AGP Executive Report

Heat & safety: A dangerous heat wave is pushing extreme temperatures across the eastern U.S., with Missouri-area events adding cooling and water plans for the Fourth of July, including extra misting fans, shaded rest areas, and indoor cooling at the Capitol’s Salute to America. Road injuries: Missouri State Highway Patrol reports multiple crashes over the holiday stretch, including a fatal UTV crash in Laclede County and a serious motorcycle crash near Hannibal where the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet. Public health funding: Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s budget vetoes include cuts to substance use prevention funding, reducing opioid-settlement support for a prevention resource center network and other recovery-related programs. Access to care: A Missouri program that provides free rides for medical and daily needs faces major reductions after state funding was cut nearly in half, threatening transportation access for people with limited options. Consumer protection: The Missouri Attorney General opened an investigation into ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller amid fantasy football and scouting allegations. Community giving: Ahead of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding week, they announced $26 million in donations to charities, including Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and other food, children’s health, education, and animal welfare groups.

Missouri Health & Safety: CDC research finds Missouri among states with about a 24% prevalence of alpha-gal antibodies, linked to tick bites and a red-meat allergy risk; experts say testing should focus on people with symptoms like hives, GI issues, swelling, or breathing trouble. Local Health Care & Policy: A Missouri jury sided with Mead Johnson in a preterm baby formula NEC lawsuit, rejecting claims the company’s specialized formula caused the infant’s bowel disease. Community Health: ImpactLife is urging blood donations for the Fourth of July weekend as holiday travel can strain supplies. Public Health & Wellness: Researchers report progress toward “artificial cells” that can feed, grow, and reproduce—an early step toward building life-like systems in the lab. Sports & Equity: MSHSAA approved changes to its Championship Factor for private schools, depreciating postseason success points over time to improve competitive equity. Food Access: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s $26M charity donations include Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and multiple food banks, boosting hunger relief and pediatric care.

Infant Formula Lawsuit Fallout: A Missouri-linked case revisits how an infant formula maker closed a complaint after an internal memo said there was “not a reasonable possibility” the formula caused a baby’s death—raising fresh questions about what manufacturers do after NICU tragedies. Medication Abortion Access: Planned Parenthood expanded medication abortion appointments at a Kansas City-area clinic after a judge struck down multiple Missouri restrictions, aiming to reduce burdens for patients. Controlled Substance Crackdown: The DEA moved to temporarily schedule synthetic 7-OH as Schedule I, aligning with Kansas’ new ban and warning of overdose risk. Homelessness + Health Care: Three Steps Home opened in St. Louis as a medical respite facility for people without stable housing, offering short-term recovery after hospital care. Rural Care Recognition: Scotland County Hospital’s Rural Health Clinics earned NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition, including extended Monday hours. Local Public Health & Safety: A Joplin-area motorcycle crash killed a helmetless rider; other Missouri crashes sent multiple people to hospitals. Community Health Planning: Columbia formed a steering committee to build a homelessness action plan with input from health providers and community groups. Pharmacy Tech Push: A robotic pharmacy startup claims it can fill and verify prescriptions without a pharmacist present, signaling major change for medication workflows. Emergency Child Safety: St. Louis County police found an 8-year-old safe after a kidnapping tied to a stabbing of the child’s mother.

Behavioral Health Rebrand: Centerstone marked its official transition in northern Missouri with a ribbon cutting at the LaHarpe Clinic, following a late-2025 merger that brings Preferred Family Healthcare and related Burrell Behavioral Health/PFH sites under the Centerstone name by July 1. Public Health & Safety: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed the FY2027 budget ($50.7B) with major vetoes and restrictions, including limits that touch health-related programs like a dental satellite program. Substance Control: DEA moved to place “natural 7-OH” (from kratom) into Schedule I, a move that could tighten federal enforcement against products sold as tablets, gummies and drink mixes. Extreme Heat Watch: Heat alerts across the Midwest and Northeast warn of life-threatening conditions, especially for older adults, kids, and people with chronic illnesses. Access to Care Policy: A House committee advanced legislation to ease accountable care reporting burdens, aiming to keep Medicare Shared Savings Program quality requirements from becoming too costly for smaller and rural practices. Local Care Capacity: Cedar County Memorial Hospital announced orthopedic sports medicine physician Richard White will return for twice-monthly clinics starting this July. Legal/Health Litigation: Appeals court decisions in NEC preterm baby formula cases show the fight over liability is still far from over.

