WASHINGTON — If there’s a theme among President-elect Donald Trump’s health Cabinet picks, it’s this: The vast majority were critics of how the Biden administration handled COVID-19. The pandemic upended Americans’ perspective on public health and health care delivery, both throughout the United States and among Republican lawmakers. Policy experts say that change is evident in Trump’s selections to lead major U.S. health agencies. That change is particularly notable in Trump’s pick for secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic who has been critical of the federal government’s pandemic response. Trump and Republicans have praised Kennedy for bucking conventional thinking when it comes to public health, even though many of Kennedy’s theories and proposals are not backed by science. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy advocated against vaccinating kids against the coronavirus. He also led the anti-vaccination group Children’s Health Defense beginning in 2018. As Trump’s presumptive HHS secretary nominee, Kennedy worked with the Trump team to pick the leaders of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. Former Rep. Dave Weldon, Trump’s selection to head the CDC, is also a vaccine skeptic. Mehmet Oz, known more commonly as “Dr. Oz,” Trump’s choice to head CMS, promoted use of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19. FDA commissioner pick Marty Makary promoted herd immunity to stop the virus, as did Trump’s choice to lead the NIH, Jay Bhattacharya. Taken as a whole, the picks reflect a deep skepticism toward the recommendations of the very agencies these men have been tapped to lead. Trust in public health institutions plummeted in the wake of the pandemic, particularly among Republicans, according to polling, and virus prevention measures like wearing a face mask on an airplane or getting a routine vaccination have morphed into political actions in many parts of the United States. “There was a lot of misinformation, uncertain information,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said of the COVID-19 pandemic response. “In the end, when you looked at what the benefits were, the benefits were not as large as promised and some people were penalized. So I’m sure that’s reflected in [Trump’s] Cabinet choices.” But as Republicans cheer these changes to the public health sector, Democrats and medical institutions are concerned about health misinformation and how that could impact the American health care system, which spends roughly $4.5 trillion per year and accounts for 17.3 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. On the campaign trail, Trump won voters by promising to buck the system. But public health experts warn that moving too far from the medical establishment and rejecting scientific data could have disastrous consequences. A look at other key Trump health picks and their records on COVID-19: Mehmet Oz, CMS Oz has long been criticized for his controversial views on public health. The pandemic was no exception. The Daytime Emmy award winner served as an informal adviser during the first Trump administration, promoting the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 early in the pandemic. He reportedly tried to persuade the president’s advisers to accelerate approval of the drug for use against COVID-19, even though at the time it had not been tested against the virus. Later, the FDA and infectious disease doctors found the antimalarial would not treat the virus. Oz also urged Trump administration officials to back a study he offered to fund at Columbia University Medical Center about the impacts of the antimalarial on COVID-19 patients, according to the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. In April 2020, Oz said on Fox News that reopening schools would be worth it, even if it led to increased deaths. He later retracted the statement. Marty Makary, FDA Like Kennedy, Makary has publicly questioned the broad use of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine mandates. But unlike Kennedy and many others in Trump’s health Cabinet, Makary was an early advocate of masking to prevent the spread of the virus and restricting air travel. The Johns Hopkins surgeon and author publicly opposed COVID-19 booster shots and promoted natural immunity over vaccinations. He went as far as arguing that the federal government censored pandemic data on natural immunity in an attempt to get more people vaccinated. But Makary also promoted early vaccination strategies to protect those most at risk for severe disease, such as getting single doses of vaccines to as many people as possible before allowing people to go back for a second dose of the shot. In late 2020, he criticized the FDA for not moving fast enough to approve mRNA vaccines. Jay Bhattacharya, NIH A Stanford physician and professor, Bhattacharya made a name for himself as a skeptic who opposed COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He also promoted herd immunity, the concept that low-risk people should live their lives normally and build up resistance to COVID-19 through infection while only high-risk individuals took precautions. In