“Today, Christians in Alberta and around the world celebrate Easter Sunday. After the reflection on Jesus’ death on Good Friday, Easter marks the joy of his resurrection, a powerful symbol of renewal, grace and hope.
“Those who observe this day commemorate the triumph of life over death and the victory of good over evil. It’s a time to come together with loved ones, reflect on the strength of faith and look to the future with optimism. To Albertans celebrating, I extend my warmest wishes for a joyful Easter that brings renewed faith with family and loved ones.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California
Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will host a town hall in Lafayette to share the latest on his efforts to fight back against Trump Administration actions that are hurting the American people, like cuts to health care and programs they rely on, the gutting of federal agencies, and violations of constitutional rights on Wednesday, April 23rdfrom 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. PT.
In addition to sharing updates on his work in Congress, Congressman DeSaulnier will take questions from constituents.
Town Hall on Standing Up For America Wednesday, April 23rd 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. PT Lafayette, CA RSVP for Location
The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.
This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 231st town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, issued the following statement after U.S. District Judge James Boasbergruledthere is “probable cause” to hold the Trump Administration in criminal contempt of court for violating his order pausing any deportations under the Alien Enemies Act:
“I support the judiciary in using its authority to ensure that the Trump Administration complies with court orders.
“This is what checks and balances look like.
“This is how our government is supposed to function.
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement celebrating Easter:
“Today, my family and I join millions of people in British Columbia and around the world who are celebrating Easter.
“For Christians, Easter is the holiest day on the calendar as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The holiday also marks the conclusion of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and reflection. Christians celebrate by attending special church services and sharing an Easter meal with loved ones.
“Easter represents hope, renewal and growth, and people of various faiths and backgrounds celebrate the occasion. Families gather to feast, neighbours meet for community celebrations and kids – including mine – enjoy Easter egg hunts and crafts.
“Easter is also an opportunity to reflect on the universal teachings of Jesus – love, forgiveness and caring for each other – and how we can all integrate them into our daily lives.
A multi-agency search for a child who fell into the water in Cook’s Cove, Guysborough County, has been suspended.
On April 17, at approximately 1:40 p.m., Guysborough County RCMP, fire services and EHS were dispatched to a report of a chid who had fallen into the water while fishing with a man and another child. The man entered the water immediately to rescue the child but was unsuccessful.
Since that time, more than 13 agencies have been involved in the search for the child, including multiple fire departments, EHS LifeFlight, several volunteer ground search and rescue teams (Pictou County GSAR, Strait Area GSAR, Inverness County GSAR, Colchester GSAR), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Air Services, Nova Scotia Public Safety Field Communications, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and multiple RCMP units.
There is no information to suggest that the child got out of the water safely and the extensive search efforts have not resulted in information that would enable searchers to identify a specific search location for the child’s remains.
On April 19 at 5 p.m., the search was suspended. Any further search efforts would resume by air at a later date.
The child’s family has been kept updated on the search efforts and RCMP victim services is engaged.
Our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones and the community at this difficult time.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
SCHAUMBURG, IL – In response to reports of antisemiticgraffiti discovered at Northwestern University this weekduring Passover, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement:
“I condemn in the strongest terms the vile antisemitic graffiti discovered at Northwestern University earlier this week during Passover. Targeting Jewish students and the community during a sacred time of remembrance and resilience is especially hateful. We must stand united against antisemitism in all its forms and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable.”
The policy of every American president since Harry S. Truman has been to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
They have not always been successful. The world’s most powerful weapons spread, with nine countries now possessing them. But no United States president has actively sought their further proliferation, as the belligerent policies of Donald Trump are now set to do.
In 2018, during his first term as president, Trump tore up the Iran nuclear deal, which had successfully placed limits on the enrichment of weapons-grade materials in exchange for sanctions relief.
Iran has since accelerated its nuclear weapons program. Estimates now put Iran within months or even weeks of producing several bombs.
A short time later, after a series of escalating threats, Trump suggested that North Korea had agreed to denuclearize. Talks ensued, but a deal never materialized.
In fact, Trump failed to stop, let alone roll back, North Korea’s ambitious nuclear weapons programs. North Korea is now said to possess at least 50 warheads as well as the means to deliver them.
No longer an ally
Under the second Trump administration, the world is facing a rapidly growing proliferation risk of a different kind, one that is found not only among the usual suspects in Iran and North Korea, but also among a long list of U.S. allies who once basked in American security guarantees.
Merely two months into Trump’s second term, America’s European allies have grown increasingly concerned that the U.S. is no longer a reliable ally.
Against this backdrop, Trump’s guiding Project 2025 principles advocate escalating nuclear testing, breaking a long-held taboo.
Once protected by its nuclear umbrella, America’s closest allies are now threatened by it. Europe’s loss of confidence in the U.S. is so severe that finding alternatives has now become part of serious discussions in capitals across the continent. France and the United Kingdom are poised to fill the void by extending their nuclear deterrence to the likes of Germany and Poland.
The scene in Asia
But the risk of proliferation is greatest in East Asia. On the campaign trail in 2016, Trump mused that Japan and South Korea might need to develop nuclear weapons. “It’s only a matter of time,” he said.
That time is unfortunately now.
While Trump has been busy burning bridges in Europe and North America, his allies in East Asia — South Korea and Japan — have been watching the implosion of the U.S.-led international order in dismay. They have no alternative to the American nuclear umbrella but to build their own deterrent capabilities.
To address South Korea’s growing anxiety and check its nascent nuclear ambitions, the previous Joe Biden administration launched a bilateral initiative called Nuclear Consultative Group in 2023.
It established a regular mechanism between the two countries to discuss the state of the nuclear umbrella and perform joint defence exercises. This measure went a long way to quiet the voices calling for South Korean nuclearization — until Trump returned to the White House.
South Korea
Trump’s so-called America First foreign policy has given every reason for South Korea to once again question the reliability of U.S. security guarantees. If the Trump administration is willing to throw its oldest and closest allies in the North Atlantic under the bus, there is little reason for South Koreans to place their continued faith in the U.S.
As important as South Korea has been to an American grand strategy, it has always been a second-tier ally and its bilateral alliance with the U.S. was never as important as NATO or as special as the Canada-U.S. relationship. South Korea is much more vulnerable to abandonment, and it now appears to be expandable in the second Trump administration.
Going nuclear is not a question of means for South Korea. It has one of the most advanced civilian nuclear industries in the world, with 24 reactors in operation and more than enough scientific know-how to churn out weapons in a short time, estimated at six to 12 months.
The question has always been one of political will, the absence of which has rested on American security assurances. With the Trump administration actively demolishing security guarantees to its closest allies, South Korea may conclude that the only viable path to its continued existence in the post-American world is acquiring nuclear weapons.
Japan
South Korea’s nuclearization would likely lead to a domino effect, triggering a new wave of nuclear proliferation across the region. If South Korea makes a dash for the bomb, Japan will have no choice but to follow suit.
Japan has a full nuclear fuel cycle, including a uranium enrichment plant, spent-fuel reprocessing facilities, nine tons plutonium and 1.2 tons of enriched uranium that can be easily fashioned into thousands of nuclear bombs in as little as six months.
While the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have long served as a guardrail against nuclearization in Japan, that moral taboo was sustained by a credible U.S. nuclear umbrella. And once the nuclear genie is out of the bottle, Taiwan will have every incentive to resurrect its earlier clandestine nuclear weapons program and seek its own deterrence capability.
Catastrophic dangers
While going nuclear may be individually rational for the East Asian countries, the collective outcome for the region and beyond is fraught with catastrophic risks.
