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Amazonian "Zombie-Ant" Fungus Just Got Even Weirder As Scientists Discover It’s Been Living A Secret Double Life Inside An Entirely Different Host
Once thought to be a parasitic fungus specific to ants, new data suggests the story is much bigger than that.
UT San Antonio scientist highlights growing threat of antifungal resistance
For decades, scientists have studied antibiotic resistance, which is how bacteria evolve mechanisms to evade lifesaving drugs. Now, researchers are warning that a similar challenge is emerging among fungi, where resistance to frontline antifungal medications is making serious infections increasingly difficult to treat. Nathan Wiederhold, PharmD, director of the Fungus Testing Laboratory and professor […]
Scientists reveal the hidden force driving the universe’s hottest fluid
When atomic nuclei smash together at nearly the speed of light, they create the hottest fluid in the universe, but scientists may have overlooked one of its most important forces. New simulations reveal that extreme acceleration builds up along the edges of quark-gluon plasma, helping drive its explosive expansion. This acceleration may do far more than move the fluid, potentially changing its temperature-like behavior, influencing particle spins, and even reshaping how matter transitions between fundamental states.
Islanders a possible trade match with the Penguins?
Came across this little note, and since it is August, why not sink into it a little bit? We all know the Penguins are really weak on the left side of their defense, enter a division rival over on Long Island who happen to be stacked at the position to at least make a fun […]
Blanche rescinds fund for Trump allies after senators threaten to block AG bid
The Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche is scheduled for Tuesday
Live updates: Trump says Iran talks will restart after he calls off strikes
Get live updates and the latest news as Trump says the U.S. and Iran will resume talks and Todd Blanche announces an agreement with senators to rescind a $1.8 bilion “anti-weaponization” fund.
Did Trump Finally Find an Offramp for the Iran War? | WSJ Politics Newsletter for Aug. 3
Plus, Blanche rescinds ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, which could aid his confirmation, and comparing new Air Force One to older models
How Vanessa Best Built A Million-Dollar Business Without Venture Capital
What does it take to build a million-dollar Black-owned business? Vanessa Best shares the growth strategies that helped her scale without VC funding.
Trump’s attorney general pick says he has reached deal with senators after standoff
Todd Blanche issues formal order to withdraw ‘anti-weaponization fund’ after weeks of negotiations with Republican senators who were blocking his nomination
Marmots got money troubles: UCLA scientists turn to OnlyFans
A UCLA marmot lab has opened an OnlyFans account called OnlyMarms to raise funding for its research. So far, it's raised about $4,000.
Rural Health Transformation Funds Go to Tech Companies for Innovations
For eight states, about 10% of their allotment from the Rural Health Transformation Fund will go not to rural hospitals, but to tech companies seeking
Decoding the gut microbiome's symphony in health and disease
The trillions of microorganisms living in our intestine influence our health, from digestion and metabolism to immunity. Yet scientists still struggle to understand how these microbes shape these important physiological functions because gut microbiomes are extraordinarily complex, redundant, and dynamic. New technologies are therefore essential for advancing microbiome research. Researchers at the University of Vienna have now reported effective strategies for simultaneously measuring thousands
Blanche scraps Trump’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund
President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Todd Blanche, said he is formally rescinding the controversial fund. It was created as part of an agreement to settle a lawsuit from Trump against the IRS and would have offered taxpayer money to people who claimed they were victims of weaponization by the federal government.
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. $LYV Shares Purchased by Quantinno Capital Management LP
Quantinno Capital Management LP raised its stake in shares of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV - Free Report) by 12.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 114,421 shares of the company's stock
Corporate law firms funnel nearly $1M to Democratic incumbents
Last year’s bitter legislative fight over Senate Bill 21 – to shield companies from certain lawsuits – has spilled into the summer’s primary season.
Sei Investments Co. Increases Holdings in Flutter Entertainment PLC $FLUT
Sei Investments Co. raised its holdings in shares of Flutter Entertainment PLC (NYSE:FLUT - Free Report) by 28.7% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 74,851 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. $MSGE Shares Sold by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lessened its stake in Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE:MSGE - Free Report) by 3.3% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 810,201 shares of the company's sto
Blanche Gives G.O.P. Senators Written Assurances on Trump’s I.R.S. Deal
Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general has been held up over concerns about a planned $1.8 billion fund for Trump allies and the president’s immunity from tax scrutiny.
