Health
Bill Gates is set to face trial in the Netherlands after a court ruled that a case involving seven individuals who claim to have been injured by COVID-19 vaccines can proceed. The plaintiffs, described as “corona skeptics,” have also included former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, and the Dutch state, among others, in their lawsuit. They allege that Gates and his representatives misled the public about vaccine safety. The District Court of Leeuwarden asserted jurisdiction over Gates, who resides in the U.S., due to interconnected claims against all defendants. Gates is required to pay legal fees, and a hearing is scheduled for November 27. The case has attracted international attention, with some observers suggesting it could set a precedent for similar lawsuits worldwide. The plaintiffs’ claims also involve Gates’ association with the World Economic Forum’s “Great Reset” initiative. The court noted the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s affiliations with global vaccination efforts, adding complexity to the proceedings.
In other health news, Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has not published results from her study on transgender youth treated with puberty blockers. The study, involving 95 adolescents, reportedly found no significant mental health changes after two years of treatment. Dr. Olson-Kennedy expressed concerns that the findings could be misused against gender-transition treatments for minors. Critics have accused her and the NIH of prioritizing activism over scientific integrity. The debate over gender-affirming care continues, with several states banning such treatments for minors. Dr. Olson-Kennedy, who leads a major gender youth clinic, maintains that puberty blockers can be beneficial, despite the controversy surrounding the study’s publication.
US Politics
A whistleblower from the General Services Administration, Clarissa Rippee, has disclosed a $347 million federal contract awarded to MVM, a private security contractor, for transporting unaccompanied migrant children across the country. Rippee expressed concern over the treatment of these children, likening them to “commodities.” The contract highlights the involvement of large staffing firms in the migrant crisis, with some critics suggesting these firms are profiting from a government-created situation. Reports indicate migrants are being housed in unmarked hotels, raising transparency concerns. The situation underscores the complex and controversial nature of the U.S. migrant crisis, with significant financial interests involved.
Economy
In the housing market, sales of existing homes are projected to fall below 4 million in 2024, the lowest since 1995. High home prices, despite a temporary dip in mortgage rates, have led to a significant reduction in demand. Inventory levels have increased, reaching a four-year high, resulting in a 4.3-month supply of homes. The National Association of Realtors attributes the decline in demand to high prices, suggesting that wage growth will eventually improve affordability. Regional variations in price trends are noted, with some areas experiencing declines while others see increases. The market remains challenging for buyers, exacerbated by recent spikes in mortgage rates.
Meanwhile, Argentina is set to receive $8.8 billion in financing from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to support economic development. The funding aims to address Argentina’s prolonged economic slump, with $2 billion from the World Bank directed toward social spending, including education and transportation. The IDB will provide over $2.4 billion for government initiatives and $1.4 billion to boost the private sector. This financial support follows meetings between Argentine officials and international lenders, as the country seeks to stabilize its economy.
Sources
Bill Gates to Face Dutch Court in COVID Vaccine Injury Lawsuit
“even if you are rich and your name is Bill Gates, you still have to go to court.”
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Whistleblower Unveils $347M Federal Contract for Migrant Child Transport: “Once You Know, You Cannot Unknow”
Once you know, you cannot unknow,” Rippee stated, warning that the horrifying conditions she witnessed inspired her to speak out: “It’s about the children, and it’s my duty now to speak up.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
Argentina Secures $8.8 Billion Boost from World Bank and IDB for Economic Revival
World Bank, IDB grant Argentina $8.8 bln in financing for economic development
Source | Submitted by Shplad
Demand Destruction: Existing Home Sales Plummet to 1995 Levels Amid Price Surge and Buyer Strike
Too high prices destroy demand, which is a fundamental economic principle that even home sellers cannot escape.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Transgender Youth Study Withheld: Researcher Fears Results Could Fuel Anti-Transition Arguments
“I do not want our work to be weaponized,” she told the New York Times. “It has to be exactly on point, clear and concise. And that takes time.”
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
