■ United States
Lawmakers probe bribes
With a burst of activity that ended 16 months of inaction, the ethics committee in the House of Representatives opened investigations on Wednesday of a Republican and a Democrat who are subjects of federal bribery inquiries. The Republican is connected to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, once one of the most powerful influence peddlers in Washington. Representative Bob Ney, the Republican, who accepted favors from Abramoff, will be investigated along with Democratic Representative William Jefferson of Louisiana.
■ United States
Boy Scouts to sell tall ship
The Boy Scouts of America are auctioning off a 101-year-old wooden tall ship, once used to teach sailing techniques and maritime history, because it needs costly repairs. For the past 35 years, the Boy Scouts have used the Danish-built Argus as a floating classroom. In February, it was found to have dry rot and the estimated US$1.5 million needed for repairs made the vessel too costly to keep, Boy Scouts spokeswoman Lara Fisher said on Tuesday. The ship will be listed on www.ebay.com this week with a starting bid of US$75,000, unless a benefactor appears before then. "It is heartbreaking to us," Fisher said.
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