Public Safety: Page 2


  • A radar device installed on top of a water tower with a graphic that contains the words "Americus, Georgia" and "Touch America's Heart."
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    Courtesy of Climavision
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    AI, drones, private radar fill gaps from National Weather Service cuts

    Private tech companies are stepping in to support local officials on the front lines of weather emergencies as federal offices struggle to stay staffed.

    By May 30, 2025
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    SDI Productions via Getty Images
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    Porch piracy: What’s holding back industry prevention efforts?

    Limited data sharing and fears of inconveniencing customers make addressing the problem more difficult, per the USPS’ Office of Inspector General.

    By Max Garland • May 30, 2025
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    Brandon Bell/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    CenterPoint completes critical Houston grid upgrades ahead of hurricane season

    The utility has bolstered its power grid and communications systems since Hurricane Beryl left almost 2.3 million Houston-areas customers without power last summer.

    By Robert Walton • May 27, 2025
  • A protester displays a sign reading "Reparations Now!" in front of a crowd of other protesters.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    DOJ dismisses lawsuits against Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, police departments

    Mayors in these cities, where high-profile police killings occurred, vow to continue reforms.

    By May 22, 2025
  • A police officer walks a dog in front of steps of columned building with scaffolding on it.
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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    Supreme Court narrows police immunity in use-of-force cases

    In rejecting the “moment of threat” defense, the court opens the door to greater officer accountability — though how the ruling will shape policing on the ground is still uncertain.

    By May 19, 2025
  • The flag outside the United States Environmental Protection Agency building is seen on August 21, 2024 in Washington, DC.
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    Tierney L. Cross via Getty Images
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    EPA rolls back part of PFAS drinking water standards

    The agency will continue regulating PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, but will extend compliance timelines. It has rescinded rules for four other PFAS chemicals.

    By Megan Quinn • May 15, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Revised hiring standards and increased public support could aid in recruiting more police officers

    Police departments are facing a shortage of officers. Law enforcement agencies may improve their recruiting efforts if they develop a clear, concise list of hiring standards.

    By Michael Keating • May 13, 2025
  • Person holding a yellow sign that says "I AM MEDICAID, Don't Cut Me!"
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    Leigh Vogel via Getty Images
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    Mayors flag Medicaid cuts as a public safety issue

    The U.S. Conference of Mayors warns Congress that benefit cuts can increase mental health crises and substance abuse, diverting police from violent crime.

    By May 13, 2025
  • Aerial view of four cars driving in three lanes with white directional arrows.
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    carlofranco via Getty Images
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    They’re not streets. They’re not roads. ‘Stroads’ present challenges for cities.

    Designed to accommodate both local access and high-speed traffic, stroads require extra safety precautions. 

    By Karen Kroll • May 13, 2025
  • A crowd of protesters with signs. Sign reads "ICE out of our cities."
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Mayors call arrest of Newark, N.J., mayor ‘deeply troubling’

    Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest during his attempt to inspect a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility raised concerns about federal overreach.

    By May 12, 2025
  • A hand holding a carbon monoxide alarm in front of a gas stove
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    Ralf Geithe via Getty Images
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    Report ranks states’ efforts to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

    UL Standards & Engagement officials recommend cities and states mandate indoor carbon monoxide alarms, conduct public awareness campaigns and train first responders.

    By May 8, 2025
  • NYPD crest on the jacket of a New York City police officer
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    tillsonburg via Getty Images
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    Lawsuit challenges NYPD “gang database”

    Plaintiffs claim Blacks and Latinos who have tattoos and wear gang-affiliated colors are being added to the database, which NYPD says is a crucial tool in stopping gang-related shootings.

    By May 6, 2025
  • Russell Vought speaking at a cabinet meeting
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    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
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    Trump budget proposal slashes climate funding

    Renewable energy, environmental justice and Superfund cleanup are among programs that would be eliminated.

    By Updated May 5, 2025
  • A woman holds up a sign in front of the U.S. Capitol
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    3 cities join lawsuit challenging mass layoffs of federal workers

    Unions, nonprofits and local governments allege the staff reductions threaten vital services and public safety.

