Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024
Globalist censorship is now reaching out to another free speech platforms - Rumble being the latest - from the dismal confines of Australia
Rumble CEO and founder Chris Pavlovski says he has received “censorship” demands from authorities in Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
Mr. Pavlovski said the video-sharing platform noticed a “dramatic increase” in global censorship.
This comes after Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant ordered social media companies to remove videos and images related to two stabbing events in Sydney last week. (NOTE - This is the stabbing of an orthodox priest by a jihadi)
“If they fail to remove the content, then we can go to search engines such as Google or Bing to really minimize the amount of content that Australians can see,” she said, referring to additional measures that could be implemented to restrict the sharing of content.
Rumble is a NASDAQ-listed online video-sharing platform with a focus on free speech that enables people to share and monetise videos.
Explaining his concern Mr. Pavloski noted censorship infringed on “everyone’s human rights.”
OBSERVATIONS - Same as yesterday with “X”. The globalist demand full control of what is expressed and is trying to use this tactic to leverage that demand. This tactic had been successful in the past when these media sites were hard leftist (on in the case of Rumble, not in existence yet), but recent changes are a challenge to US based firms protected by the 1st amendment.
RELATED - In further fallout from yesterday’s reported fight against X by Australian officials, Tasmanian Sen. Jacqui Lambie is outraged. She told Sky News that she wants Musk jailed and that she has deleted her X account.
The audacity of an Aussie demanding jail for a US citizen over constitutionally protected rights. Remember, those rights are the number one target to be removed upon the ascension of a global dictatorship.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside of Senate leader Chuck Schumer’s home in Brooklyn. The police are reportedly now making mass arrests as protesters take over the streets.
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Gaza war protesters have vowed to remain at Columbia University until their demands are met, despite mass arrests and disciplinary action.
More than 100 students were arrested at a Columbia protest “encampment” last week, followed by dozens more at Yale and New York University in recent days.
Many at Columbia have been suspended, prompting vocal calls for disciplinary measures to be dropped or rescinded.
Some students on campus have reported antisemitic harassment from protesters.
A deadline that was given by the university on Tuesday for protesters to disband by midnight has now been extended by 48 hours, with officials reporting “important progress” in talks to reach a deal.
In a news conference on Tuesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and top police officials blamed “outside agitators” for stirring up protests at Columbia and New York University and “really trying to use this as an opportunity to cause violence in our city.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68886727
OBSERVATION - “outside agitators” indeed! Reports that the protestors are being fed top quality grub indicates that there are deep pockets supporting this (as well as the other ) protests. It has lingered on here for so long compared to the others that were cleared out relatively quickly is that the university president and administration are sympathetic to the cause and are too scared to act as the adults to bring matters to a close.
This old grumpy geologist says - expel them from the school and nuke their academic records - with no refund. Prosecute them to the fullest. That’ll put a damper in all these trust fund babies.
RELATED - Gov. Kathy Hochul has been in talks with Colombia university to activate the National Guard if the protesters refuse to leave.
ADDITIONALLY - Analysis continues to link key financial and political supporters of the 2020 riots to these current protests at various colleges and universities. Some note that in order to be up to full speed in the months leading up to the November elections, protests have to get stoked up now. Apart from some assaults on jewish citizens, these protests have been relatively calm in comparison to the Floyd riots. How long can this be expected to continue?
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
Bloomberg reported that Chad is requesting that US forces withdrawal from the country. According to Bloomberg, the Chad chief of staff’s letter was meant “to warn the Americans that we have made the decision to stop their activity.”
Separately, CNN also reported last Thursday on Chad’s request for U.S. troops to leave the country.
Bloomberg noted that Chad’s request comes just ahead of a presidential election, which the country’s interim leader Mahamat Deby is widely expected to win.
If the U.S. leaves Chad, the Army would have to close what Bloomberg described as “one of its few remaining outposts to fight a roiling jihadist insurgency in the region.”
Bloomberg further noted that the military rulers of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, who all seized power over the past three years, have cut security ties with their former allies in the West.
OBSERVATION - More biden foreign policy disasters ongoing.
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics –
Health officials in New York City are seeing a jump in cases of a rare disease linked to rat urine. This news comes just one year after the rulers anointed a czar for its “war on rats.”
It doesn’t seem to be going well, like every war the U.S. has backed lately. Harry Nespoli, president of the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association, which represents Department of Sanitation workers, told USA Today: “The streets are looking cleaner, but the rats are still around…Look, they were here before us.”
“Experts” claim that cases of leptospirosis, the illness caused by exposure to rats’ urine, have been increasing as sanitation workers are exposed to the bacteria.
https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/rat-urine-disease-spreading-in-new-york-city
OBSERVATION - Health and sanitary conditions in major cities are being worsened by a combination of homeless camps, street drugs and unvetted illegals. Leptospirosis was identified passing thru homeless areas in Kalifornia a number of years ago. Conditions in NYC only reflect the worsening conditions that favor massive rat populations.
