AGP Executive Report

Chess & Culture in St. Louis: The U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame will add new members in October, with the World Chess Hall of Fame in Saint Louis continuing to spotlight global chess legends. Road & Travel Planning: MoDOT is shifting I-70 traffic west of Kingdom City in August and Route E in New Madrid County is closing for bridge replacement through October; Route 367 also launches a yearlong safety demonstration starting Aug. 5. State Parks Funding Vote: Missouri voters decide Tuesday on an amendment that would continue sales tax funding for Missouri State Parks. Branson Youth Sports Travel: A 12U Cal Ripken World Series berth sends Kennewick American’s team to Branson starting Aug. 5, with local fundraisers helping cover travel. Family Fun & Local Flavor: Text 911 is now available in Dunklin County, and a Missouri food spotlight highlights gooey butter cake as a must-try local classic. Weather Watch: Showers and storms are expected to move in Friday, with heavy rain possible. Buc-ee’s Brand Buzz: John Oliver taunts Buc-ee’s trademark efforts as the chain announces more travel-center openings.

Remote Travel Inspiration: A new roundup spotlights 13 “middle of nowhere” U.S. destinations where cell service can vanish and the nearest city is hours away, including a look at Murphy, North Carolina. Missouri River Paddling: MR-340 racers and volunteers are in the spotlight as four paddlers recently set a speed record for the full Missouri River, nearly 2,400 miles in just over 24 days. Local Tourism & Community: Jefferson City’s MR-340 checkpoint at Noren River Access drew supporters, while downtown Jefferson City also saw a harmony-singing group, “The Serenaders,” performing for tips. Short-Term Rental Rules: Columbia’s Historic Old Southwest residents are pushing back on proposed short-term rental ordinance changes that could reduce public input. Road & Water Travel Safety: MoDOT plans an early reopening of the St. Charles Road bridge (target Aug. 14) and a separate Route H bridge closure near Pineville (up to 126 days); meanwhile, a Lake of the Ozarks boat collision left one woman with minor injuries. Missouri Politics on the Ballot: Coverage continues on Amendment 5, which would phase out Missouri’s income tax and expand taxation on goods and services. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports some of the lowest diesel and regular prices in parts of Missouri for the week ending July 18.

Road & Bridge Updates: MoDOT says the St. Charles Road bridge on I-70 in Columbia-area work should reopen to traffic Aug. 14 (weather permitting), earlier than expected, with short lane closures possible and a nearby Clark Lane closure starting Aug. 17 for about two months. More I-70 Work: In Columbia, Providence Road over I-70 girders are now slated for overnight Wednesday/Thursday, with I-70 narrowing to one lane each direction and full ramp closures at Providence Road through the project expected to finish in October. Local Detours: Overnight July 30, U.S. 54 ramps at Nichols Road near Osage Beach close 8 p.m.–6 a.m. for resurfacing; Route 84 in Pemiscot County shifts to one lane (12-foot limit) Aug. 10–Nov. 30 for bridge replacement. Tourism Spotlight: Kansas City tourism leaders say the 2026 FIFA World Cup proved the region can host major events, and they’re now eyeing a potential Super Bowl bid. Family Travel & Safety: Missouri boating officials urge awareness after two recent crashes in southeast Missouri; and a St. James man died in a Maries County Highway 28 head-on crash. Food & Fun: 34 for Kids returns Aug. 1 at 34 Raceway with school-supply backpacks and prizes for kids.

NFL & Local Economy: The Kansas City Chiefs will keep training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph through at least 2031, with new Olathe facilities designed to allow future camp hosting. Road & Travel Disruptions: MoDOT pavement work will reduce travel on Route HH (Dunklin/Pemiscot) July 30–Aug. 5 and close Route CC (Scott County) Aug. 3–Aug. 6; expect signed work zones and delays. Power & Summer Safety: About 20 million Americans in 17 states, including Missouri, face blackout risk as extreme heat strains the grid, with backup power sources authorized as a precaution. Health & Access: A survey finds millions struggle to access hormone care, especially in “hormone deserts” across the Midwest and rural areas. Food & Outbreak Watch: Investigators are working backward through a vast produce supply chain as cyclospora cases rise in Missouri and Kansas. Travel Culture: USA Today named Chamberlain’s riverfront Smoking Mule among its 2026 Bars of the Year—another reason to plan a Mighty Mo stop. On the Ground: A bicyclist from Minnesota died in a crash south of Manhattan, Kansas, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns for travelers.

