Federal judge skeptical of Pentagon rules for reporters, saying 'asking a question is not criminal'

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman seemed skeptical Friday of Justice Department arguments defending Pentagon restrictions on reporters covering the War Department.

The New York Times and the Pentagon Press Association are asking Friedman to issue an order reinstating the credentials of some 300 journalists who refused to sign a new agreement barring them from reporting information not approved by Pentagon officials in order to retain their Pentagon hard passes.

Justice Department lawyer...