    By May 2, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by

    Smart Procurement Strategies for Safer Communities and Stronger Public Safety

    Public safety is a top priority for every community. From local festivals and large-scale public events to the everyday operations of fire departments, EMS teams, and law enforcement agencies, ensuring the safety of citizens requires a coordinated, well-equipped effort. Behind the scenes, procurement teams play a critical role—sourcing the essential tools, services, and technologies that make effective public safety operations possible. With increased pressure to do more with less, procurement professionals are turning to cooperative purchasing as a smarter, more efficient way to access reliable, innovative public safety solutions.

    May 1, 2025
  • President Trump shaking hands on a stage in front of flag
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    Grant Baldwin via Getty Images
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    Trump directs Justice Department, military to support local law enforcement

    The National Police Association applauds the order as providing needed support, while civil liberties groups warn of federal overreach and the danger of escalating tensions.

    By May 1, 2025
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    Cities lose “critical guidance” from climate report: former NOAA official

    The National Climate Assessment provides region-specific projections for infrastructure planning, budgeting and emergency preparedness.

    By April 30, 2025
  • Brandon Johnson and two men at hearing
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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    5 ‘sanctuary cities’ sue DHS to restore counterterrorism funds

    The cities allege the Department of Homeland Security is jeopardizing terror preparedness and radiological detection efforts after reimbursements have stalled for months.

    By Updated June 17, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    The power of checkpoints: Protecting first responders’ emotional health

    During my tenure as assistant chief at the Dallas Police Department, I saw firsthand how a lack of mental health support could erode officer morale and effectiveness. These experiences led me to develop Checkpoints.

    By Reuben Ramirez • April 25, 2025
  • U.S. flag flies above the Department of Justice building
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    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
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    Justice Department cancels hundreds of public safety grants

    The move will impede progress that’s been made on deterring crime, the U.S. Conference of Mayors says, calling for the grants’ reinstatement.  

    By April 24, 2025
  • Empire State Building against orange sky
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    David Dee Delgado via Getty Images
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    Nearly half of US residents breathe unhealthy air: report

    American Lung Association officials call for city leaders to speak up for federal support of air quality research amid record pollution levels.

    By April 23, 2025
  • A detailed landscape design plan showing topographic contour lines, orange building illustrations, green trees, and directional arrows. The layout includes winding paths and clustered vegetation. A triangular scale ruler lies on the left, and three colored pencils, colored blue, green, and yellow, rest on the lower right corner of the page.
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Column

    The growing challenge of traffic congestion on emergency response times

    EVP is one of the emerging technologies being developed and implemented to help reduce delays and accidents involving emergency vehicles. It is designed to provide a green light for emergency vehicles as they approach intersections, allowing them to pass through safely and quickly.

    By Timothy Menard • April 21, 2025
  • School buses stand idle on December 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.
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    David McNew via Getty Images
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    ICE agents denied entry into LAUSD elementary schools

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains the incidents, which rattled the education community, were "wellness checks on children who arrived unaccompanied at the border." 

    By Naaz Modan • April 16, 2025
  • A detailed landscape design plan showing topographic contour lines, orange building illustrations, green trees, and directional arrows. The layout includes winding paths and clustered vegetation. A triangular scale ruler lies on the left, and three colored pencils, colored blue, green, and yellow, rest on the lower right corner of the page.
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Housing, utilities and food among top US needs in 2024: United Way

    People across the country “are struggling to meet their basic needs,” UWW President and CEO Angela Williams said.

    By April 2, 2025
  • A detailed landscape design plan showing topographic contour lines, orange building illustrations, green trees, and directional arrows. The layout includes winding paths and clustered vegetation. A triangular scale ruler lies on the left, and three colored pencils, colored blue, green, and yellow, rest on the lower right corner of the page.
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by

    Georgia County Streamlines Access to Supplies for Public Health, Medical Examiner, Fire & EMS Teams

    Success Story: Cobb County | Atlanta, Georgia

    By OMNIA Partners • April 1, 2025