Geopolitics
President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly engaged in a lengthy call discussing the Ukraine conflict and other global issues. Both leaders extended invitations to visit each other’s countries. Negotiations are set to begin, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Meanwhile, Trump’s Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, reportedly dismissed Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations, suggesting non-NATO peacekeeping missions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded, asserting Ukraine’s right to choose its future, while the Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed Hegseth’s remarks, viewing them as a recognition of the current geopolitical reality.
Health
A study published in Advances in Biomarker Sciences and Technology presents findings that challenge the widely accepted wildlife origin theory of COVID-19. Researchers using an AI-driven approach called max-logistic intelligence identified genetic links between COVID-19 and two rare human diseases, glanders and Sennetsu fever. This suggests a possible alternative origin of the virus. The study, led by Zhengjun Zhang from the University of Wisconsin, analyzed DNA methylation patterns in early COVID-19 patients. Dr. Jane Smith, a virologist, expressed skepticism about the study’s conclusions, emphasizing the need for more direct evidence linking these diseases. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization acknowledged the study but maintained that current evidence supports a zoonotic origin for SARS-CoV-2.
US Politics
Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence, despite opposition from Mitch McConnell and media criticism. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, has faced accusations of being sympathetic to Russia and Syria. Her confirmation marks a shift in the intelligence community. Her appointment has raised concerns among European allies due to her previous comments on NATO, with some fearing it could complicate transatlantic relations.
In another development, the Trump administration has allegedly placed CISA’s Election Security team on administrative leave, according to a social media post. This move comes amid scrutiny of election security measures. CISA clarified that the leave is temporary and part of an internal review to streamline operations, emphasizing that election security efforts will continue.
The Trump administration’s decision to cap NIH indirect payments to universities at 15% has sparked controversy in the academic community. This change aims to increase transparency and accountability in research funding. Universities argue that the cap could reduce research capabilities, while some commentators suggest it might lead to more efficient use of funds.
Bill O’Reilly has predicted that Donald Trump will counterattack New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, who have pursued legal actions against him. O’Reilly suggested that New York Mayor Adams might possess information that could aid Trump in his legal battles.
The Environmental Protection Agency, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has reported uncovering $20 billion allegedly laundered to NGOs during the Biden administration. The funds were distributed to entities with significant discretion, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Zeldin has pledged to ensure a full accounting of these funds. Climate United Fund, one of the recipients, refuted the allegations, stating the funds were received through a transparent process.
Microsoft has severed ties with NewsGuard, a fact-checking organization criticized for bias against conservative media. This decision followed an investigation by Sen. Ted Cruz into Microsoft’s funding of NewsGuard, which was supported by USAID. NewsGuard defended its ratings as based on journalistic standards, not political leanings, amidst criticism from conservative outlets.
Economy
South Korea’s mint has temporarily suspended gold bar sales due to supply challenges and rising demand, reflecting a global tightness in the precious metals market. This suspension coincides with a surge in gold prices, driven by concerns over potential new U.S. tariffs announced by President Trump. Experts suggest the halt could be a strategic move to manage inventory and stabilize prices amidst global market fluctuations.
Environment
An investigation has revealed that US taxpayer dollars funded a network targeting pesticide critics. The network, led by v-Fluence, aimed to discredit opponents of pesticides and GM crops, including UN experts and public figures. The initiative involved a private portal accessible to pesticide company employees and allies, raising ethical concerns about the use of public funds. CropLife International stated they are investigating the issues raised, while Syngenta denied any causal link between their products and health concerns.
Sources
AI Study Challenges Wildlife Origin Theory of COVID-19, Suggests Fusion of Rare Human Diseases
AI Uncovers Hidden Genetic Clues That Challenge COVID-19’s Origins
Source | Submitted by cbandi
Hegseth Dashes Ukraine’s NATO Hopes, Calls for Realism in Conflict Resolution
The United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement.
Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as DNI Despite McConnell’s Opposition and Media Criticism
Tulsi Gabbard believes strongly in the mission with which she’ll be tasked: keeping America safe.
Putin Invites Trump to Moscow as Peace Talks with Ukraine Loom: A Diplomatic Dance Begins
Putin Invites Trump To Visit Moscow In ‘Highly Productive’ Call, Ready For Peace
Trump’s NIH Indirect Payment Cap Sparks Academic Uproar Amid Media Frenzy
Trump’s NIH Indirect Payment Cap Sparks Academic Uproar Amid Media Frenzy
Source | Submitted by Lee Frakes
South Korea’s Mint Suspends Gold Bar Sales Amid Global Supply Crunch
South Korea’s mint has temporarily suspended sales of gold bars, adding to signs of widespread tightness across markets for physical precious metals.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
US Tax Dollars Fund Secret Network Targeting Pesticide Critics, Investigation Reveals
It’s one thing to have an industry come after you after publishing a critical article. This happens all the time in journalism,” Pollan said. “But to have your own government pay for it is outrageous. These are my tax dollars at work.
Source | Submitted by Shplad
Trump’s DOGE: The Unexpected Wrecking Ball of Government Waste
Trump’s reelection sent shockwaves through Washington, but nothing has rattled the establishment more than his creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Source | Submitted by Blaggers
Bill O’Reilly Predicts Trump’s Legal Counterattack Could Topple NY Prosecutors
“I’m going to predict it here. He [Trump] will bring down Letitia James and Alvin Bragg because they went on a crusade to destroy him. And President Trump is not a forgiving man,” O’Reilly declared.
Source | Submitted by richcabot
EPA Uncovers $20 Billion Allegedly Laundered to NGOs Under Biden Administration
Shockingly, roughly 20 billion of your tax dollars were parked at an outside financial institution by the Biden EPA.
Trump Administration Allegedly Puts CISA’s Election Security Team on Leave, Claims Social Media Post
Trump Admin. has ordered CISA to place it’s ‘Election Security’ group on administrative leave
Microsoft Severs Ties with NewsGuard Amid Ted Cruz’s Scrutiny Over Alleged Bias and USAID Funding
Microsoft has dropped NewsGuard, a left-wing fact-checking organization they partnered with that has helped the advertising industry justify blacklists for independent conservative media sites such as ZeroHedge.
Source | Submitted by nickythec
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Advances in Biomarker Sciences and Technology, Dr. Jane Smith, World Health Organization, Dmytro Kuleba, Maria Zakharova, The Hill, The Washington Post, Fox News, Climate United Fund, NewsGuard’s Blog, Bloomberg, The Guardian, Reuters, Politico, CropLife International, and Syngenta.
by larrythelogger 
