Jan. 14, 2026

■ FBI searches home of Washington Post journalist in a leak investigation (New York Times) / ‘Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson was told that she is not a target of the investigation, according to a person familiar with the matter, which suggests that the FBI is pursuing one or more of her sources inside the federal government.’ (Brian Stelter) / ‘The extraordinary decision to execute a search warrant at a journalist’s home should shock and dismay everyone who cares about a free and independent press.’ (Washington Post Guild) / 'WaPo executive editor Matt Murray sends memo to staff on FBI search this morning' (Natalie Korach) / National Press Club raises alarm over search of Washington Post journalist's home (National Press Club) / ICYMI: I am The Post’s ‘federal government whisperer.’ It’s been brutal. (Washington Post)

■ CBS News changes guidance on trans athletes to refer to ‘biological sex at birth’ (The Wrap) / ‘Despite wall-to-wall promotion, a cross-country tour, and interviews with top Trump officials, Tony Dokoupil’s "CBS Evening News" debut has delivered a ratings dud — and perhaps exposed the limits of Bari Weiss' MAGA-ification of the network.’ (Status) 

■ Stars and Stripes job applicants are asked if they back Trump policies (Washington Post) 

■ Journalist describes ‘odd’ experience applying to ICE and getting final job offer (MS NOW) 

■ Leading Epstein reporter details her decades-long investigation: ‘This is a crime’ (Zeteo)

■ Netflix preparing to make Warner bid all-cash (Wall Street Journal) 

■ Autopsy Report: Inside the Murdoch dynasty’s final moments (Vanity Fair) 

■ CNN inks deal to stream video podcasts from Lemonada (Hollywood Reporter) / Bears-Packers NFL playoff game on Amazon sets a new streaming record (Business Insider) / Golden Globes hit 8.7 million viewers amid NFL competition (Variety)

■ ‘The WSJ's editor, Emma Tucker, told the newsroom that Mike Miller, the editor overseeing features and WSJ Weekend, is out after 42 years with the company — and hints at more changes to come in the paper's features sections’ (Katie Robertson) / CT Public CEO announces he's retiring this year (Connecticut Public) / CBC News further expands local journalism, bureaus (CBC News) / Reis Thebault named new Phoenix correspondent (New York Times)

■ Did you cancel your New York Times subscription? You may be able to get paid (Nieman Journalism Lab) 

■ High schoolers in a rural Wisconsin village have kept local news alive for generations (WPR)

Respond to false information from public officials

“In cases where public officials are spreading misinformation, the journalist’s responsibility is straightforward — either don’t report it; or report it while pointing out that it’s misinformation clearly, explicitly, and early, and telling people what the truth actually is.”

-- Ed Yong, Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist and author, excerpt from "Childhood vaccines: What research shows about their safety and potential side effects" (The Journalist’s Resource)

Join the Institute and OpenSecrets for a free webinar at noon ET on Friday, Jan. 16, that will prepare journalists to cover the midterms with financial data top of mind. This interactive session will focus on OpenSecrets’ campaign finance tools that can support your local and regional political reporting in 2026 and beyond.

Resources

• Knight Center Journalism Course: Data mindset for editors (Feb. 9 - March 8) 
• Video Replay: How data can inform what we understand and report on health equity (Indigenous Journalists Association)
• How to spot misinformation online (Poynter)

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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