The power of independent journalism: From her Brooklyn apartment, she ‘scooped’ the nation’s media – WTOP News

First word of the Trump administration’s since-rescinded order to freeze spending on federal loans and grants came not from a…

First word of the Trump administration’s since-rescinded order to freeze spending on federal loans and grants came not from a major news organization, but from a woman working alone in her Brooklyn apartment.

Marisa Kabas’ scoop this past week was a key moment for a growing cadre of journalists who work independently to gather and analyze news and market themselves as brands. Many are refugees from legacy outlets while others are scrappy newcomers like Kabas, who found traditional career paths unappealing or out of reach.

“This week has been career-changing,” Kabas said in an interview. “In a sense, my job has changed overnight.”

She was sitting at her kitchen table last Monday, sifting through emails on her laptop, when a source forwarded her a copy of a memo announcing the freeze sent by the Office of Management and Budget’s acting director. Kabas has her own website, the Handbasket, but to give the story wider visibility, she posted a screen shot of the memo on the social media site Bluesky.

Then she waited.

Her stomach was in knots. She calmed herself with a walk on a frigid night. Despite her belief in independent journalism — and her own work — she recognized that to many, news only becomes “real” when it appears in a major outlet. Three hours later, The Washington Post published its story, with a hat-tip to Kabas.

The directive caused such an uproar that the administration walked back its order two days later.

Kabas, 37, kicked around in various journalism and publicist jobs and freelanced for outlets like MSNBC.com, the Huffington Post and New Republic. She started her website in 2022 primarily for personal writing and decided to go “all in” with journalism the next year.

The advantage to going it alone is that “I get to write about things that I care about,” she said. “I don’t have to work on assignments that are given to me that I don’t care about.” The down side is she’s all alone, dependent upon her own hustle.

Kabas wrote on ex-congressman George Santos, the raid on a weekly newspaper in Kansas and Elon Musk, although much of her writing was essays instead of reported work.

Like many in the independent journalism world, she doesn’t hide her opinions. She wrote that the OMB memo was “a truly unhinged document that sounds like it was written by the world’s most petty 4Chan poster.”

“She’s got attitude, she’s got personality,” said Greg Munno, a journalism professor at Syracuse University. “I think attitude and personality help these independent journalists connect with readers and potentially sources.”

A wide variety of independent journalists have made their mark, often working on publishing platforms like Substack and Beehiiv.

Seamus Hughes’ Court Watch pulls together interesting legal documents from around the country. Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters From an American explores the intersection of history and today’s politics. Peter Geoghegan’s Democracy for Sale investigates money in politics.

Casey Newton, a former editor at The Verge, looks at the tech world on Platformer, and this past week urged people worried about the A.I. company DeepSeek to take “a few long, deep breaths.” Molly Knight’s The Long Game writes smartly about sports and even admits to her clunkers, like recently revisiting her prediction that the Texas Rangers would repeat as American League champions.

Oliver Darcy left CNN to break news and offer commentary about the media on his own site, Status. Two former Washington Post journalists have set up their own shops: opinion writer Jennifer Rubin’s site, The Contrarian, boasts the tagline “Not owned by anybody,” and tech writer Taylor Lorenz’s User Mag broke its own news last week on conservative influencer Candace Owens’ new venture.

Days ago, CNN anchor Jim Acosta announced he was setting up shop at Substack after quitting the network rather than accept a transfer to a middle-of-the-night time slot.

“Independent journalism is now the way forward,” Dan Rather, the former CBS News anchor and perhaps quintessential old-school journalist, posted on Facebook Thursday. “Sadly, we can no longer rely on legacy media to hold the powerful accountable.”

Expand the definition of independent journalist more broadly, and you can include the exploding world of podcasts, many of which played a key role in the presidential election, and TikTok or YouTube influencers who comment on the news.

The more that traditional news outlets shrink or die, “something is going to fill that gap,” said Jeremy Littau, a Lehigh University journalism professor. “There is going to be a need for it.”

It’s exciting for those who seek variety and new voices, particularly with legacy media lagging in public esteem. The danger comes in figuring out who to trust in a world where a single person often performs the role of reporter, editor, sales person and business manager.

That’s particularly important with breaking news, Littau said. Who is out there cutting corners, or repackaging things they see online without the standards that a traditional news organization imposes?

Munno is skeptical about how much support there is in the marketplace.

