Latest news with #Kennedy
New York Post
an hour ago
- Business
- New York Post
Starbucks will improve menu to fit ‘MAHA' initiative, RFK Jr. says
Starbucks' top executive has agreed to further align its menu with the Trump administration's health goals under its 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has been examining the nation's food system to address the root causes of childhood chronic disease, said in a post on X that he met with Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol on Tuesday, who 'shared the company's plans to further MAHA its menu.' Advertisement During the discussion, Kennedy said he was 'pleased to learn that Starbucks' food and beverages already avoid artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and other additives.' Starbucks said the meeting with Kennedy was productive. The company, which announced earlier this year that it was cutting 30% of its menu in order to simplify operations and drive innovation, has already been testing healthier drink options such as a sugar-free vanilla latte topped with protein banana cold foam. 3 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol. X/@SecKennedy 3 Starbucks said the meeting with Kennedy was productive. Bloomberg via Getty Images Advertisement 'Our diverse menu of high-quality foods and beverages empower customers to make informed nutritional decisions, with transparency on ingredients, calories, and more. Plus, we keep it real—no high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, flavors, or artificial trans-fats,' Starbucks said in a statement to FOX Business. Under the MAHA initiative, the administration said it would 'lead a coordinated transformation of our food, health, and scientific systems' that it believes will 'ensure that all Americans—today and in the future—live longer, healthier lives, supported by systems that prioritize prevention, well being, and resilience.' 3 Kennedy has taken issue with various ingredients, saying that products such as seed oil and FD&C color additives are harmful to humans. NurPhoto via Getty Images Kennedy has taken issue with various ingredients, saying that products such as seed oil and FD&C color additives are harmful to humans. Advertisement Kennedy has specifically been working to cut out the color additives from the U.S. food supply, saying the 'poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children's health and development.' Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! Kennedy and the FDA announced a series of new measures in April to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply. Kennedy noted that this effort would need voluntary support from food manufacturers, but that the 'industry has voluntarily agreed' to do so. Advertisement Two major food giants, General Mills and Kraft Heinz, pledged this week to remove FD&C artificial dyes from their respective portfolio of products within the next two years. McCormick told analysts during its earnings call in March that it has been working with restaurants and foodmakers to reformulate products to remove certain ingredients like food dyes.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
From Holocaust to Hydrogen: How Israel become a 'nuclear power'; with help from America
In the deserts of southern Israel, tucked away near the town of Dimona, lies one of the world's worst-kept secrets—an undeclared nuclear weapons program that has shaped Middle Eastern geopolitics for over half a century. I srael neither confirms nor denies its nuclear arsenal. It has never conducted a public test, never declared its warheads, and has never signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Yet among world capitals, intelligence agencies, and military strategists, it is taken as a given: Israel has the bomb. And in a region where tensions simmer perennially, that fact continues to cast a long and powerful shadow. This is the story of how Israel built its nuclear capability—quietly, cleverly, and far from the spotlight—and how it has maintained an aura of ambiguity while standing alone as the Middle East 's sole nuclear-armed state. From Holocaust to Hydrogen: The Origins A desolate landscape embodies the potential devastation of nuclear conflict, with symbolic representations of Israel and Iran clashing in the background. The seeds of Israel's nuclear ambition were sown not just in the sands of the Negev desert, but in the ashes of Europe. For David Ben-Gurion and the architects of the fledgling Israeli state, nuclear weapons represented more than deterrence—they were survival. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Nova Iguaçu (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo By the early 1950s, Israel had established the Israel Atomic Energy Commission, and began exploring uranium deposits in the Negev. But it was the secret alliance with France that truly turbocharged the program. In the aftermath of the 1956 Suez Crisis, Paris and Tel Aviv grew closer, and in this strategic intimacy, France agreed to help Israel build a heavy-water reactor at Dimona. Officially described as a textile plant, the Dimona facility was built with French blueprints, French technicians, and French nuclear expertise. At its core was a heavy-water reactor capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium—a clear sign that this was no energy programme. By the mid-1960s, Israel had reportedly produced enough fissile material for its first nuclear weapon. And by the time the world began to take notice, the programme was already well advanced. American Winks and European Loopholes The United States—Israel's most important strategic partner—was not unaware of what was happening in Dimona. By the early 1960s, American intelligence had raised red flags. But successive US presidents, from Kennedy to Johnson and beyond, ultimately chose quiet diplomacy over confrontation. While Washington occasionally pressured Israel to sign the NPT or submit Dimona to international inspections, these efforts were largely symbolic. Israel would allow U.S. inspectors periodic access—but only to non-sensitive areas, and often with time to prepare. The reactor's most secretive components, including the underground plutonium reprocessing