No Net For You...

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Posting today’s updates has been a lesson in frustration.

It seems that a landscaper was trimming some bushes net to my place and cut right through the fiber-optic cable.

The worst part is this might be a few days before it’s fixed. I almost rather you cut off my oxygen, than my internet.

I worked by tethering my phone, but the dropouts were so frustrating and slowed things way down.

But, we got some stories done and hopefully, this will be fixed sooner than later.

THIS!!!!

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I got and email that hits the preverbal nail on the head. I thought about rewriting the email into a story, but the person did such a good job in writing all out, I will just post the email.

The points made in this email are dead on.

Scott,

I’ll get straight to the point. The situation in the media industry is deteriorating rapidly, and it's imperative that journalists are made aware of what's coming. Over the past week, legal departments at NBC and other local media outlets have been in crisis-mode preparing for what looks like an extended and concerted effort by the Trump administration to undermine the press.

I don’t have the luxury of mincing words here. If this goes unchecked, we’re looking at an environment where the very basics of journalistic freedom could be obliterated. Here are the critical issues we’re facing:

  • Constant Lawsuits: Legal teams are preparing for non-stop lawsuits, both frivolous and strategic. Whether it’s stories that the administration finds damaging or anything they can label as libel or slander, it’s clear that the goal is to exhaust resources, tie up outlets in litigation, and create a chilling effect that stifles independent journalism.

  • FCC Board Retaliation: Another immediate concern is the Trump-aligned FCC board, will begin revoking broadcast licenses from media outlets that don't comply with the administration's narrative. This isn’t speculation—it’s a clear risk to press freedom. Once the licenses are at stake, the pressure to toe the line or face financial ruin will force many to comply.

  • IRS Weaponization: There is also growing evidence that the administration may direct the IRS to audit and harass media organizations that don't align with its agenda. This is more than a minor inconvenience—it’s an effort to financially cripple outlets, particularly those that can’t afford protracted legal battles.

  • Attacks on Journalists’ Confidentiality: What’s even more troubling is the pressure now being put directly on journalists. At some outlets, reporters are being told to destroy their notes after stories go live. The government could soon begin issuing subpoenas for unpublished material and forcing journalists to reveal confidential sources. If journalists aren't prepared for this, it’s going to be far too easy for the administration to weaponize the legal system to suppress critical reporting.