Media News Daily: Top Stories for 01/27/2026

WSJ Editorial Slams Trump Administration’s Account of Alex Pretti Shooting

The Wall Street Journal editorial board has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s version of events surrounding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by immigration agents in Minneapolis. The editorial disputes federal claims that Pretti, labeled a “domestic terrorist” by Stephen Miller, posed a lethal threat. The paper states video evidence shows Pretti was attempting to help a woman pepper-sprayed by ICE agents when he was tackled, disarmed, and then fatally shot. The Journal condemned the administration’s rhetoric, particularly from Miller and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, calling their narrative “spin” and a “moral and political debacle.” (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

USA TODAY Co. to Acquire The Detroit News, Reshaping Local Media Landscape

USA TODAY Co. has announced its intent to acquire The Detroit News in a deal partially backed by Apollo Global Management, marking a significant expansion of its local news portfolio. This acquisition, expected to close by the end of January 2026, follows the end of the joint operating agreement between The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press. USA TODAY Co. will keep both publications separate, offering jobs to Detroit News staff and aiming to preserve editorial independence. (Read More) (Associated Press)

Carpenter Media’s Expansion Spurs Fears Over Local Journalism Integrity

A deep investigative piece from the Columbia Journalism Review exposes the rapid, troubling growth of Carpenter Media Group, now the fourth-largest newspaper owner in North America. Based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the company has acquired over 250 outlets, often slashing staff and altering editorial content under financial and political pressure. The report details multiple incidents, such as the censorship of a reporter’s coverage of a Charlie Kirk memorial in Alaska and staff resignations across Alaska and Oregon, that raise concerns about press freedom, community trust, and aggressive cost-cutting. (Read More) (Columbia Journalism Review)