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The Latest News


Around New England


The Public Wants Greater Access To Government.
Providence Journal November 19, 2009
>> Columnist hopes public officials heed message.

Vermont Editor, Citing Fiscal Missteps that Public Agencies Kept Hidden, Bemoans Lack of Enforcement of Public Records law
Stowe Reporter October 29, 2009
>> Problem worse because a weakened press cannot afford costly lawsuits.

Worcester Police Chief Attacks Telegram & Gazette
New York Times October 26, 2009
>> Why? Newspaper wants chief to obey the law.

Press Urges Court to Order Release of Documents in Machete-Slaying Case
WMUR.com October 20, 2009
>> Three news organizations press for disclosure.

Public Agencies in MA Thwart Public Records by Charging Exorbitant Fees
The Boston Globe September 24, 2009
>>Somerville asks blogger to pay $200,000

>>Thanks to Legal Assistance from NU Law students and Bingham McCutchen LLC, First Amendment Center Wins its First Public Records Lawsuit
The Patriot Ledger June 18, 2009

Around the Nation


Congress and White House Inch Closer to Agreement on Shield Law Legislation
The New York Times October 30, 2009
>>Compromise apparently okay with prosecutors and intelligence community.

Illinois Prosecutors Go After Student Investigators
The New York Times October 25, 2009
>>Northwestern students could be jailed for doing A+ work.

In Other States - None in New England - Public Agencies Pay Plenty When They Flout Public Records Laws
>>Wronged citizens are awarded six-figure sums in FL, CA and WA.

>>Santa Clara County pays $500,000 over records dispute, San Jose Mercury News, October 7, 2009.
San Jose Mercury News October 7, 2009

>>Update: Judge issues ruling on legal fees in Venice Sunshine case .
Herald-Tribune September 25, 2009

Texas Governor Operates in Secret: Even his Schedule is Confidential
The Dallas Morning News October 13, 2009
>>Perry refuses to release records in controversial capital punishment case.

Remember the Transparency Obama Promised?
The Washington Post September 30, 2009
>>Not much progress

Unlike Massachusetts, Florida Views Public Access Issues Through 21st Century Prism
The Florida Times-Union September 24, 2009
>>Fla. A.G. even looks at Twitter postings

Around the World


In Italy, Government Seeks Control Over Press
Guardian October 10, 2009
>>Public outcry over attempts to curb freedoms.
Aussie Official Finds Government Trying to Keep Public Records Away from Public
The Sydney Morning Herald September 16, 2009

New England First Amendment Center
School of Journalism
Northeastern University
102 Lake Hall
Boston, MA 02115-5000
Telephone: (617) 373-5120 or (617) 373-4198

New England First Amendment Coalition
P.O. Box 15
Niantic, CT 06357



The First Amendment

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."



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