July 6, 2023 www.investigatemidwest.org Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
Midwest feeling the heat of climate change
Going outside can feel like a “weather whiplash,” says Wisconsin’s state climatologist.
The recent headlines tell the sweaty news: “Global sizzling: July was hottest month on record, NOAA says,” from the Associated Press. “Tuesday set an unofficial record for the hottest day on Earth. Wednesday may break it,” also from the AP. “Summer 2023 is shaping up to be sweltering and smoky,” writes USA Today.
We’re seeing and feeling these events in the Midwest, too. Colleagues at the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk point out in the story below that the middle of the U.S. has been seen as an escape from some of these climate changes. But it is not.
You can read the full story here.
Also in today’s newsletter, you’ll find a roundup of some of the Ag & Water Desk’s work as well as other news outlets that Investigate Midwest collaborates with.
Thanks for reading.
— Suzanne Behnke, digital editor
Midwest states, often billed as climate havens, suffer summer of smoke, drought, heat
The lingering presence of wildfire smoke has made for an unusual start to summer across the Midwest. It also comes during a near-record drought crisping fields across the Corn Belt and the threat of hotter summers to come.
This story is by Madeline Heim, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Chloe Johnson, Minneapolis Star Tribune. It is a product of the Mississippi River Ag & Water Desk.
GRAPHIC: Back wages owed to H-2A workers have doubled in the last 15 years
By Ryan Murphy, Investigate Midwest
Department of Labor data show that the majority of agricultural laborers whose legal rights have been violated are farmworkers in the U.S. on H-2A visas. These workers make up about 11% of the overall agricultural workforce according to the Woodrow Wilson Center, but an Investigate Midwest analysis found that they were owed 62% of the industry’s back wages in 2022.
This represents a dramatic increase over the past 15 years. In 2008, by comparison, H-2A workers were owed 30% of the industry’s back wages.
Search the graphic.
ICYMI: Other ag stories from our news partners
As a nonprofit news organization, Investigate Midwest offers our stories free for republication. We work with others who do the same, incuding the outlets below. Here's a roundup of recent work from our newsroom partners:
From the Missisippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk: Gulf “dead zone” predicted to be twice the size of national goal. Again.
From the Cedar Rapids Gazette: Lost in translation: How USDA barriers leave immigrant farmers and ranchers behind
From the Louisville Courier Journal: With billions on the table for water infrastructure, small communities risk being left out to dry
From Harvest Public Media: Indigenous farmers hope their knowledge of regenerative practices can influence others
Also from the Gazette: Who owns Iowa farmland? In many cases, it’s not farmers.
From Wisconsin Watch: Midwest drought: Corn and soybeans suffer as forecasters expect no quick relief for farmers
