Reuters has removed a four-minute video of a private conversation between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping after Chinese state television withdrew its legal permission for the footage. The video, which captured the leaders discussing the possibility of a person living to 150 years of age, was distributed to over a thousand media outlets before the takedown request. Reuters complied with CCTV’s demand to remove the video from its website and notified its customers, citing exceeded license terms and the “editorial treatment applied to this material.” Despite the removal, Reuters maintains the accuracy of the published content and sees no violation of its journalistic standards.
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Due to the high number of journalist casualties, Reuters has stopped sharing team locations with the Israeli military in Gaza. This decision was made after a Reuters cameraman was killed in an Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital, where the agency’s journalists were operating. The IDF stated they had “no further comment,” following claims by the IDF that a camera at the hospital was being used to direct terrorist activities, a claim disputed by journalists on the ground. As a result, the IDF ordered an investigation into “several gaps” including the “authorization process” before the attack.
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A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals widespread concern about the state of democracy in the United States, with 57% of Americans fearing for its future. Partisan redistricting, specifically gerrymandering, is a significant point of contention, with a majority believing it is detrimental to democracy. The poll highlights deep distrust between Democrats and Republicans, yet also reveals unease with redistricting practices on both sides. As a result of this, states like Texas, where Republicans are redrawing maps, and California, where Democrats plan to do the same, are moving to redraw districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
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X suspends Reuters account in India after a “legal demand,” a situation that’s immediately raising eyebrows. It seems like the official Reuters account, boasting a massive global following, has been blocked within India since the weekend. The message displayed to users within India is stark: “@Reuters has been withheld in IN (India) in response to a legal demand.” This sets the stage for a classic clash of narratives, and the early innings are already proving fascinating.
X, in a statement, has clarified its position, essentially saying they’re obligated to comply with Indian law. Specifically, they cite the country’s Information Technology Act of 2000.… Continue reading
A Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals deep partisan divisions regarding the Supreme Court’s perceived political neutrality, with only 20% of respondents believing it to be unbiased. The Court’s upcoming rulings on key issues, including transgender healthcare bans, birthright citizenship, and online pornography restrictions, further highlight this stark partisan divide, reflecting already declining public approval. While support for restricting minors’ access to pornography enjoys broad bipartisan backing, opinions on the other issues are sharply split along party lines, with Republicans generally favoring stricter measures and Democrats exhibiting significant opposition. This polarization underscores the lack of public trust in the Court’s impartiality.
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During a meeting with South African President Ramaphosa, President Trump falsely presented a Reuters image from the Democratic Republic of Congo as evidence of white South African killings. The image, from February 2023, actually depicted humanitarian workers handling bodies after clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army. Trump obtained the image from a conservative online magazine article that, while referencing South African racial tensions, misidentified the picture’s origin. The Reuters journalist who filmed the original footage confirmed its context and expressed shock at its misuse.
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The U.S. Agency for Global Media, overseeing Voice of America (VOA), terminated contracts with The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse, aiming to save an estimated $53 million. This decision, announced by newly appointed special advisor Kari Lake, directs VOA journalists to cease using wire service content. The move reflects a broader effort to increase VOA’s self-produced content and comes amidst strained relations between the current administration and the press. This action has been met with silence from the affected wire services.
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A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals a 13-point net disapproval rating for President Trump’s foreign policy, down significantly from a +2 rating in January. This decline stems from criticism of his handling of the Ukraine conflict and proposed actions regarding Gaza, drawing condemnation from both Democrats and some Republicans. Increased dissatisfaction is evident across party lines, with even Republican approval dropping from 79% to 75%. The shift coincides with growing public concern that U.S. foreign policy is heading in the wrong direction.
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Reuters reported that the U.S. threatened to cut off Starlink service to Ukraine unless a minerals deal was reached, a claim Elon Musk vehemently denied on X, calling it a falsehood and accusing Reuters of lying. This followed reports that negotiations were ongoing after Ukrainian President Zelensky initially rejected a U.S. proposal. Musk’s denial lacks supporting evidence and contrasts with his past criticisms of Ukraine and support for Russian narratives. The potential Starlink interruption is significant given its crucial role in Ukraine’s war effort.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood