Updated: Trusted Sources: For Fact-Based Journalism
Many of us have canceled our subscription to WaPo after its owner, billionaire Jeff Bezos, refused to allow the paper to endorse Kamala Harris for President. Where to turn? Read on for ideas.
Downtown Nasty Women Social Group (DNWSG) has created “Trusted Sources,” a fact-based news source because we believe legacy media has failed the pro-democracy movement. We live in a time where misinformation spreads faster than the truth, so reliable new sources are more critical than ever. Many of us are disgusted with alternatives like Morning Joe, X, and Facebook, so we created a live document to help cut through the clutter.
DNWSG will maintain an up-to-date list of reputable, fact-based news sources for people to use and share. It is incumbent upon us to refute lies, amplify the truth, and stay informed to hold power accountable and combat misinformation. Some organizations lean left, some right, and some work hard to remain nonpartisan. However, they all share a commitment to journalistic integrity and accuracy, a standard that should always transcend political affiliations.
“Trusted Sources” is a live document, and we will continue adding sources and media categories. Our goal is to provide a robust list of fact-based investigative journalism while distinguishing between investigative reporting, opinion, and analysis. Opinion and analysis remain valuable when rooted in credible sources and good-faith arguments, but we all must read with a critical lens.
DNWSG believes staying informed is an act of resistance. We are committed to maintaining an up-to-date resource of trustworthy news sources that will evolve as new outlets emerge and media landscapes shift. Knowledge is power.
Quick links to categories
Weekly Spotlight Article
To help cut through the clutter, we’ll spotlight one or two standout pieces each week—essential reads that break through the noise.
Democracy is Crumbling. Is Anybody Doing Anything? by Sherrilyn Ifill. A far more uplifting read than the title suggests! A federal judge blocked Musk’s Treasury takeover, just one of several recent legal wins, while protests, grassroots action, and political pressure continue to build momentum against Trump’s overreach.
Investigative Journalism with Traditional Roots
AP News: Globally trusted source of fast, accurate, and unbiased news. Operates as a nonprofit cooperative owned by major U.S. daily newspapers, radio, and TV stations, which share its news stories. Articles are written by staff in 100 countries and all 50 states, most of whom are members of the Newspaper Guild Union, part of the AFL-CIO—committed to nonpartisan, fact-based reporting, upholding the highest transparency, accuracy, and integrity standards while championing press freedom and journalist safety worldwide.
The Courier: A pro-democracy news network aiming to counter misinformation, hold leaders accountable, and build a more informed and engaged electorate, covering policies affecting communities, focusing on democracy, economic justice, healthcare, climate, and inequality. Owned by Good Information Inc., COURIER, a public benefit corporation, is funded by reader contributions, sponsors, and philanthropic support while maintaining editorial independence.
The Guardian: Global news organization delivering independent, progressive investigative journalism that holds power to account and amplifies unheard voices. The primary shareholder is the Scott Trust, which reinvests all profits to support public-interest journalism free from political or corporate influence (more on Scott Trust here). Over half of its funding is from readers worldwide.
Mother Jones: A nonprofit, reader-supported investigative newsroom founded in 1976. America’s oldest investigative news outlet focusing on democracy, voting rights, racial justice, and reproductive rights. Based in San Francisco (with bureaus in Washington, DC, and NYC) MJ is a progressive, independent news source.
NPR: An independent, nonprofit media organization known for in-depth, fact-based journalism. Supported by a diverse pool of revenue, including corporate sponsorships, member station fees, and philanthropic contributions. NPR is committed to transparency and journalistic integrity.
MeidasTouch Network (MTN): founded by brothers Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas, is a pro-democracy, independently owned news network. The network's news division, MeidasNews.com, is led by former prosecutor Ron Filipkowski. The network features contributions from prominent legal analysts, journalists, and political experts, including Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Michael Popok, Harry Litman, and Brian Karem.
ProPublica: An independent, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to exposing abuses of power and betrayals of public trust through investigative journalism. With a team of over 150 journalists, ProPublica tackles critical issues like government, business, health care, and the environment, aiming to spur real-world reform and accountability. Founded in 2007, ProPublica is funded primarily by donations. See financials here.
Reuters: 170-year-old global news agency, guided by its Trust Principles to ensure integrity, independence, and unbiased reporting. Its fact-checking unit focuses on verifying claims and visual material from social media, with findings published on Reuters.com. Adheres to its Code of Principles as a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).
Rolling Stone: Over the last several years, RP has earned a reputation as a trusted progressive voice by holding the powerful accountable and shining a light on injustice. Progressive and disruptive (in the best sense of the word).