To note - The overall risk of death for leptospirosis is 5–10%, mostly from long term undetected cases (commonly seen among homeless ). In the United States, there were 100 to 150 leptospirosis cases annually. In 1994, leptospirosis ceased to be a notifiable disease in the United States except in 36 states/territories where it is prevalent such as Hawaii, Texas, California, and Puerto RicoEasily treatable, but
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CDC is reportedly saying that milk from cows infected by avian flu viruses is still safe to consume, though it hasn’t finished tests to insure that the virus is killed during pasteurization.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
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When people like biden and bill clinton praise you, there is something wrong - are you paying attention Speaker Johnson?
Biden / Harris Watch –
Biden on Tuesday during a campaign event claimed to have once been an eighteen wheeler truck driver.
“Besides, I used to drive an 18-wheeler,” Biden said to staffers at his campaign office in Tampa.
Problem is biden has never driven an 18-wheeler.
The White House previously told Fox News that biden riding in a truck in 1973 is the same thing as driving an 18-wheeler.
Cyber attacks/warfare – HEIGHTENED ALERT as of April 20, 2024
US Department of State - Iran’s cyber actors threaten the security of the United States and our partners. Yesterday, US Treasury sanctioned two entities and four individuals involved in malicious cyber activity for or on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s Cyber Electronic Command.
Illegal Immigration –
El Paso County DA Bill Hicks says after a county judge abruptly tried to dismiss 141 rioting charges against foreign nationals who rushed national guard/DPS claiming there was no probable cause, a grand jury overruled the judge, and issued indictments in all cases.
OBSERVATION - This same ‘magistrate’ judge has a leftist background and it is good a grand jury indicted these illegals. The judge tipped his hand and the local DA was ready for it.
China –
WSJ: The United States is developing sanctions that threaten to cut off some Chinese banks from the global financial system that cooperate with the Russian Federation, process payments and provide loans.
NOTE - I recently noted that Chinese banks have started limiting transactions with Russia.
Phillipines –
India delivered the first batch of BrahMos cruise missiles to the Philippines on April 19. This delivery comes two years after the signing of a $375 million deal between the two nations.
Amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the delivery of BrahMos missile systems to the Philippines holds strategic significance. The Philippines intends to deploy the three batteries of the BrahMos missile system in their coastal areas to enhance their defense capabilities and counter potential Chinese threats in the region.
One of the key features of the BrahMos missile is its low radar signature, providing it with stealth capabilities. With a cruising altitude of up to 15 kilometers and the ability to descend to as low as 10 meters during the terminal phase, the BrahMos is highly versatile and effective in engaging targets with precision.
https://defence-blog.com/india-delivers-first-brahmos-cruise-missiles-to-philippines/
OBSERVATION - China’s aggressiveness is creating armed push back in the region.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Mar 21, 2024.
Russia has taken advantage of Ukrainian ammo shortages, forcing them into primary defensive operations, and has seized the initiative following the fall of Avdiivka. Russia has reportedly concentrated 40,000 troops to sustain this offensive. The attacks are scattered along the front, concentrating on five axises of attack -
- Avdiivka,
- Maryinka,
- Robotyne,
- Kremenka and
- Bakhmut.
Russia has been able to gradually enlarge the number of soldiers in the theatre to the 400,000 range. Training and equipping of these forces is still rated very poor. Russia has drawn heavily upon ‘volunteers’ from penal colonies for their “Z” shock troops- the primary element of their meat attack (human wave) assaults against Ukraine defenses. It has been documented that ‘enforcement’ squads follow behind these ‘shock troops’ with orders to shoot any who attempt to retreat.
With the exception of Avdiivka, initial Russia attacks along the other axises have had poor results and exceptionally heavy losses. Russia continues to suffer heavy tank and APC losses. Old, cold war era tanks and APCs are becoming more and more common sights in battle fields. (formerly) Elite units like the Russian marines are routinely seen with T54/55 series tanks instead of the T72/80/90 series they were commonly equipped with. In some cases, over 70% of these newer tanks have been destroyed or captured by Ukraine.
In these other attacks, Russia continues to make poor use of fire and maneuver, preferring tank/armor ‘charges’ across open areas and down roads. This brings them into prepared kill zones where these forces are stopped and destroyed.
The most significant change in Russian tactics is on the Avdiivka front, where Russian is doing a much better job of launching what one could consider combined arms attacks.
When Ukraine lacks the artillery, Russian forces are able to penetrate in mass and overwhelm the fewer Ukrainian defenders.
Russian organization and capabilities make it unlikely that they will be able to quickly take advantage of penetrations into Ukrainian defenses. Poor training and lack of leadership at all levels, combined with poor logistic trains, will prevent any major breakouts beyond initial penetration of lines.
Shortages of Ukraine artillery ammo has permitted Russia to regain some degree of local superiority on the battlefield. Some estimates give Russia a 3:1 advantage. This is down substantially from the start of the war where it had a 10:1 advantage. Russia is relying heavily on N Korean artillery rounds and Iranian drone/missiles.
