Sept. 15, 2024 The Midwest Center For Investigative Reporting
Dear friends of Investigate Midwest,
It’s easy to overlook just how fragile democracy can be, especially here in the Midwest, where the strength of our rural communities and our daily lives depend on fair policies and access to truthful information. As you know, rights like a free press and the ability to vote aren’t guaranteed—they must be fought for and protected.
Today, on Democracy Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate the crucial role you’ve played in preserving democracy and to bring awareness to the ongoing threats it faces. At Investigate Midwest, we’ve worked tirelessly to keep you informed about the issues that matter most to rural communities—from policy reporting to investigations tied to agriculture, corporate power, and environmental justice.
- Senior reporter Sky Chadde's story about the presidential election's potential impact on immigrant farmworkers illustrates the essential role these workers play in America’s food supply. The policies proposed by candidates could significantly affect their livelihoods, shaping the future of agriculture.
- Other important work includes reporter John McCracken’s investigation into how climate change is reshaping farming across the Midwest — 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 Mónica Cordero is also diving into how recent U.S. trade policies, particularly tariffs, have affected the Midwest’s 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 Bamberg’s 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.
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.
We’re committed to reporting the facts, providing the resources you need, and empowering you as an engaged and informed citizen.
If you would like to make an additional gift in celebration of Democracy Day, you can do so below. All contributions today will be matched up to $500 by NewsMatch, making your impact even greater.
Thank you for standing with us, not just today but every day. Your support means everything to us, and together, we can continue to protect the communities that make the Midwest strong.
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.
