I have almost completely stopped watching network news. I don’t say this as a point of pride, or even as an apology, it’s just where my head is. I have been talking (and writing) recently about tactical lies and how they are actually designed to make people not trust anyone (politicians, news sources, local governments, etc) so they stay home from elections. I’ve seen it happen in my community, I’ve definitely seen it nationally, and I’ve certainly experienced it in what we’ve always understood “the news” to be. The New York Times’ clear bias against independent publishers started it for me years ago, and their equally obvious bias against President Biden and his government cinched it. There are very few sources of news that I’ll accept without immediately fact checking, and
and Library Journal (for book news), and PBS and NPR for news stories, are on a very short list.I have turned, instead, toward curated journalism when I feel the need to check in with the world outside my community, and that’s entirely based on mood. I am a researcher by habit and trade, so well-researched pieces about things with a historical grounding are always the first things I’m attracted to. I love the historical stories on Instagram, for example - tiny glimpses of history told by tour guides around London. It’s how I found Design Mom, whose family’s renovation of a tall house in France captivated me for years.
also writes an occasional Substack newsletter which I consume for product recommendations and workshop updates, but my main source for her content remains among my favorite Instagram accounts to follow. writes the one Substack newsletter that I read faithfully, . Every morning (or middle of the night) it’s the email I open to savor, not scan. The writing is excellent, the research impeccable, and the insight about modern politics in the context of its historical antecedents illuminating. Some days its the only news I have the fortitude for, and it allows me to feel at least a little engaged with the world.I am a hybrid author - my books having been published independently and also with a small publisher. I have a degree of autonomy with my independently published books that comes with a hefty dose of responsibility too - if there’s a mistake, I bear the full responsibility for it. The same can be said for freelance journalists. When they write for traditional publications, those entities shield them to a degree from personal liability for mistakes or falsehoods. But when they write independently and call it journalism (not opinion), the responsibility for accuracy is 100% on them.
is such a journalist, and his newsletter contains the kind of investigative journalism pieces that represent the best of “breaking news stories.” He usually follows the money trails, and finds the companies that are bankrolling corruption. In an election year, the focus has been on politics, but he also wrote about banned books and anti-LGBTQ-rights donations by rainbow flag-waving corporations.I began following
on social media after the 2016 election, and when he moved over to Substack, I subscribed. He is an ordained minister who struggled with the Christian support of Donald Trump, and his stand for kindness and compassion in the face of anger and hatred has been a buttress against despair. writes with humor and hope, and I typically scan her newsletters for the news bites on which to do more of my own research. writes , and her investigative research into the anti-trans bills sweeping the nation is impeccable and deeply unsettling. is a Substack publication that recommends newsletters based on what’s trending, and what you might like. It’s a resource and an opportunity to find more entertaining and less significant newsletters like and , and even the two other newsletters I write - and (both of which have “coming soon” posts due).So, all of this is to say that if you, like me, have discovered that you’re not up to the task of traditional news consumption, and much prefer to settle in with a cup of coffee (morning) or tea (afternoon) and the curated journalism of your choice, there are some interesting options here to explore.
I too look forward to Heather Cox Richardson’s daily posts. It’s the first thing I read when I wake you up every morning. Thank you for the recommendations. I value your opinion and look forward to finding new reading resources.
Thank you - your recommendations are always interesting!