Tuesday, December 2, 2025

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Marco Rubio Declares Postwar Global Order ‘Obsolete’ in Senate Confirmation Hearing.

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), outlined his vision for an “America First” foreign policy during his Wednesday confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The Florida Republican declared that the global order that emerged following the Second World War no longer serves American interests and must be remade.

“The postwar global order is not just obsolete; it is now a weapon being used against us,” Rubio told his Senate colleagues. He continued: “We welcomed the Chinese Communist Party into this global order. And they took advantage of all its benefits. But they ignored all its obligations and responsibilities.”

“Instead, they have lied, cheated, hacked, and stolen their way to global superpower status at our expense,” he stated.

“Under President Trump, the top priority of the United States Department of State will be the United States,” Rubio continued, adding: “Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, every policy we pursue, must be justified by the answer to one of three questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?”

UKRAINE, NATO, & IRAN.

Addressing the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Rubio argued a resolution to the conflict would require concessions by both nations. Additionally, Trump’s Secretary of State nominee told the committee he would continue the President-elect’s policy of urging European countries to take on a more significant role in their security.

During his first presidential administration and on the 2024 campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for not upholding their defense spending commitments. However, Rubio—under questioning by the committee—did reaffirm his support for the defense alliance, pointing to his co-sponsorship of legislation intended to prevent the U.S. from withdrawing from NATO.

Turning to Middle Eastern affairs, Rubio discussed the humanitarian issues in Gaza, asserting that while civilian casualties are tragic, the Hamas terrorist group bears significant responsibility for using human shields. He defended Israel’s conduct, stating it does not deliberately target civilians. He also condemned Iran for its nuclear ambitions and funding of terror groups like Hamas, calling for a restoration of Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

By Popular Demand.
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No, Costco Is NOT Suing to Overturn Trump’s Tariffs: What Is the Lawsuit Actually About?

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The corporate media falsely reported that Costco is suing to overturn President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs on Tuesday. In reality, the company is seeking the right to recoup import duties paid, should the tariffs be overturned in a separate case before the Supreme Court.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Costco, the corporate media, President Trump, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “RETAIL REVOLT: The wholesale giant is suing the federal government to strike down President Trump’s emergency tariffs and recover funds the retailer says it was improperly required to pay on imported goods,” Fox News claimed in an inaccurate report.

🎯IMPACT: The retail giant could see a significant revenue boost should the courts agree that the tariffs are unconstitutional and that the tariffs already paid can be recouped from the federal government.

IN FULL

Costco is not suing the federal government in an effort to overturn tariffs imposed by President Donald J. Trump, despite claims by the corporate media—including Fox News. While the major U.S. retailer has filed a lawsuit, the legal action aims to ensure the company can recoup money already paid in import duties should an unrelated case currently under consideration by the Supreme Court result in Trump’s tariffs being declared unconstitutional.

Major corporate media outlets on Tuesday erroneously claimed Costco’s lawsuit was essentially the same as the current Supreme Court case. Fox News, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), declared, “RETAIL REVOLT: The wholesale giant is suing the federal government to strike down President Trump’s emergency tariffs and recover funds the retailer says it was improperly required to pay on imported goods.” This was accompanied by a graphic stating, “Costco files federal lawsuit challenging Trump’s emergency tariff orders on imported goods.”


However, the lawsuit does not directly challenge the tariffs. Instead, Costco is seeking relief—including from a December 15 liquidation deadline on tariff revenues—to ensure it can recoup the monies it has paid on import duties should the Supreme Court rule that President Trump’s tariffs are unconstitutional. The lawsuit is necessary as it is unlikely—if not impossible—that the high court will hand down a decision before the December liquidation deadline.

The best way to understand Costco’s legal action is in the context of a refund, which is what the retailer is essentially suing to guarantee a right to. Consider an individual who pays local property taxes, and a separate lawsuit results in the city’s property assessments being overturned by a court. The property owner, in theory, should have a right to recoup the property taxes that the city government unlawfully collected. This is essentially what Costco is seeking, but for potentially unlawful import duties.

Image by Tony Webster.

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IT’S STILL HAPPENING: Illegal Immigrant Truck Driver Charged in Crash That Killed Newlyweds.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A truck driver, identified as an illegal immigrant, caused a crash in Oregon that killed a newlywed couple.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rajinder Kumar, a 32-year-old Indian national, and victims William Carter and Jennifer Lower.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The crash occurred on November 24 in Bend, Oregon.

💬KEY QUOTE: “How many more senseless tragedies must take place before sanctuary politicians stop allowing illegal aliens to dangerously operate semi-trucks on America’s roads?” – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

🎯IMPACT: The incident highlights ongoing concerns over illegal immigrants operating commercial vehicles and the policies—especially in California—enabling it.

IN FULL

Rajinder Kumar, a 32-year-old illegal immigrant from India, was arrested after a semi-truck he was driving jackknifed and collided with a vehicle in Bend, Oregon, on November 24. The crash killed William Carter and his wife, Jennifer Lower, who were newlyweds. Federal authorities have revealed that Kumar was in the United States illegally, having been released into the country by the former Biden government.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed that Kumar was issued a commercial driver’s license in California under Governor Gavin Newsom‘s (D-CA) administration and granted work authorization in 2023. An immigration detainer has now been lodged against Kumar following his arrest.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Rajinder Kumar, a criminal illegal alien from India, was released into our country under the Biden administration and issued a commercial driver’s license by [California Governor] Gavin Newsom’s Department of Motor Vehicles. How many more senseless tragedies must take place before sanctuary politicians stop allowing illegal aliens to dangerously operate semi-trucks on America’s roads?”

This incident is the latest in a series of fatal crashes involving illegal immigrants from India operating commercial vehicles. In August, Harjinder Singh, another illegal migrant, was arrested in Florida after a wreck that left three people dead. That same month, Partap Singh, also in the U.S. illegally, was accused of causing a multi-car pileup in California that severely injured a five-year-old. In October, Jashanpreet Singh, another illegal migrant, was arrested for an alleged drunken crash in California that killed three people.

“Our prayers are with William and Jennifer’s families,” McLaughlin said, adding, “ICE will continue its efforts to get illegal alien truck drivers off America’s highways.”

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Evidence Clears War Sec Hegseth in Boat Strike Survivor Deaths.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A military strike on September 2 targeted a drug-running vessel in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of 11 people.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Admiral Frank Bradley, and U.S. Special Operations Command.

📍WHEN & WHERE: September 2, 2025, in the Caribbean Sea.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Pete said he did not order the death of those two men. And I believe him.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Investigations by lawmakers on Capitol Hill are underway to determine whether the strike violated laws of war.

IN FULL

Democrat lawmaker allegations that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth authorized a so-called “double tap strike” against a Venezuelan cartel drug boat on September 2 appear to have no basis in fact. New evidence suggests that while Hegseth did authorize the drug boat strike, his orders did not specify any actions against potential survivors—despite claims made by Democrats on Capitol Hill based on reporting by The Washington Post.

The new evidence shows that Admiral Frank Bradley, the head of U.S. Special Operations Command, approved both the initial strike and follow-up actions. It appears the secondary strikes were targeting large pieces of wreckage and were not intended to eliminate survivors.

Allegations that the Secretary of War had given the order to “kill everybody” following the initial strike were first reported by The Washington Post last Friday. President Donald J. Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, dismissed the report, stating, “He said he did not say that, and I believe him 100 percent. I wouldn’t have wanted that, not a second strike.” Now, five U.S. officials have confirmed to The New York Times that Hegseth did not order such a strike.

On Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narcoterrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war. With respect to the strikes in question on September 2, Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes.” She added that Bradley acted within his authority and the law to ensure the vessel was destroyed.

Hegseth has backed Bradley, writing on social media, “Let’s make one thing crystal clear: Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100 percent support. I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made—on the September 2 mission and all others since.”

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UK Govt Confirms End of Right to Trial by Jury in Thousands of Cases.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has confirmed “reforms” to the criminal justice system in England and Wales, including “swift courts” where judges will decide verdicts in many cases without a jury.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: David Lammy, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, other Members of Parliament (MPs), and legal professionals such as Judge Jane Miller KC.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced in Parliament on Tuesday, the reforms target the criminal court system in England and Wales, which is facing a backlog of over 78,000 cases.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I will create new swift courts within the Crown Court with a judge alone deciding verdicts in trial[s]… with a likely sentence of three years or less,” Lammy said.

