Library of Congress Literacy Award: Best Practices, 2015

"Since 2013, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program has recognized 59 organizations worldwide for their effectiveness in promoting literacy. The programs of 17 organizations are being honored in 2015 and described in this publication. The work of the three 2015 prize winners is particularly notable, but outstanding specific examples, often presenting a unique approach, also are found among the best practices implemented by the 14 other organizations. The Library of Congress Literacy Awards, administered by the Library of Congress Center for the Book, are made possible through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein..."
Best Practices 2015

Police Use of Force: Rules, Remedies, and Reforms

"Several high-profile police shootings and other law enforcement-related deaths in the United States have sparked intense protests throughout the country and a fierce debate in Congress concerning the appropriate level of force police officers should wield in a society that equally values public safety and the lives of each of its citizens under law. These incidents have been the subject of several congressional hearings, have prompted the introduction of various legislative measures, and have catalyzed a new civil rights movement in the United States aimed at reforming the criminal justice system. Reformers claim that police work too closely with local prosecutors resulting in insufficient oversight and have called for greater involvement by the federal government. The law enforcement community and its supporters have countered that these recent deaths are anomalous in otherwise exemplary police conduct, and that placing the federal government in direct regulation of state and local police would present an unwarranted intrusion into state and local affairs.

To provide legal context for this debate, this report will address three overarching questions: (1) what are the constitutional rules governing an officer’s use of force; (2) what role has Congress played in providing a remedy for a violation of these rules; and (3) what are the potential reforms to these rules and remedies?..."
Police

Protect Your Wallet and Your Information This Holiday Season

"As the holiday shopping season officially gets underway, the FBI would like to take this opportunity to warn shoppers to be aware of the increasingly aggressive techniques of cyber criminals who want to steal your money and your personal information.

For example, watch out for online shopping scams—criminals often scheme to defraud victims by offering too-good-to-be-true deals, like brand name merchandise at extremely low discounts or gift cards as an incentive to buy a product. Beware of social media scams, including posts on social media sites that offer vouchers or gift cards or that pose as holiday promotions or contests. Always be careful when downloading mobile applications on your smartphone—some apps, disguised as games and offered for free, maybe be designed to steal personal information. And if you’re in need of extra cash this time of year, watch out for websites and online postings offering work you can do from home—you may actually become the victim of an advance fee, counterfeit, or pyramid scheme, or become an unknowing participant in criminal activity..."
Holiday money issues

The Islamic State—Frequently Asked Questions: Threats, Global Implications, and U.S. Policy Responses

"When addressing threats emanating from the Islamic State (IS), numerous strategy and operational considerations arise that might be of interest to U.S. policymakers, especially in the wake of the deadly November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris. IS activities and U.S. and coalition party policy and operational responses are an amalgam of complex, and at times competing, challenges. Since the establishment of IS, its strategic objectives and tactical activities have evolved, gaining strength in some areas and having its capability degraded in others. U.S. and other nations’ responses continue to evolve as the threat posed by IS changes. Contained in this report are short answers to related frequently answered questions. Each section contains references to CRS reports that address the question in greater detail. This report will be updated as additional products become available and events warrant..."
Islamic State

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Registration Task Force (RTF) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC)

"The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chartered the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Registration Task Force (RTF) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) (Task Force) to provide recommendations to the FAA “on registration requirements and process for small UAS, including those used for commercial purposes, and all model aircraft.”

Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 44101(a)) requires that a person may only operate an aircraft when it is registered with the FAA. An “aircraft” is defined as “any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, or fly in, the air” (49 U.S.C. § 40102(a) (6)). In 2012, Congress confirmed that UAS, including those used for recreation or hobby purposes, are aircraft consistent with the statutory definition set forth in 49 U.S.C. § 40102(a)(6). See Pub. L. 112-95, §§ 331(8), 336. The FAA currently requires civil UAS operators who have been granted operational authority by exemption to register their aircraft. The FAA would also require registration for civil UAS that would be operating under the proposed rule titled Operation and Certification of small UAS (sUAS). See 80 FR 9544 (Feb. 23, 2015)..."
Drones

Follow Along: A Global Agreement to Act on Climate

"Every day, we are seeing and feeling the effects of climate change -- here and across the globe. It poses a clear and present threat to our economic and national security. No country is immune from the consequences of climate change, and no country can act alone. Right now, we, as people, face a critical moment.

