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Washington, Jan 23 (IANS) US authorities issued wide-ranging safety advisories and emergency preparedness measures on Friday as a powerful winter storm threatened large parts of the country with heavy snow, crippling ice, and prolonged power outages, expected to impact 200 million people.The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that plunging temperatures and expected power disruptions could increase the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning linked to home heating equipment, including space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and generators.“Working smoke and CO alarms save lives,” the CPSC said, urging households to ensure alarms are installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas, tested monthly, and fitted with battery backup to function during outages.The ...

Washington, Jan 23 (IANS) US lawmakers have expressed concerns that routine domestic air travel could increasingly intersect with immigration enforcement, creating fear among immigrant communities, including lawful visa holders and international students.The issue surfaced this week during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on airport security and cybersecurity oversight.Transportation Security Administration Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill confirmed that TSA shares certain information within the Department of Homeland Security. She said the practice supports national security and has existed across administrations.McNeill rejected claims that TSA routinely transfers passenger lists to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration enforcement purposes. She said TSA of...