Amy Kristin Sanders
@amykristinsanders.bsky.social
John and Ann Curley Chair in First Amendment @ Penn State. Loves: Cardinals baseball, shelter dogs, solo travel. Hates: Oxford commas, two spaces after a period. Former Middle East expat. Texas refugee. Recovering journalist. Not your attorney.
Pinned
Career Goal Achieved: When your name is actually listed in the @merriam-webster.com dictionary entry for freedom of the press!
H/T: @josh.splc.org for making my month by sharing!
H/T: @josh.splc.org for making my month by sharing!
If you're an FOI nerd like me, you'll love this podcast...
@jasonleopold.bsky.social and @mvtopic.bsky.social are both characters! But they're also two of the smartest people you'll meet when it comes to government transparency and access to information.
@jasonleopold.bsky.social and @mvtopic.bsky.social are both characters! But they're also two of the smartest people you'll meet when it comes to government transparency and access to information.
My new #FOIA podcast, Disclosure, that I co-host with my attorney, @mvtopic.bsky.social made @theguardian.com's best podcasts of the week list!
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
November 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM
If you're an FOI nerd like me, you'll love this podcast...
@jasonleopold.bsky.social and @mvtopic.bsky.social are both characters! But they're also two of the smartest people you'll meet when it comes to government transparency and access to information.
@jasonleopold.bsky.social and @mvtopic.bsky.social are both characters! But they're also two of the smartest people you'll meet when it comes to government transparency and access to information.
The latest page out of the Trump playbook takes his legal fight against the media across the Atlantic. His approach has several hallmarks:
-Anger about editorial choices that make him look bad
-Excessively high, headline-grabbing damage demands
-A desire to grab attention through shock and awe
-Anger about editorial choices that make him look bad
-Excessively high, headline-grabbing damage demands
-A desire to grab attention through shock and awe
Trump says BBC ‘defamed’ him, threatens to sue over Jan. 6 editing scandal
Lawyers for the president say the publicly funded British broadcaster defamed him in its report about his speech on Jan. 6, 2021.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:18 PM
The latest page out of the Trump playbook takes his legal fight against the media across the Atlantic. His approach has several hallmarks:
-Anger about editorial choices that make him look bad
-Excessively high, headline-grabbing damage demands
-A desire to grab attention through shock and awe
-Anger about editorial choices that make him look bad
-Excessively high, headline-grabbing damage demands
-A desire to grab attention through shock and awe
Is it really a Monday morning if you haven't had to clean up dog puke before 7 a.m.?!
a man in a striped shirt is yawning in a bathroom .
ALT: a man in a striped shirt is yawning in a bathroom .
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Is it really a Monday morning if you haven't had to clean up dog puke before 7 a.m.?!
By giving in, Democrats have accomplished nothing other than ensuring many Americans had to work for weeks without pay and others had their SNAP benefits delayed. All for what? So they will be bankrupted by their insurance premiums in January.
Huge fail.
Huge fail.
Democrats fold on biggest government shutdown demand
"It's been six weeks," one senator said.
www.axios.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:45 AM
By giving in, Democrats have accomplished nothing other than ensuring many Americans had to work for weeks without pay and others had their SNAP benefits delayed. All for what? So they will be bankrupted by their insurance premiums in January.
Huge fail.
Huge fail.
Reposted by Amy Kristin Sanders
Is the role of academic publishing now to provide structured and reliable training data for LLMs? Asking for a friend #AcademicChatter
November 10, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Is the role of academic publishing now to provide structured and reliable training data for LLMs? Asking for a friend #AcademicChatter
Reposted by Amy Kristin Sanders
“Federal authorities told demonstrators Friday that there would be ‘no more prayer’ in front of or inside the Broadview ICE facility, in a move that mystified local leaders and raised legal questions.” blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/07/f...
Feds Tell Faith Leaders 'No More Prayer' Outside Broadview Facility
In a possible violation of the First Amendment, federal officials instructed demonstrators to stop holding religious gatherings outside the immigration processing facility in suburban Broadview after ...
blockclubchicago.org
November 8, 2025 at 12:04 PM
“Federal authorities told demonstrators Friday that there would be ‘no more prayer’ in front of or inside the Broadview ICE facility, in a move that mystified local leaders and raised legal questions.” blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/07/f...