Russian appears to be continuing to shepherd its stockpile of missiles/drones for a potential effort to take down the Ukraine power grid as they did winter 2022./23 This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage. Ammo shortages are starting to impact Ukraine ADA defenses.
The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. In the latest, large missile / drone attack, the Black Sea fleet was noticeably out of action. Ukraine continues to engage and destroy Russian naval vessels..
While the Russia air force has taken significant losses at the hands of Ukraine, early in this winter/spring offensive, Russian has more aggressively conducted CAS in support of ground troops, reflecting ADA shortages. As a result, Russia has been able to locally seize air superiority at key locations along the front - the first time in two years of fighting. This has been at a cost, with a number Su-34/35 aircraft being lost in the last part of February alone as well as critical A50 AWAC systems.
Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace. putin is struggling to place his economy on wartime footing to accomplish this goal.
Unknowns at this time are how soon ammo supples will start hitting Ukrainian units. Long range ATACMS and German Taurus cruise missiles may be coming on line soon for Ukraine as well as F-16s (now reportedly due in late spring/early summer). But the most critical item is artillery ammo.
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NUCLEAR THREATS –
Reports that Russia has moved “Iskander” tactical missiles to Karelia, Russia. These missiles are capable of delivering a nuclear warhead
The Iskander missile has about a 500km range and can travel at about 7500km per hour.
From their location in Karelia, Russia, these missiles can reach most of populated Finland within just a very few short minutes.
Greatest concerns are that they have deployed ones that are armed with nuclear warheads to the region.
RUMINT-
Growing reports that Russia has a formed a military group called group N (North) who’s mission is to attack northeastern Ukraine targeting Kharkiv and Sumy regions. Russia may feel that this area is weakened because of support going to the main battle areas of Avdiivka and Bakhmut. Also associated with reported Russian plans for a summer offensive. Russian forces were cleared out of this area in the summer/fall of 2022.
Economic Impact –
WSJ: The United States is developing sanctions that threaten to cut off some Chinese banks from the global financial system that cooperate with the Russian Federation, process payments and provide loans.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs continue in the 60-70 range with some local highs into the 80s. Mostly dry thru the forecast period.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Russian Ministry of Defense claims shooting down 8 drones over Belgorod, Kursk, Voronezh and Smolensk regions.
6 persons injured as result of Russian missile strike with S-300 missile at Schevchenkivsky district of Kharkiv overnight. Kharkiv also reportedly being hit by 1 and a half ton glide bombs.
Incendiary munition rains down over Chasiv-Yar. Russians are attempting to occupy the city. Rumors are that Russian forces have been ordered to occupy it before the 9th of May by Russian leadership.
Russian Rosneft oil terminal heavily burning in Yartsevo, after a Ukrainian drone attack this morning.
Outlook —
Ukraine is still desperately defending Chasiv Yar, a key stronghold that if captured could allow Russia to push north, west and southwest. Uncertain at this time just how quickly US munitions will be able to reach the front lines. I’m sure Russia is watching like a hawk to locate and track such shipments, looking to destroy them before they can reach the front.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Israel progressing quickly to get civilians in Rafah moved before engaging Hamas in the city directly.
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Clashes were reported between Hamas and the IDF north of the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.
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Israel continued to hit Hamas positions with air and artillery fire throughout Gaza.
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Israeli news reports that tents are being constructed in Khan Yunis to evacuate civilians before the IDF begins its operation in Rafah
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IDF is preparing for a ground incursion into northern Gaza. On Tuesday, the IDF warned Gazans in Beit Lahia to leave their homes.
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Israeli Air Force fighter jets destroyed two Hamas rocket launchers embedded in a humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, the army said Wednesday, as the war started by the terrorist group entered its 200th day.
The Israel Defense Forces said the launch pads were loaded with rockets and were struck before they could be used to attack the Jewish state.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Hezbollah and Israeli forces continued to exchange fire across the border.
———WEST BANK——————————-
Israeli security forces continues to raid numerous areas, arresting terrorism suspects.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
Pentagon says Iran militia groups conducted two unsuccessful attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria on April 22, the first such attacks since Feb 4. Calls upon Iraq to increase efforts to secure US / Coalition forces in the nation.
——— FORECAST ————————-
Israel continues to maneuver its chess pieces to commence with the delayed operation in Rafah. Two to three weeks to accomplish the evacuation, another 6 to finish mopping up Hamas. This put us into mid May for the start of operations in Rafah.
IMHO - very few hostages will be rescued in the operation. Hamas has killed or is likely to kill all that they have their hands on once Israel enters Rafah. The hostage issue is one that has been lost from the headlines due to the incessant bleat over the hardship of arabs in Gaza. Hama’s use of the hostages as a human shield to force Israel into ceasefire agreements is virtually null, due in large part to the outrageous demands being made.
