John,

We’ve told you about Donald Trump’s war on the press and the institutions that hold him accountable. Today, we want to talk about something else — the resistance — and how COURIER is doing our part to defend democracy and dissent. 

But first: we’re less than 48 hours from the end of July, and we’re still more than $8,500 short of our monthly goal. If you’re able, please contribute $25 now to help keep COURIER strong and our reporting on track.

For every Columbia University folding under pressure, there are stories like the Big Ten — where universities are banding together to fight back. For every CBS or ABC caving to Trump’s demands, there’s a voice — a comedian, a cartoon, a local newsroom — that refuses to let the threat of retribution silence dissent.

At COURIER, we believe these stories deserve to be told:

• While Columbia folded under pressure—caving to Trump’s demands and surrendering academic autonomy—Big Ten universities rallied behind a bold mutual‑defense compact, standing firm in defense of institutional integrity and academic freedom.
• When Paramount sold out CBS News and cancelled Colbert, its creators fought back. Jon Stewart and South Park doubled down — using satire to challenge power, even under direct threat.
• Organizers across the country kept marching for "No Kings" day and when Trump's authoritarian tactics came to their communities. Even as Trump’s allies attacked progressive organizations like ActBlue and targeted protests by sending the military to places like Los Angeles. 

And COURIER? We don’t just report on these fights — we share the same pro-democracy values and speak out.

We don’t answer to MAGA donors, billionaire owners, or corporate boards. We answer to our readers — the people who still believe in truth, accountability, and the right to dissent.

Right now, we’re closing in on our $80,000 July goal — but we still need to raise $9,000 before the month ends. Can you help by making a donation of any amount today?

Rush $10 now to fight back »

Chip in $25 to defend democracy »

Give $50 to fuel independent journalism »

Every dollar helps Courier report the truth in communities where public media is disappearing, disinformation is spreading, and resistance needs a platform.

This movement is bigger than one newsroom. But it depends on all of us showing up.
Let’s finish strong.

— The Courier Team

P.S. Courier is one of the last independent newsrooms operating in battleground states. If you believe in a free press — and in the people still fighting for one — please chip in. Two days left. $8,500 to go. We can do this together.