Reposted by Amy Kristin Sanders
Both lawsuits suffer from the same basic problem: Because they treat misleading journalism as actionable fraud, they amount to thinly veiled assaults on freedom of the press.
reason.pub/4hRWYdK
reason.pub/4hRWYdK
This ruling does not bode well for Trump's attempt to portray journalism as consumer fraud
On Thursday, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that echoed Donald Trump's claims against the Des Moines Register and pollster Ann Selzer.
reason.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Both lawsuits suffer from the same basic problem: Because they treat misleading journalism as actionable fraud, they amount to thinly veiled assaults on freedom of the press.
reason.pub/4hRWYdK
reason.pub/4hRWYdK
My new governor is so much better than my old governor. A real upgrade! Gov. Shapiro taking down JD Vance is epic.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro rips JD Vance, Trump administration over SNAP legal battle
YouTube video by WTAE-TV Pittsburgh
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:34 PM
My new governor is so much better than my old governor. A real upgrade! Gov. Shapiro taking down JD Vance is epic.
This kind of transparency about newsgathering restrictions and government control is essential to keep audiences informed.
U.S. news organizations should be doing this in their domestic reporting as well when our government obstructs their journalism and restricts access.
U.S. news organizations should be doing this in their domestic reporting as well when our government obstructs their journalism and restricts access.
NPR on its trip into Gaza under Israeli military control www.npr.org/2025/11/07/n...
November 7, 2025 at 11:16 PM
This kind of transparency about newsgathering restrictions and government control is essential to keep audiences informed.
U.S. news organizations should be doing this in their domestic reporting as well when our government obstructs their journalism and restricts access.
U.S. news organizations should be doing this in their domestic reporting as well when our government obstructs their journalism and restricts access.
A little good news out of Chicago, where Judge Ellis yesterday ordered federal agents to stop using force, including tear gas, against journalists covering the protests.
Agents must use body-warn cameras and identifying information like badges or name plates.
Agents must use body-warn cameras and identifying information like badges or name plates.
Judge slams feds' excuses for violence against Chicago protesters
“It's difficult to conceive how an injunction requiring the government to comply with the Constitution could possibly be harmful,
www.courthousenews.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:47 PM
A little good news out of Chicago, where Judge Ellis yesterday ordered federal agents to stop using force, including tear gas, against journalists covering the protests.
Agents must use body-warn cameras and identifying information like badges or name plates.
Agents must use body-warn cameras and identifying information like badges or name plates.
More disingenuous attempts by Penn State's Board of Trustees to further the culture of secrecy that keeps Commonwealth residents in the dark about major university business.
The only reason to limit Trustees' ability to speak to the press is if you're afraid of what they'll say. Do better.
The only reason to limit Trustees' ability to speak to the press is if you're afraid of what they'll say. Do better.
Penn State proposes more trustee bylaw changes, including limits for media interactions
The proposed changes also include ending write-in bids for alumni-elected trustees.
www.centredaily.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:19 PM
More disingenuous attempts by Penn State's Board of Trustees to further the culture of secrecy that keeps Commonwealth residents in the dark about major university business.
The only reason to limit Trustees' ability to speak to the press is if you're afraid of what they'll say. Do better.
The only reason to limit Trustees' ability to speak to the press is if you're afraid of what they'll say. Do better.
Yes, it's definitely the unnamed judges who are concerned the Supreme Court justices are stomping on rule of law who are the ones "eroding faith in the institution itself” not the ones who fly racist flags, associated with racists or take gifts from rich people who appear before them.
Lawmakers Seek Investigation of Judges Who Criticized Supreme Court
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Yes, it's definitely the unnamed judges who are concerned the Supreme Court justices are stomping on rule of law who are the ones "eroding faith in the institution itself” not the ones who fly racist flags, associated with racists or take gifts from rich people who appear before them.
Jeff Yass couldn't buy the Pennsylvania Supreme Court so now he's buying himself a university!
