Are you being impacted by changes in DC? Help Belleville News-Democrat investigate deeper

Reporters at the Belleville News-Democrat want to hear from you about how the changes and layoffs in Washington under President Donald Trump are affecting our local communities and residents.

Federal government workers or contractors, nonprofit employees, farmers, restaurant and business owners and any others affected by the changes can help us investigate and inform the public by sharing your experiences with us.

Please contact BND investigative reporter Lexi Cortes by emailing acortes@bnd.com, calling or texting 618-239-2528 or filling out our online form at bit.ly/BNDTrumpImpact.

We are aware that some people aren’t authorized to speak to the press or fear retaliation. You can request to provide information to us confidentially, and we will work with you about how we can protect your identity.

We are journalists who adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics.

We’ve already been reporting on the Trump administration’s impact, including how new policies could affect a local woman’s discrimination lawsuit, and bringing you answers to questions such as:

• Could the temporary federal funding freeze impact $89.5 million in flood relief for St. Clair County?

• Is the new policy allowing immigration enforcement actions at schools likely to affect local students?

• Could IRS employee buyouts delay your 2025 tax refund?

• How much money could tariffs cost local households each year?

This story was originally published March 7, 2025 at 5:30 AM.