Judge Halts $800 Daily Fines for Reporter Amid Appeal

WHO:

NY Post - Catherine Herridge, a former Fox News investigative reporter

Deadline - Judge Christopher Cooper

WHAT:

NY Post - A federal appeals court judge paused an $800 daily fine for Catherine Herridge.

Deadline - The fine was imposed after Herridge was found in civil contempt for refusing to reveal her source for a 2017 Fox News story.

WHERE:

Deadline - The case is being handled in a federal court.

WHEN:

Deadline - Herridge is appealing to the Supreme Court.

WHY:

NY Post - The decision to pause the fines is seen as a boost to Herridge's First Amendment case.

HOW:

Deadline - The judge clarified that Herridge does not have to pay the contempt fines while her appeal is ongoing.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 22:33 UTC)

A federal appeals court judge has paused an $800 daily fine for Catherine Herridge, a former Fox News investigative reporter, after she was found in civil contempt for refusing to disclose her source for a 2017 story. The judge clarified that Herridge will not have to pay the contempt fines while her appeal to the Supreme Court is ongoing, which is viewed as a positive development for her First Amendment case. This case is currently being handled in federal court, with Judge Christopher Cooper overseeing the proceedings.