REED

Dec 18 2025POLITICS

Why Free Speech Matters More Than Ever

Free speech is a hot topic. It always has been. But why is it so hard for some people to grasp? This question came up during a recent discussion in Des Moines. The event marked 50 years since a bomb exploded at a Quaker meeting house. The bomb was likely set by someone who didn't like the Quakers' s

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Dec 16 2025POLITICS

Hong Kong's Bold Voice Silenced: The Fall of Jimmy Lai

Jimmy Lai, a well-known media figure in Hong Kong, has been found guilty of crimes that threaten national security. This outcome was not surprising, as it aligns with the expectations of China's ruling party. Lai, now 78, has been a vocal critic of Beijing for many years. The court's decision was ma

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Dec 14 2025POLITICS

Hong Kong's Media Freedom on Trial: The Jimmy Lai Case

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old former media tycoon, is awaiting a verdict in a high-profile national security case in Hong Kong. His trial, which lasted 156 days, has drawn international attention and is seen as a test of the city's judicial independence and media freedom. Lai, who founded the pro-democr

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Dec 12 2025POLITICS

A Photojournalist's Fight: Faith, Freedom, and Fear

In a detention center in Georgia, a man named Ya'akub Vijandre is grappling with a harsh reality. He's been locked up since October, all because of some posts he made on social media. The government says these posts are linked to terrorism, but Vijandre and his lawyers argue that he's being targeted

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Dec 10 2025OPINION

Letters to the Editor: A Mixed Bag of Thoughts

In the bustling city of Philadelphia, a reader expressed relief after learning about a federal law designed to protect religious institutions. The law, known as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, was amended to include religious sites. The reader questioned why the Department of Justice

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Dec 10 2025OPINION

Why Can't We Just Say Christmas?

David Spade, a well-known comedian and actor, recently called out a mall for avoiding the word \"Christmas\" during a tree-lighting event. He pointed out a clear double standard, questioning why it's okay to celebrate other religions but not Christianity. During a podcast episode, Spade shared his

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Dec 09 2025POLITICS

Locker Room Debate: Schools, Students, and the Law

The U. S. Department of Justice has taken a stand against a Virginia school board. They say the board is violating students' rights. The issue? A policy allowing a transgender student to use the boys' locker room. Some boys complained. The school board punished them. Now, the Justice Department says

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Dec 06 2025POLITICS

Hong Kong Tightens Grip on Foreign Media Ahead of Elections

Foreign journalists in Hong Kong got a stern warning from the local security office. They were called in to discuss recent news stories. The focus was on a big fire and upcoming elections. The officials said some reports were not accurate. They claimed these stories spread false information. They al

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Dec 04 2025POLITICS

Press Freedom Clash: Times Challenges Pentagon's Media Rules

The New York Times has taken a stand against the Pentagon's new media policy. This policy requires journalists to promise not to seek out information that the government has not okayed for release. The Times argues that this policy is a direct attack on their right to report freely. The lawsuit, fi

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Dec 04 2025POLITICS

Press Freedom Clash: Pentagon vs. Media

A major news organization is challenging the Pentagon in court over new rules that limit how reporters can cover the U. S. military. The dispute centers on a 21-page agreement that the Pentagon asked journalists to sign in October. This agreement is seen as a way to control what reporters can share

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