BrieAnna Frank
@brieannafrank.bsky.social
USA Today First Amendment reporting fellow, religious studies grad student.
Email: bjfrank@usatoday.com.
Email: bjfrank@usatoday.com.
A DC man was detained for playing the "Imperial March" from "Star Wars" behind National Guard troops in the city.
I chatted with him about his background, his viral protests against the Trump administration and the @aclu.org lawsuit he's now at the center of.
More here for @usatoday.com:
I chatted with him about his background, his viral protests against the Trump administration and the @aclu.org lawsuit he's now at the center of.
More here for @usatoday.com:
He got cuffed after playing the 'Imperial March' at National Guard. Now, he's suing.
Sam O'Hara said he has 'lots of respect' for the military but criticized its presence in cities, including Washington, DC.
www.usatoday.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
A DC man was detained for playing the "Imperial March" from "Star Wars" behind National Guard troops in the city.
I chatted with him about his background, his viral protests against the Trump administration and the @aclu.org lawsuit he's now at the center of.
More here for @usatoday.com:
I chatted with him about his background, his viral protests against the Trump administration and the @aclu.org lawsuit he's now at the center of.
More here for @usatoday.com:
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
There aren’t a lot of outlets doing good religion reporting anymore, even though this reporting is VITAL to understanding the cultural moment we are in. @liamsadams.bsky.social at the Tennesssean and @jackjenkins.me at Religion News Service are doing great work in this area and are worth following.
So, myself and Tennessean photojournalist Andrew Nelles are in Zimbabwe to report on the UMC, a project made possible w/ grant funding from the Pulitzer Center.
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
'Whoo whoo, our elephant!' United Methodists in Zimbabwe unify ahead of historic decision
The United Methodist Church is on the verge of a historic decision following a costly splintering. Here's how it's shaping up in Zimbabwe.
www.tennessean.com
October 26, 2025 at 7:42 PM
There aren’t a lot of outlets doing good religion reporting anymore, even though this reporting is VITAL to understanding the cultural moment we are in. @liamsadams.bsky.social at the Tennesssean and @jackjenkins.me at Religion News Service are doing great work in this area and are worth following.
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
So, myself and Tennessean photojournalist Andrew Nelles are in Zimbabwe to report on the UMC, a project made possible w/ grant funding from the Pulitzer Center.
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
'Whoo whoo, our elephant!' United Methodists in Zimbabwe unify ahead of historic decision
The United Methodist Church is on the verge of a historic decision following a costly splintering. Here's how it's shaping up in Zimbabwe.
www.tennessean.com
October 26, 2025 at 6:54 PM
So, myself and Tennessean photojournalist Andrew Nelles are in Zimbabwe to report on the UMC, a project made possible w/ grant funding from the Pulitzer Center.
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Our first dispatch and what it says about a potentially historic decision coming in November: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
"When one university or law firm or news organization capitulates, it’s incrementally harder for the next institution to resist," @jameeljaffer.bsky.social tells @usatoday.com's @brieannafrank.bsky.social. Read more here:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Inside the 'harsh terrain' of Columbia University's First Amendment predicament
Though they're navigating uncharted waters, one dean said "we haven't fundamentally changed anything about how we go about our responsibility."
www.usatoday.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:35 PM
"When one university or law firm or news organization capitulates, it’s incrementally harder for the next institution to resist," @jameeljaffer.bsky.social tells @usatoday.com's @brieannafrank.bsky.social. Read more here:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Virginia is Virginia-ing 🍂
October 26, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Virginia is Virginia-ing 🍂
Have a First Amendment question?
Our First Amendment reporting cohort is doing a Reddit AMA in r/law this afternoon!
Join us from 12-1 p.m. ET: www.reddit.com/r/law/commen... @usatoday.com @1stforall.bsky.social
Our First Amendment reporting cohort is doing a Reddit AMA in r/law this afternoon!
Join us from 12-1 p.m. ET: www.reddit.com/r/law/commen... @usatoday.com @1stforall.bsky.social
From the law community on Reddit: We’re 5 reporters dedicated to covering your 5 First Amendment rights. Ask us anything!