plant, remained off-limits. Meanwhile, European countries played their part—sometimes knowingly, sometimes not. Norway and the UK provided heavy water. Argentina and South Africa, at various points, supplied uranium. And in the shadows, Israeli operatives ensured the procurement of sensitive technologies by any means necessary. Operation Secrecy: Mossad's Global Shopping List Israel's nuclear success didn't come from laboratories alone—it came from suitcases, ships, and subterfuge. In one of the most daring and little-known operations, Israeli agents orchestrated a covert mission to obtain 200 tonnes of uranium yellowcake from Europe. Disguised as a shipment of lead, the cargo was rerouted under the cover of night onto an Israeli vessel and quietly spirited to the Middle East. This was just one of many such missions. Over the years, Israeli intelligence—particularly the secretive units responsible for scientific and technological collection—secured blueprints for centrifuges, acquired materials under false company names, and built an informal global network of suppliers, sympathisers, and strategic traders. Israeli agents also worked hard to keep the lid on the programme. When Mordechai Vanunu, a former technician at Dimona, leaked photographs and details of the weapons programme to the British press in 1986, Mossad lured him to Rome, kidnapped him, and brought him back to Israel, where he was tried and imprisoned for 18 years. A Doctrine of Silence: The Policy of Ambiguity Israel's nuclear posture is defined by one of the most unique doctrines in modern defence: deliberate ambiguity. Israeli leaders have consistently refused to confirm or deny the existence of nuclear weapons. The official line—repeated by every prime minister—is that Israel 'will not be the first country to introduce nuclear weapons into the Middle East.' The sentence is a masterpiece of political sleight of hand: vague enough to deflect, but strong enough to deter. This policy has allowed Israel to maintain its strategic deterrent without the diplomatic backlash that might follow an open declaration. It sidesteps international condemnation, avoids sanctions, and denies adversaries the ability to point to a formal arsenal. But ambiguity does not mean invisibility. Satellite images, intelligence leaks, and decades of analysis have made it clear that Israel possesses an advanced arsenal—reportedly including not just gravity bombs, but missile-mounted warheads and possibly submarine-based second-strike capabilities. A Regional Monopoly Israel stands alone in the Middle East as the only country believed to have nuclear weapons. Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Iran have all explored nuclear options at different times—some more aggressively than others—but none have succeeded in acquiring a bomb. Why has Israel succeeded where others have not? The answer lies in timing, alliances, and intelligence. Israel's nuclear development began before the NPT was established in 1968, and it refused to join the treaty, thus avoiding its restrictions. Meanwhile, strong relationships with Western countries—especially the U.S. and France—provided cover and cooperation at critical junctures. Other regional players were not so lucky. Iraq's reactor at Osirak was bombed by Israel in 1981. Syria's nascent programme met the same fate in 2007. Iran has faced years of sanctions, sabotage, and diplomatic isolation for its nuclear ambitions—partly because it is an NPT signatory and therefore subject to inspections and compliance. This disparity has become a lightning rod for criticism across the Arab world. Why, many ask, is one country allowed to operate outside the global non-proliferation regime while others are punished for even exploring nuclear technology? The Geopolitical Fallout Israel's nuclear monopoly has had profound strategic consequences. On one hand, it has likely deterred major conventional wars. During the Cold War and beyond, neighbouring states knew that Israel possessed a last-resort option. Some analysts argue that this 'Samson Option'—the ability to bring down regional enemies in the event of an existential threat—has preserved a tenuous peace. On the other hand, Israel's opacity has created deep resentment. It has made negotiations around a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East virtually impossible. Arab states have long demanded that Israel disarm or at least declare its arsenal. Israel counters that peace and recognition must come first. The unresolved nuclear imbalance also complicates efforts to curb Iran's programme. Tehran routinely points to Israel's undeclared arsenal as evidence of Western double standards. Until this asymmetry is addressed—or at least acknowledged—diplomacy in the region will always be fraught. The Future of the Arsenal Israel's nuclear weapons have never been used, and many hope they never will be. But as regional threats evolve—from Iranian missiles to non-state actors and cyber warfare—the rationale for retaining a nuclear deterrent remains deeply embedded in Israeli defence thinking. In recent years, Israel has focused less on expansion and more on survivability. Submarine-based platforms suggest a move towards second-strike capability. Missile defence systems like Iron Dome and Arrow complement the nuclear umbrella with layered deterrence. But there is also growing international pressure for transparency. As the global non-proliferation regime is tested by North Korea's defiance and Iran's ambitions, calls for Israel to 'come clean' grow louder. So far, they have fallen on deliberately deaf ears. A Strategic Silence That Roars Israel's nuclear program is the paradox at the heart of Middle East security: an arsenal that officially doesn't exist, protected by silence, sustained by history, and tolerated by allies who know better. It began in secrecy, survived by deception, and now endures by design. While the rest of the world debates inspections, treaties, and transparency, Israel's greatest nuclear weapon may not be a warhead—but its policy of never saying anything at all. In the Middle East, where everything is personal, tribal, historical, and existential, Israel's nuclear silence remains the loudest sound in the room.
Axios
4 hours ago
- Health
- Axios
Axios-Ipsos poll: Americans embracing food regulation
Americans broadly support some of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s food regulation agenda — from removing artificial dyes to increasing safety and labeling — though they distrust Kennedy 2-to-1, according to the latest Axios-Ipsos American Health Index. The big picture: 87% of respondents said the government should do more to make food safe through guidelines, labeling or reduced pesticide exposure. Six in 10 want to remove artificial dyes from foods — some entirely and some as long as it doesn't significantly impact food costs and looks. Seven in 10 want to strengthen food safety inspections. Why it matters: These ideas are drawing support largely across partisan lines, despite politicization and many consumers' tendencies to act counter to their stated interests. Just 31% of Americans say they trust health information from Kennedy. Just 23% say they regularly eat organic fruits or vegetables. Half said they've eaten fast food or processed food at least a few days in the past week. What they're saying: "When you strip away all of the politically charged rhetoric… there is a lot of alignment," said Mallory Newall, Ipsos vice president for U.S. public affairs. "But framing and language matter," Newall said. "In theory, there is agreement that our food guidelines need to be updated and made safer for us. But there's a certain level of distrust across the board on how the government actually is going about this. And I do think it's being politicized." By the numbers: 47% of Republican respondents said they favor removing all artificial dyes from foods, even if it makes foods cost more — compared with 42% of independents and 26% of Democrats. 23% of Republicans, 18% of independents and 28% of Democrats favored removing some artificial dyes but wanted to minimize changes to food costs and appearances. Others favored food labeling that lets consumers decide, or said they didn't know or wanted no change. 48% respondents overall think U.S. health policies should focus primarily on healthy foods and lifestyles and disease prevention while 27% say they should primarily be around research to develop new drugs and treatments. That compared to 41% and 38%, respectively, when we asked the question at the beginning of March. And 7 in 10 Americans strongly or somewhat agree with the statement American children are on too many prescription drugs. Respondents were almost evenly split on whether COVID-19 booster vaccines are safe for pregnant women. But a majority (54%) said they don't trust the current COVID-19 vaccine recommendations set by the federal government, which exclude healthy pregnant women. Methodology: This Axios/Ipsos Poll was conducted June 13-16, 2025, by Ipsos' KnowledgePanel®. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 1,104 general population adults age 18 or older.
TimesLIVE
5 hours ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Kennedy's new US vaccine panel to discuss measles shot for children
A new panel of US vaccine advisers appointed by health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jnr will vote on flu shots that contain a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal and discuss recommendations for use of a combination measles shot for children at an upcoming meeting. The advisers to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will also vote on who should receive the shots for respiratory syncytial virus and influenza at the meeting scheduled for June 25 and 26, according to a draft agenda posted on the CDC's website. The agenda comes days after Kennedy named eight members to serve on the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (Acip), including several who have advocated against vaccines, after abruptly firing all 17 members of the independent committee of experts. 'There isn't any doubt that we're in new territory and things are being done differently than they were before,' said William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and an alternate liaison to Acip. Schaffner said it would be a shorter meeting than planned, a more limited number of CDC personnel are scheduled to present at the meeting and a number of presenters have not yet been listed. The new panel will discuss proposed recommendations on the use of the combination measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children under five years of age.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shamrock Rovers' Danny Mandroiu on 'strange and bizarre' Mark Kennedy comments
Danny Mandroiu felt his reputation could have been tarnished by Mark Kennedy's barbed assessment of him at Lincoln City. But while he branded the jibe 'strange and bizarre', the Shamrock Rovers ace claims he has no lingering beef with the former Ireland was snapped up by the Imps from Rovers in 2022 and was a regular in League One, making 56 league appearances and scoring 14 goals. But in October 2023, then Lincoln boss Kennedy let rip at the Dubliner after he was sent off in a home defeat to blasted Mandroiu, claiming he would 'become just another statistic' unless he changed his approach to the game. Kennedy said: "We're here to educate him and help him, not destroy his talent. I don't know where he'll be in five years, he could be in the Championship, he could be back in Ireland. If he changes his mentality and there's structure to his game, he's got incredible talent and he can go wherever he wants to go. But if he doesn't change that, he'll just be another statistic.' Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Kennedy was sacked three days later and Lincoln's chief executive Liam Scully admitted the Mandroiu comments were a factor in his exit, not just poor results. Scully said: 'I don't think it was helpful in terms of our characterisation of Danny Mandroiu. Is that part of it? Yes. Is that the reason? No.'Lincoln rated Mandroiu and yesterday the player - who was also at Brighton - admitted he had options higher up the leagues in England, but they didn't come off. Asked if he had been worried that Kennedy's comments might cloud the opinion of other clubs, Mandroiu said: 'In a way, that could tarnish you with some teams. It obviously did. They'd obviously go to Mark Kennedy for a reference or whatever and I don't know what he's given. Lincoln know I'm a good lad so if they go to them…it was a bit strange and bizarre.' Mandroiu continued: 'He was entitled to his own opinion. It's false, it wasn't true whatever he said. It's not me. It was quite strange when it came out. It was really strange. "I didn't even know it until three days later when someone rang me and said there was something in the paper. I was in Ireland at the time actually. I read it on the Monday and I was 'Jesus'.'We were fine day to day. It was just very strange. I got sent off in a game. He started coming with 'he could be in the Premier League or nowhere' something like that. It was bizarre. He could come out with comments in the heat of the moment and then regret it the next day.'In the end, it was Shamrock Rovers again who won out for Mandroiu's signature as he returned on a short-term deal last August, before signing a longer contract this year. And the ex-Bohemians ace said: 'I had options everywhere, every time. I've never been released, I've had contracts on the table. It was just my own decision.'The teams I wanted to come in didn't come in, and I wasn't going to settle for anything less. I love Rovers, I love the gaffer, the team, we were in Europe at the time as well.'A recurrence of a hamstring injury rocked Mandroiu in the opening league game of this season, against Bohs at Aviva Stadium in February. But he is back fit and said: 'We can do whatever we put our minds to. We're playing some unbelievable stuff and long may it continue, in the league and in Europe.' ************************************** Stephen Bradley would love to see another All-Island clash in Europe. Shamrock Rovers could face Belfast giants Cliftonville in the second round of the Conference League - and Bradley hopes it and NIFL Premiership champions Linfield are already going head-to-head in the Champions League qualifiers on July 9 and 16. And the Hoops will face Cliftonville on July 24 and 31, providing the Reds beat St Joseph's of Gibraltar in the first qualifying said yesterday: 'You're hoping we get Cliftonville in terms of the travel and it becomes a lot easier, weather and everything else.'So hopefully we get Cliftonville because of the connection between both clubs and both sets of fans, that would be a great know a lot about Cliftonville, obviously, as we follow that league quite closely.'Rovers are no strangers to facing Irish League clubs in Europe, having won 4-1 away to Larne in the Europa Conference League league phase in Shamrock Rovers are not involved in the first European qualifying round this summer, they are lining up some home friendlies added: 'We've had offers from away as well, but a lot of teams wanted us to travel which is not what we want at that definitely stay local, whether it's up north or staying here, we definitely won't be travelling.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
