About

The People's Cooperative highlights working-class stories from the intersecting worlds of politics, community, technology, and the arts. The People's Cooperative was founded by M. I. Reynolds after discovering that his great-grandfather, Virdie Reynolds, helped to build, lead, and inspire the southern community of Fairhope, Alabama during the 1920s. The goal of The People's Cooperative is to carry on his family's legacy and inspire new generations through concise, intelligent storytelling.

Our Mission

The People's Cooperative exists to serve the public through independent journalism. We investigate the systems and ideas that govern working-class life across community, technology, politics, and the arts.

Our Values

Honesty

We tell the truth about what we find, even when it's inconvenient—for the powerful, for our community, and for ourselves

Integrity

We do not accept advertising, outside investment, or any arrangement that creates a conflict between what we report and who we answer to

Transparency

We tell you how we work—our methods, our sources where possible, our use of AI tools, our corrections, and our mistakes

Accountability

We hold power accountable on the Gulf Coast—in government, in business, and in the instiutions that shape working people's lives—and we hold ourselves to the same standard

Community

This outlet exists because of the Gulf Coast, and for the people who live and work here

Independence

We're beholden only to our readers and our commitement to the Truth. No corporate interests, no hidden agendas