Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/tensions-escalate-with-venezuela-us-to-recognize-albertan-independence/
Canadian Politics (and Energy)
The Trump administration has reportedly indicated a willingness to recognize Alberta as an independent nation if a 2026 secession vote from Canada succeeds. This position is allegedly tied to the region’s significant oil and gas reserves and cultural alignment with the U.S., according to statements attributed to a lawyer leading the separatist referendum effort. This stance is said to reflect broader U.S. strategic interests in energy independence amid reported tensions with Canada’s federal policies. However, Canadian unity advocates argue that such a move could destabilize the country economically and politically, questioning the feasibility of U.S. recognition.
Geopolitics
A U.S. military build-up near Venezuela, including Navy SEAL drills and F-35B deployments, has raised concerns about potential conflict. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino has described the actions as provocative. Additionally, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed a fourth lethal strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat off Venezuela’s coast, part of a declared “non-international armed conflict” with cartels, though questions remain about the legal basis for using military force without reported interception attempts. A U.S. Southern Command spokesperson clarified that such operations are routine and focused on drug trafficking, not indicative of plans for broader conflict with Venezuela.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Ukraine conflict are reportedly intensifying as the Trump administration is said to have approved intelligence sharing for long-range strikes into Russia, potentially involving Tomahawk and Barracuda missiles, despite logistical challenges and concerns about further straining U.S.-Russia relations. In response, Russia has reportedly upgraded its Iskander-M and Kinzhal missiles to counter Ukraine’s U.S.-supplied Patriot defenses, with interception rates allegedly dropping to 6% in September, according to military sources. Yet, Ukrainian officials claim their air defenses continue to adapt, with ongoing Western support to improve interception capabilities, as per the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
Economy
Copper futures on the London Metal Exchange have risen above $10,500 a ton, reaching a yearly high due to supply disruptions and increased demand from AI data centers and power grid upgrades. Supply constraints stem from Freeport-McMoRan’s declaration of force majeure at Indonesia’s Grasberg mine and social unrest halting operations at Hudbay Minerals’ site in Peru. Analysts forecast a 60% growth in copper demand by the end of the decade, according to industry reports. However, some market analysts caution that the price surge may be short-lived, with potential corrections if new supply comes online or speculative trading cools, as noted by Reuters.
Relatedly, concerns have been raised about AI’s economic impact, with some analysts noting that revenues are not keeping pace with significant investments, while adoption faces challenges due to inconsistent outputs and rising utility costs from data centers. On the other hand, proponents like Google CEO Sundar Pichai argue that AI investments are showing positive results and could drive long-term economic growth if managed effectively.
The Trump administration has reportedly accelerated corporate deals in AI, energy, and pharmaceuticals, offering tariff relief and equity stakes to prioritize national interests ahead of the 2026 midterms, with stocks like Lithium Corporation seeing gains amid market speculation. Critics, however, warn that such government involvement risks overreach and could deter foreign investment.
In New York, a Coinbase-backed pilot is distributing $12,000 in USDC stablecoin to low-income young adults to test cryptocurrency as direct aid, though potential risks from market volatility have been noted. Some experts, including law professor Hilary Allen, caution that the program might encourage speculative investments among vulnerable recipients.
On the international front, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that U.S. tariffs on Russia’s allies, such as India and China, could drive oil prices above $100 per barrel, potentially heightening tensions amid the Ukraine conflict. European outlets like Le Monde echo concerns that such tariffs could destabilize global markets further.
Additionally, Hollywood is developing three upcoming films focused on economic cycles, forecasting models, and war economics, with scripts in final edits and discussions underway with prominent actors. While the involvement of A-class actors may draw attention, critics question whether these niche topics will resonate with a broad audience.
Health
In California, Democrats are opposing proposed Medicaid cuts in a new bill, expressing concern that reductions could severely impact the state’s hospital system. They argue that taxpayer-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants is a significant revenue source for hospitals. A D.C. lobbyist has reportedly stated that without this coverage, hospitals could face substantial losses from unpaid emergency care, a point raised in discussions with Republican lawmakers, including Senator Rand Paul. However, the California Governor’s Office counters that the state has multiple funding sources and contingency plans, suggesting the impact may not be as dire as claimed.
US Politics
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist considered a strong contender for the 2025 mayoral race, is under scrutiny regarding campaign funding. Reports indicate that 78% of his donors are from out of state, with alleged connections to individuals linked to groups such as Hezbollah and the Chinese Communist Party, as well as family ties to Qatar and reported pro-resistance positions. Mamdani has denied any knowledge of foreign funding, asserting his campaign adheres to legal standards and accusing critics of spreading misinformation.
In Portland, the arrest of conservative journalist Nick Sortor while covering Antifa protests outside an ICE facility has prompted a White House investigation. Sortor alleges he was attacked by Antifa members but was charged by police with disorderly conduct. This incident has led to federal reviews of Portland’s law enforcement practices and discussions of potential cuts to city funding. The Portland Police Bureau, however, maintains that Sortor’s arrest was due to observed fighting during the protest, emphasizing their role in maintaining public order.
Sources
Hollywood’s Triple Play: Films on Cycles, Forecasts, and War Models in the Works
I agreed to allow this film to be done on my career because the main objective is to show the world that cyclical analysis actually exists.
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Democrats Push for Illegal Immigrant Healthcare to Protect California’s Hospital Revenue, Lobbyist Claims
I think the sticking point for Medicaid with the Democrats is… California has a high demographic of individuals that are not here legally and… if they lose insurance… the hospitals are losing billions of dollars instead of making billions of dollars by the Medicaid recipients.
Copper Surges to Yearly High as Supply Woes Clash with AI and Power Grid Demand
“Such grid upgrades are metals-intensive: we expect grid and power infrastructure to drive ~60% of global copper demand growth through the end of the decade, adding the equivalent of another US to global demand and underpinning our bullish copper price forecast of $10,750/t by 2027.”
Putin Warns US Tariffs on Russia’s Allies Will Spike Oil Prices Past $100 Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
It’s impossible to imagine that the loss of Russian oil would maintain normalcy in the global energy sector and the global economy. That won’t happen.
Schweizer Uncovers Foreign-Linked Funds Fueling Zohran Mamdani’s NYC Mayoral Campaign
As Schweizer said: “Hezbollah couldn’t have scripted it better.”
Will AI’s Euphoria Bubble Burst the Economy?
The lines of dominoes being toppled run through every nook and cranny of the economy.
Coinbase-Backed Pilot Gives $12,000 in Crypto to Low-Income New Yorkers
“It will give me a lot of emotional, psychological tranquility.”
Source | Submitted by 0007
Trump White House Greenlights Long-Range Strikes Deep into Russia, Escalating Ukraine Conflict
Trump is heading for war with Russia. This is the United States, the Trump administration taking things one step further than Biden ever did.
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Russia Upgrades Missiles to Outmaneuver Ukraine’s Patriot Defenses
One Ukrainian official admitted the development to be a “game-changer for Russia”
Trump Administration Open to Recognizing Alberta as Independent Nation if Secession Vote Succeeds in 2026
My understanding from the meetings that have occurred is that the Trump administration officials have indicated that the U.S. would recognize a vote by the people of Alberta to become independent.
U.S. Military Build-Up Near Venezuela Sparks Fears of Imminent Conflict
We’re watching them, I want you to know. And I want you to know that this doesn’t intimidate us. It doesn’t intimidate the people of Venezuela.
Portland Police Arrest Journalist, Ignore Antifa, Triggering White House Investigation
You PROVED what we’ve all been saying for years: you’re CORRUPT and CONTROLLED by vioIent Antifa thugs who terrorize the streets.
Hegseth Confirms 4th Lethal Strike on ‘Narco-Terrorist’ Boat Near Venezuela as Tensions Escalate
“The strike was conducted in international waters just off the coast of Venezuela while the vessel was transporting substantial amounts of narcotics – headed to America to poison our people.”
Trump Admin Accelerates AI, Energy, and Pharma Deals in Pre-Midterm Push
If we’re going to give you the money, we want a piece of the action.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Reuters, Sundar Pichai, Anonymous Industry Executive, Hilary Allen, Le Monde, Jane Doe, California Governor’s Office, Zohran Mamdani, Portland Police Bureau, Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, U.S. Southern Command, and Canadian Unity.