Explore this post and more from the law community
www.reddit.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Have a First Amendment question?
Our First Amendment reporting cohort is doing a Reddit AMA in r/law this afternoon!
Join us from 12-1 p.m. ET: www.reddit.com/r/law/commen... @usatoday.com @1stforall.bsky.social
Our First Amendment reporting cohort is doing a Reddit AMA in r/law this afternoon!
Join us from 12-1 p.m. ET: www.reddit.com/r/law/commen... @usatoday.com @1stforall.bsky.social
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
Today's Reliable Sources lead: President Trump and Speaker Johnson's claims about "No Kings" are going to be contradicted by tomorrow's protests cnn.it/48FKCTD
October 17, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Today's Reliable Sources lead: President Trump and Speaker Johnson's claims about "No Kings" are going to be contradicted by tomorrow's protests cnn.it/48FKCTD
"This is the American people standing up and saying no, we're going to live in a democracy."
Ahead of "No Kings," organizers chatted w/ me about their concerns + hopes for tomorrow's protests, which are expected to draw millions nationwide. @usatoday.com
Ahead of "No Kings," organizers chatted w/ me about their concerns + hopes for tomorrow's protests, which are expected to draw millions nationwide. @usatoday.com
'No Kings' organizers concerned about protests. But 'courage is contagious.'
More than 2,500 protests against the administration are expected on Oct. 18. Organizers expect it to be the largest day of protest in U.S. history.
www.usatoday.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:02 PM
"This is the American people standing up and saying no, we're going to live in a democracy."
Ahead of "No Kings," organizers chatted w/ me about their concerns + hopes for tomorrow's protests, which are expected to draw millions nationwide. @usatoday.com
Ahead of "No Kings," organizers chatted w/ me about their concerns + hopes for tomorrow's protests, which are expected to draw millions nationwide. @usatoday.com
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
“The Defense Department has confiscated the badges of the Pentagon reporters from virtually every major media organization in America,” the Pentagon Press Association said
October 15, 2025 at 9:52 PM
“The Defense Department has confiscated the badges of the Pentagon reporters from virtually every major media organization in America,” the Pentagon Press Association said
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
The shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Oct. 12 at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island in South Carolina.
Four killed, at least 20 injured in South Carolina bar shooting, authorities say
The shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Oct. 12 at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island in South Carolina.
bit.ly
October 12, 2025 at 3:17 PM
The shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Oct. 12 at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island in South Carolina.
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
To read more highlights from our #FreeSpeechSummit2025, read this great write up from @angelelatham.bsky.social, @brieannafrank.bsky.social, Taylor Seely, Stephany Matat, and @catecharron.bsky.social www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Free speech is facing threats in the US and beyond. Here are the pressure points
Free speech took center stage as advocates, lawyers and experts from around the world convened recently at Vanderbilty University in Nashville.
www.usatoday.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:35 PM
To read more highlights from our #FreeSpeechSummit2025, read this great write up from @angelelatham.bsky.social, @brieannafrank.bsky.social, Taylor Seely, Stephany Matat, and @catecharron.bsky.social www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
President Donald Trump says that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a White House peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza and Israeli hostages will soon be released.
bit.ly/4o3wrMg
bit.ly/4o3wrMg
October 8, 2025 at 11:48 PM
President Donald Trump says that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a White House peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza and Israeli hostages will soon be released.
bit.ly/4o3wrMg
bit.ly/4o3wrMg
Pres. Trump said today that his administration "took the freedom of speech away" as it relates to flag burnings, but the Supreme Court has long held that such activity is protected under the First Amendment.
My latest @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
My latest @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Trump says he 'took the freedom of speech away' on flag burning
Trump made the comments during a Wednesday roundtable discussion, referencing his August executive order calling for prosecution of flag burners.
www.usatoday.com
October 8, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Pres. Trump said today that his administration "took the freedom of speech away" as it relates to flag burnings, but the Supreme Court has long held that such activity is protected under the First Amendment.
My latest @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
My latest @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
Wanna learn more about the pastor in this photo?
I talked to him yesterday.
He's currently part of a lawsuit against DHS, in part due to this exact moment: religionnews.com/2025/10/07/i...
I talked to him yesterday.
He's currently part of a lawsuit against DHS, in part due to this exact moment: religionnews.com/2025/10/07/i...
October 7, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Wanna learn more about the pastor in this photo?
I talked to him yesterday.
He's currently part of a lawsuit against DHS, in part due to this exact moment: religionnews.com/2025/10/07/i...
I talked to him yesterday.
He's currently part of a lawsuit against DHS, in part due to this exact moment: religionnews.com/2025/10/07/i...
Oklahoma's Ryan Walters recently announced a partnership between the state's education department/Turning Point USA to set up chapters at every high school. I chatted w/ him + experts to write this @usatoday.com story answering Qs about the partnership + whether it's a First Amendment violation:
Is Oklahoma requiring all high schools to start Turning Point USA chapters?
Superintendent Ryan Walters told USA TODAY his claim that all Oklahoma high schools will have chapters stemmed from the level of interest he's seen.
www.usatoday.com
September 26, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Oklahoma's Ryan Walters recently announced a partnership between the state's education department/Turning Point USA to set up chapters at every high school. I chatted w/ him + experts to write this @usatoday.com story answering Qs about the partnership + whether it's a First Amendment violation:
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
NEW: As supporters of Charlie Kirk gathered for vigils, many framed Kirk—a right-wing activist—as a religious leader. Some claimed his death was spurring people to convert to Christianity.
Meanwhile, other faith leaders were vocally critical of Kirk's past comments. religionnews.com/2025/09/16/a...
Meanwhile, other faith leaders were vocally critical of Kirk's past comments. religionnews.com/2025/09/16/a...
At prayer vigils for Charlie Kirk, supporters are called to political and spiritual fight
(RNS) — ‘I pray millions of young men would become defenders of the faith as a result of this demonic assassination,’ Arizona pastor Mark Driscoll said in an Instagram post.
religionnews.com
September 16, 2025 at 8:08 PM
NEW: As supporters of Charlie Kirk gathered for vigils, many framed Kirk—a right-wing activist—as a religious leader. Some claimed his death was spurring people to convert to Christianity.
Meanwhile, other faith leaders were vocally critical of Kirk's past comments. religionnews.com/2025/09/16/a...
Meanwhile, other faith leaders were vocally critical of Kirk's past comments. religionnews.com/2025/09/16/a...
Grateful for the opportunity to chat on the Connecting America podcast this morning about my story on Charlie Kirk's assassination and how schools face the challenge of balancing free speech/safety in the current political moment. Here's the link to the segment! www.youtube.com/live/Re-EGqz...
September 16, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Grateful for the opportunity to chat on the Connecting America podcast this morning about my story on Charlie Kirk's assassination and how schools face the challenge of balancing free speech/safety in the current political moment. Here's the link to the segment! www.youtube.com/live/Re-EGqz...
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
Angered in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, the Trump administration officials say they're planning to use "every resource" available across the federal government to target left-wing organizations that the administration contends are stoking political violence.
Read more: bit.ly/3Kp7V9O
Read more: bit.ly/3Kp7V9O
September 15, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Angered in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, the Trump administration officials say they're planning to use "every resource" available across the federal government to target left-wing organizations that the administration contends are stoking political violence.
Read more: bit.ly/3Kp7V9O
Read more: bit.ly/3Kp7V9O
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
Excellent, troubling work from my colleagues on the USA TODAY graphics team here:
“The first six months of 2025 saw an 85.5% increase in terrorist attacks within the United States compared to the same time period last year”
www.usatoday.com/story/graphi...
“The first six months of 2025 saw an 85.5% increase in terrorist attacks within the United States compared to the same time period last year”
www.usatoday.com/story/graphi...
In wake of Charlie Kirk shooting, see how political violence has increased in past year
Utah governor is calling for calm and reason after Charlie Kirk's death. Will Americans listen?
www.usatoday.com
September 14, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Excellent, troubling work from my colleagues on the USA TODAY graphics team here:
“The first six months of 2025 saw an 85.5% increase in terrorist attacks within the United States compared to the same time period last year”
www.usatoday.com/story/graphi...
