United States Department of Justice & Political Issue

npr.org/2024/04/16/1245143434/supreme-court-january-6-arguments-fischer

Apr 17

Supreme Court gives skeptical eye to key statute used to prosecute Jan. 6 rioters

Quick Glance: Justices Question Obstruction Charge Against Jan. 6 Rioter

The Supreme Court is considering whether Jan. 6 rioters can be charged with obstructing an official proceeding, potentially impacting Trump's election interference case.

During Tuesday's hearing, justices expressed concerns about the Justice Department's use of the obstruction statute to prosecute those involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

A potential consequence of a ruling in favor of Fischer could affect Trump, although this outcome is not definitive. Prosecutors in Trump's case have emphasized that even if Fischer succeeds, Trump's actions would still be governed by a more restrictive interpretation of the law.

The provision was enacted in 2002 as part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, passed after the Enron accounting scandal. Both Fischer and Trump argue that the obstruction law does not apply to their alleged conduct, meaning the charges should be dropped.

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Apr 18

Bill Barr, frequent Trump critic, says he will support the ‘Republican ticket’ in November

cnn.com/2024/04/18/politics/bill-barr-donald-trump-vote/

785

1k

PBS

pbs.org/newshour/politics/senate-passes-renewal-of-key-u-s-surveillance-program-just-after-midnight-deadline

Apr 20

Senate passes renewal of key U.S. surveillance program just after midnight deadline

166

Apr 24

FBI director rejects Trump's vow to investigate political rivals: In an interview with NBC News, Christopher Wray said that, as long as he is FBI director ...

nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/fbi-director-rejects-trumps-vow-investigate-political-rivals-rcna149056

217

Apr 24

Supreme Court to Hear Arguments on Idaho’s Near-Total Abortion Ban: In other legal news, the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments today on Idaho’s near-total ...

democracynow.org/2024/4/24/headlines/supreme_court_to_hear_arguments_on_idahos_near_total_abortion_ban

Quick Glance: Supreme Court Divided on Emergency Abortion Access: Highlights

The Supreme Court seems divided on access to emergency abortions in states with near-total bans.

The 1986 Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act could impact abortion access in emergencies.

The debate raises questions about fetal personhood and abortion rights conflict.

The court's decision could affect abortion access in 14 states with strict abortion bans.

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12h

Trump Throws Absolute Fit In Late Night Rant For The Strangest Possible Reason: The former president delivered a scathing response to a critic who just endorsed ...

huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-bill-barr-rant_n_6629eb73e4b005d7bf0c88dd

90

Apr 22

DOJ targeting carjackings in DC, Chicago and other areas : The Justice Department (DOJ) is ramping up efforts to target carjackings in Washington ...

thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4602214-doj-targeting-carjackings-in-dc-chicago-and-other-areas/

116

Apr 12

FBI Chief Concerned About Threat of Moscow Concert Hall-Style Rampage in U.S.: Christopher Wray said he struggled to remember a time when America faced so many ...

thedailybeast.com/fbi-chief-concerned-about-threat-of-moscow-concert-hall-style-rampage-in-us

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Apr 14

Fact check: Trump’s false and unsubstantiated claims about his Manhattan criminal case

cnn.com/2024/04/14/politics/fact-check-trump-false-hush-money-criminal-case/

535

Apr 22

Supreme Court will take up the legal fight over ghost guns, firearms without serial numbers

apnews.com/article/supreme-court-ghost-guns-regulation-1a29729cf1bee46590d82ac46ab7b8f4

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Apr 17

Signaling its skepticism, the US Supreme Court justices leaned towards a 2021 Capitol attack rioter over an obstruction charge brought by the Justice ... Show more reut.rs/4axnODs

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22

Apr 12

House passes reauthorization of US spy program after GOP upheaval: The U.S. House has passed a bill to reauthorize and provide sweeping reforms of a key U.S ...

apnews.com/article/fisa-donald-trump-surveillance-congress-johnson-6798869fa141a13329c24245c64fd14f

