
News Story

In The Drug World Toys Just Aren’t For Kids
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com DEA agents busted up a drug ring that smuggled cocaine from Puerto Rico to New York by concealing it inside children’s toys, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said . Authorities unsealed a 9-defendant indictment in New York Tueday, capping a five-month investigation into the ring that was headed by Jose Diaz,…

FBI Looking Into Nation’s Financial Meltdown
Behind every good meltdown is a potential scandal. With the financial market melting quickly, the FBI is stepping in to see if there’s any criminal wrongdoing. By Lara Jakes Jordan The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The FBI is investigating four major U.S. financial institutions whose collapse helped trigger a $700 billion bailout plan by the…

Homeland Security Easing Policy On Data Gathering
The Department of Homeland Security is easing policies when it comes to gathering citizen information at border crossings. Is it good for Americans or does it go to far? By Ellen Nakashima Washington Post Staff Writer WASHINGTON – The U.S. government has quietly recast policies that affect the way information is gathered from U.S. citizens…

NBA Ref Hangs Up Whistle For Federal Prison
While other NBA refs get ready to head to the hardwood floors, Tim Donaghy heads off to federal prison today. A disgraceful end to a distinguished career. Jon Saraceno USA TODAY Today marks a historic moment for the NBA, but not one it wants to commemorate. The league contends that for the first time in major…

State Dept. Worker Pleads To Peaking At Passports
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON — A former State Department employee pleaded guilty Monday to illegally accessing hundreds of confidential passport applications of celebrities, athletes and game show contestants, the Justice Department said. Lawrence C. Yontz, 48, of Arlington, Va, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of unauthorized access, the Justice Department…

Pakistan Tells FBI No Thanks
Pakistan said thanks but no thanks to an offer from the FBI to help investigate the suicide bombing in Islamabad. Is it a another sign of the tension between the two nations or is it just national pride? By Paul Wiseman and Zafar M. Sheikh USA TODAY ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistan on Sunday rejected a…

The Big Guns In Washington May Take The Stand
A parade of Washington insiders could take the stand in the high-profile public corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens. Jury selection began today in Washington. Opening statements are expected Wednesday. By The Associated Press WASHINGTON – Several powerful senators and former Secretary of State Colin Powell are among possible witnesses at the corruption trial of…

“Rifleman” Takes Stand In ex-FBI Agent’s Trial
Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi became the latest Boston gangster to take the stand in Miami in the murder trial of ex-FBI agent John Connolly. He didn’t disappoint. By Shelley Murphy Boston Globe Staff MIAMI — A slim and graying Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi took the stand this morning and offered a Florida jury a primer…