AGP Executive Report

FIFA World Cup in Missouri: Kansas City is gearing up for a big June surge, with KC2026 estimating about 650,000 visitors and more than $650 million in economic activity tied to the tournament, plus millions in public investment aimed at recouping costs. Local Travel & Safety: Kansas City Police are investigating a theft from an England team vehicle in transit to Swope Soccer Village; two people were taken into custody after boots, training gear, and official balls were reported missing. Road Updates: MoDOT has a busy stretch of work ahead—expect lane reductions and closures for resurfacing and bridge projects, including Route 28 resurfacing in Maries/Pulaski and a Route VV Platte River Bridge closure starting June 22. Family Fun: Columbia businesses are hosting World Cup watch parties starting Friday, giving fans a local, lower-cost way to catch the action. Outdoor Getaway: A Beaver Lake Dam visit near the Missouri/Arkansas line highlights easy overlooks and nearby camping for a scenic day trip.

World Cup in Missouri: Kansas City is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an estimated 650,000 visitors and major local investment tied to hosting four teams and at least six matches, including a Group Stage opener at Arrowhead Stadium (Argentina vs. Algeria on June 16). Free fun for visitors: Go North KC and the City of Liberty are launching free FIFA World Cup watch parties in the Northland, starting tonight at Liberty High School Stadium with food and family activities. Road-trip travel news: Wally’s Travel Center plans to open its biggest location yet in Whitestown, Indiana, on June 30—about one-third larger than its Missouri site. Local history for travelers: A historic schoolhouse in Neosho connected to George Washington Carver is undergoing restoration, aiming to return the interior to its 1912 look. Wildlife safety: Missouri Conservation agents are urging people in Columbia not to approach a black bear seen multiple times, and to secure trash and bird feeders. Getting around: MoDOT has resurfacing work scheduled to start June 19 across several northeast Missouri routes, with lane closures and detours. On the road (safety): A fatal motorcycle crash involving a van and trailer occurred on Missouri Route 52 near Butler, and a separate I-70 chain-reaction crash in Boone County involved a semitruck in a work zone.

World Cup in Missouri/Kansas City: Kansas City is gearing up for FIFA World Cup 2026 with four teams and at least six matches, and local planners are bracing for big swings in crowd sizes and hotel demand; KC2026 estimates 650,000 visitors and says the event is already driving major transport and visitor services. Sustainability spotlight: A new analysis says the tournament could be the most carbon-intensive ever, with about 3.7 million tons of CO2e tied to the expanded match schedule and travel across three countries. Local hospitality & visitor welcome: Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz District kicked off World Cup activation with live music and a big-screen viewing, while KC-area volunteers and host families are preparing to welcome fans. Getting there (and around): MoDOT is scheduling key road closures for the Route 370 Discovery Bridge work and Route 94 lane shutdowns, plus other nearby roadway updates. Travel safety/weather: Severe storms and tornadoes hit the Midwest, knocking out power, disrupting flights, and causing damage across the region. On-the-ground Missouri travel moments: The Hot Rod Power Tour rolled into Springfield, and Columbia Regional Airport is seeing new Allegiant service interest.

FIFA World Cup in Kansas City: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is warning fans about scams targeting tickets, short-term rentals, and parking as KC prepares for six matches at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Local Travel & Lodging: A new report says Missouri has seen vacation-home purchases drop 61.3% since 2021, a sign of shifting demand and affordability pressures. KC Nightlife Rules: Kansas City approved permits for 16 bars to stay open until 5 a.m. during the World Cup, running June 11 through July 19. Road Updates: MoDOT will close Missouri Route 94 lanes for two weekends at the Discovery Bridge in St. Charles County (June 12-14 and June 19-21) with Route 370 kept partially open. Family-Friendly Events: Kirksville’s summer calendar includes the July 3-4 Red, White & Blue Festival plus community service events like Battle of the Badges backpack drives. Health Access for Travelers: The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff will add cochlear implant programming starting June 17, reducing long-distance travel for follow-up care. Safety Watch: Authorities are investigating a fatal crash in Kansas City involving a speeding SUV on I-435, and Missouri Route 94 work is expected to cause backups.

