Weekend Rewind: April 5, 2010
I got a little late start for this week’s Weekend Rewind, but here’s what you might have missed over the Easter weekend:
–A joint investigation by The Oklahoman and the Tulsa World found the state has been making millions each year from the sale of personal information to insurance companies, employment screening services and data resellers. (For continuing coverage of this issue, click here.)
–A jury in SE Oklahoma ruled against chicken company Tyson Foods Inc. in the first of several lawsuits in McCurtain County that allege Tyson treated chicken growers unfairly. Watchdog reporter Randy Ellis has the story here.
–Young mayors have attracted attention–and notoriety–in several cities, such as Stillwater and Muskogee. Watchdog reporter Michael Baker has a preview of Mayor John Tyler Hammon’s reelection race in Muskogee. One of his opponents in the cousin of U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla.
Elsewhere:
–The Honolulu Advertiser has a comprehensive look at nursing homes in Hawaii.
–In a victory of sorts for transparency in South Carolina, several cities are now putting court information online. The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier has more information here.
–I’m a big fan of the Web site Snopes, which debunks all kinds of myths and misperceptions, including those annoying chain e-mails you get from relatives. The New York Times has a look at the people behind the Web site.
In a given week, Snopes tries to set the record straight on everything from political smears to old wives’ tales. No, Kenya did not erect a sign welcoming people to the “birthplace of Barack Obama.” No, Wal-Mart did not authorize illegal immigration raids at its stores. No, the Olive Garden restaurant chain did not hand out $500 gift cards to online fans.
On a related note, columnist Bryan Painter took on e-mail scams over the weekend, too.
–Paul
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