Kate Grumke
/
St. Louis Public Radio
Big tech companies are facing formidable opposition from a coalition of people across the political spectrum. Meanwhile, local elected officials find themselves scrambling to draft regulations and defend themselves against accusations of secrecy.
Leah McBride Mensching
/
Harvest Public Media
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Lawmakers in 13 states have proposed banning or restricting paraquat, a toxic herbicide that researchers have tied to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. But efforts to outlaw it have failed across the Midwest. -
Giving birth without a doctor or midwife present or foregoing prenatal care are increasingly popular practices. They’re attracting people who mistrust the healthcare system or believe in all-natural approaches to birthing. -
Childcare can be nearly as expensive as a mortgage in some Midwest states, but legislation sponsored by two lawmakers aims to reduce that cost by increasing subsidy eligibility and funding new childcare centers. -
In many U.S. cities, even those without camping bans, officials are more aggressive with removing encampments from public spaces. People experiencing homelessness say they’re moving frequently and experiencing anxiety. -
Of the 12 states counted as the Midwest by the U.S. Census Bureau, eight are seeing modest growth from domestic migration. Four are seeing a decline in the number of people moving in from other parts of the country.
