Years after an explosion at ADM’s flagship plant in Decatur, Illinois, answers about how it happened are now available. A federal investigation offers the clearest picture yet showing the safety failures that occurred before the blast at one of the world’s largest agricultural companies.
Five states produced nearly three-quarters of the nation's pumpkins in 2025. Illinois led in pounds harvested, while Pennsylvania farmers received the highest average price.
Years after an explosion at ADM’s flagship plant in Decatur, Illinois, answers about how it happened are now available. A federal investigation offers the clearest picture yet showing the safety failures that occurred before the blast at one of the world’s largest agricultural companies.
The Illinois legislature is debating whether to become one of a handful of states to legally require worker protections from extreme temperatures. The legislation would apply to labor on the frontlines of the climate crisis, such as farm work.
USDA projections show imports rising through 2027 as a shrinking cattle herd forces the US to buy more beef abroad. But some ranchers say the policy betrays President Trump's America First agenda and does little to lower prices for American consumers.
The newsroom Lighthouse Reports, along with several partners around the globe, found food companies have sued more than 200 times in the past 15 years as governments have tried to rein in unhealthy ingredients in people’s diets.
State records list roughly 11,000 regulated animal feeding operations. A yearlong effort using federal aerial imagery, satellite analysis and state records found more than 15,000 livestock facilities, revealing a larger industrial footprint.
After a temporary boost in state funding, the state’s 97 soil and water conservation districts are back to operating on tighter budgets, leaving employees searching for other ways to help farmers protect their land.
Five states produced nearly three-quarters of the nation's pumpkins in 2025. Illinois led in pounds harvested, while Pennsylvania farmers received the highest average price.
Andy and Tammy Orem will join Investigate Midwest and UpRoot for a virtual conversation about their family’s experience, the community response and what they want more people to understand about what’s happening in Shelby County.
The Oct. 4 fundraiser will feature wood-fired pizza, live music, a silent auction and an evening in the Iowa countryside.
The May 7 virtual panel will explore what current data and reporting reveal, bringing together research, clinical insight, and lived experience.
Reva & David Logan Foundation, Inasmuch Foundation, Lumpkin Family Foundation, Builders Vision Philanthropy, Gary Marx Journalism Fund, Kirkpatrick Foundation, Chicago Region Food System Fund, Illinois Food Movement Fund, GRACE Communications, Good Chaos, Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, Fund for Investigative Journalism, Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, Rural News Network, Google News Initiative, Data-Driven Reporting Project, Arnold Ventures.
We are proud to hold the Candid Seal of Transparency, demonstrating our commitment to openness and accountability in all that we do.
