Press-Freedom Crackdown (Philippines): The NUJP and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security backed former SunStar Cebu editor Marchel Espina after she surrendered over “unjust vexation” charges tied to an opinion piece, with bail posted and critics warning of a chilling effect on journalism. Social Media Accountability (Australia): Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan announced “demasking” powers that could force platforms to identify anonymous accounts accused of online vilification, alongside easier pathways for families to sue over child psychiatric harm. US Visa Tightening (Global News): DHS moved to shorten foreign journalist visas to 240 days, with Chinese reporters limited to 90, replacing the older “duration of status” approach and raising fresh press-freedom concerns. Israel Media Overhaul (Middle East): Israel’s Knesset passed a sweeping broadcast reform giving the government more influence over ratings and state advertising, while critics warn it could weaken media independence ahead of an October election. EU Rule-of-Law Warning: The European Federation of Journalists says the EU’s 2026 rule-of-law report understates the decline in press freedom and calls for stronger action. Meta Outage: Facebook and Instagram users reported widespread login and access problems, with DownDetector tracking issues. Nigeria Data Protection Fight: SERAP urged Nigeria’s Senate leadership to withdraw a bill it says is a disguised attempt to regulate and shut down social media platforms. Journalist Safety (Bangladesh): TIB condemned a shooting targeting journalists in Khulna as an attack on press freedom. Local Media Industry (Caribbean): St. Kitts and Nevis’ Media Association held its first executive meeting after biennial elections, setting priorities for training, ethics, and public awareness. Sports Media Professionalism (Nigeria): SWAN president Benjamin Isaiah outlined plans to rebuild the association and push professionalism, unity, and better welfare for sports journalists.