West Plains Daily Digest Friday, June 26, 2026
Ty's Take
Logan Day-Tarlton's motorcycle crash this week is the kind of loss that ripples through a county this size—the kind that makes you think about every rider you know heading out on the highway, and whether we've stopped saying the things we meant to say. The other headlines today feel distant by comparison: lawsuits against chemical companies, artificial intelligence and the job market, Supreme Court rulings that take years to understand. But a young man gone on a two-lane road in Howell County—that's the story that stays close to home, that reminds us the biggest risks aren't always the ones making national news.
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Weather Alerts
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued June 26 at 1:32AM CDT until June 27 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, including the following areas, Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry IL, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne IL, W...
West Plains Daily Quill
West Plains man Logan Day-Tarlton killed in motorcycle crash
Logan Day-Tarlton, a 21-year-old West Plains resident, died Tuesday evening when his motorcycle failed to navigate a curve on County Road 8240 and struck a stump. The adopted twin, who graduated from West Plains High School in 2023, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Howell County Coroner....
Supreme Court ruling blocks thousands of lawsuits against maker of Roundup weedkiller
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Roundup's manufacturer, blocking thousands of lawsuits from people claiming the weedkiller failed to warn users of potential cancer risks. The decision represents a major legal victory for the company in a long-running litigation battle.
AI is plowing through the workplace. This new group wants to help people adapt and have jobs
As artificial intelligence increasingly disrupts the workplace, a new advocacy group is forming to help workers adapt and retain jobs in an uncertain economic climate. The effort comes as experts warn that widespread adoption of AI technology could lead to significant job displacement without...
Today in History: June 25, Korean War begins
On this date in 1950, communist North Korea launched an invasion that sparked the Korean War, one of the 20th century's most significant armed conflicts. The war would reshape international relations and remain a defining moment in American military history.
Snap sued over rape of minor who connected to adult attacker on Snapchat
The parents of a girl who was sexually assaulted by an adult stranger she met on Snapchat have filed a lawsuit in Missouri state court against both the attacker and the social media company. The case raises questions about the platform's responsibility in protecting minors from predators.
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Ozark Radio News
Cabool Man Facing Theft Charges After Being Caught on Video
A Cabool man faces theft charges after authorities say home-security video caught him stealing a lawn mower from a rural property in Texas County. Deputy Paul Nawrath responded to the complaint and used the footage to build a case against the suspect.
Get Ready to Draw with Will Stuck at the West Plains Public Library
The West Plains Public Library is hosting a cartoon drawing class led by Will Stuck, a librarian and creative instructor, on Tuesday, June 30. Young artists will have the opportunity to learn character design techniques in a fun, engaging workshop.
Featured Pet of The Day- Skipper
Skipper, a playful 4-5 month old Australian Shepherd and Lab mix, is available for adoption through Mountain Grove Animal Control. The energetic pup does well with other dogs and most people, though he may need patience as he builds confidence with new individuals.
Keith Alan Denton, a 57-year-old Miami, Oklahoma resident known as 'Little Alan' to family and friends, passed away on June 16. The West Plains native was born in 1969 to Roy Smith and Frances Denton.
Update on West Plains’ Peoples Park Construction & Touch the Truck Event
Construction work is underway at West Plains' People's Park, prompting city officials to provide updates on the project timeline and its impact on the community. The annual Touch the Truck event will be affected by the ongoing work, with adjustments being made to accommodate the construction.
The Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Red White & Blue Festival 5K Run on Saturday, June 28 at the ASU Campus, with packet pickup beginning at 6 a.m. and the race starting at 7 a.m. Runners interested in participating can register on-site the morning of the event.
Weekly Lake Norfork Fishing Report
Local fishing conditions at Lake Norfork are detailed in this week's report from fishing expert Gary Farace. Anglers looking to plan their trips can find updated information about current water conditions and fish activity.
The St. Louis Cardinals fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-4, with starter Matthew Liberatore giving up six runs in the fourth inning. The Cardinals will look to bounce back and split the series tonight with Michael McGreevey taking the mound.
Blues trade Kyrou to Washington, have 4-first round picks for Friday’s draft
The St. Louis Blues have traded forward Jordan Kyrou to Washington in exchange for Connor McMichael, the 16th overall draft pick, and prospect Milton Gastrin. Kyrou departs after seven seasons with the Blues, during which he scored 168 goals and 210 assists in 488 games.
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