Latest news with #JenniferCampbell
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
In taking up ‘dark money' disclosure law, AZ Supreme Court could reshape free speech standards
Photo by iStock / Getty Images Plus The Arizona Supreme Court will decide whether a measure that voters overwhelmingly approved to require disclosure of most anonymous campaign spending is constitutional — and, in the process, it could potentially reshape free speech jurisprudence in the Grand Canyon State. The case centers on the Voters Right to Know Act, which won 70% of the vote in 2022. It requires any person or organization making campaign media expenditures of more than $50,000 on a statewide election or $25,000 on local elections to disclose the original source of any contributions totaling more than $5,000. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX It was challenged by the anti-abortion advocacy group Center for Arizona Policy and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, a dark money nonprofit. The political groups argued that mandating disclosure of the source of political spending violates the Arizona Constitution's protections of free speech, association, privacy and separation of powers. Those arguments were rejected by a trial court and the Arizona Court of Appeals, which unanimously ruled in late 2024 that free speech and privacy claims were outweighed by the Arizona Constitution's intent to compel financial disclosure of groups that seek to influence the results of an election. 'The government has strong informational and anti-corruption interests, which are sufficiently important to justify the modest burden the Act places on donors' association rights,' Judge Jennifer Campbell wrote in the court's opinion. 'Plaintiffs fail to articulate why the Act's disclosure requirements are not substantially related to the State's interest in having an informed electorate.' Under federal tax law, neither the Arizona Free Enterprise Club or the Center for Arizona Policy's political arm have to disclose donors. But under Prop. 211, they will be forced to do so for their election-related activities. The two groups lobbied against the passage of Prop. 211, claiming that it was an enshrinement of 'cancel culture.' And CAP, which has a history of pushing anti-LGBTQ+ laws, said it feared the harassment it already received would be directed to its donors if they're forced to be revealed. Neither organization was able to provide proof of a chilling effect or that their financial supporters would face harassment and reprisals, the judges found. In reaching their decision, the appellate judges followed federal precedent regarding disclosure requirements and used an 'exacting scrutiny' standard to evaluate the act's disclosure requirements rather than the tougher 'strict scrutiny' that the dark money groups wanted. But when it accepted the appeal on Wednesday, the Supreme Court told the parties it wants them to argue whether the federal standard for First Amendment cases is applicable to the Arizona Constitution's free speech protections. The state constitution's free speech clause provides broader protections than the First Amendment, and says that every Arizonan 'may freely speak, write, and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right.' By instructing the parties to make their case for what standard should be applied, the Supreme Court made clear it is considering a foundational question about Arizona constitutional interpretation. And the impacts could be significant. If the justices determine that the Arizona Constitution provides greater protection for free speech than the U.S. Constitution, it might apply the 'strict scrutiny' standard. Not only would that force the dark money disclosure law to clear a higher constitutional hurdle, but it would affect any future free speech cases in Arizona. The Court of Appeals acknowledged that the state constitution could have greater free speech protections, but followed federal precedent because the Supreme Court has never determined what standard should be applied. Now the high court will determine whether that was correct or if Arizona should chart its own course on free speech standards. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Stirlingshire farm up for sale with £1.75m price tag
Overton Farm near Denny is an 'unusual opportunity' and could be sold as a whole or in up to three lots. A farm near Denny which has been worked by generations of the same family has been put up for sale with a price tag of over £1.75million. Overton Farm is being brought to market by the rural services division of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors. The agents say the farm is an 'unusual opportunity' and could be sold as a whole or in up to three lots. DM Hall spokesperson Jennifer Campbell said: 'The sense of timelessness is reinforced by the Faughlin Burn bridge, a slender, B-listed stone arch which supported drovers' cattle for hundreds of years. 'There is also a monument to an Iron Age fort near Myot Hill overlooking the farms eastern peripheries. 'But, while history has washed over the rolling fields, the property remains today a substantial and viable working livestock enterprise with a five-bedroom farmhouse and a wide range of traditional outbuilding which almost have the scale of a small hamlet. 'Overton represents an unusual opportunity for land-hungry buyers to acquire 436 acres (176.31 Ha) in a strategic location with significant and productive areas of grazing and excellent potential for diversification into afforestation and potential bio-diversity net gain schemes. 'Just nine miles from Stirling and equidistant from Glasgow and Edinburgh, the farm is available in three lots, or as a whole.' Lot 1, of 16.95 acres, is close to the old and winding Takmadoon Road with a fishing reservoir nearby. It is inviting offers over £50,000. Lot 2, of nearly 56 acres, are four fields offering good grazing and further opportunities. The northern boundary is within the Carron Valley, which is a site of special scientific interest. It invites offers over £225,000. Lot 3, of nearly 363 acres, is the remaining land, the 2489 sq ft farmhouse and multiple farm buildings, with offers over £1,475,000. The farm is available as a whole at offers over £1,750,000. 'The surrounding countryside of the Carron Valley is alive with wildlife and history, with standing stones and old drove roads – a place where enthusiasts can spot red squirrels and crossbills and watch for ospreys. 'The farm market in Scotland remains buoyant and competitive, and interest in Overton Farm is expected to be intense. Viewing is strictly by appointment and offer should be made to Jennifer Campbell at DM Hall.'
