I’d add to the list of worthy organizations working to defend journalists the Committee to Protect Journalists, whose founding honorary chairman was Walter Cronkite. CPJ fights for the right of journalists to report the news openly and independently without fear of retribution. Obviously critical in the age of Trump.
I'd add the States Newsroom to the list of locally focused news organizations. Their outlet here is the Missouri Independent, whose coverage of events primarily in the state capital is outstanding and often embarrassing to those holding power.
You can count on at least one ongoing subscriber because your work is excellent too.
Just came here to say this - I’m following the Rhode Island Current in my state of origin and the New Jersey Monitor in my state of residence. We taught our kids to follow the news by reading the sports pages of the Newark Star Ledger, something that will be harder for other parents to do when it goes digital-only on January 1.
Thank you! As part of States Newsroom and a veteran journalist, I'm so proud of the work our state house-focused reporters do every day. Such an important part of the larger news ecosystem.
I’ll add the Wisconsin Examiner. As website manager for my local chapter of the League of Women Voters, I frequently post/link the Examiner’s excellent, substantive articles on state governance. We then share them via our news updates and social media. Local gov (and now journalism) is our focus for 2025.
Chris Murphy is one of few voices that are detailing different thinking and approach. “Problems cannot be solved with the same mind set that created them.” - Albert Einstein
We also need to take a serious look at information delivery - how are people really getting their information. The shock of this election proved that we really didn't know.
More support for local news is great but how many will read it?
I was surprised to learn that a lot of people get their "news" from TikTok, WhatsApp, Joe Rogan, and others. I don't think the solution is to try to compete with that head-on, but I think we need more awareness on this.
Billions of dollars have been used to purchase people's attention.
Since the collapse of reliable local journalism in my small/midsize city, people find out what’s going on in town from Nextdoor and Facebook, not very reliable or verified sources! Local TV news covers the shootings, car crashes, etc., but the Town Hall happenings and other local politics are no longer knowable unless you attend the meetings.
Supporting the Texas Observer is a phenomenal investment in truth in journalism, one of the best sources for investigative reporting in Texas: https://www.texasobserver.org/about/
Senator Murphy has the message that can attract some of the 90 million eligible voters who have disengaged out of frustration. Economic populism is the center pole of a large tent that can accommodate people with all manner of other issues.
There can be no social justice without economic justice. Example: The Waltons have over $400 billion and their workers are eligible for food stamps and Medicaid. You and I are subsidizing the billionaires through our taxes. THAT is a rigged and crazy system.
Supporting local news sources is a priority in the defense of Democracy, but reforming Democracy should be an equal priority. Getting big money out of elections as well as retraining those workers who companies have either left their state or the country must be part of every politician’s platform in order to get our support.
Our engagement with democracy shouldn't end at reading (I confess I am writing as someone who reads about 60 substacks and 4 online media and writes a small substack:)- in today's world, writing should ignite action. Margaret's essay is on action steps,
Iowa's independent media landscape offers unique strength through diversity: Bleeding Heartland's deep policy analysis, Iowa Capitol Dispatch's investigative reporting, Storm Lake Tribune's rural (and Pulitzer Prize-winning) perspectives, and Cedar Rapids Gazette's growing watchdog role. The Iowa Writers' Collaborative on Substack has created a powerful new platform for voices examining everything from land use to local arts.
Just as our religious traditions teach sustained dedication - Hanukkah's eight days of light, Christmas's twelve days of giving, Ramadan's month of reflection - our civic engagement requires consistent, determined effort.
Set a goal of 50 concrete actions: in 2025, our own personal Project 2025. We have a menu of options: attend local meetings, write letters, organize community discussions, support independent journalism, document local impacts of state policies, and build networks of informed citizens. I created a template for local legislators regarding the latter two.
Each story shared, each voice raised, and each connection made becomes part of resistance and renewal. If necessary, read about our civil rights movement, with its long-term commitment to action in the face of ongoing historic social and legal barriers.
