In the last three weeks, ProPublica has published what I hope you'll agree are two extraordinary pieces of investigative journalism -- revelations (in partnership with the New York Times and the Guardian) about extensive secret decryption efforts by the NSA and others, and the disturbing tale (in partnership with This American Life) on the dangers of Tylenol and related drugs, including killing more than 150 Americans a year, and how the FDA has bungled and the manufacturer has slowed important warnings about drug safety.

I'm writing now to ask that you join in supporting this kind of critical work.

These projects are emblematic of the sort of journalism that distinguishes ProPublica. It makes a difference in the world, and it illuminates diverse corners of that world -- from assisted living to prosecutorial misconduct, from the abuse of temporary workers to the exploitation of installment loans.

This kind of work is expensive. Our Tylenol stories involved two years of reporting. The NSA decryption story took months to flesh out.

We are committed to more stories like these, but we need your help. Almost all of the money to make them possible comes from donations. If you value this kind of journalism, please donate today.

Thank you.