U.S. Press Freedom Falls to Historical Low
Press freedom in the United States has hit a record low, according to the latest World Press Freedom Index published annually by Reporters Without Borders. Press freedom in the U.S. now falls in line with developing countries, such as Gambia, Uruguay and Sierra Leone. While physical threats against journalists are often a clear sign of eroding press freedoms, Reporters Without Borders cites economic strains on the media as the biggest driver of declines globally.
The Trump Administration’s Unprecedented Cuts to DOJ Grants Undermine Public Safety
Last week, the Trump administration announced sweeping cuts to grants within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for programs that have proven successful in preventing gun violence; serving crime victims and survivors; supporting law enforcement; and reducing recidivism. Current estimates suggest that more than 365 grants were terminated so far, totaling approximately $811 million when awarded.
Judge Blocks Deportation Flight of Asian Migrants to Libya
A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order preventing migrants from being sent to Libya or any other third country after immigration attorneys filed an emergency motion Wednesday. The plaintiffs are being set for removal “without any reasonable fear screening, let alone a fifteen-day window to file a motion to reopen with the immigration court to contest any negative reasonable fear determination,” according to the motion, which was filed in U.S District Court in Massachusetts.
Venezuela’s Opposition Leaders Flee to U.S. After 412 Days in Hiding
Five top Venezuelan opposition figures who had been sheltering for 412 days at the Argentine diplomatic residence in the capital, Caracas, have left the country and are now in the United States, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Under its autocratic president, Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan government has gone through periods of intense repression followed by limited concessions to the opposition, often made when the authorities are hoping to gain something by appearing to ease up on the population.