Spies in the Skies

In an exclusive by The Wall Street Journal, we find that the U.S. Justice Department is scooping up data from thousands of mobile phones through devices deployed on airplanes. These “dirtboxes”—as they are known to law-enforcement officials—mimic cellphone towers, tricking mobile phones into reporting their unique registration information. Our story looks at the technology in use, details the sophistication of the DOJ’s secret program and raises questions about privacy and legal concerns. The high-tech hunt is meant to focus on criminal suspects, but we note that it also sifts through the phones of thousands of innocent Americans. The existence of the cellphone program could escalate tensions between Washington and technology companies, including the telecom firms whose devices are being redirected by the program. Here’s a brief rundown on the secret program and a short video explainer.

Fork in the Road

President Barack Obama will announce as early as next week executive action to overhaul the U.S. immigration system—a move that would test the White House’s already tense relationship with the incoming Republican majority in Congress. Our story examines Mr. Obama’s plan and considers the political implications of pursuing it. We note that his proposal is expected to offer work permits and safe harbor from deportation for several million illegal immigrants with deep ties to the U.S. It is also likely to make more visas available for high-tech workers and redirect immigration enforcement from the interior of the U.S. to the border. The timing of an announcement, however, isn’t settled, and the Republicans will have to decide how much to resist. House Speaker John Boehner said yesterday: “We’re going to fight the president tooth and nail if he continues down this path. This is the wrong way to govern.”

Art for Money’s Sake

The art market just had the two biggest weeks in its history. Collectors in New York have bought more than $2 billion of art since Nov. 4—a historic high in which 23 works fetched more than $20 million apiece. Our story examines why art prices have been trending up, puts the last two weeks of sales into context and offers an overview of top lots at recent auctions. We note that Americans now buy more art than anyone else, and China continues to emerge as the next great purchasing power. Fine art has also become attainable for the modern-day millionaire—an asset or currency considered in investment-grade terms. But that doesn't mean potential buyers don’t splurge on trophy works. “I feel like I’m surrounded by gladiators in this shiny big arena,” said Len Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble, who said that he intended to bid on a few items in a Christie’s sale this week, but rivals outpaced him. (Pictured above: Andy Warhol’s ‘Triple Elvis’ silk-screen, left, sold for $82 million to a phone bidder on Wednesday. Soon afterward, his ‘Four Marlons’ sold for $69.6 million.) Reuters

An Unpleasant Surprise

Here’s a very special challenge for the wealthy: Suppose you want to surprise your spouse with a house. Buyers who secretly purchase property for that special someone should be prepared for tears of joy—or despair. Our story explores what happens when your partner buys a house without telling you, noting advice from veteran real-estate agents and offering examples of people who got it wrong. “No way—that place is a wreck!” one woman told her husband when he’d signed a contract to buy a home for her birthday. “I thought, ‘Holy cannoli, what has he done?’” It’s best to let a wife in on the secret before the deal is final, suggests one agent. “It’s a win-win: She’ll be surprised, but you have the ability for her to say ‘It’s not really where I want to be—let’s look for something together.’” Another real-estate agent summed it up: “To make a $1 million mistake is rough...A necklace is a lot easier.