Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 27, 2024

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LAW’s NUCLEAR WORLD NEWS TODAY AND THE RISKS & CONSEQUENCES OF TOMORROW

This human interest story from the “New Yorker” is very much worth reading, enjoying, and assimilating the entire article for its worthwhile sharing of values for all of us — friend or foe. I already know that one of my faithful readers who will soon be relocating to New Mexico, will take a great interest in what this article has to tell us all not only about New Mexico, but our entire country and the world . . .

Donald Trump’s shortcomings and associated nuclear-linked braggadocio attitude toward the United States’ nuclear war power is well-documented in this article. Just this one paragraph concerning the nuclear dangers of Trump as President should alarm you — even if you have been aware of his arrogant attitude toward the rest of the world when it comes to nuclear weapons of mass destruction. The story also quotes his now famous quote about the nuclear muscle of the United States. Here is a short copy of what the story says about that:

Donald Trump’s stance on nuclear weapons has been one of obsessive and reckless bombast. During his first term, Trump reportedly said, “If nuclear war happens, we won’t be second in line pressing the button.” He used social media to brag about the size of the U.S. arsenal and taunted Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea.

America and the entire world’s countries needs desperately to awaken and unite against the nuclear powers (even if we are living in one of them) and take action against this power-crazed man as well the similar leaders of other nuclear-armed nations. But it was Donald J. Trump who defined the word “woke” as “bullshit” just a few days ago . . . ~ llaw

New Mexico’s Nuclear-Weapons Boom

Los Alamos is growing at a pace not seen since J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project.

By Abe Streep

December 27, 2024

On a recent Wednesday, ten students filed into a classroom at Northern New Mexico College, in the town of Española, to learn about the dangers of nuclear radiation. The students ranged in age from nineteen to forty-four. Most of them were in a program designed to train radiation-control technicians to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the birthplace of the atomic bomb, which is once again rapidly expanding to supply the nation with nuclear weapons.

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Reporting and commentary on what you need to know today.

Los Alamos was built in secret during the Second World War—J. Robert Oppenheimer directed the lab there as part of the Manhattan Project. The town hovers high above the Española valley, on a handsome mesa called the Pajarito Plateau. Originally, the only way to access the enclave was through two gates. Today, it accepts visitors but remains a company town, housing many of the lab’s scientists and high-level staffers. The community has a population of about thirteen thousand, and boasts one of the nation’s densest concentrations of millionaires. In New Mexico, such wealth is rare. Española, which sits on the Rio Grande and is a twenty-five-minute drive away, has a median household income of fifty thousand dollars, a poverty rate approaching twenty per cent, and an entrenched fentanyl crisis.

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Northern’s small campus, where cottonwood trees front adobe-colored buildings, is usually quiet, since many of its students commute or study online. The school offers both a trades program and what it calls the most affordable bachelor’s degree in the Southwest. Many students are studying for a career in social work, to combat the ravages of drugs, or hoping to secure a job at the lab. An Air Force veteran named Scott Braley teaches all of the school’s radiation-safety courses. He often wears a T-shirt that reads “Radiate Positivity.”

When I visited, Braley and his students were midway through an introductory safety course. The lecture focussed not on Chernobyl or Fukushima but on less catastrophic accidents, including an incident at an Iranian oil refinery in which a janitor accidentally picked up radioactive equipment, and a medical-exposure case involving breast-cancer patients. “This is the scale of event I worry about,” Braley said. If a wildfire overtook the lab, or Russia launched an attack on New Mexico, which represents the nexus of America’s nuclear-weapons complex, there would not be much for a lab technician to do. Braley wanted students to consider quotidian risks that they could prevent themselves. “We’ve had fatalities at Los Alamos,” he told them. News articles highlighting lapses at the lab were pinned on a bulletin board outside his office. Next to one story, about a Los Alamos worker who took a radioactive swipe home, he had scrawled, “Don’t do that!”

In recent years, Los Alamos has been essential to a sweeping 1.7-trillion-dollar update of the country’s nuclear arsenal, which comes as China expands its atomic-weapons program and Russia assumes a newly confrontational stance. The U.S. government has nearly five thousand nuclear warheads, close to two thousand of which are deployed inside submarines, bombs, and intercontinental ballistic missiles. It also has thousands of plutonium pits—the fissionable cores of those warheads—in storage. But the plutonium in the stockpile is aging. Despite statements from groups such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, which argue that the arsenal remains sufficiently deadly to serve as deterrence, the government insists that it needs new warheads.

The nuclear-weapons overhaul involves facilities spread out across the United States. Its projects include fabricating new missiles, installing thousands of miles of fibre-optic transmission lines, building new computer centers at Air Force bases, and refurbishing the underground chambers where missileers control weapons. But Los Alamos is the only lab that is capable of actually producing the plutonium pits. (A second facility, in South Carolina, hopes to begin producing pits by 2032, but it is still under construction.) In the past two years, the lab has hired two thousand and seven hundred new employees. Traffic often clogs the road winding from Española, past the Pueblo de San Ildefonso and up the Pajarito Plateau. The private contractors who run the lab—Triad, which develops warheads, and N3B, which cleans up old waste from the Manhattan Project—have urgently recruited radiation technicians, electricians, welders, and even writers for its communications team. (Its staff includes former journalists from Outside magazine, which moved from Santa Fe to Boulder a few years ago.)

To support the boom, Los Alamos has invested millions of dollars in vocational pipeline programs at local colleges. Some of these programs teach transferrable skills—welding, electrical work. Others, like the radiation-tech program at Northern, are more likely to keep graduates tethered to Los Alamos. Radiation technicians at the lab use Geiger counters to make sure that scientists’ radiation levels are within a healthy range. They also monitor the rooms where workers move radioactive materials into secure containers. Salaries range from sixty-six thousand dollars to nearly twice that amount. On Española’s outskirts, near signs warning about fentanyl, billboards advertise the pipeline program with patriotic verve: “Support our community, serve our nation.”

New Mexico’s state budget is just above ten billion dollars. The federal government spends about as much money on just two laboratories: Sandia, in Albuquerque, which designs weapon components such as detonators, and Los Alamos. Kirtland Air Force Base, which stores nuclear weapons, has a budget of nearly two billion dollars. An underground nuclear-waste repository in New Mexico’s southern desert also receives federal funding; after a fire and an unrelated radiological release at the facility, ten years ago, the Department of Energy spent nearly five hundred million dollars on an update to its safety infrastructure. “It’s gone from being a company town to being a company state,” Zia Mian, the co-director of a program on science and global security at Princeton, said.

The interns in Braley’s class were already training with Triad and N3B. “They recruit us, send us to school, and pay for our school,” a student named Stevannah Marquez, who had grown up in the nearby village of Chimayó, said. Marquez, who is twenty-five, wore a Care Bears T-shirt and a necklace adorned with a cross. She had a job as a dialysis technician, but it paid less than what she expected to earn at Los Alamos. “An opportunity is given by God,” she said.

America’s rearmament is rooted in a deal that Barack Obama struck with Congress in 2010. Obama was strongly aligned with the philosophy of nuclear non-proliferation, which had driven a steady reduction in the U.S. stockpile since the end of the Cold War. His soaring rhetoric about a world free of nuclear weapons had helped win him the Nobel Peace Prize, and his views had bipartisan support. But, in many states, weapons production meant jobs. When Obama was working to secure congressional support for a nuclear-coöperation agreement with Moscow, Republican senators asked, in return, that he sign off on modernizing the country’s arsenal. He agreed.

At that point, nuclear-weapons development in Los Alamos was only one part of the lab’s remit. Its scientists had also carried out advanced research into nuclear energy, hydraulic fracturing, hydrogen storage, fuel-cell development, and carbon capture and sequestration. But, in 2015, Congress instructed the National Nuclear Security Administration to prepare to build new warheads, and Los Alamos refocussed its mission. A scientist there told me, “The center of mass has shifted from ‘We are a multipurpose lab’ to ‘We are an honest-to-goodness weapons laboratory, and that’s what’s going to dominate.’ ” He likened it to a factory.

The lab is supposed to be building the capacity to produce thirty war-ready plutonium pits per year. So far, it has created just one, even as the budget has tripled. Mounting international tensions have only increased the pressure. According to the Defense Department, China has developed more than six hundred operational nuclear warheads, and it could have twice as many by 2030. The treaty that Obama signed with Russia in 2010 expires next year, and it is not expected to be renewed. Last June, in an address recorded for the annual meeting of the Arms Control Association, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, warned of the creeping threat of nuclear war. “Humanity is on a knife’s edge,” he said. In 2023, Russia de-ratified a landmark nuclear-testing-ban treaty, and in November, following Ukraine’s use of long-range American missiles, Vladimir Putin lowered his country’s threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.

Donald Trump’s stance on nuclear weapons has been one of obsessive and reckless bombast. During his first term, Trump reportedly said, “If nuclear war happens, we won’t be second in line pressing the button.” He used social media to brag about the size of the U.S. arsenal and taunted Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea. His Administration also signalled interest in reviving America’s defunct underground weapons-testing program. In preparation for his second term, he has adopted Ronald Reagan’s old motto—“Peace through strength.” But his military aims have been difficult to pin down, and the views of his presumptive cabinet are scattershot. Sharon Weiner, a professor of foreign policy and global security at American University, said that Trump’s nominees appear “willing to violate norms and rules that have been in place for a long time.”

Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., as fears about China reach a fever pitch, a sense of alarm is seeping into discussions about nuclear policy. During a recent panel, Robert Peters, a fellow at the Heritage Foundation who once worked as a lead strategist for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, discussed the slow progress at Los Alamos with frustration. “Let’s waive the environmental regulations, blow up the mountain, pave it over, build a highway that you need to get there, fire everyone who’s not building warheads,” Peters said. Increasingly, politicians have advocated boosting the number of nuclear weapons—not just updating the existing ones. “The U.S. is embarking on a pair of arms races,” Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said. “You hear from both Democrats and Republicans that expansion is inevitable.”

In Los Alamos, it is widely acknowledged that, during the Manhattan Project, environmental concerns were not a priority. Nuclear waste was simply dumped in the ground. This past August, a retired chemistry professor from Northern Arizona University named Michael Ketterer, who has studied nuclear sites around the West, announced that he had found what he called “the most extreme plutonium-contamination scenario” he has seen in an area close to Los Alamos. (The Department of Energy and the laboratory maintain that the radiation levels at the site are safe.) Worker-safety issues have also been a problem. In 2013, weapons development at the lab’s plutonium facility temporarily ceased after a series of incidents, including one in which staff members arranged plutonium rods together, for a photo opportunity, in a scenario that could have sparked an enormous nuclear reaction.

The contractors in charge of the lab maintain that they have learned from past errors. But the recent pressure to produce appears to align with a culture of haste. One of the oversight agencies that inspects the lab has published reports that reveal a concerning number of safety breaches. Last summer, plutonium was found on the hands of a worker who had handled radiological material without gloves. (“A key corrective action planned from this event is additional reinforcement of glove usage requirements,” the inspector wrote.) The following week, the same inspector reported that a glove box containing radioactive material had cracked, prompting an evacuation of personnel. A year earlier, a newly hired radiation-control technician was found to have been working for weeks without a dosimeter, the device with which workers monitor their exposure to radioactive materials. Suggested corrective actions included “ensuring that newly qualified RCTs receive their dosimeters prior to starting work.”

Like many of the people I spoke to in Española, Braley had complex feelings about the lab at Los Alamos. During the lecture I attended, he told students that, with incidents of radiation exposure, there was often no one to blame—accidents were more likely to be an unfortunate confluence of events in the presence of unforgiving materials. But he also reserved the right to skepticism. “I don’t feel like the workforce has really adopted a safety mentality,” he told me, of Los Alamos. “I think what they’ve got is a production mentality: ‘We have to meet certain milestones, and we don’t want to let a little bit of contamination slow us down.’ ”

More than twenty-five years ago, Congress, recognizing that Los Alamos’s economic dominance had been unhealthy for northern New Mexico, passed a law creating a foundation that would attempt to address inequities. The Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation now funds workplace-training programs and provides scholarships for nearby students, regardless of whether they go on to work at the lab. When I asked Alvin Warren, a member of the Santa Clara Pueblo and the foundation’s vice-president of policy and impact, what he hoped the region would look like in thirty years, he said, “That my grandchildren can hunt elk in our canyon and not worry about whether it’s safe to eat; that they can go to school where they want and pursue whatever career they think is appropriate for them; that, if they believe strongly that the lab is not a good place to work, they don’t feel compelled to work there.”

The contractors who run Los Alamos maintain that they, too, are trying to improve economic outcomes in the area. “We are trying to build a workforce for the entire region,” Rebecca Estrada, who oversees Los Alamos’s recruitment efforts, told me. The lab provides funding for the training of math and science teachers, and backs an apprenticeship program for early-education workers. It partners with a union representing welders, plumbers, and electricians that recruits kids out of high school. But the lab’s ubiquity also creates a narrow set of options. “It limits other types of economic growth and productivity,” Frank Loera, who directs the career-and-technical-education program at Northern New Mexico College, said.

Stevannah Marquez, Braley’s student from Chimayó, told me that she’d grown up with an embedded understanding of the risks of working at Los Alamos. As a child, she heard about numerous people and relatives who became ill after working at the lab. One friend, she said, was paralyzed from his exposures. “Older generations didn’t have the justice,” she told me. But, she added, optimistically, “We know now what to do.”

Marquez’s ties to northern New Mexico are deep. Her home town, which is situated in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, east of Española, is the terminus of a revered annual pilgrimage. In the week before Easter, New Mexico’s highways fill with people walking to the Santuario de Chimayó, a Catholic church. Every year, Marquez leaves water for the pilgrims outside her house. “I will never leave Chimayó,” she said. But her allegiance to her home has also curtailed her options. Chimayó has suffered from the opioid epidemic, and local jobs are limited. Marquez said that leaving her job in medicine was bittersweet. “I love taking care of people,” she told me. After her years with sick patients, she liked the idea of keeping workers at the lab safe. She hoped that one day she might be able to find a job cleaning up the environment—perhaps removing waste from the Manhattan Project that sits atop the canyons that funnel the summer monsoons into the Rio Grande. “Furthering your knowledge and understanding of anything is always a good opportunity,” Marquez said, “even if it may seem like it’s the only one.” ♦

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ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’a ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA:

(Please note that the Sunday and Saturday NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS are also added below by category, following Monday’s news posts in order to maintain continuity of nuclear news as well as for research for the overall information provided in “LLAW;s All Things Nuclear”.)

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There is one Yellowstone Caldera bonus story available in today’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Friday, (12/27/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

Cautious optimism surrounds plans for the world’s first nuclear fusion power plant

The Week

While nuclear power plants have become ubiquitous, they all operate … And there is also heavy support on the business side of things for the plant.

Pompeo issues warning about Iranian nuclear threat: ‘Make sure this never happens’

YouTube

… all-encompassing news service delivering breaking news as well as political and business news. The number one network in cable, FNC has been the …

Inside the world’s first nuclear reactor that will power Earth using the same energy as the Sun

Euronews

… things, we need to make one as big as … Remember in the 50s when they promised nuclear reactors were going to solve all the world’s problems?

Nuclear Power

NEWS

Inside the world’s first nuclear reactor that will power Earth using the same energy as the Sun

Euronews.com

Euronews Next went behind the scenes at the world’s largest nuclear fusion device attempting to harness the same reaction that powers the Sun and …

Why Nuclear Energy is Suddenly Making a Comeback – YouTube

YouTube

In the 2010s, US nuclear plants were struggling to compete against cheap natural gas and renewable energy sources. But the intensifying threat of …

Earthquake-prone Indonesia considers nuclear power plan as 29 possible plant sites revealed – ABC

ABC

Indonesia’s energy council has proposed 29 sites for nuclear power plants in a bid to secure reliable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

Ukrenergo has shown the power outage schedules for December 27: possible force majeure – 112

112

Accidents and Emergencies · Ukrenergo has … Czech company secretly supplied critical equipment for Ukrainian nuclear power plant today, 06:21.

Nuclear War

NEWS

Russia warns the United States on possible nuclear testing under Trump | Reuters

Reuters

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov attends a meeting chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin on operational issues at the …

Nuclear bunker sales up in 2024, but experts warn not a solution – NewsNation

NewsNation

Sales for private underground bunkers increased in 2024 · The invasion of Ukraine, war in Gaza and COVID-19 drove sales · Some professionals w..

New Mexico’s Nuclear-Weapons Boom | The New Yorker

The New Yorker

Abe Streep on the push to reinvigorate nuclear-weapons production at Los Alamos, New Mexico, the birthplace of the atomic bomb and J. Robert …

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

Trump once wanted to curb the threat of nuclear war. He should try again.

The Boston Globe

He is an iconoclastic leader who brings novel risks and possible benefits to the struggle to prevent nuclear war. The nuclear threat is great — and …

Opinion: Nuclear weapons are not a fact of life – The Salt Lake Tribune

The Salt Lake Tribune

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the growing risk of nuclear war today. Russia is making regular nuclear threats. America is undertaking a large …

Iran’s turbulent 2025: Nuclear tensions, economic struggles, rising regional risks – Al Arabiya

Al Arabiya

… nuclear weapons, the specter of an Israeli military strike grows ever more likely. Israel has long considered Iran’s nuclear ambitions a direct threat

Yellowstone Caldera

NEWS

Experts Warn Of Imminent Risk From Volcanic Eruptions – The Pinnacle Gazette

Evrim Ağacı

For example, ice core samples reveal the eruption of the Samalas volcano … Helens and Yellowstone caldera, require comprehensive evacuation and …

IAEA Weekly News

27 December 2024

A look back at 2024’s big moments and more, read the top news and stories published on IAEA.org this week.

24 December 2024

IAEA Director General Visits Paraguay to Strengthen Cooperation on Nuclear Sciences and Energy for Development

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited Paraguay as part of ongoing support for the country’s use of nuclear science to advance its development in the areas of food security, cancer care and clean energy. Read more →

23 December 2024

Top ‘Nuclear Explained’ Reads in 2024

The IAEA’s ‘Nuclear Explained’ series takes scientific and technical subjects related to nuclear topics and makes them easier to understand. Here are our top five explainers from 2024. Read more →

20 December 2024

IAEA Year in Review 2024

The IAEA had another eventful year in 2024, expanding its work to support peace and development even further out into the world. Read more →

NUCLEAR INSANITY & THE LAST DAYS OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY . . . ~ LLAW

Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 26, 2024

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LLAW’s NUCLEAR WORLD NEWS TODAY AND THE RISKS & CONSEQUENCES OF TOMORROW

These following statements are the final two paragraphs in this “Al Jazeera” article, and may help explain this attack on Ukraine on Christmas Day:

“Both sides are racing to secure an advantage before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised a swift end to the conflict.

This has led to concerns that Washington might push Kyiv into accepting a settlement favourable to Moscow.”

Someone said, ”All’s fair in love and war”, and a Christmas Day attack could be a signal from Russia that Ukraine will not be allowed to continue their independence and young democracy by remaining a US/NATO supported county. Trump’s role is questionable, but his concept to end the war will most likely be to offer in Russia’s favor, which, if Kiev agrees, n doubt under distress, will give the Kremlin back to Putin — the same place it was before Putin was at the end of Trump’s first term as president, but without Trump’s U.S. authority, the renewed military attacks by Russia on Ukraine was reignited in early February of 2022, no longer blessed with Trump’s then out-of -office apolitical support to Moscow. ~llaw

News|Russia-Ukraine war

Biden condemns Russia’s ‘outrageous’ Christmas attack on Ukraine

Biden promises surge in weapons deliveries to Ukraine after drone and missile barrage hits its power grid.