For the first time in history, we have a chance to put in place a global climate agreement that will spur countries to take ambitious action that will reduce carbon pollution, support clean energy, and ensure we deliver a planet that is worthy of future generations. That is why President Obama is heading to Paris on November 29th. He will meet with leaders of countries large and small -- the world's largest emitters and the ones that are most at risk -- to find a way we can collectively reduce global emissions. 

Watch what the President had to say about it on his Facebook page..."
Global climate change agreement

FTC Offers Top 10 Holiday Shopping Tips For Consumers, And Advice For Online Retailers

"Whether you’re shopping by phone, mail or online this holiday season, the Federal Trade Commission offers 10 tips to help you shop wisely and save a few bucks, too. Need tips on making a shopping budget, comparing prices, taking advantage of rebates and layaway, and protecting your identity when shopping online? Check outconsumer.ftc.gov for helpful information.

In addition, an FTC business blog post, Cyber Monday success: Five tips for online retailers, advises merchants to honor their delivery promises, prevent back-order blunders, avoid illegal negative option sales, make return policies clear, and maintain high security standards to prevent fraud and identity theft. Learn more at business.ftc.gov...."
Holiday shopping tips

Attorney General, Director Brief Media on Efforts to Protect the Homeland

"

In light of the recent Paris terrorist attacks, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and FBI Director James Comey discussed ongoing efforts to protect the security of the U.S. during a press briefing today in Washington, D.C.

Of the investigation into the attacks, Lynch said the Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI, and other agencies are providing support to French authorities to “coordinate strategies and to advance our shared efforts.” She also said that the services of DOJ and FBI victim assistance professionals are being made available, the FBI Legal Attaché Paris office has been expanded, and U.S. personnel are working day and night to respond to any additional requests from our French partners for assistance..."
FBI and homeland security

EPA Proposes to Reduce Smog-Forming Pollution Transported Across State Lines

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing updates to the agency’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) to address interstate air quality impacts for the 2008 ozone air quality standards. The proposed updates would reduce summertime emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from power plants that contribute to downwind ozone problems in the eastern half of the U.S.

“This update will help protect the health and lives of millions of Americans by reducing exposure to ozone pollution, which is linked to serious public health effects including reduced lung function, asthma, emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and early death from respiratory and cardiovascular causes,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “The proposed updates support states’ obligation to address air pollution that is carried across state lines.”

The Clean Air Act’s “good neighbor” provision requires states – or, as a backstop, EPA – to address interstate transport of air pollution that affects the ability of downwind states to attain and maintain clean air standards. Under the “good neighbor” provision, states develop state implementation plans while EPA plays a backstop role by issuing federal implementation plans (FIPs) if a state fails to submit an approvable plan. Today’s proposal provides the FIP that would apply if EPA’s backstop obligation is triggered. States may choose to have their emissions sources controlled by the FIP rather than developing their own plan...:
Smog pollutants

New and Improved Charts and Data on Auto Loans

"Today, the New York Fed announced that household debt increased by a robust $212 billion in the third quarter of 2015. Both mortgage and auto loan originations increased, as auto originations reached a ten-year high and new mortgage lending appears to have finally recovered from the very low levels seen in the past year. This quarter, we’re introducing an improved estimate of auto loan originations, some new charts, and some fresh data on the auto loan market. The Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit and this analysis use our Consumer Credit Panel data, which is itself based on Equifax credit data..." 
Automobile loans

Here's What You Need to Know About Our Strategy to Defeat ISIL

"Summary: A progress update on our fight against ISIL in the wake of the recent attacks in Paris.

