Substacks recommended by Thomas Mills

Recommended by Thomas Mills

Slender Threads / Global Citizens / Public History

Not mere commentary and opinion. Mini-courses, grounded in the study of global and American history and culture, what ifs, wide travel, and journalistic experience. Seeking a common understanding of humanity, politics, religion, and the arts, with humor.

Down from DC

By Phoebe and Natalie

A free guide to how the decisions made by our federal government — what’s coming down here, from DC — will affect North Carolinians.

Civic Way

By Bob Melville

Reconstructing Better Government

Chatham Dispatch

By by Mark Barroso

The future isn't what it used to be.

NC News Digest

By Tricia Shapiro

A weekly roundup of governmental and political news for western North Carolina readers

The Experiment

By Jason Stanford

The Experiment is an early '60s TV talk show hosted by Jason Stanford. Every week he opens with a monologue before sharing the stage with a curated stable of writers before offering suggestions on what to do, read, watch, and listen to.

Will Robinson's Newsletter

News and Strategic Advice from Will

Longleaf Politics

By Andrew Dunn

A smart conservative approach to North Carolina politics.

A center-right alternative/companion to PoliticsNC. Andrew Dunn is posting more frequently and brings a thoughtful viewpoint about NC politics even if I mostly disagree to a degree.

- Thomas Mills

Holler & Hammer

Raised in the South, Holler & Hammer is working-class coverage of North Carolina that hollers from Johnston County to the halls of power.

The Caucus with Bryan Anderson

Bryan Anderson is a politics reporter for The Assembly, covering state government and anchoring our twice-weekly politics newsletter, The Caucus. He previously covered elections, voting access, and state government for WRAL, the AP, and News & Observer.

Bryan Anderson is doing stellar reporting on politics in North Carolina. We need more eyeballs on our government and the people running. Bryan is providing a valuable service.

- Thomas Mills

Off Message

By Brian

Because vigorous internal debate isn't a weakness—it's essential.

Anatomy of A Purple State

By Chris Cooper

Regular updates on North Carolina politics and government from Chris Cooper, a Professor of Political Science and author of Anatomy of a Purple State: A North Carolina Politics Primer.

Chris Cooper has a great handle on North Carolina politics and its competitive nature. He's one of my go-tos for numbers in the state.

- Thomas Mills

Hopium Chronicles By Simon Rosenberg

Expert commentary from a 30-year veteran of US politics. Here at Hopium we work on strategies to defeat MAGA, tell our story more effectively, and ensure freedom and democracy prevail. Expect sharp analysis, live events, and all sorts of Hopium!