Todd Blanche rescinds Trump's 'anti-weaponization fund' ahead of nomination hearing
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a formal order late Sunday terminating President Donald Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" to compensate his political allies.
Adults over 60 should try one 30-second test to predict healthy aging, experts say
Nick Schofield, a tactical athlete physical coach in the U.K., demonstrates how to perform the sit-to-stand exercise, which can be an indicator of lower-body strength and is closely linked to mobility, functional fitness and healthy aging.
Todd Blanche moves closer to confirmation after rescinding $1.8B fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche took a key step towards confirmation after meeting demands to rein in a settlement deal President Donald Trump reached with the IRS this year.
Blanche rescinds Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, removing hurdle from attorney general nominee’s confirmation
Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Todd Blanche, said late Sunday he is formally rescinding the president’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, after Senate Republicans threatened to block his nomination over the controversial agreement.
Blanche rescinds Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization’ fund, removing hurdle from AG pick’s confirmation
Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Todd Blanche, said late Sunday he is formally rescinding the president’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” after Senate Republicans threatened to block his nomination over the controversial agreement.
Washington County readies land for development
Washington County is seeking nearly $2 million in federal funding to transform undeveloped acreage at Highlands Business Park into a 10-acre, pad-ready
Acting AG Todd Blanche reaches deal with holdout senators to end $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund
The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hold a vote to advance Blanche’s nomination on Tuesday.
Blanche rescinds fund for Trump supporters after GOP senators threaten to block his AG bid
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has issued a formal order terminating President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund to compensate his political allies.
Homewood Science Center thanks community for 10 years of support
This year’s Summer Fest was a celebration of 10 years of the Homewood Science Center’s work sharing the wonders of science with the community. The evening’s program also included special recognition to Edie Dobrez, HSC’s executive director. The annual fundraising event brought several hundred people to Idlewild Country Club on[Read More...]
Senate aims to block White House from gaining new power over science funding
A bipartisan spending bill unveiled Sunday by Senate Republican leaders would prevent the White House from asserting greater control over hundreds of billions of dollars in federal grants.
Local golf tournament raises funds for mental health challenges
Webster golfers teed off in the 4th Hermano Cup in Rochester, raising funds for Compeer Rochester and promoting mental health and suicide prevention in honor of mentor Jason Drago.
Bannock County Fair returns to Downey with new attractions, live entertainment
DOWNEY — It’s called “the best little fair in Idaho” for a reason, and everyone is invited to join in the fun. A longtime Marsh Valley tradition, the Bannock County Fair returns to Downey on Monday, bringing six days of livestock shows, rodeo action, live entertainment, family activities and several new attractions to the Bannock […]
Reload Test Cup (Diamond) in NA Central: Session 1
Battle your way to Diamond or above in Reload Ranked in this season or previous seasons to be eligible for Reload Test Cup (Diamond)! This is a test tournament and there will be no prizing associated with this event. Good luck and have fun!
Senate leaders reach funding deal to avoid shutdown during campaign season
The Senate is likely to vote on the measure before leaving Washington at week's end for its traditional August recess, a period that many lawmakers want to spend shoring up their reelection prospects rather than working in the nation's capital.
174th Auglaize County Fair brings in family fun, entertainment and Craig Morgan to the fairgrounds
The 174th Auglaize County Fair is celebrating America's 250th birthday with patriotic displays, new family attractions, grandstand entertainment and a week of traditional fair activities in Wapakoneta.
WYOMING COUNTY/Celebrate Summer at the 2026 Wyoming County Fair-eight days of agriculture, entertainment, family, fun & americana return to Pike, August 15-22
Press release/provided photos PIKE, NY — Summer traditions shine bright as the Wyoming County Fair returns to Pike, New York, from August 15-22, 2026, inviting visitors from across Western New York…
Trump targets Biden-era billion-dollar Smithsonian budgets amid anti-'woke' push
Trump's budget proposal cuts Smithsonian funding below $1 billion for the first time since 2020 as a 162-page White House report targets woke ideology.
