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Autocratic forces are ascendant in America. But truth-telling independent media is one remaining bulwark against the unrestrained exercise of power. At a time when billionaire owners of corporate media are making accommodations to political leaders, our nonprofit newsroom cannot be bought or broken. Please stand with us.

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This letter to the Surface Transportation Board reveals Tom DeLay’s behind-the-scenes support for the merger of Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railways — a deal that may hurt his Houston district. When DeLay signed this letter, his brother Randy was working as a paid lobbyist for Union Pacific.