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.
public safety
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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.
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Cincinnati Black Family Reunion expects 10,000-person crowd Saturday at Sawyer Point
Cincinnati’s 38th annual Midwest Black Family Reunion continues Saturday, August 15, with an 11 a.m. parade, family programming and a 6 p.m. Kenny Lattimore concert at Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove.
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NHTSA Presses AV Developers Over First-Responder Safety
NHTSA says driverless vehicles have entered emergency scenes and blocked responders. Developers face meetings and possible enforcement, but no new rule yet.
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Raleigh Police Summer Action Plan Gets Midyear Checkpoint as Safety Questions Continue
Raleigh’s second-quarter crime data shows declines in several serious offenses but increases in nonfatal shootings, vehicle thefts and traffic fatalities as the city’s summer public-safety plan continues.
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Minneapolis mayor proposes 11.3% property-tax levy hike and about 100 job cuts
Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2027 Minneapolis budget would raise the city property-tax levy 11.3%, eliminate about 100 positions and add $13.1 million for police overtime.
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Charlotte council weighs DOJ Model Cities application as surveillance and federal-oversight concerns grow
CMPD is seeking city support for a possible DOJ Model Cities application due Sept. 1. Charlotte has not been confirmed as an applicant, finalist or award recipient.
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Las Vegas seeks developer for 11-acre downtown assemblage
Las Vegas is seeking proposals for an approximately 11-acre downtown site with housing, entertainment, public space and a potential civic and public-safety component.
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Philadelphia Fire Department Paramedic Applications Close August 28
Philadelphia is accepting applications for Fire Service Paramedic jobs through August 28, with posted annual pay of $72,285 to $110,434 and a staffing-linked residency waiver.
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Federal regulators let Zoox charge for rides in robotaxis
A limited NHTSA exemption lets Amazon-owned Zoox charge for rides in purpose-built robotaxis without steering wheels or pedals, starting in Las Vegas.
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California regulators adopt $22 million PG&E settlement over Mosquito Fire safety violations
The CPUC adopted a shareholder-funded settlement tied to its Mosquito Fire investigation, sending $21 million to the state General Fund and up to $1 million to an independent review of PG&E’s inspection team—not directly to fire survivors.
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Virginia proposes clearer triggers for nursing-home sanctions as complaint backlog persists
Virginia is proposing clearer nursing-home sanction-review triggers as the state works through overdue inspections and complaint investigations. Families can comment through September 9, 2026, and report suspected problems to VDH.
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Michigan says nine water systems reported cyberattack activity as FBI investigates
Nine Michigan water systems reported cyberattack-related activity after a July 22 federal alert. State officials said the systems continued operating safely, with no known public-health concern reported.
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FBI says U.S. homicides fell 18.1% in 2025 to historic low
Preliminary FBI data show U.S. homicides fell 18.1% in 2025, but voluntary reporting, undercounting and later revisions limit what the historic figure proves.
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FCC’s New 911 Reliability Rules Take Effect for NG911 Networks
FCC rules covering key Next Generation 911 providers took effect August 10, adding reliability and reporting duties while major compliance dates remain ahead.
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DOJ’s $300 Million Model Cities Competition Draws Scrutiny
Cities weighing a new DOJ public-safety competition face questions about surveillance, federal oversight, immigration certifications and future costs.
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Temporary federal power order exposed summer grid pressures
DOE gave the Southwest Power Pool temporary emergency authority during extreme heat. The order ended Aug. 10 without confirming a blackout.