"Journalists have plenty of faults, but preventing them from doing their jobs will have dire consequences. A vigorous newsgathering ecosystem, once destroyed, is hard to rebuild." | The Economist
As global press freedom dwindles, corrupt politicians rejoice
Less scrutiny, more booty
www.economist.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:31 PM
"Journalists have plenty of faults, but preventing them from doing their jobs will have dire consequences. A vigorous newsgathering ecosystem, once destroyed, is hard to rebuild." | The Economist
„A vigorous newsgathering ecosystem, once destroyed, is hard to rebuild. And a world with less press freedom will be dirtier and worse-governed.“
economist.com/leaders/2026...
economist.com/leaders/2026...
As global press freedom dwindles, corrupt politicians rejoice
Less scrutiny, more booty
economist.com
February 7, 2026 at 5:27 PM
„A vigorous newsgathering ecosystem, once destroyed, is hard to rebuild. And a world with less press freedom will be dirtier and worse-governed.“
economist.com/leaders/2026...
economist.com/leaders/2026...
newsgathering materials unless a reporter is suspected of committing crimes related to the materials."
I would say outrage is a correct response.
I would say outrage is a correct response.
February 7, 2026 at 3:46 PM
newsgathering materials unless a reporter is suspected of committing crimes related to the materials."
I would say outrage is a correct response.
I would say outrage is a correct response.
or speaking out against abuses of federal and local laws to target newsgathering. No matter what one thinks about the place of “objectivity” in contemporary journalism, it’s absurd to let it get in the way of standing up for reporters’ own rights. (4/61)
February 7, 2026 at 1:06 AM
or speaking out against abuses of federal and local laws to target newsgathering. No matter what one thinks about the place of “objectivity” in contemporary journalism, it’s absurd to let it get in the way of standing up for reporters’ own rights. (4/61)
It's also to get back a lot of people who are not known to be cheap, flexible or innovative about newsgathering.
February 5, 2026 at 6:38 PM
It's also to get back a lot of people who are not known to be cheap, flexible or innovative about newsgathering.
Press freedom is in retreat. A vigorous newsgathering ecosystem, once destroyed, is hard to rebuild. The world will become dirtier and worse-governed: econ.st/4kjiZU1
February 5, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Press freedom is in retreat. A vigorous newsgathering ecosystem, once destroyed, is hard to rebuild. The world will become dirtier and worse-governed: econ.st/4kjiZU1
Citing Threat of ‘Authoritarian Regime,’ Judge Orders ICE to Stop Tear-Gassing OR Protesters
In “a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic,” said US District Judge Michael Simon, “free speech, courageous newsgathering & nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected & even celebrated.”
In “a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic,” said US District Judge Michael Simon, “free speech, courageous newsgathering & nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected & even celebrated.”
Citing Threat of 'Authoritarian Regime,' Judge Orders ICE to Stop Tear-Gassing Protesters in Oregon | Common Dreams
Federal judge bars federal agents from using tear gas on protesters in Portland, citing threat to democracy. Will this ruling protect free speech and nonviolent protest, or will the crackdown on immig...
www.commondreams.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:29 AM
Citing Threat of ‘Authoritarian Regime,’ Judge Orders ICE to Stop Tear-Gassing OR Protesters
In “a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic,” said US District Judge Michael Simon, “free speech, courageous newsgathering & nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected & even celebrated.”
In “a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic,” said US District Judge Michael Simon, “free speech, courageous newsgathering & nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected & even celebrated.”
Hopefully the lesson will be well-understood: bending the knee in order to curry favour with the local despot is neither good for newsgathering nor good for business, and doesn't even get you lenient treatment (that you don't otherwise have to pay for)
February 5, 2026 at 1:44 AM
Hopefully the lesson will be well-understood: bending the knee in order to curry favour with the local despot is neither good for newsgathering nor good for business, and doesn't even get you lenient treatment (that you don't otherwise have to pay for)
US District Judge Michael Simon said, “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, & nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads!
Judge rails against 'authoritarian regime' while blocking Noem's agents from firing 'munitions'
While siding with Portland protesters, the judge described America as "at a crossroads" and himself as guardian against an "authoritarian regime."
lawandcrime.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:07 PM
US District Judge Michael Simon said, “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, & nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads!
What emerges is not an aggressive but lawful application of criminal statutes, but an effort to transform protest and newsgathering into “force” and “intimidation.”
February 4, 2026 at 9:06 PM
What emerges is not an aggressive but lawful application of criminal statutes, but an effort to transform protest and newsgathering into “force” and “intimidation.”
BTW surely at this point we’ve gotten past the notion that “citizen journalists” will pick up the slack for eviscerated newsrooms. There’s some excellent work being published on Substack et al., but it’s no substitute for the work of a professional newsgathering operation with the proper support.
February 4, 2026 at 5:45 PM
BTW surely at this point we’ve gotten past the notion that “citizen journalists” will pick up the slack for eviscerated newsrooms. There’s some excellent work being published on Substack et al., but it’s no substitute for the work of a professional newsgathering operation with the proper support.
In the US, said federal Judge Michael Simon, "free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads."
Citing Threat of 'Authoritarian Regime,' Judge Orders ICE to Stop Tear-Gassing Protesters in Oregon
Federal judge bars federal agents from using tear gas on protesters in Portland, citing threat to democracy. Will this ruling protect free speech and nonviolent protest, or will the crackdown on immigrant communities continue? #ImmigrantRights #PortlandProtests #DemocracyUnderThreat
www.commondreams.org
February 4, 2026 at 5:36 PM
In the US, said federal Judge Michael Simon, "free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads."
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated.
l.smartnews.com/p-76cYWmBO/C...
l.smartnews.com/p-76cYWmBO/C...
Democrats Overperform in Another Special Election (Newsweek)
The Democratic Party has won a local election in New York, garnering more of the vote share than it did when the seat was last contested.
According to estima...
l.smartnews.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:17 PM
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated.
l.smartnews.com/p-76cYWmBO/C...
l.smartnews.com/p-76cYWmBO/C...
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated," wrote Judge Michael H. Simon. "In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case."
Federal judge orders DHS to stop indiscriminate use of tear gas, crowd control munitions outside Portland ICE facility
Judge Michael Simon granted a temporary restraining order to protesters suing the Trump administration, saying that the "nation is now at a crossroads."
www.kgw.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:07 PM
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated," wrote Judge Michael H. Simon. "In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case."
the thing about killing a bunch of sections of the newspaper you don't think are important is that that's where a lot of the most important stories come from, trim down newsgathering and reporting enough and you're just doing PR
February 4, 2026 at 3:01 PM
the thing about killing a bunch of sections of the newspaper you don't think are important is that that's where a lot of the most important stories come from, trim down newsgathering and reporting enough and you're just doing PR
Not to defend Bezos but those are two very different skillsets. Building a marketplace is not at all the same thing as growing a newsgathering entity
nyt getting its licks in
"Jeff Bezos, who became one of the world’s richest people by selling things on the internet, has not yet figured out how to build and maintain a profitable publication on the internet."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
"Jeff Bezos, who became one of the world’s richest people by selling things on the internet, has not yet figured out how to build and maintain a profitable publication on the internet."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Washington Post Begins Sweeping Layoffs
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Not to defend Bezos but those are two very different skillsets. Building a marketplace is not at all the same thing as growing a newsgathering entity
USA TODAY “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case," Simon wrote in issuing his rulin”
apple.news/AVMzdgJvkRhy...
apple.news/AVMzdgJvkRhy...
US judge restricts ICE in Portland, warns of 'authoritarian regime' — USA TODAY
U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon blasted federal agents for 'escalating pattern' of violence
apple.news
February 4, 2026 at 5:31 AM
USA TODAY “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case," Simon wrote in issuing his rulin”
apple.news/AVMzdgJvkRhy...
apple.news/AVMzdgJvkRhy...
Judge Michael Simon said it:
“In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In anauthoritarian regime, that is not the case.” Dickinson v. Trump, No. 3:25-cv-2170-SI ECF 68
“In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In anauthoritarian regime, that is not the case.” Dickinson v. Trump, No. 3:25-cv-2170-SI ECF 68
February 4, 2026 at 4:58 AM
Judge Michael Simon said it:
“In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In anauthoritarian regime, that is not the case.” Dickinson v. Trump, No. 3:25-cv-2170-SI ECF 68
“In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In anauthoritarian regime, that is not the case.” Dickinson v. Trump, No. 3:25-cv-2170-SI ECF 68
Judge: “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated,” he wrote. “In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case.”
“Our nation is now at a crossroad,” he continued…
“Our nation is now at a crossroad,” he continued…
Judge restricts federal use of tear gas, munitions at Portland ICE protests — OregonLive.com
A federal judge on Tuesday issued a temporary order prohibiting federal officers at Portland’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building from directing tear gas, pepper balls, rubber bullets o...
apple.news
February 4, 2026 at 4:36 AM
Judge: “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated,” he wrote. “In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case.”
“Our nation is now at a crossroad,” he continued…
“Our nation is now at a crossroad,” he continued…
Student journalists for the University of Maryland’s Muslim student newspaper are facing conduct charges of interference and disruption for their newsgathering. Tell UMD to drop these charges and protect press freedom.
#FirstAmendment #studentjournalist
www.thefire.org/news/paper-w...
#FirstAmendment #studentjournalist
www.thefire.org/news/paper-w...
The paper was her lifeboat — UMD called it interference
She founded a Muslim student paper for community. Now UMD calls her reporting on a protest “interference” — and is pursuing discipline.
www.thefire.org
February 4, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Student journalists for the University of Maryland’s Muslim student newspaper are facing conduct charges of interference and disruption for their newsgathering. Tell UMD to drop these charges and protect press freedom.
#FirstAmendment #studentjournalist
www.thefire.org/news/paper-w...
#FirstAmendment #studentjournalist
www.thefire.org/news/paper-w...
Michael H. Simon, District Judge in Portland.
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is at a crossroads. "
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is at a crossroads. "
Judge Simon here in Portland just granted the TRO in the ICE use of force case. The first three sentences are pretty haunting.
February 4, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Michael H. Simon, District Judge in Portland.
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is at a crossroads. "
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is at a crossroads. "
“In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case.”
www.oregonlive.com/crime/2026/0...
www.oregonlive.com/crime/2026/0...
February 4, 2026 at 12:01 AM
“In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case.”
www.oregonlive.com/crime/2026/0...
www.oregonlive.com/crime/2026/0...
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads"
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/03/f...
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/03/f...
Federal judge restricts agents' use of tear gas, munitions against crowds at Portland ICE facility • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The order is part of an ongoing lawsuit against the federal government brought by protesters and freelance journalists.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:55 PM
"In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads"
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/03/f...
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/03/f...
This is extraordinary: “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case“
A federal judge in Oregon has temporarily limited federal officers’ use of force on peaceful protesters outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland. The ruling blocks federal officers from directing or using munitions such as pepper balls and tear gas.
Judge limits federal officers’ use of crowd control munitions at Portland ICE building
The decision Tuesday applies only outside the federal facility in Portland. It blocks federal officers from directing or using “chemical or projectile munitions,” including pepper balls, tear gas and other crowd control munitions.
www.opb.org
February 3, 2026 at 11:45 PM
This is extraordinary: “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are all permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case“
BREAKING: Judge Simon:
🧑⚖️ “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are… permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads.”
He then
🧑⚖️ “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are… permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads.”
He then
February 3, 2026 at 11:37 PM
BREAKING: Judge Simon:
🧑⚖️ “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are… permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads.”
He then
🧑⚖️ “In a well-functioning constitutional democratic republic, free speech, courageous newsgathering, and nonviolent protest are… permitted, respected, and even celebrated. In an authoritarian regime, that is not the case. Our nation is now at a crossroads.”
He then