Topic: Transportation Security Administration

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TSA screenings: What protections do you have?

Full-body scans and enhanced pat-downs have become America’s “primary screening” technique, but have also generated a rising tide of criticism for being too invasive. At each of the 68 major airports where the 385 new full-body scanners are in place, passengers will be directed to them, says Sarah Horowitz, spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Here's what to expect – and what protections you can demand:
In Pictures: Airport security
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US Airways jet makes unscheduled landing after passenger acts suspicious

Flight attendants heard a woman claiming to have something implanted in her skin, and the flight - bound for North Carolina from Paris - landed in Maine.
In JetBlue no-fly list mistake, toddler removed

A toddler from a family of Middle Eastern descent was removed from a JetBlue flight because of what the airline called a glitch
Secret CIA informant volunteered to be al-Qaeda bomber (+video)

The intelligence agency had planted a spy in the al-Qaeda organization behind the latest attempt at an underwear bomb; the informant's inside information was what allowed the CIA to bring down the plot and kill its organizer.
'Undetectable' bomb reveals how Al Qaeda threat to US is evolving (+video)

The foiled plot to plant another 'underwear bomb' on a US airliner shows that as the core of Al Qaeda declines, affiliates like Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula are taking the lead.
TSA officers charged in drug smuggling conspiracy

The screeners were accepting large cash payments to look the other way as drug couriers smuggled cocaine through security at LAX.
The Vote
Rand Paul 'detained' by TSA. Does that happen to other senators?

TSA could hardly have singled out a worse person for pat-down treatment than Sen. Rand Paul, up-and-coming libertarian standard-bearer and son of GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul. He's not the only one on Capitol Hill to complain about pat-downs.
Rand Paul detained: Rep. refuses airport patdown after alarm

In a harshly worded attack on the Transportation Security Administration, which handles security screenings at US airports, Ron Paul, known for his strident libertarian views, said the TSA 'gropes and grabs our kids and our seniors and does nothing to keep us safe.'
Joe Lieberman: "I don't think Congress has ever been as bad as it is today."

Why is public approval of Congress so low? In Sen. Joe Lieberman's opinion, it's because Congress has never been so dysfunctional.
Vox News
Jon Stewart thinks Ron Paul should be America's 'idea guy'

'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart has a bit of a soft spot for Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, which led him to suggest a new government post for Congressman Paul.
New York and D.C. alert as US warns of 'credible' terrorist threat

Intensified chatter on jihadist websites led the US to move to protect against a possible terrorist attack, likely focused on New York and the nation's capital, to coincide with the 9/11 anniversary.
TSA warning describes surgically implanted bombs

TSA warning: If terrorists hide bombs inside their bodies, current screening measures may be useless.
TSA defends searches of children, elderly, amid fresh complaints

After an elderly traveler complained of experiencing indignities at the hands of the TSA, the question arises: When do invasive searches become too invasive?
Two Muslims bounced from Memphis flight, despite extra screening

Two Muslim men wearing traditional clothing were removed from a commercial flight departing Memphis on Friday. Airline apologizes, but gives no explanation for incident.
Did Navy SEALs bring a peace dividend for Obama?

The killing of Osama bin Laden by the Navy SEALS should compel a more sober risk assessment of the terrorist threat by Congress and the Obama administration. Bin Laden himself wanted to bankrupt the US by causing overreaction to fear.
Terrorism & Security
Bin Laden considered 9/11 anniversary attack on US rail system

The potential plot, sketched out in a vague note last year, was more significant in that it showed that bin Laden was not just a figurehead of Al Qaeda but an active leader.
Mixed messages on US airport security after Osama bin Laden death

Federal officials said there were no immediate specific threats to the US after the death of Osama bin Laden. But some airports and local security officials said they were on heightened alert.
Government shutdown 101: What does it mean for homeland security?

TSA agents, border patrol, and air traffic control will continue to staff airports and borders in the event of a government shutdown, but most budget and administrative tasks will be suspended.
Full-body scanners pose 'exceedingly small' radiation risk, says new study

As Japan brings radiation into daily headlines, a new report from biomedical researchers finds that full-body scanners emit 'extremely small' doses of radiation, posing very little health risk to fliers.
TSA aimed to put body scanners in public places

TSA denies it used airport body scanners elsewhere. But documents show it tested similar technology at a commuter train station in New Jersey and signed contracts for more scanning in public places.
Janet Napolitano questioned over airline stowaway on Capitol Hill

Janet Napolitano, Secretary for US Homeland Security, faced tough questioning over a runaway teen's fatal airplane ride last year. A Massachusetts congressman asked Janet Napolitano about airport security in the wake of the deadly stowaway incident.
TSA looks to expedite screening for air cargo on US-bound passenger planes

Screening for all air cargo shipped to the US via commercial passenger planes must be in place by the end of 2011, under a TSA proposal. The Yemen bomb plot led TSA to accelerate its timetable.
Thermoses, coffee cups added to list of possible terrorist weapons

During the busiest travel season of the year, travelers carrying thermoses or beverage cups – which could be used to conceal explosive materials – may be subject to extra scrutiny.
Africa Monitor
WikiLeaks cables reveal US-Algeria partnership for battling Al Qaeda

The US is increasingly concerned about North Africa's Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). WikiLeaks cables indicate it is strengthening ties with Algeria to better combat AQIM's rise.
Should TSA let airport passenger screening go to the dogs?

It's time to send bomb-detecting dogs sniffing up and down lines of passengers at airports, say some security analysts. Dogs may reduce the need for TSA screening that is more invasive of personal privacy.
TSA chief John Pistole speaks on latest airport security procedures

TSA chief John Pistole cites 'determined, resourceful enemy' in defending airport body screenings and pat downs that some passengers say are too intrusive. But no plans for body cavity searches.