Eva Norlyk Smith, Ph.D. writes: In a real-life mystery that would have even Robert Downing Jr.’s indomitable Sherlock Holmes scratching his head, American Express is suing pop singer Courtney Love for $352K in charges to credit cards issued in her name. Love, in turn, is countersuing American Express, claiming that she never made the charges,…
DHS releases 2009 Data Mining Report
The Department of Homeland Security has released its 2009 Data Mining Report: This report describes DHS programs, both operational and in development, that involve data mining as defined by the Federal Agency Data Mining Reporting Act of 2007. The report provides the detailed information required by the Act and includes updates on program modifications and…
Obama Orders Overhaul in ‘Top Secret’ Rules
Travis Sanford reports: In a sweeping change to current practice, President Obama has ordered that all federal agencies presume that documents and records they produce will not be considered “classified” unless disclosure reasonably could be expected to compromise national security. Obama also ordered that almost all classified material will be declassified after 25 years. In…
Open Court Ruling Could Force Palin Into Custody Deal
Matthew Heller reports: An Alaska judge’s decision allowing public access to proceedings in a custody battle over Sarah Palin’s grandson could encourage her to make a deal with the child’s father rather than risk an “onslaught” by “scandal-hungry tabloids.” Palin’s personal attorney, who is not a family law specialist, is representing her daughter Bristol in…