128 republications. 14 states. Help us keep going.
Summer has a way of slowing things down. But the decisions affecting our food, farms, workers, health and communities don’t pause. Neither can independent investigative reporting.
We’ve raised less than half of our $7,000 summer campaign goal by July 31. THANK YOU to those who have already given. It may sound pithy to say, “Every dollar counts,” but it’s true. Closing the gap matters now because what we raise this summer helps set the pace for the rest of 2026.
And though we run concentrated campaigns — like this one, fundraising isn’t just seasonal for us. This work takes money to do well: money for reporters to dig into data and public records, spend time in communities, ask difficult questions, and work with editors and photographers to produce high-quality, deeply reported investigations and evocative stories. It also takes resources to make sure those stories keep reaching people long after publication.
The first six months of this year show what that support makes possible.
From January through June, we documented 229 examples of our journalism reaching other newsrooms, the public and government officials. Our stories were republished 128 times in 14 states, and the Spencer Reporter in Iowa turned our investigative reporting on pesticide and cancer into a three-part series.
Our reporting was noted dozens of times in articles and blog posts. Our data helped inform an Iowa House debate and was cited in testimony before a Congressional committee.
Our series examining high pesticide use and rising cancer rates in key areas of the Midwest drew more than 118,000 page views. Ninety people joined our public panel on that reporting, and survey respondents said the event improved their understanding. Many planned to seek more information, discuss the issue with others, follow future reporting or engage policymakers.
That’s what a donation — yours — supports: journalism that informs public debate, gives local newsrooms useful reporting and data, and helps people better understand the systems shaping their lives.
Will you make a gift today and help us reach $7,000?
The summer may feel quieter. But this is when we build the momentum — and the resources — for the work ahead.
With gratitude,
— Erin Orr
executive director
Investigate Midwest
P.S. We’re still less than halfway to our goal. A gift of any amount today helps close the gap and keeps this work moving.
