Top recent posts by General Interest News Outlets on Bluesky

Attacks on press freedom are rising — from arrests and assaults on journalists to retaliatory lawsuits, covert surveillance, and sweeping secrecy measures. But we’re prepared. Watch @trevortimm.bsky.social explain how we’re fighting back — and join us. freedom.press/donate

📥 Nearly 100 people have been killed without due process by US strikes on boats since Sept., and the memo justifying them is still hidden. Sen. Mark Kelly can change that today. Plus: an 8-month-long FOIA wait for one IRS email and more in our secrecy newsletter, The Classifieds.

Many heroes work behind the scenes on press freedom. Will Lewis is one to remember today. A radio executive who championed public media, he was also a Marine and knew the First Amendment was worth fighting for. He spent 15 days in prison to protect sources until SCOTUS released him. RIP.

Seventy percent of Britons say UK should boycott Eurovision over Israel's participation - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/70-percent-britons-say-uk-should-boycott-eurovision-over-israels-involvement

If enacted, a new bill in Puerto Rico will limit government transparency and severely restrict the work of journalists. We, alongside 10 other press freedom organizations, urge Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González-Colón to reject SB 63. Read more: ipi.media/puerto-rico-...

2025 was one of the most difficult years for press freedom in the U.S. Journalists faced escalating harassment, censorship, legal threats, and violence — and FPF was there every step of the way to do something about it. Read what we accomplished in 2025.

Israel named 'worst enemy of journalists' by Reporters Without Borders - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/reporters-without-borders-israel-worst-enemy-journalists

'Record high' number of Palestinians died in Israeli prison as a result of Ben Gvir's policies - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/record-high-number-palestinians-die-israeli-detention-ben-gvir-policies

It worked! 😂

ICYMI: For the first time in 84 years, no survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack were present for the annual remembrance ceremony Sunday, marking a poignant shift for the living memory of Dec. 7, 1941. (from @wyattwolson.bsky.social)

In a new report, @freepress.bsky.social’s @attorneynora.bsky.social examines the Trump administration’s hostile relationship with dissent and free expression, and analyzes how Trump and his political enablers have sought to undermine and chill the most basic freedoms protected by the First Amendment

Gaza officials says Israel committed 738 violations since ceasefire deal - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/gaza-officials-says-israel-committed-738-violations-ceasefire-deal

Veterans with painful scars from wounds connected to military service may have a tougher time obtaining disability compensation under a rule change proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Transport Workers Union Local 234 and SEPTA reached a tentative agreement on a new two-year contract on Monday after Gov. Josh Shapiro helped break an impasse in talks. 🔗 www.inquirer.com/transportati...

The Christmas Crusade event is being hosted by NicoPAC and Republicans for National Renewal, whose founder Shane Trejo, previously hosted a podcast called "Blood Soil", a reference to a phrase most commonly associated with Nazi Germany. Story by @jerodmacevoy.com

Israel kills nearly half of journalists worldwide: Report - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israel-kills-nearly-half-journalists-worldwide-report

Bill seeks to limit U.S. military reductions in Europe

Israel 'worst enemy of journalists', says Reporters Without Borders - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/reporters-without-borders-israel-worst-enemy-journalists

Exclusive: UK parliament accused of confiscating pro-Palestine material - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-parliament-accused-confiscating-pro-palestine-symbols-and-leaflets

🔔 We’re all less informed when journalists’ sources fear retaliation. Tomorrow, join our live webinar with @lizzylawrence.bsky.social, @gracehussain.bsky.social, @fastlerner.bsky.social, Emily Spatz, @harloholm.es and @caitlinvogus.bsky.social. 🕒 2 p.m. EST RSVP: freedom.press/silenced-sou...

Hyper-Zionism: How Israel became Germany's 'reason' for being - https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/hyper-zionism-how-israel-became-germanys-reason-being

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met British, French and German leaders in London on Monday in a show of European support for Ukraine at what they called a "critical moment" in the U.S.-led effort to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

A top E.U. official on Monday warned the U.S against interfering in Europe's affairs in reaction to the Trump administration's new national security strategy, which paints European allies as weak and which was praised by Russia.

