Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/nih-pursues-open-source-publishing-epstein-documents-likely-destroyed/
US Politics
Controversy continues to surround the Jeffrey Epstein files, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defending the administration’s transparency efforts. However, a DOJ report stating no client list exists has drawn skepticism, especially after earlier promises of disclosure. A former CIA officer has claimed that key documents were likely destroyed by a so-called “deep state,” a statement that has contributed to public distrust. On the other hand, the FBI has publicly stated that no files were destroyed and reaffirmed their commitment to transparency within legal boundaries.
On policy matters, 12 states, including Florida and Alabama, have passed resolutions supporting congressional term limits, requiring 22 more states for a constitutional amendment. Additionally, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly encouraged Elon Musk to advocate for balanced budget and term limits amendments instead of forming a new political party, citing the need for structural reforms to address national debt and governance challenges. Critics, such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, counter that such amendments could distract from pressing issues like systemic inequality and limit effective governance.
Historical accounts suggest that Donald Trump’s upbringing in the segregated Queens of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in neighborhoods like Jamaica Estates, may have influenced his rhetoric on border issues, reflecting the racial and socioeconomic divides of that era. Conversely, critics, including perspectives from Fox News, argue that attributing his political stance solely to childhood experiences oversimplifies his motivations, pointing to broader business and political influences.
Health
In Texas, pediatrician Christina B. Propst was terminated from Blue Fish Pediatrics following a social media post about the Kerr County flooding tragedy, which resulted in 82 deaths, including 28 children. The post was widely criticized by the public. However, some, as reported by The Houston Chronicle, defend Propst’s right to free speech, arguing that while insensitive, her comments should not have led to termination, especially after her public apology.
In a separate development, Jay Bhattacharya, under his leadership at the National Institutes for Health, is promoting open-source publishing to make taxpayer-funded research freely accessible, aiming to remove paywalls in scientific journals and support independent experts. Yet, publishers like Elsevier express concern that this mandate could undermine the sustainability of high-quality scientific publishing, advocating for a balanced approach.
On the food front, Walmart is expanding its influence in the beef industry through vertical integration, including a new facility in Kansas and a stake in Sustainable Beef LLC. This positions Walmart alongside major players like Tyson and JBS, potentially impacting small processors and influencing prices from production to retail. However, AgriBusiness Insights argues that this could benefit consumers through greater efficiency and lower prices.
Geopolitics
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgy Tikhy has described NATO membership discussions as “very toxic,” pointing to repetitive talks and declining Western support amid stalled military aid and Russian advances in areas like Luhansk. NATO, however, counters this narrative, with Secretary-General Mark Rutte stating that the alliance is actively working on a strategic plan to support Ukraine’s path to membership.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced the Department of Defense will be sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine. In response, Luke Rudkowski has publicly criticized the arming of conflicts, stating on social media that providing weapons does not lead to peace. In contrast, the U.S. Department of Defense argues that strategic arms sales are crucial for supporting allies and ensuring global security.
Separately, reports indicate that Syria’s new Islamist-led government is in discussions with Israel to potentially cede claims to most of the Golan Heights in exchange for control over Lebanon’s Tripoli, a region historically tied to Syria but currently under Lebanese sovereignty, raising questions about regional stability. Lebanese parliament member Ashraf Rifi has firmly rejected any such territorial exchange, emphasizing Tripoli’s integral role in Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Economy
Canada’s manufacturing sector is reportedly contracting, with the S&P Global PMI falling to 45.6 in June, attributed to weak demand, declining export orders to the U.S., and trade uncertainties due to tariffs, resulting in layoffs and reduced output. Some, as noted by Canadian Economic Outlook, suggest a cautious optimism among manufacturers, with confidence rising to its highest since January, though still below historical averages.
Energy
Diesel shortages are reportedly affecting the U.S. and Europe, with stockpiles at their lowest since 1996 and prices rising due to refinery closures, OPEC+ production cuts, and seasonal demand, according to analysts from Energy Aspects and Kpler. Yet, the Financial Times suggests the situation may not be as dire, noting potential relief from expected increases in OPEC+ production.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that a new oil pipeline to the West Coast is “highly likely,” describing it as a nation-building initiative supported by recent legislation to expedite major projects, alongside plans for a carbon capture system in Alberta’s oil sands. Environmental groups like Greenpeace Canada, however, criticize the proposal, arguing it contradicts climate goals and calling for renewable energy focus instead.
Environment
Antarctica’s ice shelves are the focus of a new study by researchers from the University of Copenhagen, which documents a gradual but accelerating collapse using historical photos from 1966 onward. The research, published in Nature Communications, examines the Wordie Ice Shelf, which has significantly diminished over three decades. Through aerial imagery and satellite data, the study identifies warmer seawater, rather than surface melting, as the primary cause of the collapse, indicating a slower but potentially more difficult-to-reverse process. The study also notes that larger shelves, such as Ronne and Ross, could contribute to sea level rise of up to five meters if they collapse, highlighting broader implications for global climate patterns. However, some skeptics, including voices from The Heartland Institute, argue that the slower pace of collapse suggests the threat of rapid sea level rise may be overstated, calling for further research before definitive conclusions are drawn.
Sources
Antarctica’s Ice Collapse Captured: Historical Photos Reveal Slow but Accelerating Threat
“Our findings show that the primary driver of Wordie’s collapse is rising sea temperatures, which have generated the melting beneath the floating ice shelf.”
Source | Submitted by 0007
Trump’s Queens Roots: How Childhood Borders Shaped His Wall Obsession
Like many, I’ve been horrified by the bigotry Trump has unleashed. But it also feels eerily familiar.
Source | Submitted by 0007
Pediatrician Fired After Cruel Comment on Texas Flooding Tragedy Sparks Outrage
May all visitors, children, non-MAGA voters and pets be safe and dry. Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for. Bless their hearts.
Source | Submitted by PhilH
Ukraine Labels NATO Membership Talks as ‘Very Toxic’ Amid Stalled Progress
All the arguments and counterarguments have already been presented, and each new round of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to NATO goes in circles.
Syria Proposes Trading Golan Heights for Lebanon’s Tripoli in Controversial Deal with Israel
“There is no such thing as peace for free.”
Karoline Leavitt Faces Scrutiny Over Epstein Client List Reversal
The Trump administration is committed to truth and transparency.
Canada’s Manufacturing Sector Plummets Amid Tariffs and Trade Woes
“A lack of new orders underpinned the latest downturn and helped to explain the steepest reduction in production since the height of the pandemic.”
Walmart’s Power Play: From Retail Giant to Beef Industry Titan
“We’re delivering more of what our customers want—affordable food and quality they can trust.”
Weapons for War Don’t Equal Peace
Giving weapons for more war does not equal peace.
Diesel Shortage Grips US and Europe as Supplies Hit Historic Lows
The Atlantic Basin diesel balance is looking increasingly tight into autumn refinery maintenance season and peak winter demand.
Source (Paywalled)
Former CIA Officer Alleges Deep State Likely Destroyed Epstein Files
I think that that layer beneath them, that’s part of what we like to call the deep state, has taken this bull by the horns, and they have probably destroyed information.
Carney Signals ‘Highly Likely’ New Oil Pipeline Proposal for Canada’s West Coast
I would think, given the scale of the economic opportunity, the resources we have, the expertise we have, that it is highly, highly likely that we will have an oil pipeline that is a proposal for one of these projects of national interest.
Source (Paywalled)
12 States Push for Congressional Term Limits, 22 More Needed for Constitutional Amendment
BREAKING: 12 states have now passed resolutions to add term limits for Congress to the U.S. Constitution. 34 are needed
DeSantis Urges Elon Musk to Back Balanced Budget and Term Limits Amendments Over New Party
So you need to do a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The Magic of Open-Source Publishing: Breaking Down Paywalls in Science and Beyond
If your research is supported by the government, it must be published on websites that are publicly accessible and not behind a paywall.
Source (Paywalled)
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Heartland Institute, Fox News, FBI, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, The Houston Chronicle, Elsevier, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Ashraf Rifi, U.S. Department of Defense, Canadian Economic Outlook, Agribusiness Insights, Financial Times, and Greenpeace Canada.
