Good morning. Here’s your Daily Situational Awareness for Wednesday, 07 July 2021. You can receive this daily intel brief by signing up at https://forwardobserver.com/daily-sa
TODAY’S SA:
- Critical Race Theory a focus of the nation’s largest teachers conference
- Grocers are stocking up inventories in anticipation of rising inflation
- Fires in Canada are disrupting imports for the U.S.
- Congressional gridlock likely seen as a strategic weakness
- Israel is probing a possible Iranian attack
- Tropical Storm Elsa continues to batter Southeast
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
FOOD: Many grocers are stockpiling food products in anticipation of continued rising prices. The largest U.S.-based cooperative food wholesaler is increasing stockpiles by 25% based on price increase announcements by food suppliers. Another wholesaler is increasing purchases by 15-20%. The USDA projects food prices will increase between 3-4% this year. (RECOMMENDATION: Find local alternatives through direct-buy meat and produce programs if available in your region or community. Consider longer-term storage options like deep freezers or dry storage to mitigate future supply disruptions. – D.M.)
FIRES: Rail freight in Canada is being halted due to wildfires damaging tracks. This slowdown is causing delays up to 96 hours for berthing, and creating a substantial backlog for imports and exports. Shipping companies are trying to mitigate their delays with truckers but analysts expect retail impacts shortly for some customers reliant on Canadian goods. (AC: Canada is the second-largest U.S. trading partner. Top imports include mineral fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas; vehicles, including models from Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford; agricultural products, and machinery. – M.S.)
TEACH: Critical Race Theorist Ibrahim X. Kendi is scheduled to speak at this week’s American Federation of Teachers’ TEACH Conference, held from 06-10 July in Boston, MA. The topic of Kendi’s speech is “developing anti-racist mindsets and actions inside and outside classrooms.” Conservatives are driving campaigns to ban Critical Race Theory from state education curriculums, while teachers unions favor continuing to teach it. – M.S.
SPENDING: Before their return to Washington, Republicans are publicly saying they will not support many legislative agenda items. Democrats will use the reconciliation process to achieve their legislative goals. This change in political posture will renew calls by media and politicians to get rid of the Senate filibuster and use simple-majority passage until the 2022 midterms. (AC: The brinkmanship game is back in Congress as lines are being drawn over August’s debt-ceiling and continuing resolution. The sustained instability and lack of cohesion will be viewed as a substantial vulnerability internationally. – D.M.)
ATTACK?: Israeli defense officials are looking into a possible attack on one of its container ships. The ship may have been hit by a missile, although there were no casualties and limited damage. While not confirmed, fingers are pointed at Iran. Back in June, Iran lost its largest navy ship after a fire broke out. It ended up sinking in the Gulf of Oman. This may be another tit-for-tat move in the ongoing gray zone conflict between Israel and Iran. – M.S.
HAZARDS WARNING
HURRICANE SEASON: Tropical Storm Elsa made landfall in Florida and is expected to weaken as it moves through the Southeast. Elsa will likely remain a tropical cyclone as it moves up the East Coast. Delayed impacts to infrastructure are possible as excess storm water flows out for several days following the tropical storm. Check your local resources for impacts and delays.
In today’s Early Warning, Dustin takes a look at Russian and Chinese activities in the Western Hemisphere, including inside the United States. And Max has a roll-up of upcoming unrest this week, including likely violent protests and riots. Upgrade your situational awareness to situational understanding here: https://forwardobserver.com/subscribe