I expect to see an ebb and flow to operations. Just like the impending raid in N Gaza hitting reformed Hamas elements. Same for the fight against Hezbollah. Israel continues to successfully identify, locate and terminate important military leaders as well as key facilities/locations. These strikes will cause Hezbollah to up its attacks on Israel with moderate rocket attacks, being careful not to poke the bear too hard, but still invites stronger Israeli retaliatory air strikes.
Central / South America General-
HAITI- Haiti’s capital has been rocked by a fresh wave of violence as warlord Barbecue ordered his thug army to “burn every house you find”.
Gun battles are raging in central Port-au-Prince as ruthless gangs march towards the presidential palace - burning, looting and killing - amid fears they are plotting a bloody coup.
Officials now believe that 90 per cent of the capital is controlled by once warring gangs who loosely unified to spark a new dawn of violence at the end of February.
At the centre of the storm is Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, the head of Haiti’s most powerful gang alliance and now leader of the armed onslaught against his home city.
Two voice recordings are circulating on social media which locals claim is Barbecue ordering his soldiers to burn houses down in Lower Delmas, an impoverished part of the capital where he grew up.
“Continue burning the houses. Make everybody leave,” a man says in the first audio recording.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/11156186/haiti-violence-barbecue-burn-storm-palace/
OBSERVATION - These actions will only spur more illegal immigration towards the US, bringing with them the same attitudes that allowed this kind of murderous mayhem to flourish in the first place.
p
“Besides, I used to drive an 18-wheeler,” Biden said to staffers at his campaign office in Tampa.
Problem is biden has never driven an 18-wheeler.
The White House previously told Fox News that biden riding in a truck in 1973 is the same thing as driving an 18 wheeler.
I wonder how the press would have covered this if Trump had said the same lie... under the same circumstances...
Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024
RUMINT - There are rumors that the WHO is backing down on some of its more draconian portions of the global pandemic “treaty”. I am very skeptical as the claim has yet to be separately confirmed by other sources. To remove those portions, such as Article 13A in the pandemic treaty. This would have forced countries to submit to the rules and demands of the WHO. There has been very little global push back on a national level to the juggernaut proposals. Japan noted some protests, as to vocal elements in the US and elsewhere. Nothing to the extent that would threaten the adoption of this measure. So handle reports about any drastic changes to the WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ at arms length for now.
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The following fits into a number of categories, but IMHO fits into the overall globalism efforts -
The IRS announcement that it will soon be deploying artificial intelligence (AI) software to enforce the U.S. tax code has raised concerns among cyber experts that without proper oversight, the new technology could be weaponized against conservative groups.
In remarks made April 17 at the UiPath on Tour: Public Sector event in Washington, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel announced the agency would be utilizing the tools to better assist IRS agents in identifying potential tax cheats.
“Right now, I believe that there are AI solutions that we have not yet leveraged that exist today that can help with some of these basic questions to the benefit of taxpayers,” Mr. Werfel said. “And on the other side of the equation, we are using AI today to do even more to unlock and spot this complexity.”
The government’s implementation of the growing technology will be instrumental in helping the agency uncover the most elaborate tax schemes, according to Mr. Werfel.
https://thelibertydaily.com/expert-warns-irs-could-weaponize-ai-technology-target/
OBSERVATION - No need for the tens of thousands of auditors, AI can handle that in seconds. Many see this as pretty obvious, they are planning to target the middle class. Draconian tax “enforcement” will be one tool the global powers that be will be wielding in the years to come.
SEE ALSO “Economy” on biden’s outrageous tax proposals.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Pro-Hamas protests continue on many US campuses.
- Overnight, University of Minnesota - police broke up a terror camp, arrested and charge students with trespassing. The school is also banning the students from campus for one year.
- Police at USC took out their batons when the protesters turned violent over being expelled from their encampment.
- Texas state troopers were deployed and reportedly made dozens of arrests at the University of Texas at Austin.
- NBC reports that majority at USC protest were not students or even from the area.
- Marxist students stormed back onto the Harvard Lawn. Harvard University has suspended the radical Palestine Solidarity Committee, citing domestic terror activities.
OBSERVATION - With deep pocketed funding and a hard core of likely marxists utilizing a false Hamas/Palestine narrative building on genocidal hate towards Israel, I expect these protests to continue thru at least the end of the weekend. Strong police efforts have put a damper on activities on many campuses.
Very concerning is the report out of the USC protests that a majority of the protestors were not even students or even from the area. Tactic typical of a rent a mob Antifa response that may well be being played at other protest sites.
They left is feeding on the fact that these students are indoctrinated, useful idiots. Yesterday, an interview with two ‘protestors’ went viral when asked what they were protesting about. The first female said she didn’t know, asked her friend who also didn’t know but mumbled something about getting better education.
By the end of this weekend I expect to see if this move has gained traction or will start to burn out. Police arrests have stirred the victim and police brutality memes that the Antifa - bent mobs thrive on. But we’ll have to monitor.