A smarter way to fund scientific discovery
Spurring innovation requires more than federal research grants.
Dewey's Pizza hosts 5K to raise dough for children's hospitals, mental health
Dewey's Pizza held its annual Run to Raise Dough 5K to raise funds for local children's hospitals and mental health wellness.
4 Notable Health Tech Funding Announcements in July
Health tech companies made several major funding announcements in July. Here is a list of some of the biggest funding rounds.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is running for mayor
Giannoulias sits on $22 million in campaign funds, roughly three times the total of his competitors.
Kids’ concert Aug. 14
Jackson Gillman will entertain families and kids with cabaret, vaudeville or story- and song-filled fun at the End-of-Summer-Kids-Concert at the Southwest Harbor Public Library on Friday, Aug. 14, from 4-5
What the Cracker Barrel rage spiral was actually about
A revealing detail came from Cracker Barrel’s announcement this week that CEO Julie Masino is stepping down soon: She’s leaving with company-funded security still in place from the public meltdown over Cracker Barrel’s rebrand last year.
Are disability services in Minnesota backsliding? Advocates fear being ‘pawns in political games.’
It’s a precarious moment for people with disabilities. Some fear funding cuts, fraud fallout and other federal and state actions put their services and rights at risk.
Bay Beach named among most nostalgic local summer businesses in US
Advance Funds Network says it surveyed 3,021 Americans 45 and older.
U.S. Restores Some Vaccine and Health Aid to Unicef, Gavi and World Food Programme
The amount is still far below what the U.S. spent previously on humanitarian and health aid, but resumes the flow of money for key efforts to fight malnutrition and disease.
Photo story: Science Saturday Connects Families with Nature Through Hands-On Learning
The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) at the University of Georgia welcomed families, students, and nature enthusiasts to a successful Science Saturday on August 1st, 2026 at the Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta. Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the free community event brought together visitors of all ages for an fun […]
Q&A: New School of Public Health dean Kari Nadeau wants to expand scholarships, funding
Kari Nadeau began her tenure as dean of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health on July 1. News senior staffer Shaun Thomas sat down with Nadeau to discuss her transition into the role and her vision for the school’s future.
Panama: Haemophilus influenzae meningitis case reported in Veraguas Health Region
The Veraguas Health Region, located in the central-western region of Panama, confirmed a case of meningitis caused by the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria in a 12-year-old student from La Primavera School, diagnosed on July 29. The patient remains hospitalized, is receiving appropriate treatment, and is in stable clinical condition. The regional health director of Veraguas, Xavier A. Torres Domínguez, reported that, once the diagnosis was confirmed, the Ministry of Health (Minsa), in coordination with the Social Security Fund (CSS), immediately activated the epidemiological investigation and health response protocols established for this type of event. Canada: Haemophilus influenzae type B outbreak in Calgary As part of the actions implemented, the Epidemiology teams carried out the identification and monitoring of the patient’s close contacts, applying the corresponding preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission and safeguard the health of the educational community. Health authorities explained that meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterial disease that requires timely medical attention. In that regard, they urged the population to immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, or altered mental status. They also reiterated that vaccination is the main preventive measure against this disease, and therefore called on parents and guardians to verify that their children’s immunization schedules are complete, in accordance with the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Trump Calls for $1.8 Billion Fund Over Blanche Attorney General Fight
The president vowed to push for the payout fund if Senate Republicans fail to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, reigniting a dispute over the settlement.
Solo Reload Victory Cup in NA West: Day 1 Day 1 Round 1
Battle your way to Gold, Diamond and Champion in Reload Ranked to be eligible for the first,second and final respectively Event of the Season! Compete for the opportunity to win a cash prize! Reach Round 2 (top 1600 in EU; top 800 in NAC; top 320 in OCE, ASIA, ME, BR, NAW) where every player who earns a Victory Royale will earn $100 USD - good luck and have fun!
University Health keeps tax rate steady despite financial squeeze
University Health is keeping its current property tax rate amid opening two new community hospitals and facing federal funding pressures.
“He already has four rings. It’s funny the people that …
“He already has four rings. It’s funny the people that …
Got a spare $10? Net yourself almost 150 games and help support laid off game devs with the game industry hardship fund bundle
What's the worst that could happen?
Trump's threat to push ahead on settlement fund injects new uncertainty into attorney general talks
Trump asserted in a Truth Social post that he would keep acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in his current role and press ahead on the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” if Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis refuse to back Blanche.
Scientists Forced to Go on OnlyFans After Their Funding Was Cut
After the Trump administration cut billions in research grants, scientists have started an OnlyFans accounts to keep their work going.
Trump threatens to revive controversial $1.8bn compensation fund
"It will immediately be back on the table, and I will get it done," the president wrote.
Camp Greentree offers Montgomery Co. students mental health support alongside summer fun
Camp Greentree has offered plenty of activities this summer in Montgomery County, Maryland, but campers also have access to something that may be more valuable.
Could we prevent dementia? A new trial may point the way.
While much funding for dementia research goes toward treatments, some scientists want to reduce people's risk of developing the condition in the first place.
Solo Reload Victory Cup in Europe: Day 1 Day 1 Round 1
Battle your way to Gold, Diamond and Champion in Reload Ranked to be eligible for the first,second and final respectively Event of the Season! Compete for the opportunity to win a cash prize! Reach Round 2 (top 1600 in EU; top 800 in NAC; top 320 in OCE, ASIA, ME, BR, NAW) where every player who earns a Victory Royale will earn $100 USD - good luck and have fun!
Solo Reload Victory Cup in Europe: Day 1 Day 1 Round 1
Battle your way to Gold, Diamond and Champion in Reload Ranked to be eligible for the first,second and final respectively Event of the Season! Compete for the opportunity to win a cash prize! Reach Round 2 (top 1600 in EU; top 800 in NAC; top 320 in OCE, ASIA, ME, BR, NAW) where every player who earns a Victory Royale will earn $100 USD - good luck and have fun!
Russell Investments head lays out how she evaluates struggling funds
Kate El-Hillow invests capital into external funds at Russell Investments.
Musk funds GOP midterms after SpaceX contract. Coincidence?
Republicans eager for Elon Musk's money to win an edge in the midterm elections would be wise to show some caution.
Trump has quietly throttled an agency devoted to the safety of American healthcare
The agency, which has been key to improving patient safety, has been shut down by the Trump administration through cuts to funding.
Solo Reload Victory Cup in Oceania: Day 1 Day 1 Round 1
Battle your way to Gold, Diamond and Champion in Reload Ranked to be eligible for the first,second and final respectively Event of the Season! Compete for the opportunity to win a cash prize! Reach Round 2 (top 1600 in EU; top 800 in NAC; top 320 in OCE, ASIA, ME, BR, NAW) where every player who earns a Victory Royale will earn $100 USD - good luck and have fun!
Digital Health Funding Is Booming, Especially For Wearables
The wearables industry has captured a significant amount of the capital in healthcare.
Senator disputes Trump’s claim the anti-weaponization fund is dead
UNCW Business School Students Travel to Prague for Real-Life Consulting Experience by Robert Burrus
This article was contributed by Kestrel Smoot, International Programs Coordinator for UNCW’s Cameron School of Business. During the most recent spring semester, 33 upper-level finance and marketing students from the UNCW’s Cameron School of Business traveled to Prague, Czechia, to participate in an intensive international consulting project. Unlike traditional study-abroad programs, the Prague consultancy project focuses on real client engagement. Each year’s project is entirely new, designed through collaboration between faculty and industry partners to identify a current business challenge that students will address. This year, students worked with MAMS-Champi, a Czech non-alcoholic beverage company that is seeking to expand into other global markets. Throughout the first half of the semester, students attend class at UNCW and prepare for their time abroad by conducting preliminary research, developing analytical frameworks, and organizing themselves into specialized teams responsible for tasks such as marketing strategy, industry analysis, consumer segmentation, and competitive evaluation. The course emphasizes independence and teamwork, requiring students to take ownership of their work, manage deadlines, and collaborate across functional groups. Additionally, faculty serve as advisors, allowing students to navigate the complexities of the project much as they would in a professional consulting environment. Once in Prague, students met with company leadership, toured facilities, and refined their recommendations based on real-time feedback. The in-person component is widely regarded as the most transformative aspect of the program because students must synthesize weeks of work into a cohesive presentation and deliver it to the client, demonstrating professionalism, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Beyond the consulting work, students participated in cultural and educational activities that broadened their understanding of global business environments. They explored Prague’s historic districts, learned about Czech culture, and engaged with local professionals. These experiences helped students understand how economic, regulatory, and social factors shape market opportunities. The Prague consultancy project stands as a defining example of the Cameron School of Business’s commitment to experiential learning, consistently strengthening students’ confidence, enhancing their resumes, and serving as a focal point in job interviews. Employers recognize the value of the hands-on experience and transferable skills students gain, underscoring the program’s role in preparing industry-ready graduates for today’s fast-moving business landscape.
