First Amendment News

Journalist appeals denial of mug shot of federal fugitive

A freelance journalist is appealing a federal court ruling that the U.S. Marshals Service could deny a Freedom of Information Act request for a mug shot of securities fraud fugitive, Luis Giro. -db The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press March 3, 2010 By Curry Andrew A freelance journalist has asked a federal appeals court to consider whether a lower court erred when it said the U.S. Marshals Service could deny a public records

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Google would welcome government support in challenging Chinese censorhip

Google wants the Obama administration to take China’s censorship of Google to the World Trade Organization as an unfair barrier to trade. -db Bloomberg News March 3, 2010 By Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) — The Obama administration is weighing the merits of taking China’s censorship of Google Inc. to the World Trade Organization as an unfair barrier to trade, a move that could further raise diplomatic tensions. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office is consulting with industry

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New York City considers press credentials for bloggers

Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to allow online journalists and bloggers press credentials. The proposal comes in the wake of a lawsuit filed by three bloggers denied access to city events. -db The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press March 3, 2010 By Christine Beckett New York City and Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a new policy that would allow online journalists and bloggers to more easily obtain a press credential, The New York Observer reported.

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Bandwidth problems threaten to curtail military’s social networking

The Pentagon is allowing the troops to use such sites as Facebook and Twitter, but it may be difficult for them to actually sign on since, especially in places like Afghanistan, bandwidth is limited. -db The Hill March 1, 2010 By Tony Romm Trouble with the Pentagon’s strapped Web network could threaten its new decision to permit service members access to social networking sites, including Facebook and Twitter. Broadband capabilities in war-torn countries like Afghanistan

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Oregon man seeks First Amendment protection for flipping off sheriff’s deputies

A 46-year-old mathematician is suing the sheriff for damages and corrective action after he was stopped by sheriff deputies two different times after giving them the finger. db The Oregonian February 28, 2010 By Steven Mayes When Robert J. Ekas decided to exercise his right to free speech, he didn’t open his mouth. He hoisted his middle finger. His single-digit protests, aimed at Clackamas County sheriff’s deputies last year, resulted in verbal showdowns, traffic tickets

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