AGP Executive Report

Sports (Mizzou Basketball): Missouri has locked in its first official home game at Mizzou Arena for the 2026-27 season: the Tigers host Pittsburgh in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Dec. 1 in Columbia. Sports (College Hoops Matchups): ESPN also set the 2026 SEC/ACC Challenge slate, including Pitt at Missouri and South Carolina at NC State on Dec. 1, with tip times/TV to come. Arts & Community (Columbia Festival): Columbia’s Art in the Park returns this weekend at Stephens Lake Park, featuring more than 100 stalls and a sculpture built from trash collected with volunteers. Entertainment (Film/Local Production): Terrence Howard is filming the legal thriller “Broken Ones” in Kansas City, using Plaza and other local spots as set locations. Sports (MLB): The Reds visit the Cardinals at Busch Stadium Saturday, June 6 (2:15 p.m. ET), starting a three-game series. Local Safety (Summer): Missouri agencies mark Summer Safety Day, urging heat planning as conditions warm up.

World Cup Buzz (Missouri + Kansas City): Argentina’s World Cup title defense is drawing major attention in Kansas City, with Messi’s hamstring concerns part of the chatter, plus local base-camp and training details for fans planning where to watch and celebrate. Sports Business (KC Chiefs): The Chiefs promoted Chuck Castellano to Vice President of Community Outreach and Alumni Affairs, expanding his long-running community and alumni leadership. College Hoops (SEC/ACC in Missouri): Florida State set for the ACC/SEC Challenge with a men’s trip to Tennessee and a women’s home game vs. Missouri on Dec. 3, while Arkansas also lands Wake Forest in the same challenge. Local Sports Spotlight: Mizzou’s “Zou to You” tour brought athletic updates to Maryville, focusing on facilities, conference shifts, and the changing college sports landscape. Outdoor/Community Fun: Springfield’s Pickwick Street Fair returns June 6 with 80 artists and live music, and the Ozarks are gearing up for America’s 250th fireworks celebrations.

World Cup Hype in Kansas City: Argentina’s Lionel Messi trained in Kansas City as his hamstring fatigue remains a storyline ahead of the June 16 opener vs. Algeria, with the team drawing major crowds at hotels and Sporting KC’s media-access practice. Ticket Safety: FIFA’s phased ticket sales are underway, and scammers are already targeting buyers—FIFA warns to use only official accounts and the FIFA app, not PDFs or printouts. St. Louis Sports Spotlight: St. Louis was named host of the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, bringing elite runners and a major economic boost to the Gateway City. Missouri Soccer Community: Sporting KC Youth Soccer coaches ran a four-day camp in Columbia (ages 5–14), using the World Cup buzz to build skills and get kids playing. Local Arts & Culture Loss: Limmie Pulliam, a tenor who overcame stigma about his size and went on to major opera roles, has died at 50. Missouri Outdoors Update: The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing new camping permits for conservation areas to address safety concerns and violations. Pride Month (Missouri-area): Pride Month events are ramping up, with LGBTQ celebrations highlighted across the region.

Community Summer Programs: Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis says summer camp registration is still open, with eight weeks of activities for ages 6–18 across six Missouri/Illinois locations, plus breakfast and lunch daily and financial assistance. World Cup Build-Up in Missouri: Riverside is decking out for the Netherlands national team ahead of World Cup training at the KC Current facility, with orange street art, banners, and player “goodie bags.” Kansas City Arts & Culture: The Crossroads Arts District opened a Media Tech Museum just before World Cup crowds roll in, spotlighting more than 1,000 historic media devices. Theater & Social Justice: Bread and Roses Missouri is staging Social Justice Shorts 2026, a series of short plays tackling issues like immigration. Local Events: Springfield’s First Friday Block Party kicks off June 5 with new exhibits and a Queer Artist Showcase. Sports & Entertainment Talk: Ryan Lochte backs Enhanced Games, calling the athlete pay “life-changing.” Safety & Access: FIFA rules now bar reusable water bottles at World Cup stadiums, with fans able to buy bottles inside.

