Secretary of State Mike Pompeo fails to raise the issue of continued impunity in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a meeting with the Saudi king, according to State Department officials. (Find out more about PEN America’s ongoing advocacy here.) Schools found to be using AI-driven surveillance technology to monitor students in efforts to detect risk of mass shootings, but ProPublic report finds detection errors and disturbing data collection. In a ruling against the South Dakota-based Argus Leader, the Supreme Court expands the definition of what can be deemed a confidential record and limits media organizations’ and the general public’s access to government records. Independent bookstores found to be growing and thriving as community hubs. -Anoosh Gasparian, External Relations Manager

The most pressing threats and notable goings-on in free expression today

U.S.

Mike Pompeo Didn’t Raise Jamal Khashoggi Murder in Meeting with Saudi King
Pompeo did not discuss the murder in a meeting with the Saudi king, in the latest sign that the Trump administration is trying to drop the subject. A report issued earlier this month by the special UN investigator, Agnès Callamard, said there was “credible evidence” that Saudi crown prince bore responsibility.
GUARDIAN

The Unproven, Invasive Surveillance Technology Schools Are Using to Monitor Students
By deploying surveillance technology in public spaces like hallways and cafeterias, device makers and school officials hope to anticipate and prevent everything from mass shootings to underage smoking. Yet ProPublica’s analysis suggests that it can be less than reliable.
PROPUBLICA

Supreme Court Limits Access to Government Records in Loss for Argus Leader, Part of the USA Today Network
At issue was whether confidentiality, as used in a section of the Freedom of Information Act, means anything intended to be kept secret or only information likely to cause harm if publicized. The high court adopted the broader definition.
USA TODAY

Bookstores Find Growth as ‘Anchors of Authenticity’
Corporate chains were once a threat to smaller stores, but entrepreneurs have found ways to thrive, including hosting events and adding nonbook merchandise like games and T-shirts. “The thing that distinguishes indie bookstores is the engagement with the community they are in,” said the CEO of the American Booksellers Association.
NEW YORK TIMES

Analysis: DeRay Mckesson Doesn’t Get First Amendment Rights, but Neofascists Do
“First Amendment specialists have a term for certain kinds of legal action—“chilling effect.” Anyone might hesitate to lead or take part in a protest if they could be held liable for something someone else does at the event. … The decision against Black Lives Matter organizer DeRay Mckesson was not simply lawless, but insolently so.”
ATLANTIC

 
Global

How Moscow and St. Petersburg Protested against Police Overreach and Political Repressions
In central Moscow, a march organized by the Libertarian Party and the Union of Journalists and Media Workers attracted between 1,800 and 3,900 people according to police and organizers, respectively. Six protesters, including artist Artyom Loskutov, were arrested at the end of the event.
MEDUZA

Sudan Crisis: Internet Restored―but Only for Lawyer
Abdel-Adheem Hassan on Sunday won a lawsuit against telecoms operator Zain Sudan over the blackout ordered by Sudan’s military rulers; however, he says his victory is only benefitting him so far as he filed the case in a personal capacity.
BBC NEWS

Russians Suspected of Spreading Fake News about Northern Ireland
The campaign, which spread false information about the Real IRA and interactions between DUP leader Arlene Foster and the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, is believed to be its first disinformation campaign targeting divisions in Ireland.
IRISH TIMES

Hong Kong Protests Remain Distant Noise for Mainland Chinese
As Hong Kong has become embroiled in its worst crisis in decades over a proposed extradition law, which would allow anyone passing through the territory to be sent to mainland China to stand trial, Chinese censorship and misinformation is widening the gulf between people on either side of the border.
FINANCIAL TIMES

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