Published On 26 Dec 202426 Dec 2024

United States President Joe Biden has labelled as “outrageous” a Russian Christmas day attack on Ukraine’s power grid, promising a “surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine”.

Moscow launched more than 170 missiles and drones on Ukraine on Wednesday, targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The strikes, which killed an energy worker, hit a thermal power plant and prompted Ukrainians to take shelter in metro stations on Christmas morning.

“The United States will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in its defence against Russian forces,” the outgoing president said in a statement.

“The purpose of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity during winter and to jeopardise the safety of its grid,” Biden added.

The strikes on Ukrainian fuel and energy sources included 78 air, ground and sea-launched missiles as well as 106 Shaheds and other types of drones, Ukraine’s air force said. It claimed to have intercepted 59 missiles and 54 drones, with 52 more drones being jammed.

“Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane?” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X. “The target is our energy infrastructure.”

This was the 13th large-scale strike on Ukraine’s energy system this year, the latest in Russia’s campaign targeting the power grid during winter.

Ukrainian plots foiled

Meanwhile, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Thursday that it had thwarted a plan by Ukrainian intelligence to kill senior Russian officers and their families in Moscow, according to the state-run TASS news agency.

Earlier this month, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, chief of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops, was killed by Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service in Moscow when a bomb attached to an electric scooter exploded.

Russia on Thursday said five people had died in Ukrainian attacks and from a falling drone in the border region of Kursk and North Ossetia in the Caucasus on Wednesday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday cautioned that Russia would respond to Ukraine’s attacks, carried out with Western missiles and drones.

Russia targets only military facilities and infrastructure and “it’s not in our rules to strike civilian targets,” Lavrov said.

Celebrating Christmas amid attacks

Ukraine officially celebrated Christmas on December 25 for the second time, after the government last year changed the date from January 7, when most Orthodox believers celebrate, as a snub to Russia.

Nearly 200 people paraded through the centre of Kyiv, singing Christmas carols.

The Christmas day attack also targeted Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, located near the Russian border. At least seven strikes sparked fires across the city, regional head Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. At least three people were injured, local authorities said.

Attacks continued overnight, with the Ukrainian military announcing on Thursday it shot down 20 drones out of 31 launched by Russia.

Outnumbered Ukrainian forces are now on the back foot across the front line in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions further south, ceding ground to better-equipped Russian troops.

Both sides are racing to secure an advantage before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised a swift end to the conflict.

This has led to concerns that Washington might push Kyiv into accepting a settlement favourable to Moscow.

Keep reading

list of 4 items

list 1 of 4

Over 1,000 North Korean soldiers killed or wounded in Ukraine war: Seoul

list 2 of 4

Is Ukraine’s largest church still pro-Russian?

list 3 of 4

Russian attacks kill one in Ukraine, damage energy infrastructure

list 4 of 4

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,036

end of list

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ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’a ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA:

(Please note that the Sunday and Saturday NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS are also added below by category, following Monday’s news posts in order to maintain continuity of nuclear news as well as for research for the overall information provided in “LLAW;s All Things Nuclear”.)

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There are three Yellowstone Caldera bonus stories available in today’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Thursday, (12/26/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

Opinion | Nuclear Weapons Are Not a Fact of Life – The New York Times

The New York Times

… all played crucial roles in challenging the nuclear status quo. Thanks … A key tool is to change the way we talk about nuclear weapons.

Westinghouse’s Microreactor Milestone: a New Era in Nuclear Power? | Watch – MSN

MSN

The eVinci microreactor promises efficient, long-lasting energy production on a small footprint, but concerns about nuclear waste and safety persist.

AI energy demand creates nuclear renaissance, but it’s not without critics | The National

The National

There is still debate and continuing studies about the potential health effects stemming from the accident. Constellation briefly touched upon the ..

Nuclear Power

NEWS

Japan to maximize nuclear power, bolster renewable energy as electricity demand grows

PBS

The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20 percent of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50 percent and …

Milei Announces AI-Linked Nuclear Power Plants in Argentina | Firstpost America – YouTube

YouTube

Milei Announces AI-Linked Nuclear Power Plants in Argentina | Firstpost America Argentinian President Javier Milei announced the Argentine Nuclear …

Westinghouse’s Microreactor Milestone: a New Era in Nuclear Power? | Watch – MSN

MSN

Westinghouse achieves a crucial milestone in microreactor development, paving the way for compact nuclear power. The eVinci microreactor promises …\

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

Russian Region Declares Emergency After Black Sea Oil Tanker Collision | OilPrice.com

Oil Price

Fusion Energy Breakthrough: Virginia to Host Landmark Power Plant · Will … Nuclear Reactors Are Gaining Traction Around the Globe. EXXON Mobil …

Czech company secretly supplied critical equipment for Ukrainian nuclear power plant – 112

112

Accidents and Emergencies · Czech company secretly supplied critical … power transmission lines connecting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the ..

Nuclear War

NEWS

Opinion | Nuclear Weapons Are Not a Fact of Life – The New York Times

The New York Times

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the growing risk of nuclear war today. Russia is making regular nuclear threats. America is undertaking a …

Russia’s Unusual Nuclear Warning On Christmas; ‘Don’t Want Americans In Bunkers, But’ | Watch

YouTube

In an interview, Lavrov cautioned that a nuclear war would have catastrophic consequences, stating, “We are prepared to do everything to ensure …

Biden condemns Russia’s ‘outrageous’ Christmas attack on Ukraine – Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera

Earlier this month, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, chief of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops, was killed by …

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

Opinion | Nuclear Weapons Are Not a Fact of Life – The New York Times

The New York Times

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the growing risk of nuclear war today. Russia is making regular nuclear threats. America is undertaking a …

The Erosion of Nuclear Deterrence – Future Center –

Future Center –

The threat of nuclear violence should be used with extreme caution due to its serious, existential nature. Only when all other tools and threats have …

How Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are pushing WW3 – MSN

MSN

… threat of all-out nuclear war has become even more prominent. China ‘s … threats and displaying shows of strength regarding their nuclear capabilities

Yellowstone Caldera

NEWS

YVO explores what Yellowstone looked like before volcanoes – Buckrail

Buckrail

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — In the Monday, Dec. 23, edition of Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s (YVO) Caldera Chronicles, Scientist in Charge …

What will happen if Yellowstone’s supervolcano erupts? – MSN

MSN

‘And it would cause problems with water, agriculture and electrical grids.’ Although the Yellowstone caldera’s initial blast would kill thousands in a …

The Top 10 most read stories in the Daily Montanan for 2024 – Yahoo

Yahoo

Managers aren’t alarmed. 8. Yellowstone Volcano Observatory releases preliminary report on Biscuit Basin explosion. Yellowstone Volcano Observatory …

NUCLEAR INSANITY & THE LAST DAYS OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY . . . ~ LLAW

Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 25, 2024

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LLAW’s NUCLEAR WORLD NEWS TODAY AND THE RISKS & CONSEQUENCES OF TOMORROW

Happy Holidays to all! And may all your days be merry and bright as well as safe!

This short article about Japan expanding their nuclear power services is surprising to me, and I can’t imagine after the Fukushima nuclear disaster and their remembering of the U.S. nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with a Pulitzer prize winning effort this year by their remembrances and admonishing of that terrible incident that ended World War II that Japan would ever allow ‘nuclear anything’ to return to their country for any reason . . .

Once again, for the third day in a row, I am baffled by the fact that responsible intelligent human beings would fail to realize that nuclear power plants, like nuclear bombs, are weapons of mass destruction as dangerous and catastrophic as nuclear bombs to human and other life in the event of nuclear war. Japan should know and understand this (as should the U.S.) better than all other countries on planet Earth. ~llaw

World News

Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows

By MARI YAMAGUCHI

Updated 8:21 AM PST, December 25, 2024

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TOKYO (AP) — A government-commissioned panel of experts on Wednesday largely supported Japan’s new energy policy for the next few years that calls for bolstering renewables up to half of electricity needs by 2040 while maximizing the use of nuclear power as the country seeks to accommodate the growing power demand in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets.

The Industry Ministry presented the draft plan for final review by the panel of 16 mostly pro-nuclear members from business, academia and civil groups. It calls for maximizing the use of nuclear energy, reversing a phaseout policy adopted after the meltdown crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in 2011 that led to extensive displacement of residents and lingering anti-nuclear sentiment.

The plan is due to receive Cabinet approval by March after a period of consultation and will then replace the current energy policy, which dates from 2021. The new proposal says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, up from just 8.5% last year, while expanding renewables to 40-50% from 22.9% and reducing coal-fired power to 30-40% from nearly 70% last year.

The current plan set a 20-22% target for nuclear energy, 36-38% for renewables and 41% for fossil fuel, for 2030.

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ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’a ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA:

(Please note that the Sunday and Saturday NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS are also added below by category, following Monday’s news posts in order to maintain continuity of nuclear news as well as for research for the overall information provided in “LLAW;s All Things Nuclear”.)

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There are three Yellowstone Caldera bonus stories available in today’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Wednesday, (12/25/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

2025 will be a ‘show-me’ year for nuclear: Expert – YouTube

YouTube

… nuclear is a special form of energy,” he remains optimistic about infrastructure development in 2025, stating that “the noise is all in the right …

Private nuclear bunker sales are on the rise—but experts issue stark warning

New York Post

… (nuclear, biochemical) air filtration system. “We’ve definitely seen a spike in customers. After the invasion of Ukraine, my phone rang about every …

Ohio groups question purpose of ‘green’ nuclear bill – Signal Akron

Signal Akron

Also, she said, “there is nothing ‘green’ about nuclear … All this is to say we’re here for Akronites every day. … Things to do. Resources. HOW …

Nuclear Power

NEWS

Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows

AP News

The new proposal says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, up from just 8.5% last year, while expanding renewables …

How Los Alamos is Helping Ready Nuclear Fusion Power for the Grid by 2030 | LANL

Los Alamos National Laboratory

The process, essentially the opposite of the atom-splitting fission process that powers nuclear weapons and reactors, could produce more energy and …

Nano Nuclear Energy to acquire Ultra Safe Nuclear assets for $8.5M – Yahoo Finance

Yahoo Finance

NANO Nuclear has executed a definitive agreement to acquire select nuclear energy technology assets from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation and …

Nuclear War

NEWS

White House briefs Trump administration on nuclear threats – NewsNation

NewsNation

Iran nearing weapons-grade uranium: Watchdog. Trump has warned that the world could be moving closer to World War III, with some Republicans urging …

Putin Ally Reiterates Nuclear Warning: ‘Any Means Necessary’ – Newsweek

Newsweek

Throughout the Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has warned the West against escalating tensions, using its nuclear stockpile to remind other countries what …

Here’s Why a War with China Could Go Nuclear—Quickly | The National Interest

The National Interest

Should China be foolish enough to open any potential war on Taiwan with a series of surprise attacks on U.S. military facilities throughout the …

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

Putin Ally Reiterates Nuclear Warning: ‘Any Means Necessary’ – Newsweek

Newsweek

Lavrov said on Russian television, according to a Wednesday report by the Russian state news agency Tass: “We do not aim to escalate the risks of …

The Erosion of Global Nuclear Order – Modern Diplomacy

Modern Diplomacy

… threats posed by these weapons. Together, these elements shape … War hostilities and an unprecedented commitment to curbing the nuclear threat.

Biden administration briefs Trump administration on nuclear threats | Morning in America

MSN

Biden administration briefs Trump administration on nuclear threats | Morning in America. Posted: December 24, 2024 | Last updated: December 24

Yellowstone Caldera

NEWS

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts, spewing columns of lava – YouTube

YouTube

… caldera of Kilauea, on Hawaii’s Big Island, spraying jets of … What Happens if the Yellowstone Volcano Erupts? Mastering Knowledge•1.9 …

Reventador Volcano Volcanic Ash Advisory: NEW VA EMS | VolcanoDiscovery

Volcano Discovery

Each trip is accompanied by a volcanologist from our team. Examples include: Kilauea (Hawai’i), Colima (Mexico), Krakatau and many others. Yellowstone …

How to Watch Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupt: Ultimate Guide – KnowInsiders

KnowInsiders

Facts About Yellowstone Super Volcano … caldera floor. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) …

NUCLEAR INSANITY & THE LAST DAYS OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY . . . ~ LLAW

Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 24, 2024

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“Morning Star,”, a British news socialistic anti-nuclear peace-seeking outlet offers us a view of Britain’s CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) of their approach to nuclear disarmament as well as the coming questionable nuclear policies and actions of their Parliament’s nuclear weapons indifference and concerns about the USA with former president Donald Trump about to be reinstalled for a 2nd term. Their concerns are perhaps characterized by Trump’s questionable policies related to international politics and his threatening nuclear war as what might be called a “red-neck” approach to governmental policies including “1st Use” (a non-sequitur by the way) and intolerance of a more cooperative agenda toward peaceful directives.

Of course these concerns are global issues, and the reasoning behind these anti-nuclear weapons and nuclear war are is sound, necessary, and legitimate, but once again, as I clearly wrote yesterday, nuclear power must be included in the mix because, clearly, nuclear power plants are also nuclear threats for many additional reasons other than war, but their use in a nuclear war is inevitable — as proven by the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war, which may be the prime catalyst to bring on WWIII. ~llaw

uesday, December 24, 2024

Confronting the terrifying prospect of nuclear war

Speaking to Ben Chacko, CND’s new leader SOPHIE BOLT outlines her organisation’s ambitious plans, from peace camps to base blockades to mass mobilisation, to fight the rising nuclear madness our politicians ignore

STANDING FIRM: CND activists protest at RAF Lakenheath against the siting of US nukes on British soil

SOPHIE BOLT has big ambitions for her first year at the head of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

The cause of peace and disarmament faces huge challenges. Two major wars involving nuclear-armed states continue to rage in Ukraine and Palestine, with Britain entangled in both.

Donald Trump, who in his first term dismantled treaties aimed at reducing the risk of nuclear conflict such as the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces ban and the Iran nuclear deal, while equipping US nuclear submarines with smaller-yield “tactical” nuclear weapons, returns to the US presidency next month.

And an extreme crackdown on anti-war voices as part of the post-Corbyn Labour Party’s broader assault on the left has discouraged serious debate about the risks of war in Parliament — when Britain gave Ukraine permission to fire Storm Shadow missiles at Russian territory, for example, the government didn’t even bother to announce its change of policy in the Commons.

Bolt, who succeeded CND’s longstanding general secretary Kate Hudson at the end of last month, says Parliament’s apparent indifference to the growing threat of nuclear war is not mirrored by the public.

“There’s a democratic deficit between what you have in Parliament and what ordinary people think. You can tell that just from Keir Starmer’s ratings,” she tells me as we meet in CND’s soon-to-be-former offices on the Holloway Road (they are relocating to east London).

“Parliament isn’t really very representative of people’s concerns about nuclear weapons, though we do have an active Parliamentary CND group.

“We’ve seen a big increase in interest in CND over the last year. In September we ran adverts on the Tube and a social media campaign on a petition warning the threat of nuclear war has never been higher, and calling on the government to take steps to avert it and disarm — and we got thousands and thousands of people signing that.

“Talk to friends, family, people you know, and you see that people totally get that nuclear war is on the horizon.”

If that’s the view of ordinary people, though, the determination at the top is to shut people’s eyes to the danger.

Last month at the UN, Britain was one of just three states (the others were France and Russia) to vote against setting up a scientific panel to assess the effects of nuclear war. The United States and other Nato states abstained, also the position taken by most other nuclear powers, though one, China, voted with the majority of non-nuclear states in favour.

“Even the US abstained!” Bolt exclaims. “Yet Britain really doubled down on this … there was real shock from some other countries, who asked why would you not want to understand the consequences?

“The argument was ‘we already know,’ but this would be the first study of its kind in 40 years. The climactic modelling has totally changed, and there’s new evidence to consider suggesting the ‘regional’ nuclear wars being talked up by Nato and Russian strategists — as opposed to the global mutually assured destruction assumed during the first cold war — would still lead to devastating nuclear winters.”

Bolt reasons that the British government must have been trying to signal to the United States how totally committed it is to nuclear weapons and the Nato military doctrine that permits first use.

This is part of positioning aimed at showing willing to an incoming Trump presidency. Bolt is unconvinced by arguments that Trump will pursue an isolationist policy.

“Trump argues for a massive increase in military spending by Nato states,” she points out. “There has been no suggestion he will reverse the decision to station US nuclear weapons on European bases, including Lakenheath in Suffolk.

“He’s likely to try to push more of the financial burden of projecting US power onto European states.

“And it’s horrifying when you hear Trump advisers like Robert O’Brien talking about the need to ‘do a Soviet Union’ on China, to force it into a nuclear arms race to destroy it.

“I fear the America First policy will turn out to be a continued ratcheting up of US aggression.”

Bolt says the rhetoric deployed against not just Russia, but other states including China, North Korea and Iran “feels very much like we’re in another cold war, and increasingly we see it talked about explicitly, preparation for a third world war.

“Political leaders can’t ignore it any more. By trying to, they are simply alienating themselves further from the public.”

And CND is determined to make them sit up and notice. Bolt outlines plans for a “bases tour” in 2025, which will feature actions at Barrow-in-Furness, where nuclear submarines are built, the Devonport naval base and Aldermaston, and supporting, as part of Lakenheath Alliance for Peace, a two-week “peace camp” in April at Lakenheath, including an international conference with speakers from Japan, South Korea and the United States, and ending with a blockade of the base.

She’s delighted the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Japanese nuclear bomb survivors’ campaign Nihon Hidankyo, saying it will help raise awareness of the human costs of nuclear war — and pleased its co-chair Toshiyuki Mimaki immediately compared the destruction visited on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, since the merciless mass killing of civilians is itself a warning of what modern states and politicians are capable of. She sees next year’s 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings as an opportunity to take that message across the country.

Raising awareness is a huge part of CND’s job, and one she’s been conscious of since first being involved in setting up Youth and Student CND toward the end of the 1990s.

She remembers as a student waking up to the US missile defence projects of that decade, the “unipolar moment” when following the collapse of the Soviet Union US power was unchallenged worldwide. “It was about the US being able to attack other countries with impunity. To create the same sort of circumstances as when it was able to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki without fear of retaliation.”

As with me, the first war she was involved in campaigning against was the 1999 Nato attack on Yugoslavia, and like so many new to left activism it was an eye-opener as to how the system closes ranks to enforce its approved narrative about the world.

“You know that phrase that truth is the first casualty of war? I remember being so shocked at the way the BBC would run what amounted to Ministry of Defence press releases.”

CND does not try to separate campaigning against nuclear war from the wider struggle for peace, and has worked with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and peace and Muslim organisations as a key organiser of the gigantic Gaza ceasefire demonstrations over the past year.

“We have to oppose wars where there’s a threat of nuclear war, and increasingly there is,” she says. “We want to make sure nuclear weapons never get used again. Clearly, escalating war in the Middle East and in Ukraine makes it more likely they will be used again.”

So does the threat to resume nuclear testing by both Russia and the United States. This means campaigning to defend the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty will be another priority for CND over the next 12 months.

All these developments give the lie to claims that possession of nuclear weapons somehow makes the world safer by preventing wars. “It’s not worked, has it? It’s obscene.

