U.S. radiation risk

U.S. radiation risk

Radiation threats to the US

With reports that a radiation plume from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Plant could reach Southern California, worried citizens have been hoarding certain pills, wondering if it's OK to go outside and otherwise fretting over an invisible, and somewhat unpredictable, threat.

New smuggling ploy – catapults

Two alleged narcotics traffickers aligned with a right-wing paramilitary terrorist organization in Colombia have been convicted of conspiring to import multi-ton quantities of cocaine into the United States.

Christian Fernando Borda and Alvaro Alvaran-Velez were extradited from Colombia a year ago and were convicted by a federal jury Thursday.

The Justice Department said Borda led an organization that obtained cocaine from paramilitary groups and smuggled in more than 1,500 tons in drums of palm oil from Colombia in 2005, with additional shipments in 2005 and 2006. The department said Alvaran-Velez, an associate of Borda, facilitated cocaine shipments.

Giant Rose Sculptures in New York

 A total of 38 giant rose sculptures, by US artist Will Ryman, have been installed along a section of Park Avenue in New York, Jan 27, 2011. The flowers, the tallest standing at 25 feet, are made of stainless steel and fiber glass resin.

Presidential Flip Floppers

Barack Obama is not the only president to change his mind. Here's a look at other American leaders who flipped-flopped over policies, scandals & more.