More than 1,600 plants and animals are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. And out of all of those, only one is a moss.

St. Louis Public Radio’s Kate Grumke reports on a new effort to protect these tiny plants that are often overlooked, but are very important.

All month long, people have been observing the achievements of Black Americans and historical events as the country celebrates Black History Month. The observance began 100 years ago as Negro History Week and has since expanded. It continues in St. Louis and nationwide despite recent efforts by the Trump Administration to erase the accomplishments of African Americans in libraries, museums and other places. STLPR's Andrea Henderson spoke with local students and educators about the importance of illuminating this history for the next century and beyond.

Mental health hotlines can be particularly valuable in rural areas, where there may not be any therapists or social workers close by. That includes 9-8-8, the national suicide and crisis lifeline. It launched less than four years ago and has already responded to nearly 20 million contacts. But support for 9-8-8 is stronger in some states than in others. Harvest Public Media’s Michael Marks reports.

The Missouri Republican Party is riding an unprecedented wave of success into the 2026 election cycle. But the party’s leaders acknowledge that in this midterm election with critical ballot initiatives they are facing some serious national headwinds. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum has this report from the recent Missouri GOP Lincoln Days in Springfield.

Four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November. They face an uphill battle against a billionaire Democrat in a state that has shifted more and more blue over the past decade.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is making an AI tool to identify plants with technology we might more commonly use in space. Plus: it’s hard to keep an independent book store open these days, especially in a small town, but a new shop in Rolla is hoping community – and cocktails – will make it work.

The Missouri Historical Society is making a new commitment to continue telling African American stories – this Black History Month, and beyond. Lyah LeFlore-Ituen is the society’s new director of its African American History Initiative. She spoke with St. Louis Public Radio’s Andrea Henderson at the Missouri History Museum about how the initiative will connect all communities to Black History to ignite city pride.

The documentary, ‘My Mama Joe, Hope & Help' follows the story of JoeAnna Caldwell and her family of caregivers after she’s diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. STLPR's Marissanne Lewis-Thompson spoke with Herb Caldwell – the film’s producer and JoeAnna’s son – about the film, why education around the disease matters, and the moment he noticed a change.

A recently-opened exhibit called “Hey, There’s The Arch!” at the Old Courthouse downtown showcases logos and symbols featuring the monument. It’s part of the 60th anniversary of the Arch. St. Louis Public Radio’s Abby Llorico explores how the Arch's two legs and 630 feet have come to stand for an entire region.

A major voice in the St. Louis blues and jazz community has left the stage. Marsha Evans, whose voice could be heard for decades in the region, has died. She was 75. As St. Louis Public Radio’s Chad Davis reports, musicians and friends remember Evans for her contributions to the local music scene and beyond.