Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/fda-approves-new-mrna-vaccine-without-placebo-controlled-trial-alberta-seeks-deals-directly-with-us/
Health
The FDA has approved Moderna’s next-generation mRNA vaccine without a placebo-controlled trial, following a recent HHS statement that all new vaccines would undergo such testing. This decision has led to discussions regarding the safety and efficacy protocols for new vaccines. The FDA’s decision was based on “real-world data” and previous trials of similar vaccines, suggesting that the agency believes the vaccine’s safety profile is well-understood.
In other news, emails have revealed that the Biden administration was aware of potential health risks associated with the East Palestine train derailment, including the possibility of “cancer clusters,” which was not disclosed to the public. As such, the former administration is now being criticized for allegedly downplaying the environmental and health risks. This incident has raised questions about transparency and accountability in managing environmental crises. The EPA has been actively monitoring the situation, with no official confirmation of “cancer clusters” or widespread health issues directly linked to the derailment.
Canadian Politics
Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith has reportedly been seeking direct energy deals with the U.S., aiming to secure pipeline construction. This comes amidst tensions with the federal government, particularly over policies like the no new pipelines law (C69). There is a growing push for Alberta’s independence, with a potential referendum on separation being considered as early as this year if public support continues to grow. The Alberta Prosperity Project leads this movement, arguing that independence could increase wealth for Albertans by retaining funds currently distributed as equalization payments. However, critics argue that Alberta’s push for separation could lead to economic instability and loss of federal support, highlighting the importance of national unity.
US Politics
President Trump’s plan to conduct mass federal firings was recently blocked by a San Francisco-based federal appeals court, which ruled that Trump’s executive order exceeded his constitutional supervisory powers because no statute exists giving him this ability. The Washington Post reported that this decision has significant implications for the Trump administration’s ability to enact its policy objectives without Congressional oversight.
Energy
President Trump has set goals for the U.S. nuclear sector, aiming to deploy 300 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity by 2050 and have 10 large reactors under construction by 2030. These objectives are part of several executive orders focusing on expanding domestic nuclear fuel supplies and accelerating Nuclear Regulatory Commission reviews. Concerns have been raised by some experts about potential safety risks due to staff cuts at the NRC and DOE. The Union of Concerned Scientists criticized these executive orders, stating that they could compromise public safety by undermining the independence of the NRC.
Geopolitics
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated again following Russian drone strikes on a Ukrainian border town near NATO territory, specifically targeting Izmail, a key port on the Danube River. This incident has raised concerns about potential threats to NATO members. Meanwhile, U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have discussed the possibility of new sanctions against Russia and China. They aim to introduce a Russian tariff bill, indicating a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. Some X posts argue that the escalation in drone warfare by Ukraine might be seen as provocative, potentially justifying Russian responses.
Economy
U.S.-China trade talks have encountered difficulties over the resumption of rare-earth mineral exports. China’s reluctance to expedite these exports might be linked to U.S. restrictions on Huawei’s AI chips. President Trump has stated that China might be violating their recent trade agreement, which could lead to renewed tariffs. China’s Ministry of Commerce has criticized the U.S. for increasing pressure on its semiconductor industry, suggesting that the U.S.’s actions are more about geopolitical strategy than trade fairness.
Sources
Trump’s Daring Escape Plan from America’s Debt Crisis
The exception is Mr. Trump, a businessman-outsider to government trying to pull off an escape from the deadly debt quandary.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
Alberta’s Premier Seeks Energy Deals with U.S., Challenges Canadian Unity
“And so we’re looking to see if we can normalize our partnership so that we can get into talking about what those new pipelines might look like.”
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Russian Drones Strike Ukrainian Border Town Near NATO Territory, Escalating Tensions
“The attack hit the town of Izmail, Ukraine’s biggest port on the Danube river, which is important for critical imports and which lies across the river from Romania.”
Trump’s Ambitious Nuclear Expansion Plan: 400 GW by 2050, 10 Reactors by 2030
The White House wants to deploy 300 GW of net new nuclear capacity by 2050 and have 10 large reactors under construction in the U.S. by 2030 while expanding domestic nuclear fuel supplies, according to an executive order signed by President Trump.
Appeals Court Rejects Trump’s Plan for Mass Federal Firings
“Trump’s executive order directing agency leaders to carry out mass firings ‘far exceeds the president’s supervisory powers under the Constitution.'”
Source | Submitted by PhilH
U.S. Senators Threaten Russia and China with New Sanctions After Meeting Zelensky
The game that Putin’s been playing is about to change. He is going to be hit and hit hard by the United States when it comes to sanctions!
U.S.-China Trade Talks Hit Snag Over Rare-Earth Exports and Huawei Chip Restrictions
Crucial trade talks between the US and China are stalling over the resumption of vital rare-earth mineral exports, which China has a global monopoly over.
Alberta’s Independence Movement Gains Traction Post-Carney Election
Alberta’s separatist movement is gaining steam after PM Carney’s election win.
FDA Approves Moderna’s New mRNA Vaccine Without Placebo-Controlled Trial, Defying HHS Statement
“This move directly contradicts a recent HHS statement.”
Biden Administration Accused of Covering Up Health Risks in East Palestine Train Derailment
“They knew about the “cancer clusters” but told the public there was nothing to worry about.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Canadian Unity Advocates, China’s Ministry of Commerce, EPA, FDA, Indigenous Chiefs, The Grayzone, The Washington Post, Union of Concerned Scientists.