Medicaid & rural hospitals: A Missouri lawmaker warns Medicaid bureaucracy is breaking rural hospitals, as new Medicaid work verification rules mean more paperwork and more churn for expansion enrollees, with the state seeking major funding to process renewals. SNAP funding risk: States could owe millions next year for SNAP payment errors under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and hunger advocates fear the cost-share shift could reduce support for people who need it most. Extreme heat safety: Kansas City-area events are still running through dangerous heat, with health experts urging families to watch for heat stress and plan for crowded conditions. Trans sports: Missouri leaders are weighing further transgender athlete restrictions after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans for certain sports. Oak tree disease testing: MU Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation are offering free testing for common oak diseases, including oak wilt and bacterial leaf scorch. Budget & health funding: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Missouri’s $50.7B FY27 budget with major vetoes/restrictions, while still setting aside $24.8B for health care needs. Public health infrastructure: Boone County approved $2.86M for new radios to improve coordination across law, fire, EMS, and emergency management. Road safety: Multiple Missouri crashes sent people to hospitals, including a serious motorcycle crash in Stover and a pedestrian hit-and-run in Jefferson City.

Extreme Heat Safety: The American Red Cross and Mercy Health are warning Missourians about dangerous heat through the Fourth of July, urging hydration, cooling breaks, and watching for heat exhaustion and heat stroke—especially for older adults, people on certain medications, and outdoor workers. World Cup Heat Watch: Kansas City-area conditions are expected to push heat index values near 109°F during the Colombia–Ghana match, with organizers monitoring player welfare and hydration pauses. Public Health & Food Safety: Missouri updated animal entry rules to prevent New World Screwworm spread, and the FDA issued a recall for Oribae scalp densifying shampoo due to microbial contamination. Mental Health for First Responders: More states are expanding PTSD treatment options for firefighters, police, and EMS, including new approaches that cover care costs and reduce workplace barriers. Local Health System Training: Illinois Air National Guard medics are partnering with Missouri Baptist for trauma training to strengthen emergency readiness. Community Support: The GLO Center in the Missouri Ozarks received funding to expand regional LGBTQ+ connection and support.

Extreme Heat Watch: A heat dome is building over Missouri with highs in the 90s and heat indexes around 100–110°F into the Fourth of July, prompting health officials to warn vulnerable people to hydrate, cool down, and check on neighbors. Medication Safety: Missouri health leaders also caution that rising summer temperatures can interfere with some medications. Pharmacy Access Pressure: Industry leaders in the Ozarks say pharmacist shortages are forcing some stores to close and leaving patients at risk of delays or missed refills when pharmacy benefit managers don’t reimburse as promised. Local Health Support: A Nodaway County Health Center board expanded its Happy Bottoms diaper program after slots filled quickly, with eligibility tied to WIC for now. Workforce Tension at MU Health Care: A union alleges MU Health Care cuts violated bargaining rules after proposed staff and benefit changes were discussed without required notice. Cancer Snapshot: A national roundup highlights which states have the highest cancer rates, underscoring ongoing disparities in survival—especially for rural communities and Black patients. Public Safety in Heat: Columbia officials note heat-related deaths in 2025 and stress that heart disease and heat exposure can escalate quickly.

Extreme Heat Safety: A major heat dome has Kansas City and much of Missouri under an Extreme Heat Warning through Friday, with heat index values near 110°F; officials are urging hydration, staying in air conditioning, and using cooling centers like public libraries. Local Health Access: Joplin Mayor Rob O’Brian says City Hall, the Justice Center, and the public library are open as cooling centers during business hours, with extra help from churches and social service groups during peak danger. Public Health & Policy: Missouri may have to cover about $150 million of SNAP costs starting in 2027 if payment error rates stay above 6%, after Missouri’s FY2025 SNAP error rate was reported at 8.67%. Care in the Community: Planned Parenthood Great Plains says it will restart Louisiana services, including telehealth later this summer and an in-person clinic reopening in New Orleans this fall. Medical Workforce: Glacial Ridge Health System in Missouri welcomed Dr. Ekaterina Kostioukhina, a board-certified internal medicine physician joining the clinic and hospital. Legal/Health Impacts: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled FIFRA preempts state “failure to warn” claims tied to Roundup cancer lawsuits, a major shift for pesticide-related litigation. Violence & Child Safety: In St. Louis, a 10-year-old was charged after an alleged execution-style shooting killed a 7-month-old; the baby’s father was also arrested and charged. Injury/EMS: Two separate Phelps County crash reports describe a fatal single-vehicle crash with a serious-injury driver and a passenger death.

Heat & Safety: The Kansas City metro and much of northern/western Missouri and eastern Kansas are under an extreme heat warning through Thursday night, with heat index readings around 105–110 and especially risky overnight conditions for older adults, kids, and people with chronic conditions. Road Injuries: A La Plata motorcyclist was seriously hurt after a Route A crash in Adair County when the bike struck a culvert and went airborne; a Cairo rider also suffered moderate injuries after a Highway 63 motorcycle crash south of Excello. Crash Updates: A Highway 61 two-vehicle crash north of New London sent a woman passenger to Barnes Hospital by air evac after the Ram overturned. Public Health Care Access: Centerstone held a ceremony in Kirksville to officially rebrand Preferred Family Healthcare (PFH) as part of a merger, expanding “whole person” services including therapy, psychiatry, primary care, and pharmacy under one roof. Food Safety: Washington County restaurant inspections flagged issues including cockroaches in food prep areas and sanitation/venting problems. Legal/Health Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked thousands of Roundup “failure to warn” lawsuits, overturning a Missouri verdict tied to cancer claims. Community Wellness: Spokes BMX hosted a Missouri State Qualifier in Springfield, promoting youth sports and wellness despite weather delays.

Extreme Heat Watch: The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for the Kansas City metro and much of northern/western Missouri and eastern Kansas through Thursday night, with heat indexes around 105–110 and especially risky overnight conditions. SCOTUS & Cancer Labels: In a major Missouri case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Bayer can’t be sued under state failure-to-warn law over Roundup cancer warnings, overturning a $1.25 million Missouri verdict and reshaping thousands of pending claims. Local Public Safety: Kansas City firefighters responded to a two-story apartment fire that sent one person to the hospital for significant smoke inhalation; the cause is under investigation. Violence & Health Impacts: A father of a 7-month-old killed in St. Louis has been charged with second-degree murder, after witnesses said a 10-year-old found and fired a gun. Heat + Health Access: Missouri emergency management is urging residents to use cooling shelters and follow heat rules as dangerous temperatures build. Health Research: MU received NIH grants to study mechanisms that may contribute to infertility in women, including processes in the oviduct and progesterone disruption. Road & Water Injuries: Multiple crash reports include fatal UTV rollovers in the region and a Lake of the Ozarks pontoon crash where a boater was seriously hurt and arrested on boating-while-intoxicated suspicions.

Medication Policy: Kansas AG Kris Kobach’s push to restrict mifepristone is drawing backlash because the drug is also used for conditions like Cushing’s syndrome and unresolved miscarriages, raising concerns about spillover harm beyond abortion care. Maternal Mental Health: A new report finds states introduced more maternal mental health bills in 2025, with Missouri included among those passing more “substantive” measures like universal screening in a budget bill. Public Health & Safety: Forecasters warn a July 4 heat wave could bring dangerous temperatures across Missouri and much of the Midwest, with guidance for families on heat stress. Animal Health: Missouri updated animal movement rules after New World screwworm was detected in Texas, tightening requirements for animals entering from infested zones. Local Health Infrastructure: Central Missouri Humane Society says it has raised about $14M toward a $20M shelter and vet clinic, aiming to break ground in spring or summer 2027. Injury & Violence Alerts: Police report a 10-year-old shot and killed a 7-month-old in St. Louis; separate reports also describe serious crashes and a Lake of the Ozarks pontoon collision involving intoxication.

Maternal Mental Health Push: A new report says 34 states introduced 107 maternal mental health bills in 2025—up 46%—and Missouri’s budget bill would require the Department of Mental Health to set up universal screening for maternal depression and other behavioral health disorders. Cancer Care Research: A phase 1 trial found duvelisib plus nivolumab produced responses in relapsed/refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, but immune side effects limited dosing, raising concerns about broader use. Heat & Safety Alerts: Forecasters warn a July 4 heat wave could bring dangerous temperatures across much of the Midwest and East, with Missouri included; officials urge hydration and heat-stress precautions. Road & Water Injuries: Multiple Missouri crashes sent people to hospitals, including a Taney County head-on collision with serious injuries and a Lake of the Ozarks boat crash where a driver was seriously hurt and reportedly intoxicated. Violence in Kansas City: Police are investigating another Kansas City homicide after a man was found dead in a driveway following an argument that escalated into gunfire. Animal Welfare Funding: Central Missouri Humane Society says it has raised about $14M toward a $20M campaign for a new shelter with a vet clinic and adoption space. Health Care Fraud Crackdown: DOJ charged 455 people nationwide, including more than two dozen Missouri residents, in a record $6.5B health care fraud takedown tied to alleged patient harm.