“It was always racist, as it conflated the absence of direct war in Europe with world peace while wars of a horrific nature were fought in Korea, Vietnam, Latin America, Afghanistan or Iraq.”

Joining the dots between international crises, bringing the cause of nuclear disarmament together with campaigns for environmental and social justice, was a theme of CND’s conference last October.

“We’ve been doing this for decades: showing the relevance of all these campaigns to the whole of society, showing what the endless militarism costs us, socially and ecologically. We’re going to be doing a lot more of this: exposing the links between militarism and climate change, the impact of inflated arms budgets on the rest of the public sector.”

CND might date back to the 1950s, but in a darkening world it seems more relevant than ever. It seems a safe bet that Morning Star readers will be working to make its 2025 campaigns as big and influential as possible.

---

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ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’a ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA:

(Please note that the Sunday and Saturday NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS are also added below by category, following Monday’s news posts in order to maintain continuity of nuclear news as well as for research for the overall information provided in “LLAW;s All Things Nuclear”.)

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There are no Yellowstone Caldera bonus stories available in today’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Tuesday, (12/24/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

AI bigwigs want to go all-in on nuclear. They also happen to be behind nuclear companies – CNN

CNN

… everything about the way we live and work. But while tech leaders have pointed to nuclear energy as essential to a climate friendly future, some …

Atoms For Peace: The US Nuclear Fleet Build-Out And Modern-Day Revival | Hackaday

Hackaday

This made things quite easy for US nuclear engineers who could mostly … about what I think about all of this. Report comment. Reply. Leave a …

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Problem-solver Chad Parish advances materials for nuclear safety – Newswise

Newswise

Every horrible thing is inside — plasma, neutrons, heat flux, magnetic fields and corrosive coolants.” ORNL has the largest fusion materials …

Nuclear Power

NEWS

AI bigwigs want to go all-in on nuclear. They also happen to be behind nuclear companies – CNN

CNN

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft founder Bill Gates now chair nuclear energy startups. Many tech leaders say nuclear will be necessary to power …

We need more nuclear plants like Three Mile Island – Reason Magazine

Reason Magazine

We Need More Three Mile Islands. As tech companies reboot nuclear energy, the site of the famous meltdown represents both the industry’s demise and …

Sticking With US in Nuclear Power to Benefit Poland, Envoy Says – Bloomberg

Bloomberg

Poland should stick with US companies as the government plans a second location for its nascent civil nuclear energy program, the outgoing envoy …

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

TVA informs public how to respond if an accident occurs at Sequoyah Nuclear Plant

Chattanooga Times Free Press

“Three Mile Island was obviously the seminal moment in nuclear power,” Scott Odom, the program manager for emergency preparedness at the Tennessee …

Russian attacks dealt damage to critical substations of Ukrainian nuclear plants – IAEA

pravda.com.ua

Further Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid could result in an emergency at one of the three operational nuclear power plants still under Kyiv’s …

Over 20 injured amid Yemen missile attack, emergency services report

Report.az

… nuclear power plant to strengthen energy security – EXCLUSIVE. December 16, 2024 17:49.

Nuclear War

NEWS

Dual-Capable Missiles Could Give China an Edge in Nuclear War Against US – Newsweek

Newsweek

Experts told Newsweek that such a dual-capable missile will give China an advantage in a nuclear war. The Chinese defense ministry did not immediately …

Confronting the terrifying prospect of nuclear war | Morning Star

Morning Star

Two major wars involving nuclear-armed states continue to rage in Ukraine and Palestine, with Britain entangled in both. Donald Trump, who in his …

Inside Ukraine’s cold war missile silo: The legacy of nuclear deterrence and global tensions

YouTube

A decommissioned Soviet missile silo in Ukraine reveals Cold War-era nuclear deterrence strategies. Its command post, shielded from all but direct …

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

White House briefs Trump administration on nuclear threats – NewsNation

NewsNation

White House briefs Trump administration on nuclear threats · White House warns about Pakistan’s threat · Iran nearing weapons-grade uranium: Watchdog

Putin’s nuclear threats aim to scare the West – but Ukraine’s allies are calling his bluff

Euromaidan Press

… nuclear button” and invoked the possibility of World War Three. Western … The release of Russia’s new nuclear doctrine, Putin’s nuclear threats …

‘Should Scare Every American’: Top Trump Adviser Mike Waltz Explains Dangers of Iran …

Algemeiner.com

‘Should Scare Every American’: Top Trump Adviser Mike Waltz Explains Dangers of Iran Getting Nuclear Weapons … War III,” he asserted that it

NUCLEAR INSANITY & THE LAST DAYS OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY . . . ~ LLAW

Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 23, 2024

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LLAW’s NUCLEAR WORLD NEWS TODAY AND THE RISKS & CONSEQUENCES OF TOMORROW

ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons() has accomplished a lot of good work and good deeds this year, and this article rates the top 5 in reverse order and also provides an “Honorable Mention List”, all of which are extremely important to avoiding nuclear war, and, of course, recognizing that abolishing nuclear weapons is the key. But there are two keys and only one is being used.

So, let me point out that so long as nuclear power plants continue to exist and are now on the verge of flourishing in the future, there will always be nuclear weapons. It’s not just that they use the same fuel (enriched uranium), but also because nuclear reactors, even if locked in a stationary plant or facility environment, are also nuclear weapons — in some ways more tactfully dangerously overlooked than all grades of nuclear bombs.

It bothers me immensely that we rail against nuclear weapons of mass destruction, but we insanely praise nuclear power as if one is a doomsday issue and the other is our salvation. How stupid are we, anyway? “Ignorance is bliss . . .”, wrote Thomas Gray, in the 18th Century,, who apparently said it first: “Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise”.” Adding the 2nd half of the quotation is exactly what is happening in today’s world of “all things nuclear”, and getting rid of just one variety won’t save us from self-destruction. ~llaw

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4. Rising together against the nuclear threat: ICAN’s highlights for 2024

December 23, 2024 Campaign News

Rising together against the nuclear threat: ICAN’s highlights for 2024

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In 2024, we saw a strong global pushback against the nuclear threat. While the danger of nuclear weapons use seemed to loom larger than ever, with mounting tensions, escalatory rhetoric, irresponsible policy changes and the conflicts in Russia and the Middle East driving up the risk, all around the world, ICAN campaigners spoke out and took bold, powerful action, demanding their governments do their part to get rid of nuclear weapons once and for all.

Here are some of the highlights from 2024:

#5 We now have half of the world on board with the treaty banning nuclear weapons

Indonesia, Sierra Leone and Solomon Islands became the latest states parties to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), in a clear signal of the global support for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, and the ban as a way to get there. São Tomé and Príncipe also ratified it at the beginning of the year.

#4 Launch of the Swiss Popular Initiative

“We demand that words are finally followed by action.”

When the Swiss Government decided to ignore the will of parliament and instead bow to the will of nuclear-armed states, we refused to take no for an answer. We helped to form an alliance of Swiss organisations to launch a federal popular initiative to put the power to join the treaty into the hands of the Swiss people. This is the first case where we are using direct democracy to fight back against closed-door decision-making.

#3 Now reaching over 100 cities each in Spain and Italy, the City Appeal is growing rapidly

Local governments have been playing a massive role in building up pressure in pro-nuclear weapons countries, with 123 new cities making the case this year, including capitals and iconic cities like Tirana, Rome and the Hague and the first two cities in India, and cities in Greece are joining rapidly. Special mention goes to Italy and Spain, in which each crossed the milestone of 100 cities on board the ICAN Cities Appeal!

#2 Pushing back against nuclear weapons spending with a powerful week of action

Every year, ICAN publishes the only report exposing the billions of dollars wasted on nuclear weapons, generating global headlines and sparking outrage. The news that the nine nuclear-armed states spent $91.4 billion in 2023 generated considerable coverage across the world including in top-tier outlets in the nuclear-armed states this year (ABC, NBC, Washington Post, Newsweek, NPR, BBC, The Guardian, The Times, Radio France, BFM TV and Le Figaro and more). Irish President Michael D Higgins responded to the report, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva cited our figures when addressing the UN General Assembly, while Costa Rica, Jamaica, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka all referred to ICAN’s figures in national statements on nuclear weapons.

This year, in addition to releasing the report, ICAN called for a week of action against this unacceptable diversion of public resources. And campaigners from around the world delivered. From the US to Italy, from Japan to Switzerland, we saw rallies, signature drives, teach-ins, social media collaborations, Op-Eds, webinars, protests at banks, media campaigns and more to put pressure on governments and financial institutions to stop spending on nuclear weapons. Look back at the action here.

Honourable mentions

It has been such a busy year that it is impossible to list all the incredible things ICAN and our campaigners did in one article (do keep an eye out for our annual report early next year). But here are a few more great moments from this year that also warrant a shout-out:

• Three days for nuclear disarmament and nuclear justice in Kazakhstan, a country still dealing with the legacy of nuclear testing.
• Artists Against the Bomb exhibits at the Malta Biennale, in Berlin, and in Mexico’s iconic Anahuacalli museum
• A powerful new report describing how nuclear weapons are uniquely harmful to children, based on the experiences of children in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and those living near nuclear test sites
• Our Euros2024 fantasy football league!
• Our Tour de Canada and Roadshows in Belgium and Norway.
• A new statement by the Global Alliance for Banking on Values calling for the financial industry to stop profiting from weapons (including nuclear weapons)
• Shinechi’s Tricycle installed at the ICRC Museum in Geneva.

#1 Nobel Peace Prize for the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

October came with unexpected but very timely and welcome news: Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel Peace Prize (!!!) “for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again” and the organisation’s key role in building up and maintaining the nuclear taboo.

Having worked alongside this Japanese grassroots movement of survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and other hibakusha to push for the prohibition and total elimination of nuclear weapons, ICAN was thrilled by this exciting award and was proud to help support and celebrate them in Oslo during the Nobel Peace Week. The hibakusha’s testimonies and tireless campaigning have been crucial to progress on nuclear disarmament in general and the adoption and entry into force of the TPNW in particular. As we mark 80 years since the devastating U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we can build on the momentum from this past year and use this opportunity to build on the ban.

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ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’a ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA:

(Please note that the Sunday and Saturday NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS are also added below by category, following Monday’s news posts in order to maintain continuity of nuclear news as well as for research for the overall information provided in “LLAW;s All Things Nuclear”.)

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There are no Yellowstone Caldera bonus stories available in today’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Monday, (12/23/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

Hedge Funds Cut Nuclear Technology Exposure After ‘Hard’ Rally – Energy Connects

Energy Connects

“And again, it’s just going to take one deal and then all of the others will pile in. … about the incoming Donald Trump administration’s stance on …

Rising together against the nuclear threat: ICAN’s highlights for 2024

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

Join the movement DONATE · ICAN – International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons · About · About … nuclear weapons once and for all. Here are some

Believe the nuclear fusion hype, this time fusion energy is for real – Euractiv

Euractiv

When we talk about nuclear … That is the nuclear technology that has been used for decades to generate power. … All these things allow you to take …

Nuclear Power

NEWS

Top ‘Nuclear Explained’ Reads in 2024 | IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency

Nuclear energy is gaining momentum as countries push to meet their climate targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear energy was in the …

Podcast: Nuclear energy’s key moments in 2024

World Nuclear News

What were the big nuclear energy stories of 2024? What to watch out for in 2025… World Nuclear News.

Russia aims to be global leader in nuclear power plant construction – Financial Times

Financial Times

The International Atomic Energy Agency forecast this year that world nuclear generating capacity would increase by 155 per cent to 950 gigawatts by …

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

Emergency Sirens Test on January 7, 2025 | Delaware LIVE News

Delaware live

… nuclear powerPSEG New JerseySafety and Homeland SecuritySalem/Hope Creek. Our Series on Delaware Women-Owned Small Businesses. November 1, 2024 …

Emergency Sirens Test on January 7, 2025 – State of Delaware News

State of Delaware News – Delaware.gov

… emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and … Emergency Sirens, nuclear power, PSEG New Jersey, Salem/Hope Creek.

Drone strikes UN vehicle on way to inspect Ukrainian nuclear plant – MSN

MSN

An armored vehicle belonging to the UN’s atomic watchdog was hit by a drone strike on its way to inspect a Ukrainian nuclear power plant on …

Nuclear War

NEWS

Rising together against the nuclear threat: ICAN’s highlights for 2024

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

Three days for nuclear disarmament and nuclear justice in Kazakhstan … war · featured · ICAN · impact · TPNW. You might also like: November 22, 2024 …

U.S. Options for Iran Diplomacy in 2025 – Just Security

Just Security

After long denying any interest in nuclear weapons, Iranian officials are now publicly debating the security value of a nuclear deterrent and …

Gaza war to Ukraine nuclear fears: Conflicts that shaped 2024 geopolitics

Business Standard

Wars in Europe and West Asia intensified in 2024, exposing the failures of global peace mechanisms, deepening crises, and straining alliances, …

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

How Russia’s Tactical Nuclear Weapon Stockpile Compares to US’ – Newsweek

Newsweek

… threats of tactical nuclear use, large scale nuclear exercises and … nuclear arms races in the depths of the Cold War. Combined, Russia and …

Opinion: The pressing need for a world free of the threat of nuclear weapons

Hartford Courant

Opinion: The pressing need for a world free of the threat of nuclear weapons … A nuclear war could destroy our civilization.” On November 24 …

Nukes Nukes Nukes! Kremlin’s Hawk Medvedev Extensive 2024 Use of Nuclear Bluff – Kyiv Post

Kyiv Post

JOIN US ON TELEGRAM. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. In fact, Medvedev pressed the nuclear threat button a total of 12 times ..

“End Nuclear Insanity Before Nuclear Insanity Ends Humanity” ~llaw

Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 22, 2024

1

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In order to keep abreast of the weekend nuclear news, I will post Saturday and Sunday’s news, but without editorial comment. If a weekend story warrants a critical review, it will show up on Monday’s posts . . .

If you are not familiar with the weekday daily blog post, this is how the nuclear news post works . . . llaw

ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’S ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA”:

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There are no Yellowstone Caldera bonus stories available on this weekend’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’S NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS, Saturday, (12/21/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

Bunker Talk: Let’s Talk About All The Things We Did And Didn’t Cover This Week

The War Zone

If you want to talk politics, do so respectfully and know that there’s always somebody that isn’t going to agree with you. If you have political …

12-20-24 *INTERVIEW* We End The Year with Nerdy Topics with Paul Beale – iHeart

iHeart

Speaker 2 (01:35): I don’t know what the M means nuclear isomeric transition. And the strontium eighty seven atomic clock. Wow, that’s a …

‘We took a pass’: Tri-state offshore wind proposal to progress without CT involvement

NHPR

Connecticut announced it is formally pulling the plug on an agreement with Rhode Island and Massachusetts to make a bulk purchase of offshore …

Nuclear Power

NEWS

France’s most powerful nuclear reactor comes on stream after 12-year delay

France 24

The Flamanville 3 EPR nuclear reactor, France’s most powerful to date, finally began providing electricity to French homes on Saturday after a …

France’s most powerful nuclear reactor finally comes on stream | | kilgorenewsherald.com

Kilgore News Herald

France on Saturday connected its most powerful nuclear power reactor to the national electricity grid in what leaders hailed as a landmark moment …

Army Explores Nuclear Power Use for Installation Resilience

ExecutiveGov

Learn about the U.S. Army’s plans to utilize nuclear power as a prime energy source for its installations to boost resilience and readiness.

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

Opinion: Nuclear Power Plants Save Workers as Russian Bombings Intensify – Kyiv Post

Kyiv Post

Tourniquets that save lives beyond the front lines · Bombing Emergencies · The future of energy in Ukraine.

Nuclear War

NEWS

This is What a Nuclear Strike Would Feel Like | NYT Opinion – YouTube

YouTube

The First 20 Minutes of a Nuclear Attack Looks Like THIS… | Nuclear War Expert Annie Jacobsen. The Diary Of A CEO Clips•1M views · 10:01.

What if Russia wins in Ukraine? We can already see the shadows of a dark 2025

The Guardian

Instability is growing, Putin’s hybrid war in Europe is heating up and for fear of escalation we have encouraged global nuclear proliferation, …

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Threats to International Peace and Security

United States Mission to the United Nations – State Department

… nuclear weapons. Nearly three years ago, we sat with the Russians in this Chamber urging de-escalation, negotiations, peace talks – anything but war.

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

Putin’s nuclear threats may trigger more support for Ukraine, French military expert warns

Euromaidan Press

Putin’s nuclear threats may trigger more support for Ukraine, French military expert warns · Russia rejects proposals to freeze war against Ukraine …

Putin’s Year-End Press Conference: Nuclear Threats And Ukraine War Updates

Evrim Ağacı

Putin emphasized Russia’s military advancements, asserting, “We have the right to use nuclear weapons if our sovereignty is threatened.” This …

War criminals are the new elite of Russia: Vladislav Golovin

Центр протидії дезінформації

War criminals are the new elite of Russia: Vladislav Golovin. 20.12 … Ruble continues to fall amid putin’s nuclear threats. 22.11.2024 22.11

TODAY’S NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS, Sunday, (12/22/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

Top 7 must-read nuclear fusion stories of 2024 — Interesting Engineering

Interesting Engineering

Aman holds expertise in politics, travel, and tech news, especially in AI, advanced algorithms, and blockchain, with a strong curiosity about all …

6.1 Billion Reasons to Buy Nuclear Power Stocks in 2025 | Nasdaq

Nasdaq

Will 2025 be the year we get serious about it? You’ve all read the headlines by now. You know how Microsoft is partnering with Constellatnergy to ..

France Links First New Nuclear Reactor to Grid Since 1999 – Energy Connects

Energy Connects

The yearslong saga has created lasting doubts about the French nuclear … “We are learning all the lessons to succeed in relaunching nuclear power

Nuclear Power

NEWS

Is nuclear power ‘green energy?’ – Mahoning Matters

Mahoning Matters

Most experts would consider nuclear to be less harmful to the climate than natural gas, so this is not a particularly bold move

Nuclear Power Plants Report Massive Uptick In Drone Sightings – Yahoo

Yahoo

Salem Nuclear Power Plant in New Jersey was one of 22 energy infrastructure sites in the state that the FAA banned drone flights over. More. The …

Nuclear is being deployed to support AI. It could be the other way around – Washington Examiner

Washington Examiner

California’s only operating nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, announced plans last month to use artificial intelligence systems to keep it ..

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

Emergency bushfire warning re-issued for Western Victoria | Sky News Australia

Sky News Australia

An emergency bushfire warning has been re-issued in Western … ‘Just be quiet’: Panellists clash over stance on nuclearr. ‘This .

Nuclear War

NEWS

Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite expert warnings – VOA

VOA

Critics say bunkers create false perception that nuclear war is survivable.

Weakened Iran could pursue nuclear weapon, White House’s Sullivan says – Reuters

Reuters

Israel and Hamas at War · Japan · Middle East · Ukraine and Russia at War … Dec 22 (Reuters) – The Biden administration is concerned that a weakened …

US nuclear buildup would not deter China from using atomic weapons in Taiwan conflict …

ANI News

An unclassified war game conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology …

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

Menaced by foreign foes, facing mutiny at home: how long before Iran goes nuclear?

The Guardian

There are more opportunities.” Such public threats may be bluff – but Khamenei cannot be sure. Does he regard nuclear weapons as the best, last .

