Police refused to issue a permit for a public performance, citing the strong objections.

CNN: Silenced Cries

However, in October the Ministry of Culture gave the green light for the Director of Municipality to issue a permit for the destruction of the Medawar Building.

FORBES: Postcards from Beirut: Preservationists Lose Battle To Save Historic Building From Bulldozer

In November, a federal judge told both sides to behave themselves, but he sided with the Park Service on the issue of Mr Hale's needing a permit.

ECONOMIST: By bulldozer, across a national park

Sooner than you think, the experience of applying for a permit or reporting an issue to a government authority will look and feel a lot more like a typical online shopping experience.

FORBES: Not Your Father's Government

The bribe at issue was allegedly paid in 2001 to Patricio Tombolini, a deputy minister of transport, in exchange for a permit to operate a vehicle-testing plant.

ECONOMIST: Much ado about campaign finance