Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/good-news-friday-fda-expands-review-of-covid-vaccine-deaths-marijuana-expected-to-be-reclassified/
Health
The FDA is expanding its review of deaths potentially tied to COVID-19 vaccines to encompass adults, after verifying at least 10 pediatric cases through Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System data. This broader examination, initiated by an internal memorandum, reflects continued monitoring of side effects across demographics; meanwhile, Children’s Health Defense has petitioned to withdraw approvals for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, arguing they fail to meet safety criteria. Vaccine manufacturers, continue to affirm the overall safety profile of the vaccines.
The Food and Drug Administration has named Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg as acting director of its Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Hoeg previously headed an inquiry that identified connections between COVID-19 vaccines and certain child deaths, advocating for decisions grounded in evidence. This appointment coincides with FDA actions such as rescinding emergency use authorizations and refining approvals for specific populations. Some public health experts have expressed reservations that her focus on vaccine issues could divert attention from other drug regulation priorities.
The University of Colorado has reached a $10.3 million settlement with 18 individuals who were denied religious exemptions from the school’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement, compensating for damages, tuition, and fees. The pact also pledges fairer processing of future religious accommodation requests, in line with a federal appeals court decision finding prior practices discriminatory. University officials noted that the mandate was implemented to protect public health and safety during the pandemic.
A section of the National Defense Authorization Act mandates the declassification of intelligence related to COVID-19’s origins, including studies at the Wuhan Institute of Virology and reported Chinese interference in probes. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is overseeing assessments by U.S. intelligence agencies, in collaboration with the FBI and Department of Energy, to disclose previously restricted materials and revisit earlier dismissals of the lab-leak theory. Some experts maintain that evidence more strongly supports a natural zoonotic origin for the virus.
Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield has called for restrictions on mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, citing lingering safety concerns drawn from his observations of patient harms. In a recent interview, Redfield pointed to potential issues with spike protein impacts and aligned with other physicians urging modifications to vaccine availability. Current health officials, including the CDC, maintain that the benefits of mRNA vaccines outweigh the risks based on extensive monitoring.
President Trump intends to issue an executive order reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, a change that could ease research and bolster state-level recreational cannabis programs. The policy discussions reportedly included input from industry representatives, HHS Secretary Kennedy, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, representing progress after earlier setbacks. Opponents, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have cited concerns over public health risks and potential increases in youth marijuana use.
HHS Secretary Kennedy has allocated $700 million to regenerative agriculture programs, focusing on improving soil quality, cutting pesticide reliance, and boosting nutrient-rich crop production within the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Working alongside USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the optional effort aids farmers in shifting away from synthetic inputs, inspired by successful practices on longstanding family farms to foster environmental and health benefits. Some agricultural organizations have raised concerns about the feasibility of widespread adoption and potential effects on crop yields.
A study in the journal Oncotarget reports that dandelion root extract eradicated more than 95% of colon cancer cells in laboratory settings and curbed tumor progression by over 90% in animal models, without signs of toxicity over 75 days. The extract appears to zero in on cancer cell mitochondria, triggering various death mechanisms while leaving normal cells unharmed, suggesting promise for gentler treatment options. Experts caution that human clinical trials are needed to validate the preclinical findings.
Other positive health news stories to come out earlier in the week were ACIP’s discontinuation of recommending universal hepatitis B vaccinations at birth as well as the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Amish religious exemptions for vaccinations. For discussions on those topics, please visit those editions of the Daily Digest.
Canadian Politics
Alberta’s Legislative Assembly has approved Bill 14, which has received royal assent and paves the way for a citizen-initiated referendum on provincial sovereignty. The Alberta Prosperity Project has submitted paperwork to initiate the referendum, with plans to start gathering signatures in January, furthering the group’s campaign. Provincial officials and critics have highlighted potential economic risks and challenges to national unity from pursuing independence.
US Politics
A federal judge appointed by President Trump in Florida has ordered the release of grand jury records from 2005 and 2007 probes into Jeffrey Epstein, referencing the recently passed Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by Trump. Likewise, a New York federal judge has approved the Department of Justice’s motion to unseal documents from Ghislaine Maxwell’s case, encompassing grand jury materials and Epstein-linked investigative files. Under the Act, these unclassified records are slated for public availability by mid-December, offering broader insight into the long-standing investigations. Critics have voiced concerns over potential privacy violations for individuals mentioned in the documents and the impact on legal confidentiality.
