Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/new-studies-on-covid-flu-and-keto-bankruptcies-on-the-rise-as-economy-falters/
Health
It’s been reported that RFK Jr.’s dismissal of Peter Marks, the Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Chief, was due to Marks’ obstructing access to vaccine safety data. This move is part of efforts to review the safety of mRNA vaccines. Peter Marks defended his actions, stating he was protecting the integrity of vaccine safety data from potential misuse.
Relatedly, a new study has linked COVID-19 vaccines to increased cardiovascular risks, including stroke and heart attack. However, health authorities maintain that the vaccines are safe for the vast majority of people, emphasizing their benefits in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. Meanwhile, a Cleveland Clinic study found that the flu vaccine is associated with a 27% higher risk of contracting influenza during the 2024-2025 season. Experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions from a single study, suggesting that flu vaccine effectiveness can vary year by year due to strain mismatch. Finally, a study on the keto diet found no link between high LDL cholesterol and plaque progression, challenging traditional views on cholesterol and heart health. Cardiologists have expressed skepticism about overturning established cholesterol guidelines based on this study alone.
Minnesota has joined 10 other states in proposing a ban on mRNA vaccines, reflecting legislative efforts against these vaccines. Health experts have expressed concern over the implications of such bans, citing the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in combating diseases like COVID-19.
In Georgia, lawmakers have passed a bill to halt taxpayer-funded gender reassignment procedures for inmates. The vote highlighted a partisan divide, as most Democrats boycotted it. The bill is part of broader efforts to reinforce religious freedoms in the state. Governor Brian Kemp has publicly supported the legislative session’s productivity, emphasizing the focus on school safety, transgender sports bans, and religious freedoms.
Rounding out health news, The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing a financial crisis as the U.S. plans to exit and reform the organization. The WHO is dealing with a $2.5 billion budget deficit, exacerbated by a freeze on U.S. foreign aid. Some international health experts argue that defunding WHO could jeopardize global health security, especially in managing pandemics.
Economy
The U.S. economy is reportedly facing challenges, with John P. Hussman of Hussman Funds warning of a potential recession. Indicators such as credit spreads, yield curves, and stock prices suggest economic weakness. The Federal Reserve’s ability to cut rates is limited by inflation and an output gap. Government deficits have contributed to corporate profits, but middle-class households reportedly continue to face difficulties. Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings by U.S. companies increased by 20% in March 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating ongoing economic stress. High interest rates and debt burdens are contributing to financial instability, with credit card delinquencies nearing a 10-year high. However, a survey by Blue Chip Economic Indicators suggests expectations of sluggish growth into next year but no immediate recession, highlighting a disconnect between economic consensus and Hussman’s outlook.
Geopolitics
In the Middle East, President Trump has announced direct talks with Iran, despite Iran’s previous refusal to engage under “maximum pressure.” The talks are set against a backdrop of military posturing, with U.S. aircraft carriers moving into strategic positions. Iran has not confirmed direct talks, suggesting instead that they are open to indirect negotiations through Oman.
China has responded to U.S. tariffs by imposing a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods and adding U.S. entities to its export control list. This action comes amid rising tensions, with China accusing the U.S. of “unilateral bullying” and filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization. The restrictions on rare earth minerals exports from China are expected to significantly affect industries like autos, batteries, and military defense, which rely heavily on these materials.
Meanwhile, Germany is urging schools to incorporate crisis management and civil protection into their curricula amid rising tensions with Russia. The German government is preparing for potential conflict, emphasizing the need for national resilience and crisis preparedness. This initiative follows assessments by military and intelligence leaders warning of Russia’s capability to attack NATO territory in the coming years. However, some critics argue that the focus on a Russian attack might be diverting attention from other pressing issues like climate change and social inequality.
Energy
The U.S. electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sector is experiencing uncertainty as several projects are reportedly canceled. Despite recent growth driven by tax credits, policy uncertainties under the Trump administration have led to the cancellation of several major projects, potentially putting thousands of jobs at risk. The momentum of the U.S. EV manufacturing boom appears to be waning, with companies facing challenges related to tariffs, tax credits, and regulations. Some industry experts believe the EV market is merely adjusting to realistic growth projections rather than facing a downturn, suggesting that the cancellations might be part of a natural market correction.
Sources
Humpty Dumpty Was Pushed: Hussman Warns of Imminent U.S. Recession and Market Risks
The U.S. economy and financial markets rest on a house of cards.
Georgia Lawmakers Pass Bill to Halt Taxpayer-Funded Gender Reassignment for Inmates
Georgia lawmakers, in a dramatic final session, approve a bill limiting taxpayer funds for inmate gender changes.
Source | Submitted by Walberga
China Strikes Back: Imposes Tariffs, Trade Restrictions, and Calls Out U.S. for ‘Unilateral Bullying’
“unilateral bullying”
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
RFK Jr. Fires Vaccine Chief for Blocking Access to Safety Data
“He (Peter Marks) was definitely the guard dog of the databases. He was the guard dog stopping RFK Jr. from creating an FDA committee to analyze the safety of the mRNA shots and to analyze the safety of all childhood vaccines.”
Source | Submitted by PhilH
WHO Faces Financial Crisis as U.S. Plans Exit and Reform
The World Health Organization is on the brink of financial collapse as the leadership goes into full panic mode.
Source | Submitted by Leebob
U.S. EV Manufacturing Faces Uncertainty as Billions in Projects Are Canceled
“Everyone’s looking for a silver lining. I have a hard time finding it.”
Trump Claims Direct Nuclear Talks with Iran Amid Rising Tensions
“We have a very big meeting on Saturday, and we’re dealing with them directly,” Trump stated in reference to the Iranians.
Chapter 11 Filings Surge 20% Amid Economic Strain
“Commercial Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings increased 20 percent in March 2025, with filings climbing to 733 from the 611 filings registered in March 2024,” ABI said in an April 3 statement.
Germany Urges Schools to Teach Crisis Management Amidst Rising Tensions with Russia
“Given the current security developments, civil protection should have a stronger role in school curricula,” a ministry spokesperson told Handelsblatt.
Minnesota Proposes Ban on mRNA Vaccines, Joins 10 Other States in Legislative Push
Minnesota becomes 11th U.S. state with legislative efforts to ban mRNA shots.
Keto Diet Study Finds No Link Between High LDL Cholesterol and Plaque Progression
No association of #LDL #cholesterol with #plaque ↗️
Cleveland Clinic Study Reveals: Flu Vaccine Linked to 27% Higher Flu Risk in 2024-2025 Season
This study found that influenza vaccination of working-aged adults was associated with a higher risk of influenza during the 2024-2025 respiratory viral season, suggesting that the vaccine has not been effective in preventing influenza this season.
Massive Study Reveals Alarming Increase in Cardiovascular Risks Linked to COVID-19 Vaccines
This large-scale analysis of over 85 million individuals shows that COVID-19 vaccines are associated with significantly increased risks of stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Hussman Funds, Blue Chip Economic Indicators, X post from Governor Brian Kemp, X post by Peter Marks, Minnesota Public Radio, X post from China Daily, Bloomberg, The New York Times, The Guardian, Reuters, Handelsblatt, and Die Zeit.