World Cup Travel & Safety: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says her office is partnering with groups to combat human trafficking risks tied to the FIFA World Cup, citing Kansas City’s expected visitor surge and the tournament’s “Super Bowl times” threat level. Severe Weather Disruptions: A derecho and storms slammed parts of the Midwest, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands and causing major damage across multiple states, including Missouri. Local Tourism & Events: Jefferson Farm and Garden in Columbia hosts its free ninth annual Butterfly Festival Saturday, with tours, crafts, vendors, and a plant sale (plus nearby road impacts to plan around). Road Trip Culture: A cyclist aiming to set a Route 66 Centennial world record pushed into Missouri after grueling heat and humidity, with Joplin playing a key role in the ride. Sports Schedule for Travelers: Missouri released 2026 football TV windows, including a primetime opener and a mix of early/afternoon/night/flex start times that can affect weekend travel plans. Lake of the Ozarks Watch: At Lake of the Ozarks, Tegethoff Development says its Chapter 11 filing is a reorganization, not a liquidation, as disputes continue over major project roles. FIFA Lodging Reality Check (KC): Reports say FIFA canceled about 75% of reserved hotel rooms in Kansas City due to weaker-than-expected demand, adding uncertainty for local lodging partners. Missouri Waterfront Getaways: A roundup highlights standout Missouri waterfront stays, from lake cottages to scenic rentals around Lake of the Ozarks and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

World Cup Travel Safety: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway is warning Kansans City-bound visitors about scams targeting short-term stays, tickets, and parking as FIFA 2026 ramps up demand. Severe Weather Watch: A destructive storm system pushed through eastern Kansas into the Kansas City area with damaging winds and flooding rain, leaving tens of thousands without power and prompting ongoing cleanup. Local Road & Flood Impacts: Columbia is dealing with record rainfall and saturated ground, with officials monitoring for more flooding; meanwhile, 14 Missouri communities are tracking river levels closely. Springfield Community Events: Two Saturday events—D.A.S. Baton Honors Award and the Living Histories Freedom Ball Fundraiser—are set for Springfield, spotlighting local history and community resilience. Outdoor Accessibility: OHI is pushing the ACCESS Act to curb ADA website lawsuit tactics aimed at small outdoor hospitality businesses, with Missouri and California lawmakers meeting in Washington. Lake of the Ozarks Update: Osage Beach approved a $650M Outlet Mall TIF, and a local “Cup of Coffee” roundup also flags Chapter 11 filings tied to the Oasis amusement park. Travel-Adjacent Crime & Safety: Police are investigating alleged sex crimes involving a Kansas man in Harrisonville, and a fatal rollover crash closed northbound I-435 in Kansas City for hours.

World Cup Safety & Tourism: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced a partnership with “It’s a Penalty” to combat human trafficking ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with survivor-centered resources and reporting tools aimed at fans, travelers, and local communities. Camping & Outdoor Access: The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing a $5 camping permit system for conservation areas after camping violations and safety/environmental issues rose sharply since 2015; public comment runs July 16–Aug. 14. Travel Season Alerts: Gas prices keep easing in Missouri, with GasBuddy reporting premium and midgrade declines in multiple counties for the week ending May 30. Local Roads & Safety: A fatal two-vehicle crash in Scott County killed a 23-year-old woman near Vanduser, while separate reports include a serious I-435 crash in Kansas City and a motorcycle injury near Burlington Junction. Community for Families: Adair County’s “Battle of the Badges: Backpack Edition” is collecting new backpacks through June for the 2026 Back-to-School Fair. Music on the Road: Clint Black and Midland announced limited co-headlining fall tour dates, including a stop in the Midwest and South with an Oct. 9 charity appearance in Indianapolis.

Missouri Camping Rules: The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing a $5 camping permit system for conservation areas after violations and safety/environmental issues jumped from 2015 to 2024; public comment runs July 16–Aug. 14. World Cup Travel Crunch (Kansas City): FIFA mass-booked hotel rooms in Kansas City, then canceled about 75% of the blocked inventory, leaving local hotels scrambling as tournament travel ramps up. Roaring River State Park Update: Roaring River State Park shared progress at its annual meeting, highlighting major upgrades including a new wastewater system and campground/cabin improvements. Road & Weather Alerts: A Missouri 240 bridge near Glasgow reopened after an inspection tied to loose barges; meanwhile, NOAA warns of a Thursday severe weather setup with hail and possible strong tornadoes across parts of Missouri and Illinois. Local Events & Fun: Hannibal marks the 150th birthday of the town that inspired “Tom Sawyer,” and Tarkio’s PRCA Rodeo festivities are set for June 19–20.

World Cup safety & planning: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway is partnering with “It’s a Penalty” to boost public awareness and reporting to fight human trafficking as 2026 FIFA World Cup crowds roll in, with Kansas City nonprofits and law enforcement expanding support. Severe weather: Flash flooding hit parts of southeast Missouri after heavy rain, with Cape Girardeau reporting rescues and stalled vehicles; residents are urged to avoid flooded roads. Road travel impacts: MoDOT says U.S. Route 71 in Nodaway County will see intermittent rolling closures Wednesday morning for Evergy transmission line work. Local travel disruptions: Overnight Hwy. 67 closures near I-55 in the Festus area run Tuesday, June 9 through Saturday, June 13 for remilling and resurfacing, with signed detours. Outdoor & family fun: Sam A. Baker State Park marks its 100th anniversary with a free June 13 event featuring exhibits, bluegrass, CCC lodge tours, and a van tour to the Mudlick Mountain Fire Tower. Community events: Poplar Bluff’s Animal Welfare Alliance hosts Band-a-Palooza June 20 at The Camp to benefit its no-kill shelter. Safety reminder: A fatal crash shut northbound I-435 lanes near Eastwood Trafficway for about three hours, underscoring the need for extra caution on busy highways.

World Cup Safety in Kansas City: A mass shooting near England’s Kansas City base camp left 9 injured Saturday; police said victims are expected to survive and no suspect was in custody. Human Trafficking Watch: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway announced a partnership with global campaign “It’s a Penalty” to help stop trafficking during the World Cup. Severe Weather & Flooding: Heavy rain triggered flooded roads across mid-Missouri, with multiple vehicle rescues and closures reported. Road Travel Alert: Northbound I-435 in Kansas City reopened after a fatal crash involving a speeding SUV that rolled near Eastwood Trafficway. Missouri Outdoors & Family Fun: Missouri Stream Teams are inviting people to celebrate National Rivers Month in June with stream cleanups and activities for a chance at stickers and prizes. Health for Travelers: Missouri researchers highlighted alpha-gal syndrome as a growing tick-borne allergy concern, with symptoms that can hit hours after eating mammal products. Route 66 Stop: Carthage is spotlighted as a classic Route 66 roadside base for history, food, and easy multi-day exploring.

World Cup Travel Watch: Kansas City is gearing up for England’s arrival, but a mass shooting early Saturday near Troost Avenue left nine people injured (all expected to survive) and has renewed security questions, even as police say it wasn’t tied to the tournament. Stadium & City Planning: England beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa and will face Costa Rica in Orlando before moving to Kansas City; meanwhile, host-city weather coverage highlights how hot some venues typically get in summer, with Kansas City expected to swing from hot to very hot. Missouri Road & Weather Alerts: Flash Flood Warnings hit parts of central/southwest Missouri after heavy rain, and MoDOT roadwork is scheduled across Northern Missouri counties—plan for delays. Local Outdoor Getaway: A quick-hit guide spotlights five Missouri adventures close to home, including Elephant Rocks State Park. Safety on the Road: Multiple Missouri crashes this weekend included a fatal Stoddard County crash and serious injuries in Clinton and DeKalb County collisions.

World Cup Safety in Kansas City: A mass shooting on Troost Avenue early Saturday left nine adults wounded, all expected to survive, just days before England’s team base at Swope Soccer Village and nearby hotel use during the 2026 FIFA World Cup; police say no suspects were in custody as they continue patrols and investigate. Road Travel Alerts: Missouri drivers got a heads-up on upcoming MoDOT roadwork and closures across Northern Missouri, with multiple short-term route shutdowns for repairs and seal coat operations plus longer bridge work in parts of Putnam and Sullivan counties. Weekend Crash Updates: A fatal single-vehicle crash in rural Cole County killed one man, while separate recent crashes in St. Louis County and Warren County injured multiple people, including one death in Warren County. Local Events & Travel Fun: Parkville’s Banneker School Foundation marked Juneteenth with a free English Landing Park concert and preservation fundraiser, and the 25th annual Bittersweet Garden Tour runs June 14 in the Jefferson City area. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Douglas County hit $4.39/gal in the week ending May 30, with Missouri’s midgrade average at $4.47/gal.

