This past summer the Transportation Security Administration rolled out new uniforms for its transportation security officers (TSOs) working at the nation's air and sea ports. Now it seems that not all these uniforms were created equal and ones manufactured in Honduras are causing health concerns for some TSOs. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that some "workers are reporting severe skin rashes, lightheadedness, swelling and redness in and around the eyes and lips as a result of the [new] blue uniforms..."

The U.S. and Canada share a trusted traveler program called NEXUS. It provides pre-screened and approved citizens and permanent residents from both countries faster processing at land, sea and air ports of entry. The Vancouver Sun ran an article on Sunday about the program, and why more than 6,500 travelers from both countries have had their NEXUS membership revoked since the program began in 2002.

Iran's state news agency IRNA has reported that an Iranian military commander is calling for Islamic countries to cut-off oil exports to Western nations allied with Israel.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name for consideration as Commerce secretary in Barack Obama's administration. NBC News reports Richardson made this decision because of a federal investigation into "how a California company that contributed to [his] political activities won a lucrative New Mexico state contract."

The Australian government has formally rejected America's request to relocate detainees from Guantanamo Bay. Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard cited national security and immigration policies as reasons for not accepting the inmates.

If you live in the Missouri towns of Weldon Spring or Cottleville then this might interest you. There is a five-week Community Emergency Response Team training seminar being offered at the Cottleville Fire Protection District main station. Check out this St. Louis Post-Dispatch article for more information.

On November 13, 2008 the largest ever earthquake preparedness drill in the U.S. was conducted in Southern California. It was appropriately dubbed, "The Great Southern California ShakeOut Drill". The exercise involved modeling the effects of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake. The LA Times is reporting that the results of this simulation indicate that about five high-rise steel buildings in the region would collapse during a real quake, and other structures are at risk.