public-safety21.87 min read
New Castle County Downgraded to Level 1 Driving Warning as Kent and Sussex Remain at Level 3
2 days ago•Source: State of Delaware News (.gov)
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4.26 min•2 days ago
Massachusetts Declares Immediate Travel Ban for South Coast Amid Blizzard
Governor Healey signed an executive order banning non-essential motor vehicle travel in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties due to dangerous snow and road conditions, with the Mass Pike speed reduced to 40 mph; exemptions cover essential workers and critical services, and the ban will be lifted when MassDOT determines conditions are safe, as the department redeploys snow removal resources and statewide highway service is expected to remain limited for an extended period.
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Sussex County Remains Under Level 3 Driving Ban Amid Winter Storm
State of Delaware News (.gov)•2 days ago
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Arrest Made After Shooting Injures Student at Wootton High, Rockville Officials Say
Bethesda Magazine•16 days ago
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Hawaii Braces for Severe Storms as Statewide Closures and Emergency Measures Activate
Governor Josh Green issued an Emergency Proclamation as a significant storm system threatens heavy rain, flash floods, and damaging winds across Hawaii, prompting statewide closures on Monday (state offices, DOE schools, UH campuses, Legislature, and courthouses) with administrative leave for state employees and extended filing deadlines to Tuesday; residents should prepare, sign up for local alerts, monitor HIEMA and NWS, and follow county guidance.
Delaware Eases Winter Driving Restrictions as Storm Winds Down
Delaware downgraded Kent and New Castle Counties from Level 2 Driving Restrictions to Level 1 Driving Warnings, and lifted Sussex County’s Level 1 warning as Winter Storm Fern moves toward sleet and freezing rain; temperatures will stay below freezing, and motorists are urged to travel only for essential needs with extreme caution while DelDOT works to clear roads. Code Purple shelters remain open, and residents should monitor DelDOT updates and use emergency resources as needed.
Connecticut Declares State of Emergency as Commercial Vehicle Ban Sets In Ahead of Winter Storm
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency and issued a ban on commercial vehicles on all limited-access highways starting at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, to curb dangerous travel ahead of a major winter storm. The ban excludes emergency, utility, and essential-service vehicles. Residents are urged to shelter in place through the storm, which is expected to linger into Monday; officials will announce when the restriction can be lifted.
FEMA Urges Preparedness for Massive 2026 Winter Storm Across 34 States
A massive winter storm is forecast to bring heavy snow, dangerous freezing rain, and life-threatening wind chills across up to 34 states, potentially affecting 230 million Americans and causing widespread power outages, tree damage, and hazardous travel. FEMA and DHS urge following local officials, enabling emergency alerts, and preparing supplies for several days, including heating sources and shelter plans. Stay indoors when advised, avoid travel, check on neighbors, and practice safety to prevent fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia, and frostbite. Use resources like 2-1-1 for services, text SHELTER + ZIP to 43362 to locate shelters, and Ready.gov/winter-weather for more guidance.
Berkeley leptospirosis outbreak prompts pet, public-health precautions
Berkeley health officials report a leptospirosis outbreak near the Eighth & Harrison encampment, with two infected dogs (one fatal) and recent rodent activity; as of Jan. 12 there were no confirmed human cases. Leptospirosis is rare in the U.S., spread mainly through infected animal urine and contaminated water or soil, not airborne, and while most people recover with antibiotics, serious cases can occur. There is a canine vaccine (and vaccines for other animals) but no human vaccine. Officials advise moving away from the red zone, disinfecting gear, avoiding mud and standing water, vaccinating pets, and seeking medical or veterinary care promptly if exposure or symptoms appear.
Texas Mobilizes State Resources Ahead of Winter Weather Threat
Gov. Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate statewide emergency resources in anticipation of a winter weather system bringing freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, and potential ice across Texas. Agencies from TxDOT to the National Guard will support road treatments, warming centers, and public safety operations. Texans are urged to stay weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org for road conditions, visit TexasReady.gov for safety tips, and follow local guidance; warming centers and other assistance will be coordinated through state resources listed at tdem.texas.gov/warm.
In Minneapolis clash, ICE officer Jonathan Ross reportedly injured
A Homeland Security official told the Associated Press that ICE agent Jonathan Ross was injured—reportedly with internal bleeding to the torso—during the Minneapolis encounter that left Renee Good dead; specifics on the injury’s severity, diagnosis, or treatment were not disclosed, and Ross’s attorney declined to comment.
Berkeley Leptospirosis Outbreak Ties Dogs and Rats at Northwest Encampment
Berkeley health officials warn of a leptospirosis outbreak linked to the Northwest Berkeley encampment near Eighth and Harrison, with two infected dogs detected last November and rats testing positive in Alameda County for the first time in five years; officials say the outbreak could persist until the camp is fully vacated for about 30 days to eradicate rat burrows, and have urged caution around standing water while offering dog vaccine vouchers as legal challenges over encampment removals continue.
Deadly clash at Georgia prison leaves three dead and a dozen injured
Three inmates were killed and about a dozen hospitalized after a gang-related altercation at Washington State Prison in Georgia; the violence began on an outdoor sidewalk during visitation hours, visitors were not harmed, autopsies will be performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the facility remained on lockdown as federal civil rights scrutiny of the GDC continues.
Nearly 75,000 Evenflo child car seats recalled over safety concerns
Approximately 75,000 All4One 4-in-1 convertible car seats manufactured by Evenflo between January 2022 and June 2024 are being recalled due to a safety issue where the seat may shift in rear-facing mode, though no injuries have been reported. The company will provide free replacements, and owners are advised to handle the seats carefully until then.