A stand of trees planted by a prominent local educator on the north side of Joplin High School might be endangered by a stormwater drainage project.

There were two Republican candidates for U.S. Senate at the Jasper-Newton County Lincoln Days on Saturday, but the big-time endorsements went to U.S. Congressman Roy Blunt.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Groups seeking more government transparency are getting a boost from a new grant. The National Freedom of Information Coalition announced Monday a $2 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Middle America’s business sector appears optimistic about the region’s economy over next six months, despite signs that suggest the economy will see a weak recovery in 2010, according to a survey of business leaders and supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states released Monday.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Downtown Springfield has experienced a renaissance in the past 10 years. The Springfield News-Leader reported that nearly a quarter of a billion dollars has been invested in the two square miles surrounding Park Central Square.