The world is now grappling with the most dangerous collective action problem because the solution that has worked so well for decades — credible American security assurance — is eroding.
In upending the very international order that the U.S. established, the Trump administration is not merely chipping away at the global security architecture underpinned by myriad American security guarantees. It’s imploding the post-Second World War security order from within and the moral, political and institutional bulwark against nuclear proliferation.
In this predatory, zero-sum world of Trumpian foreign policy, putting America First necessarily means putting everyone else last — and, along the way, inadvertently fuelling nuclear proliferation.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Unified systems of measurement are important for scientific progress.(Shutterstock)
On May 20, 1875, delegates from a group of 17 countries gathered in Paris to sign what may be the most overlooked yet globally influential treaty in history: the Metre Convention.
At a time when different countries (and even different cities defined weights and lengths based on local artifacts, royal body parts or grains of wheat, this rare agreement among nations offered something simple yet undeniably impactful: consistency.
A radical initiative for its time, the Metre Convention ultimately birthed a system of measurement that would transcend language, politics and tradition, and lay the foundation for a new global era of scientific and technological advancement.
Official engraved marble standard metre, at the Place Vendôme in Paris. The standard was promoted during the French Revolution to introduce the metric system to France. (Shutterstock)
A world divided by measurement
By the mid-19th century, the push for standardization had become increasingly urgent. Scientific discovery was accelerating, global trade was booming and industrial projects were growing in scale and complexity. But the world’s measurements were, frankly, a mess.
France had introduced the metric system during its revolutionary years, but other nations were slow — or outright unwilling — to adopt it.
Rivalries simmered not just among empires, but within the scientific community itself. Astronomers couldn’t compare celestial observations across borders because their units didn’t match. Engineers designing railway systems across Europe had to navigate conflicting standards for track gauges, load weights and even timekeeping.
This wasn’t just inefficient. It was a barrier to progress, a strain on economies and a growing source of frustration or a scientific world that aimed to speak in universal truths.
Faced with growing societal demands, the industrial world agreed it was time to act. The Metre Convention was the result.
Scientists and diplomats representing the 17 participating countries collectively established the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), headquartered just outside Paris, as the official keeper of measurement standards. Today, the BIPM is backed by 64 member states and governs the Système International d’Unités (SI), the measurement framework that underpins everything from bridges to smartphones.
And while by today’s standards, the SI may seem like a relic of old-school science bureaucracy, it’s anything but. Standardized measurement is the invisible infrastructure of the modern world. And when it fails, or more specifically when we ignore it, the consequences can be severe.
Take the Gimli Glider incident. In 1983, an Air Canada flight from Montréal to Edmonton ran out of fuel midway through its journey. The cause was a miscalculation caused by confusion between metric and imperial units: the ground crew had used pounds instead of kilograms to measure fuel, and the pilots didn’t catch the error.
The plane lost power at 41,000 feet (around 12,500 metres for those who prefer their near-death experiences in metric), and glided safely to an abandoned airstrip in Gimli, Man., and to the annals of history as a symbol of what happens when we take standards for granted.
Or consider the Mars Climate Orbiter, a US$327 million NASA spacecraft that disintegrated upon entering Mars’ atmosphere in 1999. Engineers at Lockheed Martin had used imperial units, while NASA had assumed metric. The mismatch led to a critical navigation error and the failure of the mission, highlighting the importance of consistency in measurement, even far beyond the confines of Earth’s atmosphere.
The Gimli Glider and Mars Orbiter failures show what happens when consistency breaks down, but they’re more than just cautionary tales. They reveal how much of modern life depends on the shared language of measurement, and how easily that foundation can be cracked.
And therein lies the genius of the Metre Convention. It created a system that allows the world to communicate in the same terms. When someone says “kilogram,” “second” or “volt,” there is no ambiguity. That shared understanding is what makes global collaboration possible.
The Mars Climate Orbiter at the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility in the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (NASA/KSC)
From man-made objects to universal constants
But as scientists are wont to do, good ideas are refined, and standards evolve. For much of its post-Metre Convention history, the kilogram was defined by a physical artifact — a hunk of platinum-iridium alloy stored in a vault in France. But in 2019, that changed. Now, the kilogram is defined by Planck’s constant, a fundamental feature of the universe. The shift marked the final step in a long journey: every base unit in the SI is now rooted in nature rather than arbitrary human artifacts.
That change wasn’t just symbolic, it was necessary. Our ability to measure time, mass and distance with extreme precision affects nearly every aspect of modern life.
GPS signals rely on time measurements accurate to the billionth of a second. Quantum computers and particle accelerators require calibration on mind-bendingly small scales. Even weather forecasting depends on standardized measurements of pressure, temperature and humidity.
Shared standards in a divided world
But perhaps the most underrated legacy of the Metre Convention is its role in building trust across borders.
At a time when misinformation spreads quickly and even basic facts are contested, international standards offer a shared foundation that scientists, governments and industries can rely on. It’s a form of global co-operation that has quietly endured for 150 years.
That co-operation becomes particularly apparent in moments of political strain. Although the United States appears uncompromising in its commitment to feet and inches, American scientists, engineers and manufacturers rely heavily on the metric system, especially when collaborating across borders.
As tensions rise between close allies like the U.S. and Canada, metric standards remain a consistent point of harmony. The two countries may spar diplomatically, but when it comes to assembling a car in Windsor with parts made in Detroit, the bolts still fit.
Looking ahead
Still, like all institutions, BIPM and the SI reflect the times in which they were created. The original signatories were almost exclusively colonial powers. It took almost a century for other nations to gain an equal seat at the table, and even now, access to the tools and infrastructure that facilitate precision metrology — the act of taking extremely accurate measurements — remains unequal.
If the next 150 years of the Metre Convention are to be as successful as the first, greater inclusivity and accessibility will need to be central to its mission.
We live in a world held together by decimals, tolerances and agreed-upon constants that keep planes in the air, bridges from collapsing and scientific progress on track.
The Metre Convention reminds us that science isn’t only about big breakthroughs and bold ideas. Sometimes it’s about consensus and agreeing, together, on what a metre actually is. And even after 150 years, the simple idea of agreeing how to measure the world remains one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
So, what should we do with this anniversary? Maybe throw a party with metric-themed cocktails (may I suggest a 100mL Old Fashioned?). At the very least, we should take a moment to reflect on just how essential, and how easy to overlook, measurement really is.
Jonathan Simone does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
D6 Fri, Apr 25, 2025 – Sat, Apr 26, 2025 (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)
Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.
PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.
POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.
Forecast Discussion
ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL ACUS48 KWNS 200823 SPC AC 200823
Day 4-8 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0323 AM CDT Sun Apr 20 2025
Valid 231200Z – 281200Z
…DISCUSSION… A low-amplitude southwesterly flow regime will prevail for much of the Day 4-8 period across portions of the central and eastern U.S., with a mean upper trough persisting across the western states. Persistent south/southeasterly low-level flow across the Gulf and southern Plains will result in northward transport of rich boundary-layer moisture across the southern and parts of the central Plains through at least Day 6/Fri. Forecast guidance suggests weak shortwave impulses may float through modest southwesterly flow Days 4-5/Wed-Thu, perhaps providing some support for isolated to scattered thunderstorm potential across the warm sector over TX/OK/KS. Given a moist and unstable airmass, at least some severe potential will exist. However, where exactly severe potential may develop Day 4-5/Wed-Thu is uncertain given a lack of stronger large-scale ascent and absence of any substantial surface cyclogenesis, coupled with modest deep-layer flow. This precludes 15 percent probabilities at this time, though outlook areas could become necessary in later outlooks as smaller-scale features become better resolved.