University of Austin to End Tuition ‘Forever’ with Help of $100M Gift
U Austin Announces $100M Gift, End to Tuition ‘Forever’
After receiving even more support from a big conservative donor, the not-yet-accredited institution announced it will neither charge tuition nor accept government funds. Some are skeptical.
www.insidehighered.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Jeff Yass couldn't buy the Pennsylvania Supreme Court so now he's buying himself a university!
Career Goal Achieved: When your name is actually listed in the @merriam-webster.com dictionary entry for freedom of the press!
H/T: @josh.splc.org for making my month by sharing!
H/T: @josh.splc.org for making my month by sharing!
November 6, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Career Goal Achieved: When your name is actually listed in the @merriam-webster.com dictionary entry for freedom of the press!
H/T: @josh.splc.org for making my month by sharing!
H/T: @josh.splc.org for making my month by sharing!
Best I can tell from the record, the armbands caused no substantial disruption. That's the standard.
This is one of those 'hate the speech but defend the speaker' free speech cases. The First Amendment protects hate speech, which means bigots are free to be bigots in public — even child bigots.
This is one of those 'hate the speech but defend the speaker' free speech cases. The First Amendment protects hate speech, which means bigots are free to be bigots in public — even child bigots.
The judges struggled to draw the line between the First Amendment and schools’ need to maintain order at athletic contests.
Anti-trans protest at school soccer game goes to First Circuit
The judges struggled to draw the line between the First Amendment and schools’ need to maintain order at athletic contests.
www.courthousenews.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Best I can tell from the record, the armbands caused no substantial disruption. That's the standard.
This is one of those 'hate the speech but defend the speaker' free speech cases. The First Amendment protects hate speech, which means bigots are free to be bigots in public — even child bigots.
This is one of those 'hate the speech but defend the speaker' free speech cases. The First Amendment protects hate speech, which means bigots are free to be bigots in public — even child bigots.
Local elections matter, Pennsylvania edition.
November 5, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Local elections matter, Pennsylvania edition.
I see hunger in my classroom every day. Students should never go hungry at school. It's great to see Colorado support food assistance at a time when other states (ahem, Texas) have the resources to do this but choose inhumanity instead...
November 5, 2025 at 11:41 AM
I see hunger in my classroom every day. Students should never go hungry at school. It's great to see Colorado support food assistance at a time when other states (ahem, Texas) have the resources to do this but choose inhumanity instead...
Reposted by Amy Kristin Sanders
After 13 years, Mississippi Democrats have broken the Republican Party’s supermajority in the Mississippi Senate.
Democrats flipped two GOP-held Senate seats and one House seat in the special elections.
buff.ly/nTvLlFI
Democrats flipped two GOP-held Senate seats and one House seat in the special elections.
buff.ly/nTvLlFI
Mississippi Democrats Break Republican Senate Supermajority, Flipping 3 Legislative Seats
After 13 years, Mississippi Democrats broke the Republican Party's supermajority in the Mississippi Senate, flipping 3 legislative seats.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:33 AM
After 13 years, Mississippi Democrats have broken the Republican Party’s supermajority in the Mississippi Senate.
Democrats flipped two GOP-held Senate seats and one House seat in the special elections.
buff.ly/nTvLlFI
Democrats flipped two GOP-held Senate seats and one House seat in the special elections.
buff.ly/nTvLlFI
Reposted by Amy Kristin Sanders
Law and ethics resources for using #AI as a journalist:
Journalist'sToolbox.AI: Ethics | legal issues
Look at journalism's future, not its past.
journaliststoolbox.ai
November 5, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Law and ethics resources for using #AI as a journalist:
A huge victory in PA, where three Supreme Court justices fended off a targeted campaign against their retention!
Their sin? Ruling that gerrymandering violated the PA state constitution's
Their sin? Ruling that gerrymandering violated the PA state constitution's
All three Pa. Supreme Court justices are retained following a historically expensive race
The court will hold its liberal majority for at least two more years, retaining Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht through the 2026 midterms and ahead of the 2028 election.
www.inquirer.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:46 AM
A huge victory in PA, where three Supreme Court justices fended off a targeted campaign against their retention!
Their sin? Ruling that gerrymandering violated the PA state constitution's
Their sin? Ruling that gerrymandering violated the PA state constitution's
Reposted by Amy Kristin Sanders
soon they’ll be wearing specially designed glasses (by meta? google? whoever) to log everyone they see.
