Podcasts about press freedom

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Today, a federal judge paused the merger of Paramount/Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery pending litigation filed by state attorneys general; Troy Jackson has all but sewn up the nomination to replace Graham Platner on the ballot in Maine; Lindsey Graham's sister Darline Nardone will run for her dead brother's seat in the August 11th special primary election; the FBI not only subpoenaed New York Times journalists but members of their families as well; Marco Rubio claims that Cuba and Iran are funding Antifa; ICE shared Medicaid data with Palantir illegally; Trump PACs are paying tens of millions of dollars in legal bills for the president; Olympian Davey Hearn filed a motion to dismiss the reflecting pool charges against him arguing that the government destroyed exculpatory evidence; plus Allison delivers your Good News. Thank You, Smalls For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to Smalls.com/DAILYBEANS The Daily Beans is proud to partner with Miles Taylor and our friends at DEFIANCE.org For a limited time, members of the Daily Beans community can receive a FREE 3-month full membership to DEFIANCE.org and gain access to one of the fastest-growing pro-democracy movements in America. Join here: https://www.defiance.org/beans Join The Daily Beans and give a gift today to ensure The Trevor Project can continue its crucial work in the face of continued challenges. Donate to The Trevor Project - Daily Beans Podcast The Latest Breakdown→ Epstein Survivor Recounts Meeting With Todd Blanche StoriesLindsey Graham's Sister, Darline Graham, Says She Will Run to Succeed Him | The New York Times Troy Jackson has effectively secured the Maine Senate Democratic nomination | POLITICO ICE shared Medicaid data it wasn't supposed to have with Palantir | NPR Rubio urges international counterterrorism crackdown on the far-left | ABC News Trump's PACs spend millions on legal bills as his personal court battles continue | MS NOW Trump Administration Sought Phone Records of Times Journalists and Their Relatives | The New York Times Trump administration should preserve Reflecting Pool evidence, judge says | News From The States Judge pauses Paramount-Warner merger | NBC NewsGood TroubleTriumphal Arch - Section 106 Assessment of Effect and Draft Programmatic Agreement Veterans and relatives see no place for Trump's arch near Arlington National Cemetery | NPR →Help save Texas from Ken Paxton! →Urge Democrats to Oppose and Stop Trump's Crypto Corruption | Indivisible Guide →Defiance.org/beans →Show up for our Libraries - action.ala.org →Stand With Minnesota →ICE List  →iceout.org Good Newsdana-goldbergs-southwest-funnyfest Oct 9 -Email Dana@DanaGoldberg.com for sponsorship informationTickets for Dana Goldberg: Outrageous - Sep 23 - Den Theater - Chicago  →Share your Good News & Good Trouble - The Daily Beans →Beans Talk audio -beans-talk.simplecast.com →Email Dana LGBTQ Owned eating establishments in your area - hello@mswmedia.com Subject: “Dana's Project” Subscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTube Our Donation Links The Trevor Project - trevorproject.org/beans Blue Wave California - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/msw-bwc Donate to Public Citizen - https://citizen.org/beans/ Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans Fundraiser Pathways to Citizenship link to MATCH Allison's Donationhttps://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_86ff5236-dd26-11ec-b5ee-066e3d38bc77&WidgetId=6388736 Join Dana and The Daily Beans in support of Human Rights Campaign http://onecau.se/_ekes71National Security Counselors - Donate, ActBlue.com/donate/msw-bwc, WhistleblowerAid.org/beans Dr. Allison Gill - The Breakdown | Allison Gill, Mueller, She Wrote @muellershewrote.com - Bluesky, MSW & The Daily Beans Podcast @muellershewrote - Instagram, MSW Media - YouTube →Federal workers - email AG - fedoath@pm.me Dana Goldberg - Dana is on Patreon! At Dana's Dugout, @dgcomedy - Bluesky, @dgcomedy - IG, Dana Goldberg - Facebook,  DanaGoldberg.com More from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | Allison Gill Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week, the Trump administration subpoenaed several New York Times reporters over the paper's reporting on security concerns about the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One.

The US-Iran war is back on. The ceasefire has collapsed, the naval blockade is reimposed, and Israel is asking if a moment is coming when the missiles turn its way. With Yonit away, Jonathan is joined by New Yorker writer Ruth Margalit to make sense of a dizzying week: a jaw-dropping report that the Mossad cultivated Mahmoud Ahmadinejad — yes, that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad — as an asset in a failed plot to topple the Iranian regime, and an election campaign in which Gadi Eisenkot is opening up a real lead over Benjamin Netanyahu. Can Mr. Security survive a race where even Likud voters might be drifting away? Plus: a World Cup dilemma for Jewish football fans, a Chutzpah award for a literary institution that forgot its own motto, and a Mensch that takes us to a Jerusalem cafe that refuses to close on Shabbat.   ⏱ CHAPTERS: [00:00] Intro [01:02] England out — a World Cup dilemma for Jewish fans [05:00] The US-Iran war is back on [08:44] Why Netanyahu wants the shadow of war [10:52] Congress votes on cutting aid to Israel [15:24] The Mossad's Ahmadinejad plot [21:30] Election set for October 27 — Eisenkot's rise [29:39] Mansour Abbas gambles on running alone [32:52] The Shin Bet investigates Channel 12 [40:16] Chutzpah & Mensch awards

Investigative journalist, blogger, and broadcaster Brad Friedman's investigative interviews, analysis and commentary, as ripped from the pages of The BRAD BLOG (BradBlog.com), today's current events (if they matter) and the rest of the stuff we have to live with.

