Bush orders another intelligence shake-up

US President George W. Bush ordered another major shake-up of the nation8217;s intelligence services on Thursday, forming new national security divisions within both the FBI and Justice Department, and, for the first time, putting a broad swathe of FBI under the authority of the nation8217;s spy chief.

The reorganisation cements the authority of the new Director of Intelligence, John Negroponte, over most of the FBI8217;s 3 billion intelligence budget. It also gives him the clear authority to approve hiring of the FBI8217;s top national security official and, through that official, to communicate with FBI agents and analysts in the field on intelligence matters.

Civil liberties advocates blasted the changes, arguing that they represent a radical step towards the creation of a secret police force. 8212;LAT-WP

Scare for White House

WASHINGTON: The White House was evacuated on Wednesday evening after a small plane entered Washington8217;s restricted airspace and prompted a scramble by federal officials to launch fighter jets and other aircraft to intercept it. The urgency of the evacuation order diminished after two minutes. 8212;LAT-WP