Home / VOL. VII NO. 18 10/15/2026 / Journalism Corner

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Journalism Corner

  1. On October 8, 2026, Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) presented “Democracy and the Press Under Siege.” Thomas Jefferson said we could not have a democracy without a free press. The highly respected journalists at the VIM program – Marty Baron, Amy Sorkin, and Barry Meier – agreed a free press is nothing without facts and truth and journalists with an alliance to both.

If this is a government of by and for the people, then we the people need to be educated and informed. We need to know. We need fact and truth whether we agree with it or not. We cannot productively use spin, conspiracy theories, hype, or lies.

Interestingly, Baron brought up local news and its importance. In today’s world, local news takes a backseat to national news. Baron pointed out that his story about Priests abusing young people started locally (in Boston) and became national and international news. Perhaps because human frailty is the same in Peoria, Washington D. C. and Minsk. Baron made the point that if local news dies, is stifled, or is coopted, local corruption blossoms.

  1. Writers Guild presents Banned Books: How Readers & Writers Can Respond, Thursday, November 5, 2026, 2pm. Featuring authors Malinda Lo and Patricia McCormick, moderated by Authors Guild General Counsel, Cheryl L. David Webinars are free to attend, but registration is required. Join us for a conversation about how authors respond when their books are challenged or banned, and the ways writers navigate these moments while continuing to stand behind their work. Whether you’re an author, a reader, or simply interested in the freedom to read, we hope you’ll join us. Q&A will follow the presentation; you can pre-submit a question when registering for the event. A recording will be made available for those who cannot attend live. Click here to register.

Why is information about banned books in Journalism Corner? In order to become an informed citizen and an educated voter, there is more to read than newspapers. We might wonder why what is banned is banned. Who decides? On what basis? What don’t they want us to know?

Jay Rhind

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To inform without opinion or pressure and give the people of Stockbridge the facts they need to make informed decisions.

To provide space for opinion, but since facts and opinions are different, to clearly mark opinion pieces, and clearly identify the opinion holder.

Stockbridge Updates is a periodic newsletter delivered through email.

Carole Owens, Executive Editor

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SU welcomes your letters and other submissions on all Stockbridge subjects, history and current events, news and human interest, whatever is on your mind. As with articles and opinion pieces, letters are 400 words or less, no personal attacks, and always attach your name. SU does not include personal information and will delete telephone numbers, email addresses, post office boxes, and street addresses. Limit one submission per month.

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SU is attempting to present a consistent format for readers. SU begins with its Table of Contents. The SU Editorial is next and then the News. News is divided between one-time events, such as the election and events around town, and recurring reporting, such as the Notes from… section. It is called Notes from… because SU attends the town meetings, takes notes, and reports what happened. If SU has a comment or question, it is at the end of the meeting identified as Editor’s Comment or Editor’s Question. The next section is Contributors. Under contributors, you may find Stockbridge history, opinion pieces, or information from a Committee Chair or elected official. Our final section is Reader to Reader, our letter section. The issue closes with the SU Statement of Purpose and Policy for Contributors. We welcome all letter writers and contributors; deadline on the 10th for the issue posted on the 15th of the month and on the 26th for the issue posted on the first.

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