Originally published at: House Committee Declares Biden Executive Actions Invalid, Texas Attorney General Sues Maker of Tylenol – Peak Prosperity
US Politics
The House Oversight Committee has declared numerous executive actions from the Biden administration invalid due to the use of autopen signatures and has recommended a Department of Justice investigation. A 91-page report, drawing on depositions from 14 former aides, concluded that without evidence of President Biden’s direct authorization, actions signed via autopen—particularly clemency decisions—should be voided. These include last-minute pardons for individuals connected to proceedings against President Trump and a blanket pardon for Hunter Biden, with over 27,000 documents reviewed and potentially up to one million more under examination. The committee called for probes into whether staffers acted independently, especially given reported concerns over Biden’s health and age, and highlighted instances such as a White House aide approving an autopen pardon for Anthony Fauci, while the former administration has maintained that autopen use followed established legal protocols.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has launched an investigation into the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for allegedly directing millions in grants to entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Chairman Chuck Grassley referenced 2022 tax filings showing $23 million allocated to more than 20 Chinese organizations, including $11.7 million to government-affiliated groups, $2 million to a corporation identified by the U.S. Department of Defense as tied to the Chinese military, and $6.7 million to state-run universities. IRS regulations under Sections 4942 and 4945 prohibit 501(c)(3) nonprofits from directly funding foreign governments without equivalency determinations or expenditure responsibility measures to ensure funds serve charitable purposes. Grassley has requested documentation on funding criteria, project lists, compliance records, and any related taxes, amid reports of foundation support for initiatives such as the Belt and Road, while the foundation has highlighted its grants’ role in advancing global health initiatives.
State Senator Omar Fateh, a democratic socialist candidate for Minneapolis mayor trailing incumbent Jacob Frey by five points in polls ahead of the November 2025 election, has pledged to direct local police to arrest masked federal immigration agents if elected. Fateh made the commitment during a mayoral panel. Frey responded by questioning the proposal’s legality and practicality, citing federal agents’ superior armament. Fateh proposed collaborating with state partners and the attorney general to enforce a ban on facial coverings by law enforcement, based on a petition with over 700 signatures calling for arrests of unidentified officers interacting with residents or police, with some local media outlets describing the plan as potentially escalatory and legally challenging.
Nearly two dozen states, including Massachusetts and New York, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to preserve funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown. The suit contends that the U.S. Department of Agriculture cannot indefinitely suspend benefits despite available appropriations, including $5 billion in contingency funds and more than $23 billion in a separate reserve, as federal law requires aid for eligible households. A USDA memorandum instructed states to withhold November’s estimated $9 billion in benefits due to the absence of new congressional funding. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell noted the potential impact on over one million residents. The Office of Management and Budget attributed the funding issues to congressional inaction. In a separate action, SNAP recipients in New York have filed a class-action lawsuit challenging the termination of waivers that exempted able-bodied adults without dependents from work requirements in high-unemployment areas, alleging the change violates the Administrative Procedure Act by ending active approvals without explanation, though administration representatives have cited legal constraints tied to the shutdown.
Health
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Johnson & Johnson and its spinoff Kenvue, accusing them of deceptive marketing that portrayed Tylenol as safe for pregnant women despite studies linking prenatal acetaminophen exposure to increased risks of autism and ADHD. The lawsuit, filed in Panola County District Court, alleges the companies concealed research from the 2010s, including a 2019 JAMA Psychiatry study finding higher diagnosis odds associated with elevated metabolites in cord blood, and a 2021 consensus statement by 91 scientists recommending minimized use during pregnancy. Internal documents from 2014 reportedly showed company researchers identifying a potential causal link, yet marketing continued on sites like BabyCenter. Paxton claims Johnson & Johnson fraudulently shifted liabilities to undercapitalized Kenvue in 2022 to avoid damages, drawing parallels to prior talc litigation strategies. The suit seeks injunctions against deceptive practices, destruction of misleading materials, $10,000 civil penalties per violation, and asset seizure. The action follows FDA warnings and an advisory from President Trump against use in pregnancy, though medical groups have pushed back and Kenvue maintains the product’s safety, with organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists affirming its safety during pregnancy.
