The plot thickens on Bharara firing with the revelation that a grand jury has been impaneled on a case against Roger Ailes and Fox News. Donald Trump attacks the media again, this time blaming them for the critical response to his new health care plan. Meanwhile his administration walks back his wiretap claims, assuring the press that the president can be taken seriously, so long as he’s not joking. -Suzanne Nossel, Executive Director

DARE: Daily Alert on Rights and Expression

PEN America’s take on today’s most pressing threats to free expression

U.S.

Federal Inquiry of Fox News Moves to a Grand Jury, but Without Preet Bharara
The drama surrounding the federal courthouse in Manhattan did not end with the sudden firing of U.S. attorney Preet Bharara. A federal grand jury is expected to soon hear testimony regarding business practices at Fox News.
NEW YORK TIMES

Trump blames media for resistance to ObamaCare repeal
During a meeting with Americans who say they’ve been hurt by former President Obama’s signature healthcare law, Trump tweaked the press for making ObamaCare “look so good.”
THE HILL

Sean Spicer: Reporters should “trust” President Donald Trump “if he’s not joking, of course”
Spicer said that reporters and Americans should trust Trump “If he’s not joking, of course.” The White House spokesperson said that “every time that he speaks authoritatively, he’s speaking as president of United States.”
SALON

Democrats introduce bill condemning ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) introduced a resolution that calls for “opposing fake news and alternative facts.” Democratic Reps. Ted Lieu (Calif.) and John Lewis (Ga.) signed on as co-sponsors.
THE HILL

Vermont bill affords journalists news gathering protections
Vermont lawmakers are considering a bill that would strip the government’s subpoena power to force news reporters to reveal confidential sources.
BURLINGTON FREE PRESS

 
Global

Iran arrests journalist shortly after release
Ehsan Mazandarani, who runs the reformist daily Farhikhtegan, was initially detained in late 2015 and sentenced last April to seven years for “acting against national security”.
THE SUN DAILY

Warrant to raid Scottish journalist’s home raises press freedom fears
Andrew Smith, a freelance news photographer, took images of an altercation outside Inverness sheriff court but was asked to hand them over to police. After he refused to do so, a warrant was granted to enter his home and seize “if necessary by force” all his electrical equipment, including cameras, computers and phones.
THE TIMES

Another journalist killed in the Philippines
Another journalist, the second to be killed during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, was shot dead on Monday by still unidentified gunmen on the island province of Masbate in the Visayas in Central Philippines.
GULF TODAY

Hollywood producers say Canada is censoring them over an indigenous character
When producers applied to film in Alberta, they didn’t count on the cultural sensitivities of Parks Canada, a Canadian government agency, which clearly didn’t like the fact that one of the main characters is a mob boss who happens to be an indigenous person.
WASHINGTON POST

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