FAA: Jet nearly collided with drone over Florida

SAN FRANCISCO — Federal officials say a U.S. jet airliner nearly collided in March with an airborne drone in the sky over Tallahassee, Florida.

Jim Williams of the Federal Aviation Administration's unmanned aircraft systems office acknowledged the incident Thursday at a San Francisco drone conference, citing it as an example of the risks posed by integrating drones into U.S. airspace.

"The risk for a small UAS (unmanned aircraft system) to be ingested into a passenger airline engine is very real," Williams told the conference, pointing out that the famous 2009 "Miracle on the Hudson River" flight was forced to splash down in the water after a flock of geese went through its engines.

The near collision with the drone was reported to air traffic control on March 22 by the pilot of an American Airlines Group jet as the pilot approached the Tallahassee runway en route from Charlotte, North Carolina.

"The airline pilot said that the UAS was so close to his jet that he was sure he had collided with it," Williams said. "Thankfully, inspection of the airliner after landing found no damage."

The pilot of the 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-200 airliner said the camouflage-colored drone was at an altitude of about 2,300 feet, five miles northeast of the airport. FAA rules state that the aircraft should be kept below 400 feet above ground level and should be flown a sufficient distance from full-scale aircraft.

The agency "is working aggressively to ensure the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace," the FAA said in a statement Friday, adding: "Our challenge is to integrate unmanned aircraft into the busiest, most complex airspace in the world. Introduction of unmanned aircraft into America's airspace must take place incrementally and with the interest of safety first."

The FAA has investigated the incident, but said it had been unable to identify the drone's operator.

The law currently requires that private individuals flying model aircraft notify the airport operator and air traffic control facility when flying within five miles of an airport, it added.

American Airlines spokesman Paul Flaningan said the airline was aware of the alleged incident and that it was investigating the matter.

The use of drones has increased dramatically in the past few years as the devices have become cheaper and more accessible to the average consumer.

Last week, the National Park Service issued a statement reminding visitors that federal regulations ban the use of drones within Yosemite National Park.

Drone sightings there have become a nearly daily occurrence in the venerated national park, with the devices buzzing loudly near waterfalls, above meadows or over treetops as guests use them to capture otherwise impossible-to-get photographs of the breathtaking landscape.

Scott Gediman, a park ranger for nearly two decades, said drones can interfere with emergency rescue operations and disrupt the activities of sensitive or endangered wildlife.

Gediman told the Associated Press that the noise of the devices can put a damper on the park experience for some visitors.

But, he added, "Most if not all of the people using these are simply unaware that they're illegal."

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Property of Hub Ponzi schemers will be sold off

The property of a convicted West Roxbury Ponzi schemer and his wife will be sold to recoup some of their $9.77 million in debt, the majority of which is owed to swindled clients.

Steven Palladino is at MCI-Cedar Junction in Walpole after being sentenced in January to 10 to 12 years. He, his wife and son were ordered to pay restitution for convincing at least 33 people to loan Viking Financial Group millions of dollars with the promise of high returns that were never delivered.

Palladino and his wife, Lori, filed for bankruptcy last month, and Viking Financial followed suit last week. The Palladinos listed $1.15 million in assets and $9.77 million in debt.

"Anything having to do with the financial condition and the history of the financial dealings will be investigated by us," said Mark G. DeGiacomo, the court-appointed trustee overseeing the cases. The Palladinos' lawyer could not be reached for comment.

It's "way too early" to say whether defrauded clients will recoup any money, he said. Secured claims typically are first in line for distributions and total at least $304,929.

The Palladinos' cars likely will be auctioned next month. Court documents in the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission case against Steven Palladino and Viking Financial list a 2012 Mercedes, 2011 BMW, 2013 Audi, 2012 Range Rover, 1992 Chevy Corvette and 2004 F350 truck.

