Press Freedom Under Pressure (Kenya): Masked gunmen abducted Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich, interrogating him about editorial decisions before releasing him hours later; police say they’re launching immediate investigations while politicians warn against intimidation ahead of 2027. Defamation & Media Liability (Fiji): Fiji’s Supreme Court ordered FBC to pay $150,000 to Dr Shanjivan Padarath over a 2016 defamatory report that used his photo, underscoring how headlines, text, and images are judged together. AI, Copyright & News Business (US): The DOJ backed OpenAI in the New York Times copyright suit, arguing AI training on copyrighted works is fair use and that broad liability would harm national security and competition. Platform Regulation (US): A landmark Meta child-safety settlement continues to reshape the debate as states push for stronger teen protections and courts watch whether age verification can work. Media Industry Deals & Competition (Hollywood/US): Paramount Skydance’s Warner Bros. Discovery bid faces fresh scrutiny over potential job losses and reduced competition, including challenges from writers and state attorneys general. Journalism Safety (Global): French filmmakers jailed in Togo were freed under supervision after weeks, while journalists in exile after Guatemala’s elPeriódico case still fear returning. Industry Tools & Training: Poynter announced its 2027 leadership tracks, and IBC’s innovation awards named finalists across content and distribution.