Tag: protection

A new virus variant and lagging vaccinations may mean the US is in for a severe flu season

The United States may be heading into its second severe flu season in a row, driven by a mutated strain called subclade K that’s behind early surges in the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan.Last winter’s season was extreme, too. The U.S. had its highest rates of flu hospitalizations in nearly 15 years. At least 280 children died of influenza, the highest number since pediatric death numbers were required to be shared in 2004.Now, with a new variant in the mix, experts say we’re on track for a repeat. And with flu vaccinations down and holiday travel on the way, they worry that things may look much worse in the weeks ahead.The good news: Early analysis shows that this season’s flu shots offer some protection against being hospitalized with this variant, especially for kids. The bad news is that many Americans appear to be skipping their flu vaccines this year. New data from prescription data company IQVIA shows that vaccinations are down compared to where they usually are at this point in the year.A new playerFlu activity is low but rising quickly in the United States, according to the latest FluView report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Most of the flu viruses identified this season have been an A strain called H3N2, and half of those have come from subclade K, a variant that was responsible for a rougher-than-normal flu season this summer in the Southern Hemisphere.That variant wasn’t a major player when scientists decided which strains should be in the annual flu shots, so the vaccines cover a related but slightly different group of viruses.”It’s not like we’re expecting to get complete loss of protection for the vaccine, but perhaps we might expect a little bit of a drop-off if this is the virus that sort of dominates the season, and early indications are that’s probably going to be the case,” said Dr. Richard Webby, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for studies on the ecology of influenza in animals and birds at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Early analysis by the U.K. Health Security Agency shows that subclade K has seven gene changes on a key segment of the virus. Those mutations change the shape of this region, making it harder for the body’s defenses to recognize.”That’s the predominant thing that our immune system targets with antibodies, and that’s also pretty much what’s in the vaccine,” said Dr. Adam Lauring, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan Medical School.UKHSA scientists found that the current flu vaccines are still providing decent protection against subclade K viruses. Vaccination cut the odds of an emergency department visit or hospitalization for the flu by almost 75% in children. The effectiveness for adults, even those over 65, was lower, about 30% to 40% against needing to visit the hospital or ER.But the scientists offer a caveat: These results are from early in the season, before the protection from seasonal flu vaccines has had time to wane or wear off. The findings are posted in a recent preprint study, which means it was published ahead of scrutiny from outside experts.Still, some protection is better than no protection, and while subclade K is expected to dominate the season, it won’t be the only flu strain circulating. No one gets to pick what they’re exposed to. Lauring said his daughter has just recovered from the flu, but it was a B-type strain.At the same time this new variant has emerged, flu vaccinations appear to be down in the U.S. According to IQVIA, about 64% of all flu vaccinations were administered at retail pharmacies, which administered roughly 26.5 million flu shots between August and the end of October. That’s more than 2 million fewer shots than the 28.7 million given over the same time frame in 2024.”I’m not surprised,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, who directs the Pandemic Center at Brown University’s School of Public Health. Vaccine skepticism expressed by leaders of the US Department of Health and Human Services has “injected chaos into the whole vaccination system,” she said.”There’s been a lot of attention on really non-issues,” like vaccine ingredients and separating shots, that she thinks “at the best, left people confused but possibly at the worst have left people worried about getting vaccinated,” she added.Flu vaccinations have also fallen in Australia, where subclade K was the predominant virus this year. As a result, flu hit a record, with more than 443,000 cases. Flu season in the Southern Hemisphere typically runs from May to July, so infectious disease experts often look to those countries for a preview of what might be on the way to North America.”What they saw in Australia is that they had a bad season. And so it’s concerning for you and us, what’s coming,” said Dr. Earl Rubin, director of the infectious disease division at the Montreal Children’s Hospital in Canada.’This is the time we start to see the rise’It’s difficult to say whether subclade K actually makes a person sicker than other flu strains, but if it drives more cases, it will certainly drive hospitalizations too, Rubin said.”When you look at severity, the more cases you have, if the same percentage get hospitalized, obviously you’re going to have more hospitalization if you have more cases. So it sometimes will look like the severity is also worse,” he said.Lab testing data has begun to show an uptick in flu cases.”This is the time we start to see the rise,” said Dr. Allison McMullen, a clinical microbiologist at BioMerieux, which makes the BioFire test, a popular diagnostic tool for respiratory pathogens.The company anonymously compiles its test results into a syndromic surveillance tool, which can offer a glimpse of what bugs are making people sick at any given time. At the beginning of the month, less than 1% of tests were positive for type A flu. Now it’s 2.4% – still low numbers but going up briskly, which aligns with the CDC trend.”We’re going to start seeing heavy holiday travel before we know it,” McMullen added. “With the rising cases that we’re seeing the U.K. and Japan, it can definitely be a bellwether for what we’re going to see in North America.”Signals are also rising in wastewater, said Dr. Marlene Wolfe, an assistant professor of environmental health at Emory University. In October, 18% of samples in the WastewaterSCAN network — an academically led wastewater monitoring program based at Stanford University, in partnership with Emory — were positive for type A flu, Wolfe said. In November, that number had risen to 40%.”Flu is something where, when it’s not in season, we don’t detect it very frequently in wastewater,” Wolfe said. COVID, on the other hand, can be detected pretty much all the time, which makes it challenging to know if it’s going up or down, she said.The scientists can set a threshold for when they can declare that a specific area is in flu season, Wolfe says. So far, just four of the 147 sites they monitor in 40 states have reached that threshold. Those sites are in the Northeast — in Maine and Vermont — in Iowa and in Hawaii.”I am concerned, I guess, that we could have a big flu season this year based on what we’re seeing in other parts of the world, and particularly Europe and elsewhere,” Michigan’s Lauring said.”It’s not too late. Go and get your flu shot,” Lauring advised. “And be alert that it’s out there.”

