Judge won't block passport marker law involving sex crimes

Intelligence agencies consider striking 'confidential' label

WASHINGTON (AP) — Intelligence agencies are considering eliminating the government's lowest category of classified information — a step a top official has said could simplify the system used to guard intelligence and could prevent unnecessary secrecy. In a memo circulated to intelligence agencies in March, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper proposed abolishing the "confidential" level of classification. Clapper wrote that the move could promote transparency. Clapper's memo is part of a periodic, broad review of the classification system President Barack Obama ordered in 2009. It would only affect intelligence agencies and would not likely impact the probe into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server.