Every night in Israel, one TV channel stands out.Channel 13 is among the few major outlets willing to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.Now, a dispute over the channel's ownership has become a flashpoint in a wider battle over press freedom, judicial independence and the future of Israeli democracy. Anat Saragusti, Director of press freedom at the Union of Journalists in Israel, tells Global Roaming the Channel 13 dispute is just one part of a broader effort to weaken independent journalism.From attempts to reshape media regulators to pressure on public broadcasters and sanctions against the newspaper Haaretz, she argues Israel's independent media is facing growing political pressure ahead of the country's next election.Plus, how Israeli citizens are seeing the war in Gaza, the restrictions on journalists, and the escalating tensions between the government, the courts and the media.

Monday, July 13, 2026 Today, Lindsey Graham died this weekend and a scramble for his Senate seat is already underway; New York Times journalists have been subpoenaed over the story revealing deficiencies in the Qatari bribe jet; the FBI has admitted it has training videos on who to redact from the Epstein files; a Houston man killed by ICE was not their original target; Trump has ousted the remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission ahead of the midterms; Jeanine Pirro begs a judge for more time to produce records relating to Kash Patel's drinking; Judge Kelly has granted Trump's motion to dismiss the Proud Boys' seditious conspiracy charges; Congressman Ro Khanna was detained by IDF during his West Bank visit; whistleblowers have detailed several problems stemming from rushed or improper reconstruction of the Kennedy Center; plus Allison delivers your Good News. The Daily Beans is proud to partner with Miles Taylor and our friends at DEFIANCE.org For a limited time, members of the Daily Beans community can receive a FREE 3-month full membership to DEFIANCE.org and gain access to one of the fastest-growing pro-democracy movements in America. Join here: https://www.defiance.org/beans Thank You, DeleteMe Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to www.joindeleteme.com/DAILYBEANS and use promo code DAILYBEANS at checkout.  Thank You, AG1DRINKAG1.com/DAILYBEANS to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1 Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last. Join The Daily Beans and give a gift today to ensure The Trevor Project can continue its crucial work in the face of continued challenges. Donate to The Trevor Project - Daily Beans Podcast   The Latest Breakdown:BREAKING: EXCLUSIVE: FBI Admits it has Epstein Files Training Videos StoriesA scramble for power has already begun after Lindsey Graham's death | POLITICO Times Journalists Subpoenaed as Trump Escalates Pressure on Media | The New York Times Trump will allow a bipartisan housing bill he thwarted to become law tomorrow | NBC News Rep. Ro Khanna says he was detained by Israeli settlers during West Bank visit | NBC News Democrat announces whistleblower allegations of construction problems at Kennedy Center | AP News Jeanine Pirro begs judge to extend deadline over Kash Patel's 'drinking' records | Raw StoryGood TroubleUrge Democrats to Oppose and Stop Trump's Crypto Corruption | Indivisible Guide → Defiance.org/beans →Show up for our Libraries - action.ala.org →goodtroubleliveson.org/ July 17-19 →How to help those impacted by the Venezuela earthquakes|AP →Oppose House Amendment to Defund the Peace Corps! →Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance -  Open For Comments →Stand With Minnesota →ICE List  →iceout.org Good Newsdana-goldbergs-southwest-funnyfest Oct 9 -Email Dana@DanaGoldberg.com for sponsorship information Tour - DANA GOLDBERGTickets for Dana Goldberg: Outrageous - Sep 23 - Den Theater - Chicago  →Share your Good News & Good Trouble - The Daily Beans →Beans Talk audio -beans-talk.simplecast.com →Email Dana LGBTQ Owned eating establishments in your area - hello@mswmedia.com Subject: “Dana's Project” Subscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTube Our Donation Links The Trevor Project - trevorproject.org/beans Blue Wave California - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/msw-bwc Donate to Public Citizen - https://citizen.org/beans/ The Daily Beans is donating $10,000 and invites you to give what you can to support their life-affirming work - Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans Fundraiser Pathways to Citizenship link to MATCH Allison's Donationhttps://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_86ff5236-dd26-11ec-b5ee-066e3d38bc77&WidgetId=6388736 Join Dana and The Daily Beans in support of Human Rights Campaign http://onecau.se/_ekes71 More Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - Donate, ActBlue.com/donate/msw-bwc, WhistleblowerAid.org/beans Dr. Allison Gill - The Breakdown | Allison Gill, Mueller, She Wrote @muellershewrote.com - Bluesky, MSW & The Daily Beans Podcast @muellershewrote - Instagram, MSW Media - YouTube →Federal workers - email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.  Dana Goldberg - Dana is on Patreon! At Dana's Dugout, @dgcomedy - Bluesky, @dgcomedy - IG, Dana Goldberg - Facebook,  DanaGoldberg.com More from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | Allison Gill Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AP correspondent Julie Walker reports New York Times reporters are subpoenaed after Air Force One stories, raising press freedom concerns.

Submit media fails you see, and get facts, links, images and more at TheyStandCorrected.substack.com. Join the fight for truth by becoming a Founding Member. Two mainstream news giants are using recent screwups to pretend to care about ethics and guidelines. One is NPR, where iconic reporter Nina Totenberg falsely reported that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was retiring. The other is the New York Times, where sports journalist Diana Russini has left the company following a so-called “scandal” involving her relationship with an NFL figure and her actions during a traffic stop. Today, Josh digs into these stories and explains what they expose about the hypocrisy of Big Media. It's as though news agencies are showing great concern about a smudge on a penthouse window, while ignoring the fact that the entire building is on a shaky foundation. Then, a look at America at 250. Virtually every country promises freedom of expression, including press freedom, in its constitution. What distinguishes democracies is the system that gives the people the power to enforce it. It’s up to every generation to carry on that fight. Josh explains why that makes today’s media failures so inexcusable. He cites how the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner and a joke from Obama factor in. Plus, a new breaking twist in the saga of the disastrous Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, Graham Platner. Why that isn't just a political story — it's a media story. Demand truth from the government. Join Josh in signing this petition from sponsor USA acts: bit.ly/3QQ87CS Links, images, videos and more: theystandcorrected.substack.com  Share thoughts and questions through the newsletter or the form at joshlevs.com Support: ☕BuyMeACoffee.com/joshlevs

