AGP Executive Report

World Cup Tourism & Lodging: Jackson voters will decide in August on a proposed 5% hotel & tourism tax aimed at boosting local promotion and events. Kansas City Travel Demand: North Kansas City temporarily banned camping on public property from June 11 to July 21 during the FIFA World Cup, with 24-hour removal notices. New Air Service: Allegiant launched its first flight into Columbia Regional Airport from Orlando-Sanford, with additional routes to Destin and St. Pete-Clearwater planned. Outdoor & Family Fun: Honey Creek Resort in Iowa is set to reopen in mid-June, and Missouri hiking gets a spotlight with summer trail picks like Devil’s Icebox and Hickory Canyons. Road Safety: A south KC crash left a driver critically injured after hitting a speed limit sign and a streetlight; in Poplar Bluff, a woman was hurt after falling from a moving vehicle. Weather Watch: A major severe weather system is putting over 25 million people at risk across the Plains and into the Midwest.

World Cup Travel & Local Rules: North Kansas City has passed a temporary ban on outdoor camping from June 11 to July 21 as FIFA World Cup crowds roll into the metro, with a 24-hour warning before tents and gear can be confiscated. Outdoor Recreation Policy: The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing a $5 permit for camping at many conservation-area sites (up to five days and 10 people), plus limits on how often people can camp; public comments run July 16–Aug. 14, with changes targeted for early 2027. Road Trip Disruptions: Old Lemay Ferry Road south of Arnold (Vogel Road to Spring Forest Drive) is closed to northbound traffic for widening and safety work, with one-way southbound access and a planned Aug. 24 return to normal traffic. Cycling Safety Debate: Jefferson City’s “Idaho Stop” ordinance for cyclists was vetoed and sent back to committee for possible revisions. Missouri Summer Fun: A list of 10 Missouri summer festivals highlights big draws like Fair St. Louis, the Missouri State Fair, and Roots N Blues in Columbia. Local Events: Missouri Valley Master Gardeners host a Lawn & Garden tour June 13, with registration at Riverview Reformed Church.

Route 66 Revival: Sullivan’s Shamrock Court Motel has reopened, bringing a classic Route 66 stop back to life for travelers. Comfort Food Spotlight: Kansas City’s Q39 is highlighted for its barbecue-as-comfort-food approach, with low-and-slow oak-and-hickory technique. Veterans Housing: St. Michael’s Veterans Center in Kansas City completed Valor House, adding permanent affordable homes for 179 veterans. Air Travel Update: Lufthansa added seasonal frequency on its St. Louis–Frankfurt nonstop, boosting service to five days a week through October. World Cup Travel Costs: A new breakdown estimates Americans may spend roughly $3,300 to $7,500+ per person to attend the 2026 World Cup, depending on host city. State Parks & History: Mark Twain State Park marked America’s 250th with new flags across the grounds. Outdoor Camping Rules: Missouri’s conservation agency is seeking public comment on proposed camping permit changes for MDC lands. Road & ADA Work: Camdenton’s Ha Ha Tonka Road entrance closes June 3–24, and Jackson’s U.S. 61/MO 72 gets ADA sidewalk improvements June 15–July 24. Safety & Travel Tips: Missouri guidance notes there’s no specific ban on pets in laps, but it can lead to distracted/reckless driving issues—secure pets instead. Fishing Guide: A Missouri fishing roundup spotlights top lakes for bass, crappie, catfish, and more.

World Cup Travel Watch: Kansas City is bracing for heavier traffic statewide as FIFA World Cup visitors move between hotels, Arrowhead-area events, and attractions, and MoDOT is urging drivers to plan ahead (especially mid-June through mid-July). Road Work Disruptions: MoDOT begins a six-month I-70/Route O interchange reconstruction Tuesday, with major ramp closures and detours through November. Camping Rules Proposal: The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking public input on new permits for camping on conservation areas starting March 2027, citing rising violations, safety issues, vandalism, and longer-than-allowed stays. Lake Fun & Family Events: Wappapello Lake hosts a free Jack Miller Memorial Kid’s Fun Day June 6 with fishing, cookout, and awards, plus more summer programming at the lake. Safety Reminder: A Willard man drowned June 1 at Stockton Lake’s Master’s Swim Beach while attempting to swim across a cove.

FIFA World Cup Travel Pressure: MoDOT is warning drivers to plan ahead for sharply heavier traffic across Missouri as World Cup crowds move between Kansas City hotels, venues, and attractions. Roadwork Detour Alert: A six-month I-70/Route O interchange reconstruction starts Tuesday, with multiple ramp closures and detours running through November. Outdoor Camping Rules: The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing camping permits for conservation areas (including a $5 five-day permit for up to 10 people) and special permits for larger groups, with changes targeted for March 2027. State Park Summer Plans: Missouri state parks and historic sites are kicking off June with family-friendly events, including gardening programs, festivals, and hands-on activities. Lake Season Picks: Missouri’s most popular lakes are gearing up for summer fun, from Lake of the Ozarks to Table Rock and Mark Twain Lake. MDC Hunting Update: Nonresident deer hunting rules are shifting, including a reduced antlered buck bag limit and a proposed $165 public-land permit starting with the 2027 season. Route 66 Spotlight: Joplin’s World Street Painting festival returns June 6, celebrating Route 66’s 100th birthday with 3D chalk art. Safety Note: A house fire near the Lake area in Morgan County killed several family pets; the cause was listed as undetermined.

World Cup Travel Prep: Argentina’s World Cup title defense kicked off with the team landing in Kansas City, setting up at the Origin Hotel and training at Sporting KC’s Kansas City, Kansas facility—plus expect more visitor traffic across Missouri. Tipping & Dining Costs: Some U.S. World Cup host-city restaurants are posting notices for a 20% automatic gratuity during the tournament to help international guests navigate U.S. tipping norms. Road Trips & Getting Around: MoDOT’s big I-70 modernization push continues, including Providence Road Bridge demolition and ongoing northern Missouri closures/bridge work that could mean detours and delays. Rail History on the Move: The “Big Boy” steam locomotive tour is heading toward Illinois and then back through Ohio and Missouri as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations. Outdoor & Nature: Spring River fish and mussels are rebounding after decades of cleanup, but new threats are already on the horizon. Family Travel Budgeting: With summer spending rising, travelers are being urged to plan ahead so fun doesn’t quietly turn into overspending. Wildlife Safety: Missouri’s black bear sightings are trending in certain counties—experts say don’t run if you encounter one.

Road & Bridge Updates: MoDOT is “future-proofing” I-70 with a major $2.8B Improve I-70 push, including adding a third lane each direction and rebuilding bridges/overpasses around Columbia and Boone County. Weekend Detours: The Providence Road Bridge demolition in Columbia is finished, but drivers can’t cross I-70 via Providence Road for months; expect detours and ramp closures. Northern Missouri Closures: More scheduled road closures and bridge work are set across northern counties (Route F, Route V, Route AX, Route K, Route Z, plus longer Route 5 resurfacing). Travel Deals & Costs: AAA reports Missouri gas is down about 13–15 cents, but diesel remains pricey—still a hit to grocery and retail costs. World Cup Travel Watch: Kansas City is gearing up for FIFA World Cup crowds, with Argentina arriving for training at a KC-area base. Family Fun & Outdoors: Forest Park in St. Louis was named the top U.S. park in USA Today’s 10Best awards; plus, Shawnee Bend Sand is bringing white-sand “beach” vibes to Lake of the Ozarks. Safety Note: A Missouri biker suffered minor injuries in a crash with a semi in Holt County.

Airport & Roads: Columbia Regional Airport starts a shuttle for travelers parked in the new south lot, as the airport adds parking to keep up with rising demand; meanwhile, MoDOT demolition work on the Providence Road overpass bridge over I-70 is underway in Columbia, narrowing lanes and bringing up to hour-long backups. Lake of the Ozarks: Adventure Boat Rentals has moved to Adventure 3 Marina in Birdsong Hollow Cove, expanding its fleet and adding slip rentals, dry storage, a ramp, and fuel options for weekend lake-goers. Family & Community Events: Jefferson City’s Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association hosts the Backyard BBQ Bash June 2 with dinner, music, and activities, with proceeds supporting foster and adoptive families. Safety on the Road: A minibike vs. van crash in Kansas City left one person critically injured; Missouri also saw fatal and serious motorcycle crashes across the region, including a helmet-related fatality in Labette County, Kansas. Travel Planning Tip: MoDOT is urging extra caution and buffer time around Columbia’s I-70 bridge impacts as summer travel ramps up.

