DIM BULB: Peekskill, N.Y., Mayor Mary Foster has banned all clapping at weekly City Council meetings. She called it a “politeness policy” to stop intimidation by a “small group” and “make residents more comfortable.” However, Foster’s political opponents accuse her of simply trying to stop the increasing amount of applause against her council statements. And a local constitutional lawyer said the mayor is in violation of First Amendment speech rights.

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