Media News Daily: Top Stories for 05/27/2026

U.S. Journalist Charged as Alleged Chinese Agent

American journalist and author Thomas Weir Pauken II has been charged with acting as an agent for the Chinese government, according to federal court documents. Prosecutors allege Pauken worked for individuals tied to China’s Ministry of State Security for years, gathering information, cultivating sources, and facilitating communications related to U.S. government affairs. Investigators say Pauken was paid roughly $100,000 for reports shared with Chinese officials, while the FBI later attempted to use him as a double agent after uncovering the alleged operation. Read More (The Hill Rating)

Court Dismisses Defamation Suit Against Public Radio Station

A Missouri appeals court dismissed a defamation lawsuit against St. Louis Public Radio and the University of Missouri, ruling the university is protected by sovereign immunity as a state entity. Former station manager Tim Eby had accused the station of repeating defamatory accusations related to allegations of racism and financial mismanagement after his removal in 2020. The court ruled that sovereign immunity shields the university from liability, though the opinion does not prevent lawsuits against individual authors of the disputed articles. Read More (Reason Rating)

SPLC Calls Federal Indictment ‘Vindictive Prosecution’

The Southern Poverty Law Center is seeking dismissal of a federal indictment accusing the nonprofit of wire fraud and bank fraud tied to payments made to confidential informants infiltrating hate groups. The SPLC argues the prosecution is politically motivated and stems from hostility by Trump administration officials toward the organization’s advocacy work and public speech. The Justice Department alleges the nonprofit misled donors and financial institutions regarding how funds were used. Read More (AP News Rating)