Scott A. Leadingham
@scottleadingham.bsky.social
Writing about First Amendment/press/speech/religion issues. Public media type, news person, proud Washingtonian, Eagle Scout, long-suffering Mariners fan. #SpokaneDoesntSuck
Kudos to John Oliver for referencing Rachel Dolezal and giving credit (as so many do not) that this is a Spokane story. Sure, it's an unfortunate and at this point tired pop culture blemish for Our Fair City, but at least he pronounces it correctly!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93l...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93l...
Felony Murder: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
YouTube video by LastWeekTonight
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Kudos to John Oliver for referencing Rachel Dolezal and giving credit (as so many do not) that this is a Spokane story. Sure, it's an unfortunate and at this point tired pop culture blemish for Our Fair City, but at least he pronounces it correctly!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93l...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93l...
The First Amendment right of the press is for everyone who publishes or shares their work - including podcasters + independent newsletter folks. But are they all journalists? What, exactly, makes a journalist in this day and age? Some points to consider #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/who-is-a-jou...
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
November 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
The First Amendment right of the press is for everyone who publishes or shares their work - including podcasters + independent newsletter folks. But are they all journalists? What, exactly, makes a journalist in this day and age? Some points to consider #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/who-is-a-jou...
www.freedomforum.org/who-is-a-jou...
I get the urge of news to say what president appointed a federal judge in stories, but for consistency they should name all 77 million+ people and/or electoral college voters on first reference for presidents
November 6, 2025 at 9:35 PM
I get the urge of news to say what president appointed a federal judge in stories, but for consistency they should name all 77 million+ people and/or electoral college voters on first reference for presidents
Book banning is a 2-way First Amendment issue: People have a free speech right to write + read. And people have a right to petition school + library boards to remove books. Strange 1A bedfellows. Anyway, here's more on banned books + First Amendment #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/famous-banne...
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
November 5, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Book banning is a 2-way First Amendment issue: People have a free speech right to write + read. And people have a right to petition school + library boards to remove books. Strange 1A bedfellows. Anyway, here's more on banned books + First Amendment #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/famous-banne...
www.freedomforum.org/famous-banne...
Does the First Amendment protect ballot selfies? What about wearing campaign buttons while voting?
There are limits to how you can express yourself at the polls. Here's what you can and can't say and do while voting on Election Day. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/free-speech-...
There are limits to how you can express yourself at the polls. Here's what you can and can't say and do while voting on Election Day. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/free-speech-...
Free Speech at the Polls: Know Your Election Day Rights
Before heading out to your polling place on Election Day, know the protections and limits around free speech at the polls.
www.freedomforum.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Does the First Amendment protect ballot selfies? What about wearing campaign buttons while voting?
There are limits to how you can express yourself at the polls. Here's what you can and can't say and do while voting on Election Day. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/free-speech-...
There are limits to how you can express yourself at the polls. Here's what you can and can't say and do while voting on Election Day. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/free-speech-...
If you caught Brandi Carlile on SNL this weekend, you heard her "Church & State" song with a reference to Thomas Jefferson. So here's much more on the legal concept of "separation of church and state" and what it means with the First Amendment #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/separation-o...
www.freedomforum.org/separation-o...
What Is Separation of Church and State?
What is separation of church and state and where does this concept appear in the Constitution? Here's everything you should know.
www.freedomforum.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:01 PM
If you caught Brandi Carlile on SNL this weekend, you heard her "Church & State" song with a reference to Thomas Jefferson. So here's much more on the legal concept of "separation of church and state" and what it means with the First Amendment #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/separation-o...
www.freedomforum.org/separation-o...
Spooky season is well underway, and here's a frightening thought: Your yard decorations or costume may or may not be protected by the First Amendment depending on [GASP] the "context"! [*maniacal laugh*]
MORE ⬇️ #1A
www.freedomforum.org/halloween-de...
MORE ⬇️ #1A
www.freedomforum.org/halloween-de...
Spooky Speech: Are Halloween Decorations and Costumes Protected by the First Amendment?
Halloween costumes and decorations in your front yard are typically protected by the First Amendment, although there are some exceptions.
www.freedomforum.org
October 29, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Spooky season is well underway, and here's a frightening thought: Your yard decorations or costume may or may not be protected by the First Amendment depending on [GASP] the "context"! [*maniacal laugh*]
MORE ⬇️ #1A
www.freedomforum.org/halloween-de...
MORE ⬇️ #1A
www.freedomforum.org/halloween-de...
A question being asked a lot these days: Are non-citizens in the US protected by the First Amendment? Does legal status matter? The answer is...not entirely clear in all cases. Background #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
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
October 28, 2025 at 6:43 PM
A question being asked a lot these days: Are non-citizens in the US protected by the First Amendment? Does legal status matter? The answer is...not entirely clear in all cases. Background #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
Wrote about "famous" political cartoons + First Amendment / press freedom. I'll give you 11 guesses which one of these Pete Hegseth has tattooed on his arm. (Kidding. Of course it's The Bechdel Test from "Dykes to Watch Out For"!) #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/famous-polit...
www.freedomforum.org/famous-polit...
From Comedic to Controversial: 11 of the Most Famous Political Cartoons in US History
We highlight 11 famous political cartoons from throughout history and discuss why they’re protected by the First Amendment.
www.freedomforum.org
October 23, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Wrote about "famous" political cartoons + First Amendment / press freedom. I'll give you 11 guesses which one of these Pete Hegseth has tattooed on his arm. (Kidding. Of course it's The Bechdel Test from "Dykes to Watch Out For"!) #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/famous-polit...
www.freedomforum.org/famous-polit...
50+ years ago, University of Florida told the student newspaper it couldn't print something. Editor arrested. Abortion law struck down. It resonates now. Today, the Independent Florida Alligator is still in print. That's the First Amendment legacy of Ron Sachs.
www.freedomforum.org/1a-in-action...
www.freedomforum.org/1a-in-action...
1A in Action: Ron Sachs and His Historic Fight for Press Freedom on College Campuses
As part of our 1A in Action series, we highlight Ron Sachs, who challenged a Florida state law in his fight for student press freedom.
www.freedomforum.org
October 22, 2025 at 6:04 PM
50+ years ago, University of Florida told the student newspaper it couldn't print something. Editor arrested. Abortion law struck down. It resonates now. Today, the Independent Florida Alligator is still in print. That's the First Amendment legacy of Ron Sachs.
www.freedomforum.org/1a-in-action...
www.freedomforum.org/1a-in-action...
Bummer ending but happy for this Mariners team, fans + all who supported. Got to see fantastic games in person this year (home + road). Looking forward to same next year. Blue Jays are a great team (and fan base). They deserve all our support in WS! #TridentsUp #seizethemoment #sodomojo #goms
October 21, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Bummer ending but happy for this Mariners team, fans + all who supported. Got to see fantastic games in person this year (home + road). Looking forward to same next year. Blue Jays are a great team (and fan base). They deserve all our support in WS! #TridentsUp #seizethemoment #sodomojo #goms
RIP Susan Stamberg, one of @npr.org's founding mothers and a true journalism legend.
Neat thing of working for @1stforall.bsky.social is artifacts from the former Newseum (also RIP) in the office. Here is Stamberg's original NPR press badge.
Neat thing of working for @1stforall.bsky.social is artifacts from the former Newseum (also RIP) in the office. Here is Stamberg's original NPR press badge.
October 17, 2025 at 4:23 PM
RIP Susan Stamberg, one of @npr.org's founding mothers and a true journalism legend.
Neat thing of working for @1stforall.bsky.social is artifacts from the former Newseum (also RIP) in the office. Here is Stamberg's original NPR press badge.
Neat thing of working for @1stforall.bsky.social is artifacts from the former Newseum (also RIP) in the office. Here is Stamberg's original NPR press badge.