215

Apr 18

FBI on alert for threats to the Jewish community ahead of Passover, director says

cnn.com/2024/04/17/politics/fbi-christopher-wray-threats-jewish-community-passover/

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Apr 17

Alabama: Voters to decide primary runoffs in new Congressional District: Alabama voters have cast their ballots to decide party nominees for the state’s 2nd ...

apnews.com/article/alabama-2nd-congressional-district-primary-election-3c71c050841f20d751226463731868c7

4 similar articles

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Vox

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Apr 24

A new Supreme Court case could make it much easier for criminals to buy guns: The fight over “ghost guns” is back before the justices.

vox.com/scotus/2024/4/24/24138227/supreme-court-ghost-guns-background-checks-criminals-serial-numbers

32

Politico

newyorker.com/news/letter-from-bidens-washington/king-donalds-day-at-the-supreme-court

Apr 12

Just days before a firebrand politician named Donald is about to stand trial, he goes on TV to slam the charges as baseless and biased ... Show more www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/04/12/trump-trial-special-treatment-justice-system-00151814

Quick Glance: Path to Victory: Trump's NY Hush Money Trial

The first criminal trial of any former president began with extortion, Trump should aim for an acquittal.

Charges do not concern misconduct in settling hush money with Daniels, but entering payments to conceal another crime.

The burden of proof for criminal intent is high, requiring proof for two layers of specific intent to convict Trump.

A legal maneuver could allow Trump to dismiss his defense team and recruit a new team to potentially secure his case.

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3h

Donald Trump’s Day at the Supreme Court: Susan B. Glasser on the oral arguments Donald Trump’s legal team gave before the Supreme Court and the state Trump trial ...

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Apr 16

Supreme Court won't hear Mike Lindell's challenge over FBI seizure of cellphone: The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a petition by MyPillow founder and election ...

abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/supreme-court-hear-election-denier-mike-lindells-challenge-109312803

466

Apr 11

Aileen Cannon's Order Lays Into Jack Smith's 'Inadequate' Plea: The judge in Trump's classified documents case has refused to censor FBI documents ...

newsweek.com/aileen-cannon-criticizes-jack-smith-plea-trump-classified-documents-case-1889373

Quick Glance: Judge to Redact Witness Names in Trump's Case

The federal judge overseeing Donald Trump's case agreed to protect potential government witnesses.

The dispute over witness information in pretrial documents has slowed down the case.

The judge agreed to protect witness identities but refused to seal the substance of witness statements.

In light of prior criticisms, the judge appears to ease tensions by redacting witness names.

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Apr 17

Justice Dept. to hit concert promoter Live Nation with antitrust lawsuit : Critics — including performers, politicians and competitors — have argued that Live ...

washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/16/live-nation-antitrust-justice/

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Apr 10

Bill Barr blasts Trump for call to kill FISA: ‘Crazy and reckless’: Former Attorney General Bill Barr on Wednesday denounced former President Trump’s exhortation ...

241

Apr 11

Justice Dept. finalizes rules to close ‘gun show loophole’: The change requires more sellers to conduct background checks for buyers. The White House called it ...

washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/04/11/gun-show-loophole-closed-biden-atf/

446

Apr 20

The Section 702 economic risks that few are talking about: Challenging politics around Section 702 could constitute an ongoing threat to American and British ...

thehill.com/opinion/finance/4604719-the-section-702-economic-risks-that-few-are-talking-about/

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Apr 19

Trump’s GOP Critics Come ‘Crawling Back’ In Humiliating Video Clips: Watch the stunning contrast in how the former president's one-time biggest critics talk ...

huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-supercut-republican-critics_n_6622299ae4b0868a1b908cd5

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Apr 12

Walt Nauta's Unsealed FBI Interview Raises Questions: FBI agents asked Trump's valet if he was covering up for Trump.

newsweek.com/donald-trump-classified-documents-case-mar-lago-florida-walt-nauta-fbi-interview-1889679

114

Apr 10

RFK Jr. sounds like Trump as he courts MAGA voters: Kennedy's independent campaign appears to hurt President Biden more than Trump in many polls ...

axios.com/2024/04/10/kennedy-trump-maga-biden-voters

Quick Glance: RFK Jr. Consultant Terminated for Comments on Removing Biden

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential campaign has ended its contract with a consultant who urged people to vote for him to 'get rid of Biden', even if it means electing Donald Trump.

