Feb. 3, 2026

■ ‘The Washington Post will announce its highly anticipated layoffs tomorrow. As we've reported, WaPo is expected to cut hundreds of jobs and eliminate sections, instead focusing on core areas like politics and national security.’ (Dylan Byers) 

■ DOJ failed to address press law in application to search Washington Post reporter’s home (New York Times)

■ Don Lemon defends his reporting of anti-ICE protest in Minnesota during interview with Jimmy Kimmel (CNN) / Don Lemon says agents sent to arrest him despite offering to turn himself in (The Guardian) / ‘Independent journalists, content creators, and streamers converge and collide in Minneapolis. The arrests of Georgia Fort and Don Lemon make clear the risks they’re taking.’ (Columbia Journalism Review) / Abandoned cars, long days and no clear end for Minneapolis reporters (Poynter) 

■ CBS News pulls ’60 Minutes’s segment with Peter Attia from rerun after Epstein files revelation (Hollywood Reporter) / San Antonio native Scott Pelley could be leaving '60 Minutes,' reports say (MySA)

■ Savannah Guthrie was getting ready to cover the Olympics. Then came the ‘worst phone call of her life’ (CNN) / ‘TV executives like to depict morning TV teams as a happy "family," and it often comes across as corny and contrived. But in this case, as the search for Savannah Guthrie's mom continues, the Today Show really is coming together as a family.’ (Brian Stelter)

■ Disney reveals pay packages for new CEO Josh D’Amaro, Creative Chief Dana Walden (Variety) / ESPN valued at $30 million as Disney reveals new details on NFL deal (Hollywood Reporter) 

■ FCC approves transfer of five TV station licenses to Sinclair (The Desk) / Sun Broadcasting win signals FCC openness to relaxing media caps (InsideRadio.com) 

■ KCUR stays on air after quick move from longtime studios (Current) 

■ ‘OpenAI is funding Axios Local’s expansion into nine new communities this year, an additional investment from the AI firm that builds on the companies’ existing three-year partnership.’ (Natalie Korach)

■ Final edition of central Pa. newspaper publishes as it merges with another publication (PennLive) 

■ The New York Times is giving prizes to itself now (New York Magazine)

■ Christy Tanner named CEO of New York Public Radio (New York Times) / The New York Times appoints Asia hub’s new global news editor (New York Times) / Alejandra Matos named Houston Chronicle managing editor for news and strategy (Houston Chronicle) / The Information has hired Hornstein to cover VC (Talking Biz News) / Podcast brand Kaleidoscope staffs up (Semafor) 

■ Hearst Magazines Union stages walkout after WGA East contract expires (The Wrap)

5 tips for interacting with law enforcement during protest coverage

Prepare for confrontations. Law enforcement may seize equipment or detain journalists. Carry a lawyer’s number on paper, use a secondary phone if needed, and establish backup communication methods. (Keep the number for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press free Legal Hotline handy.)

Document everything. Record all law enforcement interactions for accountability. “Don’t assume that just because there are laws in place to protect you that the authorities are necessarily going to follow them,” said Seth Stern, chief of advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation, during an Institute program on safety tips for journalists in the field.

Protect your sources and materials. Use encrypted tools like Signal for secure and confidential communication. Be aware of local laws about filming police.

Seek legal backup. Contact organizations such as RCFP or your local American Civil Liberties Union chapter.

Tell your story. Write about your interactions with law enforcement. “Make a scene, make some noise,” Stern said. “This is a real threat, not just to journalists, but to the public.”

Read more safety tips for protest coverage.

2026 Public Health Reporting Fellowship: Funding opportunity for mid-career journalists

Applications are open through Feb. 16 for the the 2026 Public Health Reporting Fellowship — a six-month, fully remote opportunity designed to give experienced journalists the time, resources, and expert support needed to tackle the most pressing public health issues of our time.

Up to five journalists will be selected to receive fellowship awards of up to $7,500 each to fund substantial reporting projects across formats, including print, digital, audio, visual, and broadcast. (Click here for eligibility requirments.)

This opportunity supports ambitious, in-depth reporting on critical community, regional, state, or national public health challenges at a moment when accurate, trustworthy journalism is more essential than ever.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Feb. 16. Fellowship projects must be completed and distributed by September 2026.

Watch: NABJ town hall on press freedom

Last night, hundreds of journalists and journalism advocates gathered for a press freedom town hall organized by the National Association of Black Journalists. The conversation highlighted the vital need for physical safety and legal support options for journalists covering some of the most important stories of our time.

It also showcased the firm commitment everyone on screen or watching has to journalism as a public good.

As Institute President Mike Balsamo said his remarks: "A free and independent press isn’t a partisan value — it’s a democratic one. And it’s not something journalists defend for ourselves. We defend it for the public."

Watch now:

Resources

• How to incorporate data into environmental investigations (Feb. 18, 11 a.m. ET)
• Get Organized: Tips and tools for keeping on track and managing clutter (Feb. 19, 1 p.m. ET)
• The IIJ 2026 Freelance Journalism Conference (March 5-6)

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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