The Palladinos own homes in Roslindale and West Roxbury and a vacant West Roxbury lot assessed at a combined $1.09 million, and two time shares valued at $25,000, according to court documents.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in April charged Steven Palladino with 25 counts of criminal contempt for allegedly flouting an asset freeze and other court orders. He is accused of "lavish spending" and incurring thousands of dollars in credit card charges.

The Palladinos owe tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt in addition to $1,627 to Best Buy, $1,300 to Bloomingdales and $1,364 to Neiman Marcus, court documents state.

The couple claimed $70,000 in jewelry, and just $25 in cash and $150 in a checking account, but $613,379 has been held in a bank account with the Boston Police listed as trustee.

Palladino participated in the first meeting of his creditors by telephone from prison. "Some of the investors that were at the meeting had some questions," DeGiacomo said. "Not the 'why?' (or) 'how could you do this?' It was more ... just trying to figure out where the money went and where the assets are."

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Car Smart: New Subaru WRX rocks it on road

Wow — fasten your seat belt, grab hold of the six-speed stick and let the clutch fly! We're driving the 2015 Subaru WRX STI.

Once the plaything for folks who liked spirited driving at a relatively low cost and the king of rally racers, the newly redesigned WRX is a rocking fun sports sedan that comfortably seats five.

Everything about the WRX screams "Let's get going." The rippling exhaust notes and growl of the powerful 305 horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine and re-engineered STI suspension mean business. Subaru claims 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds — hit the downshift while keeping the revs up and the car slingshots into traffic with the bravado of a racing champion. A dazzling dashboard with red tach and speedometer and a separate turbo pressure gauge leap to life when you stomp on the accelerator. Mileage is only OK, rating to 17 miles per gallon in the city and about 23 mpg on the highway.

All the scoops and vents are working elements of design and the supportive race-inspired performance-styled seats evoke pure fun. What makes this car so different from the stock Impreza it's based on is the engineering on the chassis. It's stiffer, features firmer springs, has the STI-only inverted strut front suspension and aluminum front- end components turning this docile commuter into a high-performance racer. Add the massive Brembo brakes and you'll have this car practically turning on a dime.

The leather-wrapped racing-designed steering wheel with its squared-off bottom makes short work of tossing this car into a turn and the all wheel drive digs into the road, pulling the car flat and confidently through the twist. The quick steering feedback is just right, with only 2.5 turns from lock to lock, and the WRX loves to let you know it likes being driven in a spirited style. You're going to feel some of the road bumps because of the stiffened suspension, however it was not a tiring ride on the open road, just a bit noisy.

I really liked the aggressive styling of the WRX STI. Earlier models had more of a toy model kit look to them and, even now with the functional oversized wing on the rear deck, the 2015's curb appeal is eye-catching for young adults and mature enough to scoot into the executive row without making the BMWs, Audis and Infinitis shy away. Open the door and you're greeted by red stitched cloth seats, soft-touch faux leather dash and door panels, brushed aluminum and carbon fiber inspired trim pieces, which are tasteful and complete the interior upgrade. The shocker — plenty of rear seat leg room and a trunk large enough to easily store a couple of sets of golf clubs because the body is bigger than earlier versions.

The electronics of the STI took a bit of getting used to. The cellphone interface needs two screens to complete, but, once connected, worked flawlessly. A 6.1-inch touch screen, an upgrade that is available although our tester did not have it, comes with navigation and the Harman/Kardon sound system so you can channel some "hip" low bass thump through the subwoofer.

A MSRP of $35,290 slides you up against the VW Golf R and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution but the STI's all-wheel drive feature rates it ahead of those front wheel-only offerings. A couple of other competitors at a slightly lower entry point would be the Ford Focus ST and the VW GTI. All are fun drivers, but for pure exhilaration of driving the STI may be worth the investment.

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Republicans highlight jobs bills in weekly address

WASHINGTON — House Republicans say President Barack Obama and Senate Democrats should match their focus on bills designed to promote jobs.

In the weekly Republican radio and Internet address, House Republicans list more than a dozen bills that have passed the GOP-controlled House with the goal of improving the economy.

