Rebecca Bird is an ethical multimedia journalist and news editor based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. She has more than 17 years of experience working on newspapers, news websites and radio stations in the UK and the Caribbean.

Rebecca has additional related skills in photography, videography, ...

Flow 911 landline back in action after brief morning outage

21 Nov 2023  |  www.caymancompass.com  |  English  |  Telecommunications

The Flow landline to the 911 communications center in the Cayman Islands experienced a brief outage but was restored by 11:32 am. During the outage, the public was advised to use Digicel lines for emergency calls. Sean Vasquez, acting director of the 911 communications center, confirmed the issue was being addressed by Flow. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service provided alternative contact numbers for police-related matters. The Health Services Authority also confirmed that its main phone lines were back in action. The public can register for emergency alerts from Hazard Management Cayman Islands.

Tags:

Health Services Authority Cayman Islands National Emergency Notification System Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Hazard Management Cayman Islands

Factual

Factuality Scale

Durrie Bouscaren is a freelance radio and digital journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Previously, she covered breaking news and health care for National Public Radio affiliates in the United States. In 2018, she reported from Papua New Guinea as NPR's John Alexander Fellow. 

She is ...

A year on, a Kurdish village near Turkey’s earthquake epicenter says it's been overlooked

06 Feb 2024  |  theworld.org  |  English  |  Ethnic and Religious Minorities

A year after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the Kurdish Alevi village of Pazarcik remains in dire straits, with many residents living in makeshift container homes and struggling to access government aid. The earthquakes caused over 59,000 deaths and left millions homeless, but aid distribution has been uneven, with allegations of discrimination against Syrian refugees and minority groups. The Alevis of Pazarcik feel overlooked by rescue efforts, and the harsh living conditions have prompted many to seek work abroad, leading to fears of cultural loss and depopulation in Kurdish villages.

Tags:

Turkey's national emergency services UNHCR

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Kate Brady is a broadcast and print journalist based in Berlin, Germany.

German police investigating suspected arson against Tesla site

05 Mar 2024  |  Washington Post  |  English  |  Environmental Activism

Production at Tesla's European plant near Berlin halted due to a suspected arson attack on a transmission tower, causing a power outage. The extreme leftist group Vulkangruppe claimed responsibility, framing the act as a protest against Elon Musk and 'technofascists.' The incident has led to an investigation by German police and condemnation from Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. The attack coincides with Tesla's controversial plans to expand its site, which has faced local and environmental opposition.

Tags:

Emergency Services Vulkangruppe German Police Tesla

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Lauren Coronado is a Production News Assistant at KABC-TV, the number one station in Los Angeles, CA. 
Lauren additionally works as a freelance correspondent for ABC News Radio. 
Prior to her work with KABC-TV and ABC Radio, Lauren interned with ABC NewsOne, the affiliate news service for ABC ...

High Surf Warnings Continue in California, Residents Assess Property Damage

29 Dec 2023  |  NBC 7 San Diego  |  English  |  Natural Disasters

High surf warnings continued in California as residents and business owners assessed damage from large waves. Judy Thomas, owner of the Inn on the Beach Hotel in Ventura, discovered significant damage with rooms filled with sand. The Ventura County Fire Department reported eight injuries and numerous water rescues. Authorities have issued coastal flood and high surf warnings through Saturday night, with waves potentially reaching 20 feet. Efforts to reinforce coastal protections are underway, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services is gathering information on private property damage. Several beaches, piers, and public facilities are closed until December 31, 2023, due to the high surf warning.

Tags:

Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services NBCLA Ventura County Fire Department NBC San Diego

I am a bilingual (French/English) journalist/radio producer/audio editor based in Paris. I have extensive experience producing radio news and features from A-Z (research, reporting, writing, voicing, editing, mixing). Currently working as a journalist for the English service of Radio France ...

France's smallest towns caught between history and house numbers

06 Oct 2024  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Address Standardization

A new French law mandates that towns with fewer than 2,000 residents must name their streets and number buildings, aiming to improve delivery and emergency services. While this change is practical, there are concerns about losing rural identity. The law affects a significant portion of France's towns, with the post office estimating a million buildings lacked official addresses before its implementation.

