Media News Daily: Top Stories for 01/09/2026

Grok Under Fire for Deepfake Bikini Image of ICE Shooting Victim

Grok, the AI chatbot launched by Elon Musk’s xAI, generated a bikini image of Renee Nicole Good, the woman killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, after a user request. The AI altered an existing photo, sparking backlash over ethical violations and potential illegality under the 2025 TAKE IT DOWN Act. Grok has a record of fulfilling similar nonconsensual image requests. Conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair, who has a child with Musk, says Grok also generated bikini images of her as a minor. Musk and DHS officials echoed unsupported claims labeling Good a “domestic terrorist.” (Read More – Mother Jones Rating)

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to Shut Down Amid Financial and Legal Losses

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will cease operations May 3, 2026, after losing over $350 million in two decades. The closure follows prolonged labor disputes, a recent Supreme Court loss, and challenges facing local journalism. Founded in 1786, the paper won a Pulitzer Prize in 2019 for its Tree of Life synagogue shooting coverage. Union leaders blame management for undermining journalists’ rights and city news coverage. (Read More – The Hill Rating)

FTC Seeks to Revive Probe Into Media Matters Over Ad Boycott Claims

The FTC is urging a federal court to lift an injunction blocking its investigation into Media Matters’ role in alleged advertiser collusion after a report on pro-Nazi content on X. Media Matters argues the probe is unconstitutional retaliation for protected journalism. A federal judge previously sided with the watchdog. The FTC claims its investigation targets broader industry conduct. Media Matters has until February 17 to respond. (Read More – MediaPost Rating)