More Resources, newsletters edition
Newsletters to supplement your media and activism diet.
This is the third in an ongoing series of resources I’m putting together for readers. It’s a companion to my recommended reading list and my list of media outlets and research institutions. We’re in the golden age of newsletters, so this list feels a bit unwieldy but I couldn’t bring myself to cut anything on it. Also, inevitably, I might have missed your favorite newsletters. Feel free to leave further suggestions in the comments if I missed them.
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How Things Work Hamilton Nolan’s analysis and reporting on labor, democracy and where the two intersect. I deeply Nolan’s coverage of power and the dynamics at play, something I don’t see enough of in journalism and writing.
Oliver Willis Explains I’ve been reading Oliver’s work since the early blogging days and his understanding of media and political strategy is second to none. Now that he’s back writing at DailyKos, Oliver’s newsletter is infrequent but always worthwhile. Plus, he includes pictures of his adorable dog!
Abortion Every Day Jessica Valenti’s newsletter illustrates the brutal realities of living in an America without Roe and the cruelty towards women in particular.
The Present Age Parker Molloy criticizes media, culture, and politics. I can’t tell you how often I’ve started thinking about a topic for CARD, and then a stronger take than I would have written from Parker lands in my inbox.
Platformer Casey Newton’s newsletter on tech. Particularly good if you’re interested in content moderation and the policies of the various platforms.
IntelWire Weekly newsletter from JM Berger covering all things extremism and dystopia both around the world and here at home.
Tressie McMillan-Cottom In my view, America’s best current essayist, you can read Tressie’s columns in the NYT, but her newsletter is also worth subscribing to. (Sadly, for NYT subscribers only!)
Public Notice Aaron Rupar and a rotating team of correspondents offer daily commentary on the political news of the Day.
Stop the Presses My Courier colleague, Mark Jacobs, writes this weekly newsletter on how the Right exploits weaknesses in American journalism.
The Handbasket Marisa Kabas has used her newsletter to break huge news stories and offer incredible commentary about politics and cultures. There are few writers that can do both with her level of skill and care.
Radical Reports Frequent updates, reporting, and research on the American Right from journalist and researcher Teddy Wilson.
The Future, Now and Then Dave is an academic who has studied political movements and where technology intersects for some time. He also manages to avoid bothsides-ism and try to appear neutral for neutrality’s sake.
The Downballot Formerly DailyKos Elections, and Swing State Project before that. David Nir and team cover everything you need to know about down-ballot elections. Especially helpful if you’re thinking more about local activism or where your fundraising dollars will go the furthest in local elections.
Conspirador Norteño As described by the author: “Data scientist, coder, researcher of disinformation and social media manipulation, enjoyer of many-stringed instruments, and participant in the general confusion.” One of my favorite reads and research you don’t see anywhere else.
The Cause A newsletter and podcast from LOLGOP, a longtime Democratic activist and writer. Another good one for folks thinking about activism and how to get more involved.
Letters from an American A daily reflection on America’s past, present, and future from historian Heather Cox Richardson.