Five major broadcast networks and numerous other media outlets have refused to sign the Pentagon's new press policy, which they argue restricts journalistic freedoms by threatening to revoke press passes for unapproved disclosures, raising concerns about its impact on transparency and the First Amendment.
Major broadcast networks, Fox News, and CNN jointly oppose the Pentagon's new restrictions on press access, citing concerns over threats to journalistic protections and the public's right to information, with most refusing to sign the new policy.
Many major news organizations, including CNN, The New York Times, and Newsmax, are refusing to sign new Pentagon press access rules that they consider restrictive and potentially violating the First Amendment, leading to a standoff over Pentagon media coverage and access.
The Pentagon announced new restrictions requiring reporters to pledge to limit their reporting, sparking widespread criticism from journalists and advocates for press freedom, who see it as an attack on independent journalism. President Trump made brief remarks on the issue, but it was unclear if he intended to comment further. Additionally, Trump made other statements praising Attorney General Pam Bondi and criticizing Letitia James, and expressed willingness to help defend NATO allies in Eastern Europe.
Two members of The Daily were arrested during a pro-Palestine protest at the president's office, one of whom was there to report on the event. The arrest of the reporter, who was detained despite showing his press pass, is seen as a violation of First and Fourth Amendment rights and a threat to press freedom. The second arrested member was participating in the protest in a personal capacity. The Daily condemns the actions of the police and the University and emphasizes its commitment to independent journalism.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a ban on Qatar-based news station Al Jazeera in Israel, citing it as a security risk and accusing it of inciting against IDF soldiers. A new law passed in the Knesset grants Netanyahu and the communications minister authority to shut down foreign media outlets deemed a "security risk." The White House expressed concern over the decision, citing freedom of the press, while the National Press Club objected to the move, likening it to actions taken by illiberal governments. Al Jazeera responded by holding Netanyahu responsible for the safety of its staff and premises and vowing to continue its coverage.
Freelance journalist Tim Burke has been indicted on 14 counts, including conspiracy and wiretapping, for accessing internal video footage from media companies, including Fox News. Prosecutors allege that he used compromised credentials to access the footage, which was later published by Vice and Media Matters. Burke's attorneys argue that his actions were legal and akin to using publicly available login credentials, while some media law observers believe he may be the victim of an overzealous application of computer laws.
Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks, is facing a two-day hearing in a London court to determine whether he will be extradited to the U.S. on espionage charges. His supporters argue that the case is an attack on free speech and an independent press, while his opponents claim he is not a journalist but a hacker. The U.S. Justice Department is seeking his trial on 17 charges of espionage and one charge for computer misuse. If extradited and convicted, Assange could face up to 175 years in prison.
A journalist with the Turkish Anadolu Agency was beaten by Israeli Border Police officers in east Jerusalem, prompting condemnation from the Israel Press Council. In a video of the incident, the officers can be seen pushing the journalist before one of them throws him to the ground and repeatedly kicks him in the head. The police claimed that the journalist was interfering with their operations, but journalists present at the scene disputed this. The two officers involved have been suspended pending an investigation. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed support for the officer and referred to the journalist as a "Hamas-supporter," drawing further criticism.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is focusing on trying to establish a version of Fox News in Israel and pushing two bills that would undermine freedom of the press, while the country faces a potential war in Gaza. Critics, including some of his own supporters, argue that Netanyahu bears responsibility for the current crisis in Israel.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed support for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, stating that it is crucial to protect the freedom of the press and that Assange should not be punished for informing society in a transparent manner. This comes ahead of a cross-party delegation of Australian politicians visiting the US to advocate for Assange's release and deliver a letter signed by over 60 members of parliament urging the US to drop the prosecution. Assange is facing charges related to the publication of classified information in 2010. Lula previously criticized the lack of efforts to free Assange, calling it an "embarrassment."
French journalist Ariane Lavrilleux was arrested and her home searched in connection with a report by online media outlet Disclose that exposed the misuse of French intelligence by Egypt. The report revealed that intelligence intended to track jihadists had been used to target smugglers and kill civilians. Rights groups, including Amnesty France and Reporters Without Borders, condemned the arrest, expressing concerns about the threat to press freedom and the confidentiality of sources.
A photojournalist working for independent outlet Myanmar Now has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by Myanmar's military authorities. Sai Zaw Thaike was arrested in May while reporting on the consequences of Cyclone Mocha, which killed over 140 people, including Rohingya refugees. The charges against him are unclear, but his arrest and sentencing highlight the suppression of press freedom under the military junta's rule. Myanmar is one of the deadliest countries for journalists, with over 150 arrests and four deaths since the coup. The ASEAN nations have condemned the violence in Myanmar, urging the military to de-escalate and stop targeted attacks on civilians. The US also expressed support for the statement and called for an end to the violence and the release of unjustly detained individuals.
Marion County Record in Kansas defiantly published its weekly edition after police raided the newsroom and confiscated property, including computers and cellphones. Authorities returned the seized items but continue to investigate whether a newspaper reporter committed a crime by verifying information from a confidential source. The owner and publisher of the newspaper emphasized the importance of protecting the First Amendment and the ability of news organizations to pursue controversial stories. The raid attracted international attention and led to the death of the publisher's 98-year-old mother. The newspaper has received an outpouring of support, with thousands of new subscriptions. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the case, and the county attorney has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the search warrants.
A small newspaper in Kansas is facing a First Amendment battle after its office and the home of its owner and publisher were raided by the Marion Police Department. The police confiscated computers and cellphones, sparking condemnation from press freedom watchdogs and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. The raids were prompted by allegations that the newspaper illegally obtained and used personal information about a local business owner. While some residents accuse the newspaper of aggressive coverage that has driven out businesses, the newspaper's attorney argues that the police department's actions violate constitutional protections for the free press. The Society of Professional Journalists has pledged $20,000 towards the newspaper's legal defense. Both the newspaper and the business owner are considering lawsuits.