USS GERALD FORD, a heavy aircraft carrier (Wikipedia).

In what’s being widely regarded as a major escalation of military forces in the area, the U.S. is sending an aircraft carrier – and its support vessels – to the waters of South America.

The Associated Press is reporting that the U.S.S. Gerald Ford and its strike group has been ordered to “detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States,” as stated by a Pentagon spokesperson.

To date the activity has been mostly on the Atlantic side of the continent in the Caribbean Sea and the waters off Venezuela.

A 10th strike took place early Friday against an alleged drug-running craft, sinking the boat and killing six people. That brings the death toll to 43 people.

Pay troops with private money?

A private donation of $130 million is being offered to pay members of the U.S military while the government remains “shut down.”

According to The New York Times, that could violate a law that bans federal agencies from spending money not appropriated by Congress or accepting voluntary services.

The name of the donor has not been disclosed and described only as a “patriot” and a “friend.”

The appropriation for military salaries and other compensation in 2025 is about $600 billion.

The Pentagon spokesperson said the cash was being accepted under its “general acceptance authority.” In an unrelated move the Pentagon has been directed by The White House to use research and redevelopment funds not yet spent to cover salaries.

U.S. will monitor California poll sites

Monitors will be sent to California by the federal Department of Justice to keep an eye on polling stations where voters are deciding the fate of Proposition 50, which proposes to redraw Congressional districts to the benefit of Democratic candidates.

PROP. 50 ELECTION

The Los Angeles Times reports that California Gov. Gavin Newsom termed the move an “intimidation tactic” with the goal of suppressing backing for Prop. 50.

The request for monitoring came from Republican state officials, claims the Department of Justice. The monitors will be deployed across Southern California and the Central Valley in Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties.

It’s unclear what the potential impact of the monitoring would be, since a majority of California voters submit their ballots by mail or deposit them in drop boxes.

Weather: Heat next week

A mild weekend is coming to our West Orange County cities followed by a warming trend in the new week. That’s the forecast for the next four days. Saturday and Sunday should have a daytime high of 71 (overnight lows of 58 and 56) with morning clouds and afternoon sun. Monday will see a spike to 76 (58) with partly cloudy skies and higher yet on Tuesday to 86 (61) with sunny skies.

Great Thoughts

“Mathematics is the music of reason”
– James Joseph Sylvester

“Math is the language of the universe. So, the more equations you know, the more you can communicate with the universe.”
– Neil deGrasse Tyson

“Algebra and geometry are employment programs for math teachers.”
– Unknown