Washington, D.C.

Air travelers reminded of security measures

If you’re headed to the airport for a holiday trip, pay attention to what’s in your pockets and on your feet.

It takes at least three minutes to recheck travelers who set off metal detectors at security checkpoints, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

The agency is reminding people that they can prevent delays by emptying their pockets of change and removing their shoes before going through security.

Record numbers of travelers are expected to fly this holiday season. The trade group for the major airlines expects 37.9 million travelers during the Christmas-to-New Year’s holidays, up nearly 6 percent over last year.

The TSA urged travelers to check their pockets and carry-on bags for prohibited items such as guns and pocket knives before leaving for the airport.

The TSA also recommends that passengers:

• Tell young children they’ll have to part with their stuffed animals and blankets before going through checkpoints. Remind older children not to make jokes about bombs.
• Don’t wear jewelry, shoes or clothing that can set off metal detectors.
• Get to the airport early.

Maryland

Two more arrested in arson investigation

Two more men were arrested Monday on arson charges as the number of suspects accused of setting dozens of fires at an upscale suburban Washington housing development continued to grow.

Authorities also said they had interviewed or planned to question around 10 additional people who may be connected to the fires two weeks ago in Indian Head that caused an estimated $10 million damage.

Roy T. McCann, 22, of Waldorf, and Michael E. Gilbert, 21, of Fort Washington, were arrested Monday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Baltimore. McCann and Gilbert will appear on federal charges before a magistrate judge in U.S. District Court today in Greenbelt.

Three suspects arrested over the weekend made initial appearances Monday. Magistrate Charles B. Day ordered Michael M. Everhart, 20, of Waldorf; Jeremy D. Parady, 20, of Accokeek; and Patrick S. Walsh, 20, of Fort Washington, held until a detention hearing Thursday.

Washington, D.C.

Lung cancer link to Gulf War probed

Veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War exposed to pollution from oil well fires, exhausts and other sources may face an increased risk of lung cancer, a government advisory group reported Monday.

A committee of the Institute of Medicine concluded there wasn’t enough evidence to determine whether most of veterans’ health problems are associated with such exposures. But it said occupational and environmental exposure to combustion products has been shown to increase danger of lung cancer.

“Studies of people exposed to air pollution, vehicle exhaust and burning of coal and other heating and cooking fuels consistently show that such exposures are linked to increased risk for developing lung cancer,” committee chair Lynn Goldman said in a statement. “This provides sufficient evidence that exposure to combustion products during the Gulf War could be associated with lung cancer for some veterans.”

Oklahoma

Ex-congressman pleads no contest in accident

A former congressman pleaded no contest Monday in Stillwater to misdemeanor negligent homicide in a traffic accident that killed a couple and injured their young daughters. He is to serve no jail time.

Former Republican Rep. Wes Watkins was sentenced to three months on each of two counts; Payne County Special Judge Michael Stano deferred the sentences and ordered they run concurrently.

As long as Watkins commits no offense in that time, he will serve no jail time in the April 19 deaths of Brian Cullen, 30, and Ardith Cullen, 34, the judge said.

He had faced a maximum of one year in county jail and $1,000 in fines for each charge.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers said Watkins was driving his minivan on a two-lane highway south of Stillwater when it struck the Cullens’ vehicle from behind as it waited to make a left turn. The crash pushed the vehicle into the path of a tractor-trailer and another car. Two of the couple’s daughters, ages 3 and 4, were injured.