Iowa

A female program director and a man convicted of murder fell in love and conceived a child inside an Omaha prison. Now they're trying to successfully co-parent after the state moved the father west.

Thousands of Midwesterners obtained health insurance through the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion. A federal work requirement would force states to enforce a policy that could cause a loss of benefits caused by administrative errors and red tape.

Farmers, nonprofits and state agencies received almost $3 billion in grants from the Inflation Reduction Act in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. But recent federal funding freezes have recipients concerned they won’t end up receiving money.

The Midwest Newsroom and its partners asked police departments and sheriff offices in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska to tell us whether they will cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies as part of the Trump White House “mass deportation” plan.

Through reporting in Iowa, Nebraska and other states, The Midwest Newsroom has found a pattern of rural school districts relying on nonprofit organizations and community members to provide support and services where federal funding fails to meet needs.

While some school district leaders report positive immediate outcomes, there is limited research to show how shortening the school week affects student learning and socialization — or how parents tackle child care and work schedules.

A new survey from The Midwest Newsroom and Emerson College Polling Center asked registered voters in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska about measures on Nov. 5 ballots as well as a variety of political, social and economic subjects.

Documentation status, language barriers and lack of information can all create barriers for immigrants to access federal grants. Now a number of organizations are stepping in to provide direct support.

Donald Trump has endorsed three of the Republicans running for Missouri governor in this Tuesday's primary. The candidates have some policy differences, but the race is more about personality. Plus: How Iowa's new abortion ban could affect care in Kansas.

An Iowa law that bans abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy is poised to go into effect next week. The law could have rippling affects on abortion care across the Midwest.

This weekend, two teams based in Olathe, Kansas will play in the Granny Basketball national championships. Organizers want to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship and a “gentle game” for women over age 50. Plus: the elite violinist whose world-renowned musical family called Kansas City home.

Two teams based in Olathe, Kansas, will play in the Granny Basketball national tournament this weekend in Decorah, Iowa. Organizers aim to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship and 'a gentle game' for women over age 50.