"Defanging the Free Press"

Mississippi Today, a nonprofit news group, is in a legal fight with former Governor Phil Bryant. He wants their private notes and sources from an investigation that won an award. This investigation showed that $77 million meant to help poor people in Mississippi was misused.

Bryant filed a defamation lawsuit in July 2023. He says the reporting hurt his reputation, but he does not say it is false. He wants all the materials from the investigation.

The lawsuit is costing Mississippi Today a lot of money and time. Editor-in-chief Adam Ganucheau and reporter Anna Wolfe are also being sued. This seems to be an attempt to stop them from reporting more about the scandal.

A judge told Mississippi Today to give Bryant the documents. The newsroom asked the state Supreme Court to stop this, saying it breaks their rights and that they need to protect their sources.

The Supreme Court includes judges who were chosen by Bryant, so the decision is uncertain. If the court rules against Mississippi Today, the newsroom could face big fines, jail time for staff, or even be forced to pay Bryant.

This case is important for press freedom in Mississippi and the whole country. It could make it harder for journalists to do their jobs and keep the government honest. Protecting journalists' rights is crucial for a free press and a transparent government.