: The Vatican excommunicated bishops and extended penalties tied to the Society of St. Pius X, raising fresh questions for U.S. Catholics who attend SSPX chapels. Local Safety: Webster County Health Unit launched a free short online tick-prevention course, with kits available after completion. Sports & Community: Waverly’s Marching Tigers honored Joseph “Hope” Hoffman at Pearl Harbor’s memorial parade, bringing Missouri music to a global moment.

Sports & Community: Murray State’s Rechelle Turner says “family” is built into the women’s basketball schedule, with players in Murray in June and home in July. Local History & Heritage: Haverhill’s Edel Blacksmith Shop—on the National Register—stays frozen in time for visitors each summer, preserving a 1930s-era craft legacy. Education Leadership: DESE named Lisa Sireno interim deputy commissioner of learning services, overseeing quality schools, special education, educator quality, and more. Faith & Community Life: A Black pastor, Rev. Michael Byrd Sr., was named executive director of the St. Louis Metro Baptist Association, aiming to connect churches and build leaders. Arts & Memory: Missouri artist Johanne Blackburn’s Camp Mystic watercolor exhibit honors the 27 victims from the 2025 tragedy and supports grieving families. Culture Watch: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s $26 million charity donations include Kansas City Children’s Mercy Hospital and multiple food and youth programs. Catholic News: Pope Leo XIV excommunicated leaders of the ultra-conservative Society of St. Pius X after unauthorized bishop consecrations.

Pop Culture & Community Giving: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $26 million to charities ahead of their wedding, including $1 million to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank—another reminder that big celebrity moments can still translate into real local support. Books & Education: Percival Everett’s “James” re-tells “Huckleberry Finn” from Jim’s point of view, shifting the Mississippi adventure into a darker, more dangerous story about slavery and survival. Missouri Schools & Local Leadership: Gilman City R-4 approved its 2026-27 budget and reviewed Missouri Assessment results, while Hamburg’s Alec Hendrickson officially stepped in as superintendent. Faith & Women’s Events: “American Idol” winner Hannah Harper is set to perform at the Rooted in Faith Women’s Conference at John 3:16 Ministries in Charlotte, Arkansas. Health & Equity: A new look at Black midwives highlights community-based care tackling the Black maternal health crisis beyond traditional pregnancy checkups. Missouri Civic Life: Missouri voters will decide whether to continue the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax via Amendment 1 on Aug. 4. Local Trades & Youth: Missouri Women in Trades is recruiting volunteers for a July 18 build at LitShop’s Food Patch in Carondelet Park, supporting girls’ hands-on learning in the building trades.

Student Life & Policy: Missouri’s education department submitted an A-F school grading framework to Gov. Mike Kehoe, with warnings attached as the state moves toward a new accountability system. Public Health & Recovery: Kehoe’s budget veto cuts $3 million from Missouri addiction recovery center funding, putting thousands of people’s access to support services at risk. Community Safety & Rights: Columbia police enforced a new median ordinance with warnings and citations, while protesters and First Amendment advocates argue it restricts where people can stand and interact with drivers. Housing & Homelessness: Columbia formed a steering committee to build a homelessness plan, using community input and data with an action plan due to City Council by year’s end. Local Arts & Culture: Springfield Ballet added an outreach coordinator for broader access, including transportation support for students through the Kennedy Center’s Any Given Child initiative. Faith in Action: St. Ambrose Society volunteers delivered home-cooked meals to Gateway 180, Missouri’s largest family shelter. Workforce & Education: Crowder College and MoDOT’s Southwest District partnership won a 2025 Governor’s Award for Quality and Productivity for diesel training that helps address industry shortages. Lifestyle & Community: Stems Flower Farm near Blue Eye opened as a Missouri-Arkansas U-pick destination, turning a family dream into a local summer outing.

Missouri Budget & Local Funding: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the $50.7B FY2027 budget, with about $49.8B after vetoes and 65 vetoes totaling $30M+; Kansas City groups like the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, Juneteenth KC, and the WWI Museum face cuts or losses. Education Policy: DESE sent Gov. Kehoe its A–F school grading framework, warning it could cost $518K to build and $715K a year to run, with extra strain if IT staffing is reduced. Elections & Voting Rights: Georgia AG Chris Carr joined a multistate effort backing Indiana’s voter ID law, arguing states can set election rules and that ID requirements don’t block voting. Sports & Culture: The Supreme Court upheld sex-specific women’s sports rules, a major win for states and a flashpoint for Title IX debates. Community & Heritage: Cherokee Phoenix Homecoming T-shirt designs are now available, featuring a Kansas City Cherokee artist’s work. Local Life: Jackson County Parks plans a July 4 Independence Day celebration at Missouri Town Living History Museum, with parade, demos, crafts, and live music. Higher Ed: Northwest Missouri State University approved new nursing and professional studies pathways. Business & Growth: FNBC Bank plans to acquire Riverwind Bank to reach about $1B in assets, pending regulators.

