Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/uk-and-ukraine-form-strategic-alliance-biden-implements-cybersecurity-executive-order/
Los Angeles Wildfires
In Los Angeles, some residents are reportedly taking measures to protect their homes from looters amid ongoing wildfires. Despite evacuation orders, certain homeowners, such as EveAnna Manley in Altadena, have chosen to stay behind, reportedly armed and prepared to defend their properties. The Eaton Fire has consumed over 14,000 acres and is 45% contained. Local authorities continue to urge residents to evacuate, but concerns over looting have led to the arrest of approximately 50 individuals. In response, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer have proposed legislation to make looting during emergencies a felony, which could result in state prison sentences. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to mobilize additional resources, emphasizing the state’s commitment to safety and recovery, while critics argue that the proposed legislation might disproportionately affect lower-income communities.
Health
A new website has been launched to compile journal articles that challenge the safety and efficacy of mRNA Covid vaccines. This initiative arises as the World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for a global pandemic treaty, which has raised concerns about individual health sovereignty among some groups. The website, notsafeandnoteffective.com, aims to provide a centralized resource for those questioning the official vaccine narrative. This effort coincides with the WHO’s ongoing attempts to amend International Health Regulations, with a vote on the pandemic treaty expected in January 2025. The WHO has clarified that the treaty aims to enhance global health security and cooperation, not to override national sovereignty, while critics remain concerned about potential impacts on individual rights.
US Politics
President Joe Biden has issued a sweeping executive order addressing cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) challenges. The directive mandates improvements in government network monitoring, software procurement, and the use of AI while targeting foreign hackers, particularly from China and Russia, by requiring software vendors to demonstrate secure development practices. It also empowers the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to conduct unannounced threat-hunting across federal networks, addressing gaps exploited in incidents like the 2020 SolarWinds hack. The Department of Commerce is tasked with establishing mandatory cybersecurity standards for government contractors within eight months, alongside updates to secure software and IoT device procurement. While cybersecurity experts praise the order as a critical step to securing infrastructure, concerns loom about the costs and potential impacts on innovation, as well as whether the incoming administration will sustain these initiatives.
Geopolitics
Britain and Ukraine have signed a 100-year strategic partnership agreement focusing on military aid and energy collaboration. Under the agreement, Britain will allocate $3 billion from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine and provide 150 artillery pieces. The pact also includes expanded training for the Ukrainian army and the development of long-range weapons. In return, Britain will play a role in Ukraine’s energy sector, particularly in critical minerals extraction and green steel production. This agreement highlights the military and energy ties between the two nations. While some critics argue that Ukraine may become economically dependent on Britain, supporters emphasize the strategic benefits and potential for economic revitalization in Ukraine.
Sources
Residents Arm Themselves Against Looters, Defy Evacuation Orders Amid L.A. Wildfires
Armed L.A. residents defy evacuation orders to defend homes from wildfire looters
Source | Submitted by Walberga
New Website Challenges Covid Vaccine Safety and Efficacy Amid WHO Treaty Concerns
James Roguski, whose coverage of the pandemic treaty and the efforts to amend the International Health Regulations has kept us all up to date, on a daily basis, is announcing the launching of a website which will include all the relevant journal articles challenging the official Covid vaccine narrative.
Source | Submitted by sketchypoodle
Biden’s Last-Minute Executive Order Targets Cybersecurity and AI Challenges
A New Jam-Packed Biden Executive Order Tackles Cybersecurity, AI, and More
Source | Submitted by Shplad
Britain and Ukraine Forge 100-Year Pact: Military Aid for Energy Partnership
Britain and Ukraine signed a 100-year strategic partnership agreement
Source | Submitted by pnwdefector
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Los Angeles Times, Altadena Fire Department, California Governor’s Office, James Roguski, The New York Times, BBC, TechCrunch, Bruce Schneier on X, National Review, South China Morning Post, The Kyiv Post, Russian Foreign Ministry, Reuters, Greenpeace, and The Guardian.