A big bummer but not a surprise. My old stomping grounds at Northwest Public Broadcasting cutting its TV service in Palouse region (KWSU) due to budget (radio and other TV service unaffected), an outcome of CPB funding cut.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Northwest Public Broadcasting halts KWSU-TV operations
A public television station founded 63 years ago on the campus of Washington State University will go dark at the end of the year.
www.spokesman.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM
A big bummer but not a surprise. My old stomping grounds at Northwest Public Broadcasting cutting its TV service in Palouse region (KWSU) due to budget (radio and other TV service unaffected), an outcome of CPB funding cut.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
How, under the First Amendment, can the government punish non-citizens for their speech? Like, say, revoking visas for people who post about Charlie Kirk. Some background and context #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
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
October 15, 2025 at 5:05 PM
How, under the First Amendment, can the government punish non-citizens for their speech? Like, say, revoking visas for people who post about Charlie Kirk. Some background and context #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
I was on a plane last night as the Mariners played the Blue Jays, and to distract myself from recurring sports anxiety I watched The Devil Wears Prada (still slaps). Pleasantly surprised to land and find out Bryce Miller pitched an absolute gem.
#goms #seizethemoment #sodomojo #tridentsup
#goms #seizethemoment #sodomojo #tridentsup
October 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I was on a plane last night as the Mariners played the Blue Jays, and to distract myself from recurring sports anxiety I watched The Devil Wears Prada (still slaps). Pleasantly surprised to land and find out Bryce Miller pitched an absolute gem.
#goms #seizethemoment #sodomojo #tridentsup
#goms #seizethemoment #sodomojo #tridentsup
I don't know what to say other than I am really happy for this Mariners team, the fans and, heck, Jerry Dipoto? Now do what Cal said.
#seizethemoment #tridentsup #sodomojo #goms
#seizethemoment #tridentsup #sodomojo #goms
October 11, 2025 at 3:12 PM
I don't know what to say other than I am really happy for this Mariners team, the fans and, heck, Jerry Dipoto? Now do what Cal said.
#seizethemoment #tridentsup #sodomojo #goms
#seizethemoment #tridentsup #sodomojo #goms
What is "political speech" exactly and how is it protected (or not) by the First Amendment? Good explainer and background from @1stforall.bsky.social #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/political-sp...
www.freedomforum.org/political-sp...
What Is Political Speech, and Is It Protected by the First Amendment?
Political speech is a core type of speech that the First Amendment was designed to protect. Here's what you need to know.
www.freedomforum.org
October 10, 2025 at 3:43 PM
What is "political speech" exactly and how is it protected (or not) by the First Amendment? Good explainer and background from @1stforall.bsky.social #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/political-sp...
www.freedomforum.org/political-sp...
FACT: The greatest moment in Mariners history (so far) is the greatest moment in SPORTS history.
#goms #seizethemoment #seausrise #tridentsup #sodomojo
#goms #seizethemoment #seausrise #tridentsup #sodomojo
October 8, 2025 at 6:16 PM
FACT: The greatest moment in Mariners history (so far) is the greatest moment in SPORTS history.
#goms #seizethemoment #seausrise #tridentsup #sodomojo
#goms #seizethemoment #seausrise #tridentsup #sodomojo
Good to see news coverage about homelessness/low income housing issues talk to people affected + involved. Kudos to Spokesman's @alexdugganreports.bsky.social + Nick Gibson for a "nuanced" look on a tough spot in downtown Spokane. www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
'They call us Camp Dope': There's more nuance to the block housing the Ridpath than what's seen on the outside
Most warm days, Rhona Gardener sits outside the Ridpath Apartments in her red camp chair with a pack of cigarettes in the cupholder and cellphone in her lap.
www.spokesman.com
October 6, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Good to see news coverage about homelessness/low income housing issues talk to people affected + involved. Kudos to Spokesman's @alexdugganreports.bsky.social + Nick Gibson for a "nuanced" look on a tough spot in downtown Spokane. www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
A few folks out here saying that last night the Mariners "won their first postseason game since 2001" (or even ever!?), somehow forgetting M's beating Toronto in 2022 WC series. If only there were a device + technology at hand to quickly check basic sports facts.
#SeaUsRise #tridentsup #sodomojo
#SeaUsRise #tridentsup #sodomojo
October 6, 2025 at 7:50 PM
A few folks out here saying that last night the Mariners "won their first postseason game since 2001" (or even ever!?), somehow forgetting M's beating Toronto in 2022 WC series. If only there were a device + technology at hand to quickly check basic sports facts.
#SeaUsRise #tridentsup #sodomojo
#SeaUsRise #tridentsup #sodomojo
A federal court ruling this week gave more spice to this already complex question: Does the First Amendment protect noncitizens? Not a neat + tidy yes or no. This is one to watch for Supreme Court appeal. Background from me at @1stforall.bsky.social #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
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
October 3, 2025 at 4:53 PM
A federal court ruling this week gave more spice to this already complex question: Does the First Amendment protect noncitizens? Not a neat + tidy yes or no. This is one to watch for Supreme Court appeal. Background from me at @1stforall.bsky.social #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
News of late - Jimmy Kimmel, people fired for social posts re Charlie Kirk, etc - brought up lots of "censorship" claims. But what exactly is it (and is it not), and when does censorship violate the First Amendment? Here's a rundown #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/censorship-f...
www.freedomforum.org/censorship-f...
What Is Censorship — and Does the First Amendment Allow It?
The First Amendment generally limits government censorship, but these restrictions don't apply to private companies.
www.freedomforum.org
September 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
News of late - Jimmy Kimmel, people fired for social posts re Charlie Kirk, etc - brought up lots of "censorship" claims. But what exactly is it (and is it not), and when does censorship violate the First Amendment? Here's a rundown #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/censorship-f...
www.freedomforum.org/censorship-f...
CEO of Cascade PBS made $516K in 2023, which was $257K more than the next highest paid employee, according to IRS 990.
projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/o...
Anyway, support the laid off and hard-working public media journalists here ⬇️
projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/o...
Anyway, support the laid off and hard-working public media journalists here ⬇️
It’s difficult to find the words to express how our unit is feeling right now, but we’ll take a stab at it: shocked, disappointed, angry, gutted. @cascadepbs.bsky.social’s choice to eliminate long-form written reporting is a massive loss for our community in a critical moment. tinyurl.com/LayoffFund
Donate to Support Cascade PBS journalists after online newsroom axed, organized by Isabella Breda
On Monday, Sept. 22, Cascade PBS announced that it would be s… Isabella Breda needs your support for Support Cascade PBS journalists after online newsroom axed
tinyurl.com
September 25, 2025 at 7:58 PM
CEO of Cascade PBS made $516K in 2023, which was $257K more than the next highest paid employee, according to IRS 990.
projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/o...
Anyway, support the laid off and hard-working public media journalists here ⬇️
projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/o...
Anyway, support the laid off and hard-working public media journalists here ⬇️
Freedom Forum's annual First Amendment survey is out. Some findings:
- 25% can't name any 1A freedoms unaided
- 61% say they don’t speak freely, most cited reason is “fear of a violent response"
- ~50% say President Trump a "threat" to most 1A freedoms
MORE ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/2025-where-a...
- 25% can't name any 1A freedoms unaided
- 61% say they don’t speak freely, most cited reason is “fear of a violent response"
- ~50% say President Trump a "threat" to most 1A freedoms
MORE ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/2025-where-a...
Where America Stands on the First Amendment: Key Takeaways
Learn about Americans' opinions and experiences with the First Amendment in 2025, including hate speech, religion, and protests at colleges.
www.freedomforum.org
September 25, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Freedom Forum's annual First Amendment survey is out. Some findings:
- 25% can't name any 1A freedoms unaided
- 61% say they don’t speak freely, most cited reason is “fear of a violent response"
- ~50% say President Trump a "threat" to most 1A freedoms
MORE ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/2025-where-a...
- 25% can't name any 1A freedoms unaided
- 61% say they don’t speak freely, most cited reason is “fear of a violent response"
- ~50% say President Trump a "threat" to most 1A freedoms
MORE ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/2025-where-a...
Reposted by Scott A. Leadingham
60 home runs for Cal Raleigh. Incredible.
September 25, 2025 at 3:53 AM
60 home runs for Cal Raleigh. Incredible.