Health Care Fraud Crackdown: DOJ charged 455 people nationwide in a record $6.5 billion Medicare/Medicaid fraud takedown, including more than two dozen Missouri residents, with officials saying the schemes caused serious patient harm. Legal/Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Roundup failure-to-warn cancer claims are blocked by federal law, a decision that could reshape pesticide-related lawsuits. Missouri Health System Changes: The University of Missouri is eliminating the executive vice chancellor role for health affairs; MU School of Medicine’s interim dean will step in as the structure shifts amid MU Health Care restructuring. Animal & Food Safety: Missouri updated animal movement rules for New World Screwworm infested zones, tightening documentation and entry permit requirements. Public Health & Access: A Hannibal meeting is set for July 16 to discuss demolition of the old St. Elizabeth hospital and neighborhood impacts. Community Health Equity: Black LGBTQ+ advocates are urging Missouri medical settings to improve trust and visibility for patients, not just clinical care. Injury/Local Safety: A 10-year-old was seriously hurt in a Missouri UTV crash, and a Stover woman suffered serious injuries after a tire blowout led to a crash.

Supreme Court & Health Policy: In a major win for Bayer, the U.S. Supreme Court limited Roundup-related cancer lawsuits, ruling states can’t require extra warning labels beyond what federal regulators approve—an outcome Missouri residents and national advocates say could narrow legal options. Missouri Heat Safety: Missouri Extension is warning families to plan for extreme Fourth of July heat, with hydration, cooling breaks, sunscreen, and pet safety tips aimed at preventing heat illness. Care Access & Mental Health: A report highlights Missouri’s psychiatric bed backlog, saying delays in care are pushing families toward emergency systems and jails. PTSD Support: A national spotlight on PTSD service dogs notes how trained animals can reduce symptoms for veterans who struggle with traditional treatments. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA recalled 684,000 bags of potato chips sold at Walmart across 35 states. Road Safety: Missouri crash coverage includes a 10-year-old seriously injured after a UTV rollover in Mississippi County and other multi-vehicle incidents across the region. Local Wellness: A new chiropractic & wellness practice opened in West Jefferson, promoting holistic, lifestyle-focused care.

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. The majority said federal pesticide labeling rules preempt state “failure to warn” claims, while dissenters argued Monsanto could have added warnings without violating federal law—leaving many injured Missourians and others with fewer legal paths. Missouri Mental Health Access: A Missouri psychiatric bed backlog is still delaying care for people caught in the criminal justice system, with families and jails feeling the strain as evaluations and state placements get stuck. Local Health Care Expansion: Springfield is set to improve pediatric access with new facilities—St. Louis Children’s at CoxHealth opening in March and Children’s Mercy with Mercy O’Reilly Pediatric Center arriving in December—aimed at reducing the need for kids to travel out of the area. Community Support: A Moberly mother is launching an emergency resource after leaning on community programs during a difficult period, highlighting how local support networks can fill gaps when systems fall short.

Supreme Court Roundup Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court (7-2) overturned a $1.25 million Missouri verdict against Bayer/Monsanto, saying federal pesticide labeling rules block state “failure-to-warn” cancer lawsuits tied to Roundup’s glyphosate ingredient—an outcome expected to shut down thousands of similar cases and accelerate Bayer’s push to end the litigation. Reproductive Health Access: Planned Parenthood announced it will return to Louisiana with a New Orleans clinic and telehealth services (contraception, STI care, screenings, and other preventive services), while Louisiana’s attorney general criticized the move amid the state’s abortion ban. Skincare Ingredient Watch: Bee Naturals released a report arguing that niacinamide performance and skin tolerability depend more on overall formulation balance than on chasing ever-higher percentages, noting many studies were done at lower concentrations than today’s 10–20% products. Local Health & Safety: A Pulaski County crash left two seriously injured; a Pulaski County DWI-related arrest report followed the crash. Healthcare Leadership: ClearSky Rehab Lakeshore named Brittani Coffey as CEO, bringing about 15 years of nursing and rehab leadership experience. Public Health Infrastructure: Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources awarded wastewater funding—$688,000 to Billings for planning/design and $564,968 to Boone County Regional Sewer District for sewer main work and closing treatment lagoons.