Introducing a new news literacy group
Today’s media landscape is increasingly difficult to navigate. It’s challenging to distinguish news from opinion, or truth from falsehood, or to spot outright propaganda. It’s the same for political coverage, science, the environment or medicine. Many legacy media outlets are no better than social media. All of that has led to deep divisions in our society, and a growing distrust of all media and of each other.
Gallup reports that only 28% of U.S. adults have “a great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in the media. Pew Research found majorities in both parties say Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on basic facts. Pew Research Center notes, “Among this group, 67% say a major reason is that partisan voters are interpreting the same information differently. And 53% say a major reason is that Republican and Democratic voters are getting different information altogether.”
It’s enough to make one want to just give up. But a vibrant, functioning democracy requires all of us to be well-informed and engaged in the process. How do we bridge these gaps? If we do not agree on basic facts, how can we have productive conversations and make meaningful decisions?
Fortunately, there is a new local nonprofit project tackling those issues. Citizens from a variety of professions and viewpoints have formed the News Literate Community Initiative (NLCI), which is fiscally sponsored by AHA Projects, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is my honor to serve as NLCI’s organizing chair. We invite you to join us.
To learn more and help us design strategies to fight “truth decay” contact me at Jody@nlcwashoe.org.
Jody Baden
Reno
Symptoms of fascism
Regarding “The Trump administration has declared all-out war on the First Amendment”: Donald Trump’s lawsuit against CBS over the Kamala Harris interview. Trump pulled funding from NPR and PBS. Trump may have had Stephen Colbert cancelled (as of May 2026). Trump and Brendan Carr tried to have Jimmy Kimmel cancelled. Trump called for the cancellation of Seth Meyers. Trump called for the cancellation of Jimmy Fallon. Trump stated he wanted the licenses revoked for any network that says something bad about him (on Air Force One coming back from United Kingdom, as reported by the BBC and CBS). Trump and Pete Hegseth implemented a new rule: News media with Pentagon press credentials can’t publish Pentagon news without prior approval.
This is an all-out war against the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment carried out by those who want America to have a fascist government.
Keep in mind that there are GOP senators and congresspeople that are horrified by this behavior, too.
Steve Cooper
Via Renonr.com
Mining must adhere to environmental requirements
Regarding “Opponents say new mining-permit process is shutting out the public”: This is outrageous! This mining project mustn’t be exempted from due National Environmental Policy Act requirements regarding its effects upon the natural ecosystem, plant and animal species, and our own human lives!
Craig Downer
Via Renonr.com
Warm wishes to the LGBTQ+ bar in progress
Regarding “All-inclusive: Emerson owner Tyler Colton is opening The Selden, a new LGBTQ+ bar, in Midtown”: My husband and I wish Tyler only the best. Our community needs a place to enjoy ourselves.
Terry Foster
Via Renonr.com