World Cup Watch Parties: Kansas City’s Hispanic community packed the Rock Island Bridge to celebrate Mexico’s win over Ecuador, turning a sports night into a real-time cultural pride moment. Education Policy: Missouri DESE submitted an A–F public school grading framework to Gov. Mike Kehoe, building on his push for clearer, student-outcome-based report cards. State Budget & Community Cuts: Kehoe signed Missouri’s $50.7B FY27 budget but vetoed and restricted tens of millions, including funding reductions that hit some mid-Missouri programs. Supreme Court Ripple Effects: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship and also cleared the way for state bans on transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports—sparking fresh political fights and local follow-through. Campus & Workforce News: Missouri S&T named Dr. Ming C. Leu associate vice chancellor for research and innovation, while Missouri State hired an associate provost for student success and OTC rolled out a workforce-focused aid program. Community & Culture: A Mother Road photo exhibit is bringing Route 66-era faces back to life, and a Cape Girardeau event is pairing July 4 history with a pet celebration.

Supreme Court & Trans Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women playing on school teams that match gender identity, ruling the limits can be based on biological sex under Title IX—another major setback for LGBTQ rights. Immigration & Citizenship: In a separate ruling, the Court preserved birthright citizenship, rejecting efforts to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. Missouri Outdoors & Family Life: Missouri Department of Conservation events are rolling out across the Southwest Region, including “Snakes in the Parks” in Joplin and virtual darter identification sessions, plus fly-tying classes in Springfield. Education & AI Prep: Missouri S&T is using AI-focused coursework to help students think critically about how the technology can support marketing, storytelling, and business communication. Labor & Voting Access (Kansas): Delayed ballots in a KU Health System pharmacy worker union election must be counted after a Kansas board ruling, keeping the organizing fight in play. Community & Homeless Services (Columbia): New Day Columbia opened as part of the VAC Opportunity Campus, expanding day-center services for people experiencing homelessness. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV appealed to a traditionalist Catholic group planning unauthorized bishop ordinations, warning of schism and excommunication.

Community & Culture in the Heartland: Columbia’s Shops at Sharp End is at a crossroads after residents raised concerns about funding, visibility, and whether the retail incubator is meeting its mission—organizers are now gathering input on what a future version could look like. Local Civic Life: Missouri’s Amendment 5 is drawing intense debate, with a Q&A session in Joplin focused on the plan to phase out the individual income tax and expand sales and use taxes. Health & Family Support: Nodaway County Health Center expanded its Happy Bottoms diaper program after it quickly filled slots, with eligibility tied to WIC for now. LGBTQ+ Community: Springfield groups say support can’t wait for Pride to end, after thefts of Pride and Black Lives Matter flags at First Unitarian Universalist Church. Sports & Community Identity: Kansas City World Cup energy is spilling into neighborhoods, with Dutch fans adding new allegiances after fan events and watch parties. Education & Leadership: Missouri State named a new associate provost for student success, signaling a continued push on retention and support. Arts & Heritage: A new look at St. Louis’ Forest Park highlights how Jewish history is woven throughout the park, not just in one monument.

Catholic Life: St. Louis’ archdiocese kicks off a Bicentennial Jubilee Year, looking back to early Mississippi Valley roots and urging renewed commitment to the “light of Christ.” Community Health: A mobile women’s health unit is set to bring prenatal, postpartum, primary care, and maternal mental health services to rural southeast Missouri. Education & Access: Insight School of Missouri launches as a tuition-free statewide virtual option for high school students, with flexible pathways for credit recovery and scheduling needs. Youth & Learning: Missouri students shine at National History Day in Maryland, earning special prizes and finalist placements tied to this year’s “Revolution, Reaction, Reform” theme. Local Governance & Schools: Maryville R-II board discusses summer enrollment, policy updates, and field repairs after heavy rains. Public Safety & Care: Missouri treatment center abuse allegations surface in a new report, with former residents describing physical and sexual abuse claims. Food & Daily Life: Missouri food pantries report rising demand and shifting supplies as grocery prices climb and SNAP access tightens. Culture & Civic Life: A new “patriotism” question series spotlights what it means to people ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.