In Chicago, a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, prohibiting the use of force against journalists covering anti-ICE protests. The order stems from a lawsuit filed by local journalists who accused federal agents of using tear gas and other weapons against them. The judge’s ruling prevents agents from dispersing, arresting, or threatening journalists, unless there is probable cause of a crime. While authorities can order journalists to move, they must provide ample time and opportunity for them to report and observe. The order will remain in effect for two weeks as the legal proceedings continue.
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In response to Ukraine’s ban on several Hungarian media outlets, the Hungarian government has prohibited access to a selection of Ukrainian news websites, including Ukrainska Pravda and European Pravda. According to Minister Gergely Gulyás, this decision is based on the principle of reciprocity, following Ukraine’s actions against Hungarian media, which were accused of disseminating Russian propaganda. Gulyás stated that Ukraine’s actions were prompted by critical reporting on sanctions against Russia and military support for Ukraine, as well as the depiction of the EU and NATO. This decision mirrors Russia’s prior bans on Hungarian media, raising questions about press freedom and political tensions in the region.
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President Trump has recently intensified his criticism of press freedom and the First Amendment. During a recent statement, he suggested that negative coverage of his administration by journalists should be illegal. These comments follow the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s program by ABC, owned by Disney, after threats were made regarding the revocation of broadcast licenses. In response, writers and actors gathered in protest to defend free speech.
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation blocked from UK press conference after clash with Trump. This is the headline that paints a pretty clear picture, doesn’t it? It feels like we’ve stumbled into a movie plot, one where the lines between reality and a dystopian future are getting awfully blurry. We’re talking about a situation where a respected journalist, John Lyons from the ABC, dared to ask a question, a very reasonable question, about wealth accumulation. The answer? Well, instead of a cogent response, the response involved accusations of “hurting Australia” and a threat to tattle on the journalist to his Prime Minister. Seriously?… Continue reading
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Trump administration is claiming that the act of filming ICE agents and posting these videos online constitutes “violence.” DHS officials argue that such actions are “doxing” and will be prosecuted. This stance follows DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s expanded definition of violence to include any action that threatens DHS agents, including videotaping. Civil rights experts, however, contend that this interpretation contradicts First Amendment rights, and may lack factual basis. Despite these concerns, DHS has a large budget and has seen an increase in reported rights violations in immigration detention facilities.
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President Donald Trump has publicly called ABC and NBC “the worst and most biased networks in history,” suggesting the FCC should revoke their licenses. This follows a pattern from Trump’s first term, where he frequently criticized media outlets using the term “fake news.” Trump’s remarks have sparked concerns within the industry about potential challenges to truthful reporting and access. The president’s recent actions indicate a continuation of the adversarial relationship between Trump and the media, especially as the midterm elections draw nearer.
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Amidst mounting controversy surrounding the dismissal of the Epstein case by Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino took a day off work. Reports from Laura Loomer and later confirmed by Axios, suggest Bongino’s displeasure with Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files and a perceived lack of transparency. The disagreement stems from a DOJ memo denying the existence of an Epstein “client list” and reaffirming his suicide, contradicting long-held conspiracy theories within the MAGA base. This has led to speculation regarding Bongino’s future with the FBI, with some sources suggesting he may resign due to these issues.
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The Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and its police chief, alleging that officers repeatedly violated journalists’ rights during recent protests. The suit claims that police used excessive force and intimidation tactics against reporters, hindering their ability to document public events. Numerous incidents, including journalists being struck by rubber bullets and physically assaulted, have been documented, with some reporters sustaining serious injuries requiring medical attention. The plaintiffs argue that these actions infringe upon the fundamental right to a free press and the public’s right to information.
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9News reporter Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet fired by a Los Angeles police officer while covering immigration protests. Australian Prime Minister Albanese condemned the attack, deeming it unacceptable and noting that Tomasi was clearly identifiable as press. The incident, which is under formal investigation by the LAPD, has sparked international concern and calls for accountability. Several other journalists have also reported injuries while covering the escalating protests and deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles.
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During a protest in downtown Los Angeles, 9 News Australia correspondent Lauren Tomasi was struck in the leg by a rubber bullet fired by a law enforcement officer. The incident, captured on video, occurred as police dispersed protesters using rubber bullets. While Tomasi sustained an injury, she and her camera operator are safe and will continue reporting. The LAPD stated they were unaware of the video at the time of inquiry.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood