April 2026

When the Spotlight Finds You: Three Lessons in Crisis Communications for Mission-driven Leaders

Jessica A. Kuron Public safety agencies don’t get to choose when the spotlight turns their way – a single incident can take over the headlines without warning. In those moments, leaders often ask: What do we say? What don’t we say? When do we say it? And, how do we balance maintaining trust with protecting the integrity of the investigation? As former Chief of External Engagement for the US Attorney’s Office, and as an advisor to schools, nonprofits and public…


Pink Cocaine Hitting American Communities

The drug landscape has changed. Drug use is more dangerous than ever before with the advent of fentanyl and the deceptive tactics used by drug organizations to drive dependency which can eventually lead to addiction. Several states are warning of pink cocaine – a powdered mixture of substances which is dyed pink; may have a sweet smell; and typically produces mind-altering, hallucinogenic effects. DEA laboratory testing has identified pink powders containing ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and xylazine. Effects of…


…AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

Ramesh Nyberg We must be geniuses. We, who labor in uniform, in plainclothes, or in tactical armor, are not merely figures of authority – we are reasoning beings, operating with disciplined intelligence.       OR… High school juniors are complete, empty-headed lamebrains. Now, before all of you with high school children out there get your city-issued knickers in a twist, let me tell you that I have raised six kids, all of them having stumbled through their 11th grades with various levels…


National Playbook for States to Keep Youth Out of the Justice System

Children, teens and young adults often enter the justice system because their health, education and safety needs aren’t met. As a result, justice systems are dealing with challenges they were never designed to address. The CSG Justice Center’s new research-based guide can help states prevent violence, expand opportunities and keep youth out of the justice system. The Youth Safety Playbook for States includes: a community-based service continuum; strategies for financing, infrastructure, policy, service, and workforce; and a checklist for implementing each strategy. The playbook…