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A butterfly is caught as part of a recent tagging event at the De Soto National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa. In the last three decades, thousands of volunteers have helped tag butterflies to gather more information about their journey to Mexico.

Efforts to tag monarchs carry into a third decade — tracking the butterfly's 'amazing migration'

Monarch butterflies travel hundreds and even thousands of miles in their migration to Mexico. Volunteer efforts to tag the butterflies have helped scientists learn more about their journey.

The Missouri State Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Jefferson City. Senate Republican leadership has clashed with members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus holding up business.

Missouri Republicans block attempt to add rape and incest exemptions to abortion ban

As Republican lawmakers voted down amendments aimed at legalizing abortion in cases of rape or incest, one state senator defended the decision, saying, "God does not make mistakes."

Kathy and Brad Gabel at Brad's Bakery Bistro in Orange City, Iowa. The community, which offers several arts and cultural amenities, has seen growth in recent years. The bakery has grown, as well. "We continue to gain new customers and expand what we offer with crepes, breakfast sandwiches, quiche, and northwestern European foods," Brad Gabel said.

Are the Midwest's rural areas finally seeing population growth after a decade of decline?

A recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that the population in rural areas is on the rise after a decade of decline. Parts of the Midwest and Great Plains saw increases, but not as much as in some other U.S. regions.

Sean Shannon, lead organizer with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 655 (left), and former budtender-turned-organizer Danny Foster visited several marijuana dispensaries in eastern Missouri in November to talk to employees about unionizing.

Missouri marijuana workers hit resistance in their efforts to unionize the cannabis industry

While dispensary workers see progress — with stores voting to unionize in Kansas City and St. Louis — marijuana manufacturing employees say they are stuck in a "gray area," unable to unionize because they may be considered agriculture workers.

Bleckley Foundation works to honor the story of Wichita’s greatest military hero

The Bleckley Foundation is rebuilding a plane that could revive the story of Wichita’s greatest military hero.

Outdoor photo in bright sunlight of a woman standing in a large garden plot. She is using a hose and sprinkler head to water a dark patch of dirt where some small green plants are beginning to sprout.

Composting businesses are sprouting across the Midwest — but many cities are unprepared

Food waste takes up space in landfills and produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting that waste can reduce climate impacts and save municipalities money on landfill fees, but concerns about bad smells and pests sometimes get in the way.

Members of the band Kat King sit in a living room staring at the viewer.

Our favorite Kansas City bands from NPR's 2024 Tiny Desk Contest

Kansas City is home to talented musicians of all ilk. Here are some of our favorite local bands who entered NPR's 2024 Tiny Desk Contest.

A man wearing a blue suit jacket, looks off camera in an office space. He's listening to someone off-camera.

Kansas City’s mayor and city council gave themselves a 15% pay raise — their first in 4 years

Mayor Quinton Lucas, who was recently re-elected to another four-year term, will be paid $163,082 a year. Council members, who are considered part-time employees, increased their salaries to $81,538, although a majority of current members won't be sticking around to enjoy the bump.

Here are the Kansas City-area pools that will be open this summer

After lifeguard shortages delayed and cut short last year’s swimming season, pools in the Kansas City area are opening right on time for Memorial Day this year.

A row of colorful cars are parked on a paved lot. People can be seen walking around them.

From West Coast to Westside, Kansas City's lowrider culture has spread beyond its Latino roots

What started as a point of pride for many people in one of the city’s historic Mexican American neighborhoods, now includes car shops all over the metro, and builders and riders from every background.

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