In other news, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has instructed officials in 39 states to end the practice of diverting survivor benefits from foster children to offset agency expenses, directing that these funds go directly to the children. In a joint statement with Assistant Secretary Alex Adams, Kennedy described the change as a step toward safeguarding children’s financial support for greater stability and long-term opportunities, building on similar reforms in states including Idaho and ongoing initiatives to streamline foster care administration. Some state officials have raised concerns that the policy could strain agency budgets and require alternative funding sources.
Charlie Kirk
A Utah judge has ruled to permit cameras in the courtroom during the trial of Tyler Robinson, who faces charges of aggravated murder and related offenses in connection with the shooting death of Charlie Kirk. The ruling, issued at Robinson’s initial appearance where he appeared composed, includes safeguards to prevent broadcasts from disrupting proceedings or revealing details such as the suspect’s restraints. This decision is expected to enhance public access to the high-profile case, which followed an extensive manhunt ending at Utah Valley University. However, defense attorneys have expressed concerns that media coverage could prejudice the jury and undermine the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Sources
Utah Judge Permits Cameras in Charlie Kirk Assassination Trial Amid Suspect’s Smirking Court Debut
The judge presiding over the Charlie Kirk murder case in Utah said he would allow cameras in the courtroom during the trial so long as they don’t interfere with proceedings.
RFK Jr. Orders 39 States to Stop Seizing Foster Kids’ Survivor Benefits for Agency Costs
RFK Jr. just moved to end the practice in 39 states that take survivor benefits from foster kids and use the money to cover agency costs.
Trump to Reschedule Marijuana to Schedule III, Sparking Federal Policy Shift
Trump to sign executive order reclassifying marijuana to schedule III.
Alberta Independence Movement Ignites: Bill 14 Passes, Referendum Launch Filed
Bill 14 has PASSED and received Royal Assent
FDA Appoints COVID Vaccine Death Investigator as Top Drug Regulator
The doctor who led an investigation into deaths following COVID-19 vaccination is now the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) top drug regulator, the agency announced on Dec. 3.
Trump-Appointed Judge Unseals Epstein Grand Jury Files Under New Transparency Act
A federal judge has just UNSEALED the Epstein grand jury files in South Florida
Former CDC Director Urges Elimination of mRNA COVID Vaccines Due to Unknown Risks
I really would like to see the mRNA vaccine use curtailed, and personally, I’d like to see it eliminated, because I think there’s too many unknowns.
University of Colorado Pays $10.3 Million Settlement for Denying Religious Exemptions to COVID Vaccine Mandate
University of Colorado will pay $10 million to staff, students for trying to force them to take COVID shots
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
NDAA Provision Forces Declassification of COVID-19 Origins Intel, Exposing Wuhan Ties and Chinese Cover-Up
Slipped into the nearly 3,100-page National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a provision that requires “declassification” and “transparency” related to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, and would require the Trump administration’s spy agencies to release its intelligence related to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Federal Judge Orders Unsealing of Ghislaine Maxwell’s Epstein Case Files
A federal judge in New York on Dec. 9 ruled that the Department of Justice (DOJ) can unseal records in the case against Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, weeks after the passage of a law that required the government to disclose case records related to both Epstein and Maxwell.
FDA Expands COVID Vaccine Death Probe to Adults After Leaked Memo Confirms Child Fatalities
“For the first time, the US FDA will acknowledge that COVID-19 vaccines have killed American children.”
RFK Jr. Redirects $700M to Regenerative Agriculture, Fulfilling MAHA Promise for Healthier Soil and Food
“With soil health comes nutrient density. We’re fixing the food system from the ground up.”
Dandelion Root Extract Decimates Colon Cancer Cells and Tumors in Mice—With No Toxicity
A peer-reviewed study in Oncotarget has documented one of the most extraordinary findings in natural-compound cancer research: an aqueous extract of dandelion root — the common backyard plant — reduced human colon tumor growth in mice by more than 90%, showed zero toxicity after 75 days of daily administration, and selectively killed cancer cells while sparing normal cells entirely.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Salt Lake Tribune, Provo Daily, Children’s Rights Organization, State Budget Watchdog, The Intercept, Politico, Fox News, Reuters, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, University of Colorado, The Washington Post, CBC News, and Western Standard.