October 2020, Bhattacharya co-authored the controversial “Great Barrington Declaration,” an open letter advocating against virus prevention measures with the hopes of quickly obtaining herd immunity. Both the World Health Organization and leading academic and public health organizations condemned the letter, with the American Public Health Association and other health organizations signing a letter calling it a “wrong-headed proposal masquerading as science” and arguing that the declaration would lead to preventable deaths. Dave Weldon, CDC Weldon, a physician who represented Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 through 2009, has routinely questioned the links between vaccines and autism throughout his career. He does not specialize in infectious diseases and has never formally worked in public health, having spent his career as a military doctor, internist and politician. In 2007, Weldon introduced a bill that would remove vaccine safety research from the CDC’s domain and house it in a separate HHS agency. Although the bill didn’t advance, some privately worry it’s indicative of the way he’d strip down the public health agency. Former acting CDC Director Richard Besser said he’s concerned about Weldon’s lack of public health credentials and suspects he was nominated to the post largely because his vaccine skepticism aligns with Kennedy’s views. “What we’re seeing with a number of these nominations is a continuation of that politicization [of public health], where you know people coming in who are saying public health is the problem, not the solution,” Besser said.For Veterans Day 1964, around my 10th birthday, the VFW sponsored an essay contest, “What Patriotism Means to Me.” Any elementary or junior high student in our town could enter. My family didn’t have much disposable income, so whenever there was a chance to participate in a free activity, I did. I won. My mother was incredibly proud of me. The afternoon of the evening that I was to read my essay in the gymnatorium, she brought me to the hairdresser’s. This was unheard of in my family. Every couple of months, our dad cut our bangs as evenly as he could, but always too short. My sister or I would burst out crying. Too ugly. The hairdresser washed my hair. I can still feel the hard plastic curve of the sink on the back of my neck. Then she cut it shoulder-length and rolled it up in curlers. I sat under the dryer with her checking the dampness of my hair. When she took the rollers out, she styled my hair in a bob and Mom took a red bow from her purse and clipped it to one side of my hair. When had she bought this? The essay is nowhere to be found, but I am reasonably sure that I spoke of both the rights and the responsibilities of being a citizen of the United States. That’s how we were being raised. As that American citizen, you had the right to become anything you wanted, but, you also had the responsibility of earning that place, of being the best person you could be to both yourself and others. The day before the Nov. 5 election, I turned 70. On my birthday, indeed, for the rest of the week until Veterans Day, my husband and I were to be in Québec. We had mailed in our ballots; it was our right and our responsibility. I had been cautiously optimistic. Surely, it was time for a woman to be president. Surely, after years of his lack of civility and empathy, Donald Trump would be gone from our lives. Article continues after... Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess He won. Driving home, from Vieux Québec to the Vermont border, I thought of how my optimism had turned to dread and grief. When the customs/border protection agent said, “Welcome home,” I gave him a weak smile. What would become of our home? Trump flags still dotted the Vermont countryside, most regularly, alongside houses where I’m sure the money could have been better spent. Somewhere along our drive through Vermont to Massachusetts, I thought of that essay contest, “What Patriotism Means to Me.” It still meant rights and responsibilities to me. I thought of blind allegiance and how during the Vietnam War, “Love it or leave it” was lobbed at protesters. I thought of how I felt that Trump and MAGA had hijacked our American flag. Again, blind allegiance but, this time to Trump, not our country. We have an American flag and, if we were at home this Veterans Day, we would have put it out first thing this morning. Yes, fly your flag, but also defend your fellow citizens’ right to burn it. America is strong enough to take it. I always believed that. But, now, staring out the car window, I’m not so sure of our strength. I picture an old photo from 1940, “The Crying Frenchman.” The pain of an occupied people etched in his face. Were we to be soon occupied, not by a foreign force, but by our own will, handing over all of our power, all those rights and responsibilities we had as Americans to another demonic force? Barbara A. Rouillard of Springfield is an award-winning writer with over 85 publishing credits. A public high school teacher for over 31 years, she retired in 2015. Ms. Rouillard is fluent in French and a politically active member of her community.
