Scott A. Leadingham
@scottleadingham.bsky.social
Writing about First Amendment/press/speech/religion issues. Public media type, news person, proud Washingtonian, Eagle Scout, long-suffering Mariners fan. #SpokaneDoesntSuck
Some folks like pump-up jams on their long runs. I've been jamming to Hush S2 and loving it (I mean, discussions of Truman Capote, forensics AND journalism ethics?!?!). Kudos to @leahsottile.bsky.social + @ryanjhaas.bsky.social and all OPB crew for an outstanding series.
www.opb.org/show/hush/
www.opb.org/show/hush/
OPB: Hush
Hush
www.opb.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Some folks like pump-up jams on their long runs. I've been jamming to Hush S2 and loving it (I mean, discussions of Truman Capote, forensics AND journalism ethics?!?!). Kudos to @leahsottile.bsky.social + @ryanjhaas.bsky.social and all OPB crew for an outstanding series.
www.opb.org/show/hush/
www.opb.org/show/hush/
Speech is often thought of as, well, spoken. But it's more, and sometimes more powerful when silent or symbolic. Raising a middle finger, raising a flag or burning one in protest - all are forms of speech. And all are protected by the First Amendment. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/symbolic-spe...
www.freedomforum.org/symbolic-spe...
Speech Beyond the Spoken Word: Symbolic Speech Explained
The First Amendment protects speech — but what about symbolic speech like gestures, clothing and other forms of expression?
www.freedomforum.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Speech is often thought of as, well, spoken. But it's more, and sometimes more powerful when silent or symbolic. Raising a middle finger, raising a flag or burning one in protest - all are forms of speech. And all are protected by the First Amendment. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/symbolic-spe...
www.freedomforum.org/symbolic-spe...
The only "bad" part of the Mariners locking in Josh Naylor (WOO HOO!) is we in the peanut gallery have become accustomed to complaining about front office not spending on free agents in off season, and if there's one thing we love in the Northwest, it's the comforting routine of winter doldrums.
The #Mariners took the first big swing of the offseason with their reported re-signing of first baseman Josh Naylor.
"They’re serious about what they did last year and about taking it to the next level."
sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-...
"They’re serious about what they did last year and about taking it to the next level."
sports.mynorthwest.com/mlb/seattle-...
Locking up Josh Naylor shows Seattle Mariners are serious
The Seattle Mariners re-signing Josh Naylor "shows both the players in that clubhouse and the fans that the team is serious," Mike Salk says.
sports.mynorthwest.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:49 PM
The only "bad" part of the Mariners locking in Josh Naylor (WOO HOO!) is we in the peanut gallery have become accustomed to complaining about front office not spending on free agents in off season, and if there's one thing we love in the Northwest, it's the comforting routine of winter doldrums.
What all folks (not just Mariners fans) know: Cal Raleigh gets MVP one billion percent if the award had any kind of popular fan component. Lots about baseball to love. Its insistence on pegging awards to opinions of primarily good ol' boy "writers" is not one. #tridentsup #goms
November 14, 2025 at 6:55 PM
What all folks (not just Mariners fans) know: Cal Raleigh gets MVP one billion percent if the award had any kind of popular fan component. Lots about baseball to love. Its insistence on pegging awards to opinions of primarily good ol' boy "writers" is not one. #tridentsup #goms
Kudos to John Oliver for referencing Rachel Dolezal and giving credit (as so many do not) that this is a Spokane story. Sure, it's an unfortunate and at this point tired pop culture blemish for Our Fair City, but at least he pronounces it correctly!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93l...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93l...
Felony Murder: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
YouTube video by LastWeekTonight
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Kudos to John Oliver for referencing Rachel Dolezal and giving credit (as so many do not) that this is a Spokane story. Sure, it's an unfortunate and at this point tired pop culture blemish for Our Fair City, but at least he pronounces it correctly!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93l...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93l...
The First Amendment right of the press is for everyone who publishes or shares their work - including podcasters + independent newsletter folks. But are they all journalists? What, exactly, makes a journalist in this day and age? Some points to consider #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/who-is-a-jou...
www.freedomforum.org/who-is-a-jou...
