Our reality is very chaotic and bleak right now, and one of the best defenses against what’s happening is to expand our horizons so we’re not relying on the corporate media’s acquiescence to fascism but, instead, seeking information from independent outlets that are, by definition, independent from corporate influence. I’ve linked to a number of these before and decided it would be helpful to have them all in one place.

Image from wearethecity.com

In no particular order, here are some individuals and organizations I value:

• Marisa Kabas at The Handbasket. Kabas broke the story about the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo earlier this week.
• Sarah Kendzior has pretty much predicted everything we’re living right now and expresses herself in incredibly beautiful language that includes observations of our natural world. Sarah is a very smart and decent person. She has a Substack newsletter and published books.
• The Lever, founded by David Sirota in 2020, “holds accountable the people and corporations manipulating the levers of power” and broke some of the biggest stories of 2024, including their Master Plan podcast series which traces the decades-long efforts to legalize corruption. These journalists dig deep to root out the truth.
• Truthout focuses on social justice issues. Kelly Hayes writes for Truthout and also has her own newsletter called Organizing My Thoughts. Kelly is an incredible organizer who never fails to lift my spirits with her wisdom and insights. Highly recommend.
• Drop Site News, founded by Jeremy Scahill and Ryan Grim, focuses on politics and war. This organization has a more international reach and offers solid insights on what’s happening in the Middle East.
• The Real News Network‘s mission statement is to make media connection you to the movements, people, and perspectives that are advancing the cause of a more just, equal, and livable planet. We broaden your understanding of the issues, contexts, and voices behind the news headlines.  
• Adam Johnson contributes to The Real News Network and The Nation, and also has his own newsletter: The Column (Note: he’s working on a project so won’t be posting much until April)
• Ken Klippenstein‘s focus is to shine a light on the national security state. He has a newsletter on Substack. I also recommend following him on Bluesky (@kenklippenstein.bsky.social) where he publishes LOTS of government info people send from the inside such as yesterday’s tip from a pilot stating that starting February 1, there will be no air traffic control at San Carlos Airport which hosts two flights schools and is only 10 miles from San Francisco International airport, which means inexperienced pilots will be taking off into airspace shared by planes landing at SF airport.
• Al Jazeera offers breaking news with an international overview.
• Rolling Stone and Teen Vogue both cover politics, and aren’t pulling any punches regarding what’s happening.
• For news and perspectives on Palestine, I recommend The Wire from Jewish Voice for Peace and Shalom Rav: A Blog by Rabbi Brant Rosen.
• Heated is a climate-focused newsletter from Emily Atkin.
• Erin Reed reports on trans and queer news and legislation at Erin in the Morning: “I summarize it all complete with links to source documents.”
• Wired is doing a stellar job reporting on Elon Musk’s efforts to dismantle the federal government.
• Reader Frank J. Peter recommends The Young Turks.
• Reader Rosaliene Bacchus recommends Tom Dispatch and The Conversation.
• Reader Mara at The Dirty Sneaker recommends Consortium News, Black Agenda Report, Scheerpost, and Counterpunch.

I welcome any thoughts and insights you have in regard to this list, as well as further recommendations. While I’m not a big fan of Thomas Jefferson, I do agree with this sentiment: “A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.”