US Politics
In a recent Truth Social post, President Trump declared President Joe Biden’s pardons “void,” alleging they were signed by using an auto-pen without Biden’s knowledge. Trump accused the “Unselect Committee of Political Thugs” of destroying evidence and suggested that those involved in the pardons could face investigation. Legal experts have noted that Trump’s declaration may not have legal standing.
Economy
The stock market is currently facing a complex situation, with recession risks present but not immediate. Bloomberg macro strategist Simon White suggests that the market is testing levels that could lead to a downturn if a negative feedback loop between the market and the real economy develops. Factors such as declining excess liquidity, the use of dollar assets as a geopolitical tool, and European fiscal spending are reportedly contributing to market volatility. Despite these challenges, the Recession Gauge indicates low immediate recession risk, with only a few sub-models suggesting a near-term downturn. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has commented on the recent market corrections, describing them as “healthy” and emphasizing the administration’s focus on long-term growth through strategic policy adjustments. Bessent reportedly remains optimistic about the market’s resilience, despite concerns over tariffs and federal cuts impacting the S&P 500. However, some analysts, like those at CNBC, caution that expectations of government intervention might not materialize, potentially leading to a more severe market correction.
In the commodities market, gold is nearing a significant milestone of $3,000, driven by money flow from struggling asset categories. Experts such as Alistair MacLeod and Michael Oliver have highlighted the impact of geopolitical factors and economic policies on the gold market, with a shift in market dynamics indicated by unusual premiums on COMEX futures. Silver is also reportedly poised for a breakout, with technical indicators suggesting a significant move. The discussion suggests the potential for gains in the gold and silver markets as investors seek safe havens amid economic uncertainty. Additionally, the undervaluation of the gold and silver mining sector presents potential opportunities for investors as market dynamics shift.
Health
A report from German newspapers suggests that Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service had evidence pointing to a lab leak as the origin of the Covid-19 virus. This aligns with a dossier submitted to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson by former MI6 head Sir Richard Dearlove, which claimed the virus was engineered at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Despite Johnson’s interest in further investigation, the UK’s chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, dismissed the lab-leak theory, favoring the narrative of a natural origin. The New York Times later noted incomplete information and potential concealment of facts by officials and scientists to maintain a consensus on the virus’s origins. Meanwhile, The Guardian suggests that the focus should be on preventing future pandemics rather than solely on the origin debate.
Johns Hopkins University is set to lay off over 2,000 workers following the termination of $800 million in federal funding by the Trump administration. The cuts will affect the university’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, its medical school, and the affiliated non-profit Jhpiego. The funding reduction has sparked protests and concerns over the future of more than 600 ongoing clinical trials previously supported by the National Institutes of Health. The university’s economic impact report highlights its role as Maryland’s largest private employer, contributing significantly to the state’s job market. The Trump administration has justified these cuts as part of an “America First” policy, aiming to align foreign aid with U.S. interests, a move that has been met with both support and criticism.
Environment
The peer review system in scientific research, a 60-year experiment intended to improve scientific quality, is under scrutiny for its alleged effectiveness. Despite the significant time investment, research productivity has reportedly stagnated, and many peer-reviewed findings fail to replicate. The system’s shortcomings include its failure to catch errors or fraud and its encouragement of questionable research practices. Critics argue that the peer review process stifles innovation and gives a false sense of security, suggesting that alternative methods of scientific communication may be more effective in fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. However, defenders of the system, like those at Nature, argue that peer review remains a critical part of the scientific process, with ongoing efforts to improve its transparency and effectiveness.
Sources
Muck Around and Find Out: The Stock Market’s Dance with Recession Risks
Imminent recession risk remains low for now
Source (Paywalled) | Submitted by pnwdefector
Gold’s Bull Market: Experts Predict a Surge Amidst Stock Market Volatility and Silver’s Potential Breakout
Gold is currently knocking on the door of $3,000, a big number psychologically for investors and perhaps a number that will cause more generalist investors to pay attention.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Johns Hopkins University to Cut Over 2,000 Jobs After $800 Million Federal Funding Slash
“This is a difficult day for our entire community,” the university said in a statement. “The termination of more than $800 million in USAID funding is now forcing us to wind down critical work here in Baltimore and internationally.”
Treasury Secretary Bessent: Market Corrections Are “Healthy,” But Recession Risks Remain Uncertain
I’m not worried about the markets. Over the long term, if we put good tax policy in place, deregulation and energy security, the markets will do great.
MI6 Dossier: Boris Johnson Warned of COVID-19 Lab Leak, Allegedly Quashed by UK Science Chief
A classified dossier compiled by Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, was passed to then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the start of the outbreak in March 2020 which stated: ‘It is now beyond reasonable doubt that Covid-19 was engineered in the WIV.’
Trump Declares Biden’s Pardons ‘Void’ in Fiery Truth Social Post
The ‘Pardons’ that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen.
The Peer Review Experiment: A 60-Year Scientific Misadventure
Peer review doesn’t work and there’s probably no way to fix it.
Source | Submitted by Redneck Engineer
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: CNBC, VC Media, The Guardian, The New York Times, Nature, Truth Social, Bloomberg Opinion, Reuters, and The Economist.
by phecksel 
