Six changes coming to Cops & Congress in 2026
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By Annie Dance | Cops & Congress | News & Commentary
Hello friends,
First, thank you. Truly. Your time, attention, and support are what make Cops & Congress possible. Independent journalism only works when readers believe it’s worth protecting—and you do.
Like many of you, I’ve been juggling bills. Reporting takes time, gas, public records requests, and persistence. I want to keep this publication independent, sustainable, and sharp in 2026, and I have some good news along with a few updates.
Here are six changes coming to Cops & Congress this year:
1. A stronger commitment to independent reporting
Most stories will move behind a paywall in the future. This helps ensure the work stays independent, thorough, and free from outside pressure.
2. A limited-time lower monthly rate
For a short time, the monthly subscription is just $6, down from $13. This is meant to make upgrading more accessible while keeping the newsroom viable.
3. Options for readers who can give more
The annual subscription remains $150, and the founding subscription is $300. Founding subscribers will receive a personal monthly video starting February 1 as a thank-you for helping sustain this work at a deeper level.
4. Free trial stays available
If $6 isn’t doable right now, you’re still welcome here. The free trial option remains, because access to information matters.
5. How access works (a little housekeeping)
When you become a paid subscriber, all content will be delivered directly to your email inbox, or you may sign in to Substack to read.
If you’re a free subscriber, the experience is similar, but stories will become paywalled after one day.
6. Community-powered growth
Sharing stories and spreading the word helps this reporting reach more people—and that support truly counts.
Subscriptions help cover the real costs of reporting—gas, records fees, and time—so I can keep showing up and asking the questions that need asking.
Feel free to email me any news tips and share the stories using the direct links. (Do not use the forward button, as it could risk having the end user accidentally unsubscribe you!)
Thank you for sticking with me, for reading closely, and for supporting independent journalism in whatever way you can.
With appreciation,
Annie