Thursday, July 2, 2026   Today, former CIA Chief John Brennan has sued the government asking the court to order administration officials to preserve records; a federal court tells the Hegseth he has to stop requiring escorts for journalists at the Pentagon; Donald made over $2bn in crypto and other investments in 2025 alone; ICE arrested a nun on her way to church and it's creating pretty intense backlash in South Texas; the Cook Political Report has moved the Alaska state Senate race from “Lean Republican” to “Tossup”; progressives notch another big win in the Colorado primary elections; plus Allison and Dana deliver your Good News. Thank You, Mint Mobile Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/DAILYBEANS Join The Daily Beans and give a gift today to ensure The Trevor Project can continue its crucial work in the face of continued challenges. Donate to The Trevor Project - Daily Beans Podcast   Guest: Dan Friedmanmotherjones.com As America Turns 250, a Trump Adviser's Firm Rakes in Federal Cash | Mother Jones @dfriedman.bsky.social@dfriedman33 - Twitter The Latest Breakdown:The Breakdown | Trump DOJ in Crisis after Major Epstein Ruling StoriesEx-C.I.A. Chief Asks for Order Forcing Trump Administration to Preserve Records | The New York Times Trump's income topped $2 billion in 2025, boosted by crypto, coin ventures | The Washington Post ICE's arrest of nun heading to church fuels bipartisan backlash in South Texas | The Washington Post Judge orders Pentagon to lift policy that journalists be accompanied by an escort | AP NewsGood TroubleAmerica250.org →We The People March - July 3 →goodtroubleliveson.org/ July 17-19 →How to help those impacted by the Venezuela earthquakes|AP →Oppose House Amendment to Defund the Peace Corps! →Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance -  Open For Comments →Stand With Minnesota →ICE List  →iceout.org Good Newsdana-goldbergs-southwest-funnyfest- Email Dana@DanaGoldberg.com for sponsorship information Freedom From Religion Foundation Tour - DANA GOLDBERGTickets for Dana Goldberg: Outrageous - Sep 23 - Den Theater - Chicago  →Share your Good News & Good Trouble - The Daily Beans →Beans Talk audio -beans-talk.simplecast.com →Email Dana LGBTQ Owned eating establishments in your area - hello@mswmedia.com Subject: “Dana's Project” Subscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTube Our Donation Links The Trevor Project - trevorproject.org/beans Blue Wave California - bluewavecalifornia.org/concert Donate to Public Citizen - https://citizen.org/beans/ The Daily Beans is donating $10,000 and invites you to give what you can to support their life-affirming work - Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans Fundraiser   Pathways to Citizenship link to MATCH Allison's Donationhttps://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_86ff5236-dd26-11ec-b5ee-066e3d38bc77&WidgetId=6388736 Join Dana and The Daily Beans in support of Human Rights Campaign http://onecau.se/_ekes71 More Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - Donate, ActBlue.com/donate/msw-bwc, WhistleblowerAid.org/beans Dr. Allison Gill - The Breakdown | Allison Gill, Mueller, She Wrote @muellershewrote.com - Bluesky, MSW & The Daily Beans Podcast @muellershewrote - Instagram, MSW Media - YouTube →Federal workers - email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.  Dana Goldberg - Dana is on Patreon! At Dana's Dugout, @dgcomedy - Bluesky, @dgcomedy - IG, Dana Goldberg - Facebook,  DanaGoldberg.com More from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | Allison Gill Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the eve of the United States' 250th birthday, Michael Fox sits down with Mansa Musa — longtime activist, former Black Panther, host of TRNN's Rattling the Bars, and a man who spent nearly 49 years in prison — to ask a deceptively simple question: what does free speech actually mean?From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to Quito, Ecuador, to Frederick Douglass's 1852 address "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July," this episode unravels the gap between the promise of the First Amendment and the reality of who gets to speak in America — and who pays a price for it."There's a kind of narcotic effect of those words — free speech," says legal scholar Mary Anne Franks (Fearless Speech). "It's because we think we know it so well that we don't know anything about it."Historian Fara Dabhoiwala traces how the US broke from the rest of the world's balanced approach to free expression during the Cold War, and a forgotten 1986 Ursula K. Le Guin speech offers a radically different vision: speech as dialogue, not domination.Follow The Battle For Free Speech on Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport Michael Fox's reporting at patreon.com/mfox. Never miss an episode — sign up for The Real News newsletter at therealnews.com.The Battle for Free Speech is a production of The Real News Network. Hosted by Michael Fox and Marc Steiner.Theme music by Michael Fox, Jordan Klein, and Daniel Nuñez. Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound.Production and sound design: Michael Fox and Stephen Frank.Editorial support: Kayla Rivara. Research: Ben Schweiger.Many thanks to Sylvia Gross for providing her incredible voice acting skills in this episode.GuestsMary Anne Franks, author of Fearless Speech: Breaking Free from the First AmendmentKatherine Jacobsen, Committee to Protect JournalistsFara Dabhoiwala, author of What Is Free Speech? The History of a Dangerous IdeaResourcesUrsula K. Le Guin, "We Are Volcanoes" — Bryn Mawr commencement, 1986Danny Glover reads Frederick Douglass — Voices of a People's HistoryBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

4 - ASIO attacks press freedom by Australian Citizens Party

Photojournalist Nick Stern still has nightmares from the night an officer fired a flashbang into his leg as he covered the LA immigration protests. He's one of dozens of journalists assaulted, arrested, or deported in Trump's second term — a year that pushed the US to 64th on the World Press Freedom Index, its lowest ranking ever.In this episode of The Battle for Free Speech, Michael Fox is joined by Real News investigative journalist and Capitol Hill correspondent Taya Graham to map the assault on the American press: the rubber bullets and broken bones, the billion-dollar lawsuits, the FBI raids on reporters' homes, the jailing of journalists like Georgia Fort and Don Lemon, and the deportation of immigrant reporters Mario Guevara and Estephanie Rodriguez. Featuring voices from the Committee to Protect Journalists and the National Press Photographers Association, they trace how violence, intimidation, media consolidation, and the gutting of access all serve a single goal: self-censorship — the silencing of the press in the name of free speech.The Battle for Free Speech is a production of The Real News Network.Hosted by Michael Fox and Marc Steiner. Theme music by Michael Fox, Jordan Klein and Daniel Nuñez. Other music from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Production and Sound Design by Michael Fox and Stephen Frank. Editorial support by Kayla Rivara and Heather Gies. Research by Ben Schweiger.Guests: Nick Stern, photojournalistMickey Osterreicher, National Press Photographers Association Katherine Jacobson, Committee to Protect Journalists Benjamin Grazda, Reporters Without BordersResources: World Press Freedom IndexU.S. Press Freedom Tracker Georgia FortMario GuevaraEstefany RodríguezVideo of the Shooting of Nick SternThe war on our sightThe Trump administration arrested this journalist. She says the censorship is ongoing.Global Press Freedom Hits Record Low, U.S. Drops to 64th in the World: Reporters Without BordersBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

Reports have emerged that the Justice Department has issued and then withdrawn subpoenas that would have forced reporters at the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal to testify before a grand jury. Gabe Rottman, vice president of policy at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, joined Forbes' Maggie McGrath to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Gomez, the only Democratic commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission, wrote a shocking letter to Disney last month, warning that the company is the target of “a sustained, coordinated campaign of censorship and control.” Commissioner Gomez sits down with Katie to talk about protecting the First Amendment, where the FCC is stepping out of bounds, and why media companies need to fight back. Join WIRED's best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian's newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Mark Taylor Canfield is a journalist who has spent decades on the front lines of independent media, reporting on everything from politics and protest movements to civil liberties and the shifting landscape of press freedom.Mark is an award-winning reporter, editor, and longtime advocate for First Amendment rights. He's a former writer at the Huffington Post and serves as Executive Director for Democracy Watch News, a non-profit news organization that specializes in covering threats to democracy and freedom of the press. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

Investigative journalist, blogger, and broadcaster Brad Friedman's investigative interviews, analysis and commentary, as ripped from the pages of The BRAD BLOG (BradBlog.com), today's current events (if they matter) and the rest of the stuff we have to live with.

Bill Crews speaks Retired CBS News Producer Tim Roberts about the USA today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense and former Fox News weekend co-host, is facing mounting scrutiny across three major stories that broke in a single day. Hegseth has classified the Pentagon press area, effectively barring journalists from accessing public affairs officials, a move that is expected to face legal challenges after courts have already ruled against him multiple times for restricting press access. A federal appeals court blocked Trump and Hegseth's transgender military ban in a scathing 107-page opinion written by Judge Robert Wilkins, who found the policy arbitrary, demeaning, and unsupported by any factual basis, noting that transgender service members have served honorably and pose no threat to national security. The New York Times reported that Hegseth personally intervened in a slate of 22 Navy admiral promotions, blocking candidates who are disproportionately Black and female, actions that current and former defense officials say appear to violate the merit-based, apolitical promotion process. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Hawk walks through Jonathan V. Last's Bulwark newsletter "The Murder of 60 Minutes," a deep look at how Barry Weiss and the Ellisons are systematically dismantling CBS News and 60 Minutes to appease Donald Trump and clear the path for billion-dollar media mergers. 60 Minutes generated $206 million in advertising revenue in 2024, yet CBS's corporate parent Paramount SkyDance is willing to destroy a profitable and iconic institution. David Ellison paid $150 million for Barry Weiss's Free Press website and installed her at CBS News, where the ratings have cratered across the board. Correspondents Sharon Alphonse and Cecilia Vega were pushed out. Producers Tanya Simon and Drag Mihalovich were fired. Leslie Stahl was bypassed for a Netanyahu interview she had worked on for months. Hawk connects this to the broader pattern of corporate surrender: law firms, universities, media companies, and figures like Jeff Bezos publicly capitulating to Trump in exchange for favorable regulatory treatment. Larry Ellison has reportedly already discussed what he plans to do to CNN anchors Trump dislikes, with Warner Brothers Discovery in Ellison's sights next. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Ethiopia is scheduled to hold its general election on June 1. Millions of voters will be electing members of the national parliament and leaders of the regional councils fronted by 23 political parties. This election happens amid political and security uncertainties in the populous regions of Oromia and Amhara, while there will be no voting in the northern Tigray region. With Ethiopia currently ranked 148th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, we look at what's it like for journalists covering the election. And in Uganda, we hear how therapy dogs are helping survivors of abuse and trauma. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti, Carolyne Kiambo and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