There's no question that the tragic events in Paris underscore the urgency of our campaign to defeat and ultimately destroy ISIL. As President Obama has said, the fight against ISIL will be long -- ISIL is a determined, well-resourced, and brutal enemy that aims to establish branches beyond Iraq and Syria, preying on vulnerable populations. 

This is why, at the President’s direction, the U.S. government for more than a year has executed a comprehensive and sustained strategy to defeat ISIL. Since last summer, we’ve built a global coalition of 65 partners who are working together to degrade and destroy ISIL..."
ISIL defeat strategy

Infographic: The Screening Process for Refugee Entry into the United States

"The Screening Process for Refugee Entry Into the United States

Recurrent vetting: Throughout this process, pending applications continue to be checked against terrorist databases, to ensure new, relevant terrorism information has not come to light. If a match is found, that case is paused for further review. Applicants who continue to have no flags continue the process. If there is doubt about whether an applicant poses a security risk, they will not be admitted.

1. Many refugee applicants identify themselves to the U.N. Refugee Agency, UNHCR. UNHCR, then:
   • ​​Collects identifying documents
   • Performs initial assessment
     • Collects biodata: name, address, birthday, place of birth, etc.
     • Collects biometrics: iris scans (for Syrians, and other refugee populations in the Middle East)
   • Interviews applicants to confirm refugee status and the need for resettlement
     • Initial information checked again
   • Only applicants who are strong candidates for resettlement move forward (less than 1% of global refugee population).
2. Applicants are received by a federally-funded Refugee Support Center (RSC):​​
   • Collects identifying documents
   • Creates an applicant file
   • Compiles information to conduct biographic security checks..."
     Refugee screening

Georgetown University Is Trying to Purge Its Slave Trade Connections

"Georgetown University is known for its stately buildings, top-notch programs and long history. But that history has a dark side, too: The Catholic university, which was founded in 1789 and is located in Washington, DC, got some of its funding from the sale of slaves. Now, the school has decided to rename two buildings that reflect its ties to that industry, reports Katherine Shaver for The Washington Post.

The school’s Working Group on Slavery, Memory and Reconciliation recently recommended that the university’s president, John J. DeGioia, rename a residence hall, Mulledy Hall, and a meditation center, McSherry Hall, reports Shaver. The move comes after a sit-in outside of De Gioia’s office and demands that the halls be renamed.

Mulledy Hall, which was recently constructed, was named for Thomas F. Mulledy, who incurred a large debt while serving as Georgetown’s president in the 1830s. To finance the debt, he oversaw the sale of 272 slaves under the auspices of the Corporation of Roman Catholic Clergymen, a Jesuit organization that owned a tobacco plantation in Maryland and went on to found Georgetown. WAMU’s Michael Pope explains that Mulledy disregarded orders to keep the slaves’ families intact and not to use the sale of slaves to pay debts. ulledy Hall will be temporarily named Freedom Hall, Shaver reports..."
Georgetown University

The Prevention of Violence Against Children: A Global Effort

"November 19th is the International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Learn more about how CDC is protecting the futures of children all around the world with the Violence Against Children Survey.

On September 25th, the United Nations released a comprehensive list of Sustainable Development Goals designed to improve global inequalities by 2030. These goals, ranging from improvements in economic growth and clean energy to ending world hunger, require that all people from all parts of the world join together for the common good of humanity. They ask that we recognize each of the goals as imperative to the well-being of future generations, which is a timely reminder as we approach the International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse on November 19th..."
Child abuse

Hate Crime Statistics, 2013

Of the 5,479 hate crime incidents reported in 2013, 5,462 were single-bias incidents, as detailed in the chart above.

"According to the FBI’s latest report, law enforcement agencies reported 5,479 hate crime incidents involving 6,418 offenses to our Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program in 2014. And these crimes—which often have a devastating impact on the communities where they occur—left 6,727 victims in their wake.

The latest figures are down from 2013, when 5,928 criminal incidents involving 6,933 offenses were reported..."
Hate crime