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The Center for Public Integrity

The Center for Public Integrity was founded in 1989 by Charles Lewis. We are one of the country's oldest and largest nonpartisan, nonprofit investigative news organizations. Our mission: To serve democracy by revealing abuses of power, corruption and betrayal of public trust by powerful public and private institutions, using the tools of investigative journalism.

A single white cross is shown on a small dirt area amongst a wide open grassy field.

A common fertilizer can cause explosions. Uneven regulation puts people at risk.

Nearly seven years after a blast in Texas killed 15 people and injured 260, oversight of ammonium nitrate remains a patchwork and public information is scarce

A common fertilizer can cause explosions. Uneven regulation puts people at risk.
An ariel photograph showing Lake Erie coved in green algae with a boat moving through the middle.

Lake Erie turns toxic every summer. Officials aren’t cracking down on the source.

Lake Erie turns toxic every summer. Officials aren’t cracking down on the source.
A farm tractor is shown in a large green field with wind turbines in the background.

Farming’s growing problem

Farming’s growing problem
A hand holds small micro-plastics.

As the world grapples with plastic, the US makes more of it — a lot more

As the world grapples with plastic, the US makes more of it — a lot more
Elizabeth Warren stands in front of camera and microphones.

Elizabeth Warren decries big money in politics. Her campaign treasurer embodies it.

Elizabeth Warren decries big money in politics. Her campaign treasurer embodies it.
Workers in a dark building sort trash from a conveyor belt.

Inside the long war to protect plastic

Single-use plastic is clogging oceans and landfills. The industry that makes it has waged a decades-long campaign to keep it on the market.

Inside the long war to protect plastic
red tulips in front of the white house

Mum’s the word: Some Democratic presidential hopefuls won’t discuss their big-dollar ‘bundlers’

Levels of campaign fundraising transparency vary greatly from candidate to candidate.

Mum’s the word: Some Democratic presidential hopefuls won’t discuss their big-dollar ‘bundlers’
the irs building

Even Republicans like this tax cut for the working poor. Why was it left out of the Trump tax law?

Reagan called Earned Income Tax Credit part of "best anti-poverty bill" ever but it was never considered in the recent tax debate

Even Republicans like this tax cut for the working poor. Why was it left out of the Trump tax law?
A closeup photo of a blonde woman wearing a blue shirt beside her husband, whose face has been blurred for privacy.

Americans’ immigration emergency: Their spouses could be deported or exiled if they seek green cards

Under a 1996 law, US citizens who try to sponsor their undocumented spouses would require the spouses to endure a minimum 10-year exile from the United States. With kids in tow, US citizens are visiting Congress to plead for help.

Americans’ immigration emergency: Their spouses could be deported or exiled if they seek green cards
Woman stands in red dress next to politician.

Inside Donald Trump’s army of super PACs and MAGA nonprofits

"Scams" is how the president once described such groups.

Inside Donald Trump’s army of super PACs and MAGA nonprofits
Person holds red MAGA hat in his hand.

Donald Trump created a permanent presidential campaign. Here’s how.

Analysis: President Trump's re-election committee, supportive groups have already obliterated fundraising norms.

Donald Trump created a permanent presidential campaign. Here’s how.
Donald Trump stands with his hands raised at the front of the House of Representatives. Behind him, Nancy Pelosi looks on.

Commentary: Trump’s immigration blame game

Migrants have long assumed costs, risks of border crossing — but Trump’s finger pointing now adds to the burden.

Commentary: Trump’s immigration blame game
A gold coin with the letter B stamped amidst green and red wires.

By the numbers: A 2018 money-in-politics index

The Center for Public Integrity’s reporters crunched a lot of numbers during 2018 — a year that distinguished itself for record election spending and extreme political turbulence.

By the numbers: A 2018 money-in-politics index
Two men extend their hands for a handshake

Why did Donald Trump’s national security adviser want to meet with a Ukrainian billionaire?

Ukrainian steel magnate Victor Pinchuk’s foundation had previously paid John Bolton six figures for speaking engagements.

Why did Donald Trump’s national security adviser want to meet with a Ukrainian billionaire?
A line of people sit on a panel in front of a large crowd. Behind them, the backdrop says "Russia calling!"

How a sanctioned Russian bank wooed Washington

New documents show gala invites, a charismatic CEO and high-powered lobbyists burnished the image of VTB, a state-owned Russian bank.

How a sanctioned Russian bank wooed Washington