RFK Jr. reportedly eyeing overhaul of cancer screening task force
The group in question, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, provides evidence-based recommendations on screenings such as breast and colon cancer and plays a role in shaping coverage for millions of Americans.
The plan was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, which cited sources claiming Kennedy believes the plane is 'too woke.' NewsNation has not independently confirmed the potential firings but has requested a comment from the Department of Health and Human Services.
FDA eyes warning about antidepressants during pregnancy
AMA: Panel plays a 'critical, nonpartisan' role in patient health
The American Medical Association wrote a letter to Kennedy expressing 'deep concern' over the potential dismissals.
The AMA said the panel plays a 'critical, nonpartisan role in guiding physicians' efforts to prevent disease and improve the health of patients.'
The organization is urging Kennedy to retain the previously appointed members and 'ensure their important work can continue without interruption.'
AMA President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala has pushed back on criticism of the panel as well as claims that it's driven by partisan ideology.
'So the question is, why was this taken apart?' Mukkamala said. 'What was the motivation to do that? What did we think that these folks were doing wrong, that then somebody else may be perceived as doing it better, for reasons that we have no idea what makes this person wrong and what makes this person right. And that's where we're concerned.'
Not allergic to poison ivy? Don't be so sure
Task force accused of being 'too woke'
Kennedy's reported plan comes in the wake of an article in the American Conservative Magazine, which accused the task force of harboring left-wing ideology.
Kennedy has since postponed the panel's meeting scheduled this month.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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USA Today
22 minutes ago
- USA Today
AI can give us architecture even Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson will love
Artificial intelligence could be used as a tool to restore medieval European cathedrals while robotic arms could assist traditional Bhutanese craftsmen in carving intricate designs into wood. Political commentator Tucker Carlson isn't shy about expressing his opinions, whether the topic is building political coalitions or building buildings. He once bemoaned 'the oppression of post-modern architecture, which is designed to ... destroy your spirit.' Carlson considered Moscow an exception − prompting one commenter to retort that Moscow is filled with 'spirit-destroying architecture. … The vast majority of the city is Soviet-built grey cement rectangles as far as the eye can see.' Carlson and his political foes seem to find rare common ground in viewing modern architecture as soul-crushing. Data shows more traditional designs are widely preferred on a bipartisan basis. Recent polling by the National Civic Art Society found that 72% of Americans across political, racial, gender and class lines prefer traditional architecture for U.S. courthouses and federal office buildings. During his first administration, President Donald Trump even issued an executive order intended to "Make Federal Buildings Beautiful Again." (It was later overturned.) Traditional architecture is really a broadly held preference. The aforementioned 2020 poll shows that support for traditional design crosses political lines, with large majorities of Democrats (70%), Republicans (73%) and independents (73%) all favoring it. Modern technology makes preservation work easier I count myself among those who favor traditional architecture. There's no shortage of fascinating contemporary work, from Zaha Hadid's bold experimentation to curiosities like Switzerland's recent 3D-printed tower. Yet for me, and for many others, the enduring beauty and detail of older architecture simply hold greater appeal. There's encouraging news for those of us who appreciate traditional architectural styles and rich ornamentation. There has arguably never been a better time to indulge personal aesthetic tastes. Whether your preference leans toward minimalism or ornate detail, brutalism or baroque grandeur, modern technology has dramatically reduced the cost and complexity of building, restoration and renovation. Artificial intelligence could be used as a tool to restore medieval European cathedrals while robotic arms could assist traditional Bhutanese craftsmen in carving intricate designs into wood. At no point in history has it been easier or more accessible to customize one's environment. Recently, a Danish man renovated his plain-looking home into a miniature medieval castle, complete with a functional drawbridge and a moat. However, this trend extends well beyond eccentric personal projects. Opinion: Nvidia CEO says Trump gives America an advantage on AI. Hear that, progressives? Architectural traditions are worth preserving Many large-scale structures also pay tribute to the past. A museum built in 1966 in California was designed in the style of an ancient Egyptian temple. Another Californian museum that opened in 1974 emulates a palatial ancient Roman villa. The Wat Rong Khun, a Buddhist temple built in 1997, features intricate carving in the style of classic Thai architecture. An enormous church in Belgrade, Serbia, displays stunning and meticulously crafted Byzantine details. Entire neighborhoods are embracing historic styles, too. Poundbury in the United Kingdom, a new take on traditional British architectural heritage championed by King Charles III, exemplifies this trend. The riverside town of Occoquan, Virginia, features a district filled with newly constructed homes in a charming Victorian style. The homes' paint colors were painstakingly sourced from historical period references. The result is indistinguishable (at least to my eyes) from a well-preserved genuine Victorian neighborhood. Not only can modern people recreate traditional aesthetics, humanity is getting better at preserving the authentic architecture that has managed to survive from past eras. The restoration of the medieval Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after it was partially destroyed in a fire in 2019 demonstrates how modern people can bring back ancient architectural majesty. When Notre Dame reopened in December 2024, the cathedral had the same ornate Gothic beauty as before, in addition to newly installed cutting-edge fire prevention systems. News reports noted in awe how 'concerns in the wake of the fire that the craftsmanship required to build the cathedral in the Middle Ages no longer existed in modern times' proved false. Opinion: As a Paris tour guide who ignored Notre Dame, I forgot ancient cities don't last forever Humanity has the means to revive the ornate aesthetics of the past, but of course some people prefer modern minimalism. Notre Dame now features a bronze altar in a style labeled 'noble simplicity,' in sharp contrast to the surrounding building with its Corinthian columns, stained glass windows, carved gargoyles, pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses. This juxtaposition is telling. Ultimately, whether traditional architecture moves you or modern aesthetics inspire you, you are living in a remarkable era, a true golden age of architecture where every style thrives. Chelsea Follett is the managing editor of and a policy analyst in the Cato Institute's Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity.
USA Today
22 minutes ago
- USA Today
Psychedelics have promise. But after losing my son, we can't ignore the dangers.
Psychedelics, while potentially therapeutic, are also powerful, unpredictable and not right for everyone. I know this firsthand. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently sat in a congressional hearing to discuss departmental cuts. But what caught the attention of many were his comments about psychedelics, which he has long and publicly supported. Kennedy later posted on X: 'We're accelerating clinical trials (of psychedelics at the Food and Drug Administration) with urgency – and working to ensure safe, science-based access within 12 months.' This suggestion was made even more concrete on July 22, when the FDA began accepting applications for its new accelerated-approval program for drugs that address national health priorities, like mental health. Many see a turning point: a chance to accelerate research, expand access and legitimize the use of psychedelics ‒ not only in medicine but also in culture. There is real promise in these substances. Veterans report healing from post-traumatic stress disorder, cancer patients speak of end-of-life peace, and some people with depression or addiction find relief where nothing else helped. But as access grows and the public becomes more curious – if not enthusiastic – we must urgently pair this moment with clear-eyed public health safeguards and education. Because these substances, while potentially therapeutic, are also powerful, unpredictable and not right for everyone. I know this firsthand. In 2020, my 21-year-old son, Will, died in an accident linked to psychedelic-induced delusions. He was a college senior – curious, thoughtful and much loved. He believed what many of his peers believe: that psychedelics are 'safe,' 'natural' and 'the least harmful drug.' That night, every safety net failed – or wasn't there in the first place. What do psychedelic drugs do? Know the facts 'Before You Trip.' Today, psychedelics are moving from subculture to mainstream. About 8 million American adults used a psychedelic in the past year. Use of psychedelics among 19- to 30-year-olds has more than doubled in the past decade, and it has surged sevenfold among adults ages 35 to 50, numbers that represent historically high levels. Yet, clinical trials and legal therapeutic use represent only a small fraction of that. An increasing number of people report taking these drugs outside of medical settings for recreation, to improve well-being or for spiritual or self-exploration. Opinion: Ketamine bros are giving psychedelics a bad rap. That's a problem for those who need them. Many are first-time users, ostensibly beckoned by the headlines but often lacking community knowledge or harm reduction guidance. The contemporary media narrative has emphasized breakthrough therapies and personal transformations. But it rarely mentions contraindications, risk factors that make use inadvisable – like certain mental health conditions – or the need for supervision, preparation and integration. That's especially concerning for young people, who often hear only one side of the story. We've gone from 'Just Say No' to near silence. My Gen Z kids never had drug education that reflected today's landscape. They came of age amid cannabis legalization messaging that emphasized it as natural and healing. Now, psychedelics are being framed similarly – without balanced drug education to match. That leaves young people to navigate in the dark. We can do better. A nonprofit coalition recently launched Before You Trip, a public health campaign led by Generation Z voices, as a pilot project in Colorado – where psilocybin (hallucinogenic mushrooms) and other psychedelics were decriminalized in 2022. The campaign encourages young adults to pause, learn and reflect before deciding whether psychedelics are right for them. It offers clear, accessible and research-backed guidance on effects, contraindications and risk-reduction practices. The campaign promotes open dialogue, critical thinking and informed decision-making about these substances. It's about honest, harm reduction-oriented education, delivered in a voice that meets young people where they are, on social platforms. More is needed, but it's a building block. Opinion: I'm a doctor and a recovering addict. America can't lose ground on the opioids fight now. In addition to education, we also need public health infrastructure: trained first responders, accessible crisis resources and support, widespread harm reduction and better data collection. Too often, psychedelic-related crises are met with criminalization or stigma rather than care and understanding. Psychedelic drugs can offer healing, but they still come with risks I think often about a moment that haunts me. It was when I caught Will vaping during a college break. I panicked. I got angry. I didn't ask questions or try to understand. I shut down the conversation because of fear and because I didn't have the tools to approach it more skillfully. That could have been a moment to build trust. I wish I had used it to begin an honest dialogue. We now have an opportunity to open that dialogue – with families, communities and the public at large. Psychedelics can indeed offer healing, but they also bring complexity and risk. About 1 in 10 people who have used a classic psychedelic − such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline or psilocybin − report having experienced an adverse event related to their use. And of those who used a classic psychedelic, 2.6% report having sought post-trip psychiatric, psychological or medical care. As these substances are scaled up in the population, these proportions will represent several hundreds of thousands of people. As public interest and use increase, we should care very much about improving outcomes and reducing preventable harms. Let's build a culture of accountability, care and curiosity – not one of hype or silence. The future of psychedelics depends not only on access but also on responsibility. Let's make sure we're ready for both. Kristin Nash, MPH, is a public health professional specializing in harm reduction and health communication. She is the executive director of the William G. Nash Foundation and cofounder of the Coalition for Psychedelic Safety and Education (CPSE).
Newsweek
23 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Trump Administration Sued Over SNAP Benefits Move
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A coalition of 20 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Trump administration, seeking to block a data request that would require states to turn over private information about millions of low-income Americans receiving food assistance. Under a directive issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), states have been ordered to share private recipient and applicant information relating to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries with the federal government. Attorneys general across 19 states and Washington, D.C., have said they will not comply with the USDA's request, citing concerns over its legality and SNAP recipients' privacy. Newsweek contacted the USDA for comment via email outside regular working hours. Why It Matters The USDA, which oversees SNAP, first announced this data push in May as part of President Donald Trump's executive order to increase data sharing across federal and state programs. The USDA issued the directive last week, giving states a deadline of July 30 to comply. The requested data includes information such as names, dates of birth, personal addresses and Social Security numbers—data that state officials argue is protected under existing privacy laws. According to the USDA, the goal of the data collection is to help root out fraud in the program, which currently serves some 42 million people nationwide. The Department of Agriculture building in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2020. The Department of Agriculture building in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2020. GETTY What To Know States attorneys general involved in the legal challenge—including New York's Letitia James and California's Rob Bonta—say the request violates federal privacy laws and the U.S. Constitution. They also cite concerns that the information could be used to facilitate immigration enforcement. The USDA directive does not mention immigration enforcement as a reason for data collection. The lawsuit asks the court to issue an injunction blocking the transfer of SNAP recipient data. It also seeks a ruling that prohibits the administration from sharing the requested information with the Department of Government Efficiency or the Department of Homeland Security for any purpose beyond administering the SNAP program. The legal action comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to access private data from various federal and state programs. Agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have been directed to share personal information with immigration authorities in recent months. Prior to the directive issued last week, the USDA said it would pause data collection after its original request on May 6 was met with a motion for a temporary restraining order filed by a group of nonprofits and SNAP beneficiaries. The group argued that the demand violated the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Privacy Act and other statutes. At the time, a USDA spokesperson told Newsweek, "We do not comment on pending litigation." Which States Are Involved? The attorneys general of the following states and the District of Columbia have signed on to the lawsuit: Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Hawaii Illinois Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Nevada New Jersey New Mexico Oregon Rhode Island Washington Wisconsin The office of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is also a plaintiff in the case. What People Are Saying New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a Monday news conference regarding the lawsuit: "We will not allow this lifesaving program to be illegally used to hunt down immigrants and their families." California Attorney General Rob Bonta said: "It's a bait-and-switch of the worst kind. SNAP recipients provided this information to get help feeding their families, not to be entered into a government surveillance database or be used as targets in the president's inhumane immigration agenda." Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a May 6 news release announcing the data-sharing plans: "President Trump is rightfully requiring the federal government to have access to all programs it funds, and SNAP is no exception. For years, this program has been on autopilot, with no USDA insight into real-time data. The Department is focused on appropriate and lawful participation in SNAP, and today's request is one of many steps to ensure SNAP is preserved for only those eligible." What Happens Next The USDA has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.