“I don’t think the consumer’s appetite for news is high enough to support a really deep pool of independent journalists that would be able to create an audience and make a living,” he said.

Kabas cobbled together what she considered a typical journalist’s living — translation: modest — before this past week. Her earnings through the Handbasket come through subscribers who pay $8 a month or $80 annually. This week alone, she jumped from 800 paid subscribers to about 1,500.

Her scoop is making her rethink the purpose of her work, that now the pressing need is to report deeply on how the country is changing as the result of its new government. She’s even thinking of hiring another reporter to help.

“I’ve gone from very much taking my time, sitting with my thoughts and writing from a personal perspective to being a breaking news reporter,” Kabas said. “They are very different skills.”

David Bauder writes about the intersection of media and entertainment for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.

Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Reese Witherspoon Sets the Record Straight About Kate Winslet Feud Rumors – E! Online

Witherspoon is debunking a feud rumor about the two that had recently emerged on social media after she shared that a “very serious, proper actress,” stopped speaking to her after she had roasted the person at a British award ceremony.

“Hey guys…just spoke to my very dear friend for years, Kate W,” the You’re Cordially Invited star wrote on her Instagram Stories Feb. 1. “We laughed about this stupidity. Please do not believe the internet. We are good friends and have never had any falling out.”

In another post, Witherspoon responded to a news article titled, “Fans Think Reese Witherspoon *Roasted* Kate Winslet After Unearthing Hilarious 2007 BAFTA Speech.”

“This is so completely UNTRUE,” wrote the fellow Oscar winner, who had given a speech about the Titanic alum before introducing her as the British Artist of the Year at the 2007 BAFTA/LA Cunard Britannia Awards, “so silly!”

Sean “Diddy” Combs Hospitalized While Awaiting Sex Trafficking Trial – E! Online

Watch: Sean “Diddy” Combs Denies His Former Girlfriends Were Prostitutes

Sean “Diddy” Combs reportedly underwent treatment in a hospital as he continues to await trial on sex trafficking charges.

The 55-year-old was transported from Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the federal prison where was sent following his September arrest, late Jan. 30 to undergo an MRI and was then soon returned to police custody later that night, Page Six reported. The outlet cited a source as saying that the medical scan was authorized because his “knee was bothering him.”

TMZ cited sources with direct knowledge as saying Combs was taken to a Brooklyn hospital from the Metropolitan Detention Center that day after experiencing pain with his knee.

E! News has reached out to reps for Combs and the Federal Bureau of Prisons for comment and has not heard back.

The Grammy winner’s attorney Marc Agnifilo told TMZ, “I cannot comment on anything related to prisoner movements. Also, I’m not commenting on anything related to possible medical issues.”

Redefining Urban Safety with Game-Changing Gadgets

It’s a jungle out there—whether you’re in the heart of the city or the peaceful suburbs, personal safety concerns have become an everyday reality. But fear not; the cavalry has arrived, wafting in on the wings of technological innovation. Urban safety gadgets are taking the spotlight, promising not just peace of mind but a proactive stance against crime.

Picture this: You’re walking home from a late-night shift, the streets eerily silent under the dim glow of streetlights. Suddenly, a shadow looms—what do you do? Thanks to the new wave of safety gadgets, you’re not alone. From smart keychains that discreetly summon help to wearable cameras that capture every detail, technology is redefining how we stay safe in urban environments.

Let’s take a closer look at these game-changers. Consider the personal alarm—no longer a mere whistle in the darkness, today’s versions are mini marvels of engineering. They emit ear-piercing sounds that would send even the boldest of troublemakers scurrying back into the shadows. And then there’s the smart pepper spray, synced to your phone and ready to alert emergency contacts the moment it’s deployed.

These gadgets aren’t just about defense; they empower. They turn passive individuals into vigilant architects of their safety. Imagine wearing a ring that doubles as a GPS tracker—one twist and your location is shared with trusted contacts. Or having a smart bracelet that detects falls and alerts emergency services, bridging the gap between accident and aid with seamless efficiency.

But technology’s role in safety isn’t just about gadgets—it’s about creating a culture of awareness. With apps that map crime hotspots via real-time data, our phones become our sentinels, informing us of potential risks and guiding safer choices. In an era where information is power, these tools ensure we’re not navigating blindly.

As these innovations take the reins, they’re also breaking down barriers. Many of these gadgets are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring everyone, regardless of physical ability, can wield their power. Whether it’s through voice activation or intuitive interfaces, personal safety is becoming universally attainable.

