Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/hospitals-report-new-mothers-for-child-abuse-afd-surges-and-irs-targets-crypto/
Health
A trend has emerged in hospitals across the United States, where new mothers are reportedly being referred to child abuse authorities after their newborns test positive for drugs administered during labor. Medications such as fentanyl and morphine, commonly used for epidurals, have led to child welfare investigations and, in some cases, the temporary removal of children from their families. Some observers argue that this situation highlights a need for systemic reform to prevent separations based on medical misunderstandings, as families experience significant trauma from these interventions. Reports from The Marshall Project and Reason Magazine underscore the prevalence of such cases, with incidents in Oklahoma and Illinois illustrating the potential for misinterpretation of medical treatments as abuse. The ACLU has also raised concerns about increased surveillance and criminalization of pregnant women.
Politics
In Germany, the political landscape is shifting as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gains momentum. Polling at around 18%, the AfD is positioned as a significant force, potentially becoming the main opposition party. Their rise is reportedly fueled by voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties and economic concerns. The AfD’s platform, led by Chancellor candidate Alice Weidel, emphasizes low taxes, deregulation, and a Germany-first foreign policy, including restoring relations with Russia. As the party challenges political norms, its future role in German politics remains a subject of interest. However, the party’s controversial stance on immigration and ambiguous position on NATO have drawn criticism, with significant opposition from the German public, as noted by The Guardian and Politico Europe.
New York has enacted climate legislation with Governor Kathy Hochul’s signing of a $75 billion Climate Superfund. This law targets fossil fuel companies for their role in environmental damage, aiming to fund infrastructure projects to mitigate climate change impacts. The legislation, inspired by existing superfund laws, imposes fines on companies based on their greenhouse gas emissions from 2000 to 2018. New York’s move follows Vermont’s similar initiative, potentially setting a precedent for holding major polluters accountable and addressing the financial burdens of climate change on residents. While supporters like Senator Liz Krueger praise the bill’s potential to shift financial responsibility to polluters, critics, including the American Petroleum Institute, warn of possible economic repercussions and legal challenges, as reported by Reuters and The Wall Street Journal.
Marc Andreessen, a prominent investor, predicts a shift away from what he describes as extreme wokeness, driven by legal and cultural changes. He points to Harmeet Dhillon’s appointment to the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division as a potential catalyst for this transformation. Andreessen suggests that companies may begin to distance themselves from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies due to rising legal risks and changing cultural dynamics. This anticipated shift could lead to changes in corporate compliance and risk management practices, as organizations navigate the evolving landscape of civil rights and corporate governance. However, advocates for DEI policies, such as the NAACP, argue that these initiatives are essential for addressing systemic inequalities, highlighting the ongoing debate over the future of corporate diversity efforts.
Economy
The IRS has introduced a new rule requiring platforms to report all digital asset sales, including those involving NFTs and stablecoins. This move has sparked a legal showdown, with critics labeling it an overreach and part of an anti-crypto agenda. Legal challenges are expected, and the issue may reach Congress, especially with political figures like Donald Trump reportedly promising to oppose such measures. The outcome of this legal battle could have implications for the crypto industry, as stakeholders brace for potential changes in regulatory compliance and market dynamics. Bloomberg and Reuters note that while the regulations aim to enhance tax compliance, they could also drive innovation in privacy technologies or push crypto businesses offshore, reflecting the complex impact of these new rules.
Sources
New Moms Face Child Abuse Reports After Hospitals Administer Labor Drugs: A Growing Scandal Unveiled
New mothers are being given drugs at hospitals only to find themselves reported to child abuse authorities for being on those very drugs.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Germany’s Political Landscape Shifts: AfD’s Meteoric Rise and Its Implications for the Future
At the moment, they’re sitting around 18%, depending on where you look, 17-18%. Second, which is quite significant, right?
Source | Submitted by Timo Hallikainen
New York’s $75 Billion Climate Superfund: Hochul Holds Fossil Fuel Giants Accountable
New York state will fine fossil fuel companies a total of $75 billion over the next 25 years to pay for damage caused to the climate under a bill Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law on Thursday.
Source | Submitted by pnwdefector
Marc Andreessen Predicts DOJ Shake-Up Will Challenge Corporate ‘Wokeness’ Under Harmeet Dhillon’s Leadership
Every Signal Is Being Sent’ Trump DOJ Official Harmeet Dhillon Will Drop Hammer On Woke Corporations
IRS’s New Crypto Rule Sparks Legal Showdown: Platforms Must Report All Digital Asset Sales
New Treasury rule applies to the sale of every single digital asset.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Marshall Project, Reason Magazine, ACLU, The Guardian, Politico Europe, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, NAACP, and Bloomberg.