June 1, 2026

■ Pentagon bans journalists from press office, designating it a classified space (Washington Post) / ‘...The change creates a new barrier between journalists and the public affairs officers who have traditionally answered their questions. (Scott Nover)

■ ‘In a stunning confrontation, Scott Pelley accused Bari Weiss of “murdering” the newsmagazine and relentlessly grilled her newly installed executive producer, Nick Bilton, over the show’s recent firings.’ (Status) / NAHJ raises 'intensified concerns' of Latino representation at CBS News after Cecilia Vega firing (The Wrap) / Dozens of former news staffers press David Ellison to commit to fair coverage in wake of major firings on the show (Guardian) / New ‘60 Minutes’ executive producer Nick Bilton plans to expand show (Axios) / Analysis: Why CBS News believes ‘60 Minutes’ needs a big disruption (CNN) 

■ The Washington-Baltimore News Guild to arbitrate wrongful termination of Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah (Washington-Baltimore News Guild)

■ US, China trade journalist expulsions in tit-for-tat moves (Associated Press) / Taiwan criticizes China’s expulsion of New York Times reporter (New York Times) 

■ US sought Russia's help to free journalist Austin Tice in Trump's first term, ex-envoy says (CBS News) 

■ FBI director’s girlfriend sues MS NOW, accuses cable network of ‘false portrayal’ (NBC News) 

■ Brendan Carr slammed by CNBC over FCC's early ABC licensing renewal request (The Wrap) / Disney’s ABC calls FCC’s license review a threat to speech. What to know about the feud. (Wall Street Journal) 

■ New York Public Radio’s new boss reorganizes the network (Semafor) / OETA looks to next [Oklahoma] governor, legislative session in bid to avoid shutdown (Current) 

■ New York Times publisher warns that AI companies are making choices that ‘violate settled law’ and could cause a ‘great deal of unnecessary harm’ (Variety) / AI, journalism, and the uncertain future of the public square (New York Times)

■ ‘Meet the Press’ launches live-event franchise with ‘Moment’ conversations (Variety) / Herald launches ‘Surviving Miami’ beat with addition of reporter Amaia Gavica (Miami Herald) / Meet Austin Horn, the Miami Herald’s new education reporter (Miami Herald) / AP adds 5 video producers (Associated Press) / POLITICO names Will Steakin political correspondent (POLITICO) / Salem Media names Willie Nelson as White House correspondent (Barrett Media) / WSJ hires Hobson for DC bureau (Talking Biz News) / CNBC hires Griffin as rotational reporter (Talking Biz News) / Front Office Sports hires Briggs as reporter (Talking Biz News) / Meet the journalist who will cover Portland’s women’s sports revolution … (Oregon Live) 

■ Equal Access Public Media announces rebrand to the Organization for Accessible Journalism (Equal Access Public Media)

■ Why Salt Lake Tribune is gambling one third of revenue by ditching paywall (Press Gazette)

■ A Maine newspaper took a bold step in opening a cafe. Here’s how it’s faring a year after opening. (Boston Globe) 

■ These Houston artists want you to get lost in their new newspaper (Chron)

TOMORROW: Finding opportunities in political journalism

Our third Career Office Hour of 2026 is tomorrow, June 2, and will focus on how journalists can build careers and thrive in politically focused newsrooms and news teams.

🗓️ Tuesday, June 2 | ⏰ noon ET | 📍Zoom (free)

The webinar will feature Coy Draytona, editorial recruiter for Axios, and Dave Clarke, policy editor for Punchbowl News, as they share insights into their newsrooms’ operations and what they look for in job applicants and potential colleagues. 

Attendees will learn what types of jobs exist within the broad spectrum of political journalism, how to stay motivated among trends in hiring, and which skills are worth gaining or adapting to match real-world opportunities.

Whether you’re new to journalism — or an experienced reporter or editor looking for your next beat — this office-hour-themed session will help answer your questions and offer practical advice on applying to jobs in political journalism.

Resources

• CCNow Basics: Reporting Solutions (June 4, 1 p.m. ET)
• Briefing: Covering the gas tax holiday debate (June 9, 11 a.m. ET)
• Reporting on public health in the current political environment (June 16, 11 a.m. ET)

This newsletter is written and edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.

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