World Cup Travel in Kansas City: Arrowhead Stadium is being adjusted to meet FIFA standards, but the bigger story is where fans will actually feel the event—hotels, restaurants, and local institutions across the metro. Family Summer Plans: A new guide highlights budget-friendly family vacation ideas for 2026, with Missouri state parks also pitching in with kid-friendly activities. Missouri Outdoors & Road Updates: Lake of the Ozarks State Park roads are set for resurfacing this summer, and MoDOT has a June 1–7 North Missouri roadwork rundown. Tourism Boost in Southwest Missouri: The Bonne Terre Space Museum is relocating to Neosho, bringing about $40 million in artifacts and a potential regional draw. Local Events: Kirksville and Truman State University kicked off the Special Olympics Missouri Summer Games, and Northeast Missouri state parks are rolling out summer family programs. Safety & Health Watch: Missouri is seeing a tick surge, and USPS data lists Missouri among the states with the most dog attacks on mail carriers. Community & Culture: A mural celebrating America’s 250th birthday was unveiled in Mexico, Missouri.

Road & Traffic Updates: MoDOT is scheduling North Missouri maintenance and bridge work for June 1-7, with lane reductions and closures in Atchison, Buchanan and other counties; in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, crews will resurface major roads starting June 1 (Grand Glaize Beach, Pa He Tsi, plus several camp roads), keeping one lane open with flaggers and finishing most work by late June. Summer Travel Planning: MoDOT also warns Kansas City-area traffic will spike for the FIFA World Cup, with match dates at Arrowhead and the Fan Festival running June 11-July 11, and urges drivers to adjust routes and schedules. New Tourism Draw: The Bonne Terre Space Museum is relocating to Neosho, bringing more than $40 million in space artifacts and aiming to become a regional destination within 1-2 years. Outdoors & Getaways: A list highlights 7 Missouri lakes to visit before summer crowds peak, and Lake-of-the-Ozarks-area visitors get a reminder to expect the unexpected on busy weekends. Wildlife & Safety: A California man was sentenced to 65 months for smuggling at least 1,700 reptiles into the U.S., while Missouri’s Highway Patrol reports a serious crash near Birch Tree with five injured, including three children. Local Events: Missouri State University announced Rainn Wilson as the free, public keynote for its Public Affairs Conference on Sept. 29.

World Cup travel planning (Kansas City): Kansas City is gearing up for six FIFA World Cup matches this summer, and local coverage highlights what to do beyond the pitch—plus how Springfield-area visitors can make it an easy weekend or day trip. Ozarks road-trip ideas (Route 19): A new guide spotlights scenic stops near the Current River and other river adventures, including nearby state parks and campground access points. Missouri river camping pick: Alley Spring Campground near the Ozark National Scenic Riverway is being called a hidden gem for a quieter, spring-and-stream camping experience. Local safety rules (Jefferson City): City officials advanced ordinances aimed at cracking down on minibikes and stunt driving after noise and reckless-driving complaints. Road closures (Columbia I-70): MoDOT plans major Providence Road bridge demolition with I-70 reduced to one lane and ramp access changes for about 36 hours, then continued detours for months. Highway work (Cape Girardeau/DeKalb area): Separate crash reports include a fatal rollover in Cape Girardeau County and an injury crash near Cameron on Highway 36. Family travel + fun (Columbia spelling): Columbia’s Ananya Aggarwal reached the Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals before being eliminated on “valise.” Dog-bite prevention for travelers: USPS is rolling out Dog Bite Awareness guidance ahead of June 1, urging pet owners to secure dogs during mail delivery. Outdoor/attractions: A Missouri campground and Route 19 itinerary are paired with weekend event coverage, including local track and field state-championship hopes.

Road & Transit Updates: MoDOT is closing the right lane of eastbound I-70 at St. Charles Road in Columbia from 5 p.m. Thursday to early Friday for emergency pavement repairs, with backups expected—drivers should plan alternate routes and extra time. World Cup Travel Prep: Kansas City is gearing up for massive FIFA World Cup crowds with free watch parties at the National WWI Museum and Memorial (ticketed Fan Fest), plus ConnectKC26 park-and-ride options; MoDOT also urges drivers and freight trucks to reroute around KC to ease congestion. Safety on the Move: A Plattsburg woman was injured in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. 36 near Cameron when her Lexus left the roadway and overturned. Family Travel Safety: Two Missouri children abducted to New Mexico were found safe in Chaparral; a Nodaway County man faces kidnapping charges. Local Airport News: Ground was broken for a new hangar at Monett Regional Airport, a $1.2M federally funded project. Food & Fun: Chipotle is testing a limited-time $2.50 taco happy hour in Kansas City (MO and KS) on weekdays through June 2.

