From NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Speer.Eighteen current or former Los Angeles country sheriff's deputies are facing federal corruption charges.NPR's Ina Jaffe reportsthe charges unveiled today as a result of an FBI investigation into civil rights violations in nation's largest jail system.The charges alleged unjustified beatings of both jail inmates and visitors at the downtown Men's Central Jail.The sheriff's deputies are also accused of unjustified detentions and conspiracy to abstract the federal investigation.Specifically sergeants are accused of trying to intimidate one of the FBI agents involved in the probe,while two lieutenants are accused of hiding the whereabouts of an inmate who was cooperating with the investigation.No under sheriffs or other top brass were charged.The spokesman for Sheriff Lee Baca said thatthe department had cooperated with the investigation which is ongoing.Ina Jaffe, NPR News.American Airlines and U.S. Airways have merged to form the world's largest airline.But as Peter O'Dowd reports from member station KJZZcustomers will not see changes until after the holiday travel rush.It will be business as usual until January.You can still buy tickets and check in for your flight at two separate websites,but in 2014, things will start to change.At airports around the world, the airlines will combine gate operationsand Spokesman John McDonald sayselite frequent travelers on both airlines will see their benefits merge."In early January, we are going to make sure that people have reciprocity
