State Law & Public Safety: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed new Missouri measures aimed at cutting pregnancy-related deaths, including expanded Medicaid coverage for doula visits and required blood-pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum patients, with the changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. Crime & Rural Infrastructure: A new law starting late August creates a felony path for unauthorized possession of certain copper and telecom materials, making it easier to charge wire thieves even when investigators find coiled cable without a clear theft link. Healthcare & Economic Development: Kehoe also signed a broader package that includes telehealth access changes and an economic development bill creating new incentives for downtown and main-street investment. Agriculture & Animal Health: Missouri Extension and the state Department of Agriculture released guidance for livestock owners on New World screwworm, urging stronger biosecurity, wound care, and travel inspections. Utilities & Cost of Living: Ameren Missouri asked regulators for a rate change that could raise typical bills by about $13 starting mid-2027, with a proposed discount for some lower-income customers. Business & Connectivity: ALLO Fiber expanded into Connectbase’s Connected World ecosystem to improve enterprise visibility into fiber service availability. Local Culture & Community: St. Louis City fined the Mark Twain Hotel after code-violation findings tied to First Alert 4 reporting.