The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a Florida project to construct a road using phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of phosphate fertilizer production. Mosaic Fertilizer LLC received the approval to use various mixtures of this waste material, which contains radium and emits radon gas, in a road construction project on its private property in New Wales, Florida. The EPA claims that multiple modeling efforts indicate low risk, but environmental groups, such as the Center for Biological Diversity, express concerns about potential harm to workers and water quality due to leakage. Critics point to the inherent dangers of phosphogypsum, citing a 2022 study highlighting its detrimental environmental effects, including soil and water contamination and atmospheric pollution. This decision comes amidst criticism of the Biden administration’s environmental policies.
Senator Schumer has unveiled a plan to counter former President Trump’s MAGA agenda. This announcement follows several other high-profile news stories including controversies surrounding Elon Musk’s purchase of X (formerly Twitter), the removal of verified status from accounts, and critical reporting on CNN’s coverage of the Biden administration. Charlie Kirk, for example, described Musk’s acquisition of X as historically significant. Meanwhile, other news outlets have reported on internal conflicts at CNN, featuring instances where hosts’ defenses of the Biden administration faltered on air. Maye Musk, Elon Musk’s mother, offered a different perspective, suggesting his primary goal was not wealth accumulation but doing good. Vivek Ramaswamy has also weighed in on the political landscape, advocating for a shareholder-like approach to government spending. Rand Paul has warned both Musk and Ramaswamy about potential political backlash. Further fueling the political firestorm, Elon Musk has proposed using Dogecoin to audit the IRS, a plan further detailed in a joint announcement with Ramaswamy. The political commentary extends to other figures, with Nicole Shanahan noting a perceived need for unity across political divides and Joe Rogan praising Trump’s authenticity.
Beyond politics, other news headlines include Mark Zuckerberg’s denial of owning a “doomsday bunker” in Hawaii, reports of a Florida Christmas drone display ending in disaster, investigations into a FEMA official who allegedly instructed relief workers to avoid homes displaying Trump signs, a lawsuit filed by Florida against the Department of Justice for blocking an investigation into a potential Trump assassination attempt, and the arrest of a former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO on sex trafficking charges. In the medical field, new research supports the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine, while ongoing debates continue around COVID-19 vaccine stances. Additional news covers a new theory suggesting U.S. involvement in Syria, a report on 10 media lies from the year, the Daniel Penny case and its implications, and the unveiling of natural compounds aimed at disrupting bird flu infections. Finally, the article mentions Trump’s past remarks on “bleach” being alluded to as an antidote for future pandemics, along with a report on the U.S. planning a withdrawal from the World Health Organization.