Kelsey Proud

If you're a little tired of this cold weather, you're in luck, as the iconic "Punxsutawney Phil" groundhog did not see his shadow this morning -- signaling Spring's early return. 

For those of you who looked for Groundhog Day-related fun a little closer to home today to no avail, that's because our new local "representative" is a little too groggy for the task this year.

NPR's Tamara Keith launches a year-long occasional series on unemployment, entitled "The Road Back to Work" tracking six St. Louis residents.

We'll update the links to each of the stories in the series here for you on stlpublicradio.org.

Reporting from Illinois Public Radio's Amanda Vinicky used in this report.

According to an Illinois Supreme court stay issued today (which you can read below), the state can continue collecting higher taxes on liquor, coffee and grooming products.  But that may be only temporary.

The tax bumps have been in place since 2009.

Lawmakers intended for them, as well as proceeds from the legalization of video poker, to pay for a $31 billion infrastructure plan. 

Here's a detailed map of St. Louis traffic conditions from NAVTEQ

Updated at 5:30 pm with further remarks from St. Louis Democrats chair Brian Wahby

The Democratic National Committee has announced its choice city for the 2012 Democratic National Convention -- and it's not St. Louis.

Charlotte, N.C. has been named the host of the event over St. Louis and other finalist cities Cleveland and Minneapolis.