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"Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World" is a nonfiction book by Casey Michel that exposes the corruption and unethical practices of American lobbyists working for foreign governments. The author focuses on two prominent examples: Ivy Lee, a PR man who advised Nazi Germany to downplay antisemitism, and Paul Manafort, Donald Trump's former campaign manager who advised a pro-Russian Ukrainian president. Michel also investigates other forms of foreign influence, such as donations to the Clinton Foundation and American universities by foreign countries. The book reveals the disturbing extent of corruption within the lobbying industry and its role in channeling foreign bribes to American officials. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the expanding practice scope for optometrists, particularly in the context of performing YAG laser capsulotomies after cataract surgery. Topics discussed include the benefits of in-office laser procedures, patient satisfaction, and optometrists filling the gap in eye care due to an impending shortage of ophthalmologists.

The article focuses on the importance of copyright protections by Association of American Publishers (AAP). Topics include library lobbyists are working to divert copyright protection away from U.S. Congress to state assemblies, Maryland's law to make digital content available as an electronic literary product, and views of Maria Pallante, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AAP on the same.

This article reports that timing is emerging as the key element in the British government's deliberations about providing investment cash for the Airbus A350 to the industry. According to industry officials and lobbyists in London, senior ministers are trying to ensure that high-value civil aircraft wing design and manufacture remains in Great Britain, without antagonizing Washington any more than necessary. It is opined that any hesitation on the part of the British government to provide financial backing for the A350 would create an opportunity for one of the other Airbus partner nations to wrest the wing work from Great Britain.

Presents information on how lobby organizations hold their influence in Australian government by recruiting chief executives who have skills in politics rather than their particular industry. Example of the appointment of Robert Bain as the secretary-general of the Australian Medical Association; His successful campaigning for the forestry industry; Other executives that lobby for industries in which they previously had no experience; Difficulties of lobbying in Australia.

Discusses the impact of technology on political lobbying in Australia. How technology has changed the way information is gathered and presented to government; Changes in the political power dynamic; How politicians use technology; Use of technology by businesses in politics; Views of lobbyist Andrew Parker, of Parker and Partners, Canberra; Lobbying techniques imported from the United States; Gaining grassroots support.

Reports on the business lobby in Australia for July of 1998. Comments from Bob Mansfield, a consultant to the Office of the Prime Minister on how business needs to be more involved; Big individual companies seen as the only ones who can afford a lobbyist; Chart of the top business lobbyists that have the ear of the government; Business lobby groups seen as better prepared especially on tax reform and the goods and services tax. INSET: The trials of the lobbyist.

Discusses the advocate's work of the three lobbyists and an organizer that promotes blending of ideas vital to democracy. Experiences of several Washington lobbyists; Lobbying on educational issues; Strong communication skills for advocates.

The article reports that several business lobby groups have complained to Australian legislators about the proposed reforms to the Fair Work Act. The suggested reforms included greater scope for arbitration in employer-employee disputes. According to Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer (CEO) Peter Anderson, there is less contest among business groups. It has been said that distinguishing among the various business associations has become confusing.

The article reports on the tough battles faced by business groups and their lobbyists in Capitol Hill in light of the Democrats' complete control of the U.S. Congress in 2007. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's promise of oil industry tax breaks was not fulfilled, and instead a measure that makes oil and gas companies ineligible for a domestic manufacturing tax credit was given. Several Representatives intervened on behalf of the energy sector, resulting to the legislation being scaled back.

The article reports that the movement among U.S. lawmakers to make bold reforms of lobbying laws has faded. Congressional focus on lobbying reform mushroomed after a Republican lobbyist pleaded guilty to corruption, embezzlement and bribery. Both the Senate and Congress called for tougher legislation after the scandal but momentum slowed as opposition grew among rank-and-file lawmakers to the more restrictive proposals. INSET: Lobbyists--As Advocates, They're Not All Alike.

The article presents news briefs for the aerospace, aeronautics and military defense industries. Former U.S. Air Force deputy undersecretary Gary Payton stated his embarrassment that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has a gap in its manned spaceflight programs. The U.S. Army intends on speeding up its Acquisition Process with a shorter turnaround with reduced spending. Lobbyists are arguing against search engine company Google's proposed acquisition of ITA Software.

Presents information on the Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA), the advertising industry's lobby group. Their battle with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission over its accreditation system; Criticism of the AFA; Comments from Lesley Brydon and Leigh Clapham of the AFA; Programs run by the organization; It's need to make members happier.

