Daniel Wheaton
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The Midwest Newsroom
Data center demand, severe weather and the aging grid are forcing utilities to drive up electricity rates. While the Midwest has historically had the cheapest energy in the nation, forces are undermining that trend.
Frank Duran
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Provided
Brian Munoz
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St. Louis Public Radio
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"Free birth," when a person gives birth without the help of a medical professional, has been popularized in recent years by influencers. Experts say it’s dangerous, but people who choose to give birth unassisted say the practice is often not as extreme as it seems — or is misunderstood. -
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. -
Inflation in food prices can hit even harder for people in their 60s and older as they also juggle fixed incomes, health problems and changes in federal law. Experts say the age group is a “forgotten population” when it comes to food insecurity.
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With most foreign students paying full tuition, campuses will lose out as the numbers of international students decrease. Meanwhile, students worry as new restrictions about how long they can stay in the U.S. are set to go into effect. -
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.
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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. -
A fire at Postville's Agri Star meat plant has left hundreds of workers in limbo. On this episode, we talk with 'The Gazette's' Fern Alling about the community's response, and the plant's complicated history. We also hear how camping bans are pushing unhoused Iowans further from the resources they need with the Midwest Newsroom's Nicole Grundmeier. William Morris of the 'Des Moines Register' shares how a retired Iowa State professor wins some $2 million in a landmark equal pay case, and we talk with Vanessa Miller, higher education reporter at 'The Gazette' about new oversight questions at the UI Center for Intellectual Freedom. Then, we hear from IPR's Gavin McGough and Jake DeGroat of the Iowa Climbers Coalition about Iowa's new rock-climbing destination. And IPR Studio One Host Sean McClain grooves us into the weekend. -
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.
