Nov 15
2012
The Petraeus scandal underscores the vast surveillance powers at the disposal of law enforcement to pry even into non-criminal matters. As one privacy expert put it: “The scandal isn’t what’s illegal; the scandal is what’s legal.” A report from ProPublica.
Nov 13
2012
Buffalo region ranks last in nation for cell phone download speed.
Nov 9
2012
Super PACs spent big to influence elections this year. Their ROI varied, and considering that many invested in losing candidates, many received a poor return. Starting with those backing Mitt Romney, who spent $6.35 per vote, vs. $1.83 per vote for Super PACs in support President Obama. A report from ProPublica.
Oct 30
2012
New report shows PACs and nonprofits enabled by Citizens United court case are mostly underwriting campaigns of Mitt Romney and other Republicans. Democratic-leaning PACs account for only 28 percent of spending. A report from the Center for Responsive Politics.
Oct 29
2012
ProPublica reports on the the failure of the U.S. government, from the Nixon administration forward, to use its power to end segregation in housing. “The lack of political courage around these issues is stunning,” said one former federal housing official.
Oct 26
2012
A retrospective on Stanley P. Spisiak, who played a huge role in improving national environmental standards. He was a beacon of hope for restoring the Buffalo and Niagara rivers and Lake Erie. His niece, Jill Spisiak-Jedlicka, is the executive director of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, which is in charge of remediation of the Buffalo River.
Oct 24
2012
Two University at Buffalo professors, including one who heads the city’s Environmental Management Commission, take issue with a state report that downplays the air quality concerns of residents living near the Peace Bridge. A report from Artvoice.
Oct 22
2012
ProPublica reports on how companies are building digital profiles of voters and selling them to campaigns. What are they tracking, in addition to party affiliation? “When you last voted and what contributions you’ve made … your estimated income, what you do for a living, and what you’ve bought at the local mall,” according to ProPublica.