News

The Environmental Protection Agency says air tests in Joplin don't indicate health concerns from asbestos.

The EPA's regional office says it will continue to monitor air in Joplin as the town recovers from the May 22 tornado that ripped apart about a third of the southwest Missouri community.

The agency said its plan includes sampling the air at various locations in and around the tornado's impact zone. The emphasis is on monitoring for asbestos and particulate matter.

Good morning! Here are some of today's starting headlines:

Cardinals, Royals to team up for series to benefit Joplin recovery

The St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals will be teaming up to help raise money for tornado recovery efforts in Joplin, Mo. Missouri's two Major League Baseball teams are to meet for an interleague series June 17-19 in St. Louis.

The Carondelet Park Grand Stand burned to the ground today. A spokesman for St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay says it’s considered a total loss.

Built in 1898, the stand was used for Sunday concerts and rented out for picnics.

Firefighters got the call shortly after 2 p.m. There’s no word on the cause of the fire.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meets tomorrow to consider a proposal to restructure the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) over the next five years.   

The controversial plan calls for laying off 1,200 MoDOT workers, closing 135 facilities and selling off 740 pieces of equipment.

A newly created House committee will examine whether a special legislative session is needed to assist in the recovery from a deadly tornado in Joplin and flooding in southeastern Missouri.

The House Interim Committee on Disaster Recovery was to make its recommendation by the end of July. The committee also was tasked with examining long-term recovery strategies and ways for Missouri to be better prepared for future natural disasters.

A report with those findings was to be submitted by the end of the year.