Here are some of the most important stories we’re following from the U.S. and around the world. If you enjoy reading this newsletter, please forward it to friends and family. If someone has forwarded you this newsletter, please subscribe here.
A Texas law that would force social media companies to host objectionable content is once again suspended while litigants request the Supreme Court weigh in on the issue. Last week the Fifth Circuit blocked the notorious legislation, known as H.B. 20, from taking effect until at least December, putting on hold its own controversial September ruling that seemingly disregards a century of First Amendment law. The statute had previously made a trip to the Supreme Court, where an unusual 5-4 majority granted a request for an emergency stay through its opaque “shadow docket” process.
The earlier Texas decision upholding H.B. 20 attempts to draw a legal distinction between the judgment exercised in social media moderation and that used by newspaper editors. But if legislators and courts can use this sort of blatantly unconstitutional law to dictate what social media companies must host, it’s not hard to imagine they’d try the same with news outlets next.
David Kaye: Here’s what world leaders must do about spyware: The former U.N. Special Rapporteur describes the problem with commercial spyware, which has been used to target journalists across the globe, and lays out a plan to curb its abuse.
Gannett announces new cuts including mandatory unpaid leave and buyouts: The largest newspaper chain in the United States continues to struggle financially, especially since a 2019 merger with GateHouse left the combined company saddled with $1 billion in debt. Yet they have no problem doing massive stock buybacks!
Newspapers with a partisan aim filling the void of traditional media: As local newspapers have reduced their coverage or disappeared altogether, outlets with a new model have stepped into the void in some political battleground states. Partisan publications with the trappings of traditional papers have resources and reach — and journalism educators are alarmed.
KC photographer shoved to ground by NFL player after game: Photographer Park Zebley was shoved to the ground by a Raiders wide receiver. Our U.S. Press Freedom Tracker confirmed with Zebley’s attorney that he suffered a headache, whiplash and a concussion from the incident. The player, Davante Adams, has been charged with misdemeanor assault. Follow our U.S. Press Freedom Tracker for more.