A period of weak upper ridging may spread across the Plains and the eastern U.S. on Days 6-7/Fri-Sat ahead of a more substantial upper trough developing over the western U.S. This may limit severe potential late in the week before the western upper trough ejects east toward the end of the forecast period.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated: Sun Apr 20 12:23:02 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.
Notice: The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice. Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated: Sun Apr 20 12:23:05 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid
Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ivona Hideg, Associate Professor and Ann Brown Chair in Organization Studies, York University, Canada
One persistent gender stereotype is the belief that women are ‘too emotional’ to be effective leaders. This misconception continues to undermine their chances of being considered for leadership roles in the first place.(Shutterstock)
Please fill out your disclosure statement (red button to the right under your name) when you have a chance
As Canadians prepare to vote in a federal election during a period of global instability marked by trade disruptions, economic uncertainty, and armed conflict, the country’s political leadership remains notably traditional in one key respect: gender.
All of Canada’s major political parties are currently led by men, and Canada has never elected a woman as prime minister. Kim Campbell briefly held the office in 1993 after Brian Mulroney’s resignation as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. Her short tenure ended with a historic electoral defeat for the Conservatives.
With global tensions rising and Canada facing unprecedented uncertainties, it may seem easy to overlook the lack of women on election ballots. But strong, inclusive leadership is a practical necessity in these uncertain times.
A growing body of research and real-world examples are challenging longstanding assumptions about what makes an effective leader. In times of crisis, traditional leadership styles marked by dominance and rigidity — usually associated with men — often fall short.
Instead, leadership styles marked by empathy, flexibility, and open communication — usually associated with women — are proving to be both effective and essential. This kind of leadership helps steady teams when emotions run high and the path forward is unclear — exactly the kind of qualities Canada may need in the near future.
However, our research findings challenge this assumption and suggest it’s actually men who are more likely to let emotions drive their behaviour during periods of uncertainty.
Our recently published research examined how gender influenced the behaviour of leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed survey responses from a sample of 137 supervisor-subordinate pairs working in the Netherlands during 2020.
We focused on two dominant emotions during the pandemic — anxiety and hope — as they are both common responses to uncertainty. Anxiety reflects a sense of lost control, while hope suggests some belief in regaining it. These emotions, we predicted, would would shape leaders’ actions.
Women less likely to be driven by emotion
Our study found that men leaders who experienced higher levels of hope were more likely to engage in family friendly supervision, which refers to leaders providing support for employees’ non-work demands. This was especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, when men leaders experienced higher levels of anxiety, they were more likely to act out via abusive supervision. This included snapping at employees, making unreasonable demands, or behaving in a punitive way.
In contrast, the behaviour of women leaders was not influenced by feelings of anxiety or hope. Regardless of how they felt, women were more likely to show consistent, family-supportive behaviours that helped staff manage work-life challenges. They also refrained from lashing out abusively when anxious.
As a result, we expected — and observed — that women leaders would be less affected by their emotions and more likely to consider others.
The danger of the glass cliff
Our research highlights the importance of humanising leadership rooted in communal values. One particularly effective approach that does this is transformational leadership, which focuses on inspiring, supporting, and empowering others.
Women are also more likely to be appointed to leadership roles in times of crisis or decline. This phenomenon, known as the “glass cliff,” places women in precarious positions with limited chances of success.
Consider the case of Campbell, who became party leader just months before an election her party was widely expected to lose. It could be argued she faced a glass cliff. Rather than a fair shot at leadership, she was handed a near-certain defeat.
These patterns reflect how deeply embedded gender bias is, and how it continues to influence who gets to lead and under what conditions.
The leadership style that appears most effective during turbulent times is based on communal values of care, rather than impulsively reacting to one’s emotions. As our research shows, this approach is more closely aligned with how women often lead, despite persistent stereotypes suggesting that women are overly emotional.
Although we can’t rewrite the past, we can reflect on what might be missing from leadership today. When we consistently overlook those who lead with compassion, we risk losing out on exactly the kind of leadership that could help our country navigate the turbulent waters ahead.
Ivona Hideg’s research has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
Winny Shen receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
Tanja Hentschel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Now, amid a funding crisis that has led to layoffs of mostly staff with current or former experience of sex work, the future of vital support services for sex workers in Vancouver is uncertain.
While PACE and WISH have described their closures as temporary, their eventual reopening remains uncertain. Both organizations intend to resume services with the renewal of the funding cycle in April 2025. In the meantime, sex workers face an urgent and growing void of essential support services and community spaces.
The loss of safe spaces for sex workers, even temporarily, carries profound and far-reaching consequences. These impacts were thoroughly documented in the findings of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, led by former B.C. attorney general Wally Oppal. The inquiry examined systemic failures that contributed to the targeted violence and murders of sex workers in Vancouver.
Among the commission’s key recommendations was the urgent need to enhance protections and expand access to critical supports for sex workers, recognizing that such services are fundamental to their safety and well-being.
For years, front-line organizations such as WISH and PACE have been instrumental in advancing this mandate, providing basic necessities like hot meals and safe overnight spaces, as well as trauma-informed counselling, peer support networks and opportunities for community connection. The abrupt closure of these spaces severs support networks for sex workers.
Chronic under-funding
Such organizations are vital, and sex workers deserve to feel like these spaces matter and are worth keeping open. However, funding for community-led, rights-based approaches to sex work services has historically been limited in Canada. Federal governments have prioritized prohibitionist approaches and “exit programs” that do not meet community needs.
Vancouver-based sex work services are not alone in experiencing funding shortfalls and closures. On March 7, SafeSpace London issued an urgent call for donations following the loss of city funding. This dynamic is also visible in Vancouver, where the closure of PACE and other similar organizations is occurring within the context of a broader “revitalization” agenda, which aims to prioritize development over community infrastructure.
A leaked draft memo from October 2024 revealed Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s plan for reshaping the Downtown Eastside. Among these plans is an effort to expedite private development approvals, notably through the use of spot rezoning — a tool that allows municipal authorities to rezone individual outside the city’s established planning frameworks.
The memo also outlines the Sim’s intention to conduct a comprehensive review of local non-profit organizations and to actively “track their funding envelope.” While framed as a step toward increased accountability, research highlights that heightened scrutiny of chronically under-funded community organizations often leads to greater instability and compromises service delivery.
This precarious situation is not incidental. It reflects a broader shift in recent decades of governments offloading responsibility for social welfare onto under-funded non-profits while maintaining the illusion of support with fragmented funding schemes.
The closure of critical services is not a sign of individual organizational failure. Rather, it is a direct consequence of a system that prioritizes investments in policing and property development over sustained investment in community well-being and support for the most marginalized residents of Vancouver.
Organizations that provide critical support to sex workers need stability and self-determination to cultivate meaningful, community-led approaches that meet immediate needs and work toward long-term change.
Jennie Pearson receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and is a volunteer with PACE Society.
Andrea Krüsi has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Vancouver Foundation, National Institutes of Health and Canada Foundation for Innovation. PACE and WISH staff are part of the community advisory board of the AESHA study.
Melody Wise a Research Coordinator for the AESHA project, a position supported by funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. She is a volunteer with SWAN Vancouver, a non-profit providing support to im/migrant sex workers in Greater Vancouver.
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Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to leave tonight for an official visit to USA and Peru from 20th to 30th April 2025 Union Finance Minister to attend Spring Meetings of the IMF-World Bank
FM will also take part in G20 Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings besides bilateral meetings with many countries and organisations
Smt. Sitharaman will participate in multilateral dialogues on various fora to showcase India’s economic dynamism
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on an official visit to USA and Peru beginning 20th April, 2025. During the visit to the USA, the Union Finance Minister will visit San Francisco and Washington D.C. from 20th to 25th April, 2025.
