Over Heather’s 13-year relationship with her ex-husband, she alleges that he physically and verbally abused her, eroding her self-worth, her ability to be a good mother, and many relationships with family and friends. After losing custody of her son and daughter, she committed to finally leaving. But she said almost didn’t make it out. By Allie Schallert and Arthur H. Trickett Wile

Sammy Cain is one of several generations in his family that took on farming as an occupation and passion. Now 71, he has no plans to stop working the land as he continues his family's legacy and comes to peace with knowing his children don't have to follow the same path.

After deciding to take over her parent's floral design business, Elisabeth Roeleveld felt it was a good year to participate in Art in Bloom at the St. Louis Art Museum. "I thought it would be a good moment to kind of bring Les Bouquets back into the conversation," Roeleveld said.

After obsessing over making the 'perfect bagel' at home, Scott Lefton felt inspired to sell his New York-style bagels to the St. Louis community. With his brother-in-law Doug Goldenburg, they are making the 'bagel dream' happen.

Karen Davis was recognized from a young age for her artistic talent and was frequently encouraged to pursue it professionally. But without parents that properly encouraged her skills growing up she struggled to find her direction as an artist into adulthood.

Chloe Yates didn't see herself ever becoming a chef. Now as the executive chef and general manager at Cellar House in Oakville, she says, "I don't think I could ever leave." 

For the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Halloween in St. Louis starts at one place - Johnny Brock's Dungeon.

For the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Animals have been pushed out of their ecosystems and forced to adapt to human lifestyles for generations as civilizations have advanced and expanded. The traffic and urbanization of modern U.S. cities continue to put wildlife at risk of injury, becoming orphaned, and living in unsafe areas. After trying to find help for an injured baby squirrel in Oakland, California, Lila Travis discovered that it would be euthanized since there were no resources nearby to help it recover. She felt compelled to be the support that wildlife in the San Francisco area needed.