📩 Read in our weekly newsletter (and subscribe): - @nytimes.com fights back against Pentagon prior restraint - FPF demands court lift secrecy in Catherine Herridge's privilege case - Reckless federal agents are the threat, not cameras - Plus, what we're reading...

Tony Blair 'dropped' from Trump's Gaza 'board of peace' - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/tony-blair-dropped-trump-gaza-board-peace

Our @pressfreedomtracker.us has recorded more than 260 press freedom violations in 2025. Help us bolster our team and fight for your rights by setting up a recurring donation today:

States are already grappling with workforce shortfalls caused by exhausting work conditions that have led many nurses to burn out and leave the field

Attempts to make big cuts to U.S. troop levels in Europe would require extensive consultations with Congress and NATO allies under an updated policy bill released Sunday, which includes new provisions aimed at preventing the Pentagon from making abrupt force posture changes.

Donald Trump on Monday justified the U.S. military's decision to fire a second missile in a heavily scrutinized attack on a boat in the Caribbean by claiming that two suspected drug smugglers were trying to right the vessel after it had capsized in the initial strike.

UN chief condemns Israeli raid on Unrwa headquarters in Jerusalem - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/un-chief-condemns-israeli-raid-unrwa-headquarters-jerusalem

We’re just over $41,000 shy of reaching of our year-end match goal! Please consider supporting @freedom.press with a tax-deductible gift. Any donations made before Dec. 31 will be DOUBLED, to $75,000. freedom.press/donate/

Unrwa chief denounces Israeli police's seizure of agency's Jerusalem assets - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/unrwa-chief-denounces-israeli-polices-seizure-agencys-jerusalem-assets

UK minister condemns Israeli raid on Unrwa compound in Jerusalem - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/uk-minister-condemns-israeli-raid-unrwa-compound-jerusalem

Israel conducting surveillance of US and allies at southern command centre: Report - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-carrying-out-surveillance-joint-us-and-allies-command-center-south-country-report

“The thing that’s clear in my mind is that Perez Hilton is gathering information, talking to sources, and publishing things in order to have the public consume them,” @trevortimm.bsky.social told @joelsimonsays.bsky.social. “That fits the definition of a journalist.”

🇺🇦 Zelensky is attempting to build European support for a new Ukraine peace deal, with Donald Trump’s plan on the verge of collapse

Israel launches fresh strikes on southern Lebanon - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israel-launches-fresh-strikes-southern-lebanon-0

At the Arab Cup, Palestinian football is uniting what politics has divided - https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/arab-cup-palestinian-football-uniting-what-politics-has-divided

Israeli forces raid two West Bank universities and detain campus guards - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-raid-two-west-bank-universities-and-detain-campus-guards

At least two Palestinians killed by Israeli attacks on Gaza - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/least-two-palestinians-killed-israeli-attacks-gaza

A defense policy bill set for a vote in the House this week authorizes $901 billion in national security spending next year, including a 3.8% pay raise for troops and $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine.

Iran confirms it is receiving second deportation flight from US - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-confirms-it-receiving-second-deportation-flight-us

Israeli forces arrest 40 Palestinians amid rising West Bank attacks - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-arrest-40-palestinians-amid-rising-west-bank-attacks

Pro-Israel US governor labels Muslim civil rights organisation a ‘terror group’ - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/pro-israel-us-governor-labels-muslim-civil-rights-organisation-terror

‘This is revenge’: Israel deports Palestinian prisoners then bars families from visiting - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/revenge-israel-deports-palestinian-prisoners-then-bars-families-visiting

Kenya’s appeal court has paused a defamation case against the BBC over its 2015 Secret Bribes of Big Tobacco exposé, a move that could reshape how Kenyans obtain evidence from abroad. The suit was filed by National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

A potential transfer of U.S. Army Stryker vehicles to Poland involves old equipment and isn’t tied to military force posture plans in Europe.

