Duel:
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Fox News commentator Geraldo Rivera agreed Thursday to an on-air debate "over immigration and the murder of Iowa college student Mollie Tibbetts" in early September. Patrick accused "the CNNs, the MSNBCs, most of the print media in this country and the Democrats" of being "accomplices" to the murder, which was allegedly perpetrated by an undocumented immigrant.
"No Love Lost":
As part of its investigation of Michael Cohen, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has reportedly granted immunity to American Media, Inc. CEO David Pecker and CCO Dylan Howard. The executives have allegedly corroborated Cohen's account of the company's role in brokering payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal during the 2016 campaign. Additional reporting from the Associated Press alleged that Pecker stored Trump-related records in a safe with "similar documents pertaining to other celebrities' catch-and-kill deals."
Legend:
Alice Allison Dunnigan will be honored with a bronze sculpture created by fellow Kentuckian Amanda Matthews at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. As head of the Associated Negro Press Washington bureau for 14 years, Dunnigan "supplied stories to 112 African-American newspapers across the country" and was the "first Black woman to obtain press credentials" to cover a presidential campaign, the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court.
New Age:
Citing a mobile-first strategy and user research that prioritized "analysis of major events and unexpected stories," The New York Times removed reporter bylines in its homepage redesign. Bylines will appear on individual stories, along with select reporter head shots and capsule biographies, while op-ed bylines will remain on the homepage.
"This Is Really Serious":
Following internal investigations, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms deleted hundreds of accounts tied to a "sprawling disinformation operation" undertaken by Iran. One entity managed "147 pages, accounts and groups on Facebook and 76 on Instagram" that reached more than 200,000 followers. As part of the sweep, Facebook also deleted several unrelated accounts that originated in Russia.
Coordinated:
American Media, Inc. did not immediately respond to requests for comment from multiple news organizations after former Trump Organization attorney Michael Cohen's plea agreement implicated the company in brokering a settlement with Stormy Daniels and purchasing the life rights of Karen McDougal prior to the 2016 election. The agreement asserted that the payments "were tantamount to illegal campaign contributions."
"Future Endeavors":
In an internal memo, McClatchy announced Tuesday that it will lay off 140 employees and implement other cost-cutting measures, including mandatory unpaid leave for executives. CEO Craig Forman told employees that the decisions were "painful and difficult" but "necessary to protect and further our future." The company's holdings include the Miami Herald, The Sacramento Bee and The Kansas City Star.
Punitive:
Vietnamese blogger/activist Le Dinh Luong received a 20-year prison sentence "for activities 'aimed at overthrowing the people's administration.' " The sentence, which was condemned by Reporters Without Borders, is the longest "ever received by a Vietnamese citizen for trying to provide the public with information." One of Luong's convictions was for criticism of a Taiwanese steel company's role in an environmental disaster.
Defection:
Prior to joining the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was a human rights lawyer and academic. However, the "growing inconsistency between his previous positions and his current stances has left many former colleagues shaking their heads," with observers maintaining that Roque harbors "higher political ambitions." The Philippines is considered to be the "deadliest country for journalists in Asia."
"I Haven't Done Enough":
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey denied President Trump's repeated accusations that posts from conservatives are being algorithmically muted without notification on the platform, a practice known as "shadow banning." "Are we doing something according to political ideology or viewpoints? We are not. Period," Dorsey said. Dorsey also reiterated Twitter's desire to minimize the effects of the company's "left-leaning" bias.
