Media News Daily: Top Stories for 08/17/2026

Press Group Condemns Handcuffing of New Orleans Journalist

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press criticized the handcuffing of WWL Louisiana investigative producer Danny Monteverde and outlet lawyer Elana Beiser while they objected to the closure of a New Orleans courtroom. The incident occurred during proceedings tied to an indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a case that was later dismissed. RCFP attorney Virginia Hamrick said detaining journalists and counsel for asserting access rights sends a chilling message to the press and public. The group urged the courthouse to properly consider objections before closing proceedings and offered training on access to judicial proceedings. (Read More) (Guardian Rating)

Axios Partners With OpenAI on Local Journalism

Axios has entered a three-year partnership with OpenAI to support 13 local newsletters and give Axios staff access to OpenAI’s content-generating tools. Under the agreement, OpenAI will receive access to Axios content for ChatGPT training. Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei framed the deal as a way to automate business and production functions around local journalism while preserving reporting itself. Critics have raised concerns about conflicts of interest, given Axios’ coverage of OpenAI and the broader tech industry, as well as the pressure on newsroom staff to adopt AI tools. (Read More) (Mediapost Rating)

French Court Strikes Down Child Social Media Ban

France’s Constitutional Council blocked a proposed ban on social media access for children under 15, ruling that the measure infringed on freedom of expression. The decision comes amid a broader global push to restrict children’s access to social media platforms over safety and mental health concerns. President Emmanuel Macron has asked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to prepare a revised draft that addresses the council’s objections while continuing efforts to regulate youth access to social platforms. (Read More) (Mediapost Rating)