The Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s marine terminal in Novorossiysk suspended oil loadings following a Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel attack on November 29th, resulting in severe damage to the SPM-2 single point mooring unit. Cargo operations were halted, and tankers were moved out of CPC waters as a result. The attack triggered the shutdown of pipelines, preventing potential oil spills, and environmental monitoring is currently underway. This incident follows previous attacks on the terminal, and contributes to the ongoing disruption of Russian oil export infrastructure.
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A military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Trump’s birthday, is planned for June 14th in Washington, D.C. The event, featuring approximately 9,000 soldiers, over 130 vehicles, and a large aerial display, is estimated to cost $45 million, with up to $16 million allocated for street repairs following the parade. The Army is implementing preventative measures, including steel plates and modified tank tracks, to minimize street damage. The parade’s route will follow Constitution Avenue, showcasing various eras of military history.
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Two people tragically lost their lives in Pennsylvania as a result of severe weather that swept across the Midwest, Heartland, and Eastern regions of the country. The storm’s impact was particularly devastating in Pittsburgh, where a rare direct hit left much of the city struggling with widespread power outages and significant infrastructure damage. Schools throughout the region remain closed due to the ongoing power disruptions.
The unpredictable nature of the power outages is adding to the challenges, with affected areas seemingly scattered on a block-by-block basis. This erratic pattern is causing considerable traffic congestion as numerous traffic lights remain non-functional. The situation highlights the vulnerability of communities to severe weather events, and raises concerns about the potential for further injuries and fatalities.… Continue reading
A nationwide power outage in Sri Lanka resulted from a monkey’s intrusion into a Colombo substation, causing a system imbalance. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody confirmed the primate’s contact with a transformer as the source of the disruption. Power was progressively restored later that Sunday. This incident comes after Sri Lanka experienced extensive blackouts in 2022 due to an economic crisis and fuel shortages.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood