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I live across from a Flock camera. Take them all down | Your Turn

I live across from a Flock camera. Take them all down | Your Turn

Are Flock cameras and similar surveillance abuse of the Fourth Amendment, Orwellian or necessary protection? Readers sound off in our Opinion Forum.
ReutersReuters
Iran denies involvement in US-run airbase plot after UK nationals held

Iran denies involvement in US-run airbase plot after UK nationals held

By Toby Shepheard FAIRFORD, England, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Iran denied involvement on Monday in a suspected plot to attack a British airbase used by the United States to strike Iranian sites, and police said five men arrested over explosives and terrorism offences were British nationals.
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FEMA Workforce Planning Act Introduced to Enhance Disaster Response Capacity

FEMA Workforce Planning Act Introduced to Enhance Disaster Response Capacity

Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), alongside Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS), has introduced the Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act. This bipartisan legislation mandates that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) develop and submit comprehensive workforce plans to Congress every three years. The primary goal is to ensure FEMA possesses the necessary capacity to effectively respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. The act requires FEMA to improve its recruitment and retention efforts, develop strategies for efficient workforce training and deployment, and utilize data to identify and address staffing gaps. The plans must adhere to best practices outlined by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Comptroller General of the United States. Key components of these plans include performance measures for human capital goals, details on employee types, cost analysis for implementation, strategies...
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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Prioritizes Implementation of Transit Plans

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Prioritizes Implementation of Transit Plans

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is focusing on the implementation of transit plans, moving beyond decades of planning. The Atlanta City Council recently voted unanimously to implement light rail along the 22-mile Beltline corridor. Mayor Dickens, who also chairs the Atlanta Regional Commission, emphasized the need to actively build these projects. He highlighted a strengthened relationship between the City of Atlanta and MARTA, particularly with the new general manager, Jonathan Hunt. This improved collaboration has already led to a $52 million settlement regarding More MARTA funds, resolving a dispute that had lasted over two years. The city is now pushing forward with projects like the Campbellton Road BRT and working to finalize the Summerhill BRT. Mayor Dickens expressed optimism about the partnership with MARTA, stating it is poised to produce results. However, the city is also seeking clarity on how to fund the construction, maintenance, and operations of the Beltline rail, with a detailed plan expected ...
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Coalition Urges Congress to Address Wildfires as National Security Threat in Defense Bill

Coalition Urges Congress to Address Wildfires as National Security Threat in Defense Bill

A growing coalition is advocating for the inclusion of the 'Fix Our Forest Act' in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), arguing that wildfires constitute a national security issue. Tyson Bertone-Riggs, Managing Director for the Alliance for Wildfire Resilience, highlights that wildfires frequently impact military readiness and occur on military bases. National Guard and reservists have been mobilized for wildfire response in 23 of the last 25 seasons, with Air Force Reserve and National Guard also utilized through the C-130 MAFFs program. The proposed bill aims to streamline planning and permitting, reduce litigation on federal projects to mitigate wildfire risk, and establish a community risk reduction program. A key provision is the creation of a wildfire intelligence center, envisioned as a fusion center for federal agencies to coordinate mapping, modeling, and predictive services for risk reduction, response, and post-fire recovery, accessible to state, local, and tribal governments. This cen...
AP NewsAP News
New California law bans officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks

New California law bans officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law banning local, state and federal officers from using gloves that can deliver electric shocks to people
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Minneapolis Mayor Proposes Cuts to Violence Interrupter Program Amidst Oversight Concerns

Minneapolis Mayor Proposes Cuts to Violence Interrupter Program Amidst Oversight Concerns

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has proposed a budget that includes a nearly $2.7 million reduction in funding for the city's violence interrupter program. This proposal follows an audit that revealed a lack of sufficient oversight within the Neighborhood Safety Department, which manages the program's contracts and contractors. The audit highlighted concerns about potential 'fraud, waste, and abuse' and limitations on the city's ability to ensure it receives the services it pays for. Mayor Frey acknowledged the program's noble intentions and committed community leaders but stated that 'clear tracking has not demonstrated the level of results taxpayers deserve.' This move has met with opposition from some Minneapolis City Council members, including Vice President Jamal Osman and Council member Jason Chavez, who argue that the program is effective and that cutting its funding would lead to an increase in crime. Mohammed Abdul-Ahad of T.O.U.C.H. Outreach, a violence interruption worker, expressed devastation ove...
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Brookings Institution Calls for New U.S. Transportation Policy Paradigm to Address Safety, Cost, and Accessibility