Campaign manager Amaryllis Fox announced the decision in response to a supporter's request to distance the campaign from consultant Rita Palma.

Palma misrepresented her role in the campaign, leading to an immediate termination of her contract, as stated by Fox.

The consultant falsely claimed to be the New York State Director of the campaign at an event unaffiliated with the campaign, resulting in her dismissal.

12 similar articles

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PBS

slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/04/january-6-donald-trump-prosecution-obstruction-supreme-court.html

Apr 12

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned on Thursday that the conflict between Israel and Hamas has increased the potential for a coordinated attack on the United ... Show more

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88

Apr 18

The Supreme Court’s Conservatives Just Took Direct Aim at Jack Smith’s Trump Indictment. Will They Go Through With It?

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Apr 10

Teen arrested day before he planned to attack churches in name of ISIS, feds say: An Idaho teen inspired by the Islamic State had been planning for months to ...

washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/04/09/mercurio-idaho-church-isis-islamic-state/

68

Apr 10

Fani Willis Should Face FBI Search Warrant, Rudy Giuliani Suggests: Giuliani suggests questions remain over Willis's relationship with prosecutor Nathan Wade

newsweek.com/donald-trump-rudy-giuliani-fani-willis-nathan-wade-fulton-county-atlanta-indictment-georgia-election-1888851

ctvnews.ca/world/with-homelessness-on-the-rise-the-u-s-supreme-court-weighs-bans-on-sleeping-outdoors-1.6857256

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The Wall Street Journal

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Apr 17

Opinion | The Securities and Exchange Commission Is Watching You: To prevent crime, the SEC plans to track the personal information of every investor in real ...

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Apr 22

With homelessness on the rise, the U.S. Supreme Court weighs bans on sleeping outdoors

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Apr 09

FBI arrests man who allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and planned attacks on Idaho churches, DOJ says

cnn.com/2024/04/08/politics/fbi-arrest-man-isis-churches-idaho/

5 similar articles

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209

The Orange County Register

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Apr 18

101-year-old Holocaust survivor educates FBI agents about dangers of antisemitism

dailynews.com/2024/04/17/holocaust-survivor-educates-fbi-agents-in-los-angeles-on-dangers-of-antisemitism/

0

San Francisco Chronicle

sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/trump-comstock-act-abortion-19395429.php

Apr 14

How Trump can use Comstock Act to effectively end abortion in America: Doctors and pharmacists who send abortion medications via the mail while Biden is ...

4

The Detroit News

detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2024/04/13/feds-find-kwame-kilpatrick-cash-in-search-linked-to-corruption-case/73311840007/

Apr 14

Feds uncover Kwame Kilpatrick cash in ongoing treasure hunt stemming from corruption case

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Apr 24

US DOJ Seeks Three-Year Jail Term for Former Binance CEO Zhao: The US Department of Justice recommended a 36-month prison sentence for Changpeng Zhao ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-24/us-doj-seeks-three-year-jail-term-for-former-binance-ceo-zhao

Quick Glance: DOJ Calls for Binance Founder to Spend Three Years in Prison

The U.S. Department of Justice stated that Binance's founder, Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, should spend three years in prison for enabling the crypto exchange to violate federal laws on money laundering and sanctions.

Zhao pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act, with the DOJ recommending a 36-month prison sentence and a $50 million fine.

Emphasizing the need for a significant punishment, the DOJ highlighted Zhao's financial gains from illegal activities and the importance of deterring others from similar actions.

The court will decide between incarceration and probation for Zhao, with his defense arguing against his knowledge of specific transactions and advocating for probation due to a lack of risk of repeat offenses.

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Apr 14

The FBI fears the possibility of an organized attack in the United States similar to the incident at a concert hall in Russia.

