Dear John —

Circle of Blue Senior Editor and Chief Correspondent Keith Schneider has been documenting the dangerous effects of water contamination in the U.S. Corn Belt states for our special report, “Toxic Terrain.” 

In profiling families devastated by cancer, Keith shows the human cost of agricultural nutrient pollution of community water supplies. His investigative reporting illuminates the issue for legislators and regulators who are grappling with the interwoven complexities of water, food, environment, and health.

Keith’s “Toxic Terrain” project is supported by The New Lede and investigative reporting fellowships awarded by the Alicia Patterson Foundation and The Fund For Investigative Journalism, which recognize exceptional journalism. 

This work depends on you, and the difference you can make during the NewsMatch Challenge. From now until December 31st, join fellow readers to make this urgent work possible. NewsMatch will triple your new monthly donation 12 times or triple your one-time gift, up to $1,000. And there are bonuses for first-time contributions, too.

Policymakers — and you — turn to Circle of Blue's impact journalism to inform the most important decisions of our era.

I hope you'll join us on this mission to give water a voice that speaks to better choices for the future.