Reid won’t accept tickets in future

Reversing course, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid’s office acknowledged Wednesday night he misstated the ethics rules governing his acceptance of free boxing tickets and has decided to avoid taking such gifts in the future.

The Nevada senator still believes it was “entirely permissible” for him to accept ringside seats for three professional boxing matches in 2004 and 2005 from the Nevada Athletic Commission but has nonetheless decided to avoid doing so in the future, his office said.

The announcement came after the Associated Press confronted Reid’s office early Wednesday with conclusions from several ethics experts that the Senate leader misstated congressional ethics rules in trying to defend his actions.

The AP reported Monday that Reid accepted the free seats from the Nevada commission as it was trying to influence his support for legislation to create a federal boxing commission.

WASHINGTON

9/11 cities due less money for security

The two cities targeted in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks will receive far less counterterrorism money this year in what the Homeland Security Department described Wednesday as an effort to spread funding to other communities facing threats.

Officials noted a $119 million cut in the total funds available for the 2006 fiscal year from last year. In all, 46 cities will share $710 million in Homeland Security grants to prevent and respond to terror attacks and, to a lesser extent, other catastrophic disasters like hurricanes. The cut was attacked by the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, who represents the New York suburbs.

“As far as I’m concerned the Department of Homeland Security and the administration have declared war on New York,” Republican Rep. Peter King said.

Homeland Security assistant secretary Tracy A. Henke said the biggest share of the dollars still would go to the nation’s largest cities, with New York City winning the largest share — $124 million, down from $207 million in 2005. The national capital region, which encompasses Washington, D.C., and its Maryland and Virginia suburbs, will receive $46 million, compared to $77.5 last year.

KEY WEST, Fla.

Boater who hit, killed boy charged

A 13-year-old boater who authorities said hit and killed a 6-year-old snorkeler, then sped away, was charged Wednesday with vessel homicide.

Christopher J. Ruiz drove his 18-foot skiff over Charlie Smith, who was snorkeling Monday off Key West with his father and a sibling next to their motorboat, said Lt. Steve Acton of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Ruiz crashed into the motorboat, sinking it, and paused before taking off, Acton said. He is to be arraigned Thursday and will be charged as a juvenile, authorities said.

Authorities are still investigating whether Ruiz was operating the skiff legally. Under Florida law, anyone younger than 21 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass a boater safety course or have an adult on board.

Compiled from wire reports