The Latest: A ‘chilling message’; Pentagon defends press restrictions; Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother

Feb. 2, 2026

■ In Minneapolis, journalism students are learning to report under pressure amid an immigration surge (Poynter) / Is the ‘influencer right’ at odds with Trump over Minnesota? (New York Times) / The Minnesota Star Tribune and Foundry North launch new brand campaign: ‘Because the world is watching ’ (Minnesota Star Tribune via Editor and Publisher)

■ Pentagon defends restrictions on media outlets (New York Times)

■ Kari Lake promotes Trump on Voice of America . Does that break the law? (NPR)

■ CBS News expected to cut ties with contributor Peter Attia over Epstein links (The Wrap) / CBS News chief touts commentator push , draws mixed reaction in newsroom (Reuters)

■ Savannah Guthrie not hosting ‘Today’ with mom Nancy still missing , but provides statement (Deadline) / ‘NBC carrying the press conference about the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom on stations across the country.’ (Brian Stelter)

■ Disney shares fall despite streaming growth , as CEO decision nears (Wall Street Journal) / Disney says it took a $110 million hit from its fight with YouTube TV (The Hill) / Bob Iger has told associates he plans to leave CEO role before contract expires (Wall Street Journal)

■ Former CapRadio GM Jun Reina charged with embezzling $1.3M from station (Current)

■ It’s Rupe vs. the Quiff! In California’s new tabloid war , everybody wins (Semafor)

■ ‘Introducing The NY FAIR News Act, legislation that establishes clear protections for both journalists, media professionals and the broader public to ensure that the integrity of the news and its workforce are safeguarded against artificial intelligence.’ (Writers Guild of America East) / Ad lobby seeks law to protect publishers from AI scraping (Axios)

■ Scripps names Justin Hartley statewide GM of Montana Television Network (TV News Check) / Meet Dispatch trending business, real estate reporter Emma Wozniak (Columbus Dispatch) / WSJ's Greenfield joins InPress (Talking Biz News) / Variety names Jeff Cooper as group senior vice president of consumer partnerships (Variety) / PBS Guam GM Ina Carillo to leave station (Current) / IWMF announces new leadership model as threats against journalists increase (International Women’s Media Foundation via Editor and Publisher)

■ Government regulators approve ESPN’s billion-dollar acquisition of multiple NFL Media assets (The Athletic)

■ Sports betting reshaped newsrooms , and it’s ‘a little gross.’ Now, here come the prediction markets (Nieman Journalism Lab)

Applications for the National Press Club Journalism Institute’s 2026 Public Health Reporting Fellowship are open. This is a funding opportunity for mid-career journalists reporting on critical community, regional, state, or national public health challenges. Financial support provided by the Common Health Coalition. Learn more here.

Join the Livestream: NABJ town hall on press freedom

Journalism is not a crime. The National Press Club and the Institute are proud to support tonight's National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) press freedom town hall, "Not on Our Watch: A national town hall on press freedom." Now is the time to stand together and protect our free press as a vital part of a healthy democracy.

Tonight's event will feature journalism leaders, press freedom advocates, civil rights groups, including remarks from Institute President Mike Balsamo.

Join the livestream, starting at 6 p.m. ET:

Career office hour on February 3 with Corinne Chin of The Associated Press

TOMORROW: Career guidance with Corinne Chin, director of news talent for recruitment at The Associated Press

Corinne Chin, director of news talent for recruitment at The Associated Press, will join the Institute's next virtual career office hour at noon ET tomorrow, Feb. 3. Chin is responsible for recruiting, training, and supporting a diverse and competitive global newsroom at AP. She’s also an Emmy-winning video journalist who’s worked across the globe and offers trauma-informed safety and security training.

For this session, Chin will describe what makes a strong applicant for wire services like AP, and will answer questions about visual journalism, representation, leadership, journalism careers, and safety.

The Institute's career office hours will take place on the first Tuesday of each month over Zoom and will explore careers in social media and engagement, business and tech journalism, sports journalism, and more. Each hour-long session offers community, encouragement, and practical advice for job-seekers at all career levels. Learn more here.

Fostering trust in news with next gen audiences

“Younger audiences tend to be skeptical because there’s so much information out there. They look for things like transparency, authenticity, and content they can relate to when deciding what to trust. They see the value in established media brands, but that alone isn’t enough to earn their trust. Audiences want to see the process behind the news, value honesty about uncertainty, and often place more faith in individual journalists or creators than in legacy outlets.”

-- Jacob Granger , community editor of JournalismUK, excerpt from “How can your newsroom prepare for the audiences of 2030?” (JournalismUK)

Resources

This newsletter is written and edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Holly Butcher Grant, and Elliot C. Williams. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.

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The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest. The Institute's tax ID number is 52-1750908.