From afar, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s attempt to prosecute a St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter looks like the folly of a vindictive politician who doesn’t understand computers or the First Amendment. But it is more serious than that. A governor trying to prosecute a journalist for reporting publicly available information poses a serious threat to press freedom. It’s … [Read more...] about Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s unconstitutional attack on the press
First Amendment
Encircling protesters and targeting journalists undermine right to assemble
The right to assemble is as American as apple pie. It is written in the First Amendment — “the right of the people to peaceably assemble.” The American Revolution followed high-spirited protests in the colonies. But legal experts say that police tactics at mass demonstrations are threatening the right to assemble. Kettling protesters, spraying them with chemicals, mass … [Read more...] about Encircling protesters and targeting journalists undermine right to assemble
Claire McCaskill: Garland should act, Breyer should retire, the filibuster should stay
Attorney General Merrick Garland should act on the contempt case against Steve Bannon, Justice Stephen Breyer should retire, Democratic senators Diane Feinstein and Patrick Leahy are getting old, the filibuster should be retained but reformed and former Attorney General Eric Holder was too slow to release the report clearing former Ferguson Officer Darren Wilson. Those are … [Read more...] about Claire McCaskill: Garland should act, Breyer should retire, the filibuster should stay
Teaching journalism in the wake of George Floyd
For many journalism educators and their students, the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020 launched a year of reckoning, intensifying classrooms discussions focused on race and the media. Brandy Monk-Payton, an assistant professor In the department of communication and media studies at Fordham University, said when she … [Read more...] about Teaching journalism in the wake of George Floyd
McCaskill to talk about switch to commentary during annual GJR First Amendment celebration
The Gateway Journalism Review’s 10th annual First Amendment Celebration will be Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. featuring former Mo. Sen. Claire McCaskill. Jo Mannies, veteran St. Louis political reporter, will be asking questions about McCaskill’s switch from politics to political commentary for NBC. McCaskill will explain the ins and outs of Senate procedures, such as the … [Read more...] about McCaskill to talk about switch to commentary during annual GJR First Amendment celebration