Yet, with great power comes a need for responsibility. The rise of urban safety gadgets doesn’t absolve us of vigilance but enhances it. Just as a seasoned runner knows the terrain, so too must we understand how to integrate these tools into our lives effectively—ensuring they complement rather than replace our instincts and awareness.

So, as you step out into the world, remember: Technology is your ally, not just a shield but a beacon guiding you towards safer pastures. Equip yourself with these innovations, and take control, ensuring that you’re not just a part of the city’s heartbeat but its guardian.

Build Emotional Resilience Through Sweat and Serenity

It’s no secret that tough times call for tough minds—strength in the face of adversity isn’t just desirable, it’s essential. But here’s the kicker: building emotional resilience isn’t a mystery or some mystical trait you’re born with. It’s a skill set, honed and sharpened by the sweat you pour into every workout and the mindful practices you embrace daily.

The link between physical prowess and mental fortitude is undeniable. Just as lifting weights builds muscle, deliberate actions fortify your emotional resilience. Studies consistently show that regular physical activity not only boosts physical health but significantly enhances mental well-being—diminishing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and bolstering your mood.

So, where to begin? The first step is the hardest: lace up those trainers and hit the ground—literally. Whether you’re pounding the pavement during a vigorous run or pushing through reps in the gym, you’re not just sculpting your physique, but molding your mental armor. The discipline you cultivate in fitness translates into perseverance in life’s trials.

Beyond the gym, mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga stand as your allies. These aren’t just trendy buzzwords; they’re transformative tools that channel mental clarity and foster stress resilience. Imagine each inhale as a conductor of calmness, each exhale releasing tension. By integrating these into your routine, you amplify awareness and emotional regulation.

The societal script often pressures us to mold ourselves into predefined roles, sometimes to the detriment of our psychological health. Breaking these molds isn’t just revolutionary—it’s liberating. Shed the confines of traditional expectations, and let your fitness journey be not just a physical transformation, but a mental awakening.

In the grand tapestry of your well-being, every act of self-care is a thread weaving through your emotional resilience. Picture the pride of achieving a new personal best in the gym, the serenity found in a moment of meditation, the satisfaction of a nourishing meal—these are not mere activities but catalysts for change.

Remember, emotional resilience isn’t about dodging the punches life throws but learning to roll with them, coming out stronger on the other side. Turn to your fitness routine not just as a means to an aesthetic end but as a crucible for becoming the most resilient version of yourself. The path to emotional toughness is paved with dedication, and each step forward is a victory.

So, gear up—embrace the burn, the balance, and the breath. Your journey to emotional resilience starts now, and it’s as transformative as any physical feat you’ve ever aspired to conquer. Let’s get after it.

From Bars to Bravery: Overcome Mental Hurdles

**Breaking Free: Conquering Mental Health Hurdles After Incarceration**

Life post-incarceration isn’t merely a new chapter—it’s a metamorphosis. The transition from prison to freedom can feel like stepping onto a tightrope, with mental health challenges lurking like a dense fog. Yet, triumphing over these hurdles is not just feasible; it’s imperative for a fulfilling reintegration into society.

Every released individual carries a unique tapestry of experiences—yet many share a common thread of grappling with mental health. Anxiety, depression, and the daunting specter of substance misuse can cast long shadows. The critical question arises: How does one navigate this tumultuous terrain?

**1. Embrace Support Networks**

Imagine your release as embarking on a road trip across unfamiliar terrain—support networks become your GPS. Friends, family, therapists, and community organizations are your co-pilots, providing guidance and encouragement. Turning Point and similar organizations offer a lighthouse in the storm, helping to navigate the complex waves of post-release life.

**2. Set Goals and Take Action**

Goal-setting post-release turns dreams into tangible milestones. Crafting a step-by-step action plan inspires momentum. Whether it’s securing employment or pursuing education, these goals channel your inner drive. Each achievement, no matter how small, fuels confidence and propels you forward—brick by brick, building a sturdy foundation for your future.

**3. Prioritize Mental Health**

Mental wellness is the bedrock of a successful reintegration. Prioritize it just as fiercely as securing a job or finding housing. Therapy and counseling sessions aren’t just appointments on a calendar—they’re lifelines. Engaging with mental health professionals turns the abstract battle into a manageable adversary, equipping you with the tools to counter anxiety and depression.

