Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

A slice of summer
July is National Watermelon Month, a time when the summer staple takes center stage at picnics, barbecues and farmers markets across Missouri. The state ranks seventh in the nation for watermelon production, according to MU Extension state...

Luxury retailer Nordstrom closing stores in two states by end of August
Nordstrom is shutting down two of its stores by the end of August as the company tries to keep afloat. The retail industry faces several headwinds, from a challenging economic climate to shifting consumer behavior. Saint Louis Galleria Nordstrom...
LENRD recaps June board of directors meeting discussions
On Thursday, June 26, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) directors met for the monthly board meeting. The agenda included numerous items ranging from projects and programs, water resources, and administrative. Nickerson WFPO Project...
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Netflix announces longest-running unscripted show is ending after 10th season
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

WED: Senate votes to move ahead with Trump's request for $9 billion in spending cuts – including public media, + More
Senate votes to move ahead with Trump's request for $9 billion in spending cuts - By Kevin Freking, Associated Press Republicans on Tuesday advanced President Donald Trump's request to cancel some $9 billion in previously approved spending,...

West Plains completes services from the Community Empowerment Grant program
West Plains Downtown Revitalization has completed the services from the costsharing Community Empowerment Grant that provided training, mentoring, and technical services to the local revitalization organization. The service grant is provided by...

Top Performers in Summer Baseball Leagues as of July 8
The Missouri State Bears baseball players are making a mark in various summer leagues, showcasing their skills through early July. Not all players opted for summer leagues, but those participating have delivered impressive performances, with...

Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform begins work
Dale Wright, Missouri State Representative Submitted photo MO HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, DALE WRIGHT CAPITOL REPORT The Missouri House of Representatives formed a Special Committee during interim on Property Tax Reform in order to evaluate our state’s...

These 3 things pushed American Mattress to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. – A challenging business environment, election year uncertainty and large line changeovers from two key mattress vendors and the cost incurred to reset its showroom floors contributed to American Mattress’ Chapter 11...

Top THC Tinctures for 2025: Potent Oils for Every Lifestyle
Are you seeking a natural, powerful addition to boost your overall wellness? Something that actually works and isn't all hype? With so many artificial, chemical-based products out there, it’s hard to source natural solutions. After scouring the...

How Desireé Reed-Francois is reshaping Arizona Athletics with a lean budget and lofty goals
When Desireé Reed-Francois last month shared the process behind the hire of track and field/cross country coach Andrew Dubs, she provided a direct window into the precise decision making required of a Power 5 athletic director with a finite...

Representative Matthew Overcast Capitol Report
Greetings Friends of the 155th District! Last week, I announced my appointment to serve on the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform. This committee has been tasked with evaluating Missouri’s current property tax system and developing...

Lawmaker inquires about Arkansas’ emergency communication capabilities following Texas flood
Let us read it for you. Listen now. Your browser does not support the audio element. In light of the catastrophic flooding in Texas leading to the deaths of at least 110 people, an Arkansas Legislative Council subcommittee will explore emergency...

Farmington city council hears from citizen-led group
City Counselor Scott Reid and Mayor Chris Morrison are hearing the Chamber report. Lisa Brotherton-Barnes The Farmington City Council convened last week, approving a zoning amendment on Weber Road and passing several resolutions. No Fog Farmington...

Pushback: Spending locally builds a stronger Greenfield ‘ecosystem’
In July of 2023, I wrote a Pushback column about the Benderson company of Buffalo, New York which had purchased a 6.7 acre parcel on the edge of Greenfield behind the Mohawk Trail McDonald’s. Out of state developers like Benderson, Robar and...

Northeast Oklahoma Day Trips
Day trips are easy to plan, and don't require the "sleeping in a random bed" experience! Northeast Oklahoma is filled with opportunities to explore that are just a short drive away. Learning about all there is to see surrounding Tulsa made my...

Here are 11 most scenic towns in Kansas
WorldAtlas recently published a list of the 11 most scenic towns in Kansas. These towns offer a variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty, from hiking trails to tranquil lakes. Several towns are located near state parks, providing...

Smart Landscape Design: How Many Types of Plants is Too Many?
Summary Outdoor plants thrive in natural conditions with sunlight and open soil. Choose the right plants for your landscaping based on space, care needs, and climate. Having a diverse collection of plants attracts wildlife and is key to a vibrant...
Texas flood disaster: A crime of capitalism
A crew of firefighters from Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, left, aid in search and rescue efforts near the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. [AP Photo/Eli Hartman]The death toll from flash...

eric burlison criticizes federal policies and calls for transparency
Rep. Eric Burlison, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 7th District | Twitter WebsiteRep. Eric Burlison, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 7th District | Twitter Website Eric Burlison, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri's 7th district since...