In the course of her two-day visit to San Francisco beginning 20th April 2025, the Union Finance Minister will deliver a keynote address at the Hoover Institution at the Stanford University, San Francisco, on ‘Laying the foundations of Viksit Bharat 2047’ followed by a fireside chat session.
Smt. Sitharaman will also interact with top CEOs from prominent fund management firms during a Roundtable meeting with investors, besides holding bilateral meetings with CEOs from top information technology (IT) firms based in San Francisco. Smt. Sitharaman will also participate in an event featuring Indian diaspora in San Francisco and interact with the Indian community settled there.
During her visit to Washington D.C., USA, from 22nd to 25th April 2025, Smt. Sitharaman will participate in the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the 2ndG20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governor (FMCBG) Meetings, Development Committee Plenary, IMFC Plenary, and Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) meeting.
On the sidelines of the Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., Smt. Sitharaman will hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts from several countries, including Argentina, Bahrain, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, and USA; besides meeting EU Commissioner for Financial Services; President, Asian Development Bank (ADB); President, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB); United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA); and First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
During her maiden visit to Peru from 26th to 30th April 2025, the Union Finance Minister will lead an Indian delegation of officials from the Ministry of Finance and business leaders, highlighting the strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations between the two nations.
Beginning her visit in Lima, Union Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman is expected to call on the President of Peru, H.E. Ms. Dina Boluarte, and Prime Minister of Peru, H.E. Mr. Gustavo Adrianzén, besides holding bilateral meetings with the Peruvian Ministers of Finance and Economy; Defence; Energy and Mines; and also holding interaction with local public representatives.
In the course of her visit to Peru, the Union Finance Minister will chair the India-Peru Business Forum meeting with prominent business representatives in attendance from both India and Peru. Smt. Sitharaman will also hold an interaction with the Indian investors & businesses currently operating in Peru, as well as the Indian Business delegation visiting Peru.
Given Peru’s importance in the global supply chain of critical minerals and precious metals, discussions during these engagements are also expected to explore avenues for greater collaboration in the mining sector, particularly to strengthen India’s resource security and facilitate value-chain linkages between the two economies.
The Union Finance Minister will also participate in a community event at Lima, where she will interact with the Indian diaspora living in Peru.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitates First Commercial Sea shipment of Indian pomegranates from Maharashtra to USA 14 Tons of Indian pomegranates exported from Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra to New York, USA
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 9:39AM by PIB Delhi
In a historic initiative towards introducing Indian Pomegranates to distant markets, a landmark commercial sea shipment of the prized Indian Bhagwa variety of Pomegranate has successfully arrived in New York, marking a significant milestone for India’s Fresh Fruits exports. With growing international demand for premium quality of Fresh Fruits, the arrival of this shipment heralds the potential of Indian Pomegranates becoming a preferred choice in the competitive U.S. market.
The Pomegranate season, which traditionally saw air freight as the primary mode of transportation, shifted gears in recent weeks to embrace the cost-effective and sustainable sea freight mode.
After India had been granted market access by USA for Pomegranates, during the season in 2023, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO – India) and National Research Centre for Pomegranate, Solapur (NRCP) successfully conducted the trial shipment of Pomegranate to USA by air.
Owing to the success of the static trial to enhance the shelf life of Pomegranates for up to 60 days by APEDA in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre for Pomegranate, India had successfully flagged off its first trial commercial sea shipment of Pomegranates comprising of 4200 boxes i.e. 12.6 tons to the U.S. in collaboration with InI Farms from Irradiation Facility Center (IFC), Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), Vashi, Navi Mumbai in February, 2024.
APEDA facilitated the USDA pre-clearance program for Pomegranates in December, 2024 which played a pivotal role in easing the logistical and regulatory hurdles for Indian agriculture exporters and enabled them to enter the U.S. market. APEDA’s proactive approach in inviting the USDA inspectors for the pre-clearance process three months in advance ensured the smooth and timely arrival of the shipment
The inaugural sea shipment of 4,620 boxes of Indian Pomegranates, weighing approximately 14 tons reached the U.S. East Coast in the second week of March, well within five weeks of the point of departure. The shipment was met with exceptional enthusiasm in New York. The arrival quality was reported as “excellent” and customers were captivated by the remarkable visual appeal and the superior eating quality of the Indian Bhagwa variety of Pomegranates.
Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev remarked, “Government of India has been at the forefront in promoting Indian fresh fruits for the global market. APEDA has been supporting the export of Indian fruits like Mangoes and Pomegranates to USA by funding the pre-clearance program. Indian farmers will achieve better realisation when their fruit gets exported to premium international markets like USA. Indian mangoes have already reached annual exports of around 3500 tons and we hope that Pomegranates will also reach such strong numbers in the years to come”.
This consignment was sent by Kay Bee Exports, a leading exporter of fruits and vegetables from Mumbai and a registered exporter with APEDA. The Pomegranates in this consignment were directly sourced from the farms of Kay Bee Exports, ensuring that the benefits of this export reach Indian farmers at the grassroots level.
“We are thankful to APEDA for facilitating exports of Indian Pomegranates to USA. APEDA’s efforts have ranged from securing market access to setting up export protocols, co-ordinating with multiple stake-holders and organising the pre-clearance program in conjunction with USDA. Kay Bee is specialised in Pomegranates and hope to offer the best fruit that India has to offer. Our customers expect the best fruit quality and we always strive to do so” said Mr. Kaushal Khakhar, CEO, Kay Bee Exports on the successful shipment.
“While Indian Pomegranates have always been recognized for their taste, this shipment has proven that with the right quality and consistency, Indian fresh fruits can meet the discerning tastes of the American consumer,” said a representative from the Indian export consortium. “We are delighted with the reception in the market and are confident that this successful arrival will pave the way for an increase in volumes in the coming seasons.”
Looking ahead, the industry is optimistic that with continued marketing efforts and strategic promotional campaigns, Indian Pomegranates can carve a niche for themselves in the premium U.S. market. In light of the growing success, industry stakeholders sought APEDA’s continued support in launching promotional campaigns for the Indian Pomegranate in the coming year, with the aim of educating U.S. consumers on the fruit’s exceptional eating quality and diverse culinary applications.
India, being the second-largest producer of horticulture crops, sees major Pomegranate production in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. APEDA has established Export Promotion Forums (EPF) specifically for Pomegranates, aimed at boosting exports and removing supply chain bottlenecks. These EPF forums include representatives from the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, state governments, national referral laboratories and the top ten leading exporters, ensuring a collaborative effort in promoting Pomegranate exports.
In the financial year 2023-24, India exported 72,011 metric tons of Pomegranates worth USD 69.08 million. This year, there has been a significant growth in Pomegranate exports from India registering a growth of 21% with a value of USD 59.76 million in the period April – January, 2024-2025. Key export destinations include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bahrain, Oman and USA.
Indian Pomegranates, particularly the Bhagwa variety, are renowned for their rich flavour, deep red colour and high nutritional value. These Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and vital nutrients, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers worldwide.
The Government of India’s commitment to promoting the export of fresh fruits and vegetables, despite their perishable nature, is evident in their development of sea protocols to retain product attributes when exporting to long-distance destinations. This initiative not only reinforces India’s position in global markets but also directly supports Indian farmers by creating sustainable export opportunities.
The steady supply of high-quality fruit, coupled with continued marketing initiatives, will undoubtedly position Indian Pomegranates as a desirable choice for American consumers, ensuring their place on the U.S. retail shelves in years to come.