Wall Street's major indexes closed lower on Monday, driven by a slump in Nvidia's value after a Chinese antitrust probe impacted tech stocks, as investors await a key inflation report ahead this week. Nvidia shares dropped following an investigation by China's market regulator into potential antimonopoly law violations, impacting the information technology sector. Advanced Micro Devices also fell after a downgrade by BofA Global Research, affecting the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. Comcast's forecast of a subscriber loss affected communication services, while Hershey shares surged on acquisition discussions involving Mondelez. Investors are anticipating crucial CPI and PPI data before the pivotal Federal Reserve meeting on Dec 17-18, spurred by an unemployment rise that raised rate cut bets to over 85%. (With inputs from agencies.)
PM's message at Hala Modi event: 'India has technology, manpower for new Kuwait'
Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire, joyful after a stifling, nearly 14-year civil war. But the swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country still split among armed factions. One rebel commander said “we will not deal with people the way the Assad family did." Analysis: Collapse of Syria's Assad is a blow to Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — For Iran’s theocratic government, it keeps getting worse. Its decadeslong strategy of building an “Axis of Resistance” supporting militant groups and proxies around the region is falling apart. Hamas has been batttered by Israel's campaign in Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli bombardment has crippled Iran’s most powerful ally, Hezbollah, even as Israel has launched successful airstrikes openly inside of Iran for the first time. And now Iran’s longtime stalwart ally and client in Syria, President Bashar Assad, is gone. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad? BEIRUT (AP) — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader who led the stunning insurgency that toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image and that of his fighters. He renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicts himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. The 42-year-old al-Golani is labeled a terrorist by the United States. He has not appeared publicly since Damascus fell early Sunday. But he and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stand to be a major player in whatever comes next. Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answers NEW YORK (AP) — Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of a backpack found in Central Park that they believe was carried by the killer. Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday outside of a hotel in Manhattan. Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine. Gaza health officials say latest Israeli airstrikes kill at least 14 including children DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza have killed at least 14 people including children, while the bombing of a hospital in northern Gaza has wounded a half-dozen patients. Israel’s military continues its latest offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza, whose remaining Palestinians have been almost completely cut off from the rest of the territory amid a growing humanitarian crisis. One airstrike flattened a residential building in the urban Bureij refugee camp Sunday afternoon. That's according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere? SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A short-lived martial law decree by South Korea's leader last week raised worries about budding authoritarianism around the world. In the end, though, democracy prevailed. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he was declaring martial law and giving his government sweeping powers to crack down on protesters, ban political parties and control the media. Members of the military blocked lawmakers from using the legislature's constitutional power to cancel the power grab. But the National Assembly within hours unanimously voted to do so. Trump's return may be a boon for Netanyahu, but challenges abound in a changed Middle East TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant about President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump's first term policies skewed heavily in favor of Israel, and he has picked stalwart Israel supporters for key positions in his administration. But much has transpired since Trump left office in early 2021. The turmoil in the Middle East, the lofty ambitions of Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition and Netanyahu’s own personal relationship with the president-elect could dampen that enthusiasm and complicate what on the surface looks like a seamless alliance. College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.Packham resigns as RSPCA president after animal cruelty claims at approved farmsNone
