Russian missile hits Poland, as the west assesses the attack on a NATO member
Reports a Russian missile has landed in Poland, killing two people. A projectile struck an area where grain was drying in the village of Przewodów, near the Ukraine border.
An anonymous U.S. intelligence official suggested a barrage of Russian missiles hit the Ukrainian power grid, and spilt into neighbouring Poland.
Poland is a NATO member, therefore, this signifies a potential escalation to the ongoing war. It also marks the first time weapons have impacted a NATO country.
Emergency talks
Currently, the Polish government are holding urgent talks. A Polish spokesman Piotr Mueller has confirmed that top leaders are holding an emergency meeting regarding the “crisis situation.”
Under Article 5 of NATO, an attack on one country is considered an attack on all.
The White House has not confirmed the reports but the Pentagon is assessing the situation.
“I don’t want to speculate or get in hypotheticals. When it comes to our security commitments in Article 5—we’ve been crystal clear that we will defend every inch of NATO territory.”
Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary
While NATO has taken collective defence measures on several occasions, including in response to the situation in Syria and the Russian invasion of Ukraine—it has only invoked Article 5 once.
For the first time in its history after the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States, NATO evoked Article 5 and came to the defence of the United States.
“Terror is not limited to our national borders.
Russian missiles hit Poland. To fire missiles at NATO territory.
This is a Russian missile attack on collective security! This is a very significant escalation. We must act.”
Spoke with President Duda @prezydentpl about the explosion in #Poland. I offered my condolences for the loss of life. #NATO is monitoring the situation and Allies are closely consulting. Important that all facts are established.
Holly is an anchor and reporter at Ticker. She's experienced in live reporting, and has previously covered the Covid-19 pandemic on-location. She's passionate about telling stories in business, climate and health.
A new report has raised concerns about potential power shortages this summer in several Australian states. With temperatures expected to soar, experts warn that the electricity grid could be under significant strain.
The report, released by the Energy Authority of Australia, highlights that New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia are at the greatest risk of experiencing blackouts. Increased demand for electricity due to air conditioning use during hot summer days is the primary driver of this concern.
The report suggests that immediate measures should be taken to mitigate these risks. These measures include improving grid infrastructure, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing demand-side management programs to reduce peak electricity consumption.
Energy Minister Sarah Thompson acknowledged the challenges but assured the public that the government is actively working on solutions to prevent power shortages. She stated, “We are committed to ensuring a stable and reliable power supply during the summer months.”
As the summer approaches, Australians will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure a steady power supply during the hottest days. #featured
New details about the relationship between the failed FTX boss and politicians and business leaders has been laid bare.
It’s been revealed that Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of FTX crypto exchange, explored the idea of offering former President Donald Trump a substantial sum of money to dissuade him from running for president again.
The proposition is detailed in an upcoming book that promises to shed light on behind-the-scenes dealings and unconventional political strategies.
#featured
Enhancing National Preparedness: The Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
On October 4, the United States is set to conduct a crucial nationwide emergency alert system test, a vital evaluation of the nation’s ability to disseminate critical information effectively during emergencies.
This upcoming test is a significant event, not just as a routine check but also in response to notable past incidents that underscore the imperative of a robust emergency alert system. One such incident took place on January 13, 2018, in the state of Hawaii, when an accidental alert was issued via the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System.
This alert, transmitted across various media platforms including television, radio, and cellphones, advised citizens to seek shelter due to an incoming ballistic missile, concluding with the chilling declaration: “This is not a drill.”
The subsequent 38 minutes and 13 seconds were filled with panic and uncertainty, until state officials clarified that the alert had resulted from a miscommunication during a routine drill at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The incident prompted a public apology from David Ige, the governor of Hawaii, acknowledging the distress it had caused.
Additionally, it triggered investigations by the Federal Communications Commission and the Hawaii House of Representatives, ultimately leading to the resignation of the state’s emergency management administrator. This incident served as a stark reminder of the critical importance of a well-functioning, error-free emergency alert system.
Fast forward to the present, the nation is preparing for the upcoming nationwide emergency alert system test scheduled for October 4. At the designated time, a loud alert tone will resonate across all devices, followed by a test message that clearly identifies its nature as a simulation meant to evaluate the readiness and functionality of the emergency alert infrastructure. This exercise aims to assure citizens that the emergency alert system is well-prepared and efficient in conveying vital information during a crisis.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to this test, acquaint themselves with the alert sound and message, and comprehend its profound significance in the broader context of preparedness for potential emergencies in the future. The October 4 nationwide emergency alert system test represents a commitment to learning from past incidents and continuously improving preparedness measures to protect citizens and ensure a resilient society. It highlights the nation’s dedication to enhancing its communication systems, thereby reinforcing the safety and security of its populace.