Trump made meatpacking investigation a campaign promise but antitrust staff has been gutted
Four companies own 85% of US beef production. Independent ranchers say consolidation has narrowed their market options, and past federal antitrust cases have largely ended in fines rather than meaningful changes.
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You can’t gaslight food affordability
Prices are higher in 5 out of 6 tracked food-at-home categories, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Investigate Midwest’s Juan Vassallo wins first place in NAAJ writing contest
The NAAJ judge praised the reporting for its depth, use of sources, and ability to connect policy decisions to real-world impacts.
High pesticide-use counties often have higher-than-average late-stage cancer rates
Glyphosate data analysis shows connection to most aggressive forms of cancer across the nation’s agricultural heartland.
Argentina rarely sold beef to the US. Now, the country surpasses major trade partners.
While the domestic cattle inventory declines, reliance on South American beef products increases.
Trump’s immigration surges in Midwest cities correlate with less employment, researchers find
The number of private sector workers declined in states such as Illinois and Minnesota after mass ICE presence, according to an analysis of employment data by UC Merced researchers.
Farm bankruptcies jumped 46% in 2025 as debt loads and costs rise
Chapter 12 filings climbed to 315 in the US. That’s a third straight increase annually as higher production costs and expanding borrowing put new pressure on farmers in 2026.
How a solar energy developer lobbied for and won a reduced state permit fee amidst farmer pushback
Emails show how NextEra Energy secured a big break on permitting fees for its Skeleton Creek solar farm as renewable energy projects multiply across Oklahoma, including separate developments tied to AI data centers.
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Opinion
Expect more turmoil and change for the 2026 ag sector
Armed with only the best of prognostication tools, here are the 2026 agricultural stories that people will be talking about.…
Iowans share life lessons at Investigate Midwest event
You’re invited to an evening of live storytelling featuring powerful, personal stories from five Iowa men with backgrounds in journalism, education, comedy, and the arts.
Iowa immigrants fear the Trump administration’s move toward mass deportation
The spread of misinformation has fueled anxiety and alarm within Iowa’s Latino immigrant community. It is estimated that the state is home to more than 52,000 undocumented immigrants.
Midwest farmers advocate for steady policies amid trade challenges
Recent trade policies have imposed tariffs to boost U.S. production, but Midwest agriculture has suffered, losing ground to competitors like Brazil in soybeans and pork. Farmers urge the new administration to prioritize free trade and stable agreements.