James Wong Hua Kiong KUCHING (Dec 9): The upgrading projects for Tanjung Embang deepwater port and Kuching International Airport (KIA) are set to elevate Sarawak status as a core player in the global economy, says James Wong Hua Kiong. In this regard, the president of Malaysia Hu Kiu Leuk Yek Wong Clan Association and deputy chairman of Sarikei Chamber of Commerce and Labourer Association, has urged all sectors of society to collaborate towards transforming these infrastructure initiatives into key nodes that connect the region to global markets; thereby crafting a more competitive future for Sarawak. He views the development of Tanjung Embang deepwater port as not only enhancing logistics efficiency, but also serving as a crucial driver for economic diversification. “By constructing a smart port system, cargo turnover rates can be significantly improved, operational costs reduced, and more international investors attracted. “Similarly, the expansion of KIA should balance functionality with innovation, meeting the growing demand for flights while introducing more direct international routes to boost tourism and business exchanges,” he said in a statement yesterday. Wong suggested that the port should form strategic alliances with major global ports to facilitate more efficient cargo transport and trade. Such collaboration could not only lower transportation costs, but also enable mutual benefits through shared resources and information, he added. On the KIA, Wong noted that the airport’s expansion would not only accommodate the increasing demand for flights, but would also foster the growth of tourism and business activities. “By attracting more airlines and routes, Sarawak can draw in more tourists and business people, further stimulating local economic growth,” he said. As an active responder to global climate issues, Wong said these major projects should integrate the principles of a green economy. He recommended introducing low-carbon technologies during the initial planning stages, such as using renewable energy sources, developing hydrogen-powered freight fleet and implementing efficient waste management systems. He also suggested that the construction of the port should utilise eco-friendly materials and consider ecological impacts in its design to minimise environmental harm. “Similarly, the airport’s design should focus on energy efficiency, employing smart energy management systems to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs. Through these measures, Sarawak can secure a place in the global green economy and attract investors who prioritise sustainable development.” Wong thus called upon the government and businesses to actively explore opportunities for green investment in these projects to promote sustainable development. He said by providing tax incentives and policy support, more green enterprises could be encouraged to invest in Sarawak, fostering sustainable local economic growth. Wong also highlighted the importance of the public-private partnership (PPP) model, which would allow the government to reduce financial burden, while bringing in international capital and advanced technologies to invigorate the projects. “By collaborating with internationally renowned companies, Sarawak would not only gain access to advanced management practices, but would also receive technological support; thereby, increasing the feasibility and sustainability of the projects. “We must cultivate local professionals who can navigate modern technology and complex management demands. “Talent development is not only crucial for project success, but also the foundation for the long-term growth of Sarawak’s economy. “By establishing partnerships with international universities, Sarawak can introduce advanced educational concepts and curricula that align with market needs,” he pointed out. Wong also called upon all sectors to work together to transform these projects into Sarawak’s new economic engine. “Sarawak must transcend the limitations of traditional resource-based economics, achieving a more influential global role through technological innovation, regional cooperation and sustainable development,” he said. He said Sarawak should actively integrate into the global economic system, seeking cooperation opportunities with other countries and regions. “By strengthening collaboration with Asean countries, Sarawak can better utilise regional resources and drive economic diversification. “Establishing regional economic cooperation mechanisms should enable Sarawak to occupy a more advantageous position in international markets, enhancing its global competitiveness,” he added.
Vardy helps Van Nistelrooy to first win with Leicester as Guehi defies the FA with religious message
It's officially puffer szn, folks, and if you're still looking for the versatile of your dreams, you may want to take some inspo from Olivia Rodrigo. While doing some holiday shopping, Liv posted a Instagram Story that showed her wearing a classic ...and if it looks familiar to you, that's probably because all your fave celebrities own the exact same one. Better yet: While it usually retails for $330, it's currently marked down on SSENSE for (drum roll pls) $277. Brb, grabbing my credit card. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket Olivia decided to pair her lil black puffer with a pair of (which are also on sale rn!), a casual , and a —but you could basically wear the ubiquitous North Face puffer with ANYTHING. For instance, here's on a hike: And with leather gloves and a baseball cap: Oh, and here's Emily Ratajkowski wearing the celeb-fave puffer in brown (though she owns it in at least four colors) to a Knicks game with jeans and knee-high boots...and Pete Davidson. Tbt to when that was a thing! The North Face Nuptse jacket has been cool for nearly 30 years now, and it's probably not going out of style anytime soon so it's an investment well worth making. And if you can snag it while it's still on sale, even better! Side note: If the black lewk isn't for you, you'll be happy to know the relaunched jacket comes in a variety of colors, including neutrals like Smokey Brown and White Dune, as well as some more ~eye-catching~ shades like Peak Purple. Related StoriesJudi Dench's moving tribute to Maggie Smith as she reveals final act before funeralATLANTA (AP) — Jalen