1 000 and 4 000 days of nuclear sabre-rattling – EUvsDisinfo

EUvsDisinfo

… nuclear safety, all to vilify Ukraine and issue thinly veiled threats … war over Ukraine or false accusations that Ukraine stores weapons in nuclear …

North Korea plays into Putin’s hands as Europe nears nuclear war – MSN

MSN

… nuclear war. “The United States and the West should not dismiss or … New nuclear threats from Putin. Recently, Russian leader Vladimir Putin .

NUCLEAR INSANITY & THE LAST DAYS OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY . . . ~ LLAW

Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 20, 2024

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LLAW’s NUCLEAR WORLD NEWS TODAY AND THE RISKS & CONSEQUENCES OF TOMORROW

As you read the following article by By Janice Stein from “The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists”, keep in mind that a so-called ‘Tactical Nuclear Weapon’ as discussed concerning this incredibly dangerous issue may be as powerful and cause as much or more deaths and destruction as the USA bombing of Japan that ended WWII at a huge cost, including perhaps a quarter of a million innocent Japanese citizens who had nothing to do with that war.

It seems to be fairly obvious that Putin’s idea to defeat Ukraine and re-occupy the country is something similar, with a copy-cat approach, to that first and last time an atomic bomb has ever been used in war. But, as this article points out quite clearly, nuking Ukraine could easily backfire on Russia for several reasons, including nuclear fallout risk to Russia itself.

The whole idea of using nuclear weapons and a preventive or protective system called ‘deterrence’ is sadly an indication that our average human intelligence quotient (in general) is like constantly building better mouse traps, but refusing to provide the cheese. We are irresponsibly bankrupting the world with the costs of nuclear deterrence while acting out with our world leaders’ childish behavior tantamount to segregated groups of school kids trying to control who runs the playground.

There is only one way to a happy ending, and that is a to unite as a cooperative communal species that has always, ignorantly and erroneously, defied our laughable concept of humanitarianism in wealth, politics, family, and ethnicity with insane self-conceived racial discrimination and superiority with never-ending battles and wars all around the world collectively. This war, if it happens, will be the last one . . . ~llaw

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How impossible is the risk of nuclear escalation in Ukraine?

By Janice Stein | December 20, 2024

Ukraine started using the older, shorter-ranged US-supplied ballistic missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, in October 2023. The Biden administration has now allowed Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS to help defend its forces in the Kursk region of Russia. (Credit: US Government / John Hamilton, via DVIDS)

In the bizarre interregnum since the US presidential elections, world leaders have been calling President-elect Donald Trump in Florida before his inauguration on January 20. Some of them worry that the ongoing war between an increasingly desperate Ukraine that kills a Russian general in Moscow as it did this week and an emboldened Russia could spin out of control through miscalculation. The darkest scenario is one that culminates in escalation when Russia detonates a nuclear weapon. How likely is such a scenario in the few weeks left before inauguration day?

The likelihood of nuclear escalation cannot be estimated. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States in 1945 are the only cases of the use of nuclear weapons. That strategy was deliberate, not a product of miscalculation, and can best be described as “escalate to de-escalate.” There is no case of nuclear escalation through miscalculation from conventional war to nuclear fighting. No estimate of likelihood has any validity unless there are a large enough number of cases to generate a probability distribution. Nuclear escalation occurs in a world of what Oxford University’s John Kay calls “radical uncertainty” in which historical information provides no reliable guidance.

One way to think about nuclear escalation in the context of Russia’s current war against Ukraine is to build scenarios in which Russia uses a nuclear weapon and then trace a logically compelling pathway back to the present. It then becomes possible to ask what conditions could enable such a pathway to escalation.

Tactical nuclear weapon. In one scenario that has been discussed, Russia explodes a tactical nuclear weapon to force Ukraine to end the fighting and agree to cede Crimea and the four Ukrainian provinces that Russia is currently occupying and claiming as its own. Under what conditions is it possible that Russia might adopt such a strategy? Detonating a single tactical nuclear weapon would provide very limited battlefield advantage to Russian forces, and there is some risk that the radioactive fallout could blow back and inflict harm on nearby Russian troops.

Nor would the damage from a single tactical nuclear weapon be grave enough to so demoralize the Ukrainian public that it would buckle under the pressure. If anything, the use of a tactical nuclear weapon would likely radicalize Ukrainians who have been reluctantly moving toward grudging acceptance of a ceasefire.

Were Russia to use a tactical nuclear weapon, such a strategy might backfire. The Ukrainian public might well rally around the flag, unite behind its leader, and stiffen its resistance to ceasefire proposals that are increasingly the subject of discussion inside Ukraine.

Finally, the detonation of a single tactical nuclear weapon—however small its payload—would break the “nuclear taboo” that has held for almost eight decades. In October 2022, encouraged by the United States, Russia’s key partners—China and India—signaled their strong opposition to the use of any nuclear weapon under any circumstances. Now isolated from the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin would not want to alienate his fellow leaders of the nine BRICS countries, which include China, India, and Iran.

There is, therefore, no compelling logic that supports the use of even a single tactical nuclear weapon. What conditions could change that logic?

Russia could face a situation where its forces are being pushed back and out of Ukraine. Putin faced a version of that scenario in the autumn of 2022 when Ukraine’s armed forces were pushing the Russian army back. It was then that the CIA issued the estimate that there was a 50 percent chance that Russia would use a nuclear weapon.

After Ukrainian troops broke through and pushed Russian forces back from Kharkiv in the northeast and Kherson in the south, US intelligence overheard a conversation among senior Russian military commanders about when and how Moscow might use a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine. Putin was reportedly not part of these conversations. That intelligence was circulated inside the US government in mid-October. In addition, there are unconfirmed reports that Russia moved some tactical weapons out of storage and loosened operational controls that would make the use of a tactical nuclear weapon easier. It was these two developments that pushed up the US intelligence estimate that Russia might use a nuclear weapon.

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Around the same time, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, in one of his calls with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, accused Ukraine of planning to use a “dirty bomb.” Concern among Western officials grew that Putin was preparing a false flag operation. Only a long phone call between Gen. Mark Milley, then chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Russian Gen. Valery Gerasimov, reduced the tensions. The most senior military officer from each country discussed Russia’s doctrine governing the use of nuclear weapons and reassured one another. This episode tells us that even when Russian forces were retreating in Ukraine, Putin did not break the nuclear taboo.

Russia has since significantly lowered the threshold of when it would use nuclear weapons. In November 2024, Putin signed a decree amending Russia’s nuclear doctrine in two important ways. The doctrine now declares that Russia has the right to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state that attacks Russia or its allies and is supported by a nuclear power. In addition, Russia’s nuclear doctrine released in 2020 declared that Russia would use nuclear weapons in response to a conventional attack when the very existence of the state is in jeopardy. The new amendment lowers that threshold to a conventional attack that is a critical threat to Russia’s sovereignty or territory.

Putin also railed against the Biden administration’s decision in November to allow Ukraine to use US-supplied longer-range Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, against military installations inside Russia and warned that this decision was tantamount to NATO declaring war on Russia. Moscow then launched the Oreshnik, an intermediate-range ballistic missile equipped with multiple warheads, against Ukraine. The missile can carry nuclear warheads. Despite the bellicose rhetoric and the new missile launch, Russia has not loosened operational controls on any tactical nuclear weapons nor moved any of these weapons out of storage. Instead, Gerasimov again reassured the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., in a phone call that the missile launch was planned long before the announcement about the ATACMS.

The difference between now and the fall of 2022, of course, is that Russian troops are on the offensive on the battlefield and Ukrainian forces are struggling to contain Russian advances. Political and military leaders are far more likely to take risks when they fear losses than when they are making gains.

Miscalculation. What about a scenario in which Putin uses a nuclear weapon because of a technical miscalculation? Experts have long warned that miscalculation could occur if nuclear and conventional forces and their command-and-control structures are integrated. As nuclear weapons are modernized and, in some cases, become smaller, integration is becoming more frequent. However, all these scenarios deal with conventional wars between large nuclear powers that escalate to a nuclear confrontation. In Ukraine, Russia is not at war with another nuclear power. It is difficult to see how these scenarios of escalation through technical miscalculation would be relevant.

Political miscalculation, another type, can occur when a leader miscalculates the consequences of the use of a nuclear weapon to demonstrate resolve. Could Putin make this kind of miscalculation in the weeks before or shortly after President Trump is inaugurated? A scenario might go something like this.

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Eastern Europe’s purchase of US nuclear reactors is primarily about military ties, not climate change

Conflicts tend to intensify as the parties anticipate negotiation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, deeply alarmed by the prospect of an imposed ceasefire, tries a “Hail Mary pass” to break the stalemate on the battlefield. To do so, he decides to use almost all his drone and missile forces in a coordinated attack on the front and behind the lines in Russia. Inevitably, some of the missiles get through, causing Russian forces to retreat, even temporarily, and significant casualties among Russian civilians. Ukrainian intelligence services also assassinate two or three other key Russian generals far behind the lines to show their long reach, as they did when they brazenly killed Gen. Igor Kirilov in Moscow this week. The Russian public is furious and military bloggers stoke the fury, calling for a fierce response. An outraged Putin then gives the order to detonate a tactical nuclear weapon.

How compelling is the path toward that scenario?

It is not impossible that a desperate Zelensky could try to reverse his losing hand. Trump and his team are floating a “peace plan” that is deeply alarming to Zelensky and appears to be very favorable to Russia. It is hard to imagine that Putin would sacrifice that very large potential gain—and possibly more—in exchange for no gain on the battlefield, universal opprobrium from friends and foes alike, and the poisoning of his relationship with the new US president. Putin would have to be so outraged and so emotionally dysregulated that he would lose all self-control. The evidence we have of Putin as an ice-cold and ruthless decision-maker does not fit that profile. This scenario also ignores the multiple conventional options that Putin still has in his arsenal that could inflict far greater punishment on Ukraine.

Context matters. If nuclear escalation through technical or political miscalculation is not a grave concern in the transition period between the Biden and Trump administrations, another pattern is concerning.

From the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Putin has hinted that the use of a nuclear weapon is a live option. Before launching his full-scale invasion in February 2022, he ordered an unknown level of alert that proved to be no more than increased staffing of strategic command centers and issued veiled nuclear threats if NATO were to intervene. A few months later, Putin loosened operational controls on tactical nuclear weapons and two years later lowered the threshold of nuclear use. Even though Putin never appeared to approach a decision to use a nuclear weapon, he manipulated the threat to use nuclear weapons to deter NATO from supplying weapons to Ukraine.

This strategy failed again and again. The United States and its Western allies supplied Ukraine with increasingly more sophisticated equipment over time despite the “nuclear noise.” They judged Putin’s intentions not by what he said but by the larger context in which he was making his thinly veiled threats designed to coerce. They took him seriously only once when Russian forces were in retreat.

Context always matters, even when the threats are nuclear. Putin now has the unenviable reputation of someone who bluffs. This reputation can only encourage NATO to continue to call his bluff in the future. But one day Putin may not be bluffing. If leaders do not pay attention to context, they may well miss the “signal” that, this time, Russia is serious about using a nuclear weapon to coerce an adversary.

---

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ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’a ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA:

(Please note that the Sunday and Saturday NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS are also added below by category, following Monday’s news posts in order to maintain continuity of nuclear news as well as for research for the overall information provided in “LLAW;s All Things Nuclear”.)

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There are three Yellowstone Caldera bonus stories available in today’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Friday, (12/20/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

GOP seeks ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran with nuclear clock ticking – The Hill

The Hill

Self said he would consider backing strikes on Iranian nuclear sites “depending on what we learn about the nuclear program.” … “These are all things …

NSA Sullivan: ‘positive outcome’ on Mideast ceasefire is possible before year’s end – NPR

NPR

And so that is something that we, Israel, our Arab partners and the incoming Trump administration are all going to have to think carefully about in …

NSA Sullivan: ‘positive outcome’ on Mideast ceasefire is possible before year’s end – SDPB

SDPB

… nuclear weapon? We’ve heard from voices … Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR’s award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.

Nuclear Power

NEWS

Is nuclear power ‘green energy?’ – Ohio Capital Journal

Ohio Capital Journal

Last week, the Ohio General Assembly sent a bill to Gov. Mike DeWine designating nuclear power as “green energy.” This is not particularly …

Flag as irrelevant

Students take nuclear strategy ideas to the White House | Stanford Report

Stanford Report – Stanford University

Four engineering students developed proposals for supporting America’s transition to nuclear energy and presented them to the National Security …

Economics of nuclear energy is ‘very challenging’ – YouTube

YouTube

Program Director Tony Wood says the economics of nuclear energy is “very challenging”. “I don’t have a problem fundamentally with nuclear power …

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

Watts Bar Nuclear Plant earns perfect score on its emergency preparedness evaluation

YouTube

The Tennessee Valley Authority said that the rating shows how much they prioritize safety at the plant.

How Watts Bar Nuclear Plant works to keep people safe – WATE

WATE

6 News was given an inside look at the training and preparation that goes into responding to emergencies at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant.

DoE Using AI for Emergency Response, Nukes Assessment, Official Says – MeriTalk

MeriTalk

… emergencies to planning energy investments and determining the risks of nuclear weapons, the department’s new principal deputy chief information …

Nuclear War

NEWS

How impossible is the risk of nuclear escalation in Ukraine?

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

In one scenario that has been discussed, Russia explodes a tactical nuclear weapon to force Ukraine to end the fighting and agree to cede Crimea and …

Putin claims Russia is not engaged in nuclear saber-rattling – VOA News

VOA News

Speaking at the Russian defense ministry’s meeting, Putin assessed Russia’s conduct in the Ukraine war and shared insights on the nation’s nuclear …

Russia suffers ‘record daily losses’ since war began; Kremlin addresses Putin’s ‘missile duel …

Sky News

A citizen from Uzbekistan has been detained over the killing of Russian nuclear forces general Igor Kirillov, Moscow’s intelligence agency has said.

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

Putin claims Russia is not engaged in nuclear saber-rattling – VOA News

VOA News

In September, he threatened to “of course, use” nuclear weapons, in response to a “nuclear blackmailing” and threats to Russia’s “territorial …

What happens if a nuclear bomb drops on Knoxville? Simulator shows deaths and blast range

Knoxville News Sentinel

… attack on the U.S.. In a sense, U.S. nuclear weapons exist not to be used. And while nuclear threats seem to happen only far away, like on the …

Putin’s statements on nuclear threats are groundless – Head of NATO Representation Turner

Цензор.НЕТ

NATO closely monitors possible nuclear threats from Russia but does not record significant changes in its nuclear policy. … War in Syria

Yellowstone Caldera

NEWS

7 Most Underrated Yellowstone Lookalikes In America – TheTravel

TheTravel

… supervolcano” eruption), the Yellowstone Caldera may be the most famous volcano in the United States. However, it’s far from the only one, and …

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano shows more signs of elevated unrest – AOL.com

AOL.com

“Here’s an update on the now-exploding supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park,” the man says. “Scientists for millions of years have hoped that …

Tucker nails it again. Everyone who ruined the country has moved to Jackson, Wyoming.

TexAgs

When you drive into the park, you are entering the thing. Most know Yellowstone is a volcano, but what they may hear less is if you look at Crater …

IAEA Weekly News

20 December 2024

Read the top news and updates published on IAEA.org this week.

20 December 2024

Eswatini Finalizes Funding Framework for its First Public Radiotherapy Centre

Eswatini is taking tangible steps to prepare for its first public radiotherapy centre to enable cancer patients to be treated in-country, according to a team of international experts. Read more →

19 December 2024

VIDEO: The IAEA’s Achievements in 2024

2024 has been a year of delivery and innovation. From Antarctica to Ukraine, from cancer care to tackling the world’s growing hunger, the IAEA successfully continued its mission to bring the benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology to the world. Read more →

18 December 2024

IAEA Profile: Be Open to Possibilities – Lisa Stevens

“I want every country to have a cancer plan and more people to know about the cancer work that the IAEA does,” says Lisa Stevens reflecting on her work at the IAEA. Read more →

17 December 2024

New IAEA Publication on the Security of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material in Transport

A new IAEA publication on the security of nuclear and other radioactive material in transport has been released. Read more →

16 December 2024

How the IAEA Advises Countries on the Protection of Nuclear Sites

Keeping nuclear facilities secure from internal or external threats is of paramount importance. Read more →

NUCLEAR INSANITY & THE LAST DAYS OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY . . . ~ LLAW

Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 19, 2024

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Photo of an Underground Bunker Bedroom (from the AP/NPR article)

LLAW’s NUCLEAR WORLD NEWS TODAY AND THE RISKS & CONSEQUENCES OF TOMORROW

From what is already known about a future nuclear war, it seems a bit silly to buy an underground bunker for several reasons that I will leave to the article and your own information and imagination. If you have followed this blog for awhile you should already know from all kinds of multiple sources and articles that, as this story indicates, is a waste of future comfort, time, and money.

Living underground or in caverns seems like survival for no other reason than to go on living might, in time, make you wish you had died when everybody else most likely did. You would likely never see the son again, nor walk on the planet’s surface again, so why would life in a bunker, even if it extended your life, seems so futile that, if we think about such way of living, would be something to avoid rather than seek . . . ~llaw

Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite warnings they won’t provide protection

December 18, 20241:14 AM ET

By

The Associated Press

The owner, who asked not to be identified because of concerns about his privacy, turns on the lights in his underground shelter in an undisclosed Southern California city, on Dec. 16.

Jae C. Hong/AP

When Bernard Jones Jr. and his wife, Doris, built their dream home, they didn’t hold back. A grotto swimming pool with a waterfall for hot summer days. A home theater for cozy winter nights. A fruit orchard to harvest in fall. And a vast underground bunker in case disaster strikes.

“The world’s not becoming a safer place,” he said. “We wanted to be prepared.”

Movie Reviews

‘Civil War’ is a doomsday thought experiment — that could have used more thinking

Under a nondescript metal hatch near the private basketball court, there’s a hidden staircase that leads down into rooms with beds for about 25 people, bathrooms and two kitchens, all backed by a self-sufficient energy source.

With water, electricity, clean air and food, they felt ready for any disaster, even a nuclear blast, at their bucolic home in California’s Inland Empire.

“If there was a nuclear strike, would you rather go into the living room or go into a bunker? If you had one, you’d go there too,” said Jones, who said he reluctantly sold the home two years ago.

Global security leaders are warning nuclear threats are growing as weapons spending surged to $91.4 billion last year. At the same time, private bunker sales are on the rise globally, from small metal boxes to crawl inside of to extravagant underground mansions.

Critics warn these bunkers create a false perception that a nuclear war is survivable. They argue that people planning to live through an atomic blast aren’t focusing on the real and current dangers posed by nuclear threats, and the critical need to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The owner, who asked not to be identified because of privacy concerns, walks out of his underground shelter in an undisclosed Southern California city, on Dec. 16, 2024.

Jae C. Hong/AP

Meanwhile, government disaster experts say bunkers aren’t necessary. A Federal Emergency Management Agency 100-page guide on responding to a nuclear detonation focuses on having the public get inside and stay inside, ideally in a basement and away from outside walls for at least a day. Those existing spaces can provide protection from radioactive fallout, says FEMA.

But increasingly, buyers say bunkers offer a sense of security. The market for U.S. bomb and fallout shelters is forecast to grow from $137 million last year to $175 million by 2030, according to a market research report from BlueWeave Consulting. The report says major growth factors include “the rising threat of nuclear or terrorist attacks or civil unrest.”