After felony conviction, Bobby George sues Statehouse leaders for rescinding grant money
A well-known family in Cleveland is suing Ohio Statehouse leaders after the politicians rescinded grant funding.
Champion Aphrodite FNCS Cup Battle Royale in NA Central: Session 1
Drop into the Champion Aphrodite FNCS Cup! Duo up and compete for a chance to earn Aphrodite cosmetic rewards before they hit the shop. Good luck and have fun!
Situational Awareness, the hedge fund making headlines, explained
The fund’s abrupt downturn can be chalked up to a risky strategy of borrowing money to purchase stocks.
Google Earth's AI image generation function pulled in less than a day
Google pulled its AI image-editing feature from Google Earth within 24 hours of its launch, after users created deepfakes depicting disasters.
Super Mario Sunshine Is Coming to Switch 2. It's Time to Embrace This Truly Weird Game
In a world that increasingly favors perfect averages and hyper-smooth edges, Sunshine’s jagged, funky design is a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Trump Administration Plans to Upend Head Start by Deregulating It
The White House tried but failed to block funding for preschool for poor children. Instead, it will seek to strip away standards on health, literacy — and brushing teeth.
Business impact fund available for those affected by Omaha Streetcar construction
An impact fund for businesses affected by the Omaha Streetcar construction is now taking applications.
How scientists are trying to repair the body from within: Regenerative medicine and anti-aging
At Scripps Research and its drug discovery arm, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, scientists are developing regenerative medicine therapies designed to help the body repair itself from within. Unlike traditional medicines that primarily manage symptoms or slow disease progression, regenerative medicine aims to restore damaged tissues and rebuild function lost to aging and disease. Researchers are advancing programs focused on the heart, lungs, digestive tract and eyes, including investigational therapies for heart failure, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, age-related macular degeneration and other chronic conditions that become more common as we age. Learn how scientists are activating the body’s natural repair mechanisms to explore a future where medicine may not only treat disease, but help reverse its damage.
In Pursuit of Precision: Remembering John Barker
John L. Barker, who passed away on July 6, 2026, at age 88, was a seminal force who fundamentally transformed Landsat into a rigorous science mission through his relentless pursuit of precision remote sensing calibration standards.
NJ announces $83M in first round of federal rural health grants
New Jersey announced $83 million in rural health grants for 103 projects, the first round of funding in the new five-year program.
6 Notable Details From the WSJ’s Trump Fundraising Report
New reporting explores the president’s pressure campaign against blue-chip companies to reward him financially.
AmeriCorps funding cut ends Allegheny Co. health program after 30 years
Federal funding cuts have ended Allegheny County’s National Health Corps, an AmeriCorps-affiliated program that addressed community health needs by providing health education, care coordination and access to services. On Thursday, the Allegheny County Health Department announced that the final cohort from the program’s Pittsburgh site had graduated, bringing the initiative’s
Analysts see Coinbase miss driven by crypto market weakness, not business fundamentals
Coinbase shares tumbled to end the week as investors weighed a disappointing quarterly loss for the company, as it fought another tough market environment.
Opinion | Trump’s Proposed Rules for Funding Would Destroy American Science
Political appointees, not scientists, may soon determine who gets grants.
