Sexting

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The popularity of smartphones and social networking sites is keeping a growing number of people connected -- to danger, deception and a loss of academic or career opportunities.

NEW YORK  -- Seared by scandal, New York Rep. Anthony Weiner announced his resignation from Congress on Thursday, done in by lewd photos he took of himself, sent to women online and then adamantly lied about after being caught.

NEW YORK -- As Rep. Anthony Weiner remained in hiding and on leave from his job, a self-described dancer and former porn actress who was part of his sexting scandal emerged from seclusion Wednesday and said the congressman had pressed her to lie about his online antics.

Ginger Lee read a statement describing an electronically driven relationship that lasted from March until two weeks ago, when Weiner, D-N.Y., admitted sending sexually charged messages and graphic photographs to various women. "I did not sext Anthony Weiner," said Lee, standing beside celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred.

If Anthony Weiner is to be believed -- and his credibility is dubious after lying about sending sexually suggestive online messages before admitting it Monday -- the married New York congressman did not have physical contact with any of the six women he "sexted."

That would put the 46-year-old Democrat at the vanguard of a new type of political scandal: the sexless sex scandal.

A Pennsylvania man arrested Wednesday stands accused of tricking teenage girls into sending him revealing pictures of themselves and then using those images in a cycle of extortion that even extended to demands for photos of one girl's mother.

BOUNTIFUL -- A parent awareness night focusing on teen sexting and sexual violence is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 790 South and 100 East.