The bills they cite include those changing welfare regulations, offering more job training and education, curtailing patent litigation, scaling back regulations for small-business owners and building the Keystone XL pipeline.

The chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, congressman John Kline of Minnesota, says more legislation is in the works.

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Online:

Republican address: http://www.speaker.gov/

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Dynamic duo: The success of Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre

NEW YORK — They truly are marching to the beat of their own drum.

It's as though anything Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre touches turns to gold: The dynamic duo marked epic-level success when they introduced Eminem to the music world 15 years ago, and their lucrative Beats by Dre business reached blockbuster heights following reports that Apple plans to buy the headphones' parent company, Beats Electronics, for $3.2 billion.

But the music industry veterans have had a string of triumphs, and we take a look at why we never seem to never forget about Dre and Iovine.

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STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM

Well, not necessarily the bottom, but Iovine kicked off his career behind the scenes. He was a recording engineer in the 1970s who mixed albums such as Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." He later upgraded to producer, working with revered icons from Tom Petty to U2 to Stevie Nicks. Springsteen says it best in the song "Ain't Good Enough for You," singing: "And babe I tried to make the latest scene, hitting cool just like Jimmy Iovine."

Dre, too, started as a producer, but it was for N.W.A., the hip-hop group he was a member of alongside Eazy-E and Ice Cube. The West Coast-based rappers made their stance in hip-hop culture and music history in the late '80s with controversial lyrics and edge, and Dre followed that with his own solo work that topped the charts. Dre is also responsible for bringing forth rap king Snoop Dogg, rap king Eminem, rap king 50 Cent and rising rap prince Kendrick Lamar. Outside of those acts, beats by Dre — literally — include tracks like Tupac's classic "California Love," Eve and Gwen Stefani's Grammy-winning "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" and Mary J. Blige's only song to hit No. 1, the party jam "Family Affair."

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BEATING THE OTHERS WITH BEATS

Many celebrities and musicians have launched headphones lines, from 50 Cent to Quincy Jones to Jay Z, but no one has come close to Beats by Dre, even before Apple's billion-dollar acquisition. The brand, which debuted in 2008, brought new life to the headphone industry, reinvented the way people listen to music and revived how earphones could make a fashion statement. Dr. Dre is a doctor in the music industry, and Iovine is as needed as an IV.

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HI, MY NAME IS...

It's hard to imagine the world of entertainment — or Emtertainment for that matter — without thinking of Eminem, one of the ultra-successful members of pop culture. And part of his victory comes from his team: Iovine and Dre have been behind the Detroit icon since he emerged with brash raps and an energy that was both dominating and enticing. From the Oscar-winning "8 Mile" to multiple multiplatinum albums to an influence on today's musicians and music lovers, Eminem is a musical virtuoso and praise should also go to his guardian angels.

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STILL GOING STRONG

Iovine, who co-founded Interscope Records, is the chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M, where the roster includes U2, Madonna, Robin Thicke, the Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5 and Lady Gaga, who released a line of headphones via Beats by Dre.

Dre, whose upcoming album "Detox" has been anticipated for a decade, has mentored Lamar, a fellow Compton rapper who had a breakthrough last year with his platinum-selling debut album, "good kid, m.A.A.d city," which was nominated for album of the year at the Grammy Awards this year.

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Online:

http://www.beatsbydre.com/

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Follow Mesfin Fekadu at twitter.com/MusicMesfin

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Pregnant women gain new options under health law

WASHINGTON — The health care law has opened up a new opportunity for some mothers-to-be to save on medical bills for childbirth.

Lower-income women who signed up for a private policy in the new insurance exchanges will have access to additional coverage from their state's Medicaid program if they get pregnant.

Some women could save hundreds of dollars on their share of hospital and doctor bills.

Medicaid already pays for nearly half of U.S. births, but this adds another dimension to the safety-net program.

Officials and advocates say the enhanced coverage will be available across the country, whether or not a state expands Medicaid under the health law.