Israeli settlers torch Palestinian tractor and vehicle in West Bank - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-settlers-torch-palestinian-tractor-and-vehicle-west-bank

Israel conducting surveillance of US and allies at southern command centre: Report - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-raid-two-west-bank-universities-and-detain-campus-0

8 news stories to start the week in Portland: Krampus in the streets, what happens when a driver who hits a cyclist causes serious injuries, and the Portland Clean Energy Fund to award $64 million in grants. ✍️ Courtney Vaughn

How can the Pentagon reduce child care waitlists? Better pay, benefits and schedules for workers, report says.

Israeli troops raid neighbourhood in East Jerusalem - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-troops-raid-neighbourhood-east-jerusalem

Philly’s school board will consider transferring vacant buildings to the city at a special meeting this week. The resolution would cover about 20 buildings that are already vacant — not any that might be closed in the future. 🔗 www.inquirer.com/education/va...

Israel conducting surveillance of US and allies at southern command centre: Report - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israel-conducting-surveillance-us-and-allies-southern-command-centre

Tony Blair will not serve on Gaza 'Board of Peace': Report - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/tony-blair-will-not-be-membered-gaza-board-peace-report

Unrwa chief denounces Israeli police's seizure of assets in Jerusalem compound - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/unrwa-chief-denounces-israeli-polices-seizure-assets-jerusalem-compound

Israeli forces detain eight Palestinians in overnight West Bank raids - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-detain-eight-palestinians-overnight-west-bank-raids

After mailing over a thousand holiday care packages to troops overseas, the nonprofit Boxes to Boots got back over 800. Why were they rejected? Read more: www.stripes.com/theaters/us/...

Trump wants Egypt's Sisi in US when Netanyahu visits during Christmas: Report - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/trump-wants-egypts-sisi-us-when-netanyahu-visits-during-christmas-report

#ARCHIVES: Comedian Danny Kaye, just in from Paris, poses at the footlights during a rehearsal at Rhine-Main Air Base’s Gateway Theater. Kaye later went to Bad Neuheim for lunch with base officials and another rehearsal, then returned to Frankfurt for two shows before packed houses.

A Christian jewelry company has reached a “multimillion-dollar” settlement with the Defense Department and regained legal use of military logos after a more than five-year battle over its religious-themed dog tag replicas.

Yup! Happy Monday, from Stars & Stripes WWII cartoonist Bill Mauldin. (From Stripes archives, of course.)

Tesla is down after Morgan Stanley lowered its rating on the company to the equivalent of a hold, its first cut since June 2023.

Today's top headlines:

Palestinians injured in Israeli shelling of Deir Balah - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/palestinians-injured-israeli-shelling-deir-balah

The Navy established a first-of-its-kind information warfare squadron at Naval Station Norfolk, in Virginia, on Friday as part of a pilot program meant to streamline IW capabilities for carrier strike group commanders, according to service officials.

The fall of Assad was like 'the Middle East's Berlin Wall' - https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/syria-fall-of-assad-like-middle-east-berlin-wall

ICYMI: The House is set to vote this week on a compromise National Defense Authorization Act that recommends a Pentagon budget $8 billion above the Trump administration's request and reflects bipartisan concerns about shrinking the U.S. military's presence in Europe. (from @svetashko.bsky.social)

Israeli forces raid two West Bank universities and detain campus guards - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-raid-two-west-bank-universities-and-detain-campus-0

At the Arab Cup, Palestinian football is uniting what politics has divided - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/arab-cup-palestinian-football-uniting-what-politics-has-divided

Marines on Okinawa will ‘not be deterred’ as they refine defense of island chain, general says

More than 100 American and Japanese athletes gathered on Okinawa under clear skies this past weekend at the 21st Kadena Special Olympics, the event's largest turnout since its post-pandemic return. (from @brianmcelhiney.bsky.social)

Your heaping pile of weekly TRASH is here! This week, Trump went naptime and Bianca Censori put spandex shorts on her face. Your boyfriends (Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang) are writing a movie, and Halle Berry has California Governor Gavin Newsom's number and she's calling him out. ✍️ Elinor Jones

Navy recovers fighter jet, helicopter that crashed into South China Sea

FROM THE ARCHIVES | Comedian Danny Kaye poses at the footlights during a rehearsal at Rhine-Main Air Base’s Gateway Theater in 1948.

The U.S. Army has identified Spc. Markeith Driskell, a Patriot missile system launching operator and maintainer with the 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, as the soldier who died Friday after a motorcycle crash on Okinawa. (from @brianmcelhiney.bsky.social)

Second U.S. military parachute mishap in western Tokyo spurs more official complaints

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met their Australian counterparts Monday in Washington for annual talks focused on Indo-Pacific security and countering China's increasing assertiveness in the region, including in the South China Sea and directed at Taiwan.

Shipbuilder Austal USA and the U.S. Coast Guard came together Monday to celebrate work on a ship that represents a critical future for both parties — if they can overcome problems so severe that they caused another shipyard to drop out.

A potential transfer of about 250 U.S. Army Stryker vehicles to Poland involves old equipment and isn't tied to any military force posture plans in Europe, U.S. Army Europe and Africa said Monday.

Morning recap - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/morning-recap-127

Costa Rica and Israel sign free trade agreement - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/costa-rica-and-israel-sign-free-trade-agreement

✨ Season’s Greetings from Stars and Stripes! ✨ Celebrate the season with independent journalism you can trust. For a limited time, enjoy 50% off a full year of Digital Access — and stay connected to the stories that matter all year long. Stay informed. Stay connected. 🔗 stripes.com?view=select&...

Spending plan seeks to limit US military reductions in Europe

ANALYSIS | Tokyo and Beijing continued to trade barbs Monday over a claim that China locked military radar on Japanese fighter jets over the weekend, but two defense experts say the incident is unlikely to spur serious consequences. (from @alexmwilson.bsky.social & @hanakusumoto.bsky.social)

Amphibious assault ship, cruiser make Navy’s first visit to Vietnamese city in 2 years

The holidays can amplify the many changes Gold Star families face after losing a loved one in the military. Even something as small as an empty seat or a favorite meal can stir memories, making this time of year difficult. #Flashes

KTOWN NOW | The family of Caleb Anders is hosting a community fundraiser to celebrate his memory nearly one year after his death from meningitis. Learn more:

Japanese prosecutors announced they will not pursue charges against a U.S. Navy sailor accused of inappropriately touching a Japanese girl over the summer. (from @brianmcelhiney.bsky.social & @keishirkoja.bsky.social)

KTOWN NOW | New weekday and Saturday package pickup times take effect across the Kaiserslautern Military Community this week. Learn more:

Kuwait strips citizenship from influential Islamic scholar - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/kuwait-strips-citizenship-influential-islamic-scholar

IBM said it will buy data infrastructure company Confluent in a deal valued at $11 billion, ramping ​up its cloud-computing offerings to capitalize on an AI-driven demand boom.

KTOWN NOW | Need a reason to get your kids out of the house on Wednesday? ❄☕ Head to Landstuhl Library for cozy fireside storytimes hosted by Rheinland-Pfalz Morale, Welfare and Recreation. Check it out:

Marines will once again need to keep uniforms photo-ready, as new guidance released last week reinstates the use of official photos for boards "pertaining to assignment, training, education, and command." However, the memo reaffirms that photos remain prohibited for promotion selection boards.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are meeting their Australian counterparts for annual talks expected to focus on Indo-Pacific security and countering China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

🔴 Army, police and border force given new powers to stop and search vehicles as they hunt for the rogue balloonists amid escalating tensions

Netanyahu will meet Trump to discuss Gaza future on 29 December - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/netanyahu-will-meet-trump-discuss-gaza-future-29-december

Thousands of homes, apartments and condos are planned across the region in 2026 and beyond. See what’s coming near you: bit.ly/44ImM6I

The U.S. Commerce Department will soon allow Nvidia to export its H200 chip to China, Semafor news outlet reported, citing a person with knowledge of the plan.

Martial artists from the Army's Camp Humphreys, Osan Air Base and surrounding communities in South Korea went head-to-head last week at the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade Invitational Combatives Tournament.