Hi Reader,

We are entitled to leaders who do their jobs with honesty, integrity and transparency. When they betray our trust, the press is often our first line of defense. For generations, journalists have been watching the powerful more closely than you or I ever could, checking facts and exposing injustice and breaches of the public trust.

Now, as newsrooms are downsizing and shuttering, there’s a dearth of reporters left to scrutinize the powerful, and, make no mistake, the powerful still need watching. But here at ProPublica, we’re growing, pressing on and digging deeper, and we won’t stop.

In Illinois, we reported on how schools across the state are using police departments to fine and even arrest children over what’s often minor misbehavior. In Florida, we reported on how Governor Ron DeSantis aggressively, and possibly illegally, redrew congressional district maps that are extremely favorable to Republicans. In Texas, we reported on how federal regulations make it possible for an 18-year old to buy AR-15s, but not a handgun.

There is no shortage of powerful people who would rather that ProPublica’s reporters look the other way.

How do we do it? How can we afford to be a thorn in the side of so many powerful people and institutions? How are we able to keep the public’s interest, and no one else’s, at the center of our reporting? Because readers like you donate funds to support this fearless work.

We’re proud to have one of the largest teams of investigative journalists in the country. Today, I ask you to join us and stand up for journalism that serves the people. Give today and help our reporters continue digging.

Thanks so much,
Jill Shepherd
Proud ProPublican