Journalists

From Observer to Juror: A Journalist’s Eye-Opening Experience in the Jury Box

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Serving on a jury can be a daunting experience, especially when tasked with serious family disputes. Walter Rubel, a local journalist and former opinion page editor for the Las Cruces Sun-News, reflects on his recent jury experiences that left a lasting impression on him. Having been exempt from jury duty for the majority of his career due to his journalism background, Rubel was surprised when he was selected for two trials in quick succession. Although familiar with courtroom proceedings through his work, this was his first opportunity to serve on a … Read more

Jim Trotter Champions Future Journalists with $300,000 Program at Howard University After NFL Settlement

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Washington, D.C. – Former NFL Network reporter and Hall of Fame journalist Jim Trotter is channeling his recent legal settlement into a new initiative designed to uplift the next generation of sports journalists. Trotter has teamed up with Howard University, his alma mater, to launch a program that aims to break down economic barriers for students aspiring to carve out careers in sports journalism. Through his Work, Plan, Pray Foundation, Trotter has committed $300,000 to fund the program over the next five years. This initiative seeks to provide Howard University students with resources that Trotter … Read more

Turkey Escalates Crackdown: Arrests of Istanbul Mayor’s Lawyer and Journalists Deepen Unrest

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ISTANBUL, Turkey — Turkey has escalated its actions against anti-government demonstrators recently, detaining the attorney of the imprisoned Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, and increasing actions against journalists. The arrest of Imamoglu on March 16 has spurred the largest public dissent Turkey has seen in over a decade, prompting a chilling effect among protestors who persist in demonstrations amidst heightened repression. Imamoglu, who is widely regarded as a significant challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had his lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, taken into custody under dubious charges, which opposition sources claim are related to accusations of … Read more

Global Crackdown: New Cybercrime Laws Increase Risks for Journalists and Dissenters, Sparking International Concern

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Washington — As nations worldwide strengthen their legal frameworks to tackle cybercrimes, there are growing concerns that these laws, while intended to protect citizens, could be misused to suppress dissent and target critics. Recent legislative changes in countries like Pakistan, Myanmar, and Nigeria highlight a troubling trend towards the potential criminalization of journalism under the guise of combating online offenses. In Pakistan, an amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in January has sparked significant opposition from journalists and civil liberties groups. The government asserts these amendments are necessary to curb online harassment … Read more