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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

ME: Media Reform

People with mental health-related challenges are far more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of violence, according to the Coalition for Smart Safety. (Adobe Stock)
Mental Health Advocates Reject Blame for Gun Violence Epidemic

Mental health experts say people with psychiatric diagnoses are being unfairly scapegoated for the gun violence epidemic in Maine and across America…

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More than 600 Google employees have joined the newly formed Alphabet Workers Union, a rare occurrence in the tech industry. (Wikimedia Commons)
Google Employees Launch Rare Tech-Industry Union

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Google employees are forming the Alphabet Workers Union, both to push their parent company toward greater social responsibility and …

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Experts say the upcoming FCC decision on net neutrality could greatly change users' online experience. (Electronic Frontier Foundation)
Multiple Protests on Net Neutrality This Week in Maine

PORTLAND, Maine – Protesters are gathering in Bangor, Newport and Portland Wednesday and Thursday to support a free and open Internet as part …

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FCC proposals to roll-back net neutrality could hurt Maine consumers. (Twitter/@Motherboard).
Watchdog Groups Gear Up for Net-Neutrality Decision

BANGOR, Maine -- The clock is ticking when it comes to a free and open internet in the United States, and watchdog groups are gearing up for what …

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Facebook now says it plans to fact-check news feeds. (codemastersnake/flckr).
Facebook Goes After "Fake" News: Good Effort or Flawed Idea?

AUGUSTA, Maine – Online giant Facebook has outlined plans to use third-party fact checkers to vet some of its news content. Facebook has come …

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A win in federal court for consumers, say advocates of net neutrality. (Greg Stotelmyer)
Federal Court Backs FCC's Treatment of Internet as Utility

WHITESBURG, Ky. – A federal court has upheld the Federal Communication Commission's decision to treat the Internet like a utility – a …

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GRAPHIC: The FCC is holding an auction in which wireless companies will bid on parts of the nation’s airwaves currently being used by television stations and use them for wireless broadband. Some say that threatens minority broadcasters. Credit: Federal Communications Commission.
Spectrum Auction: Broadband Internet vs. TV Diversity?

PORTLAND, Maine – As the song goes, "Video Killed the Radio Star." Will wireless kill some free public TV? That's the latest media question…

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GRAPHIC: A poster calling for opponents of the FCC's proposed rule change on Net Neutrality to rally at the agency Thursday. Credit: Free Press.
"Marginal Voices" To Speak Loudly at FCC Today

PORTLAND, Maine - Internet freedom advocates are calling for a day of action today at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Internet fast …

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PHOTO: FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, seen here (top left) at a meeting in January in Oakland, Calif., has signaled his support for rules that may threaten net neutrality by allowing broadband service to some companies at higher speed for higher prices. A pushback by opponents is forming quickly. Photo credit: Mark Scheerer.
Internet Fast Lanes Could Limit Maine Access to "World Commons"

AUGUSTA, Maine - Net neutrality defenders in New England and the nation are sending out distress signals about a Federal Communications Commission (…

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PHOTO: Newly-appointed FCC Commissioner Tom Wheeler, shown here at a town hall meeting in Oakland, Calif., last week, says his agency may appeal a federal court ruling overturning regulations aimed at ensuring 'net neutrality.' Photo credit: Mark Scheerer.
Advocates for Internet Freedom say Appeals Court Strikes "Huge Blow"

WASHINGTON - In what's being called a "huge blow to all Internet users," a federal court ruled Tuesday in favor of Verizon, striking down Federal …

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ILLUSTRATION: Saturday is the 12th anniversary of signing the Patriot Act, and some believe the government may have gone too far in its efforts to combat terrorism by conducting surveillance in violation of the Bill of Rights, according to privacy advocates. Courtesy Free Press.
Privacy Advocates: “Stop Watching Us”

PORTLAND, Maine - Revelations by leakers Julian Assange and Edward Snowden have shown U.S. government agencies such as the National Security Agency …

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PHOTO: Internet freedom was a hot-button topic at the National Conference for Media Reform in Denver, hosted by Craig Aaron and his organization, Free Press. Courtesy Mark Scheerer
Corralling the Internet: Confab Fights Back

PORTLAND, Maine - Issues of Internet freedom have been the focus of a three-day national meeting. The National Conference for Media Reform brought …

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