A major California Medicaid provider is offering gift cards worth up to hundreds of dollars to parents for vaccinating their children, prompting questions about informed consent. Inland Empire Health Plan, which serves 1.6 million people in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, provides $200 for infants completing flu and rotavirus shots by age 1, and $50 plus $150 for preteens finishing the HPV series by age 13. The program, outlined in 2025 FAQs for providers, mails reward certificates two weeks after verification, redeemable at various retailers to address immunization gaps. Critics, including researchers from Children’s Health Defense, contend that the incentives may unduly influence decisions, particularly among low-income families. They cite studies such as a June University of Maryland paper associating HPV vaccines with autonomic dysfunction like POTS and menstrual issues, and a 2024 analysis highlighting rotavirus vaccine risks including intussusception. Pediatrician Michelle Perro described the approach as troubling, advocating for education over financial rewards. Similar incentives, though smaller, are used elsewhere, such as Virginia’s Sentara Health offering up to $50 annually for various vaccinations, including $25 for COVID-19 and $15 for childhood series, while public health advocates note that such programs can effectively boost vaccination rates in underserved communities.
Economy
Food bank demand is increasing across the United States, reportedly attributed to the government shutdown, ongoing inflation, and reductions in federal aid. In Kansas City, pantries such as the Redemptorist Social Services Center have seen surges, with lines extending into streets as working families, seniors, and the unemployed seek help. San Francisco’s Glide program has reported queues stretching for blocks. Maryland’s Capital Area Food Bank ran out of supplies during distributions for federal workers. New Mexico’s Roadrunner Food Bank now serves 225 households weekly, up 50 from previous levels, with 60% of recipients being housed but facing financial difficulties. In Texas, the West Texas Food Bank has noted faster depletion of shelves and longer lines among SNAP families and furloughed employees, with some parents reportedly skipping meals to feed children. Similar pressures are reported in Washington, D.C., and Huntington, West Virginia, including rationing of staples like potatoes due to higher costs and demand in multiple states, although federal agencies have indicated efforts to sustain assistance programs amid the shutdown.
Subprime auto lenders in the United States are experiencing increased delinquencies and repossessions amid economic pressures. PrimaLend Capital Partners has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with assets and liabilities estimated between $100 million and $500 million. This follows the liquidation of Tricolor Holdings in September. Nationwide outstanding auto loans total $1.66 trillion, with 5% at least 90 days delinquent, a 12.6% increase from the previous year. Subprime borrowers face delinquency rates of 6.6% for loans 60 days past due, the highest on record. Average new vehicle prices stand at $50,000, with monthly payments exceeding $1,000 for 20% of owners. Interest rates on new car loans have reached 9%, while used car loans approach 14%. Repair costs have increased 33% since 2020. Repossessions are at their highest level since the 2009 recession, coinciding with record consumer debt levels and contributing to losses reported by banks including Barclays and JPMorgan, though reports indicate that the majority of auto loans remain current and issues are concentrated in the subprime segment.
In the United Kingdom, private rents have reached record levels and now represent a larger portion of household incomes. The average advertised rent outside London was £1,385 per month in the third quarter, while London rents averaged £2,736, marking the third consecutive quarterly increase. These rents account for 44% of average wages, compared to 40% five years ago, despite a 5% rise in earnings. Regional differences are pronounced, with areas like Fulwood in Lancashire recording a 32% annual increase to £1,284, and locations including Keighley, Frome, Newquay, and Gainsborough seeing rises of 22% to 27%. Rental supply is 23% below 2019 levels but 9% higher than last year, amid reported landlord reluctance linked to tax changes, higher interest rates, and the renters’ rights bill. Demand continues to exceed availability, influenced by post-pandemic changes in living and working patterns, while landlords report facing higher costs and regulatory pressures that contribute to rent increases.
European Politics
A 15-year-old Irish girl has expressed concerns about the impact of mass immigration on women’s safety in public spaces across Europe. Kaiden McKenna, a boxer from Castleblayney, stated that she feels unsafe walking to the bus or jogging due to encounters near International Protection Accommodation Service centers housing migrants. She mentioned needing parental escorts, describing it as embarrassing and restrictive to her freedom. Her comments came during a speech following protests after the arrest of an African migrant accused of raping a 10-year-old girl in Dublin. Reports indicate rising sexual assaults in Ireland, Germany, and France. Cited cases include the rape and murder of 12-year-old Lola in Paris by an Algerian migrant, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, and the assault of a 17-year-old Swedish girl by an Eritrean migrant. Statistics show foreigners were involved in 59% of sexual violence incidents on German public transport and at least half of gang rapes nationwide. Women in France, the Netherlands, and Germany have reportedly adopted measures such as self-defense sprays and women-only train cars. Some young women in Germany are promoting anti-immigration parties online. A poll in France indicates 53% of women support zero immigration, amid reports of daily harassment, though migrant advocacy groups point to successful integration efforts and overall societal contributions by immigrants.