Brookings Institution Calls for New U.S. Transportation Policy Paradigm to Address Safety, Cost, and Accessibility

The Brookings Institution is advocating for a fundamental shift in U.S. transportation policy, arguing that the current paradigm, which has historically prioritized interstate commerce and large-lot housing, has led to significant shortcomings. These include compromised user safety, excessive personal spending on transportation, limited consumer choice, and high maintenance costs for infrastructure. The institution highlights that the average trip distance now exceeds 12 miles, making cars an essential good for most, and exposing drivers to congestion. This situation exacerbates household accessibility challenges, particularly in metropolitan areas. The report emphasizes the need for a new approach that rebalances priorities to address these critical issues effectively.
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House Passes AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, Championed by Rep. Gottheimer

House Passes AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, Championed by Rep. Gottheimer

On September 15, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 'AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,' a bill supported by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). This legislation aims to ensure that all new cars and trucks sold in the United States are equipped with AM broadcast radio as a standard feature. Congressman Gottheimer, who initially introduced this bill in the 118th Congress, emphasized the critical role of AM radio as a 'lifeline' during emergencies when other communication methods like cellular networks and the internet may fail. The bill's passage was met with approval from the New Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), both highlighting AM radio's importance for public safety and emergency alerts. The legislation mandates the Department of Transportation to issue a rule requiring automakers to include AM radio without additional cost to consumers. This move comes after many manufacturers had begun omitting AM radio from their vehicles, a pract...
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Lakeview Residents Protest Proposed ComEd Substation, Citing Safety and Community Concerns

Lakeview Residents Protest Proposed ComEd Substation, Citing Safety and Community Concerns

Residents of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, including U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, are actively protesting ComEd's plan to build a new electrical substation at 1111 W. Diversey Parkway. The proposed substation would be located on the site of a previous substation that exploded in 2006, causing power outages and concerns among residents like Daniel Varanauski, who experienced the incident firsthand. The Diversey Community Coalition, a neighborhood group, claims ComEd has not been transparent or cooperative with residents regarding the project. ComEd purchased the property for $11.5 million in 2021, stating that existing substations in Lakeview and Lincoln Park are nearing capacity and electricity demand is projected to exceed the local grid's support by 2029. The utility asserts it has maintained 'open and honest communication' through community meetings and a website, and has engaged with local alderpeople and stakeholders. However, residents dispute the location, citing proxim...
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Congressman Carlos Gimenez Introduces Bill to Preserve and Protect Affordable Housing

Congressman Carlos Gimenez Introduces Bill to Preserve and Protect Affordable Housing

Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (R-Fla.) has introduced a bill aimed at preserving and protecting affordable housing. This legislative effort highlights a growing concern among lawmakers regarding the availability and sustainability of affordable housing options across the nation. While the specific details of the bill, such as its title and provisions, are not fully elaborated in the provided source, its stated purpose indicates a focus on addressing the challenges faced by communities in maintaining and expanding access to affordable living spaces. The introduction of this bill suggests a legislative push to tackle housing affordability, which is a critical issue impacting many American households. This initiative aligns with broader discussions about housing policy and economic stability.
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Summit County Retains Flock Cameras with New Usage Policies Amid Privacy Concerns

Summit County Retains Flock Cameras with New Usage Policies Amid Privacy Concerns

Summit County, Colorado, has decided to maintain its contract with Flock Safety for license plate reader cameras, but with significant changes to how the information will be used. This decision follows a 30-day pause for internal review and community feedback, prompted by increasing bipartisan scrutiny over privacy concerns surrounding the technology. Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons announced new policies, including limiting the number and placement of cameras, reducing image retention to seven days (down from 30), and participating only in the Colorado Statewide network for information sharing. Additionally, law enforcement users will now be required to enter a code from their records management system for each search, linking it to a specific case, with overrides for emergencies automatically flagged for review. The company, Flock Safety, will also allow customers to control which offense types outside agencies can search data for, enabling blocks on searches related to immigration enforcement.