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Daily Archives: February 2, 2017

Politico – Federal workers turn to encryption to thwart Trump

Via Politico: “Federal employees worried that President Donald Trump will gut their agencies are creating new email addresses, signing up for encrypted messaging apps and looking for other, protected ways to push back against the new administration’s agenda. Whether inside the Environmental Protection Agency, within the Foreign Service, on the edges of the Labor Department or beyond, employees are using new technology as well as more old-fashioned approaches — such as private face-to-face meetings — to organize letters, talk strategy, or contact media outlets and other groups to express their dissent. The goal is to get their message across while not violating any rules covering workplace communications, which can be monitored by the government and could potentially get them fired…”

Reporters Committee releases report on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch

February 2, 2017 – “U.S. Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch does not have an extensive history of cases involving free speech, free press, and freedom of information issues, but the opinions he authored or joined during his more than 10 years on the Tenth Circuit that do touch upon those issues reflect the application of… Continue Reading

UK’s exit from and new partnership with the European Union White Paper

“This White Paper provides Parliament and the country with a clear vision of what we are seeking to achieve in negotiating our exit from, and new partnership with, the European Union. This White Paper confirms the Prime Minister’s vision of an independent, truly global UK and an ambitious future relationship with the EU. On 17… Continue Reading

Javelin 2017 Identity Fraud Study

“The 2017 Identity Fraud Study released today by Javelin Strategy & Research (@JavelinStrategy), revealed that the number of identity fraud victims increased by sixteen percent (rising to 15.4 million U.S. consumers) in the last year, a record high since Javelin Strategy & Research began tracking identity fraud in 2003. The study found that despite the… Continue Reading

Newsweek reporter records suit is focused Trump National-Security issues

Court House News: “A Newsweek reporter has brought a federal complaint to access records on President Donald Trump’s classified briefings, as well as details on how the government investigated the likes of Stephen Bannon for a security clearance. Jeffrey Stein’s Jan. 31 lawsuit comes just days after Trump announced that he would give the chief… Continue Reading

Barriers Along the U.S. Borders: Key Authorities and Requirements

CRS report via FAS – Barriers Along the U.S. Borders: Key Authorities and Requirements. Michael John Garcia, Acting Section Research Manager. January 27, 2017. “Federal law authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to construct barriers along the U.S. borders to deter illegal crossings. DHS is also required to construct reinforced fencing along at least… Continue Reading

LC – Refugee Law and Policy In Selected Countries

Refugee Law and Policy In Selected Countries March 2016 – The Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Center [via FAS] “This report describes the law and policy on refugees and other asylum seekers in twenty-two geographically dispersed countries and, at the supranational level, in the European Union (EU). The individual surveys cover such topics… Continue Reading

Trump Administration Changes to National Security Council: Frequently Asked Questions,

CRS report via FAS – Trump Administration Changes to the National Security Council: Frequently Asked Questions, CRS Insight, Kathleen J. McInnis, Analyst in International Security; John W. Rollins, Specialist in Terrorism and National Security. January 30, 2017 (IN10640). “On January 28, 2017, the Trump Administration issued National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) 2: Organization of the… Continue Reading

U.S. District Court Vacancies at Beginning and End of Obama Presidency: Overview and Comparative Analysis

CRS report via FAS – U.S. District Court Vacancies at the Beginning and End of the Obama Presidency: Overview and Comparative Analysis, Barry J. McMillion, Analyst in American National Government, January 31, 2017 (IN10570). “This Insight provides comparative historical data related to U.S. district court vacancies that existed at the beginning and end of the… Continue Reading

Supreme Court Appointment Process: President’s Selection of a Nominee

CRS report via FAS – Supreme Court Appointment Process: President’s Selection of a Nominee, Barry J. McMillion, Analyst on the Federal Judiciary, January 27, 2017. “The appointment of a Supreme Court Justice is an event of major significance in American politics. Each appointment is of consequence because of the enormous judicial power the Supreme Court… Continue Reading

Jury Decides Oculus Owes $500M in Copyright Case

FindLaw – “The reality may be virtual, but the jury’s verdict is very real. Oculus VR, makers of the Rift virtual reality headset, along with founders Palmer Luckey and Brendan Iribe, were found to have violated a nondisclosure agreement as well as copyright infringement and false designation in a legal rift with ZeniMax Media. And… Continue Reading