Risk Unclear, Some Fliers Grow Skittish Over Travel

On April 30, 2009, in Homeland Security News, Travel Safety, by admin

As fears about swine flu spread, the airline industry is bracing for the worst, worried that travelers will cancel their plans to fly to or from not only Mexico, but also almost anywhere else in the world. (NY Times)

Senators urge more aggressive swine flu screening

On April 30, 2009, in Health Risks, Homeland Security News, by admin

Senior senators criticized the Homeland Security Department on Wednesday, saying it was not doing enough to prevent people infected with swine flu from entering the United States.
Lawmakers at a Capitol Hill hearing urged Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to take stronger steps than those now being used by Customs and Border Protection, who look for [...]

World swine flu cases jump

On April 29, 2009, in Health Risks, Homeland Security News, by admin

The number of people infected with swine flu increased rapidly across the world Wednesday as health officials scramble to get more information about the virus for which there is no vaccine. (CNN)

Mexico’s Calderon Declares Emergency Amid Swine Flu Outbreak

On April 25, 2009, in Top Story, by admin

Mexican President Felipe Calderon declared an emergency in his country’s swine flu outbreak, giving him powers to order quarantines and suspend public events.
Authorities have canceled school at all levels in Mexico City and the state of Mexico until further notice, and the government has shut most public and government activities in the area. The emergency [...]

Swine Flu, Mexico Lung Illness Heighten Pandemic Risk

On April 24, 2009, in Health Risks, Homeland Security News, by admin

Disease trackers are asking U.S. hospitals to help follow a new strain of swine flu and are trying to determine whether it’s related to hundreds of illnesses and 57 deaths in Mexico.
A previously unseen variant of H1N1 swine influenza has sickened at least seven people in California and Texas, the Atlanta-based U.S. Centers for Disease [...]

US man to be added to FBI Most Wanted list

On April 21, 2009, in Homeland Security News, by admin

An American wanted on domestic terrorism charges is being added Tuesday to the FBI’s list of Most Wanted Terrorists, the agency said.
US media reports identified the addition as Daniel Andreas San Diego, 31, an animal rights activist wanted in the bombings of two corporate offices in California in 2003.
The FBI’s assistant director for counter-terrorism, Michael [...]

Heightened security at U.S.-Canada border catching few terror suspects

On April 20, 2009, in Homeland Security News, Immigration, by admin

Two Border Patrol agents board a bus in upstate New York, asking everyone “What’s your nationality?” Prove you’re allowed to be here.
A canine barks at a knapsack. Its owner is a legal Chinese refugee with fear in her eyes. Border Patrol agents have found her with a marijuana cigarette. Hours later, she’s still being detained.
This [...]

Homeland Security issues warning on right-wing extremist groups

On April 15, 2009, in Top Story, by admin

DHS is warning law-enforcement agencies that we might see a spike in right-wing extremist groups because we have (A) the worst economy in 70 years and (B) our first black president. Take it away, Politico:
“The consequences of a prolonged economic downturn — including real estate foreclosures, unemployment, and an inability to obtain credit — could [...]

New US administration, new take on the ‘war on terror’

On April 15, 2009, in Homeland Security News, by admin

Last month, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged that the Obama administration has stopped using the phrase “war on terror.” This development is far more significant than a change of heart on diction.
For many years, terrorism rhetoric has been used as a blunt weapon by governments seeking to stifle dissent and escape international scrutiny. This [...]