AGP Executive Report

Budget Watch: Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick says the state is on track to exhaust its surplus and face deficit spending of more than $1.7 billion, warning Gov. Mike Kehoe may soon need emergency cuts that could hit services hard. Medicaid Access: CMS data shows 333,265 Missourians lost Medicaid coverage from Jan. 2025–Feb. 2026, with nearly 92% dropped due to paperwork problems—raising alarms as new federal work requirements and eligibility checks begin in 2027. SNAP Changes: Missouri delayed Healthy SNAP restrictions until 2027 while also cutting a program that helps families buy more fruits and vegetables. Health Care Workforce & Care: Bothwell honored a nurse educator for building a stronger nurse residency pipeline, and Burrell Behavioral Health is rebranding to Centerstone as it expands crisis support in Sedalia. COVID Test Accountability: Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a $4.87M multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, including Missouri’s involvement. Public Health & Safety: Missouri Stream Teams promoted Plastic Free July for Lake Appreciation Month, while local reports highlighted crashes and a Kansas City mass shooting that injured nine.

Hospital Price Transparency Push: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide—including Missouri-area facilities named in AP’s list—that they must post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million a year, with enforcement expected to tighten. Road Safety Grants: The Northwest Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is taking applications for Show-Me Zero–aligned highway safety grants (up to $5,000) until Wednesday, June 10. Public Health Alert: A Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 illnesses across 36 states, prompting FDA recall updates. GLP-1 Heart Protection: New research suggests GLP-1 drugs may lower blood-clot, ER-visit, and death risks for adults with obesity plus autoimmune disease. Substance Use Watch: Missouri Attorney General action against kratom producer American Shaman is tied to concerns over 7-OH products, with sales halted in the state. Local Health & Safety: A Linn County semi crash injured a woman and infant; a Tarkio man was seriously hurt in a motorcycle crash; and two missing toddlers in Laclede County were found safe after an overnight search.

Public Safety: Kansas City is investigating a mass shooting near 79th and Troost that left 9 people injured, with no arrests reported yet. Road Safety: A fatal crash on I-435 in Kansas City sent one passenger to the hospital dead and left the driver critically hurt, while two juvenile passengers suffered serious injuries. Health Policy & Costs: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide—including facilities in Arkansas—that they must post clearer pricing or face steep penalties, a move aimed at lowering surprise medical bills. Nutrition Assistance: Missouri delayed new SNAP retailer restrictions on candy and sugary drinks until Feb. 15, 2027, after grocers asked for clearer enforcement guidance. Water & Health Infrastructure: Missouri DNR awarded Maryville $52.5 million for drinking water treatment upgrades, and DNR is joining a Kansas City-area air monitoring effort for World Cup 2026 health and safety. Home Care Funding: PRN Funding expanded home care invoice factoring into Missouri (plus Ohio, Minnesota, and Florida) to help agencies access faster cash for staffing and payroll. Community Health & Activity: MU Extension’s free “100 Miles, 100 Days” challenge runs June 16–Sept. 24 to encourage movement statewide.

Mass Shooting in Kansas City: Police investigated a mass shooting near 79th and Troost just after 4 a.m. Saturday, with 9 people injured; no arrests were reported and victims were expected to survive. Fatal Crash on I-435: A high-speed rollover on northbound I-435 near Eastwood Trafficway left 1 dead and 3 others—including two juveniles—with serious injuries; lanes were closed for about 3 hours. Northwest Missouri State Infrastructure: The university entered the final phase of a $105M campus modernization project, including HVAC upgrades and a shift from a steam plant to a hot-water system, with more temporary closures expected. Heat Safety & CPR: Boone Health highlighted CPR training as a heat-and-water season risk, noting response delays and the importance of acting fast during cardiac arrests. SNAP Restrictions in Missouri: Missouri is among states moving to limit SNAP purchases of items like candy and sugary drinks, with changes delayed until February 2027. Kratom Crackdown: Missouri’s attorney general action continues as a major kratom/7-OH seller agrees to stop sales in the state. Trauma Care Update: A study found pre-hospital calcium for air-transported trauma patients can reduce hypocalcemia but may raise hypercalcemia risk. Rural Health & Access: A political race for Missouri’s District 6 seat puts rural hospital closures and healthcare access front and center. Community Health Outdoors: Missouri Stream Teams invited residents to join National Rivers Month activities, including free stream cleanups and water-quality monitoring.