Overlanding & Camping: Storyteller Overland’s new GXV Wild 4x4 expedition camper is the latest Missouri-built overland rig to blend rugged capability with more livable indoor/outdoor space. Road Trips & Family Fun: Missouri’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs Aug. 7-9, with exemptions for qualifying school supplies, clothing under $100, and certain computers. State Parks & Outdoor Plans: Thousand Hills State Park in Kirksville is rolling out August events like petroglyph tours, a snake survival program, a dark-sky night, and nature painting. Health Access: Missouri is using a federal grant to expand rural maternal care support via a partnership that trains doulas for home visits and barrier-free guidance. Local Travel Disruptions: MoDOT work includes lane shifts on I-70 near Warrenton/Wentzville and a Route 124 access closure in Boone County, plus other planned roadwork that could affect summer travel. Big Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbs to $800M for the July 28 drawing.

River Adventure: More than 600 paddlers are set for the 21st MR340, the 340-mile Missouri River race from Kansas City to St. Charles, with racers using kayaks, canoes and paddleboards and aiming to finish in the next few days. Road & Bridge Updates: MoDOT plans major Columbia-area intersection safety work with an online public comment period this fall and possible in-person meeting requests by Aug. 11, plus overnight I-70/Providence Road ramp and bridge closures starting Monday for steel-beam placement. Big Summer Food: The Missouri State Fair returns Aug. 13–23 in Sedalia, spotlighting “wildest foods” and deep-fried, sweet and over-the-top treats. Local Travel Planning: Kansas City is looking at an 11-month I-70 closure starting in early 2027 between Prospect Ave and Van Brunt Blvd as a $237M rebuild begins. Family Fun & Outdoors: A warm-weather hike report highlights Grand Gulf State Park’s “Little Grand Canyon” collapsed cave system and natural bridge trails. Community & Care: Planned Parenthood Great Rivers expands medication abortion appointments at its Springfield health center, aiming to reduce travel barriers for Southwest Missouri patients.

Road & Rail Updates: MoDOT work is tightening traffic across Missouri, including I-29 overnight paving (Aug. 2, one lane 6 p.m.–7 a.m.), a U.S. 36 scrub seal (Caldwell/DeKalb, one lane each direction), and safety input hearings for U.S. 54 near Brazito (July 28). Route J in Lincoln County is now open after a bridge replacement, while I-44 climbing-lane construction near Waynesville/St. Robert is causing major eastbound backups. Travel Disruption: A Union Pacific derailment near Eureka damaged tracks and led Amtrak to cancel Missouri River Runner trains between Kansas City and St. Louis, with bus service provided. Family & Outdoor Fun: Southeast Missouri Food Bank is pushing to feed kids during summer break, and state parks are offering cool, family-friendly events like Onondaga Cave’s Hot August Night concert (Aug. 1) and St. Joe State Park programs. Springfield Access: Planned Parenthood Great Rivers began medication abortion appointments in Springfield (starting July 27-29), ending a long local gap. Sports Tourism: Mizzou’s full 2026-27 schedule is out, and the SEC set conference dates—useful for planning trips around big home matchups.

Road Closures & Detours: MoDOT will close Route PP (1.5 miles south of Route 30, near Lake Shore Drive) from 8 a.m. Friday, July 31, until 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, for box culvert removal and replacement, with a signed detour and weather-dependent scheduling. Boating & Water Safety: One man was airlifted after falling from a tube on Table Rock Lake in Stone County; another kayaker died after a medical emergency on the North Fork of the White River in Ozark County. Crash Updates: A DWI rollover on Mo-171 near Brooklyn Heights sent a 37-year-old man to the hospital and reopened the road about 75 minutes later; separate reports include fatal crashes near Jane (McDonald County) and Cross Timbers (Hwy. 65, Hickory County). Gas Prices Watch: Diesel and premium fuel prices varied across Missouri in the week ending July 18, with notable lows reported in multiple counties (including $3.79 premium in Cole County and $4.14 diesel in Barton County). Travel Planning Note: Missouri’s gas tax rebate is still available for receipts from July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026, offering $0.125 per gallon back. Local Tourism Spotlight: Meramec Caverns highlights Missouri’s Route 66-era tourist history, from Civil War saltpeter use to its 1930s reopening and drive-in cave marketing.