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The Washington Examiner reports:
Pro-Palestinian groups and journalists are readying a rally to shut down the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday at the Washington Hilton over the Biden administration’s handling of the Gaza-Hamas crisis.
“Shut down the White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” one group, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, said in an online message. They are calling for protesters to gather down the street from the hotel two hours before the glitzy dinner begins.
Another group, the Committee to Protect Journalists, is urging a boycott by White House reporters who suspend their arms-length relationship with Biden aides for a night of elbow rubbing at the so-called “nerd prom.”
“The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an embodiment of media manipulation, trading journalistic ethics for access. For journalists to fraternize at an event with President Biden and Vice President Harris would be to normalize, sanitize, and whitewash the administration’s role in genocide,” said the committee.
OBSERVATION - I find the claims rather interesting. The MSM is one of the most leftist institutions in the US, but apparently not leftist enough. The continuing trend of the hybrid leftist/Pro Hama elements to assault their safe haven suggests that the older school democrats who support Israel are still in a serious scrum with the new progressives. This is one of the major flash points being warned about come this summer’s DNC convention in Chicago.
Economy-
In his 2025 budget proposal, Biden outlined plans to elevate the top marginal rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends to 44.6%. This rate, if enacted, would surpass any seen in over a century, according to Americans for Tax Reform (ATR).
Moreover, the combined federal-state rate could exceed 50% in several states when factoring in state capital gains taxes. For instance, California residents would potentially face a 59% rate, while those in New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, and New York could confront rates ranging from 53.4% to 55.3%, according to ATR.
Biden wants to impose a second Death Tax by taking away stepped-up basis when parents die. This would result in a mandatory capital gains tax at death — separate from, and in addition to — the current Death Tax.
Biden’s proposal would tax an asset’s unrealized appreciation at transfer. You mean Junior gets taxed whether or not he sells the business? Essentially, yes. The idea that you could build up your small business and escape death tax and income tax to pass it to your kids is on the chopping block. Biden would levy a tax on unrealized appreciation of assets passed on at death. By taxing the unrealized gain at death, heirs would get hit at the transfer, regardless of whether they sell the asset.”
More analysis at link below.
https://www.atr.org/list-of-tax-hikes-in-bidens-2025-budget/
OBSERVATION - Biden’s plan has been out there for a while, this is just another analysis of the impending disaster - especially should democrats take control of congress and hold the WH.
The US economy is already laboring heavily under the high Fed interest rates that have placed the housing and commercial building markets on near life support. Throw in all the other impacts from their inflation actions and out of control spending and fiscal games, well massive tax increases are almost guaranteed to crash the economy into a depression.
But then that is the goal of biden and the ‘global reset’ crowd.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
USS Eisenhower CSG maintains station in the Red Sea region
USS Roosevelt CSG on station in the S China Sea region.
Carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) is set to depart Naval Station Norfolk, Va., this week for its new homeport in Japan, the Navy announced on Wednesday. George Washington is scheduled to leave Norfolk on Thursday to sail down the coast of the U.S., through the Caribbean Sea and enter the Pacific by rounding Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America.
“George Washington will relieve USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) as the forward-deployed naval forces. Following the transfer, Reagan will head to Washington state for an overhaul before its permanent homeport assignment.
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics –
Researchers around the world are growing more uneasy with the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in US dairy cows as the virus continues to make its way into new herds and states. Several experts say the US is not sharing enough information from the federal investigation into the unexpected and growing outbreak, including genetic information from isolated viruses.
To date, the US Department of Agriculture has tallied 32 affected herds in eight states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas. In some cases, the movement of cattle between herds can explain the spread of the virus. But the USDA has not publicly clarified if all the herds are linked in a single outbreak chain or if there is evidence that the virus has spilled over to cows multiple times. Early infections in Texas were linked to dead wild birds (pigeons, blackbirds, and grackles) found on dairy farms. But the USDA reportedly indicated to Stat News that the infections do not appear to be all linked to the Texas cases.
Meanwhile, the USDA also reported that it has evidence that H5N1 from dairy farms has spread back into birds in nearby poultry farms, but how this is happening is also unknown.
While deadly to birds, H5N1 in cows is relatively mild, rarely if ever causing deaths. Milk from sick animals contains high levels of virus, but it is being destroyed. Even if some infected milk makes its way into the milk supply, the Food and Drug Administration is confident that the virus would be killed in the pasteurization process. “Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk,” the agency said in an FAQ Friday. Some experts have called for data confirming this, though.
OBSERVATION - Seems the major concern is expansion of the disease back into poultry. While humans have been infected, the virus has not been lethal. Needs watching in the even mutations (natural or man-directed) increase human infections and generate high death rates. Just in time for the elections - hmmmmmm.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
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It has been revealed that Hosue Speaker Mike Johnson apologized to Joe Biden in March following the State of the Union address for “the eye-roll memes that went around the world.”
According to RealClearPolitics, Johnson pulled Biden aside at the Friends of Ireland luncheon to “apologize for the eye-roll memes that went around the world.”
