Sept. 15, 2024 The Midwest Center For Investigative Reporting
Stand up for democracy with us š¤
A free press is vital to a healthy democracy.
Dear friends of Investigate Midwest,
As a reminder, today is Democracy Day, and we're joining newsrooms across the country to raise awareness about the growing threats to our democratic rights, including the right to vote and the importance of a free press. In the Midwest, where farming and food security are central to our way of life, these rights are essential but increasingly vulnerable ā especially in the rural communities that feed our nation.
At Investigate Midwest, weāre dedicated to covering the stories that matter most to these communities. From the consolidation of the agriculture industry to the regulation of vital resources like water, our reporting sheds light on the issues that shape both our daily lives and the future of our democracy.
The General Election election is just two months away. Here's how we're keeping you informed...
- Senior reporter Sky Chadde's story about the presidential election's potential impact on immigrant farmworkers illustrates the essential role these workers play in Americaās food supply. The policies proposed by candidates could significantly affect their livelihoods, shaping the future of agriculture.
- Other important work includes reporter John McCrackenās investigation into how climate change is reshaping farming across the Midwest ā and how the election could decide the future of climate-smart agriculture. For farmers like Hans Breitenmoser, the outcome will directly affect their ability to survive the growing climate crisis.
- Reporter MĆ³nica Cordero is also diving into how recent U.S. trade policies, particularly tariffs, have affected the Midwestās agricultural economy. Through interviews with local farmers like Lance Lillibridge, the story illustrates the difficult balance between political loyalty and the economic hardships tariffs impose on agriculture.
- Illinois state government reporter Jennifer Bambergās story examines how the consolidation of the meat industry has made it difficult for small farmers like Greg Gunthorp to compete. The top four companies control nearly 70% of the pork industry, squeezing out small producers with predatory practices, and the upcoming election could impact antitrust laws aimed at breaking up these monopolies.
These stories illuminate why supporting independent journalism is crucial. By donating to Investigate Midwest, you're helping us continue to tell these vital stories that hold leaders accountable and ensure vulnerable communities are heard. Your donation helps ensure our reporters continue to investigate and hold accountable those in power for harmful policies and practices.
The good news? Thereās an easy way you can make a difference: support independent, nonprofit journalism like ours. Your donation will ensure our reporters can continue uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable, especially when it comes to policies that directly impact rural America.
Today only, NewsMatch will match donations up to $500.
Thank you for standing with us. Even if you canāt give financially, youāre making a difference by reading our work and sharing it with others. Each time you share an article, you help amplify voices and the critical issues affecting our food system that need attention.
With gratitude,
Erin Orr
Executive Editor
Investigate Midwest
Investigate Midwest is an independent, nonprofit newsroom. Our mission is to serve the public as a watchdog over influential corporations and institutions through in-depth and data-driven investigative journalism.
