John,

We know this is a quiet week. Inboxes are full, routines are off, and people are trying to exhale a little after the holidays.

So we’ll be respectful of your time — and honest with you.

Before we go on, if you’re able to help keep independent journalism strong heading into the new year, we’d be grateful if you’d support COURIER with a donation of any amount today. [[link removed]]

As 2025 winds down, the media environment that once helped protect our democracy is retreating in ways we can’t ignore.

Here’s what’s happening.

Legacy newsrooms have spent the year laying off reporters, shrinking investigative teams, and pulling their punches when clarity is needed most.

Some outlets folded under pressure. CBS News and ABC News chose legal settlements over standing by their journalism. The Washington Post pulled back from editorial independence under owner pressure. Others treated mass pardons, attacks on the press, the dismantling of public media, and preparations for the next election cycle as if it were politics as usual.

As traditional media retreats, more people get their news from social platforms flooded with misinformation and partisan propaganda.

That’s the reality we’re operating in right now — and it’s exactly why COURIER exists.

Over the past year, our reporting has continued to grow in reach and impact, especially in the online spaces and battleground communities where disinformation spreads fastest. We’ve stayed independent, avoided paywalls, and shown up consistently when others pulled back.

Here’s where we need to be transparent:

Our December goal is $75,000 to keep COURIER fully funded going into the new year and sustain our midterm reporting work.

Every contribution — whether it’s $25 or any amount that works for you — helps keep our journalism independent and accessible to millions of people who rely on it. [[link removed]]

Chip in $25 [[link removed]]

Chip in any amount [[link removed]]

And if now isn’t the right moment, that’s okay too. We’re grateful you’re here — reading, sharing, and supporting independent journalism when it matters.

With gratitude,
The COURIER Team

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