Midwest Newsroom

States had until the end of September to distribute federal rescue funds to school districts to help students struggling with housing get equal access to education. Barring extensions, most states will leave money on the table — including several in the Midwest.

The Midwest Newsroom analyzed the funders behind high-profile proposed ballot measures and the amount they’re spending. Abortion and sports betting campaigns are the leading targets for out-of-state money.

A survey of registered voters in four states showed a disconnect between policy rhetoric from lawmakers and candidates and what their constituents believe about a range of issues. We asked experts for an explanation.

The Midwest Newsroom and its partners found that homeless students eligible for enrollment, transportation and academic support in most rural school districts are not getting these services because the districts are undercounting students without stable housing and not applying for available funds.

More than 4,800 students are considered homeless in Nebraska, and school districts can do only so much to help. Many rely on partnerships with local organizations to support student needs outside of school.

Kansas and Missouri agencies have paid thousands of dollars to Street Cop Training. Since The Midwest Newsroom and KCUR began investigating, police departments in both states have stopped using the private company to instruct officers.

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.

Three years after federal aid was earmarked to ensure homeless students get an education, millions of dollars remain unspent in the Midwest and around the country. In September, what’s left of the one-time funding will be returned to the U.S. Treasury.

A new report shows the increasing divide between paychecks and the price of buying and renting across the country. The gap is especially high in Nebraska’s capital city.

Thirteen states across the U.S., including much of the Midwest, introduced bills this year that could give some rights to embryos and fetuses usually associated with people. None passed but people in the fertility world are concerned that lawmakers will try again and what that means for reproductive rights.