Nature

The federal government promised Kansas City $59 million in security funding for the World Cup, but a partial shutdown put that money in limbo — with just months before the games kicked off. Plus: Mosses are the underdogs of the plant world. Now a group of scientists is coming together to protect them.

Citizen scientists across Missouri are helping researchers document the state’s vast fungal diversity. The findings from this MycoMap could lead to applications ranging from medicine to eco-friendly materials.

Sometimes, after an accident, medical bills force families to give up nonessential expenses, like their kids’ sports. A local charity is helping families in that situation. We'll hear from the organization’s founder and families the group has helped.

The National Museum of Natural History commissioned Missouri artist Gary Staab for a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staab sculpted three bison on a heroic scale.

A nesting pair of eagles made Blue Springs its home — and they're expecting! Viewers can watch their journey from home through a live feed.

A team of researchers studied the effects of heat on the survival and reproduction of Missouri treehoppers. "This is more of a story of resilience," says a St. Louis University biology professor.

Are you chasing the northern lights in Missouri and Kansas? On Wednesday night you'll be able to spot the rare show — and document it on your phone or camera while it lasts.

The brown tarantula is about the size of an apple or orange. University of Missouri-St. Louis scientist Becky Hansis-O’Neill and her team of students have been using an app to track their locations, tag and measure them, and learn how to protect their populations.

State officials say Missouri's current standards, last revised a quarter century ago, are based on outdated science. For small rural communities, it could require major upgrades for water treatment facilities.

Missouri and Kansas are home to approximately 400 different bee species. Some residents are turning their yards and balconies into havens of native plants.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, August droughts will likely have an effect on when leaves change and drop.

A new law in Illinois formalizes efforts to reintroduce native keystone species like bison and beavers in the state, which advocates say will help other species recover.