Who Is a 'Journalist?' An Evolving Definition
The First Amendment protects freedom of the press but doesn’t specify who exactly "the press" is. What makes a journalist a journalist?
www.freedomforum.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
The First Amendment right of the press is for everyone who publishes or shares their work - including podcasters + independent newsletter folks. But are they all journalists? What, exactly, makes a journalist in this day and age? Some points to consider #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/who-is-a-jou...
www.freedomforum.org/who-is-a-jou...
I get the urge of news to say what president appointed a federal judge in stories, but for consistency they should name all 77 million+ people and/or electoral college voters on first reference for presidents
November 6, 2025 at 9:35 PM
I get the urge of news to say what president appointed a federal judge in stories, but for consistency they should name all 77 million+ people and/or electoral college voters on first reference for presidents
Book banning is a 2-way First Amendment issue: People have a free speech right to write + read. And people have a right to petition school + library boards to remove books. Strange 1A bedfellows. Anyway, here's more on banned books + First Amendment #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/famous-banne...
www.freedomforum.org/famous-banne...
15 of the Most Famous 'Banned' Books in US History
From books challenged by the government to books pulled from library shelves, we explore some of the most famous "banned" books in U.S. history.
www.freedomforum.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Book banning is a 2-way First Amendment issue: People have a free speech right to write + read. And people have a right to petition school + library boards to remove books. Strange 1A bedfellows. Anyway, here's more on banned books + First Amendment #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/famous-banne...
www.freedomforum.org/famous-banne...
Does the First Amendment protect ballot selfies? What about wearing campaign buttons while voting?
There are limits to how you can express yourself at the polls. Here's what you can and can't say and do while voting on Election Day. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/free-speech-...
There are limits to how you can express yourself at the polls. Here's what you can and can't say and do while voting on Election Day. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/free-speech-...
Free Speech at the Polls: Know Your Election Day Rights
Before heading out to your polling place on Election Day, know the protections and limits around free speech at the polls.
www.freedomforum.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Does the First Amendment protect ballot selfies? What about wearing campaign buttons while voting?
There are limits to how you can express yourself at the polls. Here's what you can and can't say and do while voting on Election Day. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/free-speech-...
There are limits to how you can express yourself at the polls. Here's what you can and can't say and do while voting on Election Day. #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/free-speech-...
If you caught Brandi Carlile on SNL this weekend, you heard her "Church & State" song with a reference to Thomas Jefferson. So here's much more on the legal concept of "separation of church and state" and what it means with the First Amendment #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/separation-o...
www.freedomforum.org/separation-o...
What Is Separation of Church and State?
What is separation of church and state and where does this concept appear in the Constitution? Here's everything you should know.
www.freedomforum.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:01 PM
If you caught Brandi Carlile on SNL this weekend, you heard her "Church & State" song with a reference to Thomas Jefferson. So here's much more on the legal concept of "separation of church and state" and what it means with the First Amendment #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/separation-o...
www.freedomforum.org/separation-o...
Spooky season is well underway, and here's a frightening thought: Your yard decorations or costume may or may not be protected by the First Amendment depending on [GASP] the "context"! [*maniacal laugh*]
MORE ⬇️ #1A
www.freedomforum.org/halloween-de...
MORE ⬇️ #1A
www.freedomforum.org/halloween-de...
Spooky Speech: Are Halloween Decorations and Costumes Protected by the First Amendment?
Halloween costumes and decorations in your front yard are typically protected by the First Amendment, although there are some exceptions.
www.freedomforum.org
October 29, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Spooky season is well underway, and here's a frightening thought: Your yard decorations or costume may or may not be protected by the First Amendment depending on [GASP] the "context"! [*maniacal laugh*]
MORE ⬇️ #1A
www.freedomforum.org/halloween-de...
MORE ⬇️ #1A
www.freedomforum.org/halloween-de...
A question being asked a lot these days: Are non-citizens in the US protected by the First Amendment? Does legal status matter? The answer is...not entirely clear in all cases. Background #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
Are Non-Citizens Protected by the First Amendment?
Are non-citizens protected by the First Amendment? The answer isn't as clear-cut as you may think. Here's everything to know.
www.freedomforum.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:43 PM
A question being asked a lot these days: Are non-citizens in the US protected by the First Amendment? Does legal status matter? The answer is...not entirely clear in all cases. Background #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
Wrote about "famous" political cartoons + First Amendment / press freedom. I'll give you 11 guesses which one of these Pete Hegseth has tattooed on his arm. (Kidding. Of course it's The Bechdel Test from "Dykes to Watch Out For"!) #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/famous-polit...
www.freedomforum.org/famous-polit...
From Comedic to Controversial: 11 of the Most Famous Political Cartoons in US History
We highlight 11 famous political cartoons from throughout history and discuss why they’re protected by the First Amendment.
www.freedomforum.org
October 23, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Wrote about "famous" political cartoons + First Amendment / press freedom. I'll give you 11 guesses which one of these Pete Hegseth has tattooed on his arm. (Kidding. Of course it's The Bechdel Test from "Dykes to Watch Out For"!) #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/famous-polit...
www.freedomforum.org/famous-polit...
50+ years ago, University of Florida told the student newspaper it couldn't print something. Editor arrested. Abortion law struck down. It resonates now. Today, the Independent Florida Alligator is still in print. That's the First Amendment legacy of Ron Sachs.
www.freedomforum.org/1a-in-action...
www.freedomforum.org/1a-in-action...
1A in Action: Ron Sachs and His Historic Fight for Press Freedom on College Campuses
As part of our 1A in Action series, we highlight Ron Sachs, who challenged a Florida state law in his fight for student press freedom.
www.freedomforum.org
October 22, 2025 at 6:04 PM
50+ years ago, University of Florida told the student newspaper it couldn't print something. Editor arrested. Abortion law struck down. It resonates now. Today, the Independent Florida Alligator is still in print. That's the First Amendment legacy of Ron Sachs.
www.freedomforum.org/1a-in-action...
www.freedomforum.org/1a-in-action...
Bummer ending but happy for this Mariners team, fans + all who supported. Got to see fantastic games in person this year (home + road). Looking forward to same next year. Blue Jays are a great team (and fan base). They deserve all our support in WS! #TridentsUp #seizethemoment #sodomojo #goms
October 21, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Bummer ending but happy for this Mariners team, fans + all who supported. Got to see fantastic games in person this year (home + road). Looking forward to same next year. Blue Jays are a great team (and fan base). They deserve all our support in WS! #TridentsUp #seizethemoment #sodomojo #goms
RIP Susan Stamberg, one of @npr.org's founding mothers and a true journalism legend.
Neat thing of working for @1stforall.bsky.social is artifacts from the former Newseum (also RIP) in the office. Here is Stamberg's original NPR press badge.
Neat thing of working for @1stforall.bsky.social is artifacts from the former Newseum (also RIP) in the office. Here is Stamberg's original NPR press badge.
October 17, 2025 at 4:23 PM
RIP Susan Stamberg, one of @npr.org's founding mothers and a true journalism legend.
Neat thing of working for @1stforall.bsky.social is artifacts from the former Newseum (also RIP) in the office. Here is Stamberg's original NPR press badge.
Neat thing of working for @1stforall.bsky.social is artifacts from the former Newseum (also RIP) in the office. Here is Stamberg's original NPR press badge.
A big bummer but not a surprise. My old stomping grounds at Northwest Public Broadcasting cutting its TV service in Palouse region (KWSU) due to budget (radio and other TV service unaffected), an outcome of CPB funding cut.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Northwest Public Broadcasting halts KWSU-TV operations
A public television station founded 63 years ago on the campus of Washington State University will go dark at the end of the year.
www.spokesman.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM
A big bummer but not a surprise. My old stomping grounds at Northwest Public Broadcasting cutting its TV service in Palouse region (KWSU) due to budget (radio and other TV service unaffected), an outcome of CPB funding cut.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
How, under the First Amendment, can the government punish non-citizens for their speech? Like, say, revoking visas for people who post about Charlie Kirk. Some background and context #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
Are Non-Citizens Protected by the First Amendment?
Are non-citizens protected by the First Amendment? The answer isn't as clear-cut as you may think. Here's everything to know.
www.freedomforum.org
October 15, 2025 at 5:05 PM
How, under the First Amendment, can the government punish non-citizens for their speech? Like, say, revoking visas for people who post about Charlie Kirk. Some background and context #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
I was on a plane last night as the Mariners played the Blue Jays, and to distract myself from recurring sports anxiety I watched The Devil Wears Prada (still slaps). Pleasantly surprised to land and find out Bryce Miller pitched an absolute gem.
