Media News Daily: Top Stories for 02/01/2026

Don Lemon Arrested Over Protest Coverage, Blasts Media for Caving to Trump

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents after covering a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators targeted a pastor allegedly linked to ICE. Lemon, now an independent journalist, insists he was present in a press capacity. Speaking on The Don Lemon Show, he criticized corporate media for “bending the knee” to Trump and called on networks like CNN and CBS to resist ownership interference. Charged under the FACE Act, Lemon and others face criticism from press freedom advocates, while the White House has supported the arrests. CNN condemned the move, defending Lemon’s First Amendment rights. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

Prediction Markets Fuel Misinformation on Social Media

Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, once niche prediction markets, are now major misinformation vectors, spreading unverified political and global news through viral posts on X. Despite claiming regulatory oversight and responsible operations, both platforms have posted false claims, from misattributed quotes to exaggerated geopolitical scenarios. Kalshi is regulated by the CFTC, while Polymarket operates beyond U.S. oversight, complicating accountability. Critics warn these platforms, driven by engagement metrics, pose growing risks by acting as pseudo-news sources without journalistic standards. (Read More) (Axios Rating)

Amazon Faces Scrutiny for $35M Push Behind Melania Trump Documentary

Amazon is under fire for a massive $35 million promotional campaign for Melania: Twenty Days to History, a documentary produced by First Lady Melania Trump. Critics argue the deal, which followed a Mar-a-Lago dinner between Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump, amounts to political influence-buying. Despite its expensive rollout, including NFL ads and subway billboards, the film has struggled to sell tickets. Reports suggest conservative groups are buying out screenings to avoid the optics of empty theaters. Directed by Brett Ratner, the film is drawing skepticism for its authenticity and motives. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)