Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/covid-19-resurgence-iranian-uranium-pivot-housing-market-turning-over/
Geopolitics
Russia has proposed ceasefire terms to Ukraine, which include Kyiv surrendering control of territories in four partially occupied regions, not joining NATO, holding elections, and withdrawing troops from newly annexed Russian regions. Despite these proposals, the Zelensky government, following a recent drone operation causing damage to Russian military assets, is likely to reject these terms. The ongoing military actions by both sides continue to escalate the conflict. However, both sides agreed to a second major prisoner swap involving 1,000 POWs, including sick, wounded, and young soldiers under 25, and the exchange of 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers.
In another development, the Trump administration has proposed a new nuclear deal with Iran, allowing limited uranium enrichment on Iranian soil. This proposal contradicts earlier U.S. demands for the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran has labeled the proposal a ‘non-starter’ due to its unchanged demands on uranium enrichment and unclear sanctions relief. However, there are conflicting reports on whether the U.S. proposal allows for any uranium enrichment, with some sources suggesting a more flexible approach.
Meanwhile, Senator Mike Lee has stated that the U.S. might exit NATO if Ukraine joins the alliance. Lee’s comments come amidst ongoing conflicts and NATO’s efforts to integrate Ukraine. On the other hand, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has indicated that Ukraine’s integration into NATO is a matter of “when, not if,” highlighting ongoing efforts to align Ukraine’s military with NATO standards.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has introduced a visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals involved in censoring protected speech in the U.S. This policy follows Vice President J.D. Vance’s speech in Munich, where he reportedly challenged European allies to cease their systematic attacks on free speech. Rubio’s initiative aims to impose consequences for censorship. However, European Digital Rights (EDRi) has criticized Rubio’s policy as an overreach, suggesting it could lead to a tit-for-tat escalation in international relations, potentially harming global free speech rather than protecting it.
Speaking of free speech, North Korea’s measures to control information through its citizens’ cell phones were highlighted by the BBC, which obtained a smartphone smuggled out of the country. These devices do not have internet access, block certain South Korean words, and automatically alter language to fit state propaganda. Every five minutes, the phones reportedly take screenshots, which are stored in an app accessible only by the government. However, The Guardian provides a counterpoint, suggesting that while North Korea’s censorship is extreme, Western governments also engage in forms of information control, albeit less overt. Some claim North Korea’s practice should serve as a cautionary tale to those in the West.
Health
China is reportedly witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with schools in various provinces suspending classes and isolating students. Official data shows a doubling of infections in April, but medical professionals and residents report a potentially graver situation. The dominant variant, NB.1.8.1, an Omicron sub-branch, has enhanced transmission capabilities. However, state media outlets like Xinhua have downplayed the severity of the outbreak, suggesting that the situation is under control and that the peak of infections has passed or is passing.
Meanwhile, amyloid fibrils were detected in a three-year-old child who was exposed to an mRNA vaccine in utero. The child, born a week after the mother’s second Pfizer shot, has been chronically ill with recurrent infections and multiple surgeries. However, a study from the CDC found no increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes following mRNA vaccination, suggesting that the case might be an isolated incident or influenced by other factors.
Economy
The U.S. housing market is experiencing a shift, with nearly half of the $700 billion worth of homes listed for sale considered ‘stale’ inventory, as sellers outnumber buyers by 500,000. This imbalance, driven by high home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and economic uncertainty, suggests a cooling market. However, some experts argue that while there are challenges, the situation might not lead to a collapse but rather a significant adjustment.
Economist Dr. Kirk Elliott has warned of a potential global economic collapse, pointing to the collapse of the Japanese bond market. He advises investing in physical gold and silver to safeguard assets. However, some economists argue that with proactive measures from central banks and governments, the economic downturn could be mitigated.
European Politics
European leaders gathered under the theme “A New World Order with European Values” at the World Forum in Berlin, where the EU’s Digital Services Act was highlighted for its role in enforcing censorship on platforms like X. This law has been used to threaten American corporations for not censoring content. However, The Guardian reported on Rubio’s policy with a focus on how it might strain U.S.-EU relations, suggesting that the EU’s Digital Services Act was intended to protect European citizens from misinformation, not to censor Americans.
US Politics
The Supreme Court has agreed to review a case challenging Illinois’ practice of extending Election Day by 14 days for mail-in ballots. This case, brought by Judicial Watch on behalf of Congressman Mike Bost and two Illinois presidential electors, argues that this extension violates federal law setting Election Day as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Sources
Marco Rubio’s Visa Restrictions: A Stand Against Global Censorship
“Censorship produces an insatiable appetite for greater and greater speech limits, and today’s censorship supporters often become tomorrow’s censored subjects.”
Source | Submitted by pinecarr
China’s Schools Isolate Students Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases, Sparking Lockdown Fears
“Schools in various provinces are reportedly suspending classes and placing students in quarantine, leading to growing concerns among the public of a return of lockdowns.”
Stale Homes and Surplus Sellers: U.S. Housing Market Sees Record High Inventory and Cooling Prices
“A huge pop of listings hit the market at the start of spring, and there weren’t enough buyers to go around.”
Trump’s Iran Deal Proposal: A Contradiction in Terms?
“Iran is poised to reject a U.S. proposal to end a decades-long nuclear dispute, an Iranian diplomat said on Monday, slamming it as a “non-starter” that fails to address Tehran’s interests and leaves Washington’s stance on uranium enrichment unchanged.”
Government Transfer Payments Now 19% of Personal Income: Is This Path Sustainable?
“PCTR as a percent of PI is now 19.29 percent and rising.”
Russia Proposes Ceasefire Terms: Ukraine Must Withdraw and Hold Elections
“Full Ceasefire Possible Only If Ukraine Pulls Back Troops, Holds Elections: Moscow”
North Korean Cell Phones: Tools of Oppression and Censorship
The insane censorship is alarming, but while Westerners decry the lack of freedom they often ignore their own governments which are arresting people for silently praying outside abortion clinics and posting memes online.
Senator Mike Lee Warns NATO: Choose Between Ukraine and U.S. Membership
“If Ukraine is in NATO, the United States should be out, plain and simple. We must draw a redline with NATO: You can have Ukraine or the United States,” Lee wrote.
Economist Warns: Global Economic Collapse Imminent, Urges Investment in Gold and Silver
To me, this is the worst economic crisis I think that we’ve seen since the early 70s.
Amyloid Fibrils Detected in Infant Exposed to mRNA Vaccine In Utero, Linked to Chronic Health Issues
Amyloid Fibrils Found in 3-Year-Old After In-Utero mRNA Injection Exposure
Supreme Court to Review Illinois’ Post-Election Ballot Counting Extension
“Illinois’ 14-day extension of Election Day thwarts federal law, violates the civil rights of voters, and invites fraud.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Bloomberg, CNBC, European Digital Rights (EDRi), Financial Times, NATO, Reuters, The Guardian, The Hill, Xinhua.