Road & Safety: A 73-year-old woman died and a 70-year-old man was seriously hurt in an Osage County crash on MO 100 after the driver suffered a medical emergency; neither was wearing a seat belt. Road & Safety: I-70 construction in Warren County is seeing pavement failure and potholes after lane shifts, with MoDOT saying repairs are underway and traffic patterns may change. Road & Safety: MoDOT begins a major Providence Road bridge demolition over I-70 Friday night, narrowing traffic to one lane in each direction and closing crossings through October. Travel Disruption: Jefferson City starts an 11-month Route 63/Highway 54 bridge-area project Monday, adding a dedicated southbound lane to reduce merging slowdowns. Local Events & Tourism: Hannah Harper, the American Idol winner, will open for Lauren Alaina on select Stages Tour dates including Springfield and Columbia, Missouri. Sports Tourism: Mizzou’s Sept. 19 home game vs Troy is set as Memorial Stadium’s 100th anniversary, with an 11:45 a.m. CT kickoff streaming on SEC Network+. Family Travel Caution: A rock festival death in Missouri highlights crowd-safety risks for summer concertgoers.

Lake of the Ozarks Safety: A Roach man, 82, drowned after falling from a dock into the Little Niangua Arm; the Highway Patrol says the fall’s cause is unknown. Memorial Day Travel Caution: AAA and Missouri crash data highlight “100 deadliest days,” urging parents to talk with teens before they drive; Missouri State Highway Patrol reports thousands of crashes and hundreds of teen deaths in recent years. Lake of the Ozarks Weekend Watch: A LakeTV/LakeExpo recap flags Memorial Day happenings, including a failed Lake casino signature push and other local lake-life updates. Local Events in Kirksville: The Kirksville area lines up summer programming, including Special Olympics Missouri’s opening ceremony May 29 and an Art Walk June 5. Family Fun in Grafton: Raging Rivers Waterpark opened its 37th season in Grafton, with attractions ready for summer visitors. Missouri Ballot Update: A proposed Lake of the Ozarks private casino won’t reach the November ballot after a signature shortfall. Gas Prices: Douglas County’s lowest regular gas hit $3.97 (week ending May 16), while Missouri’s average rose to $4.15. Route 66 Travel Inspiration: A new Route 66-focused piece spotlights the road’s 100-year legacy and why it still draws road-trippers.

Reproductive Health Policy: Missouri lawmakers just cleared a bill that would let people with private insurance get a 12-month supply of oral contraceptives at once starting in 2027—aimed at cutting down on repeated trips, time off work, and refill hassles. Road Safety: A string of serious crashes hit the state this week, including a fatal rollover on MO-52 near Appleton City and another deadly deer collision on I-29 in Holt County. Local Life & Travel: Kansas City keeps gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, with major prep underway for visiting teams and fans—plus a new Route 66 driving tour added for road-trippers. Wildlife Watch: A young black bear was spotted near a dumpster in Osage Beach, a reminder to stay alert as bear activity ramps up. Sports & Events: Mizzou marked its Memorial Stadium 100th anniversary game, and the SEC is moving to end late-season “cupcake weekend” starting in 2027.

Montgomery County Data-Center Clash: Construction is already underway on Google’s “Project Spade” south of I-70 near New Florence, with Amazon Web Services’ “Project Green” farther east—yet residents are pushing back over costs and community change while proponents promise jobs and tax revenue. SEC College Sports Tension: Georgia coach Kirby Smart and SEC leaders are openly debating whether conferences should set their own rules if enforcement stays weak, as college athletics’ “Wild West” culture keeps colliding with calls for unified standards. World Cup Logistics in Missouri: FIFA has finalized training base camps—Argentina, England, and the Netherlands are all in Kansas City—while fans are also bracing for transit sticker shock in some host cities. MDC Outdoors: A free two-day Alternative Methods Catfishing Clinic runs June 19–20 at Columbia Bottom (Spanish Lake), and MDC is reminding people to be “Bear-Wise” after a black bear was spotted near Domino’s in Osage Beach. Road & Travel Watch: MoDOT is warning of summer driving hazards and work zones, including Route 160 narrowing near Doniphan for repairs starting June 1. Big Numbers: Mega Millions is at a $311 million jackpot after Memorial Day.