Waymo reported to the NHTSA that one of its driverless vehicles struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California, on January 23rd, leading to a NHTSA investigation. The child sustained minor injuries, and the collision occurred during school drop-off hours within two blocks of the school. The Waymo vehicle, operating without a human safety supervisor, was running on its 5th Generation Automated Driving System. The NHTSA will evaluate the vehicle’s caution, behavior in school zones, and Waymo’s post-impact response.
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Following recent demonstrations and fatalities involving immigration authorities in Minneapolis and other U.S. cities, Germany has issued a travel advisory for citizens traveling to the United States. The advisory warns of potential “violent clashes” and urges travelers to avoid crowds and follow local security instructions. The advisory also mentions a rise in violent crime and “increased risk of politically motivated violence,” in addition to previous advisories regarding entry into the U.S. Notably, this is not the first time Germany has issued such a caution.
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This year marks a historic milestone for the Republic of Ireland, as there have been no recorded gun killings. This is the first time in nearly six decades that such a statistic has been achieved. Historically, gun violence was more prevalent, particularly during the Troubles and the peak of drug-related crime. The last year without a gun-related fatality was 1968, highlighting the significance of the recent achievement.
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Japan is experiencing a rise in car thefts and home intrusions, challenging its reputation for safety. Provisional data from January to June revealed significant increases in car thefts, particularly in Aichi Prefecture, attributed to rising car prices and organized crime. These thefts often involve sophisticated methods like “CAN invaders,” with stolen vehicles often dismantled and exported. Home burglaries have also increased, often targeting unlocked doors, prompting police to emphasize basic security measures like locking doors, installing alarms, and considering other preventative measures.
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The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant strain on air traffic controllers, leading to resignations and increased stress levels. According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, controllers are resigning daily due to the shutdown’s prolonged nature, exacerbating existing staffing shortages. Controllers are experiencing burnout, taking on second jobs, and calling in sick, putting a strain on the remaining workforce. To mitigate the impact, air traffic has been curbed in numerous markets, but the crisis will still impact the upcoming holiday season, and it will take months for things to return to normal.
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Air traffic controllers are warning of a potential “tipping point” as the ongoing U.S. government shutdown forces them to work without pay, leading to staffing shortages and increased flight delays. Several controllers have reported low morale and are taking second jobs or calling in sick, which is increasing the risk to the air travel system. The FAA has announced plans to reduce air traffic at busy airports to maintain safety, but further disruptions are expected. Concerns are rising about widespread travel chaos, especially with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
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Following a live-fire demonstration held for the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on X after an artillery shell detonated prematurely over Interstate 5, sending shrapnel into nearby vehicles. Newsom’s office, along with the California Highway Patrol, expressed concern, highlighting that the incident occurred over an active freeway, despite prior criticism of Newsom’s safety precautions. The Governor’s office demanded apologies from those who had downplayed the potential risks. The First Marine Expeditionary Force has stated they are investigating the incident.
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Artillery Shell Detonated Over Interstate 5 During Marines’ Celebration, California Officials Say, and the situation immediately raises eyebrows, doesn’t it? The core issue is the premature detonation of a 155-millimeter shell during a live-fire demonstration meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton. What makes this even more concerning is that fragments of the shell landed on a California Highway Patrol vehicle and a motorcycle that were part of Vice President JD Vance’s protective detail. The mere thought of firing live ammunition over a freeway is unsettling, and the fact that this event occurred despite the governor’s request to avoid it is, frankly, astounding.… Continue reading
During a Marine Corps event at Camp Pendleton for its 250th anniversary, a 155-millimeter shell prematurely detonated, sending shrapnel toward Vice President JD Vance’s security detail and a California Highway Patrol vehicle. The incident, which occurred during a live demonstration over Interstate 5, prompted the Marine Corps to suspend firing and launch an investigation. California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized the event, citing safety concerns and accusing the White House of recklessness. The First Marine Expeditionary Force stated that the event underwent rigorous safety evaluations.
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A 76-year-old woman in Brooklyn, New York was fatally struck by a 7-foot solar panel on Sunday. The panel became detached from a carport structure due to strong winds from a nor’easter and subsequently struck the pedestrian on a nearby walkway. City officials responded to the scene to investigate the incident and confirmed the solar panel had been blown approximately 20 feet before striking the woman. The Buildings Department and Metropolitan Transportation Authority coordinated to close a nearby subway entrance due to ongoing wind concerns.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood