Health
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made allegations that the CDC covered up a study showing a significant increase in autism risk from the hepatitis B vaccine, further fueling the debate on vaccine safety and transparency. He also stated that the CDC discontinued a vaccine injury reporting system after it indicated a high injury rate.
More broadly speaking, the societal impact of mass vaccination programs was discussed in an article by Midwestern Doctor. Historical patterns have reportedly shown instances where new vaccine introductions were followed by reports of severe injuries, which some critics claim were concealed to protect the pharmaceutical industry. Independent studies have suggested links between vaccines and chronic illnesses. A 1990 book by Harris L. Coulter posits that widespread vaccination could lead to brain damage, potentially lowering IQ and increasing violent crime rates.
In other news, the FBI and DOJ have announced what they describe as the largest health care fraud in U.S. history, with losses amounting to nearly $15 billion. Over 300 individuals, including 96 medical professionals, were charged in this operation, which involved fraudulent claims to Medicare and other insurers. Critics argue that while the crackdown is significant, it might not address the root causes of healthcare fraud, pointing to systemic issues within the healthcare system itself.
Economy
The Federal Reserve allegedly intervened in the overnight lending markets as repurchase agreements (REPO) surged to $11 billion, indicating a liquidity crunch in the banking system. However, Bloomberg reports that while there was an increase in REPO agreements, it was within the normal range of fluctuations seen in the past, suggesting that the market might not be as stressed as some reports indicate.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly influenced countries like El Salvador, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Argentina against adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. In CAR, despite initial enthusiasm, regional banking bodies and IMF pressure led to the repeal of the Bitcoin law. However, grassroots Bitcoin adoption continues in countries like Nigeria and Kenya. Max Keiser, a prominent Bitcoin advocate, commented on El Salvador’s continued commitment to Bitcoin despite IMF pressures, highlighting that El Salvador has been stacking more Bitcoin, suggesting resilience against IMF’s influence.
Energy
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that the shale boom is slowing down as sweet spots dry up and costs rise. According to the report, the Permian Basin remains significant, but the era of rapid expansion appears to be waning. Global oil demand is expected to peak by 2030, driven by electric vehicle adoption and increased petrochemical demand. However, OilPrice.com suggests that despite the challenges, technological advancements in drilling and fracking are still pushing forward, potentially extending the life of shale plays.
US Politics
The Senate has proposed changes to the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) tax break, potentially increasing the tax-free gain limit from $10 million to $15 million and adjusting it for inflation starting in 2027. This provision allows venture capitalists, tech founders, and early startup employees to avoid taxes on gains. The proposed changes would also raise the startup asset cap from $50 million to $75 million, enabling later-stage investments to qualify for benefits. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this expansion could cost an additional $17.2 billion over a decade. However, critics like Manoj Viswanathan, Professor at UC Law San Francisco, argue that the tax break is unnecessary and overly expensive, potentially benefiting only a small group of wealthy individuals.
Neera Tanden, a prominent Democratic operative, reportedly revealed her running of Biden’s autopen as well as her connections to various NGOs during a closed-door testimony before Congress. This testimony has sparked discussions on potential conflicts of interest in American politics. Tanden responded to these allegations on X, stating, “My work has always been about public service and transparency. Any suggestion of conflict of interest is baseless and politically motivated.”
Geopolitics
Reports indicate that Russian forces have amassed 50,000 troops near Sumy, Ukraine, outnumbering Ukrainian forces. This strategic move aims to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses, with reports of significant Russian casualties but continuous reinforcement. Ukrainian forces have reportedly deployed special units to counter the advance. A Ukrainian military commander confirmed the deployment of the “Timur” Special Forces Unit to positions near Sumy to counter the Russian advance, stating that despite high Russian casualties, they continue to bring in reserves.
Sources
Silicon Valley’s Tax Break Gets a Potential Upgrade: Senate Proposes Changes to QSBS
Silicon Valley’s favorite tax break may be getting an upgrade.
Source (Paywalled) | Submitted by Shplad
Neera Tanden’s Closed-Door Testimony Reveals Deep Ties to NGO Cartel
“Neera Tanden, the NGO Cartel, and the Greatest Conflict of Interest in Modern American Politics”
Source | Submitted by bcoop
Uncovering the Hidden Costs: The Societal Impact of Mass Vaccination Programs
“A long history exists of a wave of severe injuries following new vaccinations being introduced to the market.”
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
RFK Jr. Alleges CDC Hid Study Showing 1135% Autism Risk Increase from Hepatitis B Vaccine
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the CDC covered up an internal study which found a 1135% increase in autism risk from hepatitis B vaccine.
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
IMF’s Global Bitcoin Blockade: A Tale of Power, Policy, and Persistence
The IMF weaponized regional banking unions (CEMAC), starved CAR of capital, and leveraged a $191M loan to extinguish the threat of financial sovereignty.
Russian Forces Mass 50,000 Troops Near Sumy, Outnumbering Ukrainians 3-to-1
“With 50,000 troops in the area, they outnumber the Ukrainians roughly 3-to-1, according to soldiers fighting there.”
RFK Jr. Exposes Vaccine Cover-Ups and Praises Trump’s Empathy on Tucker Carlson
“None of the vaccines given to children in the first six months of life have ever been studied for autism.”
FBI Unveils $15 Billion Health Care Fraud: Largest in U.S. History, Over 300 Charged
“Public corruption will not be tolerated as the Director and I vigorously pursue bad actors who violated their oaths to all of us.”
Federal Reserve Steps in as Overnight REPO Rates Surge to $11 Billion Amid Liquidity Crunch
This is the Federal Reserve intervening in the overnight lending markets because there’s a liquidity shortage in the banking system.
Shale Boom Fades as Sweet Spots Dry Up and Costs Rise, IEA Reports
The shale boom is losing steam.
Global Oil Demand to Peak by 2030 as Electric Vehicles Surge and Petrochemicals Rise
A peak in global oil demand is still on the horizon.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Bloomberg, CDC, Dr. Paul Offit, Max Keiser, Neera Tanden, OilPrice.com, UC Law San Francisco Blog, Ukrainian Military Commander.