**4. Cultivate Resilience and Grit**

Life outside the prison walls is an adventure best navigated with resilience. Embrace setbacks as teachable moments and lean into the grit that carried you through incarceration. Like a marathon runner pushing through the final miles, your endurance and tenacity foster a mental fortitude that helps light the path ahead.

Life post-incarceration is no solitary journey—it’s an odyssey. Triumph over mental health hurdles with courage and determination, and watch as the fog dissipates, revealing a horizon brimming with potential. Take the reins of this new chapter, and transform challenges into stepping stones towards an empowered future.

8 Surprising Benefits of Walking for Health

Looking for a versatile exercise that gears up your health without the need for fancy equipment? Look no further—walking is your go-to fitness hack. Often overlooked as a mere leisurely activity, walking is a powerhouse workout crammed with benefits—both for the body and the mind.

Boosts Mental Clarity

When your feet hit the pavement, your brain leaps into action. Walking increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain—sharpening focus like a freshly honed blade.

Enhances Mood

Forget the blues—with every step, walking orchestrates a symphony of endorphins, reducing stress and lifting your spirits into the stratosphere.

Supports Weight Loss

Kiss stubborn pounds goodbye. By integrating calorie burning into your daily routine, walking becomes a subtle powerhouse for weight loss without the sweat-soaked guilt of a gym session.

Strengthens Muscles

From calves to glutes, walking puts your lower body under the microscope—engaging and toning muscles while forging a stronger you.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

With every rhythmic stride, your heart gears up for greater endurance—lowering risks of heart disease and keeping those tickers ticking longer.

Reduces Joint Pain

No need to break a sweat over joint pain. This low-impact exercise lubricates joints, eases discomfort, and strengthens the muscles that support them.

Promotes Creativity

Feel the creative juices flow. Walking frees your mind, with fresh air and changing sights sparking innovative ideas and new perspectives.

Enhances Flexibility and Balance

Walking isn’t just about movement—it’s about stability. Strengthening lower body endurance and core balance, it becomes your silent partner in preventing falls.

So, lace up those trainers and step out—because walking is more than just movement; it’s the foundation of a healthier, happier you.

7 Moves to Energize Your Desk-Bound Day

If you’re feeling like you’re glued to your chair, it’s time to break free and breathe new life into your day. The modern lifestyle often culminates in long hours at a desk—rigidly staring at screens—which turns energy levels to dust. Let’s bust that cycle with bite-sized movements designed to inject vitality and vigor into your routine.

Desk Jockey Jumps

Every hour, leap from your chair and unleash a swift round of 10 jumping jacks. Feel your blood surge and your spirit lift—an easy energizer that works wonders.

The Stairway to Fitness

Next time you find yourself contemplating the elevator, opt for the stairs instead. Every step engages your lower body and sets your heart on a rhythmic path to endurance.

Quick Stretch Reboot

Long meetings sapping your energy? Disrupt that monotony with stretch breaks. Reach high, bend low, swing those limbs—rejuvenate while staying limber and lively.

Lunchtime Lunges

Step out during your break and indulge in a quick lunge-walk. It’s a rejuvenating sojourn that clears your mind, charges your vigor, and keeps those muscles in motion.

Water Cooler Walks

Turn your hydration habit into a health hack. Each time you fetch water, extend your route—a brisk stroll that revives mental clarity and fends off sluggishness.

Core Engaging Sit-Ups

Use your downtime wisely—those moments in front of the TV are perfect for sneaking in sit-ups. Strengthening your core and boosting your energy—two birds, one stone.

Dance Party Breaks

When the midday slump strikes, strike back with a dance party. Blast your favorite tunes and move with abandon—let the rhythm electrify your mood.

These simple moves are your gateway to breaking free from sedentary shackles. Infuse them into your day to keep lethargy at bay and let dynamism rule your routine. Remember, every small movement counts in the grand dance of staying active. So lace up—get moving—and watch your vitality soar.

7 Energizing Workouts for a Productive Lunch Break

Transform Your Lunch Break: Workouts to Boost Productivity and Health

When the clock strikes noon, it’s time to transform your lunch break into a power-packed fitness session that catapults you into the afternoon with zest and zeal. Gone are the days of lethargic lunch hours—gear up to revitalize your body and mind with these dynamic workouts that fit seamlessly into your schedule.