Building bunkers

“People are uneasy and they want a safe place to put their family. And they have this attitude that it’s better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it,” said Atlas Survival Shelters CEO Ron Hubbard, amid showers of sparks and the loud buzz of welding at his bunker factory, which he says is the world’s largest, in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

World

‘Doomsday Clock’ signals existential threats of nuclear war, climate disasters and AI

Hubbard said COVID lockdowns, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war have driven sales.

On Nov. 21, in the hours after Russia’s first-ever use of an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile to attack Ukraine, Hubbard said his phone rang nonstop.

Four callers ended up buying bunkers in one day, he said, and more ended up ordering doors and other parts for shelters they were already building.

Hubbard said his bunkers are built for all disasters.

“They’re good for anything from a tornado to a hurricane to nuclear fallout, to a pandemic to even a volcano erupting,” he said, sweeping his arms toward a massive warehouse where more than 50 different bunkers were under construction.

A loaded shotgun at arm’s length and metal mesh window shields to block Molotov cocktails nearby, Hubbard said he started his company after building his own bunker about 10 years ago. He says callers ask about prices — $20,000 to multimillions, averaging $500,000 — and installations — they can go just about anywhere. He said most days he sells at least one bunker.

The owner, who asked not to be identified because of concerns about his privacy, closes the heavy metal door of his underground shelter in an undisclosed Southern California city, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024.

Jae C. Hong/AP

Under Hubbard’s doomsday scenario, global tensions could lead to World War III, a situation he is prepared to live through.

“The good news about nuclear warfare,” he said, “if there ever was any, that it’s very survivable if you’re not killed in the initial blast.”

He’s not wrong, say U.S. government disaster preparedness experts.

“You want to go to your most robust building”

“Look, this fallout exposure is entirely preventable because it is something that happens after the detonation,” said Brooke Buddemeier a radiation safety specialist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where the U.S. government designs nuclear weapons. Buddemeier and his colleagues are tasked with evaluating what could happen after an attack and how best to survive. “There’s going to be a fairly obvious nuclear explosion event, a large cloud. So just getting inside, away from where those particles fall, can keep you and your family safe.”

Buddemeier and others in the U.S. government are trying to get Americans — who decades ago hid under desks during nuclear attack drills — educated about how to respond.

After a deadly and deafening blast, a bright flash and a mushroom cloud, it will take about 15 minutes for the radioactive fallout to arrive for those a mile or more away from ground zero, said Michael Dillon, a scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

“It’s going to literally be sand falling on your head, and you’re going to want to get out of that situation. You want to go to your most robust building,” he said. In their models, they estimate people may need to stay inside for a day or two before evacuating.

The government’s efforts to educate the public were reinvigorated after a false alarm missile alert in Hawaii in 2018 caused widespread panic.

The emergency alert, which was sent to cellphones statewide just before 8:10 a.m., said: “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”

World

The Doomsday Clock moves to 90 seconds to midnight, signaling more peril than ever

For the next 40 minutes there were traffic jams, workers running into and out of buildings, families huddling in their bathrooms, students gathering in gyms, drivers blocking tunnels, all in an attempt to seek shelter, without any clear idea of what “seek immediate shelter” actually meant.

Today the federal government offers a guide to prepare citizens for a nuclear attack that advises people to find a basement or the center of a large building and stay there, possibly for a few days, until they get word about where to go next.

“Gently brush your pet’s coat to remove any fallout particles” it says, adding that the 15-minute delay between bomb and fallout allows “enough time for you to be able to prevent significant radiation exposure.”

Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, who directs the FEMA-backed National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, said “the scenarios of a nuclear detonation are not all or nothing.”

If a small number of weapons detonate rather than all-out war, he said, sheltering inside a large building to avoid the fallout could save lives.

“Underground bunkers aren’t going to protect people”

Nonproliferation advocates bristle at the bunkers, shelters or any suggestion that a nuclear war is survivable.

“Bunkers are, in fact, not a tool to survive a nuclear war, but a tool to allow a population to psychologically endure the possibility of a nuclear war,” said Alicia Sanders-Zakre at the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.

Sanders-Zakre called radiation the “uniquely horrific aspect of nuclear weapons,” and noted that even surviving the fallout doesn’t prevent long-lasting, intergenerational health crises. “Ultimately, the only solution to protect populations from nuclear war is to eliminate nuclear weapons.”

A bedroom is shown inside an underground shelter in an undisclosed Southern California city, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024.

Jae C. Hong/AP

Researcher Sam Lair at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies says U.S. leaders stopped talking about bunkers decades ago.

“The political costs incurred by causing people to think about shelters again is not worth it to leaders because it forces people to think about what they would do after nuclear war,” he said. “That’s something that very, very few people want to think about. This makes people feel vulnerable.”

Lair said building bunkers seems futile, even if they work in the short term.

“Even if a nuclear exchange is perhaps more survivable than many people think, I think the aftermath will be uglier than many people think as well,” he said. “The fundamental wrenching that it would do to our way of life would be profound.”

That’s been a serious concern of Massachusetts Congressman James McGovern for almost 50 years.

“If we ever get to a point where there’s all out nuclear war, underground bunkers aren’t going to protect people,” he said. “Instead, we ought to be investing our resources and our energy trying to talk about a nuclear weapons freeze, initially.”

Next, he said, “we should work for the day when we get rid of all nuclear weapons.”

Year after year he introduces legislation pushing for nonproliferation, but looking out his office window at the Capitol, he said he’s disappointed by the lack of debate over what will be a $1 trillion expenditure to build and modernize the U.S. arsenal.

“The stakes, if a nuclear weapon is ever used, is that millions and millions and millions of people will die. It really is shocking that we have world leaders who talk casually about utilizing nuclear weapons. I mean, it would be catastrophic, not just for those that are involved in an exchange of nuclear weapons, but for the entire world.”

McGovern pushed back against FEMA’s efforts to prepare the public for a nuclear attack by advising people to take shelter.

“What a stupid thing to say that we all just need to know where to hide and where to avoid the most impacts of nuclear radiation. I mean, really, that’s chilling when you hear people try to rationalize nuclear war that way,” he said.

Nuclear war was far from a couple’s mind when they went house-hunting in Southern California a few years ago. They wanted a home to settle down and raise their family, and they needed extra garage space. They spotted an online ad for a home with at least eight parking spots. On the basketball court, there was a metal hatch. Beneath it was a bunker.

This was Jones’ former home, which Jones said he put up for sale for family reasons.

The husband, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of concerns about his family’s privacy, went ahead and bought Jones’ home, bunker and all. They aren’t particularly worried about nuclear war, and haven’t spent a night in the bunker, but they have stored food and medical supplies down there.

“We have told some of our friends, if something goes crazy and gets bad, get over here as fast as possible,” the husband said. “It does provide a sense of security.”

---

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ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’a ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA:

(Please note that the Sunday and Saturday NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS are also added below by category, following Monday’s news posts in order to maintain continuity of nuclear news as well as for research for the overall information provided in “LLAW;s All Things Nuclear”.)

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There are no Yellowstone Caldera bonus stories available in today’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Thursday, (12/19/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite warnings they won’t provide protection – WBHM

WBHM

… nuclear attack by advising people to take shelter. “What a stupid thing to say that we all just need to know where to hide and where to avoid the …

Switch inks massive deal to power data centers with small nuclear reactors

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business

… nuclear reactors that aim to play a growing role in the supply of … Keep up with all things West Michigan business. Sign up for our free …

Vermont Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel hears reports on nuclear waste …

WAMC

You know we’ve been talking about the one geologic repository that we need. But in fact even if Yucca was to open it probably couldn’t accommodate all …

Nuclear Power

NEWS

‘World’s first’ grid-scale nuclear fusion power plant announced in the US in another step for … – CNN

CNN

… nuclear fusion power plant, able to harness this futuristic clean power and generate electricity from it by the early 2030s.

Will the World’s First Nuclear Fusion Power Plant Be Built in Virginia? Here’s Why We’re Skeptical

Scientific American

The fusion power plant would go live in the next decade and produce 400 megawatts of electricity, says Commonwealth Fusion Systems.

How UT is Helping Make East Tennessee a Top Destination for Nuclear Energy

chancellor@utk.edu – University of Tennessee, Knoxville

UT Knoxville has one of the best nuclear engineering programs in the country and some of the world’s top experts in the field.

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

DAE holds emergency response drill at Kalpakkam – The Hindu

The Hindu

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Kalpakkam Centre, conducted a ‘site emergency exercise’ on Wednesday as part of its emergency preparedness …

Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Ahn Deok-geun urged lawmakers to “parliamentary …

mk.co.kr

… plant orders grew due to the aftermath of Yoon Suk Yeol’s emergency martial law. … nuclear power plants.” The political crisis and the history of the …

Computational modeling of hydrogen behavior and thermo-pressure dynamics for safety …

ResearchGate

… nuclear power plant emergencies. We used advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze hydrogen distribution, pressure …

Nuclear War

NEWS

Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite warnings they won’t provide protection – NPR

NPR

Critics warn argue that people planning to live through an atomic blast aren’t focusing on the real and current dangers posed by nuclear threats.

Report: Despite Corruption Problems, China Progresses Toward Modernization

Defense.gov

The Defense Department released the “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China” report, which offers insight …

Blinken says Iran had bad year, but nuclear negotiations possible – Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera

‘Axis of resistance’. Israel has also emerged from a 14-month war with Hezbollah with seemingly the upper hand after a ceasefire agreement required …

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

Putin Reveals When Russia May Use Nuclear Weapons Under New Doctrine – Newsweek

Newsweek

“And if such countries pose a threat to us, we reserve the right to use our nuclear weapons against them. “We have announced that if the same threats …

Putin threatens nuclear strikes against countries posing threats to Russia’s sovereignty

The New Voice of Ukraine

The new nuclear doctrine aims to protect against new military risks that could threaten Russia’s sovereignty, said Putin. “We are talkingt …

Putin’s Big Hint Russia Can Use Nuclear Weapons If… – YouTube

YouTube

3:15 · Go to channel · Yemen Vs USA War: Houthis Vow Bloodbath In Red Sea Despite NATO Threats For Millions of Muslims. Oneindia News New 554 views

NUCLEAR INSANITY & THE LAST DAYS OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY . . . ~ LLAW

Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 18, 2024

1

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From the article: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy/ Associated Press Photo

LLAW’s NUCLEAR WORLD NEWS TODAY AND THE RISKS & CONSEQUENCES OF TOMORROW

From the following brief “TCM” article “Only fools are not afraid of weapons. Volodymyr Putin has lost his mind, as evidenced by his missile attacks. His threats should frighten the entire world. This is about nuclear war!” the Ukrainian President stressed.

So could it be that now we will soon have two world leaders consulting with each other who have “lost their minds”? Just wondering — ‘nuff said! ~llaw

“It’s about a nuclear war”: Zelenskyy admits whether Putin’s threats frighten Him

Published at

18:16, 18.12.24

Reading time

2 min

The President of Ukraine emphasizes that the threats made by the Russian dictator should alarm the entire world.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that only fools are not afraid when it comes to threats involving the use of nuclear weapons.

The Head of State made this remark during an interview with Le Parisien.

Zelenskyy was asked whether the threats by Russian president Volodymyr Putin to use nuclear weapons frighten him.

“Only fools are not afraid of weapons. Volodymyr Putin has lost his mind, as evidenced by his missile attacks. His threats should frighten the entire world. This is about nuclear war!” the Ukrainian President stressed.

According to him, the world is not responding strongly enough to Russia’s nuclear threats.

“All possible sanctions must be applied to prevent any leader – Putin or anyone else – from even considering such a thing. Unfortunately, we do not see a strong enough reaction against him,” Zelenskyy stated.

Read also:

• Yermak announces when talks on a lasting peace would begin
• Russia’s missile usage for strikes on Ukraine’s energy system revealed
• The most difficult type of combat in military practice: the Ukrainian Armed Forces talk about the tough defense of a city in Donetsk region
• The Russian army increases the intensity of offensive actions: Syrskyi reports the difficult frontline situation
• Does Ukraine provide assistance to the Syrian rebel movement: Zelenskyy’s response

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ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’a ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA:

(Please note that the Sunday and Saturday NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS are also added below by category, following Monday’s news posts in order to maintain continuity of nuclear news as well as for research for the overall information provided in “LLAW;s All Things Nuclear”.)

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There are three Yellowstone Caldera bonus stories available in today’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Wednesday, (12/18/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite expert warnings they aren’t going to provide protection

AP News

Building bunkers · Ron Hubbard, owner of Atlas Survival Shelters, handles a shotgun during an interview at his company’s office in Sulphur Springs, …

Explosion kills the head of Russia’s nuclear defense forces in Moscow – NPR

NPR

KYIV — A top Russian military leader accused of using banned chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops was assassinated in Moscow on Tuesday.

Takeaways from the AP’s reporting on nuclear bunkers

AP News

Global security leaders are warning nuclear threats are growing as weapons spending has surged to $91.4 billion last year.

Nuclear Power

NEWS

Oklo targets 12 gigawatts of new nuclear power in deal with data center operator – CNBC

CNBC

Rendering of a proposed Oklo commercial advanced fission power plant in the U.S.. Courtesy: Oklo Inc. Nuclear startup Oklo aims to deploy 12 ..

Arkansas Nuclear One, state’s only nuclear power plant, celebrates 50 years – YouTube

YouTube

Arkansas Nuclear One, state’s only nuclear power plant, celebrates 50 years. 37 views · 12 hours ago …more …

Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces World’s First Commercial Fusion Power Plant

Governor of Virginia – Virginia.gov

“Once made commercially viable, power generated by nuclear fusion will become indispensable to the ‘All-of-the-Above’ resources needed to provide …

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

Emergency response exercise conducted at Kalpakkam atomic plants | Chennai News

Times of India

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) conducted a successful emergency preparedness exercise involving more than 9000 personnel.

TVA releases 2025 Browns Ferry emergency preparedness calendar | News | moultonadvertiser.com

The Moulton Advertiser

… emergency information calendar to all homes and businesses within a ten-mile radius of the 3.8-gigawatt nuclear power plant. “Inside the calendar …

Eerie Abandoned School: Japan’s Missing Kids Mystery! | Watch – MSN

MSN

… nuclear power plant’s emergency diesel generators, leading to a loss of electric power. The result was the most severe nuclear accident since the …

Nuclear War

NEWS

Head of Russia’s nuclear defense forces killed in Moscow blast, Ukraine says they did it

YouTube

Russia Ukraine War: Kyiv Behind Assassination of Russian General … Russia Nuclear Chief Killed By Ukraine | World At Nuclear War Brink? | …

Ukraine says they killed general leading Russia’s nuclear and chemical forces – YouTube

YouTube

… 21K views · 25:21 · Go to channel · Russia Nuclear Chief Killed By Ukraine | World At Nuclear War Brink? | NewsX. NewsX Live New 150 views · 23:17.

Opinion | Donald Trump Can Pull Us Back From the Nuclear Brink – The New York Times

The New York Times

The war in Gaza threatens to expand into a wider regional conflict; Israel already has nuclear weapons and Iran is moving closer to building a bomb, …

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite warnings they won’t provide protection – NPR

NPR

Critics warn argue that people planning to live through an atomic blast aren’t focusing on the real and current dangers posed byear threats

“It’s about a nuclear war“: Zelenskyy admits whether Putin’s threats frighten Him – ТСН

ТСН

Volodymyr Putin has lost his mind, as evidenced by his missile attacks. His threats should frighten the entire world. This is about nuclear war!” the .

Peter Scoblic Joins NTI as Sam Nunn Distinguished Fellow – The Nuclear Threat Initiative

The Nuclear Threat Initiative

… nuclear threats,” said NTI Co-Chair and CEO Ernest J. Moniz. “Peter … NTI urges UN member states to support the proposed resolution on Nuclear War ..

Yellowstone Caldera

NEWS

Wildlife In Yellowstone National Park’s Thermal Basins

National Parks Traveler

Editor’s note: Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

EXPLAINER: How wildlife interacts with geothermal activity – Buckrail

Buckrail

… Yellowstone National Park (YNP) wildlife interacts with thermal areas? This week’s Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s (YVO) Caldera Chronicles …

Prehistoric rock in Japan reveals clues to major ocean anoxic event | ScienceDaily

ScienceDaily

“Magma comes out of a volcano in liquid form and then begins to cool,” Sageman said. … Yellowstone Caldera · Homo (genus). Story Source: Materials …

NUCLEAR INSANITY & THE LAST DAYS OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY . . . ~ LLAW

Lloyd A. Williams-Pendergraft

Dec 17, 2024

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LLAW’s NUCLEAR WORLD NEWS TODAY AND THE RISKS & CONSEQUENCES OF TOMORROW

This is a “for the record” purpose, but I couldn’t resist posting this huge piece of journalism asking the critical question that everyone should be asking: “Should Trump have sole authority to order the launch of nuclear weapons in the advent of a nuclear war, which also means could he start a nuclear war. I cannot believe that it is even a question. It’s not “just” because it’s Trump, but also because no individual on planet Earth should have such singular authority.

With 530 incoming new US senators and representatives being asked by the ”New York Times” to answer such a question of individual congressman, you can scroll down to find the answers offered by your own and other new politicians. Although I don’t generally have much faith in politicians’ opinions in general, or for most anything, they are asked to act upon, here are the details, but as I say, it’s just for the record, so you may want to read the articles in a further opinion series referred to as “The Brink” — also linked here for your convenience . . . ~llaw

Opinion

Kathleen Kingsbury

Should the President Have Nuclear Sole Authority? We Asked 530 Incoming Congress Members.

Dec. 17, 2024, 5:03 a.m. ET

By Kathleen Kingsbury

Opinion Editor

“The trust and the temptation would be too great for any one man.”

James Madison, America’s fourth president, offered these words in 1793 to explain why he and his fellow founders issued the sole authority to declare war to Congress, under Article I of the Constitution. “In no part of the Constitution is more wisdom to be found than in the clause which confides the question of war or peace to the legislature, and not to the executive department,” he wrote.

Yet since their invention, nuclear warheads have sat outside that exclusive duty of Congress to declare war. The American president today has full power over the nation’s nuclear arsenal. He can launch a pre-emptive strike any time and at any target on his command alone. A life-altering retaliation and full-fledged nuclear war would be nearly inevitable. Every president has held this power since the days after Harry Truman ordered the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Times Opinion last month surveyed members of the incoming 119th Congress about how they felt about this constitutional contradiction.

We sent a short list of questions to all 530 voting members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives who are expected to serve in the new Congress seated in January. You can read our questions in full below. The main insight from the answers we received: If there is a widespread urgency or willingness in Congress to cooperate on bills that create safeguards around nuclear war, it was not apparent.

This article is part of the Opinion series At the Brink,
about the threat of nuclear weapons in an unstable world. Read the opening story here.

We asked whether they supported the president’s unilateral power to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike and whether they agreed that the president should be able to respond to an incoming nuclear attack without congressional approval. We also asked them to rate how comfortable they were with Donald Trump, the president-elect, having this authority.

No Republican went on the record to say that presidents should be able to launch pre-emptive strikes without congressional approval. Representative Jefferson Van Drew of New Jersey was among the lawmakers against sole authority, but he was also the only member of the Republican Party to defend Mr. Trump’s having that unilateral power, saying he was “very comfortable” with it.