This week on Hafta, Abhinandan Sekhri, Manisha Pande and Anand Vardhan are joined by Suhasini Haidar, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Hindu.In this week's episode, the discussion moves from PM Modi's Europe tour, particularly his visit to Norway, to press freedom. Suhasini Haidar, who was present at the venue in Oslo, describes how shocked Norwegian journalists were to learn that the Indian Prime Minister would not be taking questions at all. She says, “We have so normalised in the Indian media this idea that the prime minister doesn't take unscripted questions, that we didn't even clock how big a deal it was for Europeans.”Haidar criticises the way the focus shifts to attacking the reporter's background, ideology, and even personal life, rather than engaging with the issue she raised.“The focus became about that journalist — who she is, what her background is, where she goes on vacation. It's not about the question anymore. It is about the fact that the prime minister does not take unscripted questions.”Abhinandan Sekhri points out how deeply normalised this culture has become in India. “It is so alien to journalists outside India. They are shocked at the kind of barrage and abuse that follows a simple question,” he remarks while discussing the online trolling and threats directed at the Norwegian journalist after the incident.Manisha Pande argues that the government's response to the controversy reveals how deeply political communication in India is driven by headline management rather than accountability. She adds, “The focus is so much on controlling the headlines, which you've managed to do in India so well that that is all your focus, and you've been unable to do it with the world media, so you don't get it. Like, why are these guys asking us questions? But I think this basic understanding that the world is not going to bend in the way that the Indian media has to you, large parts of it, many are free, but a large part of the loud primetime segment has completely given in to you.”All this and more.Check out previous Hafta recommendations, references, songs and letters.Produced by Amit Pandey with production assistance from Ashish . Sound by Anil Kumar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial intelligence is moving fast, but union journalists are fighting back even faster. In today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, host Ed "Flash" Ferenc sits down with Jon Schleuss, President of the NewsGuild-CWA, fresh off his historic election to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) executive committee in Paris. Representing journalists across 100 countries, Schleuss gives us a sobering look at global threats to press freedom—from media consolidation to algorithmic exploitation—and explains how he's exporting the American organizing playbook to a global stage. We dive deep into the front lines of the labor movement, including: The War on "AI Slop": Why outlets like Ziff Davis and Cal Matters have signed contracts protecting human journalists, while The New York Times and ProPublica continue to resist critical guardrails. CWA Has LA's Back: How the union is providing a financial runway ($500/week strike benefits and healthcare) to laid-off Los Angeles journalists fighting alleged anti-union discrimination as they launch an independent newsroom at ourpapernow.org. The Publishing House Surge: Inside the massive organizing wins drawing in over 730 workers at Hachette Books and the University of Chicago Press. Discover more about worker power: Visit newsguild.org to learn more about the campaigns mentioned in this episode. Subscribe to the America's Work Force Union Podcast for daily insights, interviews, and updates from the front lines of the American labor movement.

Rather than letting it go, Patel has responded in ways that are raising serious red flags. He filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against Fitzpatrick and The Atlantic. He then directed the FBI to open a criminal investigation into the journalist who wrote the story. And now he has ordered polygraph testing of more than two dozen current and former members of his own security detail and IT staff. Hawk points out a glaring legal contradiction: by suing for defamation, Patel is claiming the allegations are false. But by simultaneously launching a criminal leak investigation inside the FBI to find out who talked to Fitzpatrick, he is effectively confirming the stories are true. You cannot claim something is fabricated while hunting down the people who allegedly fabricated it. FBI rank and file agents have no loyalty to Patel. Former agents have gone on record saying the level of contempt inside the bureau for Patel is unlike anything they have seen. He has purged roughly a thousand senior agents, hollowed out institutional knowledge built over decades, and the DOJ has lost close to 7,000 employees nationwide. The people keeping this country safe are being fired, overworked, and replaced with loyalty over competence. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Will Epstein's Survivors Finally Be Heard Today? Also Trump Drags American Oligarchs to Beijing. Plus while Americans were trained to fear immigrants, trans kids, and each other, the billionaire class quietly extracted trillions from the middle class and captured the nation's politics, media & courts. And news update with Mark Taylor-Canfield on Press Freedom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we cover a wide range of pressing issues including press freedom, recent Supreme Court decisions, gerrymandering, the state of political violence, and the Iran-U.S. conflict. Brian, Mark, and Nolan analyze the implications of these developments on democracy, civil rights, and international relations. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JATQPodcast Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jatqpodcast.bsky.social Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here: https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week's episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses the state of press freedom and media rights in China in the wake of the 2026 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, where China ranked 178th out of 180 countries. Next, Miles covers the CCP's latest attempt to address the issue of youth disenfranchisement, claiming foreign intelligence operations are behind the popular Lying-Flat movement. Finally, Miles breaks down the fallout following KMT Leader Cheng Li-wun's visit to Beijing, and the impact of emerging internal divisions within the party on the special defense budget proposal. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world's future.    

Send us Fan MailIndependent journalist Georgia Fort joins Dara Starr Tucker for a powerful conversation on the state of journalism, threats to press freedom, political violence, and the urgent fight to protect democracy.From her firsthand experience covering protests in Minneapolis and being targeted while reporting, to her perspective on the White House Correspondents' Dinner security scare, Georgia breaks down why independent journalism matters now more than ever. She discusses the growing attacks on the free press, the dangers of misinformation, the role mainstream media has played in amplifying propaganda, and why truth-telling has become one of the most important acts of resistance in this political moment.The conversation also explores the gutting of the Voting Rights Act, Project 2025, voter suppression, racial backlash in American politics, and what citizens must be willing to do to protect democracy before it slips away.This is an honest, urgent, and necessary discussion about power, accountability, race, media, and the future of this country.Subscribe, like, and share to support independent Black media and conversations that matter.Follow Georgia Fort:Instagram / TikTok / YouTube / Facebook: @GeorgiaFortWebsite: GeorgiaFort.comListen to The Front Page with Dara Starr Tucker on KJLH Radio.#GeorgiaFort #DaraStarrTucker #TheFrontPage #PressFreedom #VotingRights #IndependentJournalism #BlackMedia #Democracy #Project2025 #CivilRightsSupport the showStay up to date with all things Dara Starr Tucker here:Dara Starr Tucker LinkTreeDara Starr Tucker TikTokDara Starr Tucker InstagramDara Starr Tucker YouTubeDara Starr Tucker Facebook

As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO has awarded the 2026 Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, recognising their courage in reporting amid threats to their safety and rights. Since Sudan's war began in 2023, more than 30 journalists have been killed and over 500 violations recorded, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists.At the same time, we explore how memes and AI-generated political images are increasingly shaping global power and narratives around the US–Israel war with Iran, raising new questions about influence, information, and the future of digital diplomacy.Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producer: Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Media Watch 2026 Episode 13: Reno revelations; Big Tech tantrum; Press freedom freefall 

On the occasion of International Press Freedom Day, recent data highlights a worrying development: For the first time, more than half of all countries worldwide are classified as “difficult” or “very serious” for journalistic work. The causes are primarily armed conflicts, increasing legal restrictions and a harsher social climate. Germany is also recording setbacks in the ranking. - Anlässlich des Internationalen Tags der Pressefreiheit verdeutlichen aktuelle Daten eine besorgniserregende Entwicklung: Erstmals wird mehr als die Hälfte aller Länder weltweit als „schwierig“ oder „sehr ernst“ für journalistische Arbeit eingestuft. Ursachen sind vor allem bewaffnete Konflikte, zunehmende rechtliche Einschränkungen sowie ein raueres gesellschaftliches Klima. Auch Deutschland verzeichnen Rückschritte im Ranking.

World Press Freedom Day, officially observed on Sunday, arrives this year under the theme Shaping a Future at Peace, a message that feels especially urgent as the number of journalists killed in conflict zones continues to rise.According to the UN education and culture organization, UNESCO, which monitors press freedom, 93 journalists were killed in 2025 alone – 60 of them in conflict zones.So, what does a call for peace mean in today's turbulent global landscape? UN News's Nancy Sarkis spoke to Sylvie Coudray, Director of UNESCO's Division for Freedom of Expression, Media Development, and Media and Information Literacy.

Governments worldwide are restricting press freedom, with the U.S. experiencing a drastic decline under the second Trump administration. Funding cuts to public media, lawsuits, federal censorship, and confrontations with ICE have become the norm. Journalists of color, Latino and immigrant journalists are disproportionately impacted. In this episode, we are joined by Maritza Félix, the founder and director of Conecta Arizona, and José Zamora, the regional director for the Americas at the Committee to Protect Journalists to discuss the state of press freedom and what it means for our democracy. This story is part of our democracy and election coverage: The Latino Factor: How We Vote. Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S., centering Latino stories and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa. Follow the show to get every episode. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Latino USA and all our podcasts. Follow us on TikTok and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Editorial note: This conversation was recorded on Friday, April 24, the day before the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Both Nico and Clayton attended the event, where a gunman breached security and opened fire before being apprehended. No one was seriously injured, but the incident serves as a reminder of the threats reporters can face in the course of their work. Since we recorded the conversation before the shooting, Nico and Clayton do not address it, but the incident underscores the stakes of their discussion. — In 2020, Reporters Without Borders launched the Uncensored Library, a virtual archive housed inside Minecraft, the world's most popular computer game. It preserves the work of journalists who have faced censorship, imprisonment, exile, or even death. In countries where their reporting is banned, Minecraft itself is not, making the library a digital sanctuary for suppressed journalism that millions can still access. In March 2026, the project added a United States wing, reminding Americans that subtler, less direct threats to a free press happen everywhere – even at home. With today's release of the 2026 World Press Freedom Index and World Press Freedom Day approaching on May 3, we're unpacking the state of press freedom with Clayton Weimers, the executive director of Reporters Without Borders USA. Download The Uncensored Library here.   Timestamps:  00:00 Intro   04:41 The state of press freedom in the United States 10:51 Trump administration's threats to press freedom 14:16 Patel v. The Atlantic and actual malice 22:55 Who is to blame for distrust in media? 27:58 Viewpoint diversity in the newsroom 32:15 The modern media ecosystem 40:27 What is RSF? 47:00 Freelance and independent journalism 49:11 Clayton's background and more on Reporters Without Borders 51:25 Inside the Uncensored Library  01:01:59 Outro   Enjoy listening to the podcast? Donate to FIRE today and get exclusive content like member webinars, special episodes, and more.  If you became a FIRE Member through a donation to FIRE at thefire.org and would like access to Substack's paid subscriber podcast feed, please email sotospeak@fire.org.

Explore solutions to capitalism with a 16-hour workweek, public AI, and Medicare for All while Maine's Senate race heats up and U.S. press freedom hits a historic low.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

Thank you Eric Lullove, Lynette, Marg KJ, Lisa randall, Jane B In NC

Send us Fan MailOn Inside Geneva this week, we mark Press Freedom Day. Is there anything to celebrate?Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression: “The role of journalists has never been under such pressure, and the sector itself is suffering. So these are very, very important times to take a deep breath and make sure that freedom of expression, and media freedom as part of that, is protected, because it is an extremely important pillar of democracy.”Increasingly, journalists are being attacked simply for reporting the facts.Antoine Bernard, Reporters Without Borders: “We are in times where facts have become a target; hence, journalists have become more of a target, and this means that they are the ones who are suffering most from the growing polarisation of the public debate.”And are people manipulating press freedom and freedom of expression?Chris Morris, CEO, Full Fact: “Regulating information is a really difficult thing to do well. Getting the right balance between the absolute need to protect freedom of expression and the need to protect people from harm online is really difficult.”Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression: “You have the First Amendment warriors talking about freedom of speech without any limit. But what they actually mean is freedom of speech for me, but not for you. Because when that happens, when you have freedom of speech without any barriers, then what happens is that we've seen a surge of hate speech, attacks against migrants, and terrible misogynist attacks against women politicians.”Join host Imogen Foulkes on Inside Geneva.Get in touch!Email us at insidegeneva@swissinfo.chTwitter: @ImogenFoulkes and @swissinfo_enThank you for listening! If you like what we do, please leave a review or subscribe to our newsletter. For more stories on the international Geneva please visit www.swissinfo.ch/Host: Imogen FoulkesProduction assitant: Claire-Marie GermainDistribution: Sara PasinoMarketing: Xin Zhang

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports the Argentine president's journalist ban raises concerns about press freedom.

