AGP Executive Report

Trail Accountability: Lawrence’s Rock Chalk Park is facing a new mystery: nearly 2 miles of trails appear to be missing compared with what a 2013 development deal called for—current signage and trail listings show just 3.4 miles. Memorial Day Travel Costs: AAA says Memorial Day could bring record travel, with Kansas drivers paying about $4.09 a gallon and the national average hitting a four-year high near $4.55. World Cup Ticket Buzz: Verizon is dropping 2,500 free FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets on June 1 via the My Verizon app, including Kansas City. Local Lodging Update: Emporia’s Champions Landing is moving through the process to add tiny homes and RV pads, with $80,000 in transient guest tax funds recommended. Road Safety: A crash during an argument on I-435 in Wyandotte County sent two people to hospitals with injuries. Weather Watch: Rain and non-severe storms are possible around Kansas City Friday, with impacts for morning travel.

TSA Checkpoint Shake-Up: TSA just launched “Gold+,” letting participating airports use private security partners to speed up screening while TSA keeps oversight—aimed at cutting the worst line-stress travelers know all too well. World Cup Ticket Drops: Verizon customers can claim free FIFA World Cup tickets starting June 1 (2,500 tickets across host cities; no travel included), with “Golden Tickets” for some Kansas City games. Kansas City Weather Watch: Overnight showers and thunderstorms are possible late Thursday into Friday, with spotty rain rather than a washout. Local Sports Calendar: KSHSAA named Wichita-area venues for the 2028 state basketball semifinals and finals—first time since 1945 all championship games are that close together. Kansas Water Alert: KDHE issued a Do Not Drink order for McDonald’s public water system in Rawlins County due to possible elevated nitrates—especially critical for infants.

Road Safety: A deadly Kansas City crash left 1 dead and 4 seriously hurt, including juveniles, after an SUV struck a tree following a curve near Ninth Street and Cleveland Avenue. Sentencing Watch: In Wichita, a man tied to a 2025 motorcyclist death is headed for sentencing after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide and DUI-related aggravated battery. World Cup Travel Reality Check: Hotels in Kansas City and other host cities say bookings are running below expectations, with high ticket prices and weaker international demand dampening the tourism boom. Airport & Security: Kansas City’s KCI is set to move ahead with a new 165-room on-site hotel, while TSA’s new “Gold+” plan expands private screening roles at airports. Memorial Day Costs: Gas is at a four-year high nationwide, with Kansas averaging about $4.11 a gallon—expect pricier road trips. Sports Calendar: KSHSAA picked Wichita-area sites for the 2028 state basketball semifinals and finals, keeping all games close together.

Wildfire help in SW Kansas: Shawnee County fire crews are assisting with mop-up and hot-spot work after Monday’s burns, including wetting down areas, cutting trees, moving fuel away from fire lines, and coordinating with Kansas Forest Service and the Kansas Fire Marshal for aircraft water drops. World Cup travel reality check: Kansas City-area fans are getting a taste of the bigger tournament scramble—host-city costs vary wildly, and even Kansas City’s “basic match-day” beer-and-meal price is far above Mexico’s cheapest venues. Road safety reminder: Topeka police are urging drivers to check blind spots during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, warning that motorcycles can disappear in mirrors—especially at intersections and during lane changes. Wildlife watch: Police in Chanute are asking residents to report bear sightings and avoid approaching wildlife. Kansas on the sports map: A Kansas City soccer veteran is trying out for the U.S. over-40 Senior World Cup team, with roster spots heading to Thailand next month.

World Cup Reality Check: Hotels across the U.S. are worried the tournament won’t deliver the big bookings boost FIFA promised—high ticket prices, transport costs, and politics are keeping some fans away, and Kansas City is among the cities reporting underperforming reservations. Local Pride, Online: Overland Park just launched an official online merchandise store, with apparel and even limited World Cup items, aiming to make it easier for residents to rep their city. Travel Talk for Fans: Two international supporters are taking five-day, multi-stop routes to reach Kansas City matches—because cheap flights mean big detours. Kansas Weather Watch: The National Weather Service confirmed six tornadoes in north-central and northeast Kansas, with storm-chasers warned to stop ignoring traffic safety. Road Trip Costs: Gas prices are climbing ahead of Memorial Day, with E-15 ethanol fuel getting renewed attention as Kansas keeps options open.

Gas & road-trip pressure: AAA says Memorial Day gas prices are at their highest since 2022, with elevated oil costs keeping pumps likely headed up through the week. Fuel choice in Kansas: EPA’s E-15 summer waiver is extending, and Kansas stations are advertising E-15 around $4.04—often cheaper than regular, but with some vehicle wear-and-tear cautions. Airport security shake-up: TSA Gold+ is rolling out as a public-private screening option, aiming to reduce disruption after recent shutdown chaos; a separate trial lets some flyers pre-clear security off-site. Kansas City travel watch: England’s World Cup squad is getting tornado drills at a KC-area hotel. Local planning & tourism ripple: A petition is filed to stop a proposed Osawatomie data center, while Kansas schools and districts keep debating budgets and needs. Outdoor fun: Kansas announces statewide Free Fishing Days June 6–7 (no license needed).

Health Watch: KDHE is monitoring three Kansans after a high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus linked to an international cruise contact; the people aren’t on the ship and have no symptoms, and KDHE says the public risk is extremely low. Water Alert: A boil water advisory is in effect for part of Cloud County Rural Water District No. 1 (Concordia and Glasco aren’t affected), with KDHE urging residents to boil water before drinking or cooking. Road Safety: Wichita police joined a crackdown that stopped a 15-year-old driving 120 mph on Kellogg. Kansas Travel & Outdoors: The Kansas Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour wrapped May 14, with scouts reporting drought stress, freeze damage, and disease pressure across fields. Family Fun: Animationland opens Tuesday at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka, letting kids build their own animated stories.

Public Health Watch: KDHE says it’s monitoring three Kansas people after a high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus tied to an international cruise contact; no Kansas cases are suspected or confirmed and officials call the public risk “extremely low.” Water Safety: A boil water advisory is in effect for part of Cloud County Rural Water District No. 1 (Concordia and Glasco not affected), with one-minute boiling and other precautions until the risk is resolved. Road & Weather: Wichita police joined a crackdown that stopped a 15-year-old driving 120 mph on Kellogg; meanwhile, Kansas crews are still dealing with severe conditions, including tornado anniversaries in Grinnell/Plevna and ongoing wildfire response in southwest Kansas. Community & Travel: Abilene drew thousands for Antique Fest and Cruise for Food, and Wichita Public Schools is gearing up to launch its summer meal program.

Hantavirus Watch: KDHE says it’s monitoring three Kansans after a high-risk exposure to a person with confirmed Andes hantavirus abroad; no Kansas cases are suspected or confirmed, and officials call the public risk “extremely low.” Wichita Summer Meals: Wichita Public Schools kicks off free summer meals May 27–July 24 at 33 sites, with “grab and go” returning for weekly breakfast and lunch (pre-registration required for that pickup). Road & Rail Updates: Alice-area drivers should expect a Tuesday temporary street closure for railroad crossing repairs at Flournoy St. and Sain Dr. Community & Travel Vibes: Ronald McDonald House is rolling out a new non-celebrity “spokesfamily” to spotlight its support for families with hospitalized children. Local Weather: Severe storms last weekend produced three confirmed tornadoes in Livingston and Linn counties, with no injuries reported.

Hantavirus Watch in Kansas: KDHE says three people in Kansas are being monitored after a high-risk exposure to someone with confirmed Andes hantavirus on an MV Hondius cruise; CDC guidance notes people aren’t infectious unless they become symptomatic, and KDHE calls the public risk “extremely low.” KC Travel & Transit: The KC Streetcar’s Berkley Riverfront extension opens Monday, May 18—service starts 5 a.m., with riders able to reach the River Market after the opening ceremony. Road Safety: A wrong-way DUI arrest in Sedgwick County followed a video-shared stop after a teen allegedly drove intoxicated in the wrong direction. Severe Weather: Three tornadoes were confirmed in Livingston and Linn counties Saturday; no injuries reported. Wildfire Update: Southwest Kansas crews are battling major grass fires in extreme conditions, with red flag warnings in effect. World Cup Buzz: Overland Park hotels are filling as sports tourism ramps up ahead of 2026.

Hantavirus Watch in Kansas: KDHE says it’s monitoring three people in Kansas after a high-risk exposure to an Andes hantavirus case tied to an MV Hondius cruise; the three aren’t sick and KDHE says the public risk is extremely low. NFL Schedule Fallout: The 2026 NFL slate is officially out, and five teams are already getting heat for tough travel and logistics—while Kansas City’s Chiefs are still in the spotlight. Kansas Road Safety: Westbound I-670 in Kansas City reopened after a fatal head-on crash Sunday morning. Local Sports & Community: BYU’s Ryder Robinson hit a walk-off homer to beat Kansas 5-4 in 11 innings, and Great Bend Rec shared a busy month of enrichment classes and community events. Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo: Sarah Nemechek of Goodland was crowned the first Miss Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo Queen since 1981, ahead of July 28-31 festivities.

