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The Shadow Lobbyists: How Former Politicians Secretly Shape Legislation

This practice of shadow lobbying, in which former politicians rely on their access and expertise to steer legislation and policy without registering de jure as lobbyists, is ubiquitous in Washington D.C. These political operatives operate in the shadows, providing strategic advice to corporate clients and sidestepping the stringent disclosure requirements that registered lobbyists must follow. Spending on […]

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Demonstrations and Political Violence in America

News / nstarpost

In the summer of 2020, we watched as large-scale protests erupted across the United States in response to persistent issues of racial injustice and violence by police. News of data indicating that while many protests occurred, a strong majority were peaceful — studies showed up to 96 percent did not lead to damage to property or injuries.

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Anonymous Leaks Identities of 350 Alleged Ku Klux Klan Members, Revealing Hidden Networks

News / nstarpost

This week, the hacktivist collective Anonymous hit the headlines, releasing the identities of over 350 individuals alleged to be members of the Ku Klux Klan. This might have the potential to reveal the people of a hate group that has brought about great devastation in the past. It is part of a larger effort to combat racism and

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New Energy Efficiency Standards: Impacts of Recent Government Regulations on HVAC Systems

Exclusive / nstarpost

By coming up with stricter standards for energy efficiency in HVAC systems, recent changes have signaled a major trend in how homes will be heated and cooled over the next few years. With new regulations set to take effect, both consumers and the environment can benefit. This means that not only will home savings amount

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Defcon 25 Spies in the Skies

Justice, News / nstarpost

In recent years, government surveillance has moved into the skies, raising serious concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, CBP DEA, and local police departments, have taken to the skies, utilizing airplanes outfitted with sophisticated surveillance technology to surveil ground-level activity. It has become more and more sophisticated, leading journalists, researchers,

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Federal Jury Convicts Tennessee Man for Plot to Burn Down New York Mosque

News / nstarpost

Robert Doggart, 65, of Signal Mountain, Tenn., was convicted by a federal jury on several charges stemming from his plot to attack a Muslim community in New York. The verdict, reported by Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler and U.S. Attorney Nancy Stallard Harr, is a huge victory in the battle against domestic terrorism and religious discrimination.

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Cellebrite Smartphone Forensics – What You Need to Know

News / nstarpost

Smartphones are an important source of potential evidence in the types of investigations and litigation common in the digital world. From employment disputes to corporate fraud cases, these devices contain an abundance of information that can tip the scales in a case. As demands for smartphone data analysis continue to grow, legal and technology professionals must be

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Minneapolis Police Department’s Use of Fake Social Media Accounts Revealed

Justice / nstarpost

According to a public records request, Unicorn Riot has discovered that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) has used fake social media accounts to monitor people and protests. The documents obtained provide insight into the workings of the MPD’s Strategic Information Center (SIC), where intelligence analysts use secretive techniques to collect information. Strategic Information Center, a Clearinghouse for

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Drone Legislation: Balancing Privacy Concerns and Law Enforcement Needs

Justice, Opinion / nstarpost

The increased use of drones has created quite a stir in Congress and among groups seeking to safeguard privacy. In response, thirteen states have enacted laws instructing law enforcement how drones are to be used; eleven of them require warrants. However, these laws are usually centered on technicalities rather than addressing the central problem of

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Air National Guard Intelligence Unit Recertified Following Classified Document Leak

Justice / nstarpost

After a year of thorough exploration, major salvage efforts, and substantial improvements, the Air Force announced that the Air National Guard intelligence unit accused in last year’s major classified documents leak incident is set to resume its mission starting this Saturday. Incident Background The 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group faced suspension since the middle

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