Reports on a bill proposed by Representative Carlos J. Moorehead that aims to modernize patent law and to change Patent & Trademark Office operations. Implications of the proposed bill on the patenting practice in the country; Formation of the lobbying group called the Coalition to Save Patent Reform by industrial giants; Comments by chemical industry executives on the issue; Provisions of the bill.

The article reports on the efforts of U.S. lobbyists to persuade Great Britain to accept standards for beef and dairy products as set by the U.S. It mentions work by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and National Milk Producers' Federation to get restrictions revised to allow greater exports of products, the impact of the British withdrawal from the European Union on regulation revision, and the impact on British agriculture.

Reports that the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) have submitted written testimony supporting proposed "fair use" amendments to the Copyright Act of 1976. Way that the ALA and ARL requested clarification of the amendments; Statement of ALA lobbyist Carol Henderson that the legislation is pending final form and approval; Observation that the legislation was created in response to decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit which have made it difficult for authors and researchers to quote unpublished materials without obtaining authorization or consent from copyright holders.

The article reports on the text exchange between city manager Rick Fernandez and a lobbyist which led to a legal settlement with the city of Tallahassee. It states that Fernandez has deleted and lied about the sent text messages to a lobbyist, soliciting Florida State football game tickets. It also states that the deleted text message is a public record and that failure to produce will violate the public records act.

The author presents his perspectives on the claims among European scientists that glyphosate can cause cancer according from the opinion issued by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization. Topics discussed include the opinion of environmental lobbyists on glyphosate as carcinogenic, the possible association between the product and the cancer and the studies from the European Food Safety Authority on glyphosate.

The article presents the views of Lee White of Institute of Chartered Accountants on making a transition from being a regulator to a lobbyist. White says he plans to get involved more in policy development. He states that accounting standards need to respond as business continues to evolve. He adds that there are more standards and guides to help people understand the range of exotic financial instruments the market has.

The article reports on the participation of business lobby groups to the debate on the viability, sustainability, and desirability of Australia in reaching a population of 35 million by 2050.

The article reports that U.S. Senator Al Franken has introduced legislation to remove the corporate tax deduction for the pharmaceutical industry for advertising spending on advertising for prescription drugs. Lobbyists for advertising agencies and the pharmaceutical industry express strong opposition to the legislation.

The article reflects on the decision of the International Astronomical Union to demote Pluto from its planet status. Lobbyists use children to change the reclassification of Pluto. Scientists should base their revisions on facts and data instead of political voting. The decision will also lead left-wing deconstructionists to regard scientific knowledge as based on social construct.

Discusses issues related to U.S. defense industry political activities. Need for politically active companies to be effective in retaining and disseminating the rules on federal campaign finance; Limitations in the political contributions of subcontractors; Clarifications on the nature of lobbying activities. INSETS: NDIA Ethics Committee;NDIA LEADERSHIP.

Reports on the claim regarding the votes needed to ensure the approval of a legislation that would require labeling of government-sponsored video news releases (VNR) during the convention of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on October 19, 2005. Impact of the provisions on VNR; Action taken by lobbyists to neutralize the impact of the bill; Opposition of Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to the bill

Reports on the possible appointment of David Rehr, president of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, as president of the National Association of Broadcasters. Political connections of Rehr; Other candidates for the position; Achievements of Rehr as lobbyist for the beer association.

Presents information on the status of Blank Rome law firm in Washington, D.C. in March 2005. Statement given by chairman David Girard-diCarlo on the success of the firm; Background of Blank Rome; Number of registered lobbyists of the firm; Remarks from Kathleen Clark, a professor at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and an expert in government ethics, on Blank Rome's revolving-door activities.

Highlights the programs and musical events on the planned January 20, 2005 inauguration of U.S. President George W. Bush. Reasons for showcasing music entertainers in the official balls sponsored by state's societies; Ticket prizes for the official balls; Information on other unofficial parties being thrown by lobbying groups.

Focuses on the condition of the business sector in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Activity of lobbyists in Canberra; Political participation of top business executives in the nation; Influence of external lobbyists to labor.

Reports on the investigation being conducted by New York City authorities on the ethnic-minority practices of advertising agencies. Lobbyist hired by the law firm of WPP Group in response to the investigation; Impact of the issue on people of color; Data requested by the Commission on Human Rights from agencies in November 2003.

California voters are soon to decide on several ballot issues that backers say will shape the state's financial future and ability to fund vital infrastructure for years to come. Supporters say Propositions 57 and 58 are critical to restoring long-term fiscal health and investment in transportation, which takes a nearly $2-billion hit in governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget. Matt Tennis, lobbyist for the Associated Builders of California, calls the balanced-budget and bond propositions "our best hope" for restoring fiscal stability and economic growth in the state.