College Sports Policy: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt backed the Protect College Sports Act at a Senate hearing, arguing for a national framework as NIL and the transfer portal fuel a chaotic, lawsuit-prone system—while the SEC and Big Ten push back. Local Arts & Culture: Queer Writes returns to the Missouri History Museum on June 11 as part of Thursday Nights at the Museum, spotlighting 20+ St. Louis LGBTQ+ writers and performers. Music in the Ozarks: Bluegrass duo Mark Stoffel and Shad Cobb preview their “Tunes at Twilight” show in Cape Girardeau on June 5. Entertainment Development: At the Lake of the Ozarks, Oasis at Lakeport’s developer Jeff Tegethoff has filed for Chapter 11, and the project team says he’s been removed from the developer role while legal steps continue. Fashion: Aritzia opens its first Missouri boutique Thursday at Plaza Frontenac in St. Louis County. Sports Spotlight: Argentina’s World Cup title defense is drawing major attention in Kansas City as Lionel Messi manages a left hamstring strain ahead of June 16 at Arrowhead.

World Cup in Kansas City: Bars in select KC entertainment districts can apply for permits to serve until 5 a.m. during the tournament, with the June 8 deadline and extended hours running June 11–July 19. Local Landmark Update: The Western Auto sign won’t be lit for the World Cup because repairs and bulb replacements will take 6–8 weeks. Missouri Health & Community: Missouri says its naloxone standing order is still expanding access, with 11,436 Medicaid claims processed in 2025 and overdose deaths trending down. Arts & Family Fun: Springfield Botanical Gardens’ free 2026 Butterfly Festival is set for June 27 with hands-on activities, live animal experiences, and local vendors. Music: Citizen shared the title track “Halcyon Blues” ahead of its Aug. 7 album release and a North American tour. Sports Policy: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt backs a bipartisan college sports reform push aimed at stabilizing rules and revenue for smaller programs. New Venue: Morton Amphitheater in Riverside opens Wednesday with Kesha headlining the first concert.

Patriotic Public Art: Lisbon is getting a big new veterans mural, with Rogers artist Sara Gordon painting an eagle-and-flag tribute for VFW Post 4111, including all six U.S. military branches. College Sports Policy: Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell unveiled a bipartisan college-athletes compensation plan, while the Big Ten and SEC criticized the Protect College Sports Act as leaving key issues unresolved. Local Outdoors & Community: Missouri Conservation honored Dan and Connie Burkhardt as Master Conservationists for long-running work that includes restoration along the Katy Trail. Summer Fun Guide: Missouri’s festival season is heating up, with a roundup of major summer events people are traveling for. Sports on the Field: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Texas Rangers Tuesday night at Busch Stadium, plus a Cardinals loss story highlighting missed chances. Health & Safety: Federal authorities reopened a salmonella investigation tied to moringa supplements after new illnesses, and Missouri experts warn against excessive protein intake. Family & Arts Events: Liberty Theatre in Rock Port is staging Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” in June.

Local Fair Spotlight: Barton County Fair marks its 35th year with June 24–28 festivities in Great Bend, leaning on regional music—3 Heath Brothers on Christian night, The Voice standout Trayvon Dawson plus Branson-area band Eastern Heights on country night, and cover-rock act Paramount closing out Saturday. Indie Music Buzz: Death Cab for Cutie drops “Stone Over Water,” the latest preview of its upcoming album “I Built You A Tower,” and tees up a North American tour this summer. Metal Tour News: Mastodon shares “Your Ghost Again” and announces a fall North American run. Wellness Franchise Growth: MassageLuXe is targeting Nashville for multi-unit expansion as demand rises for membership-based self-care. Food & Retail Shift: General Mills is selling its Häagen-Dazs shop operations in mainland China while keeping other Häagen-Dazs businesses. World Cup Nightlife: Several states, including Missouri, are approving extended bar and restaurant hours for the tournament, with local approvals determining how late venues can stay open. Historic Preservation: US Ghost Adventures buys Kansas’s McInteer Villa for restoration and daily tours plus overnight stays. Community Events: Relay for Life of Cole County returns Friday with survivor/caregiver activities and entertainment.

World Cup Watch in KC: Argentina landed in Kansas City and set up at the Origin Hotel as Messi’s squad begins its 2026 title defense, with other teams expected to base nearby. Late-Night Viewing Rules: Missouri and other states are extending bar and restaurant hours for World Cup matches, with Kansas City spots allowed to stay open as late as 5 a.m. Missouri Sports Spotlight: Illinois State won the Missouri Valley Conference All-Sports Championship again, while UIC’s baseball season ended at the Atlanta Regional. Local Summer Jobs: Columbia’s CARE program is hiring teens for summer work, with record interest amid a broader decline in teen hiring. Arts & Culture: Cape Girardeau’s Cape Folk Fest returns June 6 with folk music, history talks, and hands-on demos. Entertainment Buzz: “Wheel of Fortune” is being pulled off air for several weeks during the World Cup run. Missouri Bill Update: A new anti-SLAPP measure would strengthen protections for free speech by letting judges dismiss lawsuits meant to silence critics.

World Cup in Kansas City: Argentina’s squad touched down at Kansas City International on a custom “1978” charter ahead of its June 16 opener at Arrowhead, with fans gathering for the arrival and Messi’s No. 10 featured on the plane. Local Sports Buzz: The Cardinals and Rangers kick off a three-game series at Busch Stadium, with projected starters Jacob deGrom and Michael McGreevy set to headline the matchup. Missouri Arts & Community: North Central Missouri College named longtime art professor and Doris Ryder Art Gallery director Jim Norris as Professor Emeritus after 25 years. Outdoor Fun in Missouri: The Missouri Department of Conservation is hosting free Family Fun Day at the August A. Busch Shooting Range on June 29, plus state parks and historic sites roll out June family programs. Music & Safety After Pointfest: Sleep Theory released a statement after the death of Danielle Uskiwich following an incident at St. Louis’ Pointfest, and the band backed a GoFundMe for her family. Food & Nightlife: Several states, including Missouri, are extending bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with local approvals depending on municipalities.

World Cup Watch: Reigning champions Argentina landed in Kansas City to kick off World Cup 2026 preparations, with the charter flight “1978” paying tribute to the 1978 title and Lionel Messi’s No. 10 featured on the plane; the team will base at the Origin Hotel and train at Sporting KC’s Kansas City, Kansas, facility ahead of the June 16 opener vs. Algeria at Arrowhead. MLB Spotlight: The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-1 to win the series finale, with Albert Pujols getting a big “mang” moment in the broadcast booth. NCAA Baseball (Kansas): Kansas swept its NCAA regional to reach a Super Regional, rallying after a 5-0 hole against Arkansas to send the Hogs home. NCAA Baseball (Arkansas): Arkansas survived an elimination game vs. Northeastern, with Nolan Souza driving in a career-high tying 5 runs in a 10-9 win. College Hoops (Murray State): Murray State’s Racers will face Georgia Tech in Nashville on Dec. 6 at Bridgestone Arena. Missouri Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch runs until 4 a.m. Monday, with isolated strong storms possible around the Kansas City area. Arts & Community: “Sauté & Swing” returns as a fundraiser at the Paul JAS Center in June, pairing dinner and music to support Jazz Aspen Snowmass programs.

Missouri Sports Spotlight: Arkansas baseball’s season is on the brink in the NCAA Lawrence Regional, needing a win-or-go-home run after a 4-3 loss to Kansas sent the Razorbacks into an elimination game vs. Northeastern, with stolen-base pressure looming. Local High School Athletics: Willard swept Marshfield to reach the Class 5 state semifinals, setting up a Friday matchup vs. Platte County. Missouri Arts & Culture: Pridefest planning is in full swing, with St. Louis and Kansas City events listed for early June. Entertainment & Events: Rainn Wilson is coming to Missouri State University for the Public Affairs Conference keynote in September. World Cup in Kansas City: Argentina landed in the KC metro to start preparations for its title defense at Arrowhead, with Messi’s No. 10 featured on the team’s charter plane. Weather Watch: Severe storms are expected to ramp up Sunday evening into Monday, with damaging winds, lightning, and heavy rain possible. Outdoor/Local Lifestyle: Lake of the Ozarks businesses are getting a “beach upgrade” with Shawnee Bend Sand bringing white sand to waterfronts and projects.

