Lauren Cross

1 month ago | investigatemidwest.org | Lauren Cross |Investigate Midwest

Scientists and policymakers are exploring fiber hemp’s potential to absorb toxic chemicals like PFAS or capture carbon in soil, but those potential benefits have yet to translate into a reliable, profitable market for growers. Fiber hemp production in the U.S. surged to a record high in 2024, but farmers are earning far less from the crop than they were just a few years ago, according to new USDA data released April 17.

1 month ago | investigatemidwest.org | Lauren Cross |Investigate Midwest

In February, we launched our first audience survey and kept it open for five weeks – and your feedback is already shaping what comes next. While the sample size (124) is not enough to be fully representative of our readership base, these responses reflect some of our most engaged readers – many with deep roots in agriculture, rural communities and food systems. Here’s a breakdown of who you are and where you live.

1 month ago | investigatemidwest.org | Lauren Cross |Investigate Midwest

We recently brought back our Live Storytelling series in Iowa City — and the photos are in. Co-produced with the University of Iowa Events Management Certification program, the night featured five powerful voices sharing stories centered on the theme “Beyond Stereotypes: The Modern Man.”Scroll through the gallery below to relive the April 9 event held at The Graduate Hotel, from the heartfelt performances to the energy in the room.

1 month ago | investigatemidwest.org | Lauren Cross |Investigate Midwest

University of Illinois journalism student Madison Holcomb has been awarded first place in the school’s top feature writing competition for her investigation into livestock deaths during transit, published by Investigate Midwest. Her story, “Millions of livestock die each year while being transported. Those cases are rarely investigated by the USDA,” was recognized in the Marian and Barney Brody Creative Feature Article Writing Awards, which honor the top student-written feature stories each year.

2 months ago | investigatemidwest.org | Lauren Cross |Investigate Midwest

Investigate Midwest, featuring its IowaWatch newsroom, brings back its Live Storytelling series with five voices from across Iowa, drawing on backgrounds in journalism, education, comedy, and the arts to reflect on life in the Midwest. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 9, at The Graduate Hotel in Iowa City. It is being co-produced with the University of Iowa Events Management Certification program, assisted by local sponsors.