Public Safety
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DOJ threatens to subpoena California sheriffs in seeking county jail data
The Los Angeles County sheriff said his department won’t hand over inmate data without a judge-signed warrant, setting up a potential showdown over federal authority, state sovereignty and local law enforcement discretion.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated July 18, 2025 -
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Local officials hold the key to life-saving flood and weather warnings
Accurate weather warnings are useless if they don’t reach residents in time. Take these steps to avoid mistakes that may have contributed to the tragedy in Texas.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated July 17, 2025 -
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$10B lawsuit targets LA over ‘epic failures’ in Palisades Fire
Class action and amended complaints accuse city and state agencies of negligence, mismanagement and cover-up in the January fire.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • July 16, 2025 -
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5 steps cities can take to prevent a flood tragedy like Kerr County’s
Cities and counties can strengthen their defenses — even on tight budgets — with smarter maps, stronger codes and regional coordination, a flood expert says.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated July 16, 2025 -
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Cities see sharp decline in police fatalities
New data shows a 53% drop in officer deaths nationwide, which experts attribute to progress in public safety protocols, firearm awareness, de-escalation tactics and community support strategies.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • July 10, 2025 -
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Legal showdown over immigration enforcement intensifies in LA
Los Angeles and seven other cities have asked a federal judge to block ICE raids, arguing they set a dangerous precedent for unchecked federal power in urban areas.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • July 9, 2025 -
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FBI director calls for local law enforcement vigilance in ‘heightened threat environment’
“There is no better ground-level intelligence than cops,” Kash Patel said, as the Israel-Iran conflict and recent incidents raise concerns about attacks in the U.S.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 26, 2025 -
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Why some cities are bucking state sanctuary laws
“Non-sanctuary” resolutions signal growing tension between local control, state policy and federal immigration enforcement. Are these meaningful assertions of self-rule, political theater — or both?
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 25, 2025 -
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As FEMA shrinks, cities face rising burdens — and risks
The backbone of emergency management is under threat, former federal officials say. Small towns may be the first to feel the effects.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated June 24, 2025 -
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Drone as First Responder program set for takeoff following Trump executive order
Under pressure from the White House, the FAA is streamlining approvals for law enforcement drone programs, enabling rapid deployment in cities nationwide.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 12, 2025 -
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Why sanctuary cities say they won’t back down
Maintaining resident trust outweighs federal pressure to participate in immigration enforcement, some city officials say.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 10, 2025 -
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US mayors: Keep troops out of our cities
Declaring that “law enforcement is a local responsibility,” a bipartisan coalition of mayors calls for federal troops to leave Los Angeles.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated June 11, 2025 -
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Mayors call for action amid rising antisemitism
As attacks targeting Jews and Jewish institutions surge across the U.S., one security expert demands a “coordinated, unapologetic and immediate” response.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated June 3, 2025 -
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Trump administration deletes ‘sanctuary city’ list after backlash
The list was taken down after sheriffs, mayors and officials from listed jurisdictions pushed back, but DHS maintains the information remains valid for enforcement purposes.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 2, 2025 -
Courtesy of Climavision
AI, drones, private radar fill gaps from National Weather Service cuts
Private tech companies are stepping in to support local officials on the front lines of weather emergencies as federal offices struggle to stay staffed.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 30, 2025 -
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Porch piracy: What’s holding back industry prevention efforts?
Limited data sharing and fears of inconveniencing customers make addressing the problem more difficult, per the USPS’ Office of Inspector General.
By Max Garland • May 30, 2025 -
Brandon Bell/Getty Images via Getty Images
CenterPoint completes critical Houston grid upgrades ahead of hurricane season
The utility has bolstered its power grid and communications systems since Hurricane Beryl left almost 2.3 million Houston-areas customers without power last summer.
By Robert Walton • May 27, 2025 -
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DOJ dismisses lawsuits against Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, police departments
Mayors in these cities, where high-profile police killings occurred, vow to continue reforms.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 22, 2025 -
Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
Supreme Court narrows police immunity in use-of-force cases
In rejecting the “moment of threat” defense, the court opens the door to greater officer accountability — though how the ruling will shape policing on the ground is still uncertain.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 19, 2025 -
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EPA rolls back part of PFAS drinking water standards
The agency will continue regulating PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, but will extend compliance timelines. It has rescinded rules for four other PFAS chemicals.
By Megan Quinn • May 15, 2025 -
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Mayors flag Medicaid cuts as a public safety issue
The U.S. Conference of Mayors warns Congress that benefit cuts can increase mental health crises and substance abuse, diverting police from violent crime.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 13, 2025 -
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They’re not streets. They’re not roads. ‘Stroads’ present challenges for cities.
Designed to accommodate both local access and high-speed traffic, stroads require extra safety precautions.
By Karen Kroll • May 13, 2025 -
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Mayors call arrest of Newark, N.J., mayor ‘deeply troubling’
Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest during his attempt to inspect a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility raised concerns about federal overreach.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 12, 2025 -
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Report ranks states’ efforts to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
UL Standards & Engagement officials recommend cities and states mandate indoor carbon monoxide alarms, conduct public awareness campaigns and train first responders.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 8, 2025 -
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Lawsuit challenges NYPD “gang database”
Plaintiffs claim Blacks and Latinos who have tattoos and wear gang-affiliated colors are being added to the database, which NYPD says is a crucial tool in stopping gang-related shootings.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 6, 2025