The 19th: A nonprofit newsroom founded in 2020 to empower women and LGBTQ+ people, emphasizing underrepresented communities, with free, independent journalism focused on gender, politics, and policy. Named for the 19th Amendment, its mission highlights the ongoing struggle for equity and inclusion in democracy. Funded by memberships, philanthropy, and corporate support. (Donors are listed by name for the sake of transparency).
Teen Vogue: A strong voice in politics, takes a progressive stance and amplifies perspectives of young people on issues like democracy, identity, and social justice. Editor-in-Chief Versha Sharma describes it as “a guide and resource for young people who want to change the world for the better, all the while reminding them to have fun and find joy doing it.”
Substacks We Are Reading
Letters from an American (Heather Cox Richardson): Insightful (and calm) analysis of today’s political landscape, placing current events in the broader context of American history. As a professor of 19th-century American history and a bestselling author, Richardson’s work breaks through the clutter because it is clear and accessible, and she values facts over sensationalism. HCR presents current events with a thoughtful, nonpartisan perspective.
The Bulwark: A mission-driven publication dedicated to defending liberal democracy through honest analysis, reporting, and good faith conversations. Founded in 2019 by Sarah Longwell, Charlie Sykes, and Bill Kristol, it provides a home for the politically homeless, prioritizing country over party and opposing tribalism and polarization.” Center right perspective.
The Contrarian, Not Owned by Anybody: Founded by journalists from outlets like The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times, provides a platform for diverse perspectives and analysis. Dedicated to defending freedoms, promoting accountability, and upholding the values of a pluralistic democracy amid rising authoritarian threats and a media landscape often mired in false equivalence. Follow Founder Jen Rubin at @jenrubin.bsky.social
Chop Wood, Carry Water (Jessica Craven): Daily political activism newsletter by Jessica Craven, a full-time progressive activist, social media creator, and teacher of Activism 101 workshops. With a focus on saving democracy, addressing climate change, and electing better lawmakers, Jessica curates simple actions to help readers make a real impact. Includes daily tips, Sunday updates on Democratic wins, and a community for those eager to fight back against authoritarianism.
Thinking about…: Created by Timothy Snyder, a historian at Yale University and a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, and who is the author of acclaimed works such as On Tyranny and Bloodlands. Thinking About serves as his platform for thoughtful, often overlooked ideas. Through reflections on history, politics, literature, and more, Snyder aims to create a calmer, more meaningful space for discussion, offering clarity on current events and personal insights.
Today’s Edition (Robert Hubbell): The newsletter began in February 2017 as a personal effort to “provide hope and perspective to family after the unexpected 2016 election results.” It has since grown into a community of like-minded citizens dedicated to preserving American democracy. Known for its thoughtful, calm analysis of daily and weekly events, it emphasizes decency, integrity, and the hope of saving democracy, while also amplifying grassroots efforts.
Other
The Brennan Center: A nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy and law institute dedicated to strengthening democracy, ensuring equal justice, and protecting fundamental freedoms. Focuses on advancing reforms to make democracy work for everyone. Guided by integrity and a commitment to transparency. Has a four-star Charity Navigator rating and the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. See financials here.
Democracy Docket: A pro-voting digital news platform focused on voting rights and election litigation, offering expert analysis, breaking news, and updates on over 800 tracked cases. Founded by Marc Elias in 2020 to provide in-depth insights into policies and court decisions shaping elections and democracy. Supported by readers and donors, and ensures free access to critical information through newsletters, podcasts, and op-eds from legal experts, elected officials, and activists.
Pew Research Center: Nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to informing the public and policymakers through data-driven research on topics like politics, media, technology, demographics, and more. Committed to independence, accuracy, and inclusivity, Pew conducts public opinion polling and social science research to enrich public dialogue and support sound decision-making. Funded primarily by The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Thanks to Remy Kothe and Kimberly Beck, members of Downtown Nasty Women Social Group, for this article. Downtown Nasty Women Social Group's mission is to spark civic engagement, increase voter participation, elect Democrats up and down the ballot across the country, and shift the balance of power in order to improve people’s lives.
Great list. I also read Jay Kuo's Substack "The Status Kuo" if you're looking to add to the list.
From a reader: acknowledge that some legacy media get it right. Like THE NEW YORKER, THE ATLANTIC, THE NEW REPUBLIC, POLITICO, EVEN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL WITH A CAVEAT ABOUT THE EDITORIAL PAGE.]