Hi Reader,

Earlier this year, ProPublica broke the story about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his lucrative friendship with billionaire Harlan Crow by revealing that Thomas accepted luxury travel and vacations from Crow virtually every year for decades without disclosing them. From that story, a few tips came in that led to more stories about the two men: Crow purchased the house where Thomas’ mother lives (and still does today), then poured tens of thousands of dollars into improving the property. Crow also paid the private school tuition of Thomas’ grandnephew. Again, Thomas did not disclose these transactions.

Between some historic rulings over the last few years and the political vacuum left by an often deadlocked legislature, the federal judiciary is playing a more visible role in our democracy. America’s government-by-the-people relies on checks and balances to ensure a fair and just society, but it’s journalism that often plays a critical role ensuring our leaders are held to account. It is in this spirit that we developed our mission to use the power of investigative journalism to expose abuses of power and breaches of the public trust.

The work ProPublica does is not always quick and easy; in fact it often takes months or even years to get to the truth. But we have the time and resources to dig into the behavior of those who hold our highest government offices because we’re reader-supported. Tens of thousands of readers donate to ProPublica each year to ensure that we continue to have the freedom and flexibility to keep at it for as long as it takes.

Our two-week member drive is over this Friday, and I’m so grateful for the early show of support we’ve already seen. Join us today with your donation of any amount. Your gift will ensure we can keep holding the powerful to account, no matter how long it takes. Together, we’re making a difference.

Thanks so much,
Jill Shepherd
Proud ProPublican