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Federal judge tosses Sarah Palin’s lawsuit against The New York Times, saying she could not meet the “actual malice’’ standard. New report finds Republican legislators in 20 states have proposed new restrictions on protest rights in 2017, and six legislatures have approved them. The reporter assaulted by Montana congressional candidate Greg Gianforte says the now-congressman has reneged on a commitment to grant him an interview. Defense Secretary delays implementation of President’s ban on transgender military personnel, saying they will continue to serve while the Pentagon does a study. – Dru Menaker, Chief Operating Officer 

The most pressing threats and notable goings-on in free expression today

U.S.

Sarah Palin’s Defamation Suit Against The New York Times Is Dismissed
A federal judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Sarah Palin against The New York Times, saying Ms. Palin’s complaint failed to show that a mistake in an editorial was made maliciously. In the lawsuit, Ms. Palin contended that a Times editorial had falsely linked her to a 2011 mass shooting in Arizona.
THE NEW YORK TIMES

Report: ‘Anti-protester’ bills gain traction in state legislatures
Republican legislators in 20 U.S. statehouses have proposed new restrictions on the right to assemble and protest so far this year. Six legislatures have been approved. Critics say the efforts threaten to silence dissent, while supporters say demonstrations that disrupt public infrastructure and risk public safety go too far.
USA TODAY

‘Body-slam’ congressman Greg Gianforte reneges on promise of Guardian interview
Republican congressman Greg Gianforte, who plead guilty to assaulting a Guardian reporter, has failed to honor a commitment made in court to grant the reporter a one-on-one interview. Gianforte’s staff have refused requests for an on-the-record interview, offering an off-the-record meeting instead.
THE GUARDIAN

Mattis announces panel to analyze transgender military guidance
Defense Secretary James Mattis announced the creation of a panel to recommend how the military should put President Donald Trump’s new transgender military guidance into effect. But for now, the current policy allowing transgender individuals already in the military to serve will remain in place.
CNN

Free speech on campus? Not for adjunct faculty, it seems
Debates over free speech on campus are a hot topic, focused mostly on issues like controversial guest speakers, tolerance for hearing different views, and political correctness. But one specific group on campus seems to be vulnerable when it comes to expressing views freely: adjunct professors.
USA TODAY

 
Global

China is forcing internet companies to end online anonymity
The Chinese regime has always ordered people to register with their real names. This time the difference is that internet companies and service providers are being made responsible for ensuring users stay fully identified. Companies and service providers are required to report illegal content.
THE VERGE

South Sudan says no hint that dead American was a journalist
There was no indication that Christopher Allen was a journalist, the army said; however, South Sudan’s rebels have given a different account, saying Allen was “targeted” by government troops when they saw him taking photos.
ABC NEWS

Journalism watchdogs lambaste Macau for denying entry to Hong Kong journalists reporting on typhoon
Multiple journalism watchdogs have spoken out after four Hong Kong journalists were banned from entering Macau to report on the destruction and clean-up efforts following Typhoon Hato. “It was unreasonable for the Macau authorities to say they posed a threat to internal security,” they said.
HONG KONG FREE PRESS

Prevent scheme ‘fosters fear and censorship at universities’
Just Yorkshire said Prevent, a volunteer program aiming to divert people from terrorism before they offend, has fostered a “policing culture” in higher education and should be closed down immediately.
THE GUARDIAN

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