Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/good-news-friday-nih-funds-ivermectin-studies-mrna-flu-vax-rejected-states-fight-foreign-censorship/
Health
The National Institutes of Health has confirmed funding for preclinical studies examining ivermectin as a potential anti-cancer agent. Recent reviews, according to reports, suggest it may inhibit cancer cell growth, leading the National Cancer Institute—under new leadership—to pursue investigations into repurposing established drugs. Skeptics caution that in vitro findings do not necessarily translate to clinical efficacy.
The Food and Drug Administration has declined to review Moderna’s mRNA-1010 flu vaccine application, citing inadequate study design despite prior agency feedback. Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel described the decision as inconsistent. The vaccine had received approvals in Europe, Canada, and Australia.
Speaking of vaccines, the U.S. Supreme Court has called for a response from the Los Angeles Unified School District in a challenge to its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which reportedly denied religious exemptions to over 1,000 employees. This step follows a Ninth Circuit ruling that deferred to public health authorities.
Also related to vaccines, legislation advanced in eight states—Idaho, Tennessee, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Utah—to require hospitals to allow directed or autologous blood donations, despite federal recommendations against such practices. South Dakota introduced a bill requiring labeling of blood from mRNA-vaccinated donors.
Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has intervened in a lawsuit supporting Houston physician Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, who was reprimanded by the Texas Medical Board for prescribing ivermectin to a COVID-19 patient in 2021. Paxton argues that the board violated her constitutional rights without providing expert testimony.
Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission has initiated inquiries into the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health regarding potential false claims in promoting treatments for pediatric gender dysphoria, such as puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. AAP and WPATH have petitioned to quash the demands, arguing the FTC exceeds its scope. The inquiries seek information on advertising, financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, and guideline development processes.
Turning to other topics, three years after the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released hazardous chemicals including vinyl chloride, the National Institutes of Health has opened a $10 million research hub to study long-term health impacts. Norfolk Southern offered nearby residents $25,000 settlements requiring waivers of future lawsuits. The five-year initiative, partnering with universities including Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and Yale, will conduct community-engaged studies on reported resident health issues such as respiratory problems, rashes, thyroid conditions, cancers, and neurological effects, offering local enrollment opportunities.
Lastly, Steak ‘n Shake has announced plans to remove all microwaves from its restaurants to emphasize traditional cooking methods and food quality. Critics have questioned the practicality of the change for reheating certain menu items.
US Politics
Lawmakers in New Hampshire and Wyoming have revived shield bills, such as New Hampshire’s GRANITE Act, to protect technology companies from foreign speech regulations. Opponents including Rep. Chris Pappas argue such measures hinder residents’ ability to voice opinions. Amendments aim for enactment by July.
Relatedly, Gab.com, a U.S.-based platform incorporated in Pennsylvania, has rejected a €31,650 fine imposed by German authorities under the Network Enforcement Act for alleged delays in content moderation. The company, which has no physical presence in Germany, challenges the extraterritorial application of the law.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has criticized the European Union’s Digital Services Act, stating it influences U.S. platforms during elections. He cited committee reports on regulatory pressure from Brussels and Ireland, as well as U.S. delegations confronting EU officials.
In other news, the House of Representatives has passed the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration, photo ID at polling places, and photo ID copies with mail-in ballots. Critics argue it could disenfranchise up to 21 million lacking required documents. The bill now advances to the Senate, although its passage is uncertain given the current 60-vote requirement.
Lastly, Kayleigh Bush, formerly Miss North Florida Outstanding Teen, has lost her title after refusing to sign a revised Miss America contract that would permit competition against transgender contestants. A Miss America spokesperson stated the contract ensures uniform rules, fairness, and nondiscrimination. She cited the organization’s stance on defining a woman.
Economy
Florida legislators have advanced a measure to establish gold and silver coins as legal tender, exempting them from sales tax. Critics highlight potential federal surveillance risks under the Bank Secrecy Act.
Epstein Files
Elon Musk has pledged to cover legal fees for individuals sued after identifying redacted names from Jeffrey Epstein’s files. The commitment responds to a Super Bowl advertisement by victims calling for the unredacted release of over three million documents. Musk, whose past communications with Epstein have been reported without accusations of wrongdoing, stressed the need to prosecute crimes against underage girls.
Sources
Ken Paxton Backs Ivermectin Doctor in Texas Medical Board Clash
Ken Paxton backs ivermectin proponent in Texas Medical Board case
Steak ‘n Shake Ditches Microwaves to Champion ‘Real Food’ Quality
Quality restaurants don’t need microwaves.
Florida Advances Gold and Silver as Legal Tender, Exempt from Sales Tax
Florida Makes Gold & Silver Official Means of Payment
Supreme Court Calls for LAUSD Response in COVID Vaccine Mandate Challenge
the court has issued a call for response to the School District, ordering them to respond to our petition.
NIH Launches $10M Research Hub in East Palestine, Three Years After Toxic Derailment
NIH Allocates $10 Million For Research In East Palestine Three Years After Toxic Train Crash
Gab Defies German Fine, Exposes Limits of Cross-Border Censorship
Gab Refuses to Pay Germany’s Fine, Challenges Cross-Border Online Censorship
States Revive Speech Shield Laws as Jordan Targets EU Digital Overreach
“This is not just about Europe. It is about how a global moderation policy ends up shaping what Americans can say, read, or publish online.”
Eight States Mandate Directed Blood Donations, South Dakota Eyes mRNA Labeling
8 states have introduced legislation requiring hospitals to allow directed or autologous blood donations (ID, TN, FL, IA, PA, OK, IL, UT)
Musk Pledges Legal Fees for Anyone Sued for Naming Epstein Perpetrators
“I will pay for the defense of anyone who speaks the truth about this and is sued for doing so.”
FTC Probes AAP and WPATH Over Unsubstantiated Pediatric Gender Treatments
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is examining statements from several organizations that have promoted drugs and surgeries for minors who believe they are a different gender
FDA Rejects Moderna’s mRNA Flu Shot Review as RFK Jr. Axes Platform
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is refusing to review Moderna’s experimental flu shot, the company announced Tuesday.
Miss North Florida Dethroned for Defining “Woman”
I lost my crown because I was unwilling to rewrite the truth
NIH Funds Ivermectin Research as Potential Cancer Killer—From “Horse Paste” to Serious Study
The NIH is now funding research into ivermectin as a cancer treatment.
House Passes SAVE America Act: Citizenship Proof and Photo ID Mandated for Voters
The SAVE America Act has passed the House of Representatives
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: STAT News, Ars Technica, Epoch Times, Bloomberg, The Lever, USA Today, Steven Carney, Politico, UnidosUS, New York Times, and TMZ.