Biden reportedly laughed and told Johnson, “I’m just grateful you didn’t rip my speech up,” referring to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s actions during a Trump State of the Union address.
Johnson replied, “Well, Mr. President, don’t think my friends back home didn’t want me to light it on fire.”
Biden / Harris Watch –
During the rally, an abortion promoter voiced complaints about Florida’s six-week limit for abortions, during which Biden turned his back on his faith and his God and made the sign of the cross. Catholic Vote condemned his disgusting politicization of faith sharing on X, “This. Is. VILE!” They continued, “You cannot be Catholic and support abortion! You cannot invoke GOD and promote Death!”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/04/absolutely-vile-joe-biden-makes-sign-cross-abortion/
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An armed U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President Kamala Harris‘s protective detail fought unarmed with other detail agents on Monday morning. The incident occurred at Andrews AFB, shortly before Harris arrived.
The incident occurred at the Washington, D.C.-area Andrews Air Force Base, before Harris arrived, and after the agent suffered what the Secret Service has characterized as a medical incident. The Washington Examiner is aware of the agent’s name and specific detail responsibilities but is withholding those details for privacy reasons.
The Washington Examiner understands that the agent became aggressive with other agents. When the special agent in charge and a detail shift supervisor attempted to calm the agent, a physical altercation ensued. The agent was handcuffed before being withdrawn from service for medical assessment. Harris was scheduled to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base after the incident.
Rumors are that the Secret Service agent was fast-tracked through the vetting process via DEI protocols
OBSERVATION - Historically, SS agents go thru a very intense and strict vetting process to insure loose screws like this one do not get close access to protectees. If DEI is involved - I at this stage with all the woke policies and actions of the biden WH, it wouldn’t surprise me that one (or more) have bypassed the vetting process.
Cyber attacks/warfare – HEIGHTENED ALERT as of April 20, 2024
A hack that caused a small Texas town’s water system to overflow in January has been linked to a shadowy Russian hacktivist group, the latest case of a U.S. public utility becoming a target of foreign cyberattacks.
The attack was one of three on small towns in the rural Texas Panhandle. Local officials said the public was not put in any danger and the attempts were reported to federal authorities.
“There were 37,000 attempts in four days to log into our firewall,” said Mike Cypert, city manager of Hale Center, which is home to about 2,000 residents. The attempted hack failed as the city “unplugged” the system and operated it manually, he added.
In Muleshoe, about 60 miles to the west and with a population of about 5,000, hackers caused the water system to overflow before it was shut down and taken over manually by officials, city manager Ramon Sanchez told CNN. He did not immediately respond to phone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.
OBSERVATION - This is an example of manual overrides to a cyber hack being available. Problem is, manual monitoring is necessary as computer alarms may be disabled by the attack. Impacts from similar but against larger systems could bring chaos for a matter of days before these much larger and complex treatment systems can be stabilized manually. Always good to maintain a stockpile of drinking water in the event of any incident that takes out water supply. Rule of thumb is 1 gallon per person per day. Storage is cheap - 5 gallon water jugs used for camping - cycle water every 6 months or so for freshness.
Illegal Immigration –
Biden is contemplating a new executive order that would give amnesty to over 1 million undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens but were ineligible for green cards.
Biden is now exploring additional measures to address the issue of undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S. ahead of the 2024 election, the Daily Mail reports.
The “parole in place” program will allow spouses of U.S. citizens who were initially denied citizenship to reside in the country legally.
The program will address the primary reasons for denial, such as repeated illegal entry into the country or forging legal documentation.
Under the program, temporary status would allow immigrants to obtain work permits and establish a pathway toward citizenship.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13340997/joe-biden-amnesty-immigrants-married-citizens.html
OBSERVATION - This is likely only the first of many “amnesty “ EOs that biden may issue prior to the Nov elections. He is seeking to cement the placement of these interlopers in a manner that will deter Trump from deporting.
***
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the upcoming opening of international field offices in Doha, Qatar, and Ankara, Turkey, to increase capacity for refugee processing, strengthen strategic partnerships, and facilitate interagency cooperation.
USCIS staff will assume responsibility for processing Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, from State Department consular staff, assist with certain fraud detection-related activities, and provide other limited services. Services at both locations will be available only by appointment. USCIS will update the International Immigration Offices webpage to include information about the field offices, services and appointments.
With the opening of the Doha Field Office on May 7, 2024, and the Ankara Field Office on May 9, 2024, USCIS will have 11 international field offices. Other international field offices include Beijing; Guangzhou, China; Guatemala City; Havana; Mexico City; Nairobi, Kenya; New Delhi; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
https://hotair.com/david-strom/2024/04/24/us-opening-refugee-intake-centers-in-middle-east-n3787132
OBSERVATION - Not content at the massive inflow from the borders, it appears that the regime is streamlining the illegal immigration process so they can just fly into the US, rather than into central America and work their way north.
