Five things to know about pesticides, cancer and a pending Supreme Court ruling
After years of lawsuits against agrichemical companies and battles over environmental regulations, the nation’s highest court is expected to rule this summer on a case that could significantly alter the pesticide industry.
Bayer’s proposed Roundup settlement violates Constitution, new legal filing claims
Critics say the structure of the deal provides a rich payout of $675 million in fees to the lawyers helping promote the deal, but paltry payments for the cancer sufferers who make up the class.
Bayer promises to suspend ‘unfair provisions’ in seed contracts for several years, Trump administration announces
The agreement relates to Bayer’s use of loyalty programs to sell its seeds. Federal authorities have said loyalty programs in the seed industry have raised prices for farmers.
Foreign suppliers play a key role in US fertilizer markets
US farmers depend on a global fertilizer supply chain, with Canada supplying 87% of potash imports.
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Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland
America’s farmers and farmworkers, their families and neighbors, are being diagnosed with cancer at rates higher than the national average. A growing body of research indicates that pesticides are partly to blame.
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Meet the newest members of the Investigate Midwest newsroom
Caspar Dowdy, a University of Missouri student, and Paloma Sanchez-McGee, a recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate, have joined Investigate Midwest as summer interns.
In Illinois, cancer and pesticide rates typically rise together
Most counties with the highest cancer rates also had the highest use of pesticides and herbicides.
Food prices just had their highest month-to-month jump in years
Since President Trump started a war with Iran, oil prices have spiked, affecting all aspects of the economy.
Fertilizer costs are squeezing farmers nationwide
A majority of farmers report they can’t afford all the fertilizer they need as global supply disruptions push up prices.
Pesticides detected hundreds of feet away from parks and playgrounds in these 10 Illinois counties
A new statewide study calls for more laws to guard against ‘chemical trespass,’ as agrichemicals were found at schools and parks across the state. The study comes just days after Illinois lawmakers rejected a bill requiring advance spray notice to those sites.
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data harvest
Bayer lobbying rebounds as Roundup legal fight reaches Supreme Court
Bayer increased its federal lobbying spending in the first quarter of 2026 ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court hearing arguments…
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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.
