The once dominant Missouri fur industry has been declining due to shifting attitudes around the use of fur and increased trade tariffs. But the enduring market is adapting.

Mike Mills sold over 60 million albums as bassist and songwriter with R.E.M., which emerged from the college-rock scene of the 1980’s to become one of the world’s most successful bands. Now he’s blending genres with his concerto for orchestra and rock band. Mills and violinist Robert McDuffie will perform it Friday with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, in a program that also includes orchestral interpretations of R.E.M. songs.

The fur industry has a long history in the state of Missouri, and while it looks different now – it’s still around. Rebecca Smith recently went to the annual Missouri fur auction and brings us this look at fur trapping’s role in the community and in conservation.

The average age of farmers in the U.S. continues to rise, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new “Census of Ag.” It’s now nearly 60 years old. But there’s also an increase in the number of new farmers. and student membership in the agriculture organization FFA is at an all-time high.

Gray foxes are found from Central America to Canada. But their numbers are shrinking in parts of the Midwest. Researchers in several states including Illinois are working to find out what’s behind the decline of the gray fox.

This time a month ago Kansas City was still coming to grips with a Super Bowl victory celebration turned upside down in an instant by a mass shooting. Shocking as it was, shootings of the same basic type happen almost twice a day in the United States.

The FDA recently approved two cell-based gene therapy treatments for the blood disorder. Doctors and advocates believe the therapy could bring relief to the nearly 2,000 St. Louisans living with the disease. However, many are questioning the accessibility, their costs and risks.

The St. Louis Cardinals start their 2024 season tomorrow afternoon in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. Last year, the redbirds had their first losing season since 2007. There are tempered expectations that this year will be better.

Beauty school has made its way to incarcerated women at the St. Louis County Justice Center. The aim is to address recidivism with hot tools and clippers.

The 2024 Missouri Legislative Session resumes today after a week away from the Capitol. With only roughly two months left in the end of session, GOP priorities include passing a resolution that if later approved by voters, would make it harder to amend the state’s constitution as well as measures on education and crime.