Technology
Smart televisions from major brands are using automatic content recognition (ACR) technology to track viewing habits, including content from connected devices. ACR systems sample audio and video from built-in apps, HDMI inputs like game consoles and set-top boxes, and even personal media from phones, transmitting data to servers for identification and user profiling to support targeted advertising or data sales to brokers. LG’s policy requires users to opt out entirely, which disables smart features. Samsung provides details in less prominent notices, offering partial opt-outs without stopping app functions. Amazon’s Fire TV analyzes media across sources, tracking ad exposure to reduce repetition, though it also processes home videos. Roku discloses its system, which captures second-by-second data on broadcasts, games, and ads; over 50% of U.S. Roku users connect consoles, and the company plans to expand tracking to election content. Google TV practices vary by manufacturer and often lack clear disclosures. Consumer Reports provides brand-specific opt-out instructions and suggests disconnecting from the internet or using external devices like Apple TV for better privacy, noting that even those can emit detectable signals via HDMI, with manufacturers stating that the technology improves content personalization and advertising relevance.
Canadian Politics
A petition affirming Alberta’s place in Canada has surpassed its threshold with 456,365 signatures, exceeding the 294,000 required to potentially trigger a referendum. Organized by former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk to counter separatist movements, the “Forever Canadian” initiative asks whether Alberta should remain part of Canada and urges Premier Danielle Smith and MLAs to support unity. Lukaszuk presented boxes of signatures at a news conference, describing it as evidence of strong Canadian identity. The provincial government, which reduced the referendum signature requirement this year while encouraging Confederation, awaits verification from Elections Alberta before proceeding. Smith stated that the petition’s yes-no format effectively functions as a separatist referendum, with a “no” vote implying independence considerations, despite Lukaszuk’s anti-separatist intent. Competing groups, such as the Alberta Prosperity Project, are advocating for a sovereignty-focused question, underscoring ongoing divisions, though separatist advocates continue to push for a dedicated independence referendum.
Sources
Subprime Auto Lenders Collapse: Ominous Start to America’s Personal Loan Crisis
PrimaLend Capital Partners filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, beckoning the start of America’s personal loan crisis.
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Minneapolis Mayoral Candidate Pledges to Arrest Masked ICE Agents
“MPD will immediately arrest any law enforcement agent or officer, at any level of government and with any agency, who covers their face or obscures their identity or badge by any means, or refuses to identify themselves and their agency either to an MPD officer or any Minneapolis resident.”
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Irish Teen’s Stark Warning: Mass Immigration is Eroding Women’s Safety in Europe
“It’s only going to get worse.”
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Texas AG Sues Tylenol Makers for Concealing Autism Risks to Pregnant Women
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the makers of Tylenol, claiming they deceptively marketed the drug as safe for pregnant women despite known links to autism and other disorders, his office announced today.
Source | Submitted by pinecarr
UK Rents Reach Record Highs, Swallowing 44% of Average Wages
Average private rents in Great Britain have climbed to record highs
Source | Submitted by PeakCovid
The Spy in Your Living Room: How Smart TVs Secretly Monitor Your Every View
Most televisions now employ a technology called ACR, otherwise known as automatic content recognition.
Source | Submitted by PeakCovid
Senate Probes Gates Foundation Over Alleged Millions in Funding to Chinese Military Fronts
Senate Judiciary Launches Probe Into Gates Foundation’s Alleged Funding Of Chinese Military Fronts
States Sue Trump Administration to Block SNAP Funding Cut and Waiver Termination
States Sue Trump Admin To Try To Stop Suspension Of Food Stamps
America’s Food Lines Lengthen Amid Shutdown, Inflation, and Aid Cuts
Demand for free food is soaring across Kansas City, as job cuts increase, food inflation remains persistently high and federal food assistance is slashed by the Trump administration.
House Oversight Committee Brands Biden Autopen Signatures Illegitimate, Urges DOJ Probe
House Oversight Committee concludes many Biden autopen signatures are “illegitimate,” recommends DOJ investigate
California Medicaid Provider Pays Parents Hundreds in Gift Cards to Vaccinate Children
One of the largest Medicaid health plans in the U.S. is paying low-income parents hundreds of dollars in gift cards to vaccinate their children, an investigation by The Defender found.
‘Forever Canadian’ Petition Crushes Goal with 456K Signatures, Burying Alberta Separatism
[Those] 456,365 Albertans have said that they don’t want anything to do with separatism.
Premier Smith Confirms: Lukaszuk’s Anti-Separatist Petition Evolves into Separatist Referendum
It is a separatist referendum.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Reuters, Landlord Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, The Guardian, Fox News, The Washington Post, Amnesty International, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Vaccinate Your Family, The Verge, and Alberta Prosperity Project.
Bets tho’ that the delusional neocons and Eurocrats will pay no heed at all…