Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/thimerosal-banned-in-flu-shots-aluminum-linked-to-autism/
Health
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s newly formed ACIP vaccine panel has voted against the use of thimerosal, a mercury-containing compound, in flu shots for all age groups. This decision reflects Kennedy’s long-standing campaign to eliminate thimerosal from vaccines due to its neurotoxic properties. However, the American Medical Association has expressed concerns that the removal of thimerosal might lead to vaccine shortages due to the need for single-dose vials, which are more expensive and less efficient in distribution.
Autism expert Lyn Redwood presented autopsy evidence at the ACIP meeting, suggesting a link between thimerosal exposure and chronic neuroinflammation in the brains of individuals with autism. This evidence challenges previous assertions that there is no biological link between vaccines and autism, highlighting the need for further research into vaccine safety. However, critics argue that correlation does not imply causation, and the removal of thimerosal from most childhood vaccines has not led to a decrease in autism rates.
Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has warned of potential litigation against vaccine manufacturers should a report come out linking aluminum in vaccines to autism. This could lead to significant legal challenges and might impact national vaccine production capabilities. However, many in the scientific community dispute any causal link between aluminum in vaccines and autism, with extensive research failing to find such a connection.
In other news, the Synthetic Human Genome Project has been launched with funding from the Wellcome Trust. This initiative aims to construct human DNA from scratch, announced on the 25th anniversary of the Human Genome Project. The project’s stated goal is to advance treatments for incurable diseases by synthesizing human chromosomes. Ethical concerns have been raised by critics like Dr. Pat Thomas from Beyond GM, who warns of the potential misuse for creating enhanced humans or biological weapons. The project also includes a social science program to engage the public and experts in discussing its implications.
Economy
President Trump’s immigration policies have resulted in a shift in the U.S. labor market, with net migration turning negative for the first time in 50 years, coinciding with a 60-year record in blue-collar wage growth. This change is attributed to self-deportations outpacing legal immigration, influenced by tightened border controls and the revocation of temporary protected status for many immigrants. The economic implications include higher wages and better working conditions for American workers, although concerns about potential labor shortages have been raised. However, some economists have highlighted the potential negative impacts on businesses, suggesting that employers might face higher costs for consumers and potential business closures due to labor shortages.
Trump announced a major trade deal with China, signaling a shift in U.S.-China economic relations. He also hinted at an upcoming agreement with India, suggesting a broader strategy to open up markets previously considered challenging. However, some economic analysts argue that the deal might not address core structural issues in U.S.-China trade relations, potentially leading to future disputes.
US Politics
Trump’s team has launched a super PAC, “Kentucky MAGA,” aimed at ousting libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie in the 2026 primary. This follows Massie’s opposition to several of Trump’s initiatives. Despite facing no significant opposition in 2024, this political maneuver has inadvertently boosted Massie’s campaign funds. Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed a neutral stance, indicating the complexity of the situation within the GOP.
Congressman Thomas Massie has questioned the influence of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) on U.S. policy towards Israel, focusing on the extensive financial support provided to Israel by the U.S. government. However, some argue that AIPAC’s influence is a natural part of the lobbying process in Washington, suggesting that such relationships are common and not necessarily detrimental to U.S. interests.
In other political news, the Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough struck down key GOP provisions in the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that aimed to cut $250 billion from Medicaid and other health care spending. This ruling has led Republicans to consider either overruling the parliamentarian or replacing her. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) has criticized the parliamentarian’s power over legislation, calling for Vice President JD Vance to overrule her decisions.
Energy
Energy Secretary Chris Wright has stated that the U.S. power grid is facing strain due to current energy policies. Emergency measures have been enacted to prevent blackouts, particularly in response to a Southeast heatwave. Wright has criticized emission regulations for pushing the grid to its limits, suggesting a need for new capacity and smarter regulation to manage the projected 16% surge in electricity demand over the next five years. However, the Environmental Defense Fund argues that the push for renewable energy is necessary to combat climate change, and that the grid issues are due to outdated infrastructure rather than renewable energy integration.
Another report suggests the Department of Energy (DOE) is at a pivotal moment with the potential for a new energy revolution involving technologies like advanced nuclear, geothermal, and fusion. However, bureaucratic inefficiencies could hinder progress. Recommendations include streamlining contracting processes, reducing NEPA red tape, focusing on acceleration rather than picking winners, and promoting transparency and merit-based culture within the DOE to ensure effective leadership in energy innovation. Secretary Chris Wright has highlighted the DOE’s commitment to fostering innovation in clean energy technologies, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the next energy revolution.
Relatedly, oil services CEO Dan Eberhart and Senator Ted Cruz have raised concerns about Chinese influence in U.S. climate change lawsuits. They argue that these lawsuits, often supported by advocacy groups with ties to China, could undermine U.S. energy security by pushing for a rapid transition from fossil fuels, potentially benefiting China’s control over clean energy supply chains. The Energy Foundation China (EFC) has responded to these allegations, stating that their mission is to promote sustainable energy solutions globally, not to serve any geopolitical agenda.
Geopolitics
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott signed a new law banning land sales to members of the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign adversaries, effective from September 1. This legislation aims to protect Texas’s resources from nations deemed national security threats, joining 22 other states with similar restrictions. The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. has criticized the law as discriminatory and against the principles of free trade and international cooperation.
Sources
Synthetic Human Genome Project Launched Amidst Ethical Concerns
“The sky is the limit. We are looking at therapies that will improve people’s lives as they age, that will lead to healthier aging with less disease as they get older.”
Source | Submitted by Russdee
Trump’s Immigration Policies Lead to Wage Surge for American Workers
Net migration just turned negative for the first time in 50 years.
Source | Submitted by richcabot
Chinese Influence in U.S. Climate Lawsuits: A Threat to American Energy Security?
“Senator Ted Cruz has repeatedly voiced concern that American energy security is under threat—not from foreign armies or economic collapse, but from a coordinated legal campaign masquerading as environmental activism.”
Biden’s Green Energy Policies Push U.S. Power Grid to the Brink: Emergency Measures in Place
“We were on a course that was a train wreck,” the Trump official warned. “We’re doing everything possible now to sweep out the nonsense.”
Trump’s SuperPAC Targets Rep. Thomas Massie in High-Stakes Kentucky Showdown
“Massie’s long-time opposition to…really anything to do with President Trump — is coming to an end,” LaCivita said.
RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Panel Votes Against Thimerosal in Flu Shots
“ACIP recommends children 18 years and younger receive seasonal influenza vaccine only in single-dose formulations that are free of femorazole as a preservative.”
Trump Announces Major Trade Deal with China, Hints at Upcoming Agreement with India
We just signed with China yesterday, right? Just signed with China.
Texas Bans Land Sales to Chinese Communist Party Members and Other Foreign Adversaries
“We cannot, we will not, allow oppressive regimes who actively seek to do us harm to seize control and dictate their terms over our economy, our supply chains, our daily lives, our critical infrastructure, or our food supply.”
DOE’s Role in the Next Energy Revolution: Ready or Not?
The next energy revolution won’t be unleashed because of a single reform. But together, these changes would transform the Department of Energy from a slow-moving bureaucracy into a dynamic catalyst for American energy innovation.
Senate Parliamentarian Strikes Down Key GOP Medicaid Cuts in ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
“The Senate Parliamentarian is not elected. She is not accountable to the American people,” Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) posted on X.
Congressman Massie Highlights AIPAC’s Influence and US Funding of Israel
Thomas Massie describes how every member of Congress has their own AIPAC minder
Former FDA Commissioner Warns of Potential Vaccine Litigation Wave Due to RFK Jr.’s Autism Report
“I think what he’s setting up is to declare in his autism report in the fall that there’s a link between Allom and autism.”
Autism Expert Presents Autopsy Evidence Linking Thimerosal to Neuroinflammation at ACIP Meeting
“One of the, this was autopsy brain tissue in children and adults. They found a chronic, ongoing neuroinflammatory process in the brains.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Axios, BBC News, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Green, CNN, Energy Central, Environmental Defense Fund, Fox News, Haaretz, The Conservative Review, The Guardian, The Hill, The Intercept, The Jerusalem Post, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Moon of Alabama, Mornings with Maria, NBC News, Nature, Reuters, Respectful Insolence, Science-Based Medicine, South China Morning Post.