Media News Daily: Top Stories for 01/25/2026

Pentagon Contractor Indicted for Leaking Classified Info to Washington Post Reporter

Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, a 61-year-old Pentagon contractor, has been indicted on six federal charges for leaking classified defense information to a journalist at The Washington Post, reportedly contributing to five published articles. He faces five counts of unlawfully transmitting and one count of unlawfully retaining national defense information. Federal agents recently searched the home of reporter Natanson, seizing multiple electronic devices. The Washington Post has denounced the seizure as “outrageous,” while press freedom advocates warn this DOJ action signals an aggressive shift with possible First Amendment implications. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

White House Faces Criticism Over Altered Photo of Minnesota Protester

The White House called an altered image of Minnesota protester Nekima Levy Armstrong a “meme” after a version of her arrest photo was modified to show her crying, despite original footage depicting her calm demeanor. The move, posted online by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and later reshared in modified form by a White House spokesperson, drew backlash from Armstrong’s attorney, who called it “a hallmark of a fascist regime.” Armstrong was arrested for allegedly helping organize a protest that interrupted a church service and accused a pastor of ICE ties. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

NewsGuard Fights FTC Over Confidential Data Demand, Cites First Amendment

News reliability rating firm NewsGuard is challenging a sweeping demand by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for client information and internal documents. In a petition, NewsGuard claims the FTC’s demand constitutes unconstitutional retaliation for its journalistic work, which the company says is protected under the First Amendment. NewsGuard accuses FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson of ideological bias, citing past statements critical of the company. The FTC’s demand follows a recent order prohibiting media buyer Omnicom from using NewsGuard’s ratings when evaluating news sources. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)