Great suggestions that we can share. I also really like how Murphy has been speaking out with strength and clarity. It's a shame it took this long for Democrats to make the fight for substantial democratic reforms a priority (if they follow through with this messaging). Nothing will change if money continues to dominate politics and governance. Thank you for your insights and courage in speaking truth to power. We need many more like you and I'm glad people are responding with paid subscriptions. Happy holidays to all.
This is an important post. People need practical, close to home steps they can take to still feel like they can make a difference.
The comment about corruption and the need to save our democracy from it is absolutely key. What the Dem consultants missed during the Harris campaign was the purpose of ideology-free authoritarianism, ie Trumpism, is corruption. Trump is not a fascist because he believes in fascism. He’s a fascist because coincidentally it offers the best way for him to achieve his ego driven retribution and his greed driven grifting. Both are two sides of the same coin of corruption - destruction of the rule of law and civil liberties and rampant grifting. He welcomes the assistance and enabling of real fascists, both those wearing suits and those wearing masks. And the rest of red hat America is just along for the ride.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been searching for ways to deal with Trump’s horrific assault on our democracy. Your suggestions are so helpful. I just subscribed to the Meidas Touch and follow five Substack writers including you . Half of American voters voted against Trump. If we join together, we can save our country from the onslaught of authoritarianism.
Thank you for including the Student Press Law Center in your list, Margaret. You are certainly one of our trusted voices. We are bracing for the year ahead as we work to promote, support, defend and expand the press freedom rights of student journalists and their advisers. We are grateful for everyone who helps us move the mission forward. Student journalism IS journalism and they deserve the same protections as their professional counterparts.
I’d add to the list of worthy organizations working to defend journalists the Committee to Protect Journalists, whose founding honorary chairman was Walter Cronkite. CPJ fights for the right of journalists to report the news openly and independently without fear of retribution. Obviously critical in the age of Trump.
Absolutely. Thank you.
I'd add the States Newsroom to the list of locally focused news organizations. Their outlet here is the Missouri Independent, whose coverage of events primarily in the state capital is outstanding and often embarrassing to those holding power.
You can count on at least one ongoing subscriber because your work is excellent too.
Just came here to say this - I’m following the Rhode Island Current in my state of origin and the New Jersey Monitor in my state of residence. We taught our kids to follow the news by reading the sports pages of the Newark Star Ledger, something that will be harder for other parents to do when it goes digital-only on January 1.
Margaret, you are a trusted voice! Please keep it up in 2025 and beyond.
Thank you, Steve!
I live in Kansas City and can attest that the Missouri Independent does outstanding work. As does its Kansas counterpart, the Kansas Reflector.
That's great to hear. I am familiar with the Reflector; good to know about the Independent.
Thank you! As part of States Newsroom and a veteran journalist, I'm so proud of the work our state house-focused reporters do every day. Such an important part of the larger news ecosystem.
I’ll add the Wisconsin Examiner. As website manager for my local chapter of the League of Women Voters, I frequently post/link the Examiner’s excellent, substantive articles on state governance. We then share them via our news updates and social media. Local gov (and now journalism) is our focus for 2025.
Chris Murphy is one of few voices that are detailing different thinking and approach. “Problems cannot be solved with the same mind set that created them.” - Albert Einstein
This Canadian is deeply grateful for you and for Jennifer Rubin. Two American voices that I respect and depend on.
We have our sheroes too - Nahlah Ayed, Margaret Evans, Rosemary Barton, Chantal Hebert and Althia Raj.
Women journalists rock!
Thank you very much. I've spent a lot of time in Canada, particularly Toronto and (just over the Peace Bridge) Fort Erie.
Peope without hope are easier to control.
Exactly.
We also need to take a serious look at information delivery - how are people really getting their information. The shock of this election proved that we really didn't know.
More support for local news is great but how many will read it?
I was surprised to learn that a lot of people get their "news" from TikTok, WhatsApp, Joe Rogan, and others. I don't think the solution is to try to compete with that head-on, but I think we need more awareness on this.
Billions of dollars have been used to purchase people's attention.
Since the collapse of reliable local journalism in my small/midsize city, people find out what’s going on in town from Nextdoor and Facebook, not very reliable or verified sources! Local TV news covers the shootings, car crashes, etc., but the Town Hall happenings and other local politics are no longer knowable unless you attend the meetings.
Supporting the Texas Observer is a phenomenal investment in truth in journalism, one of the best sources for investigative reporting in Texas: https://www.texasobserver.org/about/
And texastribune.org which is more evenly balanced
Senator Murphy has the message that can attract some of the 90 million eligible voters who have disengaged out of frustration. Economic populism is the center pole of a large tent that can accommodate people with all manner of other issues.
There can be no social justice without economic justice. Example: The Waltons have over $400 billion and their workers are eligible for food stamps and Medicaid. You and I are subsidizing the billionaires through our taxes. THAT is a rigged and crazy system.
Supporting local news sources is a priority in the defense of Democracy, but reforming Democracy should be an equal priority. Getting big money out of elections as well as retraining those workers who companies have either left their state or the country must be part of every politician’s platform in order to get our support.
Our engagement with democracy shouldn't end at reading (I confess I am writing as someone who reads about 60 substacks and 4 online media and writes a small substack:)- in today's world, writing should ignite action. Margaret's essay is on action steps,
Iowa's independent media landscape offers unique strength through diversity: Bleeding Heartland's deep policy analysis, Iowa Capitol Dispatch's investigative reporting, Storm Lake Tribune's rural (and Pulitzer Prize-winning) perspectives, and Cedar Rapids Gazette's growing watchdog role. The Iowa Writers' Collaborative on Substack has created a powerful new platform for voices examining everything from land use to local arts.
Just as our religious traditions teach sustained dedication - Hanukkah's eight days of light, Christmas's twelve days of giving, Ramadan's month of reflection - our civic engagement requires consistent, determined effort.
Set a goal of 50 concrete actions: in 2025, our own personal Project 2025. We have a menu of options: attend local meetings, write letters, organize community discussions, support independent journalism, document local impacts of state policies, and build networks of informed citizens. I created a template for local legislators regarding the latter two.
Each story shared, each voice raised, and each connection made becomes part of resistance and renewal. If necessary, read about our civil rights movement, with its long-term commitment to action in the face of ongoing historic social and legal barriers.
These are fantastic ideas! Where can I find your list of 50 concrete actions? Thanks!
I can share over email. rosenbergralph@gmail.com
Great suggestions that we can share. I also really like how Murphy has been speaking out with strength and clarity. It's a shame it took this long for Democrats to make the fight for substantial democratic reforms a priority (if they follow through with this messaging). Nothing will change if money continues to dominate politics and governance. Thank you for your insights and courage in speaking truth to power. We need many more like you and I'm glad people are responding with paid subscriptions. Happy holidays to all.
Noting that specialty news publications (like those from KFF.org in healthcare) and professional journals of all kinds are essential to support.
Excellent point.
This is an important post. People need practical, close to home steps they can take to still feel like they can make a difference.
The comment about corruption and the need to save our democracy from it is absolutely key. What the Dem consultants missed during the Harris campaign was the purpose of ideology-free authoritarianism, ie Trumpism, is corruption. Trump is not a fascist because he believes in fascism. He’s a fascist because coincidentally it offers the best way for him to achieve his ego driven retribution and his greed driven grifting. Both are two sides of the same coin of corruption - destruction of the rule of law and civil liberties and rampant grifting. He welcomes the assistance and enabling of real fascists, both those wearing suits and those wearing masks. And the rest of red hat America is just along for the ride.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been searching for ways to deal with Trump’s horrific assault on our democracy. Your suggestions are so helpful. I just subscribed to the Meidas Touch and follow five Substack writers including you . Half of American voters voted against Trump. If we join together, we can save our country from the onslaught of authoritarianism.
Thank you so much, Margaret, for being here. You are a wonderful holiday gift for me (and thousands of others). Thank you.
Thank you for including the Student Press Law Center in your list, Margaret. You are certainly one of our trusted voices. We are bracing for the year ahead as we work to promote, support, defend and expand the press freedom rights of student journalists and their advisers. We are grateful for everyone who helps us move the mission forward. Student journalism IS journalism and they deserve the same protections as their professional counterparts.