If you need to obtain a yellow fever vaccination, it has been reported some clinics in the United States are in short supply. Once a vial has been prepared, the vaccine must be administered within one hour. Further sources -  (www.istm.org),(www.astmh.org). Washington Post Service - Miami Herald

Routine surveillance by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health's Dairy Division revealed high levels of staphylococcus aureus (or "staph") in several raw milk cheeses manufactured by Grassy Meadows dairy of Howe, Ind. Products of concern include, but are not limited to, Colby (lot no. 210317 and 19177), Jalapeno natural cheese (lot no. 2617, 21017 and 11017), "Homemade" cheese (lot no. 19267 and 19227), Monterey Jack (lot no. 18207 and 2937), and garlic pepper cheese (lot no. 19147). All are sold in wedges or blocks of various weights. FDA

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Los Angeles Police report at least one incident a week of laser lights being directed at Police aircraft. Reports also have been made by commercial pilots. These types of lights can blind pilots and police are worried about such actions causing a crash. Santa Barbara News Press

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Conn. A Chinese national was arrested in New Haven for possessiong bomb making materials. He had large quantities of cash and disguises on his possession. IHT

January 29, 2008

Hawaii - Raw consumed imported 'ahi' (Tuna) is thought to be a link to an outbreak of salmonella in Hawaii. Typically there are over 300 cases of salmonella reported a year in Hawaii. The state department of health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has begun an investigation. There was a cluster of cases on the island of O'ahu of 32 cases reported between October 27, 2007 and December 29, 2008. Cases have also been reported in Colorado and California.  The Honolulu Advertiser

FBI investigates threat call involving NY-to-LA flight

TSA tester gets fake bomb past security in Florida. CNN

8 year-old boy has toy grenade in bag at Bullhead, Arizona airport. Airport evacuated - KOLD

Boise Idaho - Airport evacuation due to man exiting the concourse and unlawfully reentering the concourse illegally. He was detained and released- motive - to get a shoeshine. KTRV Fox 12

January 24, 2008

The New York Times conducted a recent investigation and testing of mercury levels in tuna sushi from 20 stores and restaurants in Manhattan. Results showed that consumption of six pieces of the fish consumed in a week would have mercury levels that would be unacceptable by the EPA. The investigation also revealed that five of the twenty establishments had levels so high of mercury that legal action could be taken to remove the blue fin tuna sushi from the market. One of the paper's sources stated that levels in bluefin may be high no matter where the fish is found. The fish tested were purchased in October of 2007. Source: New York Times

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The Kimery Report states that Super Bowl security officials have concerns over stolen law enforcement credentials, uniforms, and weapons that could be used to "infiltrate" the stadium in Glendale, Arizona to carry out an attack on February 3, 2008.

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On January 23, 2008, Police from San Jose and Santa Clara Clara California concluded a massive sting operation resulting in arrests for drugs, weapons, and stolen copper. During the investigation one man was arrested and accused of selling improvised explosive devices that could be detonated remotely from a cell phone. Source: NBC11.com 

January 10, 2008

There was a registered 6.4 earthquake off the Oregon coast on Wed. The quake's epicenter was 252 miles from Oregon, and was at a depth of 6.2 miles.

January 9, 2008

New Era Canning located in New Era MI, has begun a recall of some of their products such as Mexican style chili bean, green beans, and dark red kidney beans. These items have been shipped to food service companies and retail customers. A review of records identified a possibility of a small numbers of cans containing vegetables which were not adequately cooked. The result may be a product which has the potential for growth of clostridium botulinum which can cause botulism. This can lead to a fatal form of food poisoning. There have been no illnesses reported as of this date. FULL PRESS RELEASE The press release includes name of products and states where New Era's products have been shipped.

January 5, 2008

Staffing Shortages at border crossing is placing an increased risk of safety and security for the United States. Waits are likely to become longer while reentering the United States for citizens and residents. Beginning January 31, 2008, declaring your citizenship will not be sufficient to reenter. You will have to either have a passport or government identification. Birth Certificates may also be accepted. Canadians will have to have a Canadian passport to enter the United States at border crossings. Read More. 

Senator Byron Dorgan charges that the Bush administration is allowing Mexican trucks to continue to travel deep into the United States. This is contrary to a congressional mandate to ban Mexican trucks from U.S. highways. The Department of Transportation indicates there have been no incidents to date and that the Mexican 18 wheelers are highly regulated and checked when entering the United States. Read More. 

There is a severe storm alert from Washington State to San Diego California. Threat of heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada and the SIerra Foothills above 3500 feet, making travel very dangerous if not impossible. San Bernardino and Riverside Counties are also under snow alert above 6,000 feet.

There is a high surf advisory in effect until 12pm Tuesday from Orange County to San Diego coastal areas. The large periods between swells makes it very dangerous to fish or observe waves from exposed coastal structures or rocks. Swimming or surfing is considered very dangerous at this time.