🎯IMPACT: Critics warn the far-left Labour Party government’s “reforms” erode centuries-old traditional civil liberties.

IN FULL

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has confirmed a package of “reforms” introducing so-called “swift courts,” which will eliminate the right to a trial by jury in thousands of cases. Instead, a judge sitting alone will decide guilt for offenses likely to carry a sentence of up to three years’ imprisonment.

The plans draw on recommendations from the Lord Chief Justice, Sir Brian Leveson, and are justified on the grounds that the Crown Courts are facing a backlog of more than 78,000 cases. Deputy Prime Minister Lammy, who also serves as Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary in Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party government, told Parliament, “The changes I’m proposing will require legislation” and “take time to implement.”

The proposals have met strong opposition. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, of the formerly governing Conservatives, branded them “twisted,” arguing that Lammy is “depriving British citizens of ancient liberties.”

Some judges and lawyers are also concerned, with Judge Jane Miller KC stressing the value of juries for their “objectivity,” and former Law Society president Richard Atkinson noting that Labour’s reforms “only paper over the cracks” of deeper problems. Many fear that removing juries from these cases risks miscarriages of justice and could erode public trust in the courts.

Separately, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) plans to grant lay magistrates greater sentencing powers, raising the current limit from 12 months to 18 months, with a possible future increase to 24 months.

Image by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street.

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Hurricane Season Ends Uneventfully and the Climate Alarmist Media Is Awfully Quiet About It.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season ended with no hurricanes making landfall in the United States, with the corporate media largely ignoring it.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Climate change alarmists and the corporate media.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 until November 30, with its peak usually in September.

🎯IMPACT: In August, Colorado State University—which is known for its severe weather forecasting program—projected a slightly above average hurricane season, with nine total hurricanes and four major ones. Notably, the actual number of storms fell far short of this.

IN FULL

For the first time in a decade, not a single hurricane made landfall in the continental United States during hurricane season. Running from June 1 to November 30, the Atlantic hurricane season, on average, sees 1.62 hurricanes make landfall along the United States’ Gulf of America coast or Atlantic coast. The absence of landfalls and, more importantly, the lack of significant storms, except for one, has left climate alarmists and the corporate media puzzled.

For decades, members of the scientific community and so-called climate change experts have insisted that increasing global temperatures—allegedly caused by human activities—would result in an increase in powerful Atlantic hurricanes and landfalls along the United States coast. While there have been sporadic years of increased activity, in 2025, the Gulf of America and the Atlantic coast were incredibly quiet. For the past five years, hurricane season has been very active, with the United States seeing 17 hurricane landfalls.

The Caribbean experienced one powerful Category 5 storm, Hurricane Melissa, which unfortunately struck Jamaica, causing significant destruction. Two other Category 5 storms never made landfall and were isolated far out to sea.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter claims the United States avoided hurricane landfalls due to “unique atmospheric conditions” and “a lot of luck.” However, in August, Colorado State University—which is known for its severe weather forecasting program—projected a slightly above average hurricane season, with nine total hurricanes and four major ones. Notably, the actual number of storms fell far short of this.

It is not just Atlantic hurricanes on which climate change alarmists have been wrong. The National Pulse reported in June 2024 that several Pacific islands, which climate alarmists had projected would experience significant land loss due to rising sea levels, have actually either expanded their land area or remained stable. Only 11 percent of the islands have seen a reduction in land area.

The lack of apocalyptic environmental changes appears to have caused even some top climate change alarmists to lose interest. In October, billionaire globalist Bill Gates announced that he no longer believes climate change will result in humanity’s demise, urging world leaders instead to shift their focus toward addressing poverty and diseases like malaria. In an open letter, Gates criticized the United Nations’ emphasis on short-term emission targets, instead advocating for improving living conditions and health outcomes globally.

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Charlie Kirk Leads Wikipedia’s 2025 Most-Read Articles List.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Wikipedia’s article on assassinated Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk was the most-read entry on the platform in 2025, garnering nearly 45 million views.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk and the Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Data reflects the year 2025; Kirk’s death occurred on September 10 during a university campus debate.

