Pew Research Center released new data showing a majority of Americans feel that life has become unaffordable, and are becoming pessimistic about their ability to save and plan for the future.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rent prices in Nebraska have increased 29% over the last seven years, and experts say wages are not keeping up. Nebraskans are finding temporary fixes to housing costs.