Author: Centerfor Public Integrity
-
New anti-protest laws in Florida, Oklahoma cast long shadow on First Amendment rights
By Carrie Levins
Center for Public Integrity
Tiffany Crutcher was worried. Oklahoma lawmakers had passed a new measure stiffening penalties for protesters who block roadways and granting immunity to drivers who unintentionally hit them. The state NAACP, saying the law was passed in response to racial justice demonstrations and could chill the exercising of First Amendment rights, filed a federal lawsuit challenging portions of it. But the new law was only weeks from taking effect. -
‘We are a law firm’: How telemarketers sold false hope to homeowners struggling to pay mortgages
By Fred Schulte
Center for Public Integrity
-
Auditors: feds failed to rein in billions over-billed by Medicare Advantage plans
By Fred Schulte
Center for Public Integrity
Private Medicare Advantage plans treating the elderly have over-billed the government by billions of dollars, but rarely been forced to repay the money or face other consequences for their actions, according to a new Congressional audit. -
South Florida whistleblower alleges Medicare Advantage fraud
By Fred Schulte
Center for Public Integrity
Insurance giant Humana Inc., which operates some of the nation’s largest private Medicare health plans, knew for years of billing fraud at some South Florida clinics, but did little to curb the practice even though it could harm patients, a doctor alleges in a newly unsealed whistleblower lawsuit. -
/
5198 SEEN/
Lawmakers protect title loan firms while borrowers pay sky-high interest rates
By Fred Schulte
Center for Public Integrity
It’s legal in about half the states to pledge a car title as collateral for short-term loans of a few hundred dollars or more. Many of these states allow lenders to tack on interest that can top 300 percent, and to seize and sell off cars when borrowers fail to pay. -
/
4687 SEEN/
GOP governors, including Rick Scott, take cue from Obama on how to push policy
By Rachael Baye
Center for Public Integrity
Political organizations tied to Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner are diverging from the typical so-called leadership PACs used by federal lawmakers and some governors to amass power because they are not just giving campaign contributions to like-minded legislators. Instead they are pushing the governors’ legislative agendas with public campaigns far removed from the campaign trail.
Support Florida Bulldog
If you believe in the value of watchdog journalism please make your tax-deductible contribution today.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Join Our Email List
Florida Bulldog delivers fact-based watchdog reporting as a public service that’s essential to a free and democratic society. We are nonprofit, independent, nonpartisan, experienced. No fake news here.