WAVES 2025 Animation Film makers Challenge announces top 42 finalists WAVES brings to the fore a global showcase of original Animation, VFX, AR/VR & Virtual Productions
Talented finalists of animation film-making competition to pitch their projects in WAVES 2025
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 12:03PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, April 19, 2025
The finalists of the Animation Film Makers Competition (AFC) being held as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season-1’ of WAVES 2025 has been announced. The best 42 projects, focussing on original storytelling across the entire spectrum of animation, encompassing traditional animation, VFX, Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR), and virtual production, have made it to the final round. These talented participants will now have the opportunity to pitch their original projects during the WAVE Summit which will be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025. The top 3 winners will each receive a cash prize of up to INR 5 Lakhs.
The selection of the top-42 finalists was the result of a rigorous nine-month evaluation process led by the Dancing Atoms team, in collaboration with the WAVES team. The dedicated efforts of the participants were complemented by the discerning expertise of an esteemed panel of national and international jury members, including:
● Anu Singh
● Farrukh Dhondy
● Dan Sarto
● James Knight
● Jan Nagel
● Gianmarco Serra
● Indu Ramchandani
The talented finalists, who will now have the opportunity to pitch their original projects in Mumbai, are: Abhijeet Saxena, Anika Rajesh, Anirban Majumder, Anuj Kumar Choudhary, Arundhati Sarkar, Atreyee Poddar, Bhagat Singh Saini, Bhagyashree Satapathy, Bimal Poddar, Catharina Dian Wiraswati S, Gadam Jagadish Prasad Yadav, Gargi Gawthe, Harish Narayan Iyer, Harshita Das, Hirak Jyoti Nath, Isha Chandna, Jacqueline C Ching, Jyothi Kalyan Sura, Khambor Batei Kharjana, Kishore Kumar Kedari, Kiruthika Ramasubramanian, Makam Neha, Martand Anand Ugalmugle, Nandan Balakrishnan, Piyush Kumar, Prasanth Kumar Nagadasi, Prasenjit Singha, Richa Bhutani, Rishav Mohanty, Rohit Sankhla, Sandhra Mary, Sangeeta Poddar, Segun Samson, Shreeyaa Vinayak Pore, Shreya Sachdev, Shrikant S Menon, Srikanth Bhogi, Shubham Tomar, Shweta Subhash Marathe, Sundar Mahalingam, Sukankan Roy, Triparna Maiti, Tuhin Chanda, Vamsi Bandaru, Vetriveare.
The potential economic impact of their projects is significant, with each animated VFX feature film capable of generating employment for 100-300 individuals. WAVES AFC 2025 represents a crucial investment in creative talents of India, fostering job creation and global opportunities. The competition’s ambition extends to fostering international co-productions.
This groundbreaking global initiative, supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and spearheaded by Dancing Atoms, marks the first time all four verticals of the AVGC sector are represented under one umbrella in such a competition.
WAVES AFC 2025 garnered an overwhelming response, receiving approximately 1900 registrations and 419 diverse entries from amateur enthusiasts, talented students, and seasoned professionals worldwide. This enthusiastic participation underscores the competition’s vital role in identifying and nurturing fresh creative voices within the animation industry.
Beyond showcasing talent, the initiative has prioritized mentorship at all stages. All contestants, regardless of their final selection, benefited from invaluable masterclasses led by renowned industry leaders such as Academy Award winner Guneet Monga, acclaimed producer Shobu Yarlagadda, and Saraswathi Buyyala. These sessions focused on refining pitching skills and navigating the complexities of the industry. These projects will be pitched to various OTT platforms and key industry players. Dancing Atoms Studios founder Saraswathi Buyyala is actively engaging with embassies from 17 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom) to facilitate collaborations for these top- 42 projects. In order to promote these projects, meetings are also being scheduled with prominent distributors. The top 42 projects represent a diverse spectrum, including 12 feature films, 9 TV series, 3 AR/VR experiences, and 18 short films, offering a rich variety for potential viewers and collaborators.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s crucial support has been instrumental in elevating AFC WAVES 2025 to its current stature. The dedication to fostering original storytelling within the animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production sectors has provided invaluable resources and recognition, empowering emerging talent on a significant platform. This competition and its rigorous screening processes and enriching learning opportunities, underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing India’s creative potential in the dynamic world of animation. Each selected entry offers a unique narrative and showcases diverse creative approaches, including compelling international submissions. Going forward, the future of animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production storytelling will unfold at WAVES AFC 2025.
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)
Headline: Moolenaar Announces Winners of 2025 Congressional Art Competition
Congressman John Moolenaar announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition last week at a reception held at the Green Charter Township Hall. Nevada Draper, a 12th grade home schooled student from Hesperia, won the competition’s grand prize with her painting, “One Generation Away.”Her artwork will be placed on display at the United States Capitol for the next year where it will be viewed by visitors from around the world.
“I congratulate Nevada on this wonderful accomplishment. Her artwork will represent our district well as it is displayed in the U.S. Capitol this year. Thank you to every student from our district who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. I am grateful to see so many talented students showcase their skills and present exceptional artwork,” said Congressman Moolenaar.
Congressman John Moolenaar and Nevada Draper, the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Michigan’s Second District, and her painting, “One Generation Away.”
Moolenaar also announced Gracie Knudsen of Newaygo High School, and Charlotte Torrez of Ludington High School as regional winners for their submissions. Gracie’s painting titled “Clouds over Lake Michigan” and Charlotte’s Acrylic painting titled “Animals of Michigan” will be placed on display at Congressman Moolenaar’s offices in Caledonia and Clare, respectively.
Moolenaar with Gracie Knudsen and her painting, “Clouds over Lake Michigan.”
Charlotte Torrez’s painting, “Animals of Michigan.”
The Congressional Art Competition takes place annually in districts across the country where students submit original artwork. More information about the Congressional Art Competition can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)
HARRISBURGH, Pa.– Today, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson andSecretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Brooke Rollinstoured central Pennsylvania and participated in a roundtable with local agricultural stakeholders with Senator Dave McCormick, Representatives Dan Meuser, Rob Bresnahan, and Lloyd Smucker.
This morning, at Talview Farms in Lebanon, Representative Thompson, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Senator Dave McCormick, and Representative Dan Meuser highlighted one of Pennsylvania’s proudest traditions: our dairy industry.
Stacey and Brent Copenhaver, the dedicated owners of Talview Farms, shared their insights on how to better support Pennsylvania producers and the vital need to pass legislation like the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a bill that provides essential nutrients to our students and supports family farms like Talview.
Next, Congressman Thompson, Secretary Rollins, Senator McCormick, Congressman Meuser, and Congressman Bresnahan toured Bell & Evans in Fredericksburg. This family-run operation, known for its organic, hormone-free, antibiotic-free chicken, has been a staple in the community for decades and employs 1,800 residents. Here, owner Scott Sechler and his family discussed the challenges facing the poultry industry, including bird flu and the measures they’re taking to mitigate these outbreaks.
While in Myerstown, Congressman Thompson, Secretary Rollins, Senator McCormick, Congressman Meuser, and Congressman Bresnahan held a roundtable where they engaged with local farmers and various stakeholders on topics including the upcoming farm bill, forestry, nutrition assistance, specialty crops, conservation efforts, and many more.