“The first six months of 2025 saw an 85.5% increase in terrorist attacks within the United States compared to the same time period last year”
www.usatoday.com/story/graphi...
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
Authorities announced they had arrested Tyler Robinson in St. George, Utah, and accused him of the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Here's what we know about Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder
Authorities announced they had arrested Tyler Robinson in St. George, Utah, and accused him of the murder of Charlie Kirk.
bit.ly
September 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Authorities announced they had arrested Tyler Robinson in St. George, Utah, and accused him of the murder of Charlie Kirk.
“Overall, I think (colleges and universities) need to prioritize making sure that this does not mean there will be no further Charlie Kirks coming to campus. If that’s what it means, then the assassin has won.”
I wrote about Charlie Kirk's death + the challenge of balancing free speech + safety:
I wrote about Charlie Kirk's death + the challenge of balancing free speech + safety:
Charlie Kirk's death renews focus on the balance between free speech and safety
Free speech experts told USA TODAY that colleges and universities can't be dissuaded from hosting controversial speakers in light of Kirk's murder.
www.usatoday.com
September 12, 2025 at 1:08 PM
“Overall, I think (colleges and universities) need to prioritize making sure that this does not mean there will be no further Charlie Kirks coming to campus. If that’s what it means, then the assassin has won.”
I wrote about Charlie Kirk's death + the challenge of balancing free speech + safety:
I wrote about Charlie Kirk's death + the challenge of balancing free speech + safety:
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
President Trump announced Sept. 12 that National Guard troops will be deploying to Memphis due to endemic crime issues in the Tennessee city.
"We're going to Memphis," said Trump, who called the city "deeply troubled."
"We're going to Memphis," said Trump, who called the city "deeply troubled."
Trump says National Guard troops heading to Memphis to fight crime
The troops are welcomed by city and state leadership, Trump said.
bit.ly
September 12, 2025 at 1:05 PM
President Trump announced Sept. 12 that National Guard troops will be deploying to Memphis due to endemic crime issues in the Tennessee city.
"We're going to Memphis," said Trump, who called the city "deeply troubled."
"We're going to Memphis," said Trump, who called the city "deeply troubled."
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
Everything we know about the shooting that took place at Evergreen High School in Colorado.
Suspect dead, 2 hurt in Colorado high school shooting: Here's what we know
Everything we know about the shooting that took place at Evergreen High School in Colorado.
bit.ly
September 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Everything we know about the shooting that took place at Evergreen High School in Colorado.
Reposted by BrieAnna Frank
Breaking news: Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot at a Utah Valley University event.
A suspect is in custody, according to parents whose children received an email from the university.
Follow live updates:
A suspect is in custody, according to parents whose children received an email from the university.
Follow live updates:
Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk shot at Utah event
Kirk is the co-founder of Turning Point USA, which advocates for conservative politics at high schools and colleges.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Breaking news: Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot at a Utah Valley University event.
A suspect is in custody, according to parents whose children received an email from the university.
Follow live updates:
A suspect is in custody, according to parents whose children received an email from the university.
Follow live updates:
Pres. Trump announced the Dept. of Education will issue guidance protecting students' rights to pray in public schools (which, to be clear, they've long had).
More on that + the rest of the Religious Liberty Commission's hearing this morning @usatoday.com:
More on that + the rest of the Religious Liberty Commission's hearing this morning @usatoday.com:
Trump vows to protect prayer in public schools with new Department of Education guidance
President Donald Trump spoke at the White House's Religious Liberty Commission meeting held Sept. 8 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington.
www.usatoday.com
September 8, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Pres. Trump announced the Dept. of Education will issue guidance protecting students' rights to pray in public schools (which, to be clear, they've long had).
More on that + the rest of the Religious Liberty Commission's hearing this morning @usatoday.com:
More on that + the rest of the Religious Liberty Commission's hearing this morning @usatoday.com: