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donal brown

New York Times settles defamation claim in Singapore

donal brown March 25, 2010

The New York Times Company settled a claim brought by leaders in the Singapore government apologizing and paying over $100,000 to the leaders. Singapore leaders have a history of bringing defamation claims for statements that would be considered protected under the First Amendment in the United States. -db The New York Times March 24, 2010 By Richard Pérez-Peña The New York Times Company has settled a claim by leaders of Singapore’s government that they were

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Florida legislature sends governor new law monitoring nonpolitical organizations during elections

donal brown March 25, 2010

The Florida legislature passed a bill that reforms the “electioneering”  law found unconstitutional last year for violating free speech rights. The law still requires some nonpolitical organizations active in elections to register with the state and submit financial reporting requirements but excludes those focusing entirely on issues. The bill also revived controversial “leadership funds” for financing political candidates. -db Miami Herald March 24, 2010 By Bill Kaczor (AP) After a sharp Senate debate Wednesday, a

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Federal court says Oregon law regulating initiatives does not violate First Amendment

donal brown March 25, 2010

A federal court judge ruled that Oregon’s regulations on gathering signatures for voter initiatives did not prevent petitioners from exercising their rights to free speech. -db The Oregonian March 24, 2010 By Jeff Mapes Oregon’s tough restrictions on paid initiative canvassers have been upheld by a federal judge who ruled they did not violate the free-speech rights of petitioners. In an attempt to cut down on initiative fraud, the Legislature in 2007 passed a sweeping

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Provision of health care reform requires drug companies to report payments to doctors

donal brown March 25, 2010

A provision of the national health care law passed last week allows the public to know the gifts and payments made to doctors and teaching hospitals by pharmaceutical companies. -db California Watch Commentary March 24, 2010 By Christina Jewett A little-noticed provision in the health reform bill will shed significant light on the payments drug and device companies make to doctors and teaching hospitals in California and the rest of the nation. The section of

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Tulare County: Supervisors missing the point in efforts to justify private lunch meetings

donal brown March 25, 2010

A Visalia Times-Delta  editorial argues that the Tulare County supervisors are violating the state’s open meeting law by convening as often as three times a week for lunch not open to the public. The supervisors are writing a policy to justify the practice which they claim is for the purpose of team building rather than to conduct official business. -db Visalia Times-Delta Editorial March 11, 2010 Tulare County supervisors apparently believe the only thing wrong with

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