Road Safety: A new analysis of NHTSA data says drunk driving is the deadliest reckless behavior, tied to about 30% of traffic crash deaths in 2024—an important reminder for Missouri road trips and summer driving. Local Crashes: A 20-year-old died after a vehicle left the roadway and overturned in rural McDonald County, while Kansas City police report a fatal Northland motorcycle crash early Sunday; both cases highlight the risks of speeding and not wearing helmets. Travel Disruptions: A “heat dome” is pushing extreme heat from Dallas toward the Dakotas, with advisories affecting tens of millions—expect more “coolcation” planning and extra caution for outdoor stops. Food & Tourism: A Missouri Restaurants Association survey found more than half of restaurants saw fewer customers during the World Cup, though some spots benefited from out-of-town visitors. Getting Around: MoDOT is scheduling northern Missouri road closures and bridge/patch work in late July, including Knox County Route B and Route E, plus other resurfacing and lane-narrowing projects. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports Missouri regular prices averaging about $3.57 statewide for the week ending July 18, with some counties seeing lower single-station deals. Missing Person: An Endangered SILVER Advisory was issued for a Warrensburg woman, with investigators asking for tips on her last known locations. Community & Outdoors: Lake of the Ozarks weekend plans include events plus a boat fuel price roundup, and Missouri’s state park beaches are reopening for the week of July 23.

Road Safety: A deadly early-morning motorcycle crash in Kansas City left one rider dead and another in critical condition; investigators said neither rider was wearing a helmet. Food Safety: The FDA linked 98 Salmonella illnesses in 17 states to a recalled Texas egg product from Midwest Poultry Services, with shoppers urged to watch for symptoms. Rail Tourism: Big Boy No. 4014 made a whistle-stop in Pacific as part of its coast-to-coast 250th birthday celebration, drawing about 3,000 people and spotlighting Route 66 and Train Town USA. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show mixed deals across Missouri this week, including low E85 in Lawrence County ($2.58) and several county-by-county lowest regular/midgrade/premium figures—useful for road-trip planning. Local Travel & Events: Hot Springs tourism appears to be shifting toward more domestic visitors, while some downtown shops report slower sales; meanwhile, Captain Ron’s in Sunrise Beach is hosting live music for Lake of the Ozarks weekend plans. Outdoor Water Safety: A Lake Huron rescue effort involving a capsized catamaran expanded to multiple rescues, underscoring the need for life jackets and weather checks before heading out.

Road & Safety: A California man was seriously hurt after a semitruck overturned on westbound I-70 in Callaway County, while another semitruck rollover on Missouri Route M near Kingdom City left an Illinois driver moderately injured. Community & Family Travel: Springfield Public Schools hosted a Back-to-School Bash at the Springfield Expo Center with free supplies, family resources, and a hiring event—good local stop for families planning late-summer schedules. Missing Person (Warrensburg): An Endangered SILVER Advisory is out for 75-year-old Rita Carol Seifridsberger, last seen near Columbia and Otterville; authorities ask anyone with sightings to call 911 or the Johnson County Sheriff. Outdoor & Local Tourism: The Ridgway Rifle Club highlighted its long-running range and events, estimating about $40,000 in community spending from visiting shooters (plus lodging and food). Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Missouri regular averages up to $3.57 for the week ending July 18, with Madison County’s lowest regular at $3.29. Sports & Travel Tie-In: The U.S. Open Cup semifinal has Colorado Rapids facing St. Louis City—another reason soccer fans may plan a weekend trip to the Gateway City.

Road & Travel Planning: MoDOT announced planned roadwork across Missouri, including nightly southbound I-35 lane closures in Clay County (July 27–30) for pavement repair, plus additional Northwest and mid-Missouri schedules for late July/early August—check the MoDOT Traveler Map before you head out. Lake of the Ozarks Boating: LakeExpo’s Boat Gas Report is out for this weekend (July 25–26), with fuel prices and tips for planning a smooth day on the water. Local Events & Community: ImpactLife and KSHE-95 wrapped a major summer blood drive push, collecting 1,896 blood components from nearly 2,000 donors across 13 drives in the St. Louis region. Outdoor Recreation & Tourism: Ridgway Rifle Club highlighted its long-running range and event draw, estimating about $40,000 in local spending from visiting shooters (plus lodging and food). Fuel Watch (Drive Smart): GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in St. Louis city at $3.99/gal (week ending July 18) and the lowest diesel in Platte County at $4.29/gal. Sports Tourism: The Colorado Rapids face St. Louis City in a US Open Cup semifinal, a matchup that could bring soccer fans into the region.

