Reporting for the 99%, uncorrupted.
This has been the mission of Courage News from the start. To fiercely report for the 99% and against the powerful and corrupt. I think I’ve done a good job with this mission (but it’s time to do so much more).
Two years ago, I left the company I cofounded and helped bring to success (Status Coup). This was an incredibly difficult time, but a much needed one. I am grateful.
I started Courage News under my vision in November 2021– be completely free to report and say what is needed. To report the facts, unfiltered. To offer compassion and humanity in a world that is often short of it.
11,000 of you read this newsletter and my reporting. Many of you are from the years at my old company and some of you are newer to me. I love each and every one of you. I love you because you have hearts and souls and a shared vision of trying to make the world a better place.
Courage News is completely reader-supported and a one-woman show. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid helps A LOT) ~ Jenn
I find it hard not to beat myself up that I haven’t taken Courage News to the levels I’ve wanted to yet. But, as you read in my Road Trip announcement post, it’s time. It’s time to expand, have people report from their hometowns, to give more people a voice in a media landscape that wants to silence us all.
There are economic realities, of course. Finances have been extremely difficult. Unlike at my previous company where financing was secured, I don’t have that. I am truly working class like you. I don’t know fancy people with deep pockets. What I have is a skill and a passion for journalism.
Here’s what I need: I need to be able to keep the lights on. If I can get Courage News earning even a couple thousand dollars a month to start, that will enable me to take it to the next level. And yes, also to breathe.
My Courage News reporting (and your support!) has broken an incredibly viral story published in Rolling Stone on the FBI’s horrific and racist surveillance of Aretha Franklin. I’ve been working with a documentary company on getting a documentary series about the FBI’s abuses picked up. We’ve had several pitch meetings with top companies and we are hopeful!
By the way, the FBI ghosted me on this story ;-) This post for paid subscribers shows what happened with that.
Following that, I broke a story on similar FBI surveillance of Sidney Poitier. Through that reporting, I interviewed Lee Grant, who was on the Hollywood Blacklist. I will always treasure our conversations. She’s an incredible woman!
It isn’t just celebrities that are targeted by the FBI (of course not!)… I broke a story about the FBI faking letters to divide Black and white progressive activists. That story is here.
I’ve reported on corruption within our “own” ranks, because this movement is ripe for abuse and exploitation. This includes alleged misdeeds by the absolutely-not-progressive People’s Party. This includes coming forward with information about Jimmy Dore’s funding and reporting REQUIREMENTS (allegedly…) to receive money for some associated with this funder.
I’ve continued reporting on the Flint Water Crisis - which is *not* over. As of yet, officials responsible have not been held accountable and we must keep fighting.
I’ve showcased my early reporting and exposure of The Proud Boys (including its leader, Enrique Tarrio) many of whom are finally seeing their comeuppance.
I broke a story interviewing dozens of former Marianne Williamson staffers and colleagues, which included a first-of-its kind letter from former staffers denouncing her campaign (for important reasons).
I revealed myself to be the one who investigated and uncovered the utter vileness of TYT’s Cenk Uygur. This information was widely reported on.
I’ve reported about the abuses of companies like DuPont.
I’ve interviewed striking workers.
There’s a lot more than that! Take a look at the archives if you haven’t :)
I want to do so, so much more,
But, I desperately need some funding (every single dollar counts!) to keep Courage News going.
Can you help?
Here’s a discount on upgrading to the paid substack while I’m on my Road Trip, where I’m reporting on important stories throughout the states I drive through – Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Virginia!
Courage News is completely reader-supported and a one-woman show. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber (paid helps A LOT) ~ Jenn
Prefer to outright donate at any amount? That would be incredible!
To donate to Courage News/keep the lights on (literally!), please visit PayPal.me/content, Stripe Donation Link, or subscribe at CourageNews.Substack.com.
Please keep reading, sharing and subscribing. And, as always, feel free to get in touch. You can reach me at jenn@couragenews.com
Here's to the next two years!
Solidarity Forever,
Jenn