Measles Surge: The U.S. is on pace for a new modern high, with 2,030 confirmed cases across 38 states and D.C. as of June 4—most in unvaccinated people and many involving children—raising alarm for Missouri families and schools. World Cup Health Prep (KC): Kansas City medical teams are setting up mobile hospitals and focusing on everyday risks like colds, GI illness, and tick/mosquito exposure as crowds arrive for the tournament. Alpha-gal in Missouri: MU Health Care highlights alpha-gal syndrome, a delayed mammal-meat allergy linked to lone star ticks, with symptoms ranging from hives and stomach issues to rare severe reactions. Animal Health Threat: Texas activated an “escalated response” to the New World screwworm, warning that livestock impacts could ripple into food supply and prices beyond Missouri. Community Clinic in Schools: St. Louis is expanding a school-based clinic model that brings physicals, counseling, and hygiene support directly to students. Public Health Outdoors: Missouri Stream Teams is inviting residents to join National Rivers Month activities, including free stream cleanups and water-quality monitoring. Safety Reminder: Jefferson City firefighters warn residents not to drive through flooded roads after a rescue from submerged floodwaters. Local Crime & Health: A mass shooting on Troost Ave. left nine injured (expected to survive), underscoring the need for ongoing community safety and trauma support.

Gun Violence & Public Health: Kansas City police are investigating a mass shooting near England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 base camp at Swope Soccer Village; early Saturday morning, 9 people were shot and all injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, with victims taken to local hospitals and no suspects in custody yet. Local Emergency Preparedness: Mid-Missouri agencies are stepping up planning for World Cup-related demand, including possible spikes in medical emergencies and traffic, with Boone County focusing on coordination and training rather than sending responders to Kansas City. Community Health Costs: Moberly residents are bracing for higher water and sewer bills starting July 1, with a 3% rate increase and added payment processing fees for card users, as utility assistance funds face continued summer demand. Health & Wellness Philanthropy: The Baxter Health Foundation Bass Classic returns for a second year on Lake Norfork, with proceeds supporting aging care, cancer support, and women’s health programs. Injury & Safety: A separate Kansas City crash on I-435 left one person dead and three others, including two juveniles, seriously injured, prompting lane closures and renewed attention to road safety.

Gun Violence in KC: Kansas City police are investigating a mass shooting on Troost Avenue near 79th Street that left 9 people injured early Saturday morning; three women were found at the scene and six more were later located at hospitals. All injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, and no arrests or suspect details were released. Public Safety—More KC Shooting: Late Saturday night, another Kansas City shooting on Westport Road left two men dead; homicide detectives are still working to determine what led up to the attack. Road Safety: A fatal crash on I-435 in Kansas City sent one passenger dead and the driver and two juvenile passengers to hospitals with serious or critical injuries. Local Costs & Assistance: Moberly residents face higher water and sewer rates starting July 1, with a 3% increase and added card processing fees, while utility assistance funding concerns are also rising. Community Health & Wellness: Mid-Missouri dermatologists shared summer sun-safety tips, including choosing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and applying before going outdoors. Health Policy—SNAP in Missouri Region: Coverage highlights how SNAP cuts are hitting nearby communities, with Kansas reporting major benefit losses after federal changes.

Gender-affirming care access: A New Mexico woman says even with legal protections, primary care doctors sometimes won’t continue hormone regimens without endocrinology visits—leaving patients facing months-long gaps or risky workarounds. Public health & safety: Kansas City police are investigating a Troost Avenue shooting that left nine adults injured, all with non-life-threatening wounds. Maternal health: Boone Health hosted a Mid-Mo Baby Expo for about 400 first-time parents with hands-on newborn safety, lactation, and postpartum mental health resources. Nutrition assistance: A Kansas report says nearly 22,000 Kansans lost SNAP benefits after the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” raising fears that people will “fall through the cracks.” Road injuries: A St. Louis County I-64 chain-reaction crash injured three; separate Missouri crashes in Warren and Morgan counties killed one each and sent others to hospitals. Animal health: Missouri activated its New World Screwworm response plan after the pest was detected in Texas, coordinating with state and federal partners.

