Reassigned:
Ali Watkins, a New York Times reporter whose records were secretly seized by the U.S. government, has been reassigned from Washington to New York following revelations of a romantic relationship with a past Hill official. Watkins' case has alarmed free press advocates.
"A Little Bit Of Comfort":
In a reversal of its initial decision, the White House ordered U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff until sunset Tuesday in remembrance of the Capital Gazette mass shooting. "It’s a horrible situation, but I think it’s the least respect we could give the journalists," Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said. "It’s a little bit of comfort."
On Call:
Veteran journalist Rod Hicks will become the Society of Professional Journalists' first Journalist on Call on July 16. In this capacity, Hicks "will serve as something of an ombudsman, helping journalists understand why the public doesn’t trust them and what they can do to re-earn more trust." Additionally, he will also "spend time with the general public, local officials and community groups to explain the important role ethical journalism plays in society."
Wide Open:
The Globe and Mail of Toronto has moved its news meetings from an "intimidating boardroom" to an open space in its new facility. "We had this great opportunity to really think about what’s the newsroom of the future, what’s the culture we want to build and how do we get us there," Head of Experience Angela Pacienza said.
"Blame And Division":
Following the Annapolis shooting, "shreds of good news [...] were quickly overwhelmed by accusations and assumptions, mostly unfounded, about who was responsible and how the shootings fit into the story of a divided and angry nation." Capital Gazette reporters urged patience as details emerged.
"Something Stupid":
Shooting victim Wendi Williams, 65, was a prolific journalist on the local beat, known for her coverage of the "teen of the week" and "off-limits" places. "It’s just sad and unfortunate that this older lady, who was at the end of her career, writing about kids’ frickin’ soccer games, is suddenly the victim of something stupid," Baltimore police sergeant Doug Gibson said.
"He Loved Journalism":
The brother of writer Carl Hiaasen, Capital Gazette Assistant Editor Rob Hiaasen, 59, was remembered for his "great writing ability and sense of humor." “He could be deadly serious about doing investigative reporting, but he also had a soft side," said Tom Marquardt, the news organization's former editor and publisher. "He had a special insight into people’s lives and their character."
Tragedy In Annapolis:
A shooter killed five people at the Capital Gazette's offices in Annapolis, Md. on Thursday in what police are characterizing as a "targeted attack" on the news organization. Suspect Jarrod Ramos previously filed a defamation suit against the newspaper that was ultimately dismissed.
Reforming the Future:
California's legislature is set to vote on the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. The bill would "require tech companies to disclose the categories of data they collect about consumers as well as the third-party entities [...] with whom they share that information." Under its provisions, users may also "opt out of having their data sold" with no ramifications, while the state's attorney general would be "empowered to fine companies that fail to secure consumers' sensitive details against cyber threats."
"Split Decision":
In a 4 to 3 ruling, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled that a New York Times reporter "has no right to appeal a trial judge’s decision to compel her to testify about a jailhouse interview" with Conrado Juárez, who was charged in the murder of "Baby Hope," a 4-year-old girl found dead in a picnic cooler in Upper Manhattan in 1991.
