Detroit Free Press Wins Records Suit and $19,000

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After a two year fight over the mayor’s credit card records, the City of Detroit has been ordered to pay the Detroit Free Press $19,000. That covers legal costs for the paper and $500 in punitive damages, the limit for violation of the Freedom of Information law. The Free Press used those records to report how the mayor used the credit card to purchase expensive meals at swanky restaurants, and how the mayor and his staff used petty cash funds for personal items and staff meetings and parties, in violation of city policy. (11/29/05)