Tags:

Emergency Services French Post Office

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Matthew Green is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Map: Current PG&E Outages in Northern California

17 Oct 2024  |  www.kqed.org  |  Spanish  |  Energy

The article provides a map detailing current power outages by PG&E in Northern California, including both planned and unplanned outages. It offers information on the number of affected customers, causes, and estimated restoration times. Data is sourced from PG&E and updated every 15 minutes through the Office of Emergency Services of the Governor of California. Planned safety outages, known as Public Safety Power Shutoffs, are specifically labeled on the map.

Tags:

Office of Emergency Services of the Governor of California

Factual

Factuality Scale

Carmine Ranieri Guarino is a journalist based in Milan, Italy. Since 6 years he works with an online journal specialized in crime news and breaking news. He has contacts and knowledge throughout the city, between law enforcement agencies and simple townspeople. He is very attentive to the social ...

Tragedy in Milan: Woman Found Dead at Home with a Stab Wound to the Chest

22 Oct 2023  |  www.milanotoday.it  |  Italian  |  Local News

An 85-year-old woman was found dead in her apartment on via degli Ottoboni in Milan's San Siro area on the morning of Sunday, October 22. The Carabinieri are investigating the case, which was initially unclear whether it was a voluntary act or an assault, but was later determined to be a suicide. Emergency services responded but could only confirm the death. Resources for those experiencing emergency situations or knowing someone in danger were provided, including contact information for Telefono Amico and Samaritans Onlus.

Tags:

118 Emergency Services Carabinieri Telefono Amico Samaritans Onlus

Factual

Factuality Scale

Kim Harrisberg is a multimedia journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa.

She won the Vodacom Online Journalist of the Year award in 2015 for her multimedia storytelling piece on domestic worker's salaries in South Africa.

She is skilled in journalistic writing, videography, audio editing ...

Namibia marks HIV/Aids wins but stigma puts LGBTQ+ people at risk

24 Sept 2024  |  www.timeslive.co.za  |  English  |  Public Health

Namibia has made significant progress in reducing HIV infections and expanding treatment, achieving milestones like nearly eliminating mother-to-child transmission. However, stigma and discrimination continue to hinder access to care for marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals. Activists emphasize the need for innovative strategies and consistent funding to maintain progress. The recent decriminalization of gay sex has intensified homophobia, posing additional challenges. The article highlights the importance of community-focused programs and the role of international funding in supporting Namibia's HIV response.

Tags:

President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) Ministry of Health and Social Services UNAids Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Namibia's Equal Rights for All Movement Project Hopes

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Stefanie Hauck is a freelance journalist and Post 9/11 combat veteran based in Delaware, Ohio. A married mother of two, she specializes in video production, social media strategy and management, writing, editing, digital marketing, UX/UI design, search engine optimization (SEO) and graphic design.

DLA police officers’ quick thinking saves life

10 Oct 2023  |  DVIDS  |  English  |  Law Enforcement

Defense Logistics Agency police officers, Brandon Shutler and Hunter Proscia, successfully managed a life-threatening situation involving an unconscious individual suspected of overdosing near the Defense Supply Center Columbus. Despite being outside the perimeter fence, Shutler provided critical guidance to bystanders for administering CPR until additional help arrived. Proscia and other officers supported the effort, leading to the individual's revival before Columbus Emergency Medical Services administered naloxone and transported him to a hospital. The incident underscores the officers' dedication and effective emergency response.

Tags:

Columbus Emergency Medical Services Defense Logistics Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institutes of Health Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Marine Corps

Factual

Factuality Scale

Greg Hitchcock is a journalist based in Gloversville, United States of America.

With expertise in writing articles, creating content, and using multimedia to tell an engaging story, Greg built a reputation for effective communication both written and oral.

After a career in the U.S. Army as a ...