The United States may be heading into its second severe flu season in a row, driven by a mutated strain called subclade K that’s behind early surges in the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan.

Last winter’s season was extreme, too. The U.S. had its highest rates of flu hospitalizations in nearly 15 years. At least 280 children died of influenza, the highest number since pediatric death numbers were required to be shared in 2004.

Now, with a new variant in the mix, experts say we’re on track for a repeat. And with flu vaccinations down and holiday travel on the way, they worry that things may look much worse in the weeks ahead.

The good news: Early analysis shows that this season’s flu shots offer some protection against being hospitalized with this variant, especially for kids. The bad news is that many Americans appear to be skipping their flu vaccines this year. New data from prescription data company IQVIA shows that vaccinations are down compared to where they usually are at this point in the year.

A new player

Flu activity is low but rising quickly in the United States, according to the latest FluView report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most of the flu viruses identified this season have been an A strain called H3N2, and half of those have come from subclade K, a variant that was responsible for a rougher-than-normal flu season this summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

That variant wasn’t a major player when scientists decided which strains should be in the annual flu shots, so the vaccines cover a related but slightly different group of viruses.

“It’s not like we’re expecting to get complete loss of protection for the vaccine, but perhaps we might expect a little bit of a drop-off if this is the virus that sort of dominates the season, and early indications are that’s probably going to be the case,” said Dr. Richard Webby, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for studies on the ecology of influenza in animals and birds at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Early analysis by the U.K. Health Security Agency shows that subclade K has seven gene changes on a key segment of the virus. Those mutations change the shape of this region, making it harder for the body’s defenses to recognize.

“That’s the predominant thing that our immune system targets with antibodies, and that’s also pretty much what’s in the vaccine,” said Dr. Adam Lauring, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan Medical School.

UKHSA scientists found that the current flu vaccines are still providing decent protection against subclade K viruses. Vaccination cut the odds of an emergency department visit or hospitalization for the flu by almost 75% in children. The effectiveness for adults, even those over 65, was lower, about 30% to 40% against needing to visit the hospital or ER.

But the scientists offer a caveat: These results are from early in the season, before the protection from seasonal flu vaccines has had time to wane or wear off. The findings are posted in a recent preprint study, which means it was published ahead of scrutiny from outside experts.

Still, some protection is better than no protection, and while subclade K is expected to dominate the season, it won’t be the only flu strain circulating. No one gets to pick what they’re exposed to. Lauring said his daughter has just recovered from the flu, but it was a B-type strain.

At the same time this new variant has emerged, flu vaccinations appear to be down in the U.S. According to IQVIA, about 64% of all flu vaccinations were administered at retail pharmacies, which administered roughly 26.5 million flu shots between August and the end of October. That’s more than 2 million fewer shots than the 28.7 million given over the same time frame in 2024.

“I’m not surprised,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, who directs the Pandemic Center at Brown University’s School of Public Health. Vaccine skepticism expressed by leaders of the US Department of Health and Human Services has “injected chaos into the whole vaccination system,” she said.

“There’s been a lot of attention on really non-issues,” like vaccine ingredients and separating shots, that she thinks “at the best, left people confused but possibly at the worst have left people worried about getting vaccinated,” she added.

Flu vaccinations have also fallen in Australia, where subclade K was the predominant virus this year. As a result, flu hit a record, with more than 443,000 cases. Flu season in the Southern Hemisphere typically runs from May to July, so infectious disease experts often look to those countries for a preview of what might be on the way to North America.

“What they saw in Australia is that they had a bad season. And so it’s concerning for you and us, what’s coming,” said Dr. Earl Rubin, director of the infectious disease division at the Montreal Children’s Hospital in Canada.

‘This is the time we start to see the rise’

It’s difficult to say whether subclade K actually makes a person sicker than other flu strains, but if it drives more cases, it will certainly drive hospitalizations too, Rubin said.

“When you look at severity, the more cases you have, if the same percentage get hospitalized, obviously you’re going to have more hospitalization if you have more cases. So it sometimes will look like the severity is also worse,” he said.

Lab testing data has begun to show an uptick in flu cases.

“This is the time we start to see the rise,” said Dr. Allison McMullen, a clinical microbiologist at BioMerieux, which makes the BioFire test, a popular diagnostic tool for respiratory pathogens.

The company anonymously compiles its test results into a syndromic surveillance tool, which can offer a glimpse of what bugs are making people sick at any given time. At the beginning of the month, less than 1% of tests were positive for type A flu. Now it’s 2.4% – still low numbers but going up briskly, which aligns with the CDC trend.

“We’re going to start seeing heavy holiday travel before we know it,” McMullen added. “With the rising cases that we’re seeing the U.K. and Japan, it can definitely be a bellwether for what we’re going to see in North America.”

Signals are also rising in wastewater, said Dr. Marlene Wolfe, an assistant professor of environmental health at Emory University. In October, 18% of samples in the WastewaterSCAN network — an academically led wastewater monitoring program based at Stanford University, in partnership with Emory — were positive for type A flu, Wolfe said. In November, that number had risen to 40%.

“Flu is something where, when it’s not in season, we don’t detect it very frequently in wastewater,” Wolfe said. COVID, on the other hand, can be detected pretty much all the time, which makes it challenging to know if it’s going up or down, she said.

The scientists can set a threshold for when they can declare that a specific area is in flu season, Wolfe says. So far, just four of the 147 sites they monitor in 40 states have reached that threshold. Those sites are in the Northeast — in Maine and Vermont — in Iowa and in Hawaii.

“I am concerned, I guess, that we could have a big flu season this year based on what we’re seeing in other parts of the world, and particularly Europe and elsewhere,” Michigan’s Lauring said.

“It’s not too late. Go and get your flu shot,” Lauring advised. “And be alert that it’s out there.”

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November 19, 2025
Commentary: Should Kamala Harris be protected? At what cost?

When Kamala Harris was contemplating a run for California governor, one of her supposed considerations was the security detail that attends the state’s chief executive.

The services of a life-preserving, ego-boosting retinue of intimidating protectors — picture dark glasses, earpiece, stern visage — were cited by more than one Harris associate, past and present, as a factor in her deliberations. These were not Trumpers or Harris haters looking to impugn or embarrass the former vice president.

According to one of those associates, Harris has been accompanied nonstop by an official driver and person with a gun since 2003, when she was elected San Francisco district attorney. One could easily grow accustomed to that level of comfort and status, not to mention the pleasure of never having to personally navigate the 101 or 405 freeways at rush hour.

That is, of course, a perfectly terrible and selfish reason to run for governor, if ever it was a part of Harris’ thinking. To her credit, the reason she chose to not run was a very good one: Harris simply “didn’t feel called” to pursue the job, in the words of one political advisor.

Now, however, the matter of Harris’ personal protection has become a topic of heated discussion and debate, which is hardly surprising in an age when everything has become politicized, including “and” and “the.”

There is plenty of bad faith to go around.

Last month, President Trump abruptly revoked Harris’ Secret Service protection. The security arrangement for vice presidents typically lasts for six months after they leave office, allowing them to quietly fade into ever greater obscurity. But before vacating the White House, President Biden signed an executive order extending protection for Harris for an additional year. (Former presidents are guarded by Secret Service details for life.)

As the first female, first Black and first Asian American vice president, Harris faced, as they say in the protective-service business, an elevated threat level while serving in the post. In the 230-odd days since Harris left office, there is no reason to believe racism and misogyny, not to mention wild-eyed partisan hatred, have suddenly abated in this great land of ours.

And there remain no small number of people crazy enough to violently act on those impulses.

The president could have been gracious and extended Harris’ protection. But expecting grace out of Trump is like counting on a starving Doberman to show restraint when presented a bloody T-bone steak.

“This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass angrily declared.

True.

Though Bass omitted the bit about six months being standard operating procedure, which would have at least offered some context. It wasn’t as though Harris was being treated differently than past vice presidents.

Gov. Gavin Newsom quickly stepped into the breach, providing Harris protection by the California Highway Patrol. Soon after, The Times’ Richard Winton broke the news that Los Angeles Police Department officers meant to be fighting crime in hard-hit areas of the city were instead providing security for Harris as a supplement to the CHP.

Not a great look. Or the best use of police resources.

Thus followed news that officers had been pulled off Harris’ security detail after internal criticism; supposedly the LAPD’s involvement had always been intended as a stopgap measure.

All well and good, until the conservative-leaning Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing rank-and-file officers, saw fit to issue a gratuitously snarky statement condemning the hasty arrangement. Its board of directors described Harris as “a failed presidential candidate who also happens to be a multi-millionaire, with multiple homes … who can easily afford to pay for her own security.”

As if Harris’ 2024 defeat — she lost the popular vote to Trump by a scant 1.5%, it might be noted — was somehow relevant.

To be certain, Harris and her husband, attorney Doug Emhoff, won’t miss any hot meals as they shelter in their 3,500-square-foot Brentwood home. (The one house they own.) But they’re not stupid-rich either.

One person in the private-security business told Winton that a certain household name pays him $1,000 a day for a 12-hour shift. That can quickly add up and put a noticeable dent in your back account, assuming your name isn’t Elon or Taylor or Zuckerberg or Bezos.

Setting aside partisanship — if that’s still possible — and speaking bluntly, there’s something to be said for ensuring Harris doesn’t die a violent death at the hands of some crazed assailant.

The CHP’s Dignitary Protection Section is charged with protecting all eight of California’s constitutional officers — we’re talking folks such as the insurance commissioner and state controller — as well as the first lady and other elected officials, as warranted. The statutory authority also extends to former constitutional officers, which would include Harris, who served six years as state attorney general.

Surely there’s room in California’s $321-billion budget to make sure nothing terrible happens to one of the state’s most prominent and credentialed citizens. It doesn’t have to be an open-ended, lifetime commitment to Harris’ protection, but an arrangement that could be periodically reviewed, as time passes and potential danger wanes.

Serving in elected office can be rough, especially in these incendiary times. The price shouldn’t include having to spend the rest of your life looking nervously over your shoulder.

Or draining your life savings, so you don’t have to.

Mark Z. Barabak

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September 10, 2025
LAPD ends protection of former Vice President Kamala Harris amid criticism over diverting cops, sources say

The Los Angeles Police Department on Saturday discontinued its protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris after heavy criticism within its own ranks that officers were being diverted from crime suppression, sources told The Times.

LAPD Metropolitan Division officers had been assisting the California Highway Patrol in protecting Harris and were visible until Saturday morning outside her Brentwood home.

Both California police agencies scrambled this week to protect Harris after President Trump, her rival in November’s election, revoked Harris’s Secret Service protection last week. Thursday. President Biden had extended that protection for Harris beyond the six months after leaving office that vice presidents traditionally get.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had directed the LAPD to provide the security team to assist the CHP in the short term. According to sources, those Metro officers had to be drawn away from crime suppression work in the San Fernando Valley this week.

The department is “assisting the California Highway Patrol in providing protective services for former Vice President Kamala Harris until an alternate plan is established,” said Jennifer Forkish, L.A. police communications director, on Thursday. “This temporary coordinated effort is in place to ensure that there is no lapse in security.”

The CHP has not indicated how the LAPD’s move would alter its arrangement with the former vice president nor said how long it will continue.

A dozen or more LAPD officers began working a detail to protect Harris after Trump revoked her Secret Service protection as of Monday. Sources not authorized to discuss the details of the plan said the city would fund the security but that the arrangement was expected to be brief, with Harris hiring her own security in the near future.

A security detail was seen outside Harris’ Brentwood home by a Fox 11 helicopter as the station broke the story of the use of L.A. police earlier this week.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that represents rank-and-file LAPD officers, criticized the move.

“Pulling police officers from protecting everyday Angelenos to protect a failed presidential candidate who also happens to be a multi-millionaire… and who can easily afford to pay for her own security, is nuts,” its board of directors said.

The statement continued, “Mayor Karen Bass should tell Governor Newsom that if he wants to curry favor with Ms. Harris and her donor base, then he should open up his own wallet because LA taxpayers should not be footing the bill for this ridiculousness.”

Newsom, who was required to sign off on CHP protection, has not confirmed the arrangement to The Times, but a spokesperson for Newsom added: “The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulse.”

Bass, in a statement last week, commented on Trump scrapping the security detail for Harris, saying: “This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances, and more. This puts the former Vice President in danger and I look forward to working with the governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles.”

Deploying LAPD officers to protect Harris was a source of controversy within the department in years past.

During L.A. Police Chief Charlie Beck’s tenure, when Harris was a U.S. senator, plainclothes officers served as security and traveled with her from January 2017 to July 2018. Beck said at the time through a spokesman that the protection was granted based on a threat assessment.

Beck’s successor, Michel Moore, ended the protection in July 2018 after he said a new evaluation determined it was no longer needed. The decision came as The Times filed a lawsuit seeking records from then-Mayor Eric Garcetti detailing the costs of security related to his own extensive travel. Garcetti said he was unaware of the police protection until Moore ended it.

Former vice presidents usually get Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office, while former presidents are given protection for life. But before his term ended, then-President Biden signed an order to extend Harris’ protection to July 2026. Aides to Harris had asked Biden for the extension. Without it, her security detail would have ended last month, according to sources.

The curtailing of Secret Service protection comes as Harris is going to begin a book tour next month for her memoir, titled “107 Days.” The tour has 15 stops, which include visits to London and Toronto. The book title references the short length of her presidential campaign.

Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, was the subject of an elevated threat level — particularly when she became the Democratic presidential contender last year. The Associated Press reports, however, a recent threat intelligence assessment by the Secret Service conducted on those it protects, such as Harris, found no red flags or credible evidence of a threat to the former vice president.

Richard Winton

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September 6, 2025
Trump revokes Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection

Washington — President Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’ U.S. Secret Service protection, a senior White House official confirmed to CBS News.

Former vice presidents, their spouses and children younger than 16 typically only continue to receive protection by the Secret Service for up to six months after leaving office under a law passed by Congress in 2008. But for recent administrations, an outgoing vice president’s detail has been extended beyond that allotted time because of a heightened threat environment.

Federal law allows the secretary of Homeland Security to direct the Secret Service to provide temporary protection for a former vice president for longer than six months after leaving the White House “if the Secretary of Homeland Security or designee determines that information or conditions warrant such protection.”

Former President Joe Biden had signed an executive order in early January that extended Harris’ detail to 18 months after she left office, two senior officials at the Department of Homeland Security told CBS News.

But Mr. Trump made the decision Thursday to revoke that continued protection, and an executive memorandum was issued to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem directing her to rescind Harris’ Secret Service detail, effective Sept. 1, the officials said.

The directive was then forwarded to the Secret Service, and the agency will comply with the order, the Homeland Security officials said.

The U.S. Secret Service ran a threat assessment on Harris and did not find anything alarming, nothing that would warrant extending her detail past the usual six months, according to sources familiar with the situation.

“The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety,” Kirsten Allen, a senior adviser to Harris, said in a statement to CBS News.

The decision by Mr. Trump was first reported by CNN.

Since returning to the White House for a second term, Mr. Trump’s administration has removed Secret Service protection for several people, including John Bolton, who was the president’s national security adviser in his first term, and Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, the children of former President Joe Biden.

Former presidents and their spouses receive Secret Service protection for life, but that ends for a president’s children who are over the age of 16 when they leave the White House. Biden, however, had signed an executive order before the end of his term that extended protection for his adult children, multiple sources told CBS News in March.

Minneapolis Catholic school shooter identified

Everything we know about the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting so far

Annunciation school shooter’s mother interviewed by officials

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August 29, 2025
ArmorSource Introduces AireSupport Max: Redefining Performance and Comfort in Head Protection
Launching the next-generation suspension for military and law enforcement, ArmorSource presents AireSupport Max—an advanced 3D-printed helmet suspension system delivering superior comfort, impact protection, and breathability.
LAS VEGAS, January 20, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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ArmorSourceis excited to unveil the AireSupport Max, a revolutionary helmet suspension system, at the 2025 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Engineered with advanced 3D technology to provide unparalleled comfort and superior impact protection, the AireSupport Max is set to redefine the standard for high performance head protection.

According to Nick Gramly, the VP of Technology for ArmorSource: “What sets AireSupport Max apart is its innovative design, crafted from a printed polymer structure. The unique 3D structure ensures superior airflow and ventilation. This construction not only maximizes breathability but also delivers exceptional comfort, blunt impact protection, and stability-key features that will set the bar for what premium head protection should feel like.”

Key highlights of AireSupport Max:
- Unrivaled Comfort: Memory foam like feel and a conforming design adapt seamlessly to the wearer’s head shape, providing an optimal fit.
- Exceeds the U.S. Army Blunt Impact Requirements: Built to exceed the highest standards for impact protection.
- Zero Water Absorption: Performs optimally even in naval or humid environments.
- Durability: The polymer structure is stronger and more resilient than competing products while maintaining minimal weight.
- One-Size-Fits-All: Engineered for universal compatibility, ensuring that every head type and size experiences a secure, custom-like fit without compromising on performance.
- Altitude Ready: Delivers flawless performance regardless of altitude or climate conditions.
A select group of operators tested AireSupport Max in real-world scenarios, and their feedback was unanimous: this new system, described by many as a ‘game-changer in the industry,’ not only competes with but also sets a new benchmark for premium pad systems in performance, comfort, and functionality.

Designed for both performance and durability, this cutting-edge system promises to enhance wearer experience by ensuring optimal fit, stability, and impact absorption. ArmorSource is confident that the AireSupport Max will offer unmatched head protection for military, law enforcement, and tactical professionals.

About ArmorSource

Established in 2005 and headquartered in Ohio, ArmorSource is a leading global manufacturer of ballistic helmets, producing over 10,000 helmets per month. Our mission is to continuously enhance ballistic performance while optimizing comfort and durability. With a transparent manufacturing process and rigorous program management, we exceed government standards to deliver industry-leading protection.

In addition to serving elite U.S. military branches-including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and SOCOM – ArmorSource is recognized worldwide, supplying advanced ballistic solutions to armed forces, law enforcement, and special operations units across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

ArmorSource’ Next Generation Helmets provide ultra-lightweight protection with superior ballistic, environmental, and mechanical performance, ensuring the highest level of safety for those who serve.

Join us at the SHOT Show for an exclusive first look and hands-on experience with ‘AireSupport Max’ to discover the difference and experience the future of head protection.

AireSupport Max: Comfort Elevated. Performance Redefined.

Related Video

Source: ArmorSource
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January 20, 2025
Newsom vetoes bill aiming to increase protections for farmworkers overcome by heat

Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that aimed to make it easier for farmworkers to make a workers’ compensation claim for heat illness.

SB 1299 would have changed the burden of proof in workers’ compensation claims when a farmworker develops a heat-related injury after laboring outdoors for an employer who fails to comply with the state’s heat safety standards. Instead of the farmworker having to prove the injury occurred on the job, as is typical in workers’ compensation cases, it would have been the employer’s responsibility to prove the illness was not work-related.

Under the bill’s provisions, if an employer failed to comply with the rules, any resulting heat-related injury to an employee would be “presumed to arise out of and in the course of employment.” It would have created a “rebuttable presumption,” which is more commonly used for law enforcement officers and firefighters who develop certain injuries that could arise from the risks inherent to their jobs.

In a veto message issued Saturday, Newsom said there is “no doubt” that California farmworkers need strong protections from the risk of heat-related illness, especially as climate change drives an increase in extreme temperatures.

“However, the creation of a heat-illness presumption in the workers’ compensation system is not an effective way to accomplish this goal,” he said. Newsom said heat safety rules are currently enforced by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA, which is better equipped to enforce those worker protections.

Newsom also noted that Cal/OSHA is establishing an agricultural unit that specializes in worker protections and hazards found at agricultural worksites, and opening new district office locations in Fresno, Santa Barbara and Riverside.

“This dedicated unit will increase Cal/OSHA’s reach to farmworker communities throughout the Central Valley, where the largest number of farmworkers and their families reside,” Newsom said.

The legislation came as many farmworkers continue to labor in unsafe conditions and Cal/OSHA confronts a severe staffing shortage that is hampering its ability to enforce heat regulations for outdoor workers.

First enacted in 2005, the state’s heat illness prevention rules require employers to provide outdoor workers with fresh water, access to shade at 80 degrees and warmer, and cool-down breaks whenever a worker requests one. Employers must also maintain a heat illness prevention plan with effective training for supervisors to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness.

But nearly two decades after the rules were first enacted, ensuring compliance has remained challenging.

In 2009 and 2012, the United Farm Workers sued Cal/OSHA, accusing the agency of failing to enforce the regulations.

A 2022 study by the UC Merced Community and Labor Center found many farmworkers were still laboring without the protections. Of more than 1,200 workers surveyed, 43% reported their employers had not provided a heat illness prevention plan and 15% said they had not received heat illness prevention training.

The bill’s author, Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San José), previously described SB 1299 as a “creative work-around” that was “taking the tools that we do have available and trying to cobble together an approach that will hopefully spur greater compliance.”

“The employers hate the workers’ comp presumptions so much that it makes me feel like it might actually work,” Cortese previously told The Times. “The avoidance factor is so high with them that they’ll say, ‘My God, it’s actually easier for us to provide shade and water than to have to deal with a proliferation of expedited workers’ comp claims.’”

“We’re trying to take something that they view as kind of a thorn in their side and use it as a disincentive for the kind of behavior we’re seeing,” he said.

The UFW backed SB 1299.

“Despite the Governor’s veto of SB 1299, the UFW will continue to work to save farm worker lives,” UFW President Teresa Romero said in a statement Saturday.

Opponents of the bill, including the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Farm Bureau, acknowledged the importance of protecting farmworkers from heat illness, but had argued the issue should not be addressed through the workers’ compensation system.

This article is part of The Times’ equity reporting initiative, funded by the James Irvine Foundation, exploring the challenges facing low-income workers and the efforts being made to address California’s economic divide.

Rebecca Plevin

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September 28, 2024
How to Winterize a Pool: 10 Essential Tips for Protecting Your Investment – Southwest Journal

Winterizing a pool is crucial for maintaining its condition and ensuring it remains ready for use when warmer weather returns. Proper preparation prevents damage from freezing temperatures and keeps the water clean, saving time and money on repairs and maintenance.

There are also some modern solutions that are easy to maintain, like fiberglass pools. You can learn more about it at Pool Works.

This guide outlines essential steps to protect your pool during the colder months. By following these tips, you can safeguard your investment, extend the lifespan of your pool, and enjoy a hassle-free start to the next swimming season.

1. Balance Water Chemistry

Before closing your pool, it’s vital to adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Properly balanced water protects against corrosion and scale buildup on pool surfaces and equipment. Test the water and adjust these levels to within the recommended ranges: pH between 7.2 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and calcium hardness between 180 and 220 ppm.

This step ensures the pool’s interior remains in good condition over the winter, preventing costly repairs. Additionally, balanced water chemistry prevents algae growth, making it easier to reopen the pool.

2. Lower Water Level

Reducing the water level is essential for preventing damage from freezing. For vinyl liner pools, lower the water 4-6 inches below the skimmer. For plaster pools, a drop of 2-3 inches is sufficient. This step helps protect the skimmer and other equipment from ice damage.

However, do not drain the pool completely, as this can lead to structural issues and liner damage. The correct water level maintains pressure against the walls, supporting the pool’s structure through the winter months.

3. Clean Pool Thoroughly

A thorough cleaning removes algae, bacteria, and debris, preventing staining and water quality issues. Vacuum the pool, brush the walls and floor, and skim the surface to remove leaves and other debris. Cleaning the filter system is also crucial; backwash sand filters or clean cartridge filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

This not only ensures the water remains clear but also reduces the workload when reopening the pool. A clean pool is less likely to develop algae or other problems over the winter, making spring startup smoother and less costly.

4. Add Winterizing Chemicals

After balancing the water chemistry and cleaning, add winterizing chemicals to prevent algae growth and maintain water quality. Use a winterizing kit suitable for your pool size and type. These kits typically include algaecide, which prevents algae growth, and a slow-release floater with chlorine or bromine to keep the water sanitized.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amounts. These chemicals work over the winter to keep the water clear, reducing the amount of work needed when reopening the pool.

5. Drain All Equipment

Water left in pumps, heaters, filters, and hoses can freeze, causing significant damage. Drain all equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove drain plugs and store them in a safe place.

For added protection, blow out the lines using a shop vac or compressor to ensure no water remains that could freeze and cause cracks or breaks. This step is critical for preventing costly repairs and ensuring your equipment is ready for use in the spring.

6. Lubricate O-Rings and Gaskets

Before closing the pool, lubricate o-rings and gaskets on pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators. This maintenance step prevents drying and cracking, ensuring a tight seal and preventing leaks.

Use a silicone-based lubricant designed for pool equipment. Proper lubrication extends the life of these components, saving money on replacements and repairs. It also makes reassembling the equipment easier when it’s time to reopen the pool.

7. Install Freeze Plugs

Freeze plugs protect your pool’s plumbing from freezing water. Install them in the skimmer, return lines, and any other openings after draining the water to the appropriate level.