In Paradise, Congressman Thompson, Secretary Rollins, Senator McCormick, Congressman Meuser, Congressman Bresnahan, and Congressman Smucker met with Bank of Bird-in-Hand to discuss opportunities to expand credit availability to our nation’s producers.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL1
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 151 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1000 PM CDT Sat Apr 19 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southwest into Central Texas
* Effective this Saturday night and Sunday morning from 1000 PM until 500 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…A band of thunderstorms is forecast to intensify and move from west to east across the Watch area tonight. The warm sector environment will support the possibility for a couple of tornadoes, in addition to large hail and severe gusts with the stronger storms.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles north and south of a line from 95 miles southwest of San Angelo TX to 80 miles east northeast of Junction TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 147…WW 148…WW 149…WW 150…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 26035.
…Smith
SEL1
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 151 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1000 PM CDT Sat Apr 19 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Southwest into Central Texas
* Effective this Saturday night and Sunday morning from 1000 PM until 500 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…A band of thunderstorms is forecast to intensify and move from west to east across the Watch area tonight. The warm sector environment will support the possibility for a couple of tornadoes, in addition to large hail and severe gusts with the stronger storms.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles north and south of a line from 95 miles southwest of San Angelo TX to 80 miles east northeast of Junction TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 147…WW 148…WW 149…WW 150…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 26035.
…Smith
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW1 WW 151 TORNADO TX 200300Z – 201000Z AXIS..60 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE.. 95SW SJT/SAN ANGELO TX/ – 80ENE JCT/JUNCTION TX/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM N/S /76NW DLF – 62NW CWK/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26035.
LAT…LON 31260163 31839852 30099852 29520163
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU1.
Watch 151 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (30%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low (20%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (50%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (50%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (50%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (80%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL0
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 150 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 950 PM CDT Sat Apr 19 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of West into Northwest Texas
* Effective this Saturday night and Sunday morning from 950 PM until 500 AM CDT.
* Primary threats include… Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…A intensifying band of thunderstorms is forecast to move from west to east across the Watch area tonight. Large hail and severe gusts are possible with the more intense thunderstorms.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles north and south of a line from 80 miles northeast of Abilene TX to 15 miles northwest of Midland TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 147…WW 148…WW 149…
AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 26035.
…Smith
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW0 WW 150 SEVERE TSTM TX 200250Z – 201000Z AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE.. 80NE ABI/ABILENE TX/ – 15NW MAF/MIDLAND TX/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM N/S /46S SPS – 11WNW MAF/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26035.
LAT…LON 32159870 31020238 33180238 34329870
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU0.
Watch 150 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Low (10%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low (5%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (50%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (50%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (90%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
In 1979, Sam Neill appeared in an Australian comedy movie about hacks on a Sydney newspaper.
The Journalist was billed as “a saucy, sexy, funny look at a man with a nose for scandal and a weakness for women”.
That would probably not fly these days — but as a rule, movies about Australian journalists are no laughing matter.
Back in 1982, a young Mel Gibson starred as a foreign correspondent who was dropped into Jakarta during revolutionary chaos in The Year of Living Dangerously. The 1967 events the movie depicted were real enough, but Mel Gibson’s correspondent Guy Hamilton was made up for what was essentially a romantic drama.
There was no romance and a lot more real life 25 years later in Balibo, another movie with Australian journalists in harm’s way during Indonesian upheaval.
Anthony La Paglia had won awards for his performance as Roger East, a journalist killed in what was then East Timor — now Timor-Leste — in December 1975. East was killed while investigating the fate of five other journalists — including New Zealander Guy Cunningham — who was killed during the Indonesian invasion two months earlier.
The Correspondent has a happier ending but is still a tough watch — especially for its subject.
Met in London newsrooms I first met Peter Greste in newsrooms in London about 30 years ago. He had worked for Reuters, CNN, and the BBC — going on to become a BBC correspondent in Afghanistan.
He later reported from Belgrade, Santiago, and then Nairobi, from where he appeared regularly on RNZ’s Nine to Noon as an African news correspondent. Greste later joined the English-language network of the Doha-based Al Jazeera and became a worldwide story himself while filling in as the correspondent in Cairo.
Actor Richard Roxburgh as jailed journalist Peter Greste in The Correspondent alongside Al Jazeera colleagues Mohammed Fahmy and Baher Mohammed. Image: The Correspondent/RNZ
Greste and two Egyptian colleagues, Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy, were arrested in late 2013 on trumped-up charges of aiding and abetting the Muslim Brotherhood, an organisation labeled “terrorist” by the new Egyptian regime of the time.
Six months later he was sentenced to seven years in jail for “falsifying news” and smearing the reputation of Egypt itself. Mohamed was sentenced to 10 years.
Media organisations launched an international campaign for their freedom with the slogan “Journalism is not a crime”. Peter’s own family became familiar faces in the media while working hard for his release too.
Peter Greste was deported to Australia in February 2015. The deal stated he would serve the rest of his sentence there, but the Australian government did not enforce that. Instead, Greste became a professor of media and journalism, currently at Macquarie University in Sydney.
Movie consultant Among other things, he has also been a consultant on The Correspondent — now in cinemas around New Zealand — with Richard Roxborough cast as Greste himself.
Australian professor of journalism Peter Greste …. posing for a photograph when he was an Al Jazeera journalist in Kibati village, near Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on 7 August 2013. Image: IFEX media freedom/APR
“I eventually came to realise it’s not me that’s up there on the screen. It’s the product of a whole bunch of creatives. And the result is … more like a painting rather than a photograph,” Greste told Mediawatch.
“Over the years I’ve written about it, I’ve spoken about it countless times. I’ve built a career on it. But I wasn’t really anticipating the emotional impact of seeing the craziness of my arrest, the confusion of that period, the claustrophobia of the cell, the sheer frustration of the crazy trial and the really discombobulating moment of my release.
“But there is another very difficult story about what happened to a colleague of mine in Somalia, which I haven’t spoken about publicly. Seeing that on screen was actually pretty gut-wrenching.”
In 2005, his BBC colleague Kate Peyton was shot alongside him on their first day in on assignment in Somalia. She died soon after.
“That was probably the toughest day of my entire life far over and above anything I went through in Egypt. But I am glad that they put it in [The Correspondent]. It underlines … the way in which journalism is under attack. What happened to us in Egypt wasn’t a random, isolated incident — but part of a much longer pattern we’re seeing continue to this day.”
Supporters of the jailed British-Egyptian human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah take part in a candlelight vigil outside Downing Street in London, United Kingdom, as he begins a complete hunger strike while world leaders arrive for COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022. Image: RNZ Mediawatch/AFP
‘Owed his life’ Greste says he “owes his life” to fellow prisoner Alaa Abd El-Fattah — an Egyptian activist who is also in the film.
“There’s a bit of artistic licence in the way it was portrayed but . . . he is easily one of the most intelligent, astute and charismatic humanitarians I’ve ever come across. He was one of the main pro-democracy activists who was behind the Arab Spring revolution in 2011 — a true democrat.
“He also inspired me to write the letters that we smuggled out of prison that described our arrest not as an attack on … what we’d actually come to represent. And that was press freedom.
“That helped frame the campaign that ultimately got me out. So, for both psychological and political reasons, I feel like I owe him my life.
“There was nothing in our reporting that confirmed the allegations against us. So I started to drag up all sorts of demons from the past. I started thinking maybe this is the universe punishing me for sins of the past. I was obviously digging up that particular moment as one of the most extreme and tragic moments. It took a long time for me to get past it.
“He’d been in prison a lot because of his activism, so he understood the psychology of it. He also understood the politics of it in ways that I could never do as a newcomer.”
“Unfortunately, he is still there. He should have been released on September 29th last year. His mother launched a hunger strike in London . . . so I actually joined her on hunger strike earlier this year to try and add pressure.
“If this movie also draws a bit of attention to his case, then I think that’s an important element.”
Another wrinkle Another wrinkle in the story was the situation of his two Egyptian Al Jazeera colleagues.
Greste was essentially a stranger to them, having only arrived in Egypt shortly before their arrest.
The film shows Greste clashing with Fahmy, who later sued Al Jazeera. Fahmy felt the international pressure to free Greste was making their situation worse by pushing the Egyptian regime into a corner.
“To call it a confrontation is probably a bit of an understatement. We had some really serious arguments and sometimes they got very, very heated. But I want audiences to really understand Fahmy’s worldview in this film.
“He and I had very different understandings of what was going … and how those differences played out.
“I’ve got a hell of a lot of respect for him. He is like a brother to me. That doesn’t mean we always agreed with each other and doesn’t mean we always got on with each other like any siblings, I suppose.”
His colleagues were eventually released on bail shortly after Greste’s deportation in 2015.
Fahmy renounced his Egyptian citizenship and was later deported to Canada, while Mohamed was released on bail and eventually pardoned.
Retrial — all ‘reconvicted’ “After I was released there was a retrial … and we were all reconvicted. They were finally released and pardoned, but the pardon didn’t extend to me.
“I can’t go back because I’m still a convicted ‘terrorist’ and I still have an outstanding prison sentence to serve, which is a little bit weird. Any country that has an extradition treaty with Egypt is a problem. There are a fairly significant number of those across the Middle East and Africa.”
Greste told Mediawatch his conviction was even flagged in transit in Auckland en route from New York to Sydney. He was told he failed a character test.
“I was able to resolve it. I had some friends in Canberra and were able to sort it out, but I was told in no uncertain terms I’m not allowed into New Zealand without getting a visa because of that criminal record.
“If I’m traveling to any country I have to say … I was convicted on terrorism offences. Generally speaking, I can explain it, but it often takes a lot of bureaucratic process to do that.”
Greste’s first account of his time in jail — The First Casualty — was published in 2017. Most of the book was about media freedom around the world, lamenting that the numbers of journalists jailed and killed increased after his release.
Something that Greste also now ponders a lot in his current job as a professor of media and journalism.
Ten years on from that, it is worse again. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says at least 124 journalists and media workers were killed last year, nearly two-thirds of them Palestinians killed by Israel in its war in Gaza.
The book has now been updated and republished as The Correspondent.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 148 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 520 PM CDT Sat Apr 19 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of West-Central Texas
* Effective this Saturday afternoon and evening from 520 PM until 1000 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3 inches in diameter likely Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
SUMMARY…Several supercells will continue to develop and mature in the vicinity of a west to east oriented boundary over the Watch area through the evening. The supercells will pose a risk for a couple of tornadoes, as well as large to very large hail and severe gusts.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 35 statute miles north and south of a line from 45 miles west northwest of San Angelo TX to 75 miles east northeast of San Angelo TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 147…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 25035.
…Smith
SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 148 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 520 PM CDT Sat Apr 19 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of West-Central Texas
* Effective this Saturday afternoon and evening from 520 PM until 1000 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3 inches in diameter likely Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
SUMMARY…Several supercells will continue to develop and mature in the vicinity of a west to east oriented boundary over the Watch area through the evening. The supercells will pose a risk for a couple of tornadoes, as well as large to very large hail and severe gusts.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 35 statute miles north and south of a line from 45 miles west northwest of San Angelo TX to 75 miles east northeast of San Angelo TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 147…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 25035.
…Smith
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW8 WW 148 TORNADO TX 192220Z – 200300Z AXIS..35 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE.. 45WNW SJT/SAN ANGELO TX/ – 75ENE SJT/SAN ANGELO TX/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 30NM N/S /41WNW SJT – 50SSE ABI/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25035.
LAT…LON 32120121 32299932 31279932 31110121
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU8.
Watch 148 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low (20%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (10%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (60%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (90%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
ADVISORY – PITTSBURGH – Governor Shapiro to Visit Mt. Lebanon Fire Department to Discuss Proposed Investments to Support Firefighters
Governor Josh Shapiro will visit the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department to discuss his Administration’s commitment to investing in and supporting Pennsylvania’s first responders and firefighters – outlining key proposals in his 2025-26 proposed budget aimed at strengthening fire companies throughout the Commonwealth, including a new $30 million grant program to help fire companies purchase life-saving equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and meet their unique needs.
As the Governor and his family witnessed firsthand, Pennsylvania’s professional and volunteer firefighters continue their heroic efforts to respond to crises – running towards danger to keep people safe.
WHO: Governor Josh Shapiro Mt. Lebanon Fire Chief Kurt Christofel Ralph Sicuro, President, Pittsburgh Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1 Congressman Chris Deluzio County Executive Sara Innamorato Senator Wayne Fontana Representative Dan Miller
WHEN: Monday, April 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM *Press conference live stream to follow a tour of fire department, approx. 1:20 PM
WHERE: Mt. Lebanon Public Safety Building 555 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15228
LIVE STREAM: pacast.com/live/gov governor.pa.gov/live/
RSVP: Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) released a statement in response to reports that the Trump administration plans to slash $40 billion from the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services in Fiscal Year 2026, which is about one-third of the department’s current budget. Her statement follows:
I was absolutely appalled to learn of the Trump administration’s plans to slash $40 billion from the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Far from making America healthy again, this cruel and senseless budget would dismantle the life-saving programs that enable Americans to stay healthy – from medical research by the National Institutes of Health to disease prevention by the Centers for Disease Control – from substance use treatment by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to the training of our nation’s future health care workforce. This budget will undermine our ability to prevent future pandemics like COVID, influenza, bird flu, and measles, and shut down research to find cures for life-threatening conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
Trump’s plan to dismantle our nation’s HIV/AIDS programs is especially outrageous. The budget would slash funding for the Ryan White program and completely eliminate the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention, the Ending the HIV EpidemicInitiative, and all funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative within the CDC, SAMHSA, andthe Office of the Secretary.
I created the Minority AIDS Initiative back in 1998 – with the help of the Clinton Administration and my congressional colleagues – and I am proud that bipartisan majorities in Congress have continued to support this critical initiative for more than two decades. The Minority AIDS Initiative is essential because minorities represent the majority of new HIV diagnoses, people living with HIV/AIDS, and deaths among people with HIV/AIDS.
Dismantling our nation’s HIV/AIDS programs will have catastrophic consequences for public health, particularly in the most vulnerable communities. HIV prevention programs play a critical role in reducing new infections, promoting testing and early diagnosis, and connecting individuals to life-saving treatment. The decision to zero out prevention funding will destroy the very programs that serve as the first line of defense in our battle against HIV, putting millions of Americans at heightened risk and causing transmission rates to soar. Meanwhile, slashing funding for the Ryan White program will leave thousands of Americans who are living with HIV unable to access comprehensive care and treatment for their infection.
This budget is not just reckless – it is deadly. By decimating HIV/AIDS funding, lives will be lost. People who depend on prevention services will be left unprotected. People who rely on outreach programs for testing will go undiagnosed. Health systems that have worked tirelessly to combat this epidemic will be overwhelmed with preventable cases and no federal funding to treat their patients. This is an unconscionable abdication of responsibility by the federal government.
“On the evening of April 18, a devastating fire broke out at a property near the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. While we are incredibly grateful to the first responders whose swift response saved the historical buildings on site, we are saddened to confirm that the Visitor Centre buildings were lost. These buildings included exhibit spaces and housed many irreplaceable artifacts that told the stories of generations of Ukrainian Albertans.
This is a profound loss—not only for the Ukrainian community, but for all Albertans who value and honour our province’s diverse cultural heritage.