North/South Korea –
There are reports that North Korea has warned the United States that if a new version of sanctions are introduced against the DPRK..” they will conduct powerful practical actions that the United States are afraid of. “
They referenced the 2017 sanction resolution and how they conducted a more powerful nuclear test not long after..
OBSERVATION - NK rhetoric and actions have been on the rise recently. In this latest statement, NK appears to be building the case to potentially justify another nuclear test of some sort. Such a test has been on observers / analysts radar for well over a year now.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Mar 21, 2024.
Russia has taken advantage of Ukrainian ammo shortages, forcing them into primary defensive operations, and has seized the initiative following the fall of Avdiivka. Russia has reportedly concentrated 40,000 troops to sustain this offensive. The attacks are scattered along the front, concentrating on five axises of attack -
- Avdiivka,
- Maryinka,
- Robotyne,
- Kremenka and
- Bakhmut.
Russia has been able to gradually enlarge the number of soldiers in the theatre to the 400,000 range. Training and equipping of these forces is still rated very poor. Russia has drawn heavily upon ‘volunteers’ from penal colonies for their “Z” shock troops- the primary element of their meat attack (human wave) assaults against Ukraine defenses. It has been documented that ‘enforcement’ squads follow behind these ‘shock troops’ with orders to shoot any who attempt to retreat.
With the exception of Avdiivka, initial Russia attacks along the other axises have had poor results and exceptionally heavy losses. Russia continues to suffer heavy tank and APC losses. Old, cold war era tanks and APCs are becoming more and more common sights in battle fields. (formerly) Elite units like the Russian marines are routinely seen with T54/55 series tanks instead of the T72/80/90 series they were commonly equipped with. In some cases, over 70% of these newer tanks have been destroyed or captured by Ukraine.
In these other attacks, Russia continues to make poor use of fire and maneuver, preferring tank/armor ‘charges’ across open areas and down roads. This brings them into prepared kill zones where these forces are stopped and destroyed.
The most significant change in Russian tactics is on the Avdiivka front, where Russian is doing a much better job of launching what one could consider combined arms attacks.
When Ukraine lacks the artillery, Russian forces are able to penetrate in mass and overwhelm the fewer Ukrainian defenders.
Russian organization and capabilities make it unlikely that they will be able to quickly take advantage of penetrations into Ukrainian defenses. Poor training and lack of leadership at all levels, combined with poor logistic trains, will prevent any major breakouts beyond initial penetration of lines.
Shortages of Ukraine artillery ammo has permitted Russia to regain some degree of local superiority on the battlefield. Some estimates give Russia a 3:1 advantage. This is down substantially from the start of the war where it had a 10:1 advantage. Russia is relying heavily on N Korean artillery rounds and Iranian drone/missiles.
Russian appears to be continuing to shepherd its stockpile of missiles/drones for a potential effort to take down the Ukraine power grid as they did winter 2022./23 This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage. Ammo shortages are starting to impact Ukraine ADA defenses.
The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. In the latest, large missile / drone attack, the Black Sea fleet was noticeably out of action. Ukraine continues to engage and destroy Russian naval vessels..
While the Russia air force has taken significant losses at the hands of Ukraine, early in this winter/spring offensive, Russian has more aggressively conducted CAS in support of ground troops, reflecting ADA shortages. As a result, Russia has been able to locally seize air superiority at key locations along the front - the first time in two years of fighting. This has been at a cost, with a number Su-34/35 aircraft being lost in the last part of February alone as well as critical A50 AWAC systems.
Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace. putin is struggling to place his economy on wartime footing to accomplish this goal.
Unknowns at this time are how soon ammo supples will start hitting Ukrainian units. Long range ATACMS and German Taurus cruise missiles may be coming on line soon for Ukraine as well as F-16s (now reportedly due in late spring/early summer). But the most critical item is artillery ammo.
*****
General Sergei Shoigu, an ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has chillingly declared that Russia will “increase the intensity of attacks” on British and allied weapons supplied to Ukraine.
General Sergei Shoigu, an ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has chillingly declared that Russia will “increase the intensity of attacks” on British and allied weapons supplied to Ukraine.
NUCLEAR THREATS –
Russia has vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council calling on all countries to prevent an arms race in outer space.
The draft resolution, put forward by the US and Japan, sought to reaffirm a principle already set out in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
The US has warned that Russia is believed to be developing a space-based, anti-satellite nuclear weapon.
Russia said it was “firmly committed” to the existing treaty.
The draft, put forward on Wednesday, called on “all States, in particular those with major space capabilities, to contribute actively to the objective of the peaceful use of outer space and of the prevention of an arms race in outer space.”
It also called on countries to uphold the Outer Space Treaty, under which all parties agreed “not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction”.
Of the council’s 15 members, 13 voted in favour, while Russia - one of five permanent members with a veto - voted against and China abstained.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-68894500
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs continue in the 60-70 range with some local highs into the 80s. Mostly dry thru the forecast period.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Brutal fighting continues on the eastern Ukraine front.