New from 404 Media: CBP has quietly launched a facial recognition app for local cops to do immigration enforcement. Scans their face, tells cops whether to contact ICE about this person or not. A truly rapid expansion of ICE's facial recognition app to local cops
www.404media.co/cbp-quietly-...
www.404media.co/cbp-quietly-...
CBP Quietly Launches Face Scanning App for Local Cops To Do Immigration Enforcement
The app, called Mobile Identify and available on the Google Play Store, is specifically for local and regional law enforcement agencies working with ICE on immigration enforcement.
www.404media.co
November 4, 2025 at 8:12 PM
soon they’ll be wearing specially designed glasses (by meta? google? whoever) to log everyone they see.
Reposted by Amy Kristin Sanders
A judge has sealed court records related to the prosecution of 22 individuals — including a public official — in connection with an alleged interstate drug ring.
On behalf of a Pennsylvania media coalition, an @rcfp.org attorney is fighting to access the records.
On behalf of a Pennsylvania media coalition, an @rcfp.org attorney is fighting to access the records.
PA media coalition challenges secrecy surrounding prosecution of alleged drug ring
An RCFP attorney is representing three news outlets in their fight to access court records.
www.rcfp.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:32 PM
A judge has sealed court records related to the prosecution of 22 individuals — including a public official — in connection with an alleged interstate drug ring.
On behalf of a Pennsylvania media coalition, an @rcfp.org attorney is fighting to access the records.
On behalf of a Pennsylvania media coalition, an @rcfp.org attorney is fighting to access the records.
Few who aren't journalism insiders understand how crushing this news is...
"[T]he consolidation is 'clearly designed to blunt the award-winning magazine’s insightful journalism at a time when it is needed the most.'"
Teen Vogue was *killing it* with hard-hitting reporting.
"[T]he consolidation is 'clearly designed to blunt the award-winning magazine’s insightful journalism at a time when it is needed the most.'"
Teen Vogue was *killing it* with hard-hitting reporting.
What We Lost When Condé Nast Unceremoniously Shuttered Teen Vogue @allegrak.bsky.social talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/what-we...
What We Lost When Condé Nast Unceremoniously Shuttered Teen Vogue
This article is part of TPM Cafe, TPM’s home for opinion and news...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Few who aren't journalism insiders understand how crushing this news is...
"[T]he consolidation is 'clearly designed to blunt the award-winning magazine’s insightful journalism at a time when it is needed the most.'"
Teen Vogue was *killing it* with hard-hitting reporting.
"[T]he consolidation is 'clearly designed to blunt the award-winning magazine’s insightful journalism at a time when it is needed the most.'"
Teen Vogue was *killing it* with hard-hitting reporting.
If it holds, this decision signals a devastating loss for content creators and a huge power grab by Big Tech...
Getty Images convinced a London court that Stability AI generated a handful of images that infringe the stock image giant's trademarks, but failed to prove that the model itself infringed the photo giant's intellectual property in the landmark case. www.law360.com/artic... #Law360UK
Getty Gets Pyrrhic Victory In UK Stability AI Case - Law360
Getty Images convinced a London court Tuesday that artificial intelligence giant Stability AI generated a handful of images that infringe the stock image giant's trademarks, but failed to prove that the model itself infringed the photo giant's intellectual property in the landmark case.
www.law360.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:13 PM
If it holds, this decision signals a devastating loss for content creators and a huge power grab by Big Tech...
State College is a hotbed of communication law/First Amendment issues in large part because of Penn State's Board of Trustees and their never-ending campaign for secrecy. A real bummer on the whole in terms of transparency and accountability, but it sure makes for interesting class examples...
Former Trustee's New Lawsuit Accuses Penn State and Board Leaders of Defamation, Violating Free Speech Rights
A former Penn State trustee alleges the university and board leaders defamed him and violated his constitutional rights in retaliation for his requests
www.statecollege.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:16 PM
State College is a hotbed of communication law/First Amendment issues in large part because of Penn State's Board of Trustees and their never-ending campaign for secrecy. A real bummer on the whole in terms of transparency and accountability, but it sure makes for interesting class examples...