Reading list
What we're reading.
A list of independent journalists, historians, and outlets that members of the chapter follow — for analysis of democracy, civil rights, and accountability journalism that the daily news cycle often misses.
This isn't a balanced news index. It's a perspective-driven reading list, weighted toward writers who cover what we care about. Treat it as a starting point, not a complete media diet.
The list
Writers and outlets, in no particular order.
Most are independent. Several are on Substack. Two write from the Never-Trump right. All are worth your attention.
Heather Cox Richardson
Letters from an American
A Boston College historian whose nightly newsletter places the day's news in the long arc of American political history. Among the most-read newsletters on Substack.
Visit
Ken Klippenstein
kenklippenstein.com
Independent investigative journalist (formerly The Intercept) covering national security, surveillance, and the federal beat — including stories that don't make it into mainstream outlets.
Visit
Democracy Docket
democracydocket.com
Voting rights and election-law news, founded by Democratic election lawyer Marc Elias. The clearest single source on litigation around ballot access and election administration.
Visit
Zeteo
by Mehdi Hasan
Mehdi Hasan's news venture for 'unafraid and adversarial' journalism — interviews, investigations, and commentary on US politics and foreign policy.
Visit
The Bulwark
thebulwark.com
Anti-Trump center-right commentary from Bill Kristol, Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and others. Worth reading even if you don't share its priors — it makes the conservative case against authoritarianism.
Visit
Charlie Sykes
To The Contrary
Veteran conservative talk-radio host turned Never-Trump commentator. Daily morning notes on the state of the Republican Party and the broader political moment.
Visit
Tara Palmeri
Substack
Political correspondent (Puck, Politico, ABC News) covering campaigns and Washington personalities. Strong on the inside-baseball mechanics of national politics.
Visit
Legal AF
from MeidasTouch
Twice-weekly legal-analysis show with prosecutor Michael Popok and former Manhattan DA second-in-command Karen Friedman Agnifilo. Breaks down major political legal cases as they move.
Visit
Mike Brock
Notes From the Circus
Former tech executive writing about authoritarianism, the tech industry's role in democracy, and the moral terrain of the current moment.
Visit
A note on media diet
Read widely. Verify before you share.
The writers on this list are good at what they do, but no single newsletter is a complete picture. Pair them with primary sources — court filings, congressional records, agency press releases — when something feels important enough to act on.
For neutral wire reporting, the Associated Press and Reuters remain the spine of American journalism. For local accountability in Greater Binghamton, support Press & Sun-Bulletin and WSKG.
Before sharing a claim with friends or in the chapter chat, check whether at least one wire service or major outlet is reporting the same thing. Speed is the enemy of accuracy; the chapter's credibility depends on us getting this right.
Have a writer or outlet to suggest for this list? Get in touch — we add sources when members of the chapter vouch for them.
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