the recent closure of a newspaper in Iran and the wider controls which place limits on the freedom of the press. Newcity announce their Lit 50, a list of "those whose creative influence is the greatest", and include Chris Ware, Alex Ross, Jeffrey Brown and Paul Hornschemeier. ICv2.com carry a statement from Central Park Media in which they announce a number of job losses. The statement is released in response to rumors which have circulated on the internet that the company will be declaring bankruptcy. French-Belgian comics artist Tibet is promoted to Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. May 31, 2006: Alison Bechdel is profiled by Vermont's Seven Days internet magazine. The nominees for the 2006 Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award are announced via a press release. Jonathan Bennett, R. Kikuo Johnson, Mark Page, Aaron Renier and Chris Samnee are the five artists nominated. Canada's The Gazette discuss the refusal of Indigo Books and Music to carry the latest Harper's in the context of freedom of speech. June June 1, 2006: ComicFoundry interview Kevin Huizenga. Bob Levin discusses Alex Toth for The Comics Journal. Newsarama report that the CBLDF have filed a motion to dismiss in the case of Gordon Lee, a comic book retailer charged with distributing materials which are alleged to be harmful to minors. Tom Spurgeon comments on the Harvey Awards nominations for 2006, in which Marvel Comics receive the most nominations. June 2, 2006: Australia's The Age report on a difficult year for cartoonists. Turkish cartoonist Musa Gümüş wins the 8th PortoCartoon World Festival grand prize, awarded by the National Printing Museum, in Portugal. Editor & Publisher report that the Union of Concerned Scientists are launching two cartoon contests, hoping to "encourage amateur and professional cartoonists alike to express concern -- through humor and art -- about the impact of the abuse of science on our safety, health, and environment." The Los Angeles Times discuss the homosexual interpretations of superheroes, and how these will impact upon the forthcoming Superman Returns film. The CBLDF issue a statement outlining their reasons for filing motions to dismiss in the case against Gordon Lee. Joe Sinasac comments on the June issue of Harper's, which featured Art Spiegelman's comments on the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy for the Catholic Register June 4, 2006: The New York Times review Mome, Ganges and La Perdida. June 7, 2006: ICv2.com report that