Maternal & infant health: Boone Health hosted the MidMo Baby Expo in Columbia with seminars on lactation, first aid, pelvic floor therapy, and postpartum mental health, plus clinicians encouraging new parents to keep up with checkups and screenings. Public health & safety: Missouri’s Healthy SNAP launch has been pushed to Feb. 15, 2027, extending the timeline for the state’s waiver work to steer benefits toward healthier foods. Addiction prevention: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman will immediately suspend in-state sales of kratom and 7-OH after a lawsuit over “deceptive” marketing. Food & nutrition: A new report warns that many Americans may be eating too much protein; experts note excess intake can raise risks for some people, including heart and metabolic concerns. Animal health: Missouri activated a New World Screwworm response plan after USDA confirmed the pest in a Texas calf. Community health & recovery: A year after a major St. Louis tornado, a Washington University iHeard STL survey finds widespread dissatisfaction with recovery efforts. Injury & trauma: A motorcycle crash in Hannibal left two seriously injured, while a Versailles man died in a Morgan County crash.

Maternal care upgrade: SSM Health says it’s building a new maternal and newborn specialized care center at Cardinal Glennon to keep mothers and babies together—even when a newborn needs intensive care. Nutrition policy: Missouri is delaying the Healthy SNAP initiative to Feb. 15, 2027, giving DSS more time to work with local grocers and partners on the “healthier foods” waiver. Public health—food choices: A University of Missouri expert warns that Americans often eat far more protein than needed, and excess intake may raise risks like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Community health—heat safety: Missouri’s Summer Safety Day urges residents to plan for hotter, more humid weather and focus on frequent water breaks as heat index values near 100° approach. Substance safety: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based American Shaman will suspend in-state sales of kratom and 7-OH after allegations of misleading “free sample” marketing. Outdoor health: Missouri is seeing high tick activity, with officials pointing to warm, humid conditions and recommending protective clothing and permethrin-treated gear. Animal health threat: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas; Missouri’s veterinary and public health partners are preparing for possible re-emergence. Road safety: A Parkville man faces manslaughter charges after prosecutors say he was driving over 100 mph when a crash killed a passenger.

Data Center Regulation: Missouri lawmakers failed to pass data-center rules before the May 15 session end, leaving communities to rely on patchwork local moratoriums and contentious elections as hyperscale builds surge. Reproductive Health Access: A Planned Parenthood affiliate says it’s letting some women obtain “just in case” abortion pills via in-person or remote appointments, while Missouri coverage also highlights how telehealth access can be lifesaving for domestic violence survivors. Water & Health: Google pledged to replenish more water than it uses at its data centers by 2030, including infrastructure upgrades and watershed protections. Workforce Safety for Drivers: The FMCSA is seeking public comment on 11 epilepsy-related commercial driving exemptions, weighing safety on interstate roads. Cancer Research: St. Louis-area experts are featured in coverage of new leukemia/lymphoma approaches at EHA 2026, including CELMoDs and bispecifics. Community Health & Youth: Missouri’s 4-H Teen Conference drew 218 youths for leadership and service, including donations for MU Children’s Hospital. Local Care System Changes: Community Health Systems completed the sale of four Arkansas hospitals to Freeman Health System. Public Health Education: Missouri’s Department of Conservation is offering a “From Field to Classroom” workshop for K-12 educators to bring outdoor learning into schools.

First Amendment & Health Policy: A new explainer breaks down “jawboning,” showing how government pressure on private companies can raise First Amendment concerns. Maternal & Newborn Care: A Germany-based JAMA Network Open study finds umbilical cord blood glucose isn’t a reliable predictor of transitional neonatal hypoglycemia, challenging single test approaches. Overdose Prevention: Missouri reports naloxone access is rising through Medicaid standing-order claims (over 11,000 in 2025) as opioid overdose deaths decline for a third straight year, though local county tracking remains uneven. Substance Regulation: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based American Shaman will immediately suspend kratom and 7-OH sales in Missouri, ending litigation tied to alleged misleading marketing. State Health Coverage: Missouri lawmakers advance a bill to bar insurers from imposing time limits on anesthesia payment during procedures. Rural Health Governance: Scotland County Hospital names new medical staff officers, while Perry County seeks applicants for a health department board vacancy. Community Health & Safety: A tractor-trailer crash on I-70 near Boonville sent a driver to University Hospital with minor injuries.

Kratom Crackdown: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says Kansas City-based American Shaman (Shaman Botanicals) has agreed to immediately suspend all in-state sales of kratom and 7-OH, ending the AG’s lawsuit and requiring the company to stop Missouri-targeted advertising; the AG warns retailers using “free samples” and misleading marketing could face enforcement and a potential $5 million penalty. Public Health Access: Ameren Missouri donated 950 ENERGY STAR air conditioners to Cool Down St. Louis, with multiple assistance paths for eligible customers to help cover cooling and utility costs during summer heat. Maternal Safety Net: Lake Ozark will add a second Safe Haven Baby Box this fall, giving parents a secure, anonymous way to surrender newborns up to 45 days old. Healthcare Workforce: Mercy Springfield is launching a graduate medical education program in summer 2027 to expand residency and fellowship slots and help address physician shortages. Food Assistance Pressure: A report highlights concerns that SNAP cuts and added work requirements could hit rural southwest Missouri families hard, especially as food prices rise and local healthcare resources strain. Crash & Injury Updates: A fatal US 36 crash north of Kansas City killed an 85-year-old and seriously injured a passenger; in Iowa, a semi-train collision killed a 14-year-old Missouri teen and injured his father.

HIV Testing in Faith Settings: Researchers at UMKC and UMass Amherst report that a church-tailored outreach program (“Taking it to the Pews”) boosted HIV testing odds by 47% with each added intervention touchpoint, aiming to close testing gaps tied to systemic barriers. Maternal Care Affordability: More women are turning to doulas as the divide between care and cost widens, with national research linking doula support to lower cesarean risk and fewer postpartum depression/anxiety outcomes. Food Access Cuts: Missouri’s budget eliminates $2 million for Double Up Food Bucks, a SNAP program that helps families buy more fresh fruits and vegetables—raising concerns as produce prices climb. Hospital Oversight: Missouri health officials are investigating Freeman Health System’s Freeman Hospital West in Joplin; the system says operating rooms and cath labs remain fully operational. Public Health & Safety: A deadly James River Freeway crash in Springfield prompted reminders about what to do after a breakdown or collision; meanwhile, multiple serious Missouri crashes reported injuries ranging from critical to moderate. Water & Infrastructure: DNR awarded $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report grants to Greentop and Auxvasse to assess wastewater upgrades and reduce stormwater inflow. Diabetes Research: UM School of Medicine researchers report a potential islet-transplant approach that may protect cells from rejection without whole-body immunosuppressive drugs. Community Events: Queer Writes returns to the Missouri History Museum June 11, spotlighting local LGBTQ+ writers and performers.

Opioid Response: Missouri DHSS says naloxone standing-order use is rising, with 11,436 Medicaid claims in 2025, while overdose deaths decline—an update that expands eligibility and lets pharmacists dispense more when clinically appropriate. Diabetes Research: U. of Missouri researchers report a preclinical approach to protect pancreatic islet transplants using immune-regulating molecules (thrombomodulin and CD47), aiming to reduce or avoid whole-body immunosuppressive drugs. Mental Health & Veterans: Missouri Rep. Dave Griffith pushed a bill to allow psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials for veterans; it passed the House but stalled in the Senate, even as VA announced a new MDMA-assisted therapy trial. Public Health & Food Safety: Federal health officials reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa supplements after additional illnesses; consumers are urged to check recalled products even if they seem old. Safety Notes: A Quincy woman was moderately injured in a Marion County crash on U.S. 24; and in Kansas City, a helmetless minibike rider died after a collision with a van at St. John and N. White Avenues. Community Health Access: Free summer meals for kids run June 1–30 in participating locations, with breakfast and lunch hours listed by organizers.

Blood Supply & Community Volunteering: Illini West student Aiden Annegers won an ImpactLife Student Impact Award for high school blood-donation and volunteer commitment. Public Health Alerts: Missouri’s Eldon issued a boil order after E. coli and total coliform were found in the public water system. Food Safety: Federal health officials reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa supplements after more illnesses were reported, expanding the recall list. Human Services & Safety Tech: Missouri partnered with the “Simply Report” app to let people discreetly report suspected human trafficking ahead of the World Cup. Mental Health & Crisis Response: Kansas City leaders are considering a new LGBTQ conversion-therapy ban ordinance after a prior ban was struck down by the Supreme Court. Healthcare Accountability: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced seven Medicaid fraud convictions involving false timesheets, billing for unprovided care, and claims tied to deceased patients. Local Health & Access: WIC is offering $30 in farmers market benefits through October for eligible Missouri families. Injury Updates: A serious motorcycle crash injured a man near Marquand, and a juvenile was hit by a vehicle in Hannibal.