Antique firearms stolen from Civil War museum

Slow but promising start for new program aimed at ex-cons

An unusual federal court program that aims to help ex-convicts rebuild their lives is off to a slow but promising start. The program was launched last summer in Scranton and connects recently released inmates with bank loans, an education and drug-and-alcohol treatment. Court officials say only a few felons have taken advantage so far, but the early results are positive. Casey Carrick robbed a bank to feed his heroin addiction. After his release from prison, he got a $12,000 loan to go to barber school. He already has a job lined up after graduation and dreams of opening his own shop. Carrick credits the court program with helping him move on with his life. Federal appeals judge Thomas Vanaskie (van-ASK'-ee) says he hopes to entice more former inmates to take advantage.