Hi Reader,

Investigative journalists are, at their core, optimists. This might seem counterintuitive, given the stories ProPublica publishes. We chronicle abuses of power and betrayals of public trust in enormous detail because we believe that people, armed with the facts, will confront injustice and try to make things better. 

Some readers have asked if we think our work will continue to have the same level of impact it’s had in the past, now that one political party controls both branches of Congress and the White House. 

In other words, are we still optimistic? The answer is yes.

Again and again, we have seen thoroughly documented stories stir meaningful change: 

• Our series on Idaho’s crumbling schools prompted Gov. Brad Little and the state Legislature to devote $2 billion to repair and replace aging school buildings.
• Our series on Connecticut state towing laws that allow tow truck companies to sell some people’s cars in 15 days — one of the shortest windows in the country — prompted state lawmakers to propose new legislation that would address nearly all of the issues raised by our investigation. 
• In Tennessee, lawmakers are pushing to change how the state disarms dangerous people to better protect domestic violence victims, after WPLN and ProPublica reporting found that lax state gun laws were allowing weapons to remain in the hands of domestic abusers.
• And state lawmakers in Texas, Florida, Kentucky and others are seeking to expand abortion access, following ProPublica’s reporting on the fatal consequences of abortion bans. 

There might be fewer guardrails when power is consolidated. But ProPublica is one of the few that remain, and we’re growing stronger every day.

Independent, nonprofit journalism is one of the last xxxxxxs of accountability. Here at ProPublica, we have over 150 editorial staffers devoted to cutting through the chaos and surfacing the facts. For nearly two decades, we have exposed abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust, and we have seen how those facts inspire action and, eventually, reform. 

We can dig deep into the most powerful people and institutions because we answer to the public. Our supporters make it possible for us to produce the kind of fact-based, investigative journalism that can spur change. Join 70,000 ProPublicans with a gift of any amount, and help guard the guardrails. 

Thanks so much,  

Jessica Rojas

Proud ProPublican

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