The main roadblock right now seems to be logistical: reprogramming state and federal computer systems to process the new benefit.

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Senate to unveil Massachusetts budget plan

BOSTON — State budget deliberations are set to resume on Beacon Hill as lawmakers wrestle over details of a proposed $36.2 billion spending plan for the July 1 fiscal year.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee is scheduled on Wednesday to release its version of the budget, which will then go to the full Senate for a vote later in the month.

The budget calls for an overall spending increase of about 5 percent, but with no new taxes. The House targeted increases for several programs and agencies including the embattled Department of Children and Families.

The House budget also offers a two-month tax amnesty program.

After the Senate acts on its version of the spending plan, negotiators for the two chambers will work on a final version to present to Gov. Deval Patrick for his signature.

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Let the sun shine in _ on White House solar panels

WASHINGTON — Technicians have finished installing solar panels on the White House roof, capping a project that President Barack Obama hopes will send a signal that renewable energy is feasible and environmentally shrewd.

Obama said in 2010 that he would retrofit his family's new home with solar panels starting in 2011, then use the power generated to heat water for the first family and provide some electricity.

But the project remained dark until late 2013, when the installation finally started.

Citing security and other concerns, the White House won't say how many panels now encase the top of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. or how much they cost.

The panels are expected to generate 6.3 kilowatts of solar power whenever the sun shines, the White House said.

Obama wants to use his personal example to spur families and businesses to do more to reduce reliance on foreign energy and cut emissions blamed for global warming.

"Solar panels at the White House are a really important message that solar is here, we are doing it, we can do a lot more," Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a video released by the White House.

The project required technicians to first drill down to the concrete on the White House roof, then use epoxy glue and threaded rods to install a gridded subassembly onto which the solar panels could be secured.

The solar components, converters and the labor to install the panels were all domestic, according to the White House, which declined to name any of the companies involved in the project.

"Being at the White House, we do have some security concerns. We can't cover the entire roof, although that would be good from an energy savings standpoint," said James Doherty, the White House usher.

For some climate change activists, the years of delay underscored a lack of urgency. Bill McKibben of the environmental group 350.org said the project was symbolically significant, but also depressingly protracted.

"At this pace, we'll solve global warming right about the time that we're 30 feet under water," McKibben said in an interview.

Obama isn't the first president to deploy solar at the White House.

President Jimmy Carter spent $30,000 on a solar water-heating system for West Wing offices in the late 1970s, but his successor, Ronald Reagan, tossed the panels after he moved in.

President George W. Bush's solar systems powered a maintenance building and some of the mansion, plus provided heated water for the pool.

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Reach Josh Lederman at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP

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Merkel defends Germany's early retirement plans

BERLIN — Chancellor Angela Merkel is defending plans to allow some Germans to retire on full pensions at 63 and insisting they won't stop her advocating painful reforms in other countries.

Germany is raising the retirement age gradually to 67 from 65 but the government plans, at the insistence of Merkel's new center-left coalition partners, to allow people who've paid into the pension system for 45 years to retire at 63 without taking a financial hit.

Some in Merkel's conservative bloc fear Germany is sending the wrong signal to struggling European countries.

Merkel said in her weekly video message Saturday that Germany remains on track to raise the retirement age for most people and even the early-retirement age will increase gradually to 65, "so I can continue to advocate structural reforms elsewhere."

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White House to focus on road, bridge repair

WASHINGTON — With time running out, a White House official says the Obama administration will intensify its efforts to get Congress to pass legislation that pays for roads and bridge repair.

The Highway Transportation Fund is set to run out of money in August unless lawmakers act to renew it. The money comes from a tax on gasoline sales.

President Barack Obama unveiled a funding proposal earlier this year. A bipartisan group of senators is also preparing a proposal of its own.

The infrastructure push includes Obama speaking Wednesday in front of New York's Tappan Zee Bridge to call on Congress to act.

The official was not authorized to discuss the plans by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.

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