To the community that holds this place close to heart, please know that we share in your grief, and we recognize the cultural importance of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to the Ukrainian Albertan community and all Albertans. We will provide more information as it becomes available in the coming weeks. Alberta’s government is committed to reopening the site when it is safe and appropriate to do so.”
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Apr 19, 2025 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook
Updated: Sat Apr 19 18:57:48 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 191857
Day 3 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0157 PM CDT Sat Apr 19 2025
Valid 211200Z – 221200Z
…NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST…
…SUMMARY… Severe thunderstorm potential appears low on Monday.
…Synopsis… An upper low will be over the upper MS Valley Monday morning, with a trough extending southeast toward the OH Valley. This system will move across the Great Lakes and into the Northeast through Tuesday morning, losing amplitude as it flattens a ridge along the East Coast. To the west, a low-amplitude upper trough will move from the northern Rockies into the northern Plains.
A cold front associated with the Great Lakes system will extend from western NY/PA southward toward the TN Valley during the afternoon, and becoming stationary over the lower MS Valley. While scattered thunderstorms will be possible along the length of the boundary, severe chances appear low. Northern areas from OH into NY will experience more favorable lift in association with the upper wave to the west, but only weak instability with in a narrow axis is forecast. Farther south, shear will be very weak.
Elsewhere, isolated storms are possible from MT during the day where lapse rates will be very steep beneath the upper trough. Activity may develop late night from the eastern Dakotas into southern MN with the aid of a developing low-level jet as well, and small hail cannot be ruled out with this activity with very steep midlevel lapse rates and minimal melting.
..Jewell.. 04/19/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0730Z
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Apr 19, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook
Updated: Sat Apr 19 17:29:41 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 191729
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1229 PM CDT Sat Apr 19 2025
Valid 201200Z – 211200Z
…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER MUCH OF MISSOURI…NORTHERN ARKANSAS…AND FAR WESTERN ILLINOIS…
…SUMMARY… Severe thunderstorms are expected on Sunday from east Texas into the lower Missouri and middle Mississippi Valleys. The greatest damaging wind and tornado potential will be over portions of northern Arkansas into Missouri and far west-central Illinois.
…MO…AR…Portions of surrounding states… A compact shortwave trough will eject northeastward out of the TX Panhandle Sunday morning and into IA by evening. An intense leading speed max will accompany this wave with strong cooling aloft over OK, northwest AR, MO and IA. A surface low will deepen as it develops northward out of OK and into IA as well.
The cold front will move across far eastern KS and OK and into AR and MO by mid afternoon, with a warm front moving north and extending from northern MO into central IL/IN/OH by 00Z. Moderate southerly winds in the low levels will aid moisture advection with low 60s F dewpoints behind the warm front.
Early day rain and thunderstorms will likely be ongoing over MO and IL in association with the advancing warm front. Areas of heating will occur behind this activity, and ahead of the approaching cold front with up to 1000 J/kg MUCAPE developing.
Storms will form by early afternoon over far eastern KS and OK, with an elongated and partially broken line of supercells from the IA/MO border into AR through 00Z. Wind profiles will favor supercells as the primary storm mode along the length of the cold front, with the most likely area for tornadoes from northern AR into central MO where instability may be strongest. Farther north, cooler midlevel temperatures and stronger low-level shear may still support supercells and tornado risk despite weaker instability.
The severe threat will peak during the afternoon and early evening as the upper system pulls north of the area, however, at least isolated severe storms may persist into the night across IL and southward along the MS River.
..Jewell.. 04/19/2025
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NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC AC 191630
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1130 AM CDT Sat Apr 19 2025
Valid 191630Z – 201200Z
…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PART OF SOUTHWEST AND CENTRAL TEXAS…
…SUMMARY… Scattered severe thunderstorms are likely from parts of Texas into southern Missouri, mainly this afternoon and evening. Large to very large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes all appear possible. Isolated to scattered damaging winds may also occur across portions of the Ohio Valley into the Northeast.
…Southern Plains to the Ozarks… Morning surface analysis places a cold front from just south of MAF (in west Texas) northeastward through ARG (in northeast AR). Widespread showers and occasional thunderstorms are currently ongoing north of this front across OK and AR, and associated outflow is still aiding in more eastward/southeastward progression of this boundary across northern/central AR. This eastward/southeastward progression is expected to slow with time as additional surface cyclogenesis occurs across west TX ahead of a deep shortwave trough progressing across Southwest. Low-level southerly/southeasterly flow will persist south of the stalling boundary, leading to a sharpening of the gradient through this afternoon/evening. By this afternoon, dewpoints are expected to be in mid 60s along this boundary from southwest TX into the Mid-South. This low-level moisture combined with modest heating will result in airmass destabilization. As large-scale ascent spreads eastward over the southern High Plains, robust thunderstorms will likely develop by mid afternoon along/near the front, and a dryline extending southward across west TX into northern Mexico.
Strong deep-layer shear around 50-70 kt will support updraft organization with convection that develops along/near the front and dryline this afternoon. An initial supercell mode is anticipated, with large hail as the primary risk. Storms will likely remain elevated from northwest TX into the Ozarks, but surface-based storms are more likely across southwest TX. Here, some very large hail around 2-3 inches in diameter is possible. Strong outflow is possible as well.
By early evening, convective mode should become messier as a gradually strengthening low-level jet and the front encourage thunderstorm interactions/mergers. Still, a continued large hail and damaging wind threat will likely persist for much of the evening. The strengthening low-level jet and resultant increase in low-level shear could also support some threat for a few tornadoes with any supercells/clusters that can remain surface based this evening. Additionally, another round of storms appears likely across Permian Basin/southwest TX late this evening as the shortwave trough ejects into the southern High Plains. These storms should have a more linear orientation, with damaging gusts as the primary risk as they progress eastward toward central TX late tonight/early tomorrow.
…Mid Mississippi/Ohio Valleys to the Northeast… Current surface analysis places a cold front extending southwestward from central Ontario through far southern IL and far southeast MO. Showers and thunderstorms are ongoing in the vicinity of this front, with much of this activity elevated behind the front across the Mid MS and OH Valleys where the deep-layer flow is more parallel to the boundary. A trend towards a more surface-based structure is anticipated this afternoon as daytime heating promotes modest airmass destabilization ahead of the front and the flow become more orthogonal to the boundary, particularly across the Upper OH Valley and Northeast.
Mid-level flow is expected to strengthen this afternoon and evening, and despite modest buoyancy, deep-layer shear will be strong to support linear structures capable of damaging gusts, especially as convection that develops along the front becomes more linear with time. Overall storm coverage is expected to be high enough to merit 15% wind probabilities along the front into southern NY.
..Mosier/Halbert.. 04/19/2025
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NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 2000Z
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 483
Mesoscale Discussion 0483 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0158 PM CDT Sat Apr 19 2025
Areas affected…Portions of western and central Texas
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch likely
Valid 191858Z – 192030Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…95 percent
SUMMARY…Supercell thunderstorms capable of large hail (2.00-3.50 in) and 65-80 MPH winds likely over portions of western and central Texas through this evening
DISCUSSION…Current visible satellite and radar imagery show developing thunderstorms along a mostly stationary boundary draped SW-NE across western and central Texas. With steep lapse rates and 80kts of effective bulk shear, supercells capable of large hail (2.00-3.50 inch) and damaging winds (65-80 MPH) will develop along the boundary and move north and eastward through the afternoon and evening. Lack of low-level shear will keep the tornado threat low for the moment, though cannot be ruled out as shear increases into the evening. A severe thunderstorm watch will be likely within the next hour.
