FBI Reports Historic Drop in U.S. Violent Crime in 2025
The FBI estimates U.S. violent crime fell 9.3% in 2025, the largest annual drop in its national series, while warning that local trends may differ.
public safety
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GAO finds gaps in DOE oversight of nuclear cleanup contractors
A new GAO audit says DOE lacked clear standards for judging contractor self-oversight at nuclear cleanup sites, raising accountability and safety concerns.
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California man indicted in White House UFC plot investigation
Christopher M. Perry faces federal firearm-possession and evidence-destruction charges after prosecutors linked him to a Signal chat in the investigation.
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House faces next step on public-safety benefits bill
The Senate passed a bill proposing deadlines, interim payments and new oversight for public-safety benefit claims. The House has not acted yet.
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Congress considers 100-foot worship access zones nationwide
A bipartisan bill would target knowing disruption or intimidation near houses of worship during services, but it remains in committee and is not law.
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ICE awards $16.7 million sole-source contract for shock gloves
ICE awarded a six-month, $16.7 million sole-source contract for 6,000 electric-shock gloves as senators demand safeguards before deployment.
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FAA Expands BEYOND Drone Program With Up to Eight New Participants
The FAA is expanding its BEYOND drone program with up to eight government partners, but the move does not create a nationwide rule for routine BVLOS flights.
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DOJ Temporarily Puts Three Kratom-Related Opioids in Schedule I
A federal order effective August 26 puts MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16 under Schedule I controls, while traditional botanical kratom remains outside this order.
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Pittsburgh’s red-light cameras are warning drivers before $100 citations begin
Pittsburgh’s two active red-light cameras are issuing warnings now. A $100 civil citation period begins October 11, with four more sites planned.
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Raleigh police audit lists 416 active Flock users, leaving access questions
A Raleigh police audit dated August 5 listed 416 active Flock users, while only about half logged in during the review period. Former-employee accounts and unclear access levels remain accountability questions.
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Louisiana National Guard completes New Orleans security patrols after 4,126 missions
The Louisiana National Guard completed its final New Orleans security patrols early Aug. 24 after an eight-month deployment. The formal mission closeout is scheduled for Aug. 31, with local and state law-enforcement partners continuing the French Quarter security effort.
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Pokémon World Championships bring closures and drone shows to San Francisco
San Francisco hosts the Pokémon World Championships Aug. 28-30, with SoMa closures, event traffic controls, longer BART trains and free nightly drone shows.
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Seattle launches national search for next police chief
Mayor Katie Wilson’s search includes a public survey due September 15, a September 26 listening session and an anticipated selection by early 2027, followed by City Council confirmation.
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Dallas plans road closures around American Airlines Center for September Republican convention
Dallas plans road closures, heightened security and a DART Victory Station shutdown during the September 9-10 Republican convention.
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Los Angeles heat wave leaves neighborhoods watching outages as temperatures climb again
An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through 8 p.m. Friday as Los Angeles residents monitor recent Echo Park and Westlake outages and cooling options.
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Federal Report: Washington Tank Was Unfit Months Before Collapse
A federal update says a Longview tank was deemed unfit months before its May 26 collapse killed 11 workers. Multiple investigations remain open.
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FBI warns of scam spoofing its number and pushing encrypted apps
The FBI says scammers are spoofing its Boston number, faking agent credentials and pressuring targets to move alleged fraud cases to encrypted apps.
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Federal authorities charge 81 in Puerto Rico gang takedown
Federal prosecutors charged 81 alleged Los Baja Deo members after 70 arrests in Puerto Rico, citing drug trafficking, firearms and violence allegations.
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GAO finds inconsistent safeguards on DOJ task forces
A GAO review found training and misconduct-handling gaps across DOJ task forces involving nonfederal officers. All seven recommendations remain open.
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Montana judge halts Laurel psychiatric facility, orders new environmental review
A Yellowstone County judge paused on-site construction of Montana’s planned 32-bed forensic psychiatric facility near Laurel, finding that the state’s environmental review did not adequately establish whether the city’s water system could serve the project.
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Cuisinart Grill Brush Recall Expands to 3,625,800 Units
Conair expanded the Cuisinart wire-bristle grill brush recall by 1,905,805 units after reports of detached bristles and three medical-treatment cases.
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NWS Confirms Preliminary EF1 Tornado Track in South Columbus
A preliminary National Weather Service survey confirmed an EF1 tornado in south Columbus on August 11, with estimated winds of 100 mph and a 1.8-mile track.