Johnson scored 28 points and the Atlanta Hawks closed out a four-game homestand, winning a third straight contest, 120-110 over the Miami Heat on Saturday. Trae Young added his 22nd double-double of the season, with 11 point and 15 assist, and De'Andre Hunter scored 26 points in his 14th consecutive game with at least 15 points coming off the bench. Tyler Herro scored 28 points and dished out 10 assists and Bam Adebayo added 17 points and 10 rebounds. It was the Heat's fourth game in a row without star Jimmy Butler , who sat out for what the team called “return to competition reconditioning.” Heat: Miami lost despite five players finishing with double-digit point totals. The Heat shot 44.4% from the field, but it wasn't enough to overcome a Hawks team that hit over half of its shots, 51.2% from the field. Hawks: Johnson has been on an offensive tear in his last two games. He finished two points shy of his single-game career high of 30 points, set in his last game, on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls. Hunter also finished just one point shy of his single-game career high of 27 points. After a close first half that featured nine lead changes, Atlanta seized control early in the second half. With five minutes to go in the third quarter, Atlanta’s Garrison Mathews and Hunter hit back-to-back 3s to give Atlanta an 81-72 lead, their biggest of the night, and forcing a Miami timeout. Young finished one assist shy of a franchise single-game record for assists against the Miami Heat, set by Mookie Blaylock in 1993. The Hawks begin a six-game road trip in Toronto on Sunday, while the Heat visits the Rockets on Sunday. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun sending over $72 million in refunds to consumers as part of a December 2022 settlement with Epic Games . The settlement resolved the FTC’s allegations that the Epic Games tricked consumers into making unwanted purchases, the regulator said in a Monday (Dec. 9) press release . The FTC sent 629,344 total payments Monday and will distribute more at a later date , according to the release. The average payment is around $114. The first distribution amount in this case is the seventh largest the FTC has ever sent, according to the regulator’s interactive dashboards for refund data. The FTC alleged that Epic Games, the maker of the video game Fortnite, tricked players into making unwanted purchases by using design tactics called “dark patterns ,” let children rack up unauthorized charges without parental involvement , and blocked some users who disputed unauthorized charges from accessing content they purchased , according to the release . When announcing the settlement in December 2022, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said in a press release: “As our complaints note, Epic used privacy-invasive default settings and deceptive interfaces that tricked Fortnite users, including teenagers and children. Protecting the public, and especially children, from online privacy invasions and dark patterns is a top priority for the commission, and these enforcement actions make clear to businesses that the FTC is cracking down on these unlawful practices.” Epic Games said at the time in a statement posted on its website that the video game industry experiences fast-moving innovation, that player expectations are high and that decades-old statutes don’t specify how today’s gaming ecosystems should operate. “The laws have not changed, but their application has evolved and long-standing industry practices are no longer enough,” the firm wrote in the Dec. 19, 2022, statement. “We accepted this agreement because we want Epic to be at the forefront of consumer protection and provide the best experience for our players.” In the first round of payments sent Monday, half were sent in the form of PayPal payments and half were sent as checks, per the release . “Consumers selected their payment method when they completed their claim form ,” the release said.
Why cranberry sauce is America’s least favorite Thanksgiving dish – and 5 creative ways to use itVardy helps Van Nistelrooy to first win with Leicester as Guehi defies the FA with religious messageSchool Board hands out assignments
Highlands and Islands Airports ( HIAL ) has appointed a new chief operating officer. Darren MacLeod, who joined the operator of multiple sites including Inverness Airport in 2017, is part of a strategic leadership team responsible for setting HIAL’s goals and strategic priorities. • More business news • Sign up for our free newsletters He has extensive experience in a number of disciplines including technology and cyber security, as well as project management. His new role will be coupled with his existing role as ‘accountable manager’, leading the operational teams and will oversee HIAL’s airport operations and regulatory compliance with specific responsibilities for aerodrome management and safety, including risk management, health and safety and environmental requirements. Outside of work he is a private pilot and a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He enjoys flying across the Highlands and Islands and visiting the airports from a customer’s perspective. HIAL’s chief executive officer Paul Kelsall said: “His appointment will provide HIAL with a level of stability moving forward after a period of significant change in the organisation, as well as retaining a wealth of corporate knowledge. “I look forward to supporting Darren and the strategic leadership team to deliver our strategic priorities and provide safe secure and efficient airport services that support the essential connectivity for the communities we serve.”