The Guardian view on the Lovell telescope: budget cuts to physics are bad science and worse politics
Editorial: Funders have picked a damaging fight with scientists and the public. They should reconsider their plans
The market’s big AI doubts are exposing the riskiest players
The meteoric rise and stunning near-collapse this week of a US hedge fund has sent shockwaves across global markets, becoming a kind of cautionary tale for the AI era.
Game Devs Put Together An Itch.io Bundle Of Over 100 Games With Proceeds Going To Help Laid-Off Colleagues
The Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle contains over 100 games and will be on sale for the next two weeks
Go-kart racing venue coming to former Wonderverse space in Oak Brook this fall
A new multilevel go-kart racing and entertainment venue is set to open this fall in the former Wonderverse space at Oakbrook Center mall in Oak Brook. RPM Raceway, which has four locations on the...
On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Yankees series preview
The Cubs and Yankees playing is always fun. This year it’s at Wrigley.
In A 'Who Could Have Possibly Seen This Coming' Event, Ubisoft Will Shut Down Its NFT Game
Champions Tactics had previously removed its Web3 functionality and will be sunset in October
Monroe County sees millions in business funding through New York SBDC program
Monroe County businesses secured $5.8 million in funding through New York's Small Business Development Centers, boosting local job creation and business launches.
Trump defends DOJ weaponization fund and attacks Cornyn, further imperiling Blanche nomination
President Donald Trump said acting Attorney General Todd Blanche “should be immediately approved” as his permanent pick for for the role and defended a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” that’s at the crux of why the nomination has not yet moved forward.
Talking Business with Don Cunningham: Saving that last can of Spam
In the whirlwind of pain and change, funerals and finances, hospital bills and document searches that follows the death of a parent, comes the undesirable task of cleaning out the remnants of someone else’s life.
Recipients Revealed For Entertainment Community Fund's 2026 Alex Dubé Scholarship Program
The five selected dancers will receive $10,000 each to support their education.
Erie County Fair highlights new attractions, entertainment, food & family value for 186th event
The Erie County Fair is preparing to welcome guests back, Aug. 12-23, for its 186th year, bringing together agricultural traditions, family attractions, live entertainment, new food and beverage offerings, and affordable fun for all ages.
Trump’s Immigration Push Keeps Expanding With New $100,000 Fee Idea | WSJ Politics Newsletter for July 31
Plus, inside Trump’s unprecedented fundraising operation and the rise and fall of Anthony Fauci
Does public health *need* MAHA?
Last week, our friend Dr. Craig Spencer sparked an ongoing volatile discussion with his Atlantic article “Public Health Needs MAHA.” Some have come out in strong dissent, others are cheering, and others are simply lamenting that we find ourselves in such a divided world to begin with. We will dare to dip our toes in these controversial waters, too. Does public health need MAHA? We think in some ways yes, and in other ways, no. MAHA leaders versus the everyday MAHA supporter The vitriol in this debate mostly comes from one collapsed distinction: the leadership of MAHA is not necessarily the same as the people who support it. Say “MAHA” and most people picture RFK Jr. Fair enough, as he coined the term and holds most of the power. And, yes, some MAHA followers treat Kennedy as something close to a saint. But talk to the grassroots, and it’s not a monolith. They’re Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. People who distrust vaccines and vaccine supporters. It’s a wide, eclectic coalition. The data backs this too: 4 in 10 Americans support the movement—that’s a lot of people! But according to polls, vaccines and medical choice (the issues most tied to Kennedy personally) are cited by only 4% as their reason for supporting the movement. For many, the motivations are much broader. Many MAHA supporters are signing up for the idea that “something needs to change” with health in this country. They’re asking good-faith questions about corporate influence on our health systems, health care costs, nutrition, chemicals, and clean air and water. These are all questions that plenty of public health professionals recognize as legitimate and also care about very deeply. Blurring the lines between the leadership and grassroots does real damage in two important ways: It hands the 4 in 10 exactly the narrative already fed—that the health ecosystem doesn’t listen, doesn’t care, and paints every critic with the same brush. It gives the actual bad actor more power. RFK Jr. has done irreparable damage and can’t be trusted. What the MAHA movement gets right A healthy population is something the public health field was literally built on, and many of these topics are things we have dedicated our lives to. Yet the MAHA movement has captivated nearly half the country in