Wisconsin Bill Would Legalize Marijuana; Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition

MADISON, Wisc. (Sept. 2, 2017) – A Wisconsin bill introduced last week would legalize marijuana for recreational use. Passage would take a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in the Badger State. Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) and 17 co-sponsors introduced Assembly Bill 482 (AB482) on Aug. 24. The legislation would legalize marijuana under…

Continue ReadingWisconsin Bill Would Legalize Marijuana; Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition

Documents burn as Trump escalates Russia conflict, ordering SF consulate vacated

"The order to leave the consulate and an official diplomatic residence in San Francisco — home to a longstanding community of Russian emigres and technology workers — escalated an already tense diplomatic standoff between Washington and Moscow, even for those who have long monitored activities inside the closely monitored building."

Continue ReadingDocuments burn as Trump escalates Russia conflict, ordering SF consulate vacated

YouTube Labels Ron Paul Videos “Not Suitable” For Advertising

"Wikileaks founder Julian Assange tweeted a screenshot of Paul’s 'Liberty Report' page showing that his videos had been labeled 'not suitable' for all advertisers by YouTube's content arbiters. Assange claims that Paul was being punished for speaking out about President Donald Trump’s decision to increase the number of US troops in Afghanistan, after Paul published a video on the subject earlier this week."

Continue ReadingYouTube Labels Ron Paul Videos “Not Suitable” For Advertising

465,000 patients have implanted pacemakers with critical security vulnerability

"Pacemakers from Abbott Laboratories contain critical flaws that allow hijackers within radio range to seize control while the pacemakers are running. The update will require patients to visit a clinic where doctors will put the pacemakers in backup mode while the firmware is being patched. The Abbott letter said that, for certain patients, the update should be performed 'in a facility where temporary pacing and pacemaker generator change are readily available, due to the very small estimated risk of firmware update malfunction.'"

Continue Reading465,000 patients have implanted pacemakers with critical security vulnerability

CIA sneaks undetectable ‘malicious’ implants onto Windows OS: WikiLeaks

"Windows machines are targeted by the CIA under ‘Angelfire,’ according to the latest release from WikiLeaks’ ‘Vault7’ series. The documents detail an implant that can allow Windows machines to create undetectable libraries. WikiLeaks says the leaked ‘Vault 7’ documents came from within the CIA, which has in turn refused to confirm their authenticity. Previous releases include details on CIA hacking tools used to weaponize mobile phones, compromize smart TVs and the ability to trojan the Apple OS."

Continue ReadingCIA sneaks undetectable ‘malicious’ implants onto Windows OS: WikiLeaks

US government: We can jail you indefinitely for not decrypting your data

"The US government is fighting to keep a former police officer in prison because he claims not to be able to remember the code to decrypt two hard drives under investigation. The ex-cop has twice appealed the decision to detain him, once in federal court and once in the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals. His lawyers argue that holding him breaches his Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate himself. The government is also arguing that, as Rawls didn't use his Fifth Amendment rights in his initial appeal he can't try to use that defense now."

Continue ReadingUS government: We can jail you indefinitely for not decrypting your data

Cop violently arrests nurse for refusing to draw blood from unconscious crash victim

"Detective Jeff Payne is suspended from blood-draw duties but remains in his role as a detective in the investigations unit. The patient was a truck driver who arrived at the hospital comatose after being badly burned in a crash with a vehicle driven by someone fleeing police, the Deseret News reported."

Continue ReadingCop violently arrests nurse for refusing to draw blood from unconscious crash victim

Michigan Bill Would Help Protect Electronic Privacy, Thwart Some Federal Surveillance

LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 1, 2017) – An electronic data protection bill introduced in the Michigan House would ban the use “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications without a warrant, and end warrantless collection of cell phone data in most situations. Passage of the bill would not only protect privacy…

Continue ReadingMichigan Bill Would Help Protect Electronic Privacy, Thwart Some Federal Surveillance

Alabama Law Expanding Health Freedom Now in Effect

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Sept. 1, 2017) – Today, an Alabama law went into effect that will help facilitate healthcare freedom in the state, and set the stage to nullify in practice federal control over the healthcare industry. Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) sponsored Senate Bill 94 (SB94). The new law specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called…

Continue ReadingAlabama Law Expanding Health Freedom Now in Effect