Politicians cannot block social media foes: U.S. appeals court

Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A federal appeals court said on Monday a Virginia politician violated the Constitution by temporarily blocking a critic from her Facebook page, a decision that could affect President Donald Trump's appeal from a similar ruling in New York.

In a 3-0 decision, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Phyllis Randall, chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, violated the First Amendment free speech rights of Brian Davison by banning him for 12 hours from her "Chair Phyllis J. Randall" page.

https://reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKCN1P11SC?

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A region of Belgium has banned halal and kosher animal slaughter. Should it be banned in the UK?

Flanders region of Belgium bans halal and kosher animal slaughter

The northern Flanders region finally imposed the law on New Year's Day after passing the measure back in July 2017, having faced significant objections.

Some have claimed that the ban amounts to nothing more than antisemitism and Islamophobia, but animal rights campaigners have long asserted that the Jewish kosher and Muslim halal rituals are inhumane.

https://news.sky.com/story/flanders-region-of-belgium-bans-halal-and-kosher-animal-slaughter-11601286

Cyntoia Brown, who was sentenced to life in prison at 16, granted full clemency

Brown said she was forced into prostitution and was scared for her life when she shot Johnny Allen, 43, in the back of the head while they were in bed together.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/01/07/cyntoia-brown-granted-clemency/2502383002/