KNS

Data centers that power AI are exploding across the Midwest — and so is opposition to them. Now, people across the political spectrum want to see stricter regulation and more transparency.

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.

Wyandotte County resident Raúl Álvarez is still feeling the aftermath of the Aug. 18 storm that left thousands around Kansas City, Kansas, without power and with significant building damage. County officials continue to call for volunteers.

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.

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 Midwestern 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.

Across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, more than 270,000 people ages 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease. Government support to help people detect dementia early is critical — especially in rural areas — advocates say.

Federal mortality data reveals a 16% decrease in so-called “deaths of despair” caused by alcohol, drugs and suicide, but cuts to public health infrastructure may make it challenging for the trend to continue.

After a two-year court battle, Sniper 1 can finally be identified as Keaton Siebenaler. KCUR and The Midwest Newsroom have confirmed he departed the Joplin Police Department in August and graduated from the MSHP academy last week.