Allan Lengel

During my visits to Israel, the idea of security was never far off. At the train station, at the bus stop, I went through a metal detector. An armed guard checked through packages and asked if I was carrying a gun.

After Sept. 11, 2001, I thought the U.S. would have second thoughts about security in public places, particularly with the threat of terrorism looming here.

I figured maybe places like malls or movie theaters might consider screening customers.

But no. That hasn’t happened. Americans have a way of conveniently forgetting or deferring such concerns until the next tragedy.

All around the country, we’re seeing all too often crazed gunmen — homegrown terrorists if you will — open fire on innocent citizens. Each incident is a reminder that we probably aren’t doing enough.

To read more click here.  

View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com.

When law enforcement agencies need help translating a language, they often call the U.S. Border Patrol for help.

But under a new decree issued by the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol agents won’t be used as interpreters for local authorities, the Huffington Post reports.

The idea, Border Patrol officials said, is to keep the agency focused on protecting the borders.

“The new guidance related to requests for translation services helps further focus CBP efforts on its primary mission to secure our nation’s borders.” a statement by Customs and Border Protection said. “CBP remains committed to assisting our law enforcement partners in their enforcement efforts.”

Immigration rights groups have long opposed the Border Patrol’s involvement, saying people were being arrested on suspicion of being in the country illegally, the Huffington Post wrote.

Steve Neavling

Working has its drawbacks for anyone.

But among federal agencies, the Department of Homeland Security was ranked the most unsatisfying workplace, U.S. News reports.

The survey, “The Best Places to Work in the Federal Government,” ranked DHS last for effective leadership, teamwork, support for diversity and training and development, U.S. News wrote.

DHS employs 240,000 people.

Where was the best place to work? The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Seems exploring space leads to a better work environment than chasing terrorists, the U.S. News reported.

Steve Neavling

Federal employees who still need last-minute gifts for the holidays may be in for a bargain at a top-secret sale of bureau-branded clothing and merchandise, Crain’s New York Business reports.

For the first time, the FBI is opening its New York store at 26 Federal Plaza on Dec. 20 for a four-hour exclusive sale.

Up for sale will FBI hate, t-shirts, patches, jackets, coins and pens, Crain’s reported.

The event is so secretive that shoppers will need building and agency IDs and an FBI escort. Cameras and cell phones are prohibited.

“I have a feeling a lot of people are going to go,” one federal employee told Crain’s. “There’s going to be a line around the elevator banks.”

Steve Neavling

 A former Wells Fargo investment banker is accused of tipping off investors in an insider trading scheme in exchange for gold and cash, the FBI announced Thursday.

The banker, John Femenia, was indicted along with eight accused insider traders in an indictment unsealed Thursday.

Femenia, who faces up to 30 years in prison, is accused of stealing private information from the bank that gave investors unfair advantage in the stock market, which is illegal.

Six of the defendants agreed to plead guilty and testify against the others in exchange for lesser charges.

STORIES OF OTHER INTEREST

• Former Mexican Hotel Operator Pleads Guilty in Large Investment Fraud Case
• Grantees Serviced by Justice Department Had Poorest Compliance Rate
• Antitrust Division of Justice Department Nets Record Criminal Fines
• DEA Investigating Owner of Pop Sensation Jenni Rivera’s Plane
• Man Flees After Trying to Hit DEA Officer

Steve Neavling

An initiative by Blue Cross and Blue Shield to promote good health seemed to work too well when some municipal employees of Kansas City were reporting excessive, grueling exercise sessions to earn gift cards.

It was so unreal, in fact, that the scam caught the FBI’ attention, which resulted in an  investigation, KCTV 5 reports.

One employee claimed to have participated in the Olympics, four triathlons, three duathlons, three marathons and two half-marathons. Others were reporting the same kind of strenuous activity, KCTV 5 reported.

Six Kansas City municipal workers and a Jackson County correctional employee have been indicted by a grand jury.