House Bill 371, sponsored by Rep. Kmetz and others, passed the House Judiciary Committee along party lines and heads to the House floor. This bill would prohibit the use of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases in Montana, classifying the technology as hazardous. While proponents claim the vaccines cause more harm than benefit, opponents argue the bill infringes on patient choice and medical professional autonomy, limiting access to safe and effective disease prevention. The bill was amended to exclude mRNA gene therapy products used for other conditions.
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MadeGood voluntarily recalled over two million granola bars in December due to potential metal contamination, a Class II recall as classified by the FDA on February 11th. The recall encompasses various flavors sold at major retailers including Target and Amazon. Consumers are advised to return affected bars for a full refund; retailers will then dispose of the product. MadeGood corrected the manufacturing issue and implemented preventative measures, although no injuries have been reported.
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The Department of Homeland Security has redirected its 6,000-agent Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division to prioritize immigration enforcement, shifting focus away from combating drug cartels, terrorists, and human traffickers. This realignment, spurred by recent executive orders, is concerning current and former officials who warn of compromised national security investigations. The change undermines ongoing multi-agency operations targeting significant transnational criminal organizations and jeopardizes the integrity of numerous high-profile cases. Consequently, agents are leaving HSI, citing this as a misuse of their expertise and a significant detriment to national security.
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The UK business secretary contends that US tariffs on UK steel would negatively impact both nations, advocating for a negotiated exemption. The UK possesses specialized steel exports crucial to US needs, such as submarine casings, and tariffs would increase costs for US taxpayers. Despite President Trump’s stance against exemptions, the UK government is pursuing discussions with the US administration, emphasizing the unique nature of their trading relationship. The government has pledged significant financial support for the UK steel industry and launched a consultation to address long-term issues. This includes exploring ways to boost steel production, increase domestic use, and improve infrastructure.
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Despite US assurances of Ukrainian involvement, a senior Ukrainian source confirms Kyiv received no invitation to US-Russia peace talks scheduled for Saudi Arabia. These talks, initiated after a renewed US-Russia dialogue, will proceed without European participation, prompting a separate European summit in Paris. President Zelensky has repeatedly rejected any peace deal excluding Ukraine, while US officials offer conflicting statements regarding Kyiv’s role in the negotiations. The situation highlights conflicting approaches and a lack of clarity surrounding the peace process.
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Ukraine’s resolute rejection of a U.S. demand for half its mineral resources underscores a critical moment in the ongoing conflict. This isn’t simply a disagreement over resources; it’s a stark illustration of the complexities of international relations, particularly when power dynamics are heavily skewed.
The proposed deal, initially floated at a staggering $500 billion for mineral rights, quickly morphed into a far more aggressive proposition: half of all Ukrainian mineral resources. This drastic shift, coupled with additional demands that Ukraine cede conquered territories and forgo NATO aspirations, reveals a transactional approach deeply troubling to many.
The demand for half of Ukraine’s mineral wealth is viewed by many as blatant exploitation, a situation where a nation already battling for its survival is being forced into a potentially ruinous bargain.… Continue reading
Despite being classified as a special government employee and legally required to publicly file ethics forms disclosing his finances and conflicts of interest, Elon Musk’s forms are absent from the federal ethics website. Ethics experts contend that Musk, heading the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, must comply with the same disclosure requirements as Cabinet officials. While the White House claims Musk is compliant, the lack of publicly available documentation raises concerns, particularly given Musk’s extensive business holdings with potential government overlaps. Senator Adam Schiff has requested clarification on this matter. The firing of the head of the Office of Government Ethics further intensified scrutiny.
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In Kursk Oblast, Russia, the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade decisively repelled an assault by the Russian 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, utilizing mines and drone strikes to inflict heavy casualties. This victory, following earlier successes against Russian and North Korean forces, expands the Ukrainian salient in the region, a strategically important area. The salient’s capture serves as a bargaining chip in potential negotiations with Russia, although these are complicated by President Trump’s demands for Ukrainian resources in exchange for continued U.S. aid. The 47th Brigade’s continued success buys time for President Zelenskyy to navigate these complex diplomatic and political challenges.
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President Zelensky warned that a U.S. withdrawal from NATO would almost certainly lead to Russia occupying more of Europe, starting with former Soviet states. He emphasized that European nations lack the unified response needed to counter such an aggression, leaving them vulnerable to Russian expansion. Concerns heightened by Trump’s close relationship with Putin and reported back-channel negotiations between U.S. officials and Russia regarding Ukraine, excluding Ukraine itself, further fueled Zelensky’s anxieties. Zelensky firmly rejected any agreements made about Ukraine without its direct involvement, while acknowledging Ukraine’s dependence on continued U.S. aid for survival.
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Following the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Amir Mohammad Khaleghi near Tehran University, student protests erupted, fueled by accusations of negligence and inadequate security. The demonstrations, met with a heavy security presence and arrests, have spread to other universities nationwide, with students chanting slogans against the government and demanding accountability. Prominent figures, including exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi and Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, have voiced support for the protesters. In response, the government announced security upgrades and an investigation, though the potential for further escalation remains.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood