Briana Boston, 42, was arrested and charged with threatening a mass shooting after using the phrase “delay, deny, depose” during a phone call with BlueCross BlueShield. This phrase mirrored words found at the scene of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thomas’s murder, prompting the FBI to refer the call to Lakeland Police. Boston claimed the phrase was related to news coverage of the CEO’s death, denying any intent to harm. Despite this, a judge set her bond at $100,000, citing current national climate, amidst rising copycat threats against other insurance executives.
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A Baphomet statue erected by The Satanic Temple in Concord, NH, was vandalized within 48 hours of its unveiling. The incident sparked controversy, with Mayor Byron Champlin expressing disapproval of both the statue and the city’s decision to grant a permit, citing concerns about an “anti-religious agenda.” Rep. Ellen Read defended the display as upholding First Amendment rights regarding religious pluralism. Champlin intends to create a city committee to review policies on unattended displays to prevent similar future conflicts.
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Eighteen state attorneys general, primarily from Republican-led states, filed briefs supporting a Massachusetts middle school student, Liam Morrison, whose First Amendment rights were allegedly violated when he was suspended for wearing a “There are only two genders” shirt. Lower courts ruled against Morrison, finding the shirt demeaned transgender students, but the AGs contend this lacked evidence of substantial disruption. They argue the school’s evidence was insufficient, and supporting organizations warn of a chilling effect on free speech in schools. The case, backed by Alliance Defending Freedom and the Massachusetts Family Institute, awaits potential Supreme Court review.
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U.S. District Judge Jennifer Hall dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News filed by Raymond Epps, who alleged the network’s false reporting linking him to the January 6th Capitol riot incited death threats. The judge granted Fox’s motion to dismiss without explanation. Epps, a former Marine, had cited Tucker Carlson’s promotion of the conspiracy theory as the source of his harassment. This dismissal follows similar dismissals of defamation suits against Fox News by Nina Jankowicz and Tony Bobulinski, leading Fox to cite these decisions as upholding First Amendment press freedoms.
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Trump Jr. says his father has discussed banning mainstream news outlets from White House briefings. This potential action raises several significant questions regarding the freedom of the press and the public’s right to information. It’s a bold move, one that could significantly alter the relationship between the White House and the media.
The potential ramifications of such a ban are considerable. Restricting access to the White House briefing room for specific news organizations would undoubtedly limit the flow of information to the public. This could lead to a situation where only certain narratives are presented, potentially creating an echo chamber and hindering informed public discourse.… Continue reading
The Texas State Board of Education approved optional Bible-infused lesson plans for elementary schools, with schools receiving additional funding for adoption. These plans, supported by Governor Greg Abbott and created by the Texas Education Agency, will potentially be implemented as early as next year. While proponents argue the Bible is integral to American history and enriches learning, critics express concerns about alienating students of other faiths and potential First Amendment violations. This decision follows similar, though legally challenged, efforts in other Republican-led states to increase religion’s presence in public schools.
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Trump’s recent call for Republicans to “kill” a reporter shield bill, unanimously passed by the House, has ignited a firestorm of controversy. This action directly challenges the very foundations of press freedom and raises serious questions about the future of investigative journalism. It seems to represent a stark departure from the principles often espoused by the Republican party, highlighting a potential internal conflict between party loyalty and core American values.
The bill in question, designed to protect journalists’ sources, has been met with the President’s explicit condemnation. His demand to quash the legislation speaks volumes about his apparent disdain for independent reporting, potentially signaling a broader attack on the media’s ability to hold power accountable.… Continue reading
Donald Trump’s opposition to the PRESS Act, bipartisan legislation protecting journalists and whistleblowers, demonstrates his disregard for press freedom. His public statements, including calls for retribution against critical media outlets and even suggesting harm to journalists, contradict his claims of supporting a free press. This stance is further solidified by a former advisor’s promise of retaliation against the “liberal media.” Trump’s actions and rhetoric suggest a belief that First Amendment protections only apply to those supporting his agenda.
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Donald Trump, never one to shy away from controversy, has once again sparked outrage with his latest threats against the New York Times and Penguin Random House. These threats stem from his perceived grievances with the publications’ critical coverage of him, revealing a chilling disregard for the bedrock of a free society: freedom of the press.
Trump has a long history of lashing out at media outlets that dare to question his actions or challenge his narrative. He frequently labels journalists “the enemy of the people,” a dangerous rhetoric that undermines trust in the press and fuels a climate of hostility toward journalists.… Continue reading
Oklahoma’s Republican schools superintendent Ryan Walters, a potential education secretary pick for Donald Trump, has advocated for a national mandate requiring Bibles in classrooms. Walters, who already implemented this policy in Oklahoma, believes the Bible is essential to understanding American history and argues that left-wing activists are attempting to suppress Christianity. He supports Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education, believing it would curb federal overreach and leftist agendas. Walters’s controversial stance has drawn lawsuits from educators and parents, propelling him into national attention.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood