The Hill

A Puerto Rican journalists’ organization is suing the island’s Demographic Registry over what it says are under-reported death counts following Hurricane Maria. The Center for Investigative Journalism (CPI) filed the suit Feb 7, arguing that the registry did not provide statistical updates on the death count after the hurricane. The suit cites a right to “public information and high public interest for Puerto Rico."

A bipartisan budget deal announced by Senate leaders includes $20 billion for U.S. infrastructure programs, an investment plan that comes ahead of the Trump administration's highly anticipated rebuilding proposal. The funds would go toward “existing” projects for water and energy infrastructure as well as expanding broadband to rural regions and improving surface transportation said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY).

New Jersey will join nearly two dozen other states in a lawsuit seeking to block the Trump administration's contentious repeal of network neutrality rules, said Gov Phil Murphy (D-NJ). Gov Murphy also signed an executive order requiring internet providers hired by the state adhere to the principles of net neutrality.

Rep Eric Swalwell (D-CA), a member of the House Intelligence and Judiciary committees, introduced the Journalist Protection Act to make a federal crime of certain attacks on those reporting the news.