Public Safety
The Houston Area Has Had Two Chemical Plant Fires in Two Weeks. Why Do They Keep Happening?
Frequent chemical fires in the Houston area signal larger deficiencies in oversight of the chemical industry at both the state and federal levels.
A Chemical Fire in Texas Has Been Extinguished, but Questions Over Safety Linger
Public officials and Texas' environmental regulator maintain that the chemicals released in the fire did not pose a health risk.
Why the FDA's Plan to Regulate Gene Editing in Animals Has Some Scientists Worried
The agency's new plan retains several key limitations on animal biotechnology, despite language promoting innovation.
Chicago Police Department Fails to Flag People Mentally Unfit to Carry a Gun
In a city that has continually pushed for stricter gun laws, the Chicago Police Department has routinely failed to flag people whom it considers mentally unfit to legally carry a gun.
'Soft Target': How Should Las Vegas Address Its Profound Safety Concerns?
After the attack on Sunday night, decision-makers on the Strip will need to consider what new policies they must implement to keep visitors safe.
Are We Properly Dealing With Young Sex Offenders?
Our approach to juvenile sex offenders is misguided at best, and harmful at worst.
When a Small-Government Philosophy Rules the Day
The crisis in Flint, Michigan, reveals the dangerous downside of treating public safety as just another line item.
Should the FDA Regulate Vitamins?
Cancer researcher Tim Byers says yes—it's a matter of public safety.
For Juvenile Records, It's 'Justice by Geography'
A new study finds an inconsistent patchwork of policies across states for how juvenile records are sealed and expunged.
The Connection Between Mental Illness and Gun Violence
A conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Swanson.
You Can't Ban Guns at the Public Pool
The National Rifle Association is about to claim another victory in its three-decade push to deny individual cities the right to regulate guns.