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5h

FTC chief says tech advancements risk health care price fixing: Price fixing removes competition from the market and generally makes goods and services more ...

bostonherald.com/2024/04/25/ftc-chief-says-tech-advancements-risk-health-care-price-fixing/

The Gazette (Colorado Springs)

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gazette.com/news/colorado-legislature/colorado-house-passes-three-gun-bills-following-late-night-debate/article_f03ebb4a-023f-5a94-9521-6944cbeb8301.html

Apr 23

Colorado House passes three gun bills following late-night debate: House Democrats voted to pass three gun bills late on Saturday night, including one that would ...

0

Apr 24

US charges Iranians with cyber snooping on government, companies: Their holiday options are now far more restricted

theregister.com/2024/04/24/iranians_charged_cyber_espionage/

livemint.com/politics/corruption-or-just-politics-supreme-court-weighs-new-bribery-case-as-more-clashes-are-brewing-11713201260913.html

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RAPPLER

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Apr 19

Citing reports, the justice department said Teves’ son offered a $2,000 bribe “in exchange for ‘security’ inside and outside Becora Prison ... Show more www.rappler.com/philippines/doj-says-arnie-teves-son-bribed-timor-leste-police-father-special-treatment/

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Apr 19

The DOJ urged Timor Leste officials to deport former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. after the allegation of bribery to a member of the ... Show more

2

Apr 20

Corruption or just politics? Supreme court weighs new bribery case as more clashes are brewing | Mint

Paid articlePaid

dispatch.com/story/news/courts/2024/04/18/lawsuit-columbus-polices-systemic-racism-led-donovan-lewis-death-ricky-anderson-ohio-police-shooting/73354025007/

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The Columbus Dispatch

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Apr 19

Family of Donovan Lewis files lawsuit accusing Columbus police of systemic racism

wired.com/story/senate-section-702-ecsr-provision/

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WIRED Apr 17

US Senate to Vote on a Wiretap Bill That Critics Call ‘Stasi-Like’: A controversial bill reauthorizing the Section 702 spy program may force whole new categories ...

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Apr 16

MPs angry they were kept in dark about China hack two years ago: US intelligence had informed government about breach in 2022

inews.co.uk/news/politics/mps-angry-they-were-kept-in-dark-about-china-hack-two-years-ago-3007955

theguardian.com/law/2024/apr/16/supreme-court-obstruction-trump-january-6

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The Guardian

C+

Apr 17

US supreme court skeptical of using obstruction law in January 6 cases: If court curtails use of statute in connection with Capitol riot it could eliminate two ...

0

El País

english.elpais.com/usa/2024-04-16/the-us-supreme-court-is-divided-over-felony-obstruction-in-january-6-capitol-attack-case.html

Apr 17

The U.S. Supreme Court is divided over felony obstruction in January 6 Capitol attack case

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2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/missouri-house-oks-bill-toughening-penalties-for-trafficking-fentanyl/article_b64910c8-fc12-11ee-a766-c3e510be43d3.html

Apr 17

Missouri House OKs bill toughening penalties for trafficking fentanyl: The measure, which passed the House Monday evening on a 108-25 vote with 21 lawmakers ...

Isle of Wight County Press

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2

C-

Apr 15

Isle of Wight Festival terror target youth is locked up: During the trial, the court heard the 16-year-old researched potential targets to attack ...

countypress.co.uk/news/24253004.isle-wight-festival-terror-target-youth-jailed/

0

Apr 15

US drug shortages reach record high with 323 meds now in short supply: The shortages affect everything from generic cancer drugs to ADHD medication.

arstechnica.com/science/2024/04/us-drug-shortages-reach-record-high-with-323-meds-now-in-short-supply/

0

Apr 13

Man raps about raping kids and killing grandma, Arkansas cops say. He pleads not guilty

sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article287643535.html

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Firstpost

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Apr 13

#FirstpostAmerica : Testifying before a House Budget Panel, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the FBI, has raised concerns about a possible attack in ... Show more

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Firstpost

B-

Apr 12

#FPReels : The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is concerned about the possibility of a coordinated terrorist attack in the US ... Show more

