Homeland Security in disarray, officials warn

As the Department of Homeland Security prepares for its first transition, a series of major projects - including a communication network linking state and locals officials in a crisis, a system to scan shipping containers for terrorist weapons, and a massive border-control initiative - face serious technical delays or cost overruns. (Boston Globe)

Security lapse at Grand Haven power plant prompts review

Grand Rapids Water Department Director Joellen Thompson says it should not have taken a full week before she found out about a security breach at a Lakeshore power plant.

On Sept. 12, police arrested a man wearing all-black clothing after he sneaked onto the grounds of the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power plant. The 26-year-old man attempted to flee after he was spotted by plant employees in a restricted area. (MLive)

Firefighters say budget cuts put public safety at risk

The struggle to balance the city’s budget continues. This time firefighters are speaking out. WAVE 3’s Shayla Reaves has the latest.

Louisville’s firefighters have heard the numbers but they’re not convinced the city is really down $20 million. We asked a Kerri Richardson, a spokeswoman for the Mayor’s office, about the budget hole and she confirmed the figure. (Wave 3)

Citizens, the first line of defence

The death toll in Delhi’s September blasts would have been much higher if a ragpicker hadn’t done his bit to help the police. As news of the bomb
attacks spread, 30-year-old Kundan, who was near Regal theatre in Connaught Place noticed a bomb inside a garbage bin. He immediately alerted the beat constable, who in turn informed the bomb disposal squad.

Kundan and his friend Krishna saved dozens of lives that eventful Saturday. Both are part of the Delhi Police’s Eyes and Ears scheme, which includes ragpickers, roadside vendors, rickshawallahs and many others. All of them are meant to keep the police informed about suspicious activity in the areas they live and work. (Time of India)

Obama’s National Security Team to be Named Monday

Pending Senate confirmation, the President-elect’s national security team will include: Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., who will serve as Secretary of State in his administration; Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano who will be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; attorney Eric Holder, Attorney General; Retired Marine General Jim Jones, National Security Adviser; retired Adm. Dennis Blair, Director of National Intelligence; Susan Rice, Ambassador to the United Nations; and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who will stay on in that role for at least a year. (ABC News)

After Mumbai: Could It Happen Here? What to Do

On the one hand, there is no question that the United States is a much “harder” target for transnational terrorism than it was before 9/11. Likewise, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have paid much more attention to the threat of “homegrown” terrorism. Since the September 11 attacks, government agencies have thwarted over 19 conspiracies aimed at killing Americans on U.S. soil.

Nevertheless, it is unrealistic to believe that all homeland security efforts will deny every attack every time. In particular, armed assaults and vehicle-borne explosive attacks are tactics that are not beyond the reach of any modestly funded and committed terrorist group. (Heritage)

Mumbai hostage crisis lasts over 60 hours

Fresh gunfire and explosions were heard late Thursday in Mumbai as police battled terrorists at three sites almost 24 hours after the first wave of violence hit the city.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh suggested the group behind the terrorist attacks, which killed 125 people, was based outside the country.

CNN reporters said regular gun fire and blasts could be heard at the Oberoi and Taj Mahal hotels and a Jewish center in the city.  (CNN)

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Suicide attack near U.S. embassy in Kabul

Early reports of suicide attack attempt on U.S. Embassy in Kabul. (AP)

No immediate reports of casualties (other than the suicide attackers).

NYPD, MTA beef up security in wake of attacks abroad

In the face of new warnings about a possible terror plot, the New York Police Department and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority beefed up security in the subways and commuter rail lines yesterday as the city shifted into Thanksgiving holiday mode.

The increased police presence came as federal law enforcement officials and a key area congressman told of a “plausible” but not specific report that al-Qaida terrorists had discussed the use of suicide bombers against city mass transit operations. (Newsday)

Terror Attacks in Mumbai

In a brazen series of coordinated attacks, gunmen struck 10 sites Wednesday night across India’s financial hub, killing scores of people and taking hostages in two luxury hotels frequented by Westerners, officials said.  (CNN)

Photo Credit:  DotComPals Additional Information:  Mahalo

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