Tens of thousands of applicants for the federally subsidized Lifeline phone service had their private information compromised by the phone carriers that signed them up and were supposed to keep their information safe.

With the unofficial start of wildfire season beginning this weekend, experts say much of the U.S. can expect more large wildfires, generating more smoke that can affect larger areas during longer fire seasons. At least a third of Americans have breathing or heart conditions that put them at risk from the soot from such fires, and even people with no health problems can be affected by the worst plumes.

Arsonists in America burn according to a cruel calendar. They set fire to buildings in alarming numbers on holidays such as Independence Day, Halloween and New Year's Day. But a first-of-its-kind study, conducted by Scripps Howard News Service, indicates that arsonists also favor this week in April.

Payback can be a bitter pill for the nation's deadbeat doctors. The government has seized tax refunds and unemployment checks, claimed judgments against them in federal court, banned them from billing Medicare and Medicaid, even posted their names on a public shaming list. Yet 930 medical professionals nationwide remain in default, owing the government more than $116 million.

An SHNS investigation has found records indicating that dozens of individuals who had been banned as food-stamp vendors nonetheless remained in business in communities across the country. The federal government has opened investigations into alleged violators identified by Scripps.

She's a pretty soccer mom in Dallas who grew up in privilege attending the best private schools. He's a tatted-up Aryan Nations member in rural West Tennessee who has spent a third of his life in prison. If they have nothing else in common, they share a sordid history of using and selling methamphetamine.

A Scripps investigation into the Boy Scouts of America's so-called "perversion files" from 1970 to 1991 reveals the organization often failed to protect youngsters from adult molesters within its ranks -- and in many cases covered up the allegations by failing to notify police.

Scripps reporters investigated conditions at 30 markets in 10 states and the District of Columbia and found a hodge-podge of regulations, spotty inspection records and some questionable sanitation practices. Consumers should bring a healthy sense of awareness and skepticism.