Media News Daily: Top Stories for 02/06/2026

Press Groups Warn Trump Administration Crackdown on Journalists’ Sources Is “Chilling”

Press freedom organizations are condemning the Trump administration after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly stated that a journalist was “down another source” following the identification of an alleged government leaker. Media advocates argue the administration’s actions, along with the Justice Department’s rollback of Biden-era limits on subpoenaing journalists, are designed to suppress scrutiny rather than protect national security. Groups including the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press warn that targeting sources undermines investigative journalism, weakens accountability, and chills the free flow of information. (Read More) (Axios Rating)

DOJ and States Appeal Google Search Antitrust Remedy

The Department of Justice and 38 states have appealed a federal court order setting remedies after a judge ruled Google illegally monopolized the search market. While the ruling restricts some exclusive contracts and requires limited data sharing with competitors, it allows Google to retain ownership of Chrome and Android and continue paying partners for default search placement. Critics, including Yelp, argue the measures are too modest to restore competition, prompting regulators to seek tougher penalties to address Google’s dominance in search and search advertising. (Read More) (Mediapost Rating)

CIA to End Publication of the World Factbook After Six Decades

The CIA announced it will discontinue the CIA World Factbook, ending a reference publication that has been in use for more than 60 years. First launched in 1962 and later made available to the public, the Factbook became a widely used resource for journalists, researchers, and students worldwide. The decision follows broader staffing cuts and cost-saving measures early in Trump’s second term, with CIA leadership citing a focus on core agency missions. The agency has not provided a detailed explanation for the move. (Read More) (AP News Rating)