White House

This event marked the first time Donald Trump attended the dinner as president, a notable shift after he skipped the event throughout his first term and last year. While the media socialized with members of the administration and cabinet, security at the Washington Hilton was reportedly insufficient. Journalist Joe DePaolo noted that entering the perimeter was dangerously easy, requiring only a digital photo of an invitation without a QR code. As attendees like JD Vance, Mike Johnson, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were evacuated, those remaining in the ballroom sheltered under tables. The breach highlights significant concerns regarding the Secret Service protocols and the decision of the White House Correspondents Association to host the event despite ongoing tensions between the administration and the free press. High profile figures including Pete Hegseth, Mark Wayne Mullen, and Brendan Carr were present as the situation unfolded. Hawk reflects on the desensitization to such violence in America while highlighting the specific security lapses that allowed an armed individual to reach the lobby area. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Welcome to My Limited View with Sergio Novoa. How many times have you heard someone say,
“That's a violation of my First Amendment rights!” Usually right after getting banned from a Facebook group. Or muted at Thanksgiving. Or fired for tweeting something wild at 2 a.m. In this episode, we're breaking down what free speech actually means, what it doesn't mean, and whether you really support it…Or just support it when it agrees with you. Before you shout “That's unconstitutional!” again…You might want to listen. Intro Opening Sponsor ad Freedom of Speech Freedom of the Press Freedom of Assembly Freedom of Religion In the News Sponsor ad Closing Resources & Research:  This episode references the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the following U.S. Supreme Court decisions:Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)NAACP v. Alabama (1958)Engel v. Vitale (1962)Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. Hialeah (1993)Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022) Additional research and analysis from: Cornell Legal Information Institute National Constitution Center First Amendment Encyclopedia Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism Pew Charitable Trusts Reporting from Reuters and The Guardian.

This Day in Legal History: Jackie Robinson Signs with DodgersOn April 10, 1947, Jackie Robinson signed his contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, marking a pivotal moment in both sports and legal history. At the time, racial segregation was deeply entrenched in American society, including in professional athletics, where informal but rigid “color lines” excluded Black players. Robinson's signing, orchestrated by Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, directly challenged this exclusionary system. Although no court decision mandated integration in baseball, the move carried significant legal implications by undermining accepted norms of segregation.Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball occurred just years before landmark civil rights rulings, including Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. His success on the field helped shift public opinion, demonstrating that integration was both possible and beneficial. This cultural shift played an indirect but meaningful role in supporting broader legal challenges to segregation. At the same time, Robinson faced hostility, threats, and discriminatory treatment, highlighting the gap between evolving social practices and existing legal protections.The federal legal framework addressing discrimination was still underdeveloped in 1947, with major statutes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 nearly two decades away. Robinson's breakthrough contributed to the growing momentum for such legislation by exposing the injustice and inefficiency of segregated systems. His experience also illustrated the limits of private action in achieving equality without formal legal enforcement mechanisms. Over time, his role became part of a larger narrative demonstrating how social change can precede and influence legal reform.Robinson's signing stands as an example of how non-judicial actions can shape the development of law by altering public attitudes and expectations. It underscores the interplay between private institutions and constitutional principles, particularly in the realm of equal protection. The event remains a key reference point in discussions about the relationship between cultural progress and legal change in the United States.A California federal judge has ordered another evidentiary hearing in the ongoing dispute between Epic Games and Google over proposed changes to an antitrust injunction governing Android app distribution. U.S. District Judge James Donato expressed frustration that each revised proposal introduces new elements, warning the parties that the court will not continue reviewing endless iterations. The latest proposal follows Epic's earlier trial victory, where a jury found Google had monopolized the Android app marketplace.Although the companies claim their revised plan better aligns with the original injunction, the judge raised concerns about potential anticompetitive effects. In particular, he questioned Google's idea of a “registered app store” program, suggesting it might create barriers for rival app stores. He also flagged possible issues with fees that could undermine competition. As a result, the court will require more detailed explanations before deciding whether to approve the changes.The dispute stems from litigation filed in 2020 challenging restrictions that limited alternative app stores and required developers to use Google's billing system. After Epic's win, the court imposed an injunction requiring Google to open its platform to competitors. While the revised proposal keeps some pro-competition measures—such as allowing alternative billing and preventing exclusionary deals—it has drawn mixed reactions.Supporters argue the new terms still promote competition, but critics, including Microsoft and advocacy groups, say the changes weaken the original order. They highlight concerns about new fees and provisions that could make it harder for competitors to enter the market. Some also argue that shifting key terms into private agreements reduces judicial oversight. Judge Donato indicated this upcoming hearing will likely be the final step before a decision, emphasizing the need to resolve the matter without further revisions.‘Not Going To Keep Doing This,' Judge Warns Epic, Google - Law360The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into whether the National Football League is engaging in anticompetitive practices that could harm consumers. While the exact scope of the probe is unclear, it appears to focus on how the league distributes broadcasting rights for its games. Concerns have grown among regulators, lawmakers, and broadcasters about the increasing shift of sports content from free television to paid streaming platforms.Critics argue that this trend makes it harder and more expensive for fans to watch games, with some estimates suggesting it could cost over $1,500 annually to access all NFL broadcasts across multiple services. The NFL has defended itself by noting that most of its games are still available on free broadcast television, particularly in local markets. Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission has also begun reviewing the broader migration of live sports to subscription-based platforms.The issue has drawn political attention, including a request from Senator Mike Lee for federal agencies to examine whether the NFL's longstanding antitrust exemption should still apply. That exemption, established by a 1961 law, allows leagues to bundle and sell broadcasting rights collectively.US Justice Department opens probe into NFL over anticompetitive practices, source says | ReutersA federal judge in Washington, D.C. ruled that the U.S. Department of Defense failed to comply with a prior court order protecting journalists' access and reporting rights at the Pentagon. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman found that the department's revised media policy effectively recreated the same unconstitutional restrictions it had already been ordered to remove. The dispute arose after The New York Times and reporter Julian Barnes challenged rules limiting journalists' ability to seek information from government sources.Although the Pentagon changed the wording of its policy, the judge said the new language still prohibited routine journalistic practices, such as requesting non-public information. He rejected the government's argument that the revisions fixed the issue, calling them a clear attempt to sidestep the court's ruling. The opinion also criticized a provision that presumed journalists acted improperly if they offered anonymity to sources, noting that this is a standard practice in reporting.The judge further found that the Pentagon undermined the order by restricting reporters' physical access, including closing a designated workspace and requiring constant escorts inside the building. He dismissed the government's security justification, stating that existing screening procedures were never removed and that the new limitations appeared designed to weaken press access.Ultimately, the court ordered the government to restore prior conditions and comply fully with its ruling. Judge Friedman emphasized that the policy violated First Amendment protections by chilling press freedom and limiting the flow of information to the public. He warned that suppressing political speech and controlling media access are hallmarks of authoritarian systems, underscoring the constitutional importance of an independent press.‘Mark Of Autocracy': Court Says Pentagon Defied Press Order - Law360US judge says Pentagon violated court order to restore press access | ReutersA U.S. trade court is considering whether President Donald Trump's 10% global tariff on imports is lawful. The tariffs, introduced in February, are being challenged by a coalition of 24 states and small businesses, who argue that the policy exceeds presidential authority and improperly bypasses Congress. The case is being heard by a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of International Trade.The Trump administration defends the tariffs as a valid response to ongoing trade deficits, relying on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This provision allows temporary tariffs during serious balance-of-payments issues. However, the challengers argue that the law was intended for short-term economic emergencies, not persistent trade imbalances, and that the administration is stretching its meaning.The dispute comes shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of Trump's earlier tariffs imposed under a different statute, ruling he had overstepped his authority. Plaintiffs claim the new tariffs are an attempt to work around that decision using a different legal justification.US trade court weighs legality of Trump 10% global tariff | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Amid an unrelenting news cycle, one story really hit hard for both Mary and Andrew this week: the passing of former FBI Director Robert Mueller. Both hosts worked with him: Mary in the DC US Attorney's Office; Andrew as FBI Special Counsel, General Counsel, and ultimately, as a top prosecutor in Mueller's 2016 Special Counsel investigation into Russian election interference. They reflect on Mueller's life and legacy being one dedicated topublic service, which, in Andrew's accounting, “wasn't just a calling, it was a privilege.” Next, they move to a win for journalism and freedom of the press: Judge Paul Friedman's decision in the case brought by the New York Times against the Pentagon regarding press access. And lastly, Mary and Andrew reviewMonday's Supreme Court oral arguments in a case centered on whether mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day should be counted. The co-hosts read the tea leaves on the merits the justices seem to be eyeing and what it could mean for midterm voting this fall. And, a big thank you to listeners as Main Justice celebrates it's 3-year anniversary. Starting today, you can also find us on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