New York State Officials Open Disaster Assistance Service Centers

09 Nov 2023  |  Adirondack Explorer  |  English  |  Public Health

New York State officials have established Disaster Assistance Service Centers in response to the damage caused by the Halloween storm. Dan O'Hara, the State Office of Emergency Services Director, emphasized the goal of restoring normalcy and reducing bureaucracy for affected residents. The centers offer a range of services, including emergency assistance, health and housing support, and insurance and labor issues. The article lists the locations and operational dates of the various centers across New York State. The centers are part of the state's transition from preparedness and response to recovery, with ongoing damage assessments to apply for federal disaster aid.

Tags:

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Children and Family Services State Department of Financial Services New York State Office of Emergency Services Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Department of Labor Office of Mental Health Department of Health Office of People with Developmental Disabilities Office for Aging SUNY Polytechnic Institute OPWDD Speculator Day Hab

Myjanne Jensen is a journalist based in Mangōnui, New Zealand.

Recovering hoarder opens up about lack of support for disorder in Aotearoa

19 May 2024  |  Te Ao Māori News  |  English  |  Support Systems

AJ, a recovering hoarder from New Zealand, shares her personal journey with hoarding disorder, highlighting the lack of support and understanding for the condition in Aotearoa. The disorder, affecting thousands in New Zealand, is often linked to trauma and other mental health issues. Maire Barron, a hoarding specialist, emphasizes the need for empathy and long-term support for those affected. The article discusses the significant fire risks associated with hoarding and suggests implementing safety measures similar to those in Australia. AJ's story underscores the importance of structured support and international resources in managing hoarding behaviors.

Tags:

Catholic Healthcare’s Hoarding and Squalor Specialist Services Australia Fire and Emergency Services University of Otago American Psychiatric Association

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Katie Livingstone is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Zelensky Reacts As 10 Civilians Killed, Dozens Wounded in Russian Strikes in Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih

07 Dec 2024  |  Kyiv Post  |  English  |  War in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia and President Vladimir Putin following aerial attacks in Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in at least 10 deaths and over 20 injuries. Zelensky emphasized the need for force to establish peace, criticizing Russia's lack of interest in resolving the conflict. The attacks caused significant damage, including the destruction of a three-story building and injuries to civilians, including children.

Tags:

Ukrainian State Emergency Services Russia

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Periodista freelance especializado en el mundo del motor

Russia delivers 563 dead soldiers to Ukraine

08 Nov 2024  |  www.posta.com.mx  |  Spanish  |  Humanitarian Efforts

Russia has returned 563 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers killed in combat, marking one of the largest repatriations since the conflict began in February 2022. The operation involved recovering bodies from key battlefronts and Russian morgues, with significant collaboration between Ukrainian emergency services, the army, and various governmental bodies. This humanitarian effort, while not alleviating the conflict's suffering, provides some solace to affected families. The war has resulted in significant human losses, with estimates reaching tens or hundreds of thousands.

Tags:

Ukrainian emergency services Ukrainian authorities Russian authorities Ukrainian army Ukrainian Ministry of the Interior Ukrainian commission for missing persons Ukrainian parliamentary commissioner for Human Rights

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Shaina McLawrence is a journalist that has worked in various multimedia fast paced environments.

$50M FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

01 Nov 2023  |  GovTech  |  English  |  Public Safety

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has announced a comprehensive plan to combat hate and bias incidents in the state, particularly in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The plan includes a $50 million fund for local law enforcement to improve technology and equipment to prevent and solve hate crimes. Additionally, $25 million in grants will be provided to community groups and cultural centers at risk of hate crimes. The New York State Police's social media analysis unit will be expanded, and the Division of Human Rights will initiate community support circles. Judge Jonathan Lippman has been appointed to review the City University of New York's policies on antisemitism and discrimination. Hochul has also activated the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Counterterrorism and increased monitoring of social media and transit hubs.

Tags:

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Counterterrorism New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services City University of New York Division of Human Rights New York State Police New York State Court of Appeals Latham & Watkins New York State Intelligence Center MTA Port Authority

Elizabeth McSheffrey is a journalist from Ottawa and an online reporter for Global BC in Vancouver. She specializes in long reads, investigations and the intersection between politics, business and human rights.

