Public Safety

State of emergency declared after blackout plunges most of Chile into darkness | CNN

A massive power outage in Chile affected 8 million homes across 14 regions, disrupting transportation, internet, and mobile services. The government declared a state of emergency and implemented a curfew while investigating the cause of the blackout, which stemmed from a disrupted high-voltage transmission line. By Wednesday, 90% of affected areas had power restored, though 220,000 customers remained without electricity.

NOAA’s vast public weather data powers the local forecasts on your phone and TV – a private company alone couldn’t match it

NOAA plays a crucial role in U.S. weather forecasting by operating a vast network of satellites, airplanes, radar, and weather stations to collect real-time data that feeds into computer models and analysis. The agency's comprehensive weather observation system, which includes 18 satellites and over 1,300 maritime buoys, provides essential data that private companies and media rely on for their weather products and forecasts. NOAA's publicly accessible data and analysis are fundamental for public safety, business operations, and accurate climate monitoring.

NYC subway crime plummets as ridership jumps significantly in 2025

NYC subway crime dropped 36% in January 2025 while ridership increased by 13.1% following the implementation of congestion pricing. Mayor Eric Adams attributes the decline to increased police presence, including 1,200 additional NYPD officers and 300 officers patrolling overnight trains, alongside Governor Hochul's $77 million initiative for enhanced security measures.