0:58

0

Apr 12

In a hearing on Thursday, FBI Director Christopher Wray told a House panel that he's seen "the threat from foreign terrorists rise to a whole another ... Show more

0:44

0

San Francisco Chronicle

sfchronicle.com/crime/article/sfpd-doj-reform-list-complete-19398157.php

Apr 11

S.F. police say they’ve completed DOJ reforms, but disparities remain: San Francisco police say they are nearly finished adopting the 272 reforms recommended by ...

thetimes.co.uk/article/alexander-scott-mercurio-isis-fbi-f997hzsct

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The Times

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Apr 10

FBI foils teenager’s plan to ‘steal father’s guns and attack church’: Alexander Scott Mercurio, 18, is accused of pledging allegiance to Isis and plotting ...

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NPR

Apr 09

The Senate impeachment trial of Mayorkas has been delayed. Here's what to know: Impeachment managers were set to deliver the impeachment articles to the Senate ...

npr.org/2024/04/09/1242901888/mayorkas-impeachment-trial-senate

Quick Glance: Republicans delay hearing of DHS Secretary Mayorkas to next week

The House plans to postpone the hearing of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to next week.

159

Apr 08

Justice Dept. declines to give Biden-Hur audio recordings to House committee: Officials said GOP lawmakers already have transcripts of special counsel Robert Hur ...

washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/04/08/biden-hur-audio-justice-house-subpoena/

Quick Glance: Justice Dept. refuses to provide Biden-Hur audio recordings to House committee

Justice Department officials informed House Republicans that they do not plan to give audio recordings of President Biden's interviews with the special counsel investigating his handling of classified documents.

The decision was made as lawmakers already possess transcripts of the interviews, indicating that the request may be more about politics than seeking genuine information.

Special counsel Hur found evidence that Biden retained classified government materials after leaving the vice presidency, but concluded that there was insufficient proof to pursue criminal charges.

Republican lawmakers have threatened to hold the Attorney General in contempt if the recordings are not handed over, raising concerns about potential implications on future investigations.

257

Apr 05

Judge in Trump classified docs case faces mounting scrutiny: Legal experts have raised questions about Aileen Cannon's qualifications to continue overseeing the ...

axios.com/2024/04/05/aileen-cannon-trump-classified-documents-case

215

Apr 05

Justice official Clark violated ethics in aiding Trump, D.C. Bar panel finds: A D.C. Bar panel found that Jeffrey Clark violated ethics rules when he was at the ...

washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/04/04/justice-jeffrey-clark-bar-trump/

807

Apr 09

Reform of USA's Section 702 spying rule may make it to a vote this week: Tool that lets spooks observe Americans appears to have been renewed for another year

theregister.com/2024/04/09/fisa_section_702_deadline/

3

Apr 09

Capitol Police hire special prosecutors to handle rise in threats against Congress

nytimes.com/2024/04/09/us/capitol-police-special-prosecutors-threats-against-congress.html

92

Apr 10

Teen arrested day before he planned to attack churches in name of ISIS, feds say: An Idaho teen inspired by the Islamic State had been planning for months to ...

washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/04/09/mercurio-idaho-church-isis-islamic-state/

68

Apr 08

Trump says he’ll jail his opponents. Members of the House Jan. 6 committee are preparing

bostonherald.com/2024/04/08/trump-says-hell-jail-his-opponents-members-of-the-house-jan-6-committee-are-preparing/

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Apr 09

Idaho teen arrested over alleged plan to kill churchgoers in ISIS-inspired attack

nbcnews.com/news/us-news/idaho-teen-arrested-plan-kill-churchgoers-isis-inspired-attack-rcna146958

238

140

NPR

npr.org/2024/04/04/1242320285/israel-hamas-war-crimes-ukraine

Apr 07

DOJ takes a stand against war crimes in Ukraine. In Gaza war, it's been nearly silent

446

Apr 10

FISA bill overcomes key hurdle to tee up floor fight on warrant requirement: A bill to reauthorize the nation’s warrantless surveillance powers passed a key ...

thehill.com/policy/national-security/4584117-fisa-spy-powers-rules-warrant/

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55

PBS