Quick HIIT Session: Don’t let your lunch break go by without breaking a sweat. A 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session is your ticket to ramp up your heart rate. Torch calories and elevate your energy levels with short bursts of vigorous exercise paired with brief resting intervals. Whether it’s jumping jacks, burpees, or mountain climbers—ignite your metabolism and tackle the afternoon with newfound vigor.

Deskercise Routine: Who says you can’t exercise at your desk? Turn your workspace into a mini gym with simple exercises like chair dips and seated leg raises. These discreet moves keep your muscles from turning into stone and combat the dreaded desk-job stiffness. It’s a game-changer that turns ordinary office furniture into fitness equipment.

Lunchtime Yoga: Unroll your mat and dive into a 20-minute yoga routine that centers on breathing and stretching. This tranquil practice calms your mind, soothes tense muscles, and leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the rest of the day. Channel your inner yogi and let the peaceful flow of movement and breath transform stress into pure zen.

Outdoor Walk: Step out into the sun and take a brisk walk to soak in fresh air and scenic views. Walking outdoors isn’t just about the physical benefits—it’s a mental reset button that sparks creativity and refuels your focus. Embrace the natural world, clear your mind, and return to your tasks with a renewed sense of purpose.

Stair Climbing: Elevate your break literally by hitting the stairs. Climbing steps not only engages your leg muscles but also gives your cardiovascular system a mini workout. Swap the elevator for this old-school workout to inject life into your day and revitalize your spirits without setting foot in the gym.

Resistance Band Workout: Compact and versatile, resistance bands are perfect for a strength training session during your break. From bicep curls to shoulder presses, these bands add resistance to your moves, helping you build strength without needing a full weight set. Sculpt and tone your body in a low-impact, efficient manner.

Mindful Breathing: In the midst of all the hustle, don’t forget to breathe. Engage in mindful breathing exercises for a few minutes to reduce stress levels and enhance mental clarity. It’s a simple, powerful way to reset—clearing the clutter in your mind and paving the way for clear, focused thought.

With these vibrant workouts, your lunch break becomes a sanctuary of health and productivity. Transform it into your secret weapon—a time to rise, move, and conquer the day with confidence and energy.

Beyoncé Announces ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour Dates

Beyoncé is taking Cowboy Carter on the road. On Sunday, hours before the Grammys, the singer announced that she’ll be heading on the road to celebrate her highly-acclaimed country foray.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter served as a celebration of country music’s Black roots, which heard the singer tapping country acts such as Dolly Parton, Willie Jones, and Shaboozey across the LP. It also featured appearances from Post Malone and Miley Cyrus while also paying tribute to country stars of the past, like Willie Nelson and Linda Martell, a pioneering Black woman country singer.

Malone and Shaboozey — as well as “Blackbiird” featured singers Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts — appeared alongside Beyoncé during her NFL Christmas Gameday halftime performance. The show marked the first-ever live performances of songs from Cowboy Carter. Her set list included “16 Carriages,” “Blackbiird,” “Ya Ya,” “Spaghetti,” “Riiverdance,” “Sweet Honey Buckiin’,” “Levii’s Jeans,” “Jolene,” and more.

Following the Dec. 25 performance in Houston, Beyoncé shared an Instagram post captioned: “Look at that horse.” The post featured a video of the musician on the back of a white horse, waving an American flag around before having it completely disappear behind the stallion. The date “1.14.25” flashed in red at the end of the clip. The announcement of an announcement sent fans scrambling into speculations about what could be coming, though many took Live Nation sharing the post to mean that tour dates were imminent; the announcement was ultimately postponed due to the Los Angeles wildfires.

Among the accomplishments of Cowboy Carter was Beyoncé becoming the first Black woman artist to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in the modern history of country music, thanks to her country debut “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Beyoncé also made history with Cowboy Carter as she became the first Black woman to ever top Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The LP debuted as the Number One album on the Billboard 200.

Beyoncé wrapped her Renaissance world tour in early October 2023 after touring across the United States and Europe and performing 56 shows across six months. She followed the tour by releasing Renaissance: a Film by Beyoncé. The film has yet to be released on digital or streaming.

“It’s a glorious three-hour tour of the Queen in all her creative splendor, on her record-setting Renaissance World Tour from this past summer. The movie would be a blast if it were merely a jubilant live performance, but it’s also a documentary of a year in Bey’s life,” read a review by Rolling Stone’s Rob Sheffield.