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Experts: Online Voting Risky

January 22, 2004 • Computer security experts say an Internet voting program developed for use by Americans abroad is extremely vulnerable to hackers and should be abandoned. Pentagon officials, who designed the system for use in the 2004 elections, say the security threats have been grossly exaggerated. Hear NPR's Pam Fessler.

Experts: Online Voting Risky

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Panel: Internet Voting Unsafe

January 21, 2004 • The Internet voting system developed for use by U.S. citizens abroad is so vulnerable to attack by hackers that it should be abandoned, according to computer security experts. The experts evaluated the system at the request of the Department of Defense. Pentagon officials maintain they are confident in the system's security. Hear NPR's Pam Fessler.

Hot-Button Issue: Homeland Security

January 14, 2004 • Domestic defense and potential terrorist threats will be big issues for many voters in the 2004 presidential campaign. NPR's Pam Fessler reports on what the Democratic candidates are saying about whether the country is well protected.

Hot-Button Issue: Homeland Security

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After 19 Days on Code Orange, Alert Level Lowered

January 9, 2004 • Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced today that the nation can return to the middle level of terrorism alert after spending the holiday season on high alert. Ridge said the more urgent sense of danger associated with holiday travel and large gatherings had eased. NPR's Pam Fessler reports on the 19 days during which the nation was on Code Orange.

After 19 Days on Code Orange, Alert Level Lowered

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U.S. Fingerprints Foreigners

January 5, 2004 • The U.S. government begins collecting the fingerprints and photos of foreign visitors as they enter the country. Officials say the US-VISIT program should help identify known criminals and terrorists, and prevent visitors from overstaying their visas. The system has come under criticism due to privacy concerns. NPR's Pam Fessler reports; NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Homeland Security Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson.

U.S. Screens Travelers with "VISIT" Program

January 5, 2004 • Federal officials begin using a new system to identify visitors to the United States at airports and other entry points. The new "Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology," to be used at 14 seaports and 115 American airports, will match photos and fingerprints with a variety of databases. Some nations are already protesting the system, which is expected to lengthen processing time. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

U.S. Screens Travelers with "VISIT" Program

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U.S. Fingerprints Foreigners

January 5, 2004 • Beginning Monday, foreign visitors who need visas to enter the United States will be photographed and fingerprinted when they enter the country. The program will affect an estimated 24 million visitors each year. The system is aimed at identifying potential terrorist threats, but critics question how effective it will be. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

Fingerprinting of Foreigners in U.S. Begins

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U.S. Requires Armed Air Guards

December 29, 2003 • The U.S. government announces measures requiring international air carriers -- both passenger and cargo -- to put armed guards on some flights over the United States, effectively immediately. The Department of Homeland Security says air marshals for the hundreds of commercial flights through U.S. air space will come from the country of the airline's ownership. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

U.S. Requires Armed Guards on Some International Flights

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Doling Out Homeland Security Funds

December 22, 2003 • The U.S. government is deciding where billions of federal dollars earmarked for bolstering homeland security will be spent. Officials are using a complicated formula to sort through a state-by-state inventory of potential targets believed to be vulnerable to attack. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

Doling Out Homeland Security Funds

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Terror Drills Yield Lessons

December 20, 2003 • Authorities say counter-terrorism exercises conducted in Seattle and Chicago last May have produced useful lessons for emergency management. A report released Friday calls for improved communications between local and federal officials. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

Counter-Terror Drill Yields Communications Lessons

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Counter-Terror Tests Expose Vulnerabilities

December 19, 2003 • Homeland Security officials release a report on a test of counter-terrorism systems conducted in Chicago and Seattle last May. The officials said the tests exposed weaknesses in communication and coordination, but that the problems have been addressed in the ensuing months. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and NPR's Pam Fessler.

Counter-Terror Tests Expose Vulnerabilities

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Sept. 11 Commission Works Against Deadline

December 9, 2003 • The bipartisan committee investigating the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks has less than six months to review two million documents before issuing its final report. Victims' relatives and some commission members are concerned that's not enough time. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

Sept. 11 Commission Works Against Deadline

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Focus on Homeland Security During Holidays

November 26, 2003 • Two years after Sept. 11, 2001, the safety of airline travel remains a key focus of U.S. security officials. With the busiest travel days of the year approaching, attention naturally turns to the federal agency charged with protecting passengers. NPR's Pam Fessler reports on the New Jersey training facility where the Department of Homeland Security is training a new generation of safety officials.

Focus on Homeland Security During Holidays

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Cheney Plays Pivotal Role in 2004 Fundraising

November 13, 2003 • After keeping a low profile for much of his tenure as vice president, Dick Cheney is stepping out onto the campaign trail. He's raising millions of dollars for the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign and for Republicans across the country. The GOP sees Cheney as a big asset in the 2004 campaign, but Democrats hope to turn the vice president into a liability. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

Cheney Plays Pivotal Role in 2004 Fundraising

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Airline Searches Prompt New Security Procedures

October 21, 2003 • The Transportation Security Administration now plans to flag suspicious e-mails like the one it received last month from a college student. That student allegedly told the agency he was able to hide box cutters and other prohibited items on six airplanes. But the message wasn't reviewed until after airplane maintenance workers found the items last week. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

Airline Searches Prompt New Security Procedures

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