Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/rfk-jr-launches-study-on-covid-vaccine-injuries-us-oil-rig-count-continues-decline/
Health
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has initiated a study on COVID vaccine injuries across all age groups, aiming to analyze the risks associated with these vaccines. Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine advocate, criticized the study on X, stating that existing data already supports the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has terminated $766 million in contracts with Moderna for mRNA bird flu vaccines. This decision reflects concerns about the efficacy and safety of mRNA vaccines. Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert, argues that while the termination might seem like a setback for mRNA, it’s more about strategic reallocation of resources rather than a failure of the technology itself.
Energy
Oil prices have seen a slight rebound following inventory draws, but concerns persist due to soft U.S. economic data and rising supplies. The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported significant crude draws, yet the market remains cautious about absorbing additional barrels from OPEC+. The U.S. rig count continues to decline, while production hovers near record highs. Libya’s eastern government has threatened to shut down oil production and exports due to militia actions, adding to supply concerns.
In California, the Independent System Operator (CAISO) has increased curtailments of solar and wind power due to the state’s growing renewable energy capacity. In 2024, CAISO curtailed 3.4 million megawatthours of renewable energy, a 29% increase from the previous year, to maintain grid reliability during peak demand times. Some environmental groups argue that the reliance on natural gas for grid stability undermines the environmental benefits of renewable energy.
Environment
Hawaii has introduced the first U.S. climate change tax on tourists, known as the “green fee.” This tax, signed into law by Governor Josh Green, targets visitors on Hawaii Island, requiring them to contribute to offset their carbon footprint. The fee, part of Senate Bill 1396, now Act 96, increases the state’s transient accommodation tax to 11% for tourism-related activities, aiming to raise an estimated $100 million annually for natural resource protection. Local businesses express concern over the potential decrease in tourist numbers, which could lead to economic downturns in areas dependent on tourism revenue.
Economy
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” could impact Canadian investors by increasing the withholding tax on investments in the U.S. This legislation proposes an annual increase of 5% in the current 15% withholding tax on dividends from U.S. stocks, potentially reaching 35% over four years. If enacted, this change would affect returns from U.S. stocks, real estate, and other interest-bearing assets for Canadians, particularly within the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The bill’s passage through the Senate remains uncertain. Some Canadian commentators argue for the removal of the Digital Services Tax (DST) to mitigate the financial impact, while others see it as a stand against U.S. economic policy.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has proposed a nationwide ban on cash, reportedly to combat drug trafficking. Critics argue that such a move could infringe on individual freedoms. The French Data Protection Authority (CNIL) has expressed worries about the implications for individual rights, and a survey indicates that 60% of French citizens oppose the ban.
Geopolitics
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has warned that an arms embargo on Israel would lead to the country’s destruction. This statement comes in response to Spain’s call for European countries to suspend arms shipments to Israel amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza. Several nations, including France, Spain, and the UK, have either paused or suspended arms exports to Israel, with threats of further sanctions if Israel does not allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused these governments of emboldening Hamas. There is a noted shift in opinions on the Gaza war, even within Conservative circles, indicating a growing international concern over Israel’s military actions.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly backed off from striking Iran, accepting a 60-day ceasefire proposal from a Trump envoy. This decision marks a shift in Israel’s approach to Iran. However, some critics argue that this ceasefire might be more about political survival than a genuine shift in policy towards Iran.
US Politics
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has stated that video evidence will show Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide. Bongino claims that the video, which is being enhanced for public release, shows Epstein alone before and after his death. Additionally, he mentioned the discovery of improperly stored evidence from the James Comey era, suggesting a need for transparency in the FBI’s handling of high-profile cases. However, mainstream media outlets like The Washington Post have reported that at least one camera’s footage outside Epstein’s cell was “unusable,” raising questions about the circumstances of his death.
Technology
The internet’s landscape is undergoing a transformation, with AI bots now outnumbering humans in online traffic. According to a 2025 report, 37% of web traffic is from malicious bots, designed to manipulate online discourse. This shift contributes to the ‘splinternet,’ where the internet fragments into isolated networks, potentially influencing public opinion and markets. TechCrunch reported on efforts by social media platforms to combat bot activity, with companies like X deploying advanced algorithms to detect and mitigate bot influence.
Sources
One Big Beautiful Bill: How U.S. Tax Changes Could Impact Canadian Investors
“This bill is changing hundreds of things, but the only one thing that really heavily impacts Canadians, that is this section 899 known as enforcement of remedies against unfair foreign taxes.”
Source | Submitted by John Goodwin
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Claims Video Evidence Will Prove Epstein Suicide, Reveals Hidden Comey-Era Evidence
“There’s video clear as day,” he told Fox News Thursday. “He’s the only person in there and the only person coming out. You can see it.”
Source | Submitted by Mike from Jersey
Israeli Foreign Minister Warns of ‘Second Holocaust’ Amid Calls for Arms Embargo
If, God forbid, the calls and actions of countries and politicians for an arms embargo on Israel succeed, the result will be the destruction of Israel and a second Holocaust.
California’s Solar and Wind Power Curtailment Surges Amid Renewable Energy Boom
In 2024, CAISO curtailed 3.4 million megawatthours (MWh) of utility-scale wind and solar output, a 29% increase from the amount of electricity curtailed in 2023.
Oil Prices Rebound Slightly After Inventory Draws, But Concerns Persist
“The path to sustainably higher prices remains extremely narrow,”
French Justice Minister’s Cash Ban Proposal Sparks Privacy Concerns
“How do we stop drugs in our neighborhoods? There is a fairly simple measure: the end of cash will prevent the establishment of drug dealing spots.”
Netanyahu Backs Off Iran Strike Amid Global Pressure, Accepts Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal
Netanyahu’s got a high IQ and he’s got a lot of chutzpah. That ain’t gonna change the facts, okay?
RFK Jr. Initiates Comprehensive Study on COVID Vaccine Injuries Across All Ages
“Hundreds of thousands of people have claimed that they’ve been vaccine injured.”
The Internet’s Dark Reality: AI Bots Outnumber Humans, Manipulating Online Discourse
Humans have officially lost control of the internet—and no one’s even talking about it.
HHS Cancels $766 Million in Moderna mRNA Bird Flu Vaccine Contracts, Signals Shift from mRNA Technology
Termination of both development and purchase contracts signals a major shift away from the failed mRNA platform.
Hawaii Introduces First U.S. Climate Change Tax on Tourists
The .75% increase to the state’s transient accommodation tax hikes the TAT to 11% for tourism-related activities, including hotels and cruise ships.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Al Jazeera, CNN, Economic Insights Canada, Green Energy Blog, Hawaii Free Press, Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Le Monde, Reuters, Science-Based Medicine, TechCrunch, The Canadian Taxpayer, The Guardian, The Middle East Monitor, The Privacy Advocate, The Washington Post.