Over the past decade, Elizabeth has worked across the country and around the world, ...

1 hospitalized after crash on the Coquihalla south of Merritt - BC

09 Oct 2023  |  Global News  |  English  |  Public Safety

A person was hospitalized in stable condition following a multiple-vehicle collision on the Coquihalla Highway near the Box Canyon Chain-Up Area. The southbound lane was closed between Hope and Merritt until early Tuesday morning as first responders cleared the scene. Authorities, including the RCMP’s Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service, advised the public to avoid the area and consider alternate routes.

Tags:

B.C. Emergency Health Services RCMP’s Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service

Factual

Factuality Scale

Alyssa Moxley is a writer and audio producer based in Athens, Greece. She is available for investigative reports, detailed cultural analysis, and interviews for print and radio. She is also available for audio recording (for radio or video) needs with high quality equipment. She has expertise in ...

Could the L.A. Fires Have Been Stopped Sooner?

14 Jan 2025  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Emergency Response

The article examines the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, questioning the adequacy of the government's preparedness and response. Despite efforts to pre-position resources, the fires overwhelmed the system, exacerbated by high winds and water shortages. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley highlighted budget cuts as a factor, while Mayor Karen Bass disagreed on their impact. The discussion extends to California's broader climate change challenges, emphasizing the difficulty of adapting to increasingly severe wildfires. The piece also explores the potential need for urban planning changes to mitigate future risks.

Tags:

California Office of Emergency Services Los Angeles Fire Department Cal Fire National Weather Service

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Emeka Nwokocha is a journalist and Senior Correspondent at TheBrief Online News Platform. He brings his honed expertise in news reportage and feature writing to bear on his current job. His area of specialty includes politics, governance, economy, gender inequality and human rights. He is a ...

Flood Alert: Lopeng Energy In Collaboration With NDDC Holds Sensitization Campaign In Delta Communities, Proffers Measures To Prevent and Combat Flood

17 Sept 2024  |  www.thebrief.com.ng  |  English  |  Climate Change

Lopeng Energy Limited, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), organized a two-day flood sensitization campaign in Delta State, Nigeria, to educate communities on flood prevention and mitigation. The event, attended by over 200 participants, emphasized the importance of community action and preparation in combating floods. Key speakers from various agencies highlighted the role of climate change and the need for environmental protection. The campaign is part of a broader initiative across the Niger Delta region to equip communities with the necessary knowledge to prevent and manage floods.

Tags:

Nigerian Emergency Management Agency Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency Niger Delta Development Commission Nigeria Meteorological Agency

Informative

Factuality Scale

I am currently the Orange County reporter for KPCC/Southern California Public Radio. I have been working in radio, print and television since 2001, primarily in California, Central America and Mexico. I'm available for small jobs and occasional longer freelance projects.

Residents Call For More Help Amid Tustin Fire Clean Up

05 Oct 2023  |  LAist  |  English  |  Environmental Hazards

The Tustin blimp hangar fire has left significant environmental hazards, including asbestos and lead contamination. Cleanup efforts are underway, but residents and city officials express frustration over the lack of support from local, state, and federal authorities. The city has committed substantial funds to the cleanup, but additional state and federal assistance is deemed necessary. The U.S. Navy owns the property and is working on further deconstruction. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is assessing the situation to determine if state aid is warranted.

Tags:

Governor’s Office of Emergency Services U.S. Navy Orange County Fire Authority

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Lailuma SADID is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. But i can travel if needed where in the world for my work.

Tivoli Castle fire in Mechelen: 80 firefighters respond to emergency

29 Jan 2025  |  brusselsmorning.com  |  English  |  Emergency Response

A significant fire broke out at Tivoli Castle in Mechelen on January 29, 2025, requiring the intervention of 80 firefighters. The fire, which started before midnight, was challenging to control due to ongoing renovation work that hindered access. Emergency teams used aerial equipment to combat the flames, which caused extensive damage to the castle, particularly the attic and top floor. The cause of the fire remains unknown. No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained by 1 a.m., with monitoring continuing until 3 a.m. Tivoli Castle, a historic site in Mechelen, is known for its event facilities and proximity to Brussels and Antwerp.

