This afternoon on seMissourian.com

Gas prices rising?

The last week we've seen gas prices edge up a bit, from their almost miraculous dip into the $1.30 per gallon range earlier this month.

But will prices continue to rise, or can we expect another decline in price at the pump? And how high might prices eventually get this time around?

Click here to read what a local economist and AAA have to say.

In case you missed it: Update on Meghan Moshiri

Many people in Southeast Missouri remember vividly what happened in Jackson one year ago, when Mir Shahin Moshiri opened fire on his family at their home in a fit of rage. In the aftermath two of the Moshiri children were dead and Katherine Moshiri and her daughter Meghan were seriously injured.

This weekend we printed a story updating Meghan's progress of recovery, which has been much better than was originally expected.

Click here to read more of this story.

For Sikeston, a construction boom

How long has it been since you've heard some good economic news?

For the past few months there's been plenty of information out there about the bad state of the national economy, including a surge in unemployment claims.

But one local city can boast that 2008 was a record year for new construction, a record balanced on the back of new business locating there. Thanks to major commercial projects, Sikeston is claiming a record year in new construction.

Click here for more on this story.

Tuesday on seMissourian.com

Come back to seMissourian.com on Tuesday for more on the area's fluctuating gas prices, a story about some lucky local kids who got to Shop With A Hero today and a look back at the long political career of Cape Girardeau County commissioner Larry Bock.