#goms #seizethemoment #sodomojo #tridentsup
#goms #seizethemoment #sodomojo #tridentsup
October 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I was on a plane last night as the Mariners played the Blue Jays, and to distract myself from recurring sports anxiety I watched The Devil Wears Prada (still slaps). Pleasantly surprised to land and find out Bryce Miller pitched an absolute gem.
#goms #seizethemoment #sodomojo #tridentsup
#goms #seizethemoment #sodomojo #tridentsup
I don't know what to say other than I am really happy for this Mariners team, the fans and, heck, Jerry Dipoto? Now do what Cal said.
#seizethemoment #tridentsup #sodomojo #goms
#seizethemoment #tridentsup #sodomojo #goms
October 11, 2025 at 3:12 PM
I don't know what to say other than I am really happy for this Mariners team, the fans and, heck, Jerry Dipoto? Now do what Cal said.
#seizethemoment #tridentsup #sodomojo #goms
#seizethemoment #tridentsup #sodomojo #goms
What is "political speech" exactly and how is it protected (or not) by the First Amendment? Good explainer and background from @1stforall.bsky.social #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/political-sp...
www.freedomforum.org/political-sp...
What Is Political Speech, and Is It Protected by the First Amendment?
Political speech is a core type of speech that the First Amendment was designed to protect. Here's what you need to know.
www.freedomforum.org
October 10, 2025 at 3:43 PM
What is "political speech" exactly and how is it protected (or not) by the First Amendment? Good explainer and background from @1stforall.bsky.social #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/political-sp...
www.freedomforum.org/political-sp...
FACT: The greatest moment in Mariners history (so far) is the greatest moment in SPORTS history.
#goms #seizethemoment #seausrise #tridentsup #sodomojo
#goms #seizethemoment #seausrise #tridentsup #sodomojo
October 8, 2025 at 6:16 PM
FACT: The greatest moment in Mariners history (so far) is the greatest moment in SPORTS history.
#goms #seizethemoment #seausrise #tridentsup #sodomojo
#goms #seizethemoment #seausrise #tridentsup #sodomojo
Good to see news coverage about homelessness/low income housing issues talk to people affected + involved. Kudos to Spokesman's @alexdugganreports.bsky.social + Nick Gibson for a "nuanced" look on a tough spot in downtown Spokane. www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
'They call us Camp Dope': There's more nuance to the block housing the Ridpath than what's seen on the outside
Most warm days, Rhona Gardener sits outside the Ridpath Apartments in her red camp chair with a pack of cigarettes in the cupholder and cellphone in her lap.
www.spokesman.com
October 6, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Good to see news coverage about homelessness/low income housing issues talk to people affected + involved. Kudos to Spokesman's @alexdugganreports.bsky.social + Nick Gibson for a "nuanced" look on a tough spot in downtown Spokane. www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
A few folks out here saying that last night the Mariners "won their first postseason game since 2001" (or even ever!?), somehow forgetting M's beating Toronto in 2022 WC series. If only there were a device + technology at hand to quickly check basic sports facts.
#SeaUsRise #tridentsup #sodomojo
#SeaUsRise #tridentsup #sodomojo
October 6, 2025 at 7:50 PM
A few folks out here saying that last night the Mariners "won their first postseason game since 2001" (or even ever!?), somehow forgetting M's beating Toronto in 2022 WC series. If only there were a device + technology at hand to quickly check basic sports facts.
#SeaUsRise #tridentsup #sodomojo
#SeaUsRise #tridentsup #sodomojo
A federal court ruling this week gave more spice to this already complex question: Does the First Amendment protect noncitizens? Not a neat + tidy yes or no. This is one to watch for Supreme Court appeal. Background from me at @1stforall.bsky.social #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
Are Non-Citizens Protected by the First Amendment?
Are non-citizens protected by the First Amendment? The answer isn't as clear-cut as you may think. Here's everything to know.
www.freedomforum.org
October 3, 2025 at 4:53 PM
A federal court ruling this week gave more spice to this already complex question: Does the First Amendment protect noncitizens? Not a neat + tidy yes or no. This is one to watch for Supreme Court appeal. Background from me at @1stforall.bsky.social #1A ⬇️
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...
www.freedomforum.org/non-citizens...