Scott A. Leadingham
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scottleadingham.bsky.social
Scott A. Leadingham
@scottleadingham.bsky.social
370 followers 270 following 380 posts
Writing about First Amendment/press/speech/religion issues. Public media type, news person, proud Washingtonian, Eagle Scout, long-suffering Mariners fan. #SpokaneDoesntSuck
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scottleadingham.bsky.social
Worth a read about Hush podcast, "true crime," journalism ethics and the forthcoming news publication The Western Edge from @leahsottile.bsky.social + @ryanjhaas.bsky.social. Kudos and good luck on the next chapter. Will read (and subscribe) with great interest. ⬇️
January 23, 2026 at 6:17 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Not even a month into 2026 and there's already plenty of news on the First Amendment front with lots more to come. Some big stories and trends in religion, speech, press, assembly + petition to watch this year #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/first-amendm...
First Amendment Stories to Watch in 2026
We highlight the biggest First Amendment stories we see on the horizon in 2026, from speech on campus to AI regulation.
www.freedomforum.org
January 22, 2026 at 4:55 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
My embarrassing but true Indiana University football story: In 2006 the team had a big, unexpected win. On campus the next day I see the coach, and I instinctively say, "Great game yesterday, coach!"

Only it was the basketball coach, Kelvin Sampson, understandably confused.

Anyway, go Hoosiers!
January 20, 2026 at 4:20 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
15 years ago, a white supremacist tried to bomb the Martin Luther King Day unity march in Spokane, WA. City workers found the bomb before it exploded.

The march continues today. The shock waves still ripple. From @inlander.com circa 2011 ⬇️
www.inlander.com/news/shock-w...
Shock Waves
Perspective: Temp worker who found the bomb
www.inlander.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:09 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
MLK Jr, 4/3/68:
"Somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right."

He was murdered the next day.
www.freedomforum.org/freedom-of-s...
18 Freedom of Speech Quotes You Should Know
Discover 18 freedom of speech quotes from more than two centuries of people talking about this key First Amendment freedom.
www.freedomforum.org
January 19, 2026 at 4:51 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Minnesota is suing the Department of Homeland Security + Sec. Kristi Noem over federal immigration enforcement. The state + Twin Cities claim unlawful retaliation and viewpoint discrimination. Here's a breakdown of the First Amendment claims involved #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/minnesota-dh...
First Amendment Analysis of Minnesota's Lawsuit Against DHS
First Amendment claims are front and center in a new lawsuit by Minnesota and the Twin Cities against Department of Homeland Security officials.
www.freedomforum.org
January 15, 2026 at 10:39 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Relevant in the news lately (and always): Is recording law enforcement a First Amendment right? Can you be arrested or detained for it? Can police force you to delete pictures + video? Can they take your phone without a warrant? Answers
#1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/recording-la...
Recording Law Enforcement: First Amendment Right or Arrestable Offense?
Is recording law enforcement protected by the First Amendment or an arrestable offense? Here's everything to know.
www.freedomforum.org
January 15, 2026 at 5:28 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Today, the FBI searched the home of a Washington Post reporter in classified documents case. Here are good insight + reactions on First Amendment issues involved, including @1stforall.bsky.social's Gene Policinski #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/fbi-search-w...
FBI searches Washington Post reporter's home in classified document case
The FBI conducted a search warrant at a Washington Post reporter's Virginia home on Jan. 14. Here's what to know.
www.freedomforum.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Reposted by Scott A. Leadingham
investigatewest.bsky.social
InvestigateWest has received a $450,000 multi-year grant from the Inatai Foundation, marking one of the largest institutional grants in our newsroom’s history. Read more about how the grant will support our work in Washington communities - www.investigatewest.org/investigatew...
InvestigateWest lands $450,000 grant from Inatai Foundation
InvestigateWest has received a $450,000 unrestricted, multi-year grant from the Inatai Foundation, marking one of the largest institutional grants in the nonprofit newsroom’s history and a significant...
www.investigatewest.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:21 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Relevant to news of late (and always) given ICE-related protests in Minneapolis, Seattle + other places: When does protesting lose First Amendment protections and become "illegal"? (i.e. When can government arrest or use force to stop protesters?) #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/when-does-pr...
When Does Protesting Become Illegal?
The First Amendment doesn't protect protests that turn violent, become unsafe, involve trespassing or violate other laws.
www.freedomforum.org
January 8, 2026 at 5:56 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Time for the semi-regular pedantry reminder that there is no "t" in Walz, but there is in "Tim," so please proceed accordingly with Tim Walz pronunciations.
@mprnews.org can help:
www.youtube.com/shorts/Q291v...
This is how you pronounce Gov. Tim Walz’s name
YouTube video by MPR News
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:09 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
An article I wrote that was, I'm told, Freedom Forum's most read last year: Are non-citizens protected by the First Amendment? (Answer: It depends) ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
Are Non-Citizens Protected by the First Amendment?
Are non-citizens protected by the First Amendment? The answer isn't as clear-cut as you may think. Here's everything to know.
www.freedomforum.org
January 5, 2026 at 8:50 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
COOL JOURNALISM JOB: Work with me and people WAY cooler than me at @1stforall.bsky.social reporting on pressing First Amendment issues. Remote friendly. Apply by 1/12.
Application + salary info ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/contact-us/c...
Rapid Response Writer
Department: Digital Reports to: Content Managing Editor FLSA: Exempt Prepared: December 2025 To apply: Apply here Summary/Objective The Rapid Response Writer will work with our Digital Director and Di...
www.freedomforum.org
January 5, 2026 at 4:43 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
If you need last-minute gift ideas for the book worm in your life, try one of these famous "banned" books, along with smarty pants explanations about the legality of book bans + First Amendment issues involved. Perfect! #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/famous-banne...
15 of the Most Famous 'Banned' Books in US History
From books challenged by the government to books pulled from library shelves, we explore some of the most famous "banned" books in U.S. history.
www.freedomforum.org
December 24, 2025 at 5:26 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Thing about Rick Steves is that while he's famous for his travels in other lands (mostly Europe), he's a very thoughtful and impactful citizen of his home here in WA. Embodiment of "think globally, act locally."

Cool dude.
ricksteves.bsky.social Rick Steves @ricksteves.bsky.social · Dec 21
It’s the “season of love and giving”…but this year, doesn’t it seem more like a “season of fear and taking”? Like many of you, I’ve been saddened by the human impact of draconian government budget cuts and how angry many housed Americans are at unhoused Americans.

🧵 1 of 9
December 23, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Reposted by Scott A. Leadingham
ricksteves.bsky.social
It’s the “season of love and giving”…but this year, doesn’t it seem more like a “season of fear and taking”? Like many of you, I’ve been saddened by the human impact of draconian government budget cuts and how angry many housed Americans are at unhoused Americans.

🧵 1 of 9
December 21, 2025 at 2:51 AM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Since the First Amendment prevents the government from favoring any one religion, why and how is Christmas a federal holiday?

Technically it's not. But December 25th is. More legal context and history #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/why-is-chris...
Why Is Christmas a Federal Holiday?
In a country that separates church from state, why is Christmas a federal holiday? Here's everything you need to know.
www.freedomforum.org
December 22, 2025 at 5:35 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
President Trump is suing the BBC for $10 billion. Defamation cases against media are common but very difficult to win. There are big First Amendment issues at play. Here's a helpful explainer + legal analysis (with plenty of "actual malice" fun) #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/trump-bbc-la...
Trump Sues the BBC: First Amendment Analysis
Here's what you need to know about the First Amendment issues implicated in the Trump v. BBC lawsuit.
www.freedomforum.org
December 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Not another year-in-review list!
Wrote about key First Amendment stories/themes of 2025.
- Charlie Kirk / Jimmy Kimmel fallout
- Govt funding as free speech/press issue
- 1A rights of non-citizens
- Big protests
- SCOTUS rulings
MORE #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/first-amendm...
First Amendment Stories of 2025: A Year in Review
From Supreme Court First Amendment rulings to the "No Kings" protests, we take a look at some of the biggest First Amendment stories of 2025.
www.freedomforum.org
December 18, 2025 at 5:20 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Mariners fans owning Alaska is an underused strategic geographic strength. Also really interested to hear more on the Bay Area expats apparently living in ... Wyoming?
baseball-reference.com Baseball Reference @baseball-reference.com · Dec 10
The most viewed Baseball Reference team page in each U.S. state this year!

Which team page had the most views in your state? 🤔

See all the full recap here: info.baseball-reference.com/25-br-mlb-se...
December 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
SNL parodied the fact that former Rep. Matt Gaetz is credentialed to cover the Pentagon. So, is he a "journalist" now? And for that matter, who gets to decide? Does the First Amendment protection for "the press" cover him or only certain people? MORE #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/who-is-a-jou...
Who Is a 'Journalist?' An Evolving Definition
The First Amendment protects freedom of the press but doesn’t specify who exactly "the press" is. What makes a journalist a journalist?
www.freedomforum.org
December 9, 2025 at 4:55 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Former WSU quarterback Luke Falk, one of the team's best QBs thanks to Mike Leach, is making his case to be their next head coach. And he makes a good argument: He actually wants the job for more than a year and likes Pullman. Low bar, but...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Dave Boling: Why Luke Falk could be uniquely qualified candidate in WSU's coaching search
Luke Falk came to Pullman as a walk-on quarterback. Now he wants to come back as a walk-on head coach.
www.spokesman.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:51 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Are non-citizens protected by the First Amendment? A question asked a lot, and a @1stforall.bsky.social article that keeps getting shared (and updated) the past year+. So, here we go again. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
Are Non-Citizens Protected by the First Amendment?
Are non-citizens protected by the First Amendment? The answer isn't as clear-cut as you may think. Here's everything to know.
www.freedomforum.org
December 4, 2025 at 4:48 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
Now that we're in December, we can officially talk about Christmas decorations. So...under the First Amendment, how can publicly-funded displays use Christ + Nativity scenes if they're not supposed to favor a religion?
Learn about "The Reindeer Rule" #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/reindeer-rule
How the 'Reindeer Rule' Keeps Christ in Christmas Displays
Can local governments display Christmas trees and nativity scenes? Yes — if they follow the Reindeer Rule.
www.freedomforum.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:27 PM
scottleadingham.bsky.social
How does the First Amendment clock in when you're on the clock? If 1A is all about the government, what does your free speech look like when your employer is the government? What about getting fired for posting on social? A #1A guide ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/first-amendm...
Do First Amendment Freedoms Apply in the Workplace?
Workers may lose some First Amendment rights in the workplace, but it depends on whether they work for the government or a private employer.
www.freedomforum.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:29 PM