Presents an update of legislative issues faced by the U.S. chemical industry in 2004. Passage of a class-action reform bill in the U.S. Congress; Concerns of industry lobbyists regarding other legislative bills.

Presents information on the concerns of newspaper groups over possible changes to the U.S. Postal Service which could threaten a large revenue source for the newspaper industry. Recommendation of a subcommittee regarding changes to the postal service; Stance of the Newspaper Association of America concerning postal rates; Views of newspaper lobbyists on the function of the postal service.

Discusses the alleged efforts of special-interest representatives and lobbyists to influence the editorial boards of newspapers in line with the United States presidential election in 2000. Effect of special interest groups on lawmakers and editorial writers; Relation of legislators and lobbying groups; Discussion on editorial writing.

Mentions that the Washington, D.C. area branch of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) gained chapter status as of fall 2000. How the chapter will serve as a base for the organization's federal lobbying efforts; Views of NARAS president Mike Greene about the music industry.

The article discusses the concept of the activist campaigns face by the chemical sector in the U.S. including Air Products, Dow Chemical and DuPont. It highlights the direct engagement of the chemical makers with the activists. It also notes that the activists have raised funds to conduct high-profile campaigns against the chemical sector.

An obituary for Katherine Knott, former lobbyist for the Associated General Contractors related to employer issues, is presented.

The article discusses a meeting on dairy crisis organized by the milk lobby group held at Frome Auction Market in Great Britain on September 11, 2014. Topics discussed include reduction of milk prices by dairy farmers for their milk, demand of response by the organization Future Farmers of America (FFA) from milk processors and retailers for a price drop, and suggestions of Jonathan Ovens, director at dairy products provider Arla Foods, on the impact of price crash on the market.

The article discusses the U.S. court case A&R Body Specialty and Collision Works, Inc. v. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company involving on the claims by an automobile association and two auto body shops regarding an illegally suppressed labor rates and illegally steered insureds in body shops. The U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut held on the ruling for attorney-lobbyists' communications. The court reviewed the issue and attempted to find a solution to the case.

The article discusses the U.S. construction lobbyists' preparation for competition with other industries for a share of the 2014 U.S. budget. Topics addressed include the budget bill's discretionary spending increase, congressional appropriations committees' allocation of funds among federal construction and non-construction programs, and bipartisan support for infrastructure development. Plans to approve a final spending bill by January 15, 2014 are also mentioned.

The article discusses the impact of the partial U.S. government shutdown on the advertising industry. It cites comments from lobbyist for the Association of National Advertisers Dan Jafee regarding the continued uncertainty in the industry. It discusses an online petition launched by Howard Schultz, chief executive officer of beverage company Starbucks, which calls for the reopening of the U.S. government. The results of a poll which showed a decline in consumer confidence are also provided.

This section offers news briefs on the U.S. frac sand industry including Mayor Dennis Egan of Red Wing, Minnesota threatening to resign because of public pressure over his being a frac sand lobbyist and Hi-Crush receiving the Paragon Award from the Eau Claire, Wisconsin Area Economic Development Corporation.

The article comments on the challenges faced by plans of the European Union to change data protection laws due to lobbyists. It suggests that a single digital marketplace would give Europeans a competitive advantage and everyone would be required to comply when dealing with Europeans. It adds that the law reform has been affected by the need to obtain a person's consent to process their personal data online.

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the success of the anti-coal seam gas (CSG) lobbyists in campaigning against fracking.

The article focuses on specialist lobbying firms and their representatives who continue to fight for what they want and against unfavorable business policy in the Australian Parliament House. Simon Banks, director of Labor-aligned firm Hawker Britton, advises new businesses to understand how the government operates. Ian Smith, lobbyist and founder of the Liberal-aligned firm Bespoke Approach, tells about the difficulty of lobbying under a minority government.

The article offers information on Barton Deakin, the first Liberal-National Party Coalition-affiliated lobby group in Australia. Barton Deakin managing director Peter Collins says if there are no Coalition governments, they are out of business. He mentions that if Labor had remained in power, it would have been very lean pickings for Barton Deakin. He also hopes that within five years they will be present in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

The author examines the implication of pressure groups such as Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) and the Friends of the Earth for the British agricultural industry in 2012. She describes the actions and rhetoric of single-interest groups as emotive and effective. She points out that dialogue, care and common ground are needed to improve the partnership of the sector with selected groups. She adds that a dialogue may lead to strong additional representation with policy makers and the public.

The article reports on a study conducted by the nonprofit organization, Center for Progressive Reform, which claims that the U.S. administration is allowing lobbyists to influence federal regulations.