In the Senate, no Republican explicitly defended sole authority for Mr. Trump or any president.

Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrat of New York, was the only senator who said any president should have this unilateral say. In the House, the Democrats Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Representative-elect Janelle Bynum of Oregon did. All three, however, said they were not at all comfortable with Mr. Trump’s having unilateral power over the nuclear arsenal.

We went into this exercise knowing we’d probably receive few responses. It was only a few weeks after the election, we were up against the Thanksgiving holiday, and it was not likely that many members had studied this issue in depth. We also knew it was a transition time for Congress, a moment when we might not even have the right press contacts in every office, though we made every effort to ensure we did.

We endeavored nonetheless because there have been legislative proposals that would prohibit any president from launching a nuclear first strike without congressional approval and in our new nuclear age, this could prove an important national security question.

Congress cannot control the tenor of diplomacy among nuclear nations, but protections its members can enact would send an essential signal to the world that the United States believes nuclear policy must be marked by restraint and care.

The Republicans who chose to respond did so either by deflecting or, in a few cases, by taking to social media with snark and evasive criticism.

“For four years, Joe Biden gave the American people every reason to question whether he was physically and mentally capable of being president. Yet The New York Times not once asked whether anyone was ‘comfortable’ with his control of the nuclear arsenal,” Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, for example, replied. “The American people just delivered a mandate to President Trump entrusting him to keep our nation safe. That speaks for itself.”

Mr. Ricketts was incorrect about our coverage. My colleague W.J. Hennigan in March argued that the American public should be uncomfortable with sole authority — regardless of who is president — in a long essay. Our editorial board, which I oversee, was very clear last summer in our concern about President Biden’s physical and mental capacity to do his job if he was elected to a second term. But it is also notable that the senator and many of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle avoided a straightforward question about perhaps the most consequential power the president holds.

Of the dozens who did answer the survey, most were Democrats who acknowledged the growing specter of catastrophe as world leaders turn away from nuclear diplomacy and the American legal framework around sole authority remains stagnant. Many representatives and senators pointed to a need for strong guardrails and clear, nimble communication, no matter who is president. Representative Mark Takano of California expressed a fear of escalation in the absence of active arms control discussions: “I am concerned with the declining communication among the nuclear powers that could lead to a nuclear confrontation.”

Every Democrat who responded to the final question was very uncomfortable with Mr. Trump’s having unilateral power to launch nuclear strikes. Some were not confident in Congress’s ability to be an adequate check on him and felt a reassessment of our nuclear policy was overdue. “It is time for us to reconsider sole authority,” said Representative Dina Titus of Nevada. “History is rife with close calls.”

We allowed members extra time to answer when they requested it. We followed up several times from those we didn’t hear from. We will update these responses if any lawmaker would now like to reply. What follows are the questions we asked and all the answers we received. We asked for yes, no and rating responses, and invited members of Congress to explain their answers; some did. We are publishing everyone’s answers in full. We also list the members of Congress who chose not to respond.

Times Opinion Asked

a. Should any American president be able to launch a pre-emptive nuclear attack without congressional approval?

b. Should any American president be able to launch a nuclear attack without congressional approval in response to an enemy’s incoming nuclear missile attack?

c. Please give us an answer on a scale of 1 to 4: How comfortable are you with the fact that President Trump has this unilateral authority? 1. Very comfortable. 2. Somewhat comfortable. 3. Not too comfortable. 4. Not at all comfortable.

Congress Answered

Republicans who responded:

Senator Katie Britt, Republican of Alabama

President Trump achieved peace through strength his first term, and I’m confident he’ll do it again.

Senator Pete Ricketts, Republican of Nebraska

For four years, Joe Biden gave the American people every reason to question whether he was physically and mentally capable of being president. Yet The New York Times not once asked whether anyone was “comfortable” with his control of the nuclear arsenal. The American people just delivered a mandate to President Trump entrusting him to keep our nation safe. That speaks for itself.

Representative Jefferson Van Drew, Republican of New Jersey

a. A pre-emptive nuclear attack should require congressional approval.

b. Yes, any American president should be able to launch a nuclear attack without congressional approval in response to an enemy’s incoming nuclear missile attack.

c. I am very comfortable that President Trump has this unilateral authority.

Senator Marsha Blackburn, Republican of Tennessee, embedded Senator Mike Lee’s X post in her response.

.@BasedMikeLee completely agree with you.

“Bad-faith fearmongering about a Trump presidency won’t fly.”

Senator Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, posted on X.

Feel free to include this in your reporting: It isn’t 2017 anymore, @nytopinion. Bad-faith fearmongering about a Trump presidency won’t fly.

Mentally unfit Joe Biden commands our nukes NOW. He just authorized American missiles to kill people within Russia, a nuclear superpower.

On a scale of 1-4, how comfortable are you?

Democrats who responded:

Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware

a. No. There should be statutory limits restricting first-use nuclear strikes.

b. Yes. If the United States ever faces an imminent nuclear attack, time will be of the essence in determining a response. While I’m inclined to provide as much congressional oversight as possible over the use of our nuclear arsenal, it’s not realistic to expect any president to wait for congressional approval in this scenario.

c. Not at all comfortable

Senator Tammy Duckworth, Democrat of Illinois

a. The question of should a commander in chief be able to launch a pre-emptive nuclear attack without congressional approval requires context on the unique facts and circumstances of the situation, including how one defines “pre-emptive” — for example, if an adversary has begun the process of preparing to launch a nuclear weapon, would the United States have to wait until the ballistic missile is in the air or hits its target to enter a period where military action would not be considered “pre-emptive”? This question is extremely important and extremely complicated — and one-word answers fail to reflect that reality.

b. The president’s Article II commander in chief authority authorizes such action — and that constitutional authority does not vary depending on the specific eligible individual the American people duly elect to serve as president.

c. Extremely uncomfortable.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland

a. No. A president should be required to get congressional approval before initiating the first use of nuclear weapons.

b. Yes. Deterrence requires that the president should be able use nuclear weapons in response to a verified nuclear attack against the homeland of the United States.

c. Not at all comfortable. I am not at all comfortable giving any president the unilateral authority to start a nuclear war.

Senator Edward J. Markey, Democrat of Massachusetts

a. No. The Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. A first-use nuclear strike would be an act of war and, without congressional approval, would be unconstitutional. Such a strike would be immoral, disproportionate and something our Constitution makes clear no single person should be able to do alone. A no-first-use policy should be the law of the land. Since 2015, Representative Ted Lieu and I have introduced the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act because no American president — or single individual — should have the power to launch a first-use nuclear first strike without explicit congressional approval. Nuclear weapons are an existential threat to humankind, no matter what administration is in the White House.

b. No. It is vital that any U.S. president has clear authority to respond to nuclear attacks on the United States, our forces or our allies. But no president should have the power to launch a nuclear strike on the basis of an attack warning without explicit congressional approval. As we know from past experience, such warnings can be false alarms. Launching nuclear weapons in response to a false alarm would invite a nuclear retaliation against the United States, essentially starting WWIII. The president’s ability to be able to launch a nuclear first strike without congressional approval is the most egregious example of why Congress must wrestle this power from the executive branch. The president has the power to launch a nuclear first strike even if there is no attack on the United States or our allies, an act that can only be construed as tantamount to declaring war. This is unconstitutional, undemocratic and simply unbelievable. In today’s digital age, we need to ensure only humans have the power to command, control and launch nuclear weapons and safeguard the process from any future change in policy where A.I. could lead us to accidental global nuclear war by passing my Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act.

c. Not at all comfortable. Scared to death. I do not trust Donald Trump with nuclear weapons. He has a record of welcoming a 21st-century nuclear arms race with Russia, while simultaneously tearing down the global arms control regime that has brought stability, transparency and security to the world for decades. He believes that escalation and bullying are acceptable political tactics, and he is known to act impulsively and without consultation with other key decision makers. For example, Donald Trump has said: “[The U.S.] must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability.” “Let it be an arms race. We will outmatch them at every pass and outlast them all.” And tweeted: “I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!” President Biden must put guardrails on presidential authority to start nuclear war now before Trump takes office. Using a nuclear weapon first is an act that can only be seen as a declaration of war, and there is no going back once it is launched. The Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war, not the president. In about as long as it takes him to launch a tweet, President Trump could order America’s armed forces to launch a nuclear first strike. We must never again allow Donald Trump to have his finger near the nuclear button.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts

a. No

b. No

c. Not at all comfortable

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrat of New York

a. Yes

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable.

Additional response: I have always been deeply concerned with President Trump’s temperament and judgment, particularly as it relates to national security and potential military conflict. However, the president’s authority to order a nuclear attack is important to U.S. national defense policy and to maintaining the doctrine of mutually assured destruction. While paradoxical, in order to prevent nuclear war, it is vital that our adversaries, as well as our allies, know that the U.S. is ready and able to swiftly deploy nuclear weapons. Furthermore, while I understand and share concerns about President Trump possessing this authority, there are significant procedural checks in place to ensure that the president cannot launch an illegal nuclear attack. As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have trust in the integrity and professionalism of our military leaders, and I do not believe they would be complicit in carrying out an illegal nuclear strike.

Senator Jeff Merkley, Democrat of Oregon

a. No. I am a co-sponsor of the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act, which would prevent any American president from launching a nuclear strike first without congressional approval.

b. No. While there is a necessity to respond quickly to an incoming nuclear attack, given the irreversible, devastating impact of such a strike, I firmly believe unilateral presidential authority to launch a nuclear attack must be governed by congressional oversight. Considering that several nuclear exchanges were almost initiated due to technological errors and falsely perceived attacks during the Cold War, it is imperative that our nuclear weapons are not used pre-emptively in response to a perceived attack.

c. Not at all comfortable. I am not comfortable with any president having the unilateral authority to launch a nuclear attack, and as co-chair of the Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, I’ll keep pushing for a legislative solution to address this issue once and for all.

Senator Peter Welch, Democrat of Vermont

a. No. No individual should be empowered to make such an apocalyptic decision. The United States should adopt a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons.

b. Yes. If there is insufficient time to consult with Congress and an immediate response is necessary to deter the enemy from launching additional nuclear missiles.

c. Not at all comfortable

Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia

a. No. I have long emphasized that Congress needs to reclaim its sole power to declare war, as laid out in the Constitution, by weighing in on crucial matters of war and peace. That includes authorizing the use of military force.

b. Yes. Article II of the Constitution provides the president with the authority to take self-defensive military action.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Ami Bera, Democrat of California

a. No. The American president should not be able to launch a pre-emptive nuclear attack without congressional authority.

b. Yes. Provided that the president notifies Congress of this decision and provides proof of the incoming attack to Congress within a reasonable time frame.

c. Not at all comfortable. The United States is the only known nuclear power that has vested this authority in a single person. I believe Congress should explore spreading this authority to ensure consensus is achieved before President Trump or any other president can launch a nuclear strike.

Representative Judy Chu, Democrat of California

a. No. I proudly co-sponsor legislation that would restrict first use of nuclear weapons by the United States because we have an obligation as the global nuclear superpower to promote these weapons as ones of extreme last resort. Congress has the sole authority to declare war, and the decision to commence a nuclear first strike must not be in the hands of one individual, even the president.

b. Yes. Because the president is the commander in chief and Congress has established that the president can respond to a direct attack on our country. However, President-elect Trump is an unstable, impulsive person, so I feel extremely uncomfortable with him having this tremendous responsibility while being unconstrained by Congress or other federal officials.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Sara Jacobs, Democrat of California

a. No

b. No. Unless the attack is confirmed, verified and not only incoming but imminent. There have been too many close calls and false alarms that warrant being judicious before launching a nuclear attack.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Ro Khanna, Democrat of California

a. Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the sole authority to declare war. No matter who is in the White House, the president must seek authorization from Congress before launching a pre-emptive nuclear attack. We are inching closer to a nuclear catastrophe and must reduce the risk of nuclear war by re-entering arms control agreements and ensuring diplomacy and statesmanship prevails.

b. The War Powers Resolution gives the president the authority to bypass Congress only in a national emergency when an attack is imminent.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Mike Levin, Democrat of California

a. No. A nuclear attack would constitute an act of war, and I believe the president has a constitutional responsibility to seek congressional approval.

b. Yes. I believe it’s in the interest of our national security for the president to have the ability to retaliate against an attack on the United States.

c. Not at all comfortable. Trump proved that he is driven by his worst impulses. For example, in his first term, Trump taunted Kim Jong-un with nuclear warfare by tweeting, “My button is bigger than theirs.” He should not have unilateral authority over the nuclear codes.

Representative Ted Lieu, Democrat of California

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Additional response: I believe the Constitution prevents the president from launching a nuclear first strike, which can kill millions of people in less than an hour, without congressional approval. The framers would view a nuclear first strike as war, and only Congress can authorize war. That is why I introduced my bill, the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act, in 2016 with Senator Markey and why I have reintroduced it every Congress, regardless of who was in the White House. Our founders could not have imagined nuclear warfare when they created our system of checks and balances, but they were prescient enough to know that Congress is a critical and necessary barrier to preventing all-out war. A president cannot start a war unilaterally, and launching a nuclear first strike is the most obvious act of war there is.

Representative-elect Dave Min, Democrat of California

a. No. No president should have the unilateral authority to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike without congressional approval. Our Constitution is clear: The power to declare war rests with Congress, reflecting the fundamental principle that such decisions must be made collectively, not by a single individual. A pre-emptive nuclear strike represents the most consequential act of war imaginable, with far-reaching humanitarian and geopolitical consequences. Such a decision demands the deliberation and consent of the people’s representatives. That’s why I fully support legislation like the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act, championed by Congressman Ted Lieu. It would ensure that no president can launch a nuclear first strike without explicit authorization from Congress. This safeguard is essential to maintaining the balance of powers and reducing the risk of unnecessary and catastrophic conflicts.

b. In the case of an incoming nuclear missile attack, the president must retain the authority to respond decisively and immediately to protect the United States and its allies. This is a critical exception to the principle of requiring congressional approval for acts of war. When seconds or minutes could mean the difference between life and death for millions, the president, as commander in chief, must be empowered to act swiftly to neutralize an imminent threat. However, this authority must be paired with rigorous oversight and accountability to ensure it is not misused. While a response to an incoming attack may require immediate action, the use of nuclear weapons in any other context — such as a pre-emptive first strike — must involve congressional authorization.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Scott Peters, Democrat of California

a. No. A president should not be able to launch a first-use or pre-emptive strike unilaterally. I submitted an amendment to the F.Y. 2025 National Defense Authorization Act that would block any such first-use strike without the consent of the speaker of the House.

b. Yes. The president needs to be able to react quickly to a verified incoming nuclear attack. Our adversaries must know that the president has this power for proper deterrence.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Linda Sánchez, Democrat of California

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Mark Takano, Democrat of California

a. No

b. Yes. But I am only comfortable with this position if we can solidify international treaties to restrict nuclear proliferation. Additionally, I am concerned with the declining communication among the nuclear powers that could lead to a nuclear confrontation.

c. Not at all comfortable. My discomfort is rooted in President-elect Trump’s erratic, impulsive and puerile nature. These are traits that would be disqualifying for him to operate a forklift, let alone having his finger on the nuclear button. I remember when then-President Trump tangled with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un early in his term. The president radically escalated his rhetoric in a tit-for-tat exchange. Our allies were unable to read his behavior, and those around the president tried to gloss over this deeply disturbing exchange. They justified Trump’s behavior by comparing him to disgraced President Nixon’s madman theory of international relations. To me, they simply didn’t want to admit that the president was a mercurial, impulsive man holding this awesome and weighty power.

Representative Juan Vargas, Democrat of California

a. No

b. No

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Maxine Waters, Democrat of California

a. No

b. No

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Joe Courtney, Democrat of Connecticut

a. No. As a co-sponsor of the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act, I believe the president must receive congressional approval before conducting a pre-emptive attack.

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable. As it pertains to a pre-emptive attack, 4, since I believe no president should have unilateral authority to execute a pre-emptive nuclear attack.

Representative John Larson, Democrat of Connecticut

a. No. The gravity and use pre-emptively of our nuclear capacity, something that could lead to the destruction of the world as we know it, is something no president should unilaterally engage in without congressional approval. I support Ted Lieu’s legislation, the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act, which would require Congress to authorize any pre-emptive nuclear strike, and I will continue to support global disarmament as a central part of our national security strategy.

b. Yes. As commander in chief, every president must have all tools of our arsenal at their disposal to respond to incoming nuclear attacks. Understanding the gravity of the situation calls for all presidents and Congress to prevail upon the goal of disarmament, as outlined in H. Res. 77.

c. Not at all comfortable. I am not comfortable with any president having unilateral authority to bring about the destruction of the globe, and while Trump heightens my concerns around this issue because of his rhetoric, the goal of Congress, current and all future presidential administrations should be the preservation of the planet and mankind.

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Democrat of Florida

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Frederica Wilson, Democrat of Florida

a. No. The president should, at a minimum, seek approval from the congressional Gang of Eight — comprising congressional leadership and intelligence leaders from both parties — before launching a pre-emptive nuclear attack.

b. No. The president should, at a minimum, seek approval from the congressional Gang of Eight in response to an incoming nuclear missile attack. This small group of congressional leaders enables the president to respond swiftly to imminent threats without the delays associated with consulting the entire Congress.

c. Not at all comfortable. President Trump has never been fit for the presidency, let alone trusted with nuclear weapons. His vengeful nature and impulsive decision making make him a danger to global safety. A nuclear strike is too big a decision for any one person — especially him

Representative Jill Tokuda, Democrat of Hawaii

a. No. The Constitution vests Congress with the authority to declare war, and we should not allow any president to unilaterally initiate a nuclear conflict.

b. Yes. As commander in chief, the president has a responsibility to defend the homeland against acts of war. The authority to respond to a nuclear attack with our own nuclear arsenal is consistent with that responsibility and ensures that we can deter such aggression.

c. Not at all comfortable. In his first term, we saw President Trump threaten nuclear war with North Korea via tweet. In 2022, he said he would threaten a nuclear attack on Russia. None of us should be comfortable that someone known for his temper tantrums, reckless and erratic behavior and lack of knowledge will have full control over our arsenal. The use of nuclear weapons is a last resort, and any sitting president and their advisers must approach such decisions with the utmost seriousness they command. We should also be concerned by nominees like Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard whose primary qualifications appear to be sycophancy and whom I doubt will be able to advise and restrain President Trump’s worst impulses.

Representative Sean Casten, Democrat of Illinois

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Bill Foster, Democrat of Illinois

a. No. Unless there is a specific prior attack that it is responding to, it is hard to imagine a more definitive act of war than a pre-emptive nuclear launch. Under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress is given the explicit responsibility of declaring war. As the president is commander in chief, if Congress has already declared war, then the president should be allowed to pursue that war through all of the tools at their disposal — up to and including nuclear use. However, in times of peace, the president should not be able to unilaterally launch a nuclear strike. A nuclear strike in peacetime would almost certainly upend the delicate balance of deterrence and plunge the world into nuclear war — a war that the president does not, according to our Constitution, have the authority to begin.

b. Yes. Being elected president of the most powerful country in the world comes with immense responsibilities. One of these is ensuring global stability through nuclear deterrence. Established during the Cold War, the principle of mutually assured destruction has, up until now, resulted in no uses of nuclear weapons during war since Nagasaki. That principle relies on the understanding that any nuclear attack on the United States will be met with an attack in kind. As the commander in chief, the president has the responsibility of using every tool at their disposal to keep the citizens of the United States safe. In times where arms control and strategic stability dialogues are becoming rarer and less effective, keeping the principles of deterrence alive can be the difference between life and death around the globe. Deterrence relies on having sane, rational leaders in control of nuclear arsenals. In preparation for the possibility that an unpredictable world leader comes to power, we need to reduce outstanding risk as much as possible. Then there will be much lower risk of false alarms and accidents like the one that Stanislav Petrov saved us from in 1983.

c. Not at all comfortable. President-elect Trump has shown throughout his first term and multiple campaigns that he does not have the rational temperament required to take on the responsibility of the United States’ nuclear arsenal. His inability to understand the technical, political and nonproliferation advantages of the Iran deal and his willingness to listen to advisers pushing the resumption of harmful, unnecessary nuclear testing shows his lack of qualifications. His unpredictability in dealing with both allies and adversaries has shown that he also lacks the personality that would allow me to feel comfortable with him holding the sole authority to launch nuclear weapons.

