Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/longest-us-shale-rig-decline-in-5-years-j6-prosecutors-fired-as-alligator-alcatraz-nears-completion/
US Politics
Attorney General Pam Bondi has reportedly fired multiple prosecutors involved in January 6th cases, signaling a shift in the handling of these legal proceedings. This action follows President Trump’s announcement of policies that can now proceed due to a Supreme Court ruling on nationwide injunctions, including ending birthright citizenship, sanctuary city funding, and refugee resettlement. Legal experts have raised concerns about the continuity and fairness of the ongoing J6 cases due to these dismissals.
Regarding the decision to overturn nationwide injunctions, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson had dissented, where she accused her colleagues of enabling a “rule-of-kings.” This dissent has sparked controversy, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett defending the necessity of judicial restraint and adherence to legal text, highlighting a divide in judicial philosophy. Justice Jackson has defended her dissent, stating that her role is to protect individual rights against executive overreach, not to create an ‘imperial Judiciary’.
Florida’s new detention facility, surrounded by gator-infested waters, is nearing completion amidst controversy. Funded partly by reallocating money previously used for housing illegal immigrants in luxury hotels, this facility aims to deter illegal immigration with its natural security measures. Human rights organizations have condemned the approach as a violation of international law regarding the treatment of migrants.
Energy
Despite a surge in oil prices, US shale drilling has seen its longest decline streak in five years. The number of rigs drilling for crude has decreased for nine consecutive weeks, indicating a cautious approach by oil companies, possibly waiting for more sustained price increases before ramping up operations. Some energy analysts suggest that this cautious approach might be due to uncertainties in global demand and the transition towards renewable energy sources.
Geopolitics
Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the freezing of $300 billion in Russian assets as a “price worth paying” to break Western financial dominance. This statement comes as Russia and Ukraine prepare for a third round of direct talks to end their ongoing conflict. The talks aim to bridge significant gaps in their peace proposals, with Putin expressing a willingness to negotiate despite the differences. However, there is skepticism within Ukraine about the sincerity of Russia’s negotiation efforts, suggesting that these talks might be more about optics than actual peace-making.
Additionally, Russia is reportedly training Chinese military personnel on countering US and NATO weapons systems, based on experiences from the Ukraine conflict. This cooperation could enhance China’s military capabilities, particularly in potential conflicts over Taiwan, and underscores the deepening security ties between Russia and China. Some analysts suggest that this training could significantly enhance China’s capabilities in potential conflicts with the U.S. or its allies.
In the Middle East, President Trump has urged Syria to normalize relations with Israel, eyeing its inclusion in the Abraham Accords. This push comes amidst a backdrop of quiet talks and a shift in Syrian leadership, with the US encouraging Damascus to prove its new direction through peace agreements.
Economy
President Donald Trump has expressed his intention to appoint a Federal Reserve Chair who favors cutting interest rates, criticizing current Chair Jerome Powell for not lowering rates despite economic conditions. Trump suggested that a 1% interest rate could save the country billions annually, contrasting with the Fed’s current stance of maintaining rates between 4.25% and 4.50%. Analysts have noted that Trump’s push for lower rates might be politically motivated to stimulate economic growth before the election, potentially at the cost of future inflation.
European Politics
German police conducted extensive raids on 170 homes, targeting individuals suspected of online hate speech and insults against politicians. This operation, supported by new laws against racism and hate speech, reflects Germany’s ongoing efforts to combat digital extremism. However, there are concerns among some users and bloggers about the freedom of speech in Germany, with critics arguing that the government is stifling legitimate political discourse under the guise of combating hate speech.
New Zealand Politics
The University of Otago’s “Pae Tata Strategic Plan to 2030” has sparked debate over its approach to racial equity in admissions and hiring practices. Critics argue that the plan, which includes goals like partnering with iwi and embedding kaupapa Māori into research, might compromise academic merit and educational integrity. The university’s strategy also mandates staff training in Treaty “obligations,” which some critics suggest could affect academic freedom. However, supporters of the plan argue that it aims to address historical inequities and provide better representation for Māori in higher education, aligning with New Zealand’s demographic changes.
Sources
University of Otago’s Strategic Plan: A Blueprint for Racial Engineering or Academic Excellence?
Otago’s strategy document makes it very clear: Māori identity and political appeasement now take precedence over research, academic merit, and genuine educational integrity.
Source | Submitted by Kiwibug
Trump Seeks Fed Chair Who Favors Rate Cuts, Criticizes Powell’s Stance
“I’m going to put somebody that wants to cut rates,” Trump told reporters at the Oval Office.
Justice Jackson’s Dissent Sparks Controversy in Supreme Court’s Trump v. CASA Ruling
The tenor of Jackson’s language shocked not just many court watchers, but her colleagues.
Putin: $300BN in Frozen Assets a ‘Price Worth Paying’ to Break Western Financial Dominance
“I think it is probably worth paying for,” Putin mused
German Police Conduct Massive Raids Over Online Hate Speech and Insults to Politicians
“Digital arsonists must not be able to hide behind their cell phones or computers,” he said.
Russia and Ukraine Set for Third Round of Direct Talks Amidst Ongoing Conflict
“These are two completely opposing documents. But that’s exactly what negotiations are for – to look for ways to bridge the gap.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi Fires Prosecutors Involved in J6 Cases
Attorney General Pam Bondi has just fired MULTIPLE prosecutors involved in the J6 cases, per AP
Trump Announces Policies to Proceed After SCOTUS Ruling on Nationwide Injunctions
“Some of the cases we’re talking about would be ending birthright citizenship, which now comes to the fore.”
From Five-Star Hotels to Gator-Infested Detention: Biden’s Funding Reallocation Plan
We’re actually looking at FEMA to fund this through the shelter and services program.
US Shale Drilling Sees Longest Decline Streak in Five Years Despite Oil Price Surge
The number of rigs drilling for crude in the US declined for the longest weekly streak in about five years as shale explorers shrugged off a recent jump in crude prices.
Source (Paywalled)
Florida’s New Gator-Infested Detention Facility Opens Amid Controversy
No fences needed when nature handles security.
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Trump Urges Syria to Normalize Relations with Israel, Eyes Abraham Accords Inclusion
“One of President Trump’s main requests during his meeting with President Sharaa was for Syria to join the Abraham Accords,” Leavitt said.
Russia Trains Chinese Military on Countering US and NATO Weapons in Ukraine War
“Russia plans to train hundreds of Chinese military personnel this year on lessons learned from its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Al Jazeera, CNN, Florida Governor’s Office, Fortune, Global Times, Immigration Impact, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Kyiv Post, Middle East Monitor, Military Watch Magazine, Newsweek, Reuters, SCOTUSblog, Stuff.co.nz, The Conservative Treehouse, The Daily Kos, The Epoch Times, The Financial Times, The Guardian, The Miami Herald, The New York Times, The Washington Post, US Representative Cory Mills, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Xinhua.