These plugs prevent water from entering the pipes, where it could freeze, expand, and cause damage. They are an inexpensive way to safeguard against one of the most common sources of winter damage to pools. Ensure you have the correct sizes for your pool’s fittings.

8. Cover Pool Securely

A tight-fitting pool cover prevents debris, sunlight, and precipitation from entering the pool, reducing the likelihood of algae growth and water imbalance. Choose a cover that fits your pool’s shape and size, and secure it tightly to withstand winds and the weight of snow and ice.

Inspect the cover for tears or holes, repairing any damage to ensure it provides complete protection. A well-secured cover also adds a layer of safety, preventing accidents when the pool is not in use.

9. Inspect Cover Regularly

Throughout the winter, regularly check the pool cover for accumulation of water, snow, or ice, which can strain or damage the cover. Use a pump or siphon to remove water and prevent sagging.

Inspect the cover’s anchors and straps to ensure they remain tight and secure. Regular inspections help extend the life of the cover and prevent debris from entering the pool, making spring cleanup easier.

10. Store Accessories Indoors

Remove and store ladders, diving boards, hoses, pumps, and other pool accessories in a dry, protected place. This prevents damage from freezing temperatures and extends the life of these items.

Clean them before storage to prevent mold and mildew growth, or consider using air purifiers in the storage area to further inhibit mold development and maintain a healthier environment for your pool accessories. Proper storage also reduces the risk of losing small parts and makes it easier to reinstall these items when the pool is reopened.

Conclusion

By taking proactive steps to prepare your pool for the cold months, you can avoid unnecessary repairs and maintain its pristine condition. The effort you invest in closing your pool properly pays off in the long run, saving you time, money, and hassle.

As you follow a comprehensive winterization routine, you create a more manageable and efficient spring-opening experience. Remember, the key to a well-maintained pool lies in consistent care and attention to detail.

With your pool securely winterized, even in regions like Minnesota, you can rest easy knowing that your investment is protected, and ready to provide endless enjoyment and refreshment in the warmer months ahead.

Natalie Cowles

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March 4, 2024
California Implements New Cryptocurrency Laws to Combat Bitcoin ATM Scams

Bitcoin (BTC) ATMs have become both convenient and worrying, with scammers taking advantage of unsuspecting victims. Authorities in the US and other jurisdictions are now waging a war against crypto-ATM-based scams.

California takes a stance on new cryptocurrency laws

The state of California has introduced rules for cryptocurrency transactions. Senate Bill 401, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, means you can only make $1,000 worth of cryptocurrency transactions at ATMs each day, and starting in 2025, the maximum they can charge you is $5, or 15% of the transaction. Whichever is higher.

Initially, some Bitcoin ATMs allowed up to $50,000 in transactions with fees ranging between 12% and 25% above the value of the digital asset. These changes are intended to protect people from scams and high fees, explained Sen. Monique Lemon, one of the co-authors.

Scammers taking advantage of the convenience of Bitcoin ATMs have been a growing concern, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that more than 46,000 people have lost more than $1 billion to cryptocurrency scams since 2021. New transaction limits give victims more time to spot scams before loss of money. But Charles Bell of the Blockchain Advocacy Coalition worries that these rules could hurt the cryptocurrency industry and small businesses.

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FBI Alerts About Bitcoin ATM and QR Code Scams

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has raised the alarm about fraudulent schemes exploiting ATMs for cryptocurrencies and quick response (QR) codes for payments. These schemes take various forms, including online impersonation, romance scams, and lottery fraud, all using cryptocurrency ATMs and QR codes as tools.

QR codes, which smartphone cameras can scan, simplify cryptocurrency payments. However, criminals are now using it to trick victims into paying money. Victims are often asked to withdraw money from their accounts and use a QR code provided by scammers to complete transactions at physical cryptocurrency ATMs.

Once the victim makes the payment, the cryptocurrency is transferred to the scammer’s wallet, making recovery nearly impossible due to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies. The FBI offers several tips to protect against these schemes, focusing on caution, verification, and avoiding cryptocurrency ATM transactions that promise anonymity using only a phone number or email.

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Cryptocurrency regulation efforts in California

The passage of Senate Bill 401 in California is part of a broader effort to regulate the cryptocurrency industry while protecting consumers. Another law, scheduled to take effect in July 2025, will require digital financial asset companies to obtain licenses from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. This represents a clear shift towards tightening government regulation and oversight in the world of digital finance.

Gavin Newsom’s decision to sign these bills into law demonstrates California’s commitment to strengthening the cryptocurrency industry and protecting its citizens. Balancing innovation and security remains a challenge, especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Bitcoin Depot’s historic debut on the NASDAQ

In July, Bitcoin Depot, a leading bitcoin ATM operator, went public on the Nasdaq. This milestone comes after Bitcoin Depot merged with GSR II Meteora, a blank check company.

The move to go public demonstrates the growing legitimacy and acceptance of cryptocurrencies in major financial markets.

Authorities vs. illegal crypto ATMs

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is taking a strong stance against illegal cryptocurrency ATM operators. Using its power under money laundering regulations, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has carried out raids on cryptocurrency ATMs suspected of illegal activities across England.