Tags:

Rivierenland Emergency Services

Factual

Factuality Scale

Christine Schindler is a journalist based in Brisbane City, Australia.

Kinkuna and Coonbarr residents told to evacuate from bushfire

27 Oct 2023  |  couriermail  |  English  |  Emergency Response

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning for residents in Kinkuna and Coonbarr to evacuate immediately due to an approaching bushfire. Nine fire crews and aircraft are on the scene, with police assisting in door-to-door alerts. The fire is expected to impact Palm Beach Road within the hour, and residents are advised to follow their bushfire survival plans, avoid certain roads, and stay informed through official channels. The alert emphasizes the urgency and potential dangers, including loss of services and severe smoke conditions.

Tags:

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Police

Factual

Factuality Scale

Professional Journalist/Reporter/Producer and Anchor with over 14 years experience in the broadcast news arena for TV and Radio.
General news as well as business and hard news topics.
Based in Connecticut, USA, short distance from New York city and Boston and able to cover stories across New ...

Sound Bites: Pfizer’s Groton research center in line for layoffs

18 Dec 2023  |  WSHU  |  English  |  Layoffs

Pfizer has not yet announced specific layoffs at its Groton, Connecticut research center, despite confirming the site will be affected by company realignment following its $43 billion acquisition of Seagen. The company is also implementing a $4 billion cost-cutting effort due to decreased sales of COVID-19-related drugs. Other news includes Connecticut's legal fees for a false ticket scandal, the retirement of Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison, federal civil rights lawsuits against Bridgeport police, New York's release of school test scores, and concerns over reopening the Connecticut Juvenile Training School. Additionally, a new law will require Connecticut students to be taught cursive writing.

Tags:

Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Pfizer Suffolk County Police Department Bridgeport Police Department New York State Education Department Connecticut Judicial Branch

Informative

Factuality Scale

Judi Shimel is a journalist based in Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands, experienced in print, online and radio reporting and news production.
Her career began in New York with a community weekly, the Queens Tribune, and WBAI-FM. She pursued the reporting trail through Washington, D.C. with Pacifica ...

Photo Focus: Fourth Annual Children’s Christmas Parade on St. Thomas

21 Dec 2023  |  stjohntradewinds.com  |  English  |  Holiday Celebration

The fourth annual Children's Christmas Parade on St. Thomas coincided with the arrival of three cruise ships, bringing heavy traffic and leading to a route change. Participants included various youth groups and ended with snacks and gifts at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum. The event also paid tribute to Lawrence Olive and Police Detective Delberth Phipps Jr. Bruce Flamon from the Governor’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention expressed his contentment with the parade's success.

Tags:

Police and Fire and Emergency Services Governor’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention VIPD St. Thomas Rescue

Factual

Factuality Scale

Hamilton Wende is a journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. I specialize in producing, fixing and researching documentaries on southern Africa and across the continent generally. I have worked for CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, ARD, ZDF, Nat Geo and many others.

I am also an experienced media ...

‘It isn’t safe’: South African first responders attacked while saving lives

04 Dec 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Attacks on First Responders

In South Africa, first responders face increasing attacks while performing their duties, highlighting a broader issue of rising crime. Paramedics like Sonia recount harrowing experiences of being robbed at gunpoint while attending to patients. The National Department of Health reports a rise in such incidents, with private and government ambulance services both affected. Organizations like the South African Private Ambulance & Emergency Services Association express concern over the failing public safety system. Despite police efforts through initiatives like Operation Shanela, the threat to emergency workers persists, impacting service delivery and safety.

Tags:

South African Private Ambulance & Emergency Services Association National Department of Health South African Police Service

Balanced

Factuality Scale