Vernon Betts has been at the helm of the St. Louis Sheriff’s Department for nearly a decade, but remains undecided on how quiet his retirement from the post will be. Betts reflects on his tenure in office and contemplates what his life will look like after the badge in this conversation with STLPR's Brian Munoz.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson is winding down his term as 57th Governor.

Come January, he will be replaced by Mike Kehoe. St. Louis Public Radio’s Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum sat down for an interview with Parson to discuss his time as governor.

Donald Trump promised increased tariffs while on the campaign trail. As president-elect he's doubled down on the pledge, targeting Canada, Mexico, and again...China. Charlie Schlenker reports Illinois agriculture organizations still hope he doesn't mean it.

St. Louis-based composer Christopher Stark visited outdoor spaces in Montana, New Hampshire and New York to create an album that celebrates nature … while warning of catastrophes triggered by global climate change.

STLPR's Jeremy Goodwin brings us "The Language of Landscapes."

Farmers say implementing more sustainable practices means higher costs - for themselves and for consumers. But with food prices already high, many people can’t or won’t pay more. Jana Rose Schleis reports on what producers and purchasers are to do about it.

Rahaf is one of thousands of children injured during the yearlong war in Gaza. Her two legs were amputated after an Israeli bomb struck her home several months ago. St. Louis Public Radio's Ulaa Kuziez reports.

A traditional building material is getting new life in the Midwest. It locks away carbon and is strong enough to stretch stories into the sky. St. Louis Public Radio’s Kate Grumke reports on a new way builders are using . . . wood.

Democrats used to win St. Clair County in the Metro East by double digit margins. But in the last few elections, that margin has gotten closer — leaving some to wonder: Can Republicans flip the county like most others in downstate Illinois? St. Louis Public Radio’s Will Bauer reports.

A new baby Asian elephant born this weekend is part of a fourth generation of the herd living at the St. Louis Zoo. In what turned out to be the final days before his long-awaited birth, Abby Llorico stopped by to learn the ways in which Raja’s grandson is already making zoo history.

* Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and weekend -- we'll be back in your podcast feeds Monday. *

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is helping Black St. Louisans trace their roots as far back as possible.

As St. Louis Public Radio’s Andrea Henderson reports, Black St. Louisans want to help the next generation better understand their ancestry.