Homeland Security in disarray, officials warn

On November 30, 2008, in Homeland Security News, by admin

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

On November 30, 2008, in Homeland Security News, by admin

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 [...]

Firefighters say budget cuts put public safety at risk

On November 29, 2008, in First Responder, by admin

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 [...]

Citizens, the first line of defence

On November 29, 2008, in Homeland Security News, by admin

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 [...]

Obama’s National Security Team to be Named Monday

On November 29, 2008, in Homeland Security News, by admin

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, [...]

After Mumbai: Could It Happen Here? What to Do

On November 29, 2008, in Homeland Security News, by admin

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 [...]

Mumbai hostage crisis lasts over 60 hours

On November 27, 2008, in Top Story, by admin

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 [...]

Suicide attack near U.S. embassy in Kabul

On November 26, 2008, in International News, by admin

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

On November 26, 2008, in Homeland Security News, by admin

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 [...]

Terror Attacks in Mumbai

On November 26, 2008, in Top Story, by admin

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