The US has secretly shipped long-range ATACMS to Ukraine. Ukraine has already used them twice on Russian positions inside occupied Ukraine. US to send more in the $1bn package Biden just greenlit
Outlook —
Artillery ammo and replacement ADA missiles are key to Ukraine being able to stabilize the front. The question is how quickly will US supplies reach the front and how effective will Russian interdiction of those supplies be. Currently Russia has the edge.
Long range ATACMS will not by themselves turn the tide, but will put hurt on Russian HQ, logistics and air bases throughout the theatre. Along with more British cruise missiles, Ukraine may well start an even more aggressive deep strike campaign. Whether or not this includes taking out the Kersch Bridge is not certain at this time as Russia has established rail lines to support the fight in eastern Ukraine whereas the bridge supports operations in southern Ukraine / Crimea and would only be critical should Ukraine launch a major effort to retake that area.
Also noting a lot more Russian nuclear saber rattling directed towards NATO countries. Escalate to deescalate in progress again.
Belarus -
Lukashenka says probability of incidents on the border with Ukraine is “quite high”, adds that around 120,000 Ukrainian soldiers deployed near the border.
“There will be no aggression against Poland from the territory of Belarus. “We don’t need this””
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Hama released a video of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
- IDF increasing actions in preparation for the Rafah operation.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Lest we forget - there are still hostages being held in Gaza.
***
Egypt asked Israel to engage in negotiations again in exchange for freezing the attack on Rafah
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Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya - “We will not back down from our demands for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza”
***
Hamas on Wednesday released a propaganda video showing Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who has not been seen since he was kidnapped during the terrorist group’s attacks on Israel on Oct. 7.
Goldberg-Polin, 23, identified himself as an Israeli in the video and commented he had been held hostage for “nearly 200 days,” an indication the video was recorded recently, according to The Times of Israel.
The video, which runs almost three minutes long, shows Goldberg-Polin asking the Israeli government to bring the hostages home.The young man is missing his left arm from the elbow down. He lost his limb when Hamas terrorists attacked the Supernova rave in the Negev desert in the early hours of Oct. 7. Video from the onslaught showed Goldberg-Polin’s arm was blown off when Hamas terrorists threw hand grenades into a shelter where he and others tried to hide.
***
Hamas and their supporters are claiming that Israel conducted field executions at the Nasser Medical Complex and buried the bodies in a mass grave.
The IDF denied the “completely baseless” claim and highlighted that the Palestinians had dug and buried individuals in the mass graves prior to and during the IDF’s operation in the region.
Hamas terrorists were using the hospitals as their place of operations, with the IDF arresting hundreds of its operatives at the locations.
The IDF further noted that based on intelligence, they had searched the mass graves in a “targeted” and “respectful” manner in an effort to locate Israeli hostages who may have been buried there.
***
Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of standing “shoulder to shoulder with the rapists and murderers of Hamas” for declining to include the terror group in a report published Tuesday on organizations suspected by the UN of committing acts of sexual violence during conflict.
The document, titled “Conflict-related sexual violence,” and published as a “Report of the Secretary-General,” noted there is evidence that sex crimes were committed during the Palestinian terror group Hamas’s devastating October 7 attack on Israel, but did not specifically attribute responsibility to Hamas.
The ministry elaborated in the statement that Guterres ignored “the plethora of testimony and evidence that was collected and then included in the report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten.”
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Airplanes launched a series of raids on areas near the Palestinian-Egyptian border south of Rafah.
News reports of Israeli tanks and tactical bulldozers moving towards the Gaza border at Rafah amid renewed reports of the Rafah operation being “imminent”
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
IAF conducted a significant number of air strikes on S Lebanon - around 40 - yesterday. Some of the strikes hit Baalbek, deep inside Lebanon, according to local reports
Overnight and this morning, more ATGMs and mortar shells were launched from Lebanon towards Israel. Israeli army retaliated with air strikes and artillery fire.
-Gallant announces -
“Half of the Hezbollah commanders in south Lebanon have been eliminated… & the other half hide & abandon south Lebanon to IDF operations,”
NOTE - Probably a high level of propaganda in this statement
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
Rumint. Iranian Regime has pulled its forces out of Syria after Israel has wrecked them
———WEST BANK——————————-
Israeli security forces continues to raid numerous areas, arresting terrorism suspects.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
CENTCOM reported that they successfully engaged one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas in Yemen over the Gulf of Aden. The ASBM was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated vessel with 18 U.S. and four Greek crew members.
——— FORECAST ————————-
As noted yesterday, Israeli operations will ebb and flow based on the tactical and strategic situation. The significant air strikes across S Lebanon and even going into the Baalbek region are an example.
Still the estimation is that it may take up to 3 weeks to complete evacuations of Rafah, there are some indicators that Israel may begin operations before that period - as a potential scheme to surprise Hamas. Moving tanks and other equipment to the border and commencing significant air strikes on the southern margins of the town suggest that they will be ready to strike into the town quickly if ordered.