Missouri Travel & Tourism: Branson’s “Smokey and the Bandit” tribute is still rolling—Sean Bailey’s East Bound and Down keeps the movie vibe alive as he tours Missouri cities. Big Events in St. Louis: The Saint Louis Chess Club crowned new U.S. Junior, Junior Girls, Senior, and Senior Women champions this week, bringing top players to town. Railroad Road Trip: Union Pacific’s world-famous Big Boy steam locomotive is in the Midwest on its 2026 Coast-to-Coast tour, with Missouri stops on the route and public viewing guidance to stand well back from tracks. Outdoor & Camping: Missouri’s Department of Conservation is moving toward proposed camping fees after years of free primitive camping, citing rising violations and long-term “campers” using sites like residences. Road & Travel Planning: MoDOT posted upcoming Northeast and Northwest Missouri maintenance/closure schedules for late July into early August—check the Traveler Information Map before you drive. Local Service Spotlight: Missouri Task Force 1 is back home after a FEMA deployment in Texas supporting water rescue readiness. Gas Prices Watch: AAA data shows Missouri regular gas averaging about $3.69 this week, with Joplin often lower than the state average.

Road Safety: A t-bone crash in Fidelity (Apple Road & Mo-59) sent a 19-year-old Joplin woman to Mercy Carthage with non-life-threatening injuries; the 18-year-old pickup driver was unhurt. Motorcycling Safety: In Camden County, a motorcycle crash on Oakbend Road left a rider seriously injured after a left turn at Irish Drive. Travel Costs: AAA says the national regular gas average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, with crude volatility tied to Middle East tensions. Missouri Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the cheapest regular in Scott County hit $3.31 (week ending July 18), while Cape Girardeau drivers cite rising prices even as the city averages $3.77. Family-Friendly Stops: A new Little General travel center near I-70/Route Z in Columbia opened 24/7 with EV superchargers, food, and a dog park. Outdoors & Camping: The Dyrt named 60 “Best Places to Camp” for 2026—book early as summer sites fill fast. Local Events: Springfield Public Schools hosts its Back to School Bash July 25 at the Expo Center with free lunch, supplies, and activities. Big Attractions: The Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive continues its coast-to-coast tour, with Missouri stops on the route.

Road Trip & Route 66: Route 66’s 100th anniversary is bringing fresh attention to the Mother Road’s deeper roots, including how early Missouri connections helped set the stage for the highway’s later fame. Family Travel & Events: Branson is on the map for a new baseball story—Mafia Baseball Club earned a spot in the Babe Ruth World Series and will play in Missouri starting July 27. Outdoor & Safety: Missouri State Highway Patrol is warning parents about the “100 Deadliest Days” (Memorial Day to Labor Day), when teen crash risk spikes—especially with risky, viral behaviors. Health & Recovery: Valley Hope opened a new outpatient addiction treatment center in Columbia, offering intensive therapy without overnight stays. Local Travel Disruptions: MoDOT plans an eastbound I-70 traffic shift in Warren County (Warrenton to Wright City) as work continues on the Improve I-70 project, with overnight lane closures and reduced speeds. Rail Tourism: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 continues its coast-to-coast run with public viewing stops in Kansas this week, including Wilson and Hays.

Missouri River Adventure: The MR340 returns July 28-31 with a 340-mile nonstop paddle from Kansas City, Kansas to St. Charles—over 600 paddlers expected. Local Travel Disruption: MoDOT postponed a Callaway County Route B culvert replacement closure; it’s now planned for the week of July 27 (exact day TBD). Road Work Watch: Another Route B closure is also listed for July 23 (Auxvasse area to County Road 1019), so travelers should double-check MoDOT updates before heading out. Food & Drink Trail: A new “Route 66 Cheese Trail” connects eight states (including Missouri) ahead of National Wine and Cheese Day on July 25, adding farm stops to wine-country plans. Family Travel & Safety: A new report says rural America is losing labor-and-delivery access fast, meaning longer drives for expectant parents in some Missouri-area communities. Getting There: Columbia Regional Airport hit a record 19,584 departing passengers in June, with new parking and shuttle service helping demand. Outdoor & Water Caution: A Springfield man died after drowning at Lake of the Ozarks, underscoring the need for flotation devices and close supervision.