Do you have something you want to share with Investigate Midwest?
Is there a story you think we’re missing? Is there a dataset you think we should request? Or do you want to provide us with documents?
We try very hard to not use any anonymous information in our stories, but these kinds of tips can point us in the right direction — to datasets or documents that haven’t seen the light of day, or to just more reporting in general.
None of the methods below are foolproof, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
ProtonMail
ProtonMail is a fully encrypted email service based in Switzerland, so it automatically encrypts all messages from one ProtonMail account to another. Setting up an account is easy. For more security, set up an account with a computer you don’t own, such as one at a local library.
Our ProtonMail account: MidwestCenter@protonmail.com
Signal/Whatsapp
Signal is a free app for iPhone and Android providing end-to-end encryption for text messages and phone calls. It does not collect metadata about who you are messaging. It only keeps records of your phone number, when you first started using the app and the last time you used the app.
Our Signal number is 1-773-318-3406.
For more protection, enter our number in the app directly and do not add it to your contacts.
Using Signal does reveal your number to Investigate Midwest. If you’re concerned about that, consider using a Google Voice number to communicate with us. Or purchase a cheap “burner” smartphone with a prepaid plan and pay in cash so it’s not connected to you in any way.
Alternatively, you can use Whatsapp to contact us. It’s the same as the Signal number.
Snail mail
It’s low-tech, but it’s often the best way to send us something securely. You can send us tips, paper documents, or thumb drives with digital files.
Do NOT include a return address on the envelope or package. And use a sidewalk mailbox you don’t usually use away from places you frequent. Also, don’t mail anything from your home, your company or agency mailroom, or a post office.
Our address:
Investigate Midwest
701 Devonshire Dr., C-33
Champaign, IL 61820
