Free Republic

AFP/File Photo: The UN-appointed panel probing the scandal-tainted oil-for-food program for Iraq, headed by Paul Volcker, seen... Slideshow: Oil-for-Food Corruption Probe Video AP Video By NICK WADHAMS and EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writers 39 minutes ago NEW YORK - A formerUnited Nations procurement officer pleaded guilty Monday to soliciting a bribe under the oil-for-food program, making him the first U.N. official to face criminal charges in connection with the scandal-tainted operation. Alexander Yakovlev, a Russian, also pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and money laundering for accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes...

Voters OK measures blocking golf courseApproval of the initiatives prevents Coatesville from seizing part of a Valley Twp. farm for a recreation site.By Reid KanaleyInquirer Staff Writer Coatesville voters yesterday approved three ballot measures aimed at killing the city's plan to put a golf course on farmland outside the municipal limits."I'm ecstatic," said Jeff Voelcker, son-in-law to Dick Saha, whose Valley Township horse farm the city has sought to take for a recreation complex, which includes the golf course. "Let us go on with our lives," added Voelcker, who also lives on the farm land."I'm disappointed that the residents of...