Midwest

During the first weekend in May, Latinos from across Kansas City celebrated 100 years of a beloved Cinco de Mayo fiesta at the Guadalupe Centers. What began as an annual celebration of Mexican immigrants and their cultural roots has grown into a weekend-long block party filled with music, food and the chance for longtime supporters to reconnect.

Federal prosecutors said the teenager was driven in handcuffs from California to a Christian reform school in southwest Missouri. Agape Boarding School later closed amid an abuse scandal.

New research out of Ohio State University found the rate of bird decline was quicker in areas with more intense agricultural practices.

The lawsuit, against the police board and an officer, alleges excessive force, among other claims.

As arrests have climbed in President Trump's second term, advocates and attorneys across the state say undocumented immigrants live in fear.

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.

Even in the Midwest, the cost of life’s essentials is going up. Rising everyday expenses, including food, energy and transportation, are straining household budgets. We invite you to share how you are affording life in 2026 in a short survey.

Many Midwest residents distrust their tap water. Some purchase water and ice from standalone kiosks. University of Iowa researchers found at least trace levels of lead in most of these kiosks.

The national governing body for gymnastics said it made the unusual move to terminate GAGE's membership because of allegations that coaches were not complying with the terms of their suspensions tied to claims of abuse.

Trump promised to "make America affordable again," but food prices are still rising. Although Kansas City and St. Louis residents enjoy a lower cost of living than many Americans, that's of little comfort when household staples remain unaffordable for many.

Tariffs are a key component of the Trump administration’s policy to revive the U.S. economy. So far, the strategy of taxing trading partners is not working as promised in Nebraska.

Missouri and other states in the Midwest saw growth over the past year, according to U.S. census data, but declining immigration may bring change to Missouri.