BASIC
BREAKDOWN

About

What is Basic Breakdown?

Basic Breakdown is a short-form newsletter that explains one important story at a time—what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next. Designed to be readable in about 3 minutes.

One story per issuePlain EnglishContext + stakesNo doomscrollingLinks to go deeper

WHAT YOU GET IN EACH ISSUE

What’s going on

A clear summary of the event, without assuming you’ve been following it all week.

Why it matters

The real-world impact: money, power, safety, tech, your time—whatever the stakes are.

What to watch next

The next decision, vote, deadline, or consequence that could change the story.

Optional links

If you want to go deeper, you’ll get a couple of reputable sources—not a rabbit hole.

HOW WE KEEP IT SIMPLE

  • We avoid jargon. If a term matters, we define it.
  • We write for people who are busy—not people who refresh the news all day.
  • We prioritize clarity over speed. Better to be right and readable than first.
  • We separate facts from what’s uncertain (and say what we’re watching).

SAMPLE FORMAT

Example (short)

What happened

A quick, plain-language summary of the event in 2–4 sentences.

Why it matters

The consequence: who’s affected, what changes, and why this is bigger than a headline.

What to watch

The next decision or deadline that could move the story.

FAQ

How often do you publish?+

When there’s a story worth breaking down. The goal is quality and clarity, not spam.

Is it free?+

Yes. If you add paid tiers later, the free version should still be useful on its own.

Where do the sources come from?+

Primary reporting and reputable outlets. Issues include a “Read more” link when it helps.

Can I suggest a story?+

Yes—share a link and a one-sentence “why it matters” and it’s easy to evaluate.

Can I unsubscribe anytime?+

Always. One click.

Want the next breakdown?

One important story. Clear context. Fast read.