World Cup Travel & Missouri Base: A new look at the 2026 FIFA World Cup highlights the massive travel grind across 16 venues and time zones, with England choosing Kansas City, Missouri as a base—plus the heat-and-humidity reality fans will face. Airport & Visitor Convenience: CNN reports 21 U.S. airports now let non-ticketed guests pass through TSA using a free gate pass, making it easier to escort loved ones and enjoy terminal amenities. New Nonstop Flights: Allegiant launched a Columbia Regional nonstop to Orlando Sanford (Wednesdays and Saturdays), with a water-cannon sendoff and a near-full inaugural flight. Route 66 Momentum: A Route 66 centennial caravan is rolling from Santa Monica toward Chicago, underscoring how the Mother Road is still pulling road-trippers. Missouri Road Updates: MoDOT plans a short closure of the U.S. 63 exit onto Renz Farm Road in Callaway County next week for resurfacing, with one-lane traffic and flaggers. Outdoor Safety & Health: Missouri’s Department of Conservation is proposing camping-permit changes, while DNR warns against swimming at three state park beaches due to E. coli (one closed).

Route 66 Road Trip Buzz: A 2,448-mile, 20-day Route 66 centennial caravan rolled out from Santa Monica toward Chicago, with about 70 “roadies” aiming to spotlight classic scenery and small businesses—though higher gas prices add uncertainty. Missouri Travel Safety & Roads: A Versailles man died in a Morgan County crash after failing to negotiate a curve on Route W; troopers said he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Family-Friendly Air Travel: Allegiant launched a new Columbia Regional nonstop to Orlando Sanford, with flights Wednesdays and Saturdays—another boost for Missouri travelers heading to Florida. Outdoor & Camping Watch: Missouri conservation officials are moving toward new camping permit rules for MDC areas starting in 2027, with public input sought. Animal Health for Travelers: Missouri activated its New World Screwworm response plan after USDA confirmed the pest in Texas, tightening requirements for animal movement into the state. Weekend Planning (Lake of the Ozarks): A “Boat Gas Report” roundup is set for Lake of the Ozarks weekend fuel pricing, plus local event pointers for boaters.

Sports & Travel Planning: Missouri basketball’s first confirmed home game of 2026-27 is set: the Tigers host Pitt in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Dec. 1 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, with tip time and TV still to come. Road Trips & Summer Safety: Missouri’s Summer Safety Day urges heat prep as highs near 90° and heat indexes approach 100°; experts stress frequent water breaks and planning for poor overnight cooling. Outdoor Health: Missouri is seeing a “goldilocks” tick season, with ticks more likely near wooded areas and wildlife; officials recommend permethrin-treated clothes and regular body checks. Family Fun at the Lake: Lake of the Ozarks weekend highlights include Jacob’s Cave swap days, Broadway-style shows, Dock Dogs-style “Canine Cannonball,” and classic-car cruising. Local Events: McDonald County will hold its first cross-county Independence Day parade on July 4, a 75-mile route meant to connect communities. Transit Update: Columbia’s Albert-Oakland Pool reopened after filtration-related closure, and staffing remains a key summer challenge. World Cup Buzz: Opening ceremonies details are rolling out as the tournament kicks off next week across North America.

Road & Safety Updates: A driver has been charged months after a March 22 crash that killed 18-year-old Tessa Walker in Platte County; prosecutors say Omar Patel drove over 100 mph with alcohol. Road Work: MoDOT will resurface seven routes in northwest Missouri starting June 19–22, with lane closures or full closures possible—check the MoDOT traveler map for detours. Family Fun by the Water: Columbia’s Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center reopened after filtration repairs, but the city is still hiring lifeguards to keep summer schedules running. Weekend at the Lake: Lake of the Ozarks is packed with events like Jacob’s Cave swap days, classic car nights, and Dock Dogs-style “Canine Cannonball” festivities. Travel Planning for Big Events: World Cup travel is boosting regional traffic; Oklahoma DOT says I-35 will be a key corridor and will coordinate real-time updates with neighboring states. Outdoors & History: Missouri’s new “New World screwworm” readiness plan adds extra animal shipment checks as the pest is confirmed in south Texas. Community & Local Pride: Wildwood is moving toward its first historic preservation plan after a public hearing, with more steps before adoption. Festivals: The Ozarks has a list of fireworks celebrations for America’s 250th birthday and Independence Day week.