Idaho school can’t find small bit of weapons-grade plutoniumBy KEITH RIDLERMay 4, 2018 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — A small amount of radioactive, weapons-grade plutonium about the size of a U.S. quarter is missing from an Idaho university that was using it for research, leading federal officials on Friday to propose an $8,500 fine.The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Idaho State University can't account for about a 30th of an ounce (1 gram) of the material that's used in nuclear reactors and to make nuclear bombs.NYC hospitals replacing machines to reduce terror riskOctober 12, 2017 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Twelve hospitals and research institutions in New York City have agreed to replace devices that contain radiologic material that could be used in a "dirty bomb" attack.The initiative, announced by the city's health and police departments, focuses on devices used for preparing blood transfusions and cancer research.Two machines already have been removed and 28 others will be replaced by 2023.No problem on ship at after threat claim at Charleston portJune 15, 2017 GMTMOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (AP) — A person who raised alarms about a possible "dirty bomb" on a container ship approaching the port of Charleston in South Carolina was being questioned Thursday after searches found nothing dangerous.Coast Guard Lt. James Zorn said the Charleston office received a telephone call about a "dirty bomb" aboard the Maersk Memphis container ship around 8 p.m. Wednesday. The ship docked about a half-hour later.ADVERTISEMENTSchumer: Overhaul NRC licensing for radioactive materialsOctober 2, 2016 GMTALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is calling on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to overhaul its licensing protocol for obtaining radioactive materials, citing a recent report that a fictitious company got a license for enough material for a dirty bomb.