Category «United States Law»

No flood gauges, no warning: 99% of US streams are off the radar amid rising flash flood risks – we saw the harm in 2024

Flooding is one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in the U.S., causing billions of dollars in damage each year. In 2024 alone, floods destroyed homes in over a dozen states and claimed more than 165 lives. Julie Arbit, Brad Bottoms and Branko Kerkez identify how thesedisasters underscore the importance of fast, accurate flood warnings. They’re also a reminder that extensive gaps still exist in the systems that monitor U.S. stream levels.

Subjects: Disaster Planning, Economy, Energy, Environmental Law, Financial System

Consider The Turkey: philosopher’s new book might put you off your festive bird – and that’s exactly what he would want

This article by Benjamin Curtis is an overview of Australian philosopher Peter Singer who has been a champion of animal rights for more than 50 years. His basic philosophical position has remained the same: the suffering of animals is just as important as the suffering of human beings. Pain is pain, whether it is in animals or humans. So, just as we think it is wrong to cause unnecessary pain and suffering in humans, it is wrong to cause the same in animals. To think otherwise is “speciesist”.

Subjects: Ethics, Food & Drug Law, Legal Ethics, Legal Research

Pete Recommends – Weekly highlights on cyber security issues, December 7, 2024

Privacy and cybersecurity issues impact every aspect of our lives – home, work, travel, education, finance, health and medical records – to name but a few. On a weekly basis Pete Weiss highlights articles and information that focus on the increasingly complex and wide ranging ways technology is used to compromise and diminish our privacy and online security, often without our situational awareness. Five highlights from this week: FTC Cracks Down on Tech Support Scams, Targeting Schemes That Prey on Cord Cutters; CFPB Proposes Rule to Stop Data Brokers from Selling Sensitive Personal Data to Scammers, Stalkers, and Spies; FTC Says Data Brokers Unlawfully Tracked Protesters and US Military Personnel; Six password takeaways from the updated NIST cybersecurity framework; and How to prep your iPhone for unexpected medical emergencies.

Subjects: Cryptocurrency, Cybercrime, Cybersecurity, Privacy

Book Review – Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle for Honest and Accountable Government

The 2024 election results have prompted discussion about the effectiveness of “guardrails” that might restrain Presidential activities that could harm the nation. Jerry Lawson’s review notes that Glenn Fine’s new book, Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle of Honest and Accountable Government is a timely and welcome contribution to the national debate. Fine has had considerable experience with Offices of Inspectors General (OIGs), one of the key institutions that serve as limits to corrupt or overreaching Executive Branch actions.

Subjects: Book Reviews, Government Resources, Legal Research, United States Law

AI harm is often behind the scenes and builds over time – a legal scholar explains how the law can adapt to respond

The often-overlooked consequences of AI applications call for regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology. Prof. Sylvia Lu studies the intersection of law and technology, and has outlined a legal framework to do just that.

Subjects: AI, Courts & Technology, Cybersecurity, Legal Research, Privacy, United States Law

Pete Recommends – Weekly highlights on cyber security issues, November 23, 2024

Privacy and cybersecurity issues impact every aspect of our lives – home, work, travel, education, finance, health and medical records – to name but a few. On a weekly basis Pete Weiss highlights articles and information that focus on the increasingly complex and wide ranging ways technology is used to compromise and diminish our privacy and online security, often without our situational awareness. Five highlights from this week: Thieves are using Google Maps to target homes; Microsoft’s anti competitive behavior weakens its customers’ cybersecurity; How and where to report cybercrime: What you need to know; Legislation introduced to address foreign supply chain threats; Use These 4 Apps and Tools to Detect Phishing Emails

Subjects: Cybercrime, Cybersecurity, Email Security, Federal Legislative Research, Privacy

The New Administration: A Boon for Investigative Journalism

This commentary by Michael Ravnitzky highlights the critical period ahead for investigative journalism under the new presidential administration. Controversial stances and policy shifts will provide many more opportunities than usual for journalists to uncover and report on critical issues, ensuring that the administration’s actions are thoroughly examined and the public remains well-informed.

Subjects: Economy, Financial System, Legal Research, United States Law