Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/good-news-friday-wins-for-maha-nutrition-fraud-investigations-gun-rights-and-pesticide-liability/
Health
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins issued the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods over processed ones. The guidelines advise including protein at every meal, full-fat dairy without added sugars, plenty of vegetables and fruits, healthy fats from sources like meats and nuts, and whole grains, while limiting refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and artificial additives. Customized recommendations address various life stages and health conditions, including lower-carbohydrate approaches for managing chronic diseases. This framework will guide federal programs, helping to mitigate diet-related issues that influence military readiness and healthcare expenses. Some experts have praised the simplicity but raised concerns that easing limits on saturated fats could risk heart health in vulnerable populations.
Many on the Internet are aren’t sure whether to attribute this to RFK, Jr., or South Park:
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) January 7, 2026
The administration has also doubled stocking requirements for healthy foods at retailers accepting SNAP benefits, impacting 250,000 stores nationwide. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the policy, effective almost immediately, to increase access to nutrient-dense options consistent with updated dietary guidelines. By requiring twice as many healthy alternatives in areas where SNAP benefits are used, the initiative addresses food deserts and supports improved nutrition for low-income families. Nutrition experts have welcomed the anti-sugar stance but cautioned that implementation must consider accessibility for low-income families reliant on subsidized staples.
Relatedly, the USDA will deploy undercover investigators to ensure retailers comply with new SNAP restrictions on items such as soda, energy drinks, and candy, rolled out via waivers in 18 states starting January 1. Each state will have a 90-day grace period after implementation, with warnings for initial violations and possible revocation of authorization for repeated ones. Officials highlighted collaboration between states and retailers to update systems and train staff, aligning with federal objectives to reduce obesity and improve nutrition for the 42 million participants in these programs. The Food Industry Association has welcomed the grace period but warned that accidental errors in product coding could lead to unfair penalties for retailers.
Lastly, public advocacy efforts resulted in the removal of a pesticide liability shield provision from a House Interior and EPA bill. Section 453, which would have shielded manufacturers from accountability, was eliminated after constituent outreach to representatives. Lawmakers and advocates described this as a positive step for public health and environmental protections. Focus now shifts to monitoring similar provisions in the Farm Bill and potential Supreme Court reviews, sustaining momentum for stronger safeguards. The provision had aimed to uphold EPA’s authority on labeling to avoid conflicting state rules, according to industry advocates.
US Politics
The Senate advanced a bipartisan resolution by a 52-47 vote, requiring congressional approval for any further military actions in or against Venezuela, after the recent capture and extradition of Nicolás Maduro. Introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine and cosponsored by Sens. Rand Paul, Adam Schiff, and Chuck Schumer, the measure received support from five Republicans alongside all Democrats. Proponents, including the sponsors, stressed the importance of constitutional war powers. A full Senate vote is scheduled for next week, reflecting continued bipartisan focus on Congress’s role in foreign policy. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso opposed the measure, describing the Maduro capture as a lawful law enforcement operation and warning it could weaken U.S. security, while President Trump called it a “Democrat hoax” on social media. The measure, if passed, is likely to be vetoed by Trump.
The Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Arizona and Connecticut for failing to provide complete voter registration lists upon request, bringing the total such actions against states and the District of Columbia to 24. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that accurate voter rolls are essential for election integrity. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon affirmed the department’s dedication to enforcing federal voting laws. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes cited privacy concerns, while Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas raised similar data protection issues. The suits seek court orders for compliance under the National Voter Registration Act and related statutes, advancing efforts to uphold voting standards. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong have vowed to defend their states’ privacy protections while affirming compliance with federal laws.
Relatedly, the DOJ also requested voter registration and voting records from Minnesota covering 22 months, examining the state’s same-day registration and “vouching” system for adherence to federal laws including the Help America Vote Act. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon raised concerns about vouching, which permits registered voters to endorse up to eight others and facility employees to endorse unlimited numbers. Issued under the Civil Rights Act, the request bolsters ongoing probes into election practices and fraud in the state, promoting transparency in voting processes. Minnesota officials have defended vouching as a longstanding tool to ensure eligibility without disenfranchising voters, such as those in group homes.
Speaking of Minnesota, Vice President JD Vance announced the creation of a new assistant attorney general position focused on investigating fraud nationwide, beginning with Minnesota. Operating under White House supervision, the role will coordinate interagency efforts, building on over 1,500 DOJ subpoenas and nearly 100 indictments tied to schemes defrauding programs such as SNAP and child care assistance. Attorney General Pam Bondi expedited the position’s activation, with a nominee expected soon and Senate confirmation anticipated promptly. This step aims to tackle large-scale fraud affecting taxpayers, fostering greater financial accountability. Critics, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley, have questioned the initiative’s motives as potentially linked to election denialism and concerns over politicizing DOJ independence.
Moving to judicial news, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down California’s ban on openly carrying firearms in populated counties, deeming it unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. In a 2-1 decision, the panel found that the law, which affects 95% of the population, did not align with historical traditions of firearm regulation as outlined in the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision. The majority opinion highlighted open carry’s common practice at the Founding and in early California history, distinguishing it from concealed carry restrictions and upholding Second Amendment principles. Governor Gavin Newsom described the ruling as an attempt to revive “Wild West” conditions, and state officials are reviewing options for appeal.
Additionally, a federal appeals court revived a lawsuit by Springfield, Missouri, school district employees, who alleged First Amendment violations from mandatory anti-racism training in 2020. In a 6-5 decision, the Eighth Circuit ruled that the training’s requirements—to acknowledge privileges and avoid silence—created a chilling effect on speech, and granted standing even without direct punishment. The case has returned to district court for review on the merits, reinforcing considerations of free speech protections in public employment. The dissent argued that the employees suffered no tangible harm from the session, as they faced no repercussions and one received a promotion shortly after.
Epstein Files
Bipartisan lawmakers, including Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, requested that a federal judge appoint a special master to oversee the Department of Justice’s release of all Jeffrey Epstein files. The representatives referenced the Epstein Files Transparency Act and noted that the DOJ had released only a portion of the documents by the deadline. They voiced concerns about compliance and transparency, calling for independent oversight to promote full disclosure and support accountability in related investigations, which could benefit survivors. The DOJ has defended its review process as thorough, stating that over 125,000 pages have been published to avoid harming ongoing probes.
Sources
Senate Advances Bipartisan Resolution to Block Trump’s Venezuela Military Actions Without Congress
The Senate issued a harsh rebuke of President Trump’s actions in Venezuela, voting 52-47 on a bipartisan measure to block him from using military force “within or against Venezuela” unless he obtains Congressional approval first.
DOJ Sues Arizona and Connecticut for Withholding Voter Registration Lists
“Accurate voter rolls are the foundation of election integrity, and any state that fails to meet this basic obligation of transparency can expect to see us in court.”
Trump Administration Doubles Healthy Food Requirements for SNAP Retailers Nationwide
We are doubling what’s called the stocking standard.
Congressmen Seek Special Master to Compel DOJ Release of All Epstein Files
Two US House of Representatives members have asked a federal judge to appoint a special master to compel the justice department to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender.
JD Vance Announces New Assistant AG to Lead Nationwide Fraud Crackdown, Starting in Minnesota
We are creating a new assistant attorney general position who will have nationwide jurisdiction over the issue of fraud.
Federal Appeals Court Revives Free Speech Lawsuit Against School’s Anti-Racism Training
A divided federal appeals court voted to revive a lawsuit by school district employees who say they were forced to self-censor and make statements they disagreed with to finish so-called anti-racism training.
DOJ Demands Minnesota Voter Records Over ‘Vouching’ System’s Federal Compliance
The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) civil rights division demanded voter registration records from Minnesota on Jan. 2, saying the state’s law that allows people to “vouch” for others’ residency for voter registration appeared inconsistent with federal voting laws.
Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down California’s Open-Carry Ban as Unconstitutional
“The historical record makes unmistakably plain that open carry is part of this nation’s history and tradition. It was clearly protected at the time of the founding and at the time of the adoption of the 14th Amendment.”
USDA to Deploy Undercover Investigators for SNAP Restriction Compliance Checks
Undercover investigators with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are going to check whether stores are complying with new restrictions on food stamps, the department said in a new notice to state and regional officials.
Pesticide Liability Shield Removed from House Bill: Public Victory, But Fight Persists
HUGE WIN: Section 453, the pesticide liability shield, has been REMOVED from the House Interior/EPA bill after public pressure.
Kennedy and Rollins Reset U.S. Dietary Guidelines: Real Food Returns to the Heart of Health
The new Guidelines deliver a clear, common-sense message to the American people: eat real food.
Trump Resets U.S. Nutrition Guidelines: Real Food Takes Center Stage Over Processed Junk
The new dietary guidelines call for prioritizing high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains – and avoiding highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Reuters, Politico, The Epoch Times, Legal Insurrection, Fox News, The Guardian, NBC News, Newsweek, NPR, and DTN Progressive Farmer.