Hantavirus Watch in Kansas: KDHE says three Kansans are being monitored after a high-risk exposure to a person with confirmed Andes hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Safety Note: KDHE/CDC guidance says people aren’t considered infectious to others unless they become symptomatic, and officials call the public risk “extremely low.” Road Safety: A police pursuit crash in Independence, Missouri, sent all four people to hospitals; two have life-threatening injuries. Kansas Tragedy: In Reno County, a woman died after her SUV hit a parked semi on K-96. Travel & Events: Riverside, Missouri is gearing up for a World Cup summer with community info sessions, while Wakita, Oklahoma drew big crowds for the “Twister” movie museum’s 30th anniversary. Sports Buzz: Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez extended a scoreless streak to 29 2/3 innings in a 6-0 win over the Pirates.

Hantavirus Watch in Kansas: KDHE says it’s monitoring three people after a high-risk exposure to someone with confirmed Andes hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. No Kansas cases yet: KDHE reports no suspected or confirmed hantavirus cases in Kansas and says the public risk is “extremely low,” with those monitored not currently showing symptoms. Local Life & Travel Buzz: Manhattan’s Mainstreet band is set to enter the Kansas Music Hall of Fame, while Kansas City’s Union Station is rolling out major new exhibits and World Cup plans for 2026. Road Safety: A Reno County crash killed a 19-year-old woman after a SUV hit a parked semi. Quick Space Note: Asteroid 2026 JH2 will pass very close to Earth on May 18, with no impact risk expected.

NFL Schedule Drop: The 2026 slate is officially out, headlined by a Week 1 Super Bowl rematch—Seahawks vs. Patriots—plus a Rams–49ers opener in Melbourne and a big Thanksgiving/holiday-heavy TV lineup. Kansas City Travel & Transit: Kansas City International Airport reopened its airfield after an American Airlines emergency evacuation tied to an “odor in the cabin,” with no injuries reported. World Cup Momentum (KC): Northeast Kansas City businesses are pushing to be part of the World Cup conversation, while Overland Park hotels are booking fast for sports tourism—Top Gun softball alone is expected to drive thousands of room nights. Public Health Watch (Kansas): KDHE is monitoring three Kansans after a high-risk exposure to a person with confirmed Andes hantavirus; officials say symptoms aren’t present and the public risk is extremely low. Local Spotlight (Hays): Hays named Michelle “Nikki” Brown as the new director of its Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Health Watch: KDHE says it’s monitoring three Kansans after a high-risk Andes hantavirus exposure tied to the MV Hondius cruise outbreak; officials stress there are no suspected or confirmed Kansas cases and the public risk is “extremely low.” Road Safety: Kansas law enforcement is kicking off Memorial Day travel with the statewide “Click It or Ticket” push (May 17–June 1), urging drivers to buckle up. Local Life & Travel: Route 66 gets a tech-meets-nostalgia moment as “The Electric Duo” tours the Mother Road in a Ford Mustang Mach‑E, with Kansas stops like Galena. Community Spotlight: Newman Regional Health in Emporia is being celebrated during National Hospital Week for its local care role. Sports (Kansas angle): Kansas wheat scouts wrapped up the 2026 Hard Winter Wheat Tour, estimating 218 million bushels statewide production potential.

Health Watch: KDHE says it’s monitoring three Kansans after a high-risk Andes hantavirus exposure tied to the MV Hondius cruise ship—no Kansas cases are suspected or confirmed, and officials call the public risk “extremely low.” NFL Schedule Buzz: The full 2026 slate is out, headlined by a Super Bowl LX rematch to open the season (Seahawks vs. Patriots) and a holiday-heavy run that includes Broncos games on Black Friday and Christmas Day. Kansas Travel & Family Fun: Sunflower Summer returns July 9–Aug. 2 with free admission for Kansas families (eligible students plus one adult) via the Sunflower Summer app. Local Life: Wichita disc golf is surging, and Great Bend’s Rec highlights a busy spring of enrichment classes and community contests. Road News: A Reno County crash on K-96 sent one passenger to the hospital, where she died; the driver reported minor injuries.