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- 1
Nicaraguan journalists forced out of the country are rebuilding their newsrooms from abroad, finding new ways to keep reporting under a government that has shut down independent media at home. Outlets operating in exile are experimenting with new formats and funding models to continue covering Nicaragua. The story highlights both the repression facing press freedom and the resilience of reporters determined not to stop working.
- 2Campaigners warn libraries are being defunded over books●Did you know that many politicians and far-right groups are attempting to deny your freedom to simply check out a book b
The advocacy group EveryLibrary warns that politicians and far-right groups in the United States are pushing to defund public libraries in disputes over books and programmes, saying people's freedom to check out books is under threat and local libraries could be next. The organisation is urging readers to pay attention to local library funding decisions.
- 3Brandeis professor awarded $1.35M for experimental physics research▼Room to take risks: Brandeis professor to receive $1.35M for experimental physics research
A Brandeis University professor will receive $1.35 million in funding to support experimental physics research. The award is designed to give the researcher freedom to pursue high-risk, exploratory work that conventional grants often do not cover, and the university is highlighting it as recognition of innovative science on campus.
- 4Ukrainian drone tech firm M-Fly raises new funding round▼M-Fly підняла новий раунд саме тоді, коли дефіцит памʼяті вдарив по апаратних стартапах. Український виробник лазерних с
Ukrainian manufacturer of laser guidance systems and gyro-stabilised gimbals for drones, M-Fly, announced a new funding round on 30 September. The round is led by MITS Capital, with Freedom Fund investing again. The raise drew attention because it landed just as a global memory chip shortage has been hitting hardware startups hard, making fresh capital for drone hardware notably rare.
- 5Penn State Chemist Lauren Zarzar Wins 2026 Schmidt Science Polymath Award▼Penn State Chemist Lauren Zarzar Receives 2026 Schmidt Science Polymath Award
Lauren Zarzar, a chemist at Penn State University, has received a 2026 Schmidt Science Polymath Award. The honor, given by Schmidt Sciences, supports exceptional early-career scientists pursuing research across multiple disciplines. Zarzar is known for her work in materials and physical chemistry, and the award provides substantial multi-year funding to allow award winners the freedom to explore new research directions.
- 6Ukrainian guidance systems maker M-Fly raises investment to scale output●Виробник систем наведення M-Fly залучив інвестиції для масштабування виробництва Українська компанія M-Fly отримала фіна
Ukrainian defense company M-Fly, which produces guidance systems, has secured new funding from MITS Capital, the Freedom Fund, Norway's Gardar fund and a private investor. The money will go toward expanding production capacity and adapting the firm's laser-based technologies. The announcement highlights growing foreign investment in Ukraine's defense manufacturing sector.
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A new essay argues that libraries act as a communal education, offering free access to knowledge and serving as an engine of personal and civic freedom. The piece highlights libraries' role in democratizing learning, supporting informed citizenship, and remaining open to everyone regardless of income or background. The argument lands amid ongoing debates in the United States and elsewhere over book bans, library funding cuts and political pressure on public institutions.
- 8Stand Up for Science to Rally Researchers Against Trump Education Crackdown●Stand Up for Science to Rally Scientists and Academic Leaders Against Trump Admin's Higher Ed Crackdown
The advocacy group Stand Up for Science is organizing a rally bringing together scientists and academic leaders to oppose the Trump administration's policies affecting higher education and research funding. Organizers say the event aims to unite researchers, university officials and students in defending academic freedom and federal science support. The announcement has drawn attention amid ongoing disputes over funding cuts and government pressure on universities.