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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Thousands protested in Los Angeles against President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard, resulting in clashes with law enforcement that involved tear gas, rubber bullets, and the burning of self-driving cars. A 9News correspondent was injured by a rubber bullet during the unrest. Following the escalation, the LAPD declared an unlawful assembly, ordering people to leave downtown Los Angeles. Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass criticized the deployment as a breach of state sovereignty and a provocation, while the White House defended the action.
Read More
British news photographer Nick Stern, based in Los Angeles, requires emergency surgery after being injured during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Paramount. Stern sustained a significant leg wound, believed to be caused by a non-lethal round fired by law enforcement during the demonstration, which involved approximately 350-400 protesters and a large police response. The Sheriff’s department stated the protest turned violent, prompting the use of tear gas and other munitions in crowd control. Stern’s injury, initially feared to be from a live round due to the severity of the wound, is now confirmed to be from a non-lethal projectile.
Read More
On May 12, 2025, newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, held his inaugural press conference at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. Addressing thousands of journalists, he urged the release of imprisoned journalists persecuted for reporting the truth, while also imploring reporters to avoid using their platform to incite hatred. The Pope stressed the importance of responsible communication, emphasizing the need for peace-building dialogue and the rejection of a “war of words and images.” He concluded by calling on journalists to prioritize communication that fosters peace and amplifies the voices of the marginalized.
Read More
The White House’s decision to eliminate a regular reporting slot for independent newswires represents a concerning move towards controlling information flow. This action directly impacts access for smaller news organizations, raising serious questions about transparency and the administration’s commitment to a free press. The elimination of this slot isn’t simply a matter of rearranging press access; it’s a calculated step to limit diverse perspectives and potentially silence critical voices.
The stated rationale for this change is often vague, lacking transparency itself. Claims of expanding access to “non-traditional” media by favoring print outlets seem contradictory and arbitrary, particularly given the broader context of suppressed independent voices.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood