Author Archive

Josh Smith

Tech

ACLU: New domestic intelligence rules undermine privacy, security

Rules allow the National Counterterrorism Center to store private information about Americans, even if they aren't suspected of being terrorists.

Tech

Gingrich's moon plan finds little love at debate

Rivals criticize idea as pandering to Florida interests, joke about sending politicians to the new colony.

Tech

A moon base? Tried that

Newt Gingrichs space plan may not be quite as grandiose as he thinks.

Defense

Domestic drone programs spark civil-liberties lawsuit

Group argues that federal agencies have been slow to publicize the expanding use of pilotless aircraft to watch Americans.

News

Agencies blast out hurricane warnings on every medium

Hurricane Irene updates are available on websites, Twitter feeds, Facebook pages and mobile apps.

Oversight

FCC: Should the government save the media?

Study recommends more disclosure from broadcasters.

Defense

Google says Chinese hackers breached e-mail accounts of U.S. government officials

"Phishing" scam tricked users into revealing personal information.

Oversight

As shuttle program winds down, uncertainty looms for NASA

Lawmakers question speed of agency's transition away from shuttle.

Oversight

NASA scrubs shuttle launch due to engineering problem

Next possible launch date is May 1.

Oversight

Study shows health IT efforts worthwhile

The review of 154 other studies found that 92 percent were positive overall.

Oversight

Patent bill passes Senate, House hurdles lie ahead

If enacted, the legislation would be the first major overhaul of the patent system in more than half a century.

Defense

Patent Office director touts agency's potential to stimulate economy

Easing the backlog in patent applications could help create jobs, says David Kappos.

Oversight

USDA settles Native American lawsuit

The $760 million agreement will help “turn a page” on the department’s “tragic” civil-rights past, Agriculture chief says.