Local Soccer Spotlight: Kansas City Current host Boston Legacy FC at CPKC Stadium Saturday (12:30 p.m. CT) for the clubs’ first-ever meeting, with Pride Day festivities and broadcasts on ION, World Feed, The Spot (KC 38), plus radio on 90.9 The Bridge. WCWS Watch: Alabama and Nebraska set for Saturday action after Alabama’s opener win over UCLA; Tennessee also plays for a WCWS semifinal spot Saturday vs. Texas Tech (3 p.m. ET, ABC). Mizzou & AI Debate: University of Missouri students push back as generative AI gets integrated into classes, with many opposing professors using it for assignments and feedback. Food Safety Updates: Jefferson County Health Department released unannounced food inspection results for the week of May 17, with scores ranging 76–100. Sports Entertainment (D-II): UT Tyler opens the NCAA Division II College World Series with an 8-3 win over Central Missouri, setting up a Sunday winners-bracket matchup. Community Event: Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association’s Backyard BBQ Bash returns June 2 in Jefferson City with food, music, and family-friendly activities.

College Sports Rules: Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are pushing a bipartisan college sports bill aimed at easing NIL chaos, limiting transfers, and adding a “Lane Kiffin Rule” to curb coach movement during the season. Missouri Arts & Community: Mexico, Missouri unveiled a new mural celebrating America’s 250th birthday, part of Ray Harvey’s railroading-themed series. Family Fun in Missouri: Missouri state parks and historic sites announced June events, including concerts, petroglyph tours, an “Amazing Race” challenge, and free fishing weekend plans. Local Sports Spotlight: Kansas baseball opened its NCAA regional with a 6-3 win over Northeastern, while Arkansas and Missouri State are also in the Lawrence bracket. Entertainment & Culture: The Indianapolis Clowns are returning to Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium with a Negro Leagues legacy and high-energy showmanship. Sports Business: The NAB Radio Board released 2026 election results, including new and returning members representing Kansas and Missouri.

World Cup Watch: FAA says drones near 2026 stadiums face “No Drone Zones,” with matchday bans within 3 nautical miles and fines up to $100,000. Local Spotlight: Missouri State University taps actor Rainn Wilson to headline its Public Affairs Conference Sept. 29 in Springfield. College Sports Policy: Senators Cruz and Cantwell unveil a bipartisan college-athletes compensation bill, while SEC/Big Ten leaders urge Congress to act before major media-rights moves. Missouri Campus Update: SEMO president addresses cheating allegations tied to the Missouri POST exam, after the Highway Patrol took over the probe. Arts & Stage: High Tide Theatrical’s “Little Shop of Horrors” spotlights Dylan Bradley’s puppet designs, opening May 29. Missouri Sports Scene: NCAA baseball regionals kick off with Missouri State headed to Lawrence Regional and Georgia Tech hosting UIC. Health Alert: CDC warns consumers to stop using recalled moringa supplements after salmonella outbreaks linked to Missouri-based Mogo Moringa LLC. Community/Outdoors: MDC offers a free June 2 “Introduction to 5-Stand” class at the Busch Shooting Range for ages 16+.

Retro Media Revival: A Muskegon retro video store says VHS is back in a big way, with thousands of tapes moving as people look for tangible, offline entertainment. Ozark Heritage: The Ozark Mill keeps a 200-year milling tradition alive, with a new generation learning the hands-on mechanics behind historic production. World Cup Travel Buzz (KC): Kansas City is rolling into FIFA World Cup mode with watch parties and local stops, including a soccer-themed Pitchside coffee spot in the Crossroads. Local Sports Spotlight: KMAland’s schedule and recaps highlight Iowa girls golf/state soccer and area baseball/softball action, plus the 2026 All-KMAland Missouri Boys Golf Team. NCAA Baseball Road to Omaha: Regionals kick off Friday, with Missouri State and Arkansas set for the Lawrence Regional and Mississippi State hosting in Starkville. Music Festival Tragedy: A Missouri school secretary died after being struck by a crowd surfer at Pointfest in Maryland Heights. Kansas City Culture: A new Media Tech Museum opens June 1, tracing the evolution from telegraph and radio to film formats and TVs.