💬KEY QUOTE: “More than 40 percent of the views for the most-read article on English-language Wikipedia in 2025 came from outside the U.S.” – Wikimedia Foundation

🎯IMPACT: The data highlights the global interest in Kirk’s life, death, and legacy.

IN FULL

The English Wikipedia page for Charlie Kirk—the assassinated conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA)—has become the most-viewed article of 2025, garnering nearly 45 million page views. The dramatic spike followed his fatal shooting during a campus debate on September 10, 2025.

Wikimedia Foundation data showed that over 40 percent of those views originated outside the United States, underscoring the international impact Kirk‘s life, death, and legacy have had. News of Kirk’s murder dominated headlines around the world and pushed his public profile to new heights.

Other standout pages included serial killer Ed Gein, boosted by Netflix’s true-crime series Monster, and President Donald J. Trump, who earned a spot on the most-read list for the eighth year running. Other top articles also underscored the ongoing global fascination with American politics and pop culture. Pages for X (formerly Twitter) owner and former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) frontman Elon Musk, far-left New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, and Vice President J.D. Vance all cracked the top 20.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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UK Judge Sides With Asylum Seeker Linked to Easter Bombings That Killed Hundreds.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: An asylum seeker linked to the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka in 2019 successfully appealed the British Home Office’s rejection of his asylum claim.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The asylum seeker, identified only as ‘YA,’ and Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Claire Burns.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was issued recently at the Immigration Upper Tribunal in Birmingham, England.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I find there will need to be a complete rehearing wherein the Judge will make findings about the credibility of [YA’s] account,” Burns ruled.

🎯IMPACT: The case will be reheard, allowing a fresh examination of the asylum seeker’s claims.

IN FULL

A migrant who was previously arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka in 2019 has won an appeal against the British Home Office’s rejection of his asylum application. The attacks, which took the lives of 269 people at churches and hotels, including American and British citizens, were claimed by the Islamic State.

Identified only as ‘YA,’ the migrant successfully challenged the decision at the Immigration Upper Tribunal in Birmingham. Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Claire Burns claimed there were significant legal flaws in the initial decision to reject his claim. “I find there will need to be a complete rehearing wherein the Judge will make findings about the credibility of [YA’s] account,” she ruled.

Immigration judges in Britain, which grants asylum to migrants at a much higher rate than comparable European countries such as France and Germany, are in many cases known activists with a strong bias towards granting applications on the flimsiest pretexts, with dozens having ties to pro-open borders nonprofits.

The “YA” comes amid a record surge in asylum applications in the United Kingdom. According to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data, Britain received 108,000 asylum claims in 2024, the highest ever recorded and a 28 percent increase from the previous year. Illegal crossings of the English Channel also rose, with 44,000 reported attempts. Whistleblowers have warned that the current system has, in some instances, approved migrants known to have prior convictions or serious allegations against them, including for sexual assault.

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TSA Implements Fee for Travelers Without Real ID.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a $45 fee for travelers without Real IDs starting February 1, 2026, requiring them to use a new verification system called TSA Confirm.ID.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The TSA, air travelers, and private vendors facilitating the Confirm.ID process.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The new fee begins February 1, 2026, at U.S. airports nationwide.

🎯IMPACT: Passengers without Real IDs may face longer wait times and must pay the fee if they opt to use the Confirm.ID process to verify their identity.

IN FULL

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced plans to charge U.S. air travelers who do not possess a Real ID, passport, or other form of approved identification a $45 fee beginning on February 1, 2026. While travelers who lack a Real ID or passport can still fly, they will be required to use the agency’s Confirm.ID system for identity verification, the cost of which will be covered by the fee.

According to TSA Chief of Staff Adam Stahl, the fee is intended as a mechanism to ensure that air travelers, and not U.S. taxpayers at large, provide the funding for Confirm.ID verification. After paying the $45 fee and undergoing verification, a passenger’s identity will be confirmed for a period of 10 days.

Implemented as a TSA travel requirement in May of 2025, Real ID is a federally compliant state driver’s license, learner’s permit, or non-driver ID card that displays a black or gold star in the upper right corner. Passengers without these IDs will be directed to the Confirm.ID process during check-in at TSA security checkpoints. This process involves answering a series of questions to verify identity, after which a receipt is issued to present to screening agents.

Air travelers who possess a Real ID, U.S. passport, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler card, or Enhanced Driver’s License, U.S. Department of War ID, permanent resident card, or border crossing card will not need to pay the fee. Notably, the TSA warns that passengers without federally compliant IDs will likely face increased wait times at airports while their identity is confirmed.

Currently, the TSA estimates over 94 percent of passengers at U.S. airports use a Real ID or other forms of acceptable identification.

Image by Michael Ball.

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Gas Prices Hit Two-Year Low, Fall Below $3 Per Gallon.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Gas prices have dropped to their lowest levels in over four years, averaging $2.95 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: GasBuddy, AAA, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Data as of December 1, 2025, with declines reported nationwide, including in Ohio, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Texas.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is an exceptionally rare and broad-based retreat,” said GasBuddy, citing lower crude oil prices and strong refinery output.

🎯IMPACT: Drivers are seeing significant savings, with gas prices dropping across all 50 states and some areas reporting prices as low as $1.99 per gallon.

IN FULL

U.S. gas prices paid by American drivers have fallen to their lowest levels since May 2021, according to data from GasBuddy. The average cost of gasoline is now $2.95 per gallon, reflecting an 8.5-cent drop over the past week and a 5.4-cent decrease compared to last year.

AAA reports a slightly higher national average of $3 per gallon as of December 1, representing a seven-cent decline from the previous week. GasBuddy noted that prices have decreased in all 50 states, attributing the drop to strong refinery output, lower crude oil prices, and softer seasonal demand. “This is an exceptionally rare and broad-based retreat,” they stated.

States including Ohio, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas recorded the most significant weekly declines, where prices fell by at least 11 cents. In Michigan, for example, drivers are now paying an average of $2.96 per gallon, five cents less than last month. In some states, including Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas, prices have dropped to $1.99 per gallon or lower.

Diesel prices remain higher than gasoline, averaging $3.72 per gallon, but also saw a decrease of 5.5 cents over the past week. GasBuddy’s findings are based on over 12 million price reports from more than 150,000 gas stations across the United States.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that domestic crude oil production remains strong, nearing an all-time high of nearly 14,000 barrels per day as of September.

Image by Mike Mozart.

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Vax Stocks Fall After FDA Memo Ties COVID Vaccines to Child Deaths.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Vaccine stocks dropped sharply after a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) memo revealed a connection between COVID-19 vaccines and child fatalities.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: FDA vaccine chief Vinay Prasad, vaccine manufacturers, and Wall Street analysts.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Memo surfaced on November 28; stock impacts observed on December 1 on Wall Street.

💬KEY QUOTE: “For the first time, the U.S. FDA will acknowledge that COVID-19 vaccines have killed American children.” – Vinay Prasad

🎯IMPACT: Vaccine stocks saw significant declines, with Moderna down six percent, BioNTech down 4.3 percent, Novavax down four percent, and Vaxcyte down 6.6 percent.

IN FULL

Vaccine manufacturers saw notable losses on Monday after a memo attributed to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) vaccine chief Vinay Prasad surfaced late Friday, triggering intense market and regulatory debate. The document described what Prasad called a “profound revelation” linking COVID-19 vaccines to “at least ten deaths in children.” In the memo, he wrote, “For the first time, the U.S. FDA will acknowledge that COVID-19 vaccines have killed American children.”

Prasad also included unusually stark language about the agency’s past oversight. “It is horrifying to consider that the U.S. vaccine regulation, including our actions, may have harmed more children than we saved. This requires humility and introspection,” he stated. The remarks quickly rippled through Wall Street, where analysts warned of the potential for sweeping regulatory shifts that could affect future vaccine development and approvals.

By late morning Monday, major vaccine makers were broadly down. Moderna fell around six percent, BioNTech dropped 4.3 percent, Novavax declined about four percent, and Vaxcyte slid roughly 6.6 percent. Analysts have said the memo could prompt the FDA to adopt a more cautious approach, including requirements for larger pre-market trials that measure clinical outcomes.

The controversy comes amid a broader national debate about COVID-19 vaccine policy. In recent months, several reports and advocacy groups have highlighted a range of allegations about vaccine safety, including claims that eye-related adverse events had been linked to the Pfizer shot, and that heart-risk information was being expanded on existing vaccine labels.

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