At institutions around the world, there are special libraries called "herbaria," containing millions of plants. As scientists work to understand and adapt to climate change, these plant collections have become even more important. But in some places, their future is in question. St. Louis Public Radio’s Kate Grumke reports on why scientists want you to care.

St. Louis faces a massive challenge with vacant land and buildings. It’s more than lost tax revenue: these pieces of property can end up costing the city thousands of dollars each. STLPR's Eric Schmid dug into the issue to find out how St. Louis is slowly beginning to account for and collect these costs.

Early voting is underway for St. Louis’ municipal primary. In addition to the races for the offices of mayor and comptroller, there are competitive primaries to represent the Third and Eleventh Wards at the Board of Aldermen. St. Louis Public Radio’s Rachel Lippmann introduces us to the legislative candidates.

Musician Martha Redbone draws on influences from Black and Native American folk styles to explore the roots of American music. She speaks with St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy Goodwin ahead of tomorrow’s concert in St. Louis.

A look at the state of Illinois’ finances ahead of the governor’s annual budget address, and a report from STLPR's Hiba Ahmed's "field trip" to the Missouri Statehouse with St. Louis Public School families.

The Criminal Justice Ministry in St. Louis is helping hundreds of formerly incarcerated people get back on their feet, many of whom are veterans and have spent at least 10 years in prison. And for some of the nonprofit’s case workers, the service hits close to home. St. Louis Public Radio’s Lacretia Wimbley has more on how the organization is impacting lives through its housing re-entry programs.

Coffee is big business in Ethiopia, where farmers and producers are often exploited. St. Louis Public Radio’s Marissanne Lewis-Thompson shares how a St. Louis University student’s company is attempting to shake up, and humanize, the industry by directly connecting Ethiopian coffee farmers to roasters in the U.S.

The aronia berry, also known as chokeberry is native to North America. And in recent years, it’s gained a following for its reported health benefits and potential market.

Federal prosecutors say they won a historic conviction in the case of Michael Madigan yesterday. The Former Illinois House Speaker was found guilty of wire fraud and bribery. Today, a conversation with Illinois politics reporter Dave McKinney, who has covered this trial from start to finish.

At the beginning of each year, volunteers venture into the night to count the number of people experiencing homelessness across the country. Getting an accurate count is a challenge, though, especially in rural regions. The Midwest Newsroom’s Kavahn Mansouri reports.