Scotsman
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
20 photos of Edinburgh attraction The Royal Yacht Britannia's new exhibition and retail unit at Ocean Terminal
Following a seven-figure investment and two-years of planning and construction, The Royal Yacht Britannia's impressive new exhibition space and retail unit is due to open to the public on Monday, May 5, at Ocean Terminal. With the final works taking place this week to finish these new additions at this popular attraction, we were given a tour to see what visitors can expect. Watch our video above and check out our photo gallery below to see more. The exhibits include an attention-grabbing 11-foot Lego Britannia model with its very own Lego yachtsmen, and a unique giant corgi – commissioned exclusively for the new retail experience, manufactured by Rainbow Productions in London. Jennifer Campbell, marketing and PR manager at The Royal Yacht Britannia said: 'This was a substantial seven-figure investment which was two years in the designing and making. 'We are excited to be moving towards its conclusion and can't wait to open our doors on Monday and see what our visitors make of these exciting new additions. 'We did have a visitor centre before, but it was shorter and more basic. We also had a shop which was really successful, but this new unit is 70 per cent larger, giving us the chance to offer visitors much more choice. 'This is a huge upgrade on what was there before, which was needed, as it had been the same for 26 years, since we first opened. This provides a much better first impression to visitors coming aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia. 'We have been in the temporary units for the ticket sales and shop for a year now while work was being carried out. I think everyone is looking forward to coming up to the new luxurious surroundings. 'I suppose this is like a warm-up act for the yacht itself. The exhibition space has many fittings designed to look just like you are already on the yacht. So you get a taste of the history and heritage of the yacht, as well as life on board, before you even get there. 'It's such and incredible ship, on our doorstep here in Edinburgh, so we would love to see more locals consider coming along to see it. And when you visit once you get an annual free pass, so you can come back and not have to pay for a whole year, as many times as you want. 'It feeds into our charitable ethos here, as every penny we make goes back into the yacht, and creating a better experience for visitors.' Sign up for our Breaking Newsletter and stay up to date on the latest news stories from Edinburgh and the Lothians. The gold leaf details and hand painted signage throughout were painted by local traditional signwriter Thomas Paints, while Edinburgh-based company Easter Signs manufactured and installed all the information boards and graphics. Scottish specialist interior fit-out company Hugh Stirling Ltd manufactured the reception desks, handset podium and wooden handrail in the entrance corridor. They fitted out both the exhibition space and the shop with top-of-the-range luxurious fixtures and fittings. 1 . New future for old ship The new exhibition and gift shop will open at the Royal Yacht Britannia on Monday, May 5, providing visitors with a taste of the historic boat before they even leave land. | National World Photo: Kevin Quinn Photo Sales 2 . Wall of screens A cascade of historical photographs storytelling life on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. Visitors will learn all about the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia at the new exhibition as they make their way from Ocean Terminal onto the ship. | National World Photo: Kevin Quinn Photo Sales 3 . Warm welcome Jen Campbell, marketing & PR manager at The Royal Yacht Britannia, standing at the entrance to the new exhibition. | National World Photo: Kevin Quinn Photo Sales 4 . Uniform The No.1 uniform of Prince Philip, previously gifted to The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust by the late Queen Elizabeth II, is one of the many artefacts on display at the exhibition. | National World Photo: Kevin Quinn Photo Sales Related topics: heritage
