FBI use of drones cost $3 million, report says
WASHINGTON – The FBI has been using drones to support its law enforcement operations since 2006 and has spent more than $3 million on the unmanned aircraft, the Justice Department’s internal watchdog said Thursday.
The disclosure came in a new report by the Justice Department’s inspector general, Michael Horowitz, who revealed that the department also has awarded $1.26 million to at least seven local police departments and nonprofit organizations for drones.
In addition, the IG said another Justice Department component, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, plans to use drones to support future operations. To date, the ATF has spent almost $600,000, the IG report stated.
Panel urges easing airline rules on phones
WASHINGTON – Industry officials say an advisory committee is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to relax its restrictions on airline passenger use of smartphones and other personal electronic devices during takeoffs and landings.
Officials said the committee agreed on the recommendations during a meeting Thursday.
Passengers currently are required to turn off phones, music players, e-readers, etc. while planes are below 10,000 feet to prevent interference with sensitive cockpit equipment.
Under the recommendations, passengers would now be able to use most devices, although some would have to be switched to airplane mode.
Former teacher leaves prison after sentence
BILLINGS, Mont. – A former Montana high school teacher was released from prison Thursday after completing a 30-day sentence for raping a 14-year-old student, a term that is under review by the state’s high court and has critics calling for the removal of the judge who handled the case.
Stacey Rambold, 54, left the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge after serving the sentence handed down by District Judge G. Todd Baugh for the 2007 rape of Cherice Moralez.
The judge drew outrage last month over the sentence’s leniency and comments he made that appeared to pin some of the blame on Moralez.
Associated Press