The measures, which follow previous operations in east London and Leeds, are part of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) efforts to crack down on unregulated cryptocurrency operations. This highlights global pressure for stronger cryptocurrency regulation, mirroring steps taken in California. The balance between innovation and security remains a fundamental concern for regulatory bodies around the world.

Read more:

McLennan County Bitcoin ATM Lawsuit Resolved

Editorial Team

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October 23, 2023
ArmorSource Introduces Next Generation Aire System
Press Release
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Jan 17, 2023
LAS VEGAS, January 17, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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ArmorSource has introduced its Next Generation Aire System, a full spectrum of advanced hole-free head protection solutions for military, law enforcement, and special forces personnel. The Aire System includes six Next Gen Lightweight Shells, a revolutionary Liner System, an ultra-lightweight helmet mount, and multiple helmet accessories to provide maximum protection and comfort.

ArmorSource users can choose from the following six unique boltless shells:
1. ‘Aire‘ – Providing high frag protection plus NIJ IIIA at less than 1.9 lbs./850g. for the complete helmet, the ‘Aire’ is one of the lightest certified ballistic helmets.
2. ‘Aire II‘ – Meeting the U.S. DOD Advanced Combat Helmet GEN II specifications with lower areal density, better trauma and frag protection.
3. ‘Aire EX‘ – An Extended Rifle Resistance Helmet that provides protection against M193, M80 ball, 7.62X39 LC, and other rounds to enhance the safety of front-line and anti-terror operators.
4. ‘Aire LE’ – Designed to defeat several handgun threats that law enforcement agents frequently face on top of NIJ IIIA.
5. ‘Aire CF’ – The first Carbon-based safety helmet that comes in an ACH geometry for tactical missions and training.
6. ‘Crew II’ – ArmorSource was recently awarded a contract to provide the U.S. Army with 14,000 Next Generation Advanced Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet units starting in Q2/2023.
Each of these shells has a unique matrix, but all are versions of the ArmorSource Next Generation Ballistic Technology that utilize the most advanced ballistic composite materials available.

The Aire System also provides three ‘AireSupport’ suspension systems, as well as three ‘AireLink’ retention systems, for users to choose from. Available accessories include ultra-lightweight AireMount shrouds, AireRail side-rails, and multiple newly designed accessories.

An additional Aire option is the ‘AireLock Liner System’, a ballistic version of the Skydex IsoFit. When worn with an ArmorSource-certified shell, this revolutionary floating/mesh system provides a new level of comfort and safety to users.

“The new Aire system provides not only the highest ballistic and environmental performance at the lightest weight, but is also versatile and modular, built to allow each of our customers, no matter if they are front-line warriors, tankers, marines, law enforcement, SWAT, special command, or security guard, to build their own head protection configuration. This is a new game, not only for ArmorSource, but for its customers,” says Nick Gramly, ArmorSource’s VP of Technology. “To make sure the system performance stays consistent for long periods, the shells went through extensive third-party testing that included testing under multiple conditions such as extreme hot and cold, salt water, exposure to common field agents, high altitude, and accelerated aging.”

Leveraging its state-of-the-art design, R&D, testing and manufacturing facilities, ArmorSource strives to continuously enhance its products’ ballistic capabilities while maintaining and improving all aspects of comfort and durability.

ArmorSource’s recognition as a trusted ballistic helmet solution provider for militaries, law enforcement organizations, and special forces on multiple continents is a testament to its dedication to maximizing the survivability of personnel around the world.

For more information, please contact ArmorSource at info@armorsource.com.

Source: ArmorSource LLC
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January 17, 2023
TrüNorth Global to Introduce Newly Acquired TOTAL360 Commercial Equipment Repair Program

Press Release
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Jan 3, 2023 10:30 EST

CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 3, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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TOTAL360 is a comprehensive commercial equipment repair program for all commercial equipment. For the past decade, TrüNorth Global’s corporate mission has been to lead the industry in commercial asset protection. The acquisition of TOTAL360 brings them one step closer to accomplishing this goal.

“There has never been a more comprehensive product that covers commercial equipment more than TOTAL360,” said William Eskridge, TrüNorth Global Chairman/CEO. “With the equipment shortages and exaggerated prices of used equipment and the astronomical costs of parts and repairs, there has never been a product to mitigate those risk costs better than TOTAL360.”

TOTAL360, the latest addition to the TrüNorth Global™ family of products and services, offers an innovative solution for dealers, fleet owners, and individual operators seeking to protect their investments in expensive commercial equipment and their revenue generation capabilities by helping to minimize downtime when a breakdown does occur.

TrüNorth Global™ world headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, will add to its 24/7/365, multilingual call center to handle all customer service and repair calls worldwide. TOTAL360 will initially be introduced to the North American markets in early January 2023 with rollouts into the United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia, scheduled throughout 2023.

About TrüNorth Global^TM

From semi-trucks, construction equipment, and agriculture, to cargo/transport ships, power generation, and aircraft, TrüNorth Global™ mitigates the risk of costly commercial equipment repair that can sideline, and in some cases, put you out of business.

By protecting the commercial assets of drivers, farmers, fleets, and small business owners, we help keep you and your equipment working. Rely on TrüNorth Global™ for outstanding program value and innovative technology solutions supported by the finest professionals in transportation, finance, actuary, and customer service.

Source: TrüNorth Global

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January 3, 2023