Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/rfk-jr-teases-autism-announcement-us-govt-set-to-take-public-ownership-of-stocks-and-patents/
Health
RFK Jr. has stated that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has identified interventions allegedly linked to a rise in autism rates among children, with an announcement reportedly scheduled for September. He cited historical data showing an increase from less than one in 10,000 children in 1970 to one in 31 today, with higher rates in some states. This view, also supported by President Trump, suggests a possible artificial cause, though specific details have not been provided ahead of the anticipated announcement. Critics, including vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit, have pushed back, stating there is no scientific evidence linking specific interventions like vaccines to autism, urging reliance on peer-reviewed research to avoid misinformation.
Separately, a confirmed human case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Maryland, linked to travel from Guatemala, has been reported by Reuters. The case, potentially identified as early as August 20, was not publicly disclosed by the CDC or USDA, with only select industry participants informed, according to Reuters. R-CALF USA, along with 18 cattle groups, has expressed concern over this lack of transparency and is advocating for a full investigation and the creation of a task force to ensure equal information sharing. The USDA states that NWS poses a threat to over $100 billion in economic activity related to livestock, leading to a multimillion-dollar prevention strategy. Reuters also notes that cattle futures have historically declined following similar reports. The USDA, however, has countered these concerns, asserting on social media that they have been transparent and are working with all stakeholders to protect the livestock industry, denying any selective dissemination of information.
US Politics
In California, Republican Assembly Leader James Gallagher has introduced a resolution to split the state into two, citing concerns that inland regions are underrepresented. Additionally, California Republicans have filed a second lawsuit against Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan, Proposition 50, which is set for the November ballot. The lawsuit claims the plan violates the state Constitution by bypassing the neutral Citizens Redistricting Commission, with critics alleging it targets Republican-held U.S. House seats in response to redistricting actions in Texas. Governor Newsom has responded defiantly on social media, indicating readiness to defend the plan against legal challenges.
On a national level, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has proposed the U.S. government should hold a portion of university patents resulting from taxpayer-funded research, questioning the current model where universities retain full ownership. He also revealed that the Pentagon is considering equity stakes in defense companies such as Lockheed Martin, describing the current contractor relationship as a government “giveaway.” This follows a $9.5 billion government investment in Intel, prompting discussions about whether such actions align with free-market principles or suggest greater state involvement. Senator Rand Paul has criticized this proposal on social media, calling it a step toward socialism and warning of government overreach in private industry.
Separately, Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh have issued a reminder to lower courts to adhere to Supreme Court precedents. In a recent case reinstating a Trump-era grant freeze, Gorsuch underscored the importance of lower court judges respecting higher rulings, amid ongoing debates over judicial authority and executive power. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in dissent, has expressed concern that the Court’s approach to emergency rulings may undermine judicial consistency, reflecting a divide among justices.
Geopolitics
Turkey is advocating for the suspension of Israel from UN General Assembly activities, as announced by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Riyadh. Fidan criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for collective Islamic action to address what he described as genocidal aggression and to support Palestine’s full UN membership. The OIC has urged an assessment of Israel’s UN status under the Charter, though any suspension or expulsion would require Security Council approval, where the U.S. holds veto power. Activists have referenced historical precedent, such as South Africa’s 1974 suspension, alongside recent International Court of Justice findings that deem Israel’s occupation unlawful. An Israeli government spokesperson has countered on social media, asserting that their actions are in self-defense and that any suspension move would be politically motivated and unjust.
Economy
U.S. home prices declined for the fourth consecutive month in June, with a 0.25% month-over-month drop and year-over-year growth slowing to 2.15%, the lowest since July 2023, according to recent data. Meanwhile, new single-family home inventory reached a 17-year high of 511,000 units, which may lead to further price reductions in a cooling market. In San Francisco, reports indicate the emergence of a housing black market amid regulatory constraints, with illegal units and unsafe rentals increasing. Recent legal actions, including fines and settlements, highlight challenges attributed to zoning restrictions and property rights issues. The San Francisco Chronicle, however, has noted that the city’s efforts to combat illegal units are aimed at ensuring safety and compliance with building codes, underscoring the need for regulation to protect residents.
At the Jackson Hole symposium, central bankers from the Bank of Japan, ECB, and Bank of England emphasized the role of foreign workers in addressing labor shortages caused by aging populations in major economies. They noted that demographic decline, low birth rates, and rising dependency ratios could lead to inflation and reduced output if not addressed, despite public opposition to immigration in areas like Europe and the U.S. Critics, including former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, have argued on social media that increasing immigration could exacerbate social tensions and strain public services, highlighting a political backlash to such policies.
Sources
Human Case of New World Screwworm Sparks Transparency Concerns in U.S. Cattle Industry
Without transparency and symmetrical information dissemination to all industry participants – including to producers whose livelihoods could be severely impacted by not receiving information selectively provided to others – there can be no trust between industry participants and the government.
Source | Submitted by yogmonster
RFK Jr. Claims HHS Has Identified Causes of Autism Spike, Announcement Set for September
We will have announcements as promised in September, finding interventions, certain interventions now that are clearly, almost certainly causing autism, and we’re going to be able to address those in September.
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
California Republican Leader Proposes Splitting State into Two
“The people of inland California have been overlooked for too long. It’s time for a two state solution.”
Turkey Spearheads Push to Suspend Israel from UN General Assembly
Therefore, we must join our efforts in sustaining and expanding the momentum for Palestine’s recognition, while also launching an initiative within the UN for Palestine’s full membership – and considering the suspension of Israel from the work of the General Assembly.
Jackson Hole’s Bold Gambit: Embrace More Migrants to Counter Demographic Decline, Despite Global Backlash
“Although they represented only around 9 per cent of the total labor force in 2022, foreign workers have accounted for half of its growth over the past three years.”
San Francisco’s Housing Black Market: A Regulatory Disaster Unfolds
San Francisco’s black market for housing is the direct outcome of the city’s abandonment of private property rights.
California Republicans Launch Second Lawsuit Against Newsom’s Redistricting Plan
This is an issue about good governance in the state of California.
Pentagon May Take Equity Stakes in Defense Giants Like Lockheed Martin, Says Commerce Secretary
“Oh, there’s a monstrous discussion about defense,” Lutnick said in response, adding that Lockheed is now “basically an arm of the U.S. government” because it makes most of its revenue through federal contracts.
US Home Prices Drop for Fourth Consecutive Month as Market Shifts into Neutral Gear
“June’s results mark the continuation of a decisive shift in the housing market, with national home prices rising just 1.9% year-over-year—the slowest pace since the summer of 2023.”
Howard Lutnick Proposes U.S. Government Ownership of University Patents Funded by Taxpayers
“If we give them the money, don’t you think it’s fair the USA and taxpayers who funded it get a piece of that right”
Housing, Homebuyers: Price Cuts Loom as New Housing Inventory Hits 17-Year High
Price cuts are likely coming to the housing market.
Supreme Court to Lower Courts: Defy Us at Your Peril
“Lower court judges may sometimes disagree with this court’s decisions, but they are never free to defy them.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Reuters, USDA, Dr. Paul Offit, Governor Gavin Newsom, The Washington Post, Israeli Government, Nigel Farage, San Francisco Chronicle on X, and Sen. Rand Paul.