Press Freedom & Accountability: A Kansas town agreed to pay $850,000 to a former reporter over a 2023 police raid on a weekly newspaper’s offices, a case that sparked national debate about newsroom access and search protections. Regulators & Broadcast Standards: The UK’s Ofcom fined Radio Caroline after it mistakenly aired prerecorded announcements about King Charles III’s death, ruling the “computer error” was actually human mishandling. Industry Accountability: The NABJ handed out its “Thumbs Down” awards to Stephen A. Smith, FCC Chair Brendan Carr, CBS and The Washington Post, framing it as a push for systems-level change. Media Under Pressure: Burkina Faso began mandatory military-style “patriotism” training for journalists, while Afghanistan’s fifth-year Taliban crackdown continues to drive censorship and self-censorship. Digital Life & Kids: Philippines President Marcos warned social media and AI-driven disinformation are distorting realities for children, even as he backs digital literacy and cybersecurity. Media in Public Life: Delta State commissioned Nigeria’s first radio station owned by an Asaba indigene, positioning radio as a civic and governance tool. Social Platforms & Conduct: Hong Kong police launched an internal probe into an officer’s viral uniform dance clip, citing conduct rules and the force’s public image.