Several stories have put government power over speech and technology back in the spotlight. In this episode, we break down the Pentagon's targeting of the AI company Anthropic, the push for government-mandated age verification technologies, and the Department of Justice's raid on a Washington Post reporter's home. We are joined by: Jennifer Huddleston, senior fellow in technology policy at the Cato Institute Mike Godwin, AI and privacy expert, first staff counsel at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, first full-time general counsel at Wikimedia, and author of two books on internet law and policy Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of FIRE   Timestamps:  00:00 Intro   03:19 The Pentagon vs. Anthropic? 22:40 The FTC, Congress, and age verification laws 48:15 Is it unusual for the DOJ to seize a reporter's computer? 59:46 Outro   Don't miss the free speech event of the year! Get your tickets and learn more about the Soapbox Conference here. Enjoy listening to the podcast? Donate to FIRE today and get exclusive content like member webinars, special episodes, and more.  If you became a FIRE Member through a donation to FIRE at thefire.org and would like access to Substack's paid subscriber podcast feed, please email sotospeak@thefire.org.  

As missiles strike across Israel and Iran, what are we really allowed to see? With strict censorship and limited access, journalists and the public are seeing only part of the story: Who decides what information gets out, and what does that mean for truth in a war affecting millions? In this episode: Diana Buttu (@dianabuttu), Human Rights Lawyer and Analyst Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Sarí el-Khalili with Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Tuleen Barakat, Catherine Nouhan, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

1.30.2026 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Don Lemon, Georgia Fort Arrested Over Church Protest. Press Freedom on the Line Under Trump. Former CNN anchor and journalist Don Lemon and independent Minnesota journalist Georgia Fort were arrested along with two others in connection to the Minnesota church protests. Lemons predicted his arrest would still happen after the Department of Justice abandoned his arrest warrant on Tuesday. Lemon says he was there reporting--not protesting and, a judge recently rejected prosecutors attempts for his arrest. The question now is, what does this mean for our first amendments rights, what does it mean for journalists reporting real news -- and, what does it mean for people who challenge power and injustice under this Trump administration? Tonight, we talk with Erin Haines, President of the National Association of Black Journalists, and Octavia Treadway, Chair of the Center for Broadcast Journalism, to unpack the implications for journalists and the public. Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV. The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten years ago this month, Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian was freed from Iran's Evin prison. He and his wife, Yeganeh, had been arrested at their home in Tehran and falsely accused of espionage. Since then, Rezaian has dedicated himself to advocating for press freedom, and now he's the director of The Post's press freedom initiatives. On Thursday, before a live audience at The Post, host Elahe Izadi sat down with Rezaian and his wife to talk about their reflections 10 years after their wrongful imprisonment. They were joined by ambassador Brett McGurk. As a presidential envoy, McGurk was integral to Rezaian's release. They also spoke about what's happening in Iran today, the widespread protests, what the United States could do and what this could all mean for the future of Iran.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.