Representative Jonathan Jackson, Democrat of Illinois

a. The question of whether a president should have the sole authority to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike is one that weighs heavily on the principles of democracy, accountability and the value of human life. As leaders, we are entrusted with the lives of millions, and such monumental decisions should never rest in the hands of a single individual. Our Constitution is built on the idea of checks and balances. Allowing one person to wield unchecked power over something as catastrophic as a nuclear strike undermines those principles and opens the door to abuse or grave mistakes. A decision this consequential must involve Congress to ensure it reflects the will of the people and safeguards humanity.

b. If our nation faces an imminent nuclear attack, the president must be able to act decisively. Time is of the essence when lives are on the line, and the survival of the country cannot hinge on lengthy deliberations. That said, even in moments of crisis, we need systems in place to provide wise counsel and ensure the decision is justified. History has shown us how easily errors — false alarms or technical glitches — can bring the world to the brink of disaster. As a leader, I believe in the importance of rapid response but also in safeguards that allow for sound judgment in moments of chaos.

c. Not at all comfortable. On a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being “not comfortable at all,” my answer is 1. The power to unleash nuclear destruction is too immense for any one individual, no matter their political affiliation, to wield without oversight. President Trump’s temperament and decision-making style during his tenure raised serious concerns about his judgment in high-stakes scenarios. This isn’t about partisan politics; it’s about protecting humanity from irreversible consequences. We must establish robust systems that uphold democratic principles and ensure no one leader can act impulsively on a decision that could alter the course of history forever. As a member of Congress, I will continue to advocate for policies that reflect the values of accountability, shared responsibility and global peace. The stakes are too high for us to do anything less.

Representative André Carson, Democrat of Indiana

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Chellie Pingree, Democrat of Maine

a. No. It should be the policy of the United States that Congress plays a role in approving any initial use of military force — including the pre-emptive use of a nuclear weapon. The fact is, in the unthinkable scenario where nuclear weapons are used by the United States or any global power, we will have given our enemies and adversaries a reason to use them wherever they please. While even the thought of having to make that decision is truly horrifying, the power to release these catastrophic should be a whole-of-government decision, requiring explicate authorization from Congress.

b. Yes. If an adversary were to launch nuclear weapons at the United States, there would not be any practical time for Congress to have a say in how the president chooses to respond. That’s just the sad reality. If we were to ever reach a point where nuclear weapons were fired at United States, regardless of our retaliation, civilizations across the world would collapse from the fallout and aftermath of such a catastrophe. It’s hard to imagine the horror. Which is why it’s so important that the world’s nuclear powers stop with the rhetorical brinksmanship and start working towards a real, binding and mutually beneficial nuclear disarmament.

c. Not at all comfortable. The fact that he’ll once again have access to the nuclear codes should make everyone worried, especially given his extreme rhetoric about pre-emptively attacking other countries — including Iran. He’s unpredictable, he’s made it clear that he will try to consolidate his own power, and he’s shown time and again that he doesn’t have our country’s best interests at heart. This is not someone I am comfortable with at the helm of any nuclear decisions.

Representative Jake Auchincloss, Democrat of Massachusetts

a. No. Congress should codify a procedure that checks and balances the president’s first-strike authority, either by requiring a vote of Congress or by requiring approval from designated officials.

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative James McGovern, Democrat of Massachusetts

a. No

b. Yes. But must seek congressional authorization for anything that comes after that.

c. Not at all comfortable.

Additional response: No person should have the unilateral authority to launch a nuclear first strike and end life on this planet as we know it. This shouldn’t be a radical idea. We live in a democracy, and if the president of the United States wants to use nuclear weapons in a pre-emptive attack, they must obtain approval from Congress.

Nuclear weapons don’t prevent wars — they facilitate threats, coercion and instability. Yet the world stands at the brink of a new nuclear arms race, with no guardrails, as countries like Russia and China expand their arsenals and modernization programs. Today, we see trillions of dollars committed to building and improving nuclear bombs while essential human needs like health care, education and food security go underfunded. Every penny spent on these weapons strengthens the hand of evil and undermines the promise of peace.

As someone who believes there should be no nuclear weapons at all, I have introduced the Hastening Arms Limitation Talks Act to establish a 21st-century freeze on nuclear weapons testing, production and deployment. Additionally, I continue to urge the U.S. to embrace the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which would make disarmament a cornerstone of our national security policy. The bottom line is this: The story of humanity’s relationship with nuclear bombs has an ending, one way or the other. Either we get rid of them, or they get rid of us. The choice is ours to make.

Representative Seth Moulton, Democrat of Massachusetts

a. Yes. Extended deterrence requires that we be credibly willing to use our nuclear weapons to defend NATO and Pacific allies if they face an existential threat. This American promise has ensured NATO’s peace and stability for 75 years without requiring dozens of our allies to have their own nuclear weapons, thus limiting nuclear proliferation throughout the world. Unfortunately, involving Congress in this process would make the U.S. response much less decisive and not guaranteed, so our adversaries like Putin would be emboldened.

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable. Trump’s own senior military advisers from his first administration believe he is unfit for command, though anything that would limit the president’s authority to respond quickly and decisively, thus weakening our deterrence, would also make me very uncomfortable.

Representative-elect Wesley Bell, Democrat of Missouri

a. No

b. In the event of an incoming nuclear attack, the United States will have only minutes, much less hours or days, to deter and eliminate that threat. It does not seem feasible to notify and get approval from Congress to respond within that span of time. The president should not have unilateral authority to launch nuclear weapons. There should be a system in place to ensure that the decision to use nuclear weapons is made in consultation with other officials in a timely manner.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Dina Titus, Democrat of Nevada

a. No. It is time for us to reconsider sole authority — it is dangerous for only the president to have this control. History is rife with close calls and examples for why this authority should no longer be vested with one individual who, for any physical, mental or emotional reason, could be unfit to make that decision.

b. No. No president should be able to unilaterally launch a retaliatory strike. There ought to be some procedure by which the president must seek counsel from others. In a time-sensitive situation such as deciding whether to respond to an incoming missile attack, seeking congressional approval could be problematic. Any procedure we develop should take into account all scenarios so we are completely prepared to respond in an urgent manner. Whether by a formal group of military and security advisers, a specialized unit within the White House or the Gang of Eight, a potential response should be deliberated by more than just one person.

c. Not at all comfortable. One of my greatest national security concerns is Donald Trump occupying the White House.

Representative Donald Norcross, Democrat of New Jersey

Since the dawn of nuclear weapons during the Truman administration, every American president has had the sole authority on the use of nuclear weapons, and so will future presidents.

Representative Frank Pallone, Democrat of New Jersey

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, Democrat of New Jersey

a. No

b. No

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Yvette Clarke, Democrat of New York

a. No

b. No

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative-elect John Mannion, Democrat of New York

a. No. The use of nuclear weapons should be avoided at all costs, and the Constitution is clear that Congress decides on whether the U.S. goes to war. Protecting and defending Americans is a sacred duty I take very seriously, and Congress must work with the president to ensure the U.S. engages responsibly and in a way that safeguards American families, our service members and global allies. A pre-emptive nuclear strike should require congressional approval.

b. Yes. The use of nuclear weapons should be avoided at all costs, and the Constitution is clear that Congress decides on whether the U.S. goes to war. Practically, this scenario would constitute an urgent national emergency, and the decision would likely need to be made very quickly to protect American families, our service members and global allies.

c. No response

Representative Valerie Foushee, Democrat of North Carolina

a. No

b. No

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Deborah Ross, Democrat of North Carolina

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Suzanne Bonamici, Democrat of Oregon

a. No

b. It should not be a unilateral decision by the president.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative-elect Janelle Bynum, Democrat of Oregon

a. Yes

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative-elect Maxine Dexter, Democrat of Oregon

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Andrea Salinas, Democrat of Oregon

a. No

b. No

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Christopher Deluzio, Democrat of Pennsylvania

a. Congressional leadership with access to 24/7 communications (like the speaker of the House) should have a role to play in authorizing any pre-emptive nuclear attack.

b. Yes

c. I believe that some form of congressional approval is necessary before any pre-emptive action, and I think that any president needs to have the authority to respond to an incoming nuclear missile attack.

Representative Summer Lee, Democrat of Pennsylvania

a. No

b. No

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Gabe Amo, Democrat of Rhode Island

a. No. H.R. 669 would require congressional approval for pre-emptive strikes.

b. Yes. H.R. 669 would allow the president to take responsive nuclear action without congressional approval.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Lloyd Doggett, Democrat of Texas

a. No

b. Probably

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative-elect Julie Johnson, Democrat of Texas

a. No. A pre-emptive nuclear attack would be seen as an act of war, and that is a power for Congress.

b. Yes. With the caveat that our House and Senate Intelligence Committees are briefed by intelligence and military leaders beforehand.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative-elect Sylvester Turner, Democrat of Texas

a. No

b. I believe there should be a protocol that includes the approval of another senior official that is available on a moment’s notice 24/7. I would need more information to decide whether it is logistically possible for that official to be a member of Congress.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Becca Balint, Democrat of Vermont

a. There must be clear, common-sense safeguards in place to ensure a president cannot order a pre-emptive nuclear strike on a whim or without cause. Congress alone holds the constitutional authority to declare war. The consequences are far too great for one person alone to have the unchecked ability to cause the unspeakable destruction that comes along with the use of a nuclear weapon. It is essential for a president to seek counsel from a diverse team of advisers with extensive experience and moral clarity.

b. Above all, we must work to de-escalate any conflict through diplomacy and to work toward a future without the threat of nuclear war. It’s critical for U.S. security that a president has the ability to defend the country with swift action in the event of an incoming nuclear attack. Given the gridlock in Congress, I’m concerned that the timeline of congressional approval could put Americans’ lives at risk if a threat were imminent. The catastrophic dangers of nuclear war demand urgent de-escalation and limited access and funding for nuclear weapons.

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Donald Beyer, Democrat of Virginia

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not at all comfortable

Representative Gerald Connolly, Democrat of Virginia

a. No

b. In order to deter a nuclear attack by any adversary of the United States, our adversaries must understand that we are capable of responding in equal measure and in real time.

c. Not at all comfortable. I am not at all comfortable with allowing Donald Trump or any president to unilaterally launch nuclear weapons against adversaries that have not launched a nuclear attack against the United States.

The members of Congress who declined to comment:

Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut

Senator Christopher S. Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut

Senator Angus King, independent of Maine

These aren’t binary yes/no issues or questions, I’m afraid.

Representative Jamie Raskin, Democrat of Maryland

Representative Al Green, Democrat of Texas

Representative Chip Roy, Republican of Texas

The members of Congress who did not respond:

Senator Tommy Tuberville, Republican of Alabama

Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska

Senator Daniel S. Sullivan, Republican of Alaska

Senator-elect Ruben Gallego, Democrat of Arizona

Senator Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona

Senator John Boozman, Republican of Arkansas

Senator Tom Cotton, Republican of Arkansas

Senator Alex Padilla, Democrat of California

Senator-elect Adam Schiff, Democrat of California

Senator Michael Bennet, Democrat of Colorado

Senator John Hickenlooper, Democrat of Colorado

Senator-elect Lisa Blunt Rochester, Democrat of Delaware

Senator Rick Scott, Republican of Florida

Senator Jon Ossoff, Democrat of Georgia

Senator Raphael Warnock, Democrat of Georgia

Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Democrat of Hawaii

Senator Brian E. Schatz, Democrat of Hawaii

Senator Mike Crapo, Republican of Idaho

Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois

Senator Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa

Senator Chuck Grassley, Republican of Iowa

Senator-elect Jim Banks, Republican of Indiana

Senator Jim Risch, Republican of Indiana

Senator Todd C. Young, Republican of Indiana

Senator Roger Marshall, Republican of Kansas

Senator Jerry Moran, Republican of Kansas

Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky

Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky

Senator Bill Cassidy, Republican of Louisiana

Senator John Neely Kennedy, Republican of Louisiana

Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine

Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks, Democrat of Maryland

Senator Gary Peters, Democrat of Michigan

Senator-elect Elissa Slotkin, Democrat of Michigan

Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota

Senator Tina Smith, Democrat of Minnesota

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Republican of Mississippi

Senator Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi

Senator Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri

Senator Eric Schmitt, Republican of Missouri

Senator Steve Daines, Republican of Montana

Senator-elect Tim Sheehy, Republican of Montana

Senator Deb Fischer, Republican of Nebraska

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Democrat of Nevada

Senator Jacky Rosen, Democrat of Nevada

Senator Maggie Hassan, Democrat of New Hampshire

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire

Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey

Senator Andy Kim, Democrat of New Jersey

Senator Martin Heinrich, Democrat of New Mexico

Senator Ben Ray Luján, Democrat of New Mexico

Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York

Senator Ted Budd, Republican of North Carolina

Senator Thom Tillis, Republican of North Carolina

Senator Kevin Cramer, Republican of North Dakota

Senator John Hoeven, Republican of North Dakota

Senator-elect Bernie Moreno, Republican of Ohio

Senator James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma

Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican of Oklahoma

Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon

Senator John Fetterman, Democrat of Pennsylvania

Senator-elect Dave McCormick, Republican of Pennsylvania

Senator Jack Reed, Democrat of Rhode Island

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Democrat of Rhode Island

Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina

Senator Tim Scott, Republican of South Carolina

Senator Mike Rounds, Republican of South Dakota

Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota

Senator Bill Hagerty, Republican of Tennessee

Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas

Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas

Senator-elect John Curtis, Republican of Utah

Senator Bernie Sanders, independent of Vermont

Senator Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia

Senator Maria Cantwell, Democrat of Washington

Senator Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington

Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Republican of West Virginia

Senator-elect Jim Justice, Republican of West Virginia

Senator Tammy Baldwin, Democrat of Wisconsin

Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin

Senator John Barrasso, Republican of Wyoming

Senator Cynthia Lummis, Republican of Wyoming

Representative Robert Aderholt, Republican of Alabama

Representative-elect Shomari Figures, Democrat of Alabama

Representative Barry Moore, Republican of Alabama

Representative Gary Palmer, Republican of Alabama

Representative Mike Rogers, Republican of Alabama

Representative Terri Sewell, Democrat of Alabama

Representative Dale Strong, Republican of Alabama

Representative-elect Nick Begich, Republican of Alaska

Representative-elect Yassamin Ansari, Democrat of Arizona

Representative Andy Biggs, Republican of Arizona

Representative Juan Ciscomani, Republican of Arizona

Representative Eli Crane, Republican of Arizona

Representative Paul Gosar, Republican of Arizona

Representative Raúl Grijalva, Democrat of Arizona

Representative-elect Abe Hamadeh, Republican of Arizona

Representative David Schweikert, Republican of Arizona

Representative Greg Stanton, Democrat of Arizona

Representative Rick Crawford, Republican of Arkansas

Representative French Hill, Republican of Arkansas

Representative Bruce Westerman, Republican of Arkansas

Representative Steve Womack, Republican of Arkansas

Representative Pete Aguilar, Democrat of California

Representative Nanette Barragán, Democrat of California

Representative Julia Brownley, Democrat of California

Representative Ken Calvert, Republican of California

Representative Salud Carbajal, Democrat of California

Representative-elect Gil Cisneros, Democrat of California

Representative Lou Correa, Democrat of California

Representative Jim Costa, Democrat of California

Representative Mark DeSaulnier, Democrat of California

Representative Vince Fong, Republican of California

Representative-elect Laura Friedman, Democrat of California

Representative John Garamendi, Democrat of California

Representative Robert Garcia, Democrat of California

Representative Jimmy Gomez, Democrat of California

Representative-elect Adam Gray, Democrat of California

Representative Darrell Issa, Republican of California

Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Democrat of California

Representative Kevin Kiley, Republican of California

Representative Young Kim, Republican of California

Representative Doug LaMalfa, Republican of California

Representative-elect Sam Liccardo, Democrat of California

Representative Zoe Lofgren, Democrat of California

Representative Josh Harder, Democrat of California

Representative Jared Huffman, Democrat of California

Representative Doris Matsui, Democrat of California

Representative Tom McClintock, Republican of California

Representative Kevin Mullin, Democrat of California

Representative Jay Obernolte, Republican of California

Representative Jimmy Panetta, Democrat of California

Representative Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California

Representative-elect Luz Rivas, Democrat of California

Representative Raul Ruiz, Democrat of California

Representative Brad Sherman, Democrat of California

Representative-elect Lateefah Simon, Democrat of California

Representative Eric Swalwell, Democrat of California

Representative Mike Thompson, Democrat of California

Representative Norma Torres, Democrat of California

Representative-elect Derek Tran, Democrat of California

Representative David Valadao, Republican of California

Representative-elect George Whitesides, Democrat of California

Representative Lauren Boebert, Republican of Colorado

Representative-elect Jeff Crank, Republican of Colorado

Representative Jason Crow, Democrat of Colorado

Representative Diana DeGette, Democrat of Colorado

Representative-elect Gabe Evans, Republican of Colorado

Representative-elect Jeff Hurd, Republican of Colorado

Representative Joe Neguse, Democrat of Colorado

Representative Brittany Pettersen, Democrat of Colorado

Representative Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut

Representative Jahana Hayes, Democrat of Connecticut

Representative Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut

Representative-elect Sarah McBride, Democrat of Delaware

Representative Aaron Bean, Republican of Florida

Representative Gus Bilirakis, Republican of Florida

Representative Vern Buchanan, Republican of Florida

Representative Kat Cammack, Republican of Florida

Representative Kathy Castor, Democrat of Florida

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Democrat of Florida

Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Republican of Florida

Representative Byron Donalds, Republican of Florida

Representative Neal Dunn, Republican of Florida

Representative Lois Frankel, Democrat of Florida

Representative Scott Franklin, Republican of Florida

Representative Maxwell Frost, Democrat of Florida

Representative Carlos Gimenez, Republican of Florida

Representative-elect Mike Haridopolos, Republican of Florida

Representative Laurel Lee, Republican of Florida

Representative Anna Paulina Luna, Republican of Florida

Representative Brian Mast, Republican of Florida

Representative Cory Mills, Republican of Florida

Representative Jared Moskowitz, Democrat of Florida

Representative John Rutherford, Republican of Florida

Representative Maria Elvira Salazar, Republican of Florida

Representative Darren Soto, Democrat of Florida

Representative Greg Steube, Republican of Florida

Representative Daniel Webster, Republican of Florida

Representative Rick Allen, Republican of Georgia

Representative Sanford Bishop, Democrat of Georgia

Representative Buddy Carter, Republican of Georgia

Representative Andrew Clyde, Republican of Georgia

Representative Mike Collins, Republican of Georgia

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia

Representative-elect Brian Jack, Republican of Georgia

Representative Hank Johnson, Democrat of Georgia

Representative Barry Loudermilk, Republican of Georgia

Representative Lucy McBath, Democrat of Georgia

Representative Rich McCormick, Republican of Georgia

Representative Austin Scott, Republican of Georgia

Representative David Scott, Democrat of Georgia

Representative Nikema Williams, Democrat of Georgia

Representative Ed Case, Democrat of Hawaii

Representative Russ Fulcher, Republican of Idaho

Representative Mike Simpson, Republican of Idaho

Representative Mike Bost, Republican of Illinois

Representative Nikki Budzinski, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Danny Davis, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Chuy García, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Robin Kelly, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Darin LaHood, Republican of Illinois

Representative Mary Miller, Republican of Illinois

Representative Mike Quigley, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Delia Ramirez, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Janice Schakowsky, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Brad Schneider, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Eric Sorensen, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Lauren Underwood, Democrat of Illinois

Representative Jim Baird, Republican of Indiana

Representative Erin Houchin, Republican of Indiana

Representative-elect Mark Messmer, Republican of Indiana

Representative Frank Mrvan, Democrat of Indiana

Representative-elect Jefferson Shreve, Republican of Indiana

Representative Victoria Spartz, Republican of Indiana

Representative-elect Marlin Stutzman, Republican of Indiana

Representative Rudy Yakym, Republican of Indiana

Representative Randy Feenstra, Republican of Iowa

Representative Ashley Hinson, Republican of Iowa

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Republican of Iowa

Representative Zach Nunn, Republican of Iowa

Representative Sharice Davids, Democrat of Kansas

Representative Ron Estes, Republican of Kansas

Representative Tracey Mann, Republican of Kansas

Representative-elect Derek Schmidt, Republican of Kansas

Representative Andy Barr, Republican of Kentucky

Representative James Comer, Republican of Kentucky

Representative Brett Guthrie, Republican of Kentucky

Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky

Representative Morgan McGarvey, Democrat of Kentucky

Representative Hal Rogers, Republican of Kentucky

Representative Troy Carter, Democrat of Louisiana

Representative-elect Cleo Fields, Democrat of Louisiana

Representative Clay Higgins, Republican of Louisiana

Representative Mike Johnson, Republican of Louisiana

Representative Julia Letlow, Republican of Louisiana

Representative Steve Scalise, Republican of Louisiana

Representative Jared Golden, Democrat of Maine

Representative-elect Sarah Elfreth, Democrat of Maryland

Representative Andy Harris, Republican of Maryland

Representative Steny Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland

Representative Glenn Ivey, Democrat of Maryland

Representative-elect April McClain Delaney, Democrat of Maryland

Representative Kweisi Mfume, Democrat of Maryland

Representative-elect Johnny Olszewski, Democrat of Maryland

Representative Katherine Clark, Democrat of Massachusetts

Representative Bill Keating, Democrat of Massachusetts

Representative Stephen Lynch, Democrat of Massachusetts

Representative Richard Neal, Democrat of Massachusetts

Representative Ayanna Pressley, Democrat of Massachusetts

Representative Lori Trahan, Democrat of Massachusetts

Representative-elect Tom Barrett, Republican of Michigan

Representative Jack Bergman, Republican of Michigan

Representative Debbie Dingell, Democrat of Michigan

Representative Bill Huizenga, Republican of Michigan

Representative John James, Republican of Michigan

Representative-elect Kristen McDonald Rivet, Democrat of Michigan

Representative Lisa McClain, Republican of Michigan

Representative John Moolenaar, Republican of Michigan

Representative Hillary Scholten, Democrat of Michigan

Representative Haley Stevens, Democrat of Michigan

Representative Shri Thanedar, Democrat of Michigan

Representative Rashida Tlaib, Democrat of Michigan

Representative Tim Walberg, Republican of Michigan

Representative Angie Craig, Democrat of Minnesota

Representative Tom Emmer, Republican of Minnesota

Representative Brad Finstad, Republican of Minnesota

Representative Michelle Fischbach, Republican of Minnesota

Representative Betty McCollum, Democrat of Minnesota

Representative-elect Kelly Morrison, Democrat of Minnesota

Representative Ilhan Omar, Democrat of Minnesota

Representative Pete Stauber, Republican of Minnesota

Representative Mike Ezell, Republican of Mississippi

Representative Michael Guest, Republican of Mississippi

Representative Trent Kelly, Republican of Mississippi

Representative Bennie Thompson, Democrat of Mississippi

Representative Mark Alford, Republican of Missouri

Representative Eric Burlison, Republican of Missouri

Representative Emanuel Cleaver, Democrat of Missouri

Representative Sam Graves, Republican of Missouri

Representative-elect Bob Onder, Republican of Missouri

Representative Jason Smith, Republican of Missouri

Representative Ann Wagner, Republican of Missouri

Representative-elect Troy Downing, Republican of Montana

Representative Ryan Zinke, Republican of Montana

Representative Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska

Representative Mike Flood, Republican of Nebraska

Representative Adrian Smith, Republican of Nebraska

Representative Mark Amodei, Republican of Nevada

Representative Steven Horsford, Democrat of Nevada

Representative Susie Lee, Democrat of Nevada

Representative-elect Maggie Goodlander, Democrat of New Hampshire

Representative Chris Pappas, Democrat of New Hampshire

Representative-elect Herb Conaway Jr., Democrat of New Jersey

Representative Josh Gottheimer, Democrat of New Jersey

Representative Thomas Kean, Republican of New Jersey

Representative LaMonica McIver, Democrat of New Jersey

Representative Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey

Representative-elect Nellie Pou, Democrat of New Jersey

Representative Mikie Sherrill, Democrat of New Jersey

Representative Christopher Smith, Republican of New Jersey

Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, Democrat of New Mexico

Representative Melanie Stansbury, Democrat of New Mexico

Representative Gabe Vasquez, Democrat of New Mexico

Representative Adriano Espaillat, Democrat of New York

Representative Andrew Garbarino, Republican of New York

Representative-elect Laura Gillen, Democrat of New York

Representative Daniel Goldman, Democrat of New York

Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat of New York

Representative Timothy Kennedy, Democrat of New York

Representative Nick LaLota, Republican of New York

Representative Nicholas Langworthy, Republican of New York

Representative-elect George Latimer, Democrat of New York

Representative Michael Lawler, Republican of New York

Representative Nicole Malliotakis, Republican of New York

Representative Gregory Meeks, Democrat of New York

Representative Grace Meng, Democrat of New York

Representative Joseph Morelle, Democrat of New York

Representative Jerrold Nadler, Democrat of New York

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York

Representative-elect Josh Riley, Democrat of New York

Representative Patrick Ryan, Democrat of New York

Representative Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York

Representative Claudia Tenney, Republican of New York

Representative Paul Tonko, Democrat of New York

Representative Ritchie Torres, Democrat of New York

Representative Nydia Velázquez, Democrat of New York

Representative Alma Adams, Democrat of North Carolina

Representative Donald Davis, Democrat of North Carolina

Representative Chuck Edwards, Republican of North Carolina

Representative Virginia Foxx, Republican of North Carolina

Representative-elect Pat Harrigan, Republican of North Carolina

Representative-elect Mark Harris, Republican of North Carolina

Representative Richard Hudson, Republican of North Carolina

Representative-elect Brad Knott, Republican of North Carolina

Representative-elect Addison McDowell, Republican of North Carolina

Representative-elect Tim Moore, Republican of North Carolina

Representative Gregory Murphy, Republican of North Carolina

Representative David Rouzer, Republican of North Carolina

Representative-elect Julie Fedorchak, Republican of North Dakota

Representative Troy Balderson, Republican of Ohio

Representative Joyce Beatty, Democrat of Ohio

Representative Shontel Brown, Democrat of Ohio

Representative Mike Carey, Republican of Ohio

Representative Warren Davidson, Republican of Ohio

Representative Jim Jordan, Republican of Ohio

Representative David Joyce, Republican of Ohio

Representative Marcy Kaptur, Democrat of Ohio

Representative Greg Landsman, Democrat of Ohio

Representative Robert Latta, Republican of Ohio

Representative Max Miller, Republican of Ohio

Representative Michael Rulli, Republican of Ohio

Representative Emilia Sykes, Democrat of Ohio

Representative-elect Dave Taylor, Republican of Ohio

Representative Michael Turner, Republican of Ohio

Representative Stephanie Bice, Republican of Oklahoma

Representative Josh Brecheen, Republican of Oklahoma

Representative Tom Cole, Republican of Oklahoma

Representative Kevin Hern, Republican of Oklahoma

Representative Frank Lucas, Republican of Oklahoma

Representative Cliff Bentz, Republican of Oregon

Representative Val Hoyle, Democrat of Oregon

Representative Brendan Boyle, Democrat of Pennsylvania

Representative-elect Robert Bresnahan, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative Madeleine Dean, Democrat of Pennsylvania

Representative Dwight Evans, Democrat of Pennsylvania

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative Chrissy Houlahan, Democrat of Pennsylvania

Representative John Joyce, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative Mike Kelly, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative-elect Ryan Mackenzie, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative Daniel Meuser, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative Scott Perry, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative Guy Reschenthaler, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative Mary Scanlon, Democrat of Pennsylvania

Representative Lloyd Smucker, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative Glenn Thompson, Republican of Pennsylvania

Representative Seth Magaziner, Democrat of Rhode Island

Representative-elect Sheri Biggs, Republican of South Carolina

Representative James Clyburn, Democrat of South Carolina

Representative Russell Fry, Republican of South Carolina

Representative Nancy Mace, Republican of South Carolina

Representative Ralph Norman, Republican of South Carolina

Representative William Timmons, Republican of South Carolina

Representative Joe Wilson, Republican of South Carolina

Representative Dusty Johnson, Republican of South Dakota

Representative Tim Burchett, Republican of Tennessee

Representative Steve Cohen, Democrat of Tennessee

Representative Scott DesJarlais, Republican of Tennessee

Representative Charles Fleischmann, Republican of Tennessee

Representative Mark Green, Republican of Tennessee

Representative Diana Harshbarger, Republican of Tennessee

Representative David Kustoff, Republican of Tennessee

Representative Andrew Ogles, Republican of Tennessee

Representative John Rose, Republican of Tennessee

Representative Jodey Arrington, Republican of Texas

Representative Brian Babin, Republican of Texas

Representative John Carter, Republican of Texas

Representative Greg Casar, Democrat of Texas

Representative Joaquin Castro, Democrat of Texas

Representative Michael Cloud, Republican of Texas

Representative Dan Crenshaw, Republican of Texas

Representative Jasmine Crockett, Democrat of Texas

Representative Henry Cuellar, Democrat of Texas

Representative Monica De La Cruz, Republican of Texas

Representative Jake Ellzey, Republican of Texas

Representative Veronica Escobar, Democrat of Texas

Representative Pat Fallon, Republican of Texas

Representative Lizzie Fletcher, Democrat of Texas

Representative Sylvia Garcia, Democrat of Texas

Representative-elect Brandon Gill, Republican of Texas

Representative-elect Craig Goldman, Republican of Texas

Representative Tony Gonzales, Republican of Texas

Representative Vicente Gonzalez, Democrat of Texas

Representative Lance Gooden, Republican of Texas

Representative Wesley Hunt, Republican of Texas

Representative Ronny Jackson, Republican of Texas

Representative Morgan Luttrell, Republican of Texas

Representative Michael McCaul, Republican of Texas

Representative Nathaniel Moran, Republican of Texas

Representative Troy Nehls, Republican of Texas

Representative August Pfluger, Republican of Texas

Representative Keith Self, Republican of Texas

Representative Pete Sessions, Republican of Texas

Representative Beth Van Duyne, Republican of Texas

Representative Marc Veasey, Democrat of Texas

Representative Randy Weber, Republican of Texas

Representative Roger Williams, Republican of Texas

Representative-elect Mike Kennedy, Republican of Utah

Representative Celeste Maloy, Republican of Utah

Representative Blake Moore, Republican of Utah

Representative Burgess Owens, Republican of Utah

Representative Ben Cline, Republican of Virginia

Representative Morgan Griffith, Republican of Virginia

Representative Jennifer Kiggans, Republican of Virginia

Representative Jennifer McClellan, Democrat of Virginia

Representative-elect John McGuire, Republican of Virginia

Representative Robert Scott, Democrat of Virginia

Representative-elect Suhas Subramanyam, Democrat of Virginia

Representative-elect Eugene Vindman, Democrat of Virginia

Representative Robert Wittman, Republican of Virginia

Representative-elect Michael Baumgartner, Republican of Washington

Representative Suzan DelBene, Democrat of Washington

Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Democrat of Washington

Representative Pramila Jayapal, Democrat of Washington

Representative Rick Larsen, Democrat of Washington

Representative Dan Newhouse, Republican of Washington

Representative-elect Emily Randall, Democrat of Washington

Representative Kim Schrier, Democrat of Washington

Representative Adam Smith, Democrat of Washington

Representative Marilyn Strickland, Democrat of Washington

Representative Eleanor Norton, Democrat of Washington, D.C.

Representative Carol Miller, Republican of West Virginia

Representative-elect Riley Moore, Republican of West Virginia

Representative Scott Fitzgerald, Republican of Wisconsin

Representative Glenn Grothman, Republican of Wisconsin

Representative Gwen Moore, Democrat of Wisconsin

Representative Mark Pocan, Democrat of Wisconsin

Representative Bryan Steil, Republican of Wisconsin

Representative Thomas Tiffany, Republican of Wisconsin

Representative Derrick Van Orden, Republican of Wisconsin

Representative-elect Tony Wied, Republican of Wisconsin

Representative Harriet Hageman, Republican of Wyoming

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ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ACCESS TO “LLAW’a ALL THINGS NUCLEAR” RELATED MEDIA:

(Please note that the Sunday and Saturday NUCLEAR WORLD’S NEWS are also added below by category, following Monday’s news posts in order to maintain continuity of nuclear news as well as for research for the overall information provided in “LLAW;s All Things Nuclear”.)

There are 7 categories, with the latest addition, (#7) being a Friday weekly roundup of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) global nuclear news stories. Also included is a bonus non-nuclear category for news about the Yellowstone caldera and other volcanic and caldera activity around the world that play an important role in humanity’s lives. The feature categories provide articles and information about ‘all things nuclear’ for you to pick from, usually with up to 3 links with headlines concerning the most important media stories in each category, but sometimes fewer and occasionally even none (especially so with the Yellowstone Caldera). The Categories are listed below in their usual order:

1. All Things Nuclear
2. Nuclear Power
3. Nuclear Power Emergencies
4. Nuclear War
5. Nuclear War Threats
6. Yellowstone Caldera (Note: There are two Yellowstone Caldera bonus stories available in today’s Post.)
7. IAEA Weekly News (Friday’s only)

Whenever there is an underlined link to a Category media news story, if you press or click on the link provided, you no longer have to cut and paste to your web browser, since this Post’s link will take you directly to the article in your browser.

A current Digest of major nuclear media headlines with automated links is listed below by nuclear Category (in the above listed order). If a Category heading does not appear in the daily news Digest, it means there was no news reported from this Category today. Generally, the three best articles in each Category from around the nuclear world(s) are Posted. Occasionally, if a Post is important enough, it may be listed in multiple Categories.

TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Tuesday, (12/17/2024)

All Things Nuclear

NEWS

An explosion kills the head of Russia’s nuclear defense forces in Moscow – Little Rock Public Radio

Little Rock Public Radio

A senior Russian general was killed Tuesday by a bomb hidden in a scooter outside his apartment building in Moscow. A Ukrainian official said the …

All Things with Kim Strassel: 2024’s Winners and Losers with Buck Sexton – Opinion: Potomac Watch

WSJ

2024 was the year that saw Donald Trump win, Kamala Harris lose, Joe Biden quit and Elon Musk make his way to Capitol Hill.

A woman was loading 1500 pounds of gravel into her car when a stranger interrupted

WUSF

On this week’s “My Unsung Hero” from Hidden Brain, Caroline Davis was doing a home improvement project that required her to haul about 1500 pound

Nuclear Power

NEWS

Be a Nuclear Family! DC Households May Choose Clean Nuclear Energy with America’s …

Constellation Energy

Constellation Energy Corporation today announced America’s first-ever product allowing consumers to power their homes with 100% clean nuclear …

Segrist: Cooling the Reaction: Nuclear Makes Promising but Slow Comeback | Hart Energy

Hart Energy

Nuclear power is awesome. Nuclear power is also hard—and a long way off from displacing natural gas as the primary source for the electricity the …

Big tech companies hope nuclear power can solve their energy problems. Will it? – NPR

NPR

Tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta hope nuclear power will offer a climate solution for this massive energy use. Nuclear power …

Nuclear Power Emergencies

NEWS

Romania supports Moldova in weathering the energy state of emergency – ceenergynews

ceenergynews

Nuclearelectrica and Hidroelectrica are collaborating with Energocom to assess Moldova’s electricity supply options, aiming to help the country cover …

Flag as irrelevant

Belarus hosting regular scheduled IAEA inspections

BelTA – News from Belarus

The IAEA inspectors have visited the Belarusian nuclear power plant. On … The Emergencies Ministry represented by its Nuclear and Radiation …

Nuclear War

NEWS

Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite expert warnings they aren’t going to provide protection

AP News

Global security leaders are warning nuclear threats are growing as … Mideast Wars Israel-Hamas War Russia-Ukraine War Global Elections ESPAÑOL

Putin’s Chilling Nuclear Threat To U.S. For Mulling Use Of New Missiles – YouTube

YouTube

… WAR | CHANGING WORLD ORDER #TOILive | #TOIVideos Subscribe to the … I’ve studied nuclear war for 35 years — you should be worried. | Brian …

Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite expert warnings they aren’t going to provide protection

ABC News – The Walt Disney Company

Critics warn these bunkers create a false perception that a nuclear war is survivable. They argue that people planning to live through an atomic blast …

Nuclear War Threats

NEWS

Takeaways from the AP’s reporting on nuclear bunkers – ABC News

ABC News – The Walt Disney Company

They argue that people planning to live through an atomic blast aren’t focusing on the real and current dangers posed by nuclear threats, and the …

Flag as irrelevant

ISW: Kremlin may seek off-ramp from nuclear threats through Oreshnik missile promotion

Euromaidan Press

ISW: Recent Russian missile strike shows no new nuclear threat · Ukraine eyes THAAD, Patriot enhancements against new Russian threats · Defense …

Opinion | 530 Incoming Congress Members Share Their Thoughts on Nuclear Sole Authority

The New York Times

In his first term, we saw President Trump threaten nuclear war with North Korea via tweet. In 2022, he said he would threaten a nuclear attack on ..

Yellowstone Caldera

NEWS

10 Largest Volcanoes That Could Cover The World in Ash – MSN

MSN

1.Yellowstone Caldera, USA. 2.Lake Toba, Indonesia … What If the Yellowstone Volcano Erupted Tomorrow? 96. 20. Give The Gift Of Hearing This …

Mag. 4.9 earthquake – Coral Sea, 24 km southwest of Efate Island, Shefa, Vanuatu, on …

Volcano Discovery

Latest earthquakes under Yellowstone volcano. List and interactive map of current and past earthquakes near Yellowstone volcano. Volcano Tour.