☕️ Florida bans Flouride

It’s Thursday.

New data released yesterday show that the US economy shrank for the first time in three years, shrinking 0.3% in the past quarter. Economists say that the shift is due to tariffs (well, to be specific, tariff-related anxiety).

However, consumer spending spiked as shoppers rushed to buy big-ticket items before tariffs took effect. One of the most popular items? Car parts!

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Some headlines from this morning:

• Permanent US resident Mohsen Mahdawi has been released from immigration detention after being held for over two weeks following his involvement in pro-Palestine protests. Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford ordered Mahdawi's release, stating he has "extensive community ties" and is not dangerous. Mahdawi is one of several pro-Palestine protesters who have been detained and faced visa cancellation proceedings amid accusations of antisemitism. The government's case against Mahdawi will continue despite his release.

• Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is considering a bid for the ranking member position on the House Oversight Committee. The New York congresswoman announced her potential challenge after news broke that the current top Democrat on the committee is likely to step down. The House Oversight Committee is responsible for holding federal government agencies accountable. While Democrats traditionally defer to more senior members for leadership positions, Ocasio-Cortez is considered a strong contender for the role.

• Former VP Kamala Harris has held her first official speech since losing the 2024 election to President Trump, accusing the current administration of implementing “reckless” economic policies and pursuing a “narrow, self-serving vision of America”. Harris spoke at the 20th anniversary gala of ‘Emerge’, an organization that supports women running for political office. Harris called on Democrats to attend rallies opposing some of President Trump’s most controversial policies, stating “courage is contagious”.

• Major storms are sweeping southern and central states, with Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Arkansas residents among the hardest hit. Severe floods have already killed four in Pennsylvania and two in Oklahoma, and left hundreds of thousands without power. Roughly 16 million people are under flood watches or warnings, while another five million have been warned against potential tornadoes.

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The US and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after months of negotiations. The US said it is "committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term."

Background

Ukraine holds vast mineral wealth, including 22 of 34 critical minerals, plus gas and oil. It possesses 20% of the world's graphite, essential for electric vehicles.

President Trump initially sought $500 billion from Ukraine's minerals without guaranteeing continued US support. Zelenskyy rejected this proposal, saying it redefined past aid as debt and lacked security assurances.

An alternative later emerged: a joint "Reconstruction Investment Fund" where 50% of mineral revenue would be deposited. The US would reinvest these funds into rebuilding Ukraine while continuing military support.

What’s in the deal?

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the creation of the "United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund," with a ten-year timeline. The agreement counts only future US military aid as contributions.

The final draft avoids requiring Ukraine to favor US buyers for its minerals—a provision that could have hindered Ukraine's EU membership prospects.

While offering no explicit security guarantees, Ukraine views the deal as crucial for maintaining US military support.

What it means for the war

The US has expressed frustration with stalled peace talks and is pushing for a swift resolution. This agreement signals renewed US-Ukraine cooperation and may increase recent pressure on Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire.

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Florida is set to become the second U.S. state to ban fluoride in tap water after the state's House passed a bill awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis's final approval.

The legislation bars adding substances to tap water that don't directly improve quality.

Fluoride has been in U.S. drinking water since 1945 and was named one of the "10 Greatest Public Health Achievements of the 21st Century" by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C”

Florida's move follows growing skepticism toward fluoride, partly driven by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

What is flouride?

Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in soil, water, and some foods.

Fluoridation adds small amounts of fluoride to public water supplies to strengthen tooth enamel. It helps teeth resist acid and reverse early decay. It's especially beneficial for children and reduces cavities across all ages.

Around 70% of U.S. drinking water contains fluoride, and the CDC recommends it nationwide.

What is the concern?

A 2024 federal report found a link between high fluoride exposure during pregnancy and lower IQs in children.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 0.7 mg/L of fluoride in water. The report found 1.5 mg/L was "associated" with lower IQs, but concluded there was "insufficient data to determine if the low fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L ... has a negative effect on children's IQ."

After the report's release, Kennedy said, "The Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water."

Utah became the first state to ban fluoridation last month. Praising the move, Kennedy added, "The more [fluoride] you get, the stupider you are, and we need smart kids in this country."

What is the bill?

The Florida Farm Bill bans "the use of certain additives in a water system," including fluoride.

A Florida Republican lawmaker said, "We are not debating the efficacy of fluoride in any way." Instead, he said the bill reflects Florida's belief that a "free American and Floridian has the right to decide what goes into their body."

If signed by the governor, the bill will come into effect on July 1.

How are experts reacting?

The President of Florida's dental association said "overwhelming, credible scientific evidence ... that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective."

Major health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association, and the CDC, all support fluoridation.