Wapo, NYT, etc
The Washington Post is essential reading. It's my first stop online every day. That said, it's hard to argue that the NYT is not the best news organization in the country. Thousands of investigative journalists who do amazing in-depth reporting on wide ranging issues. The Hill is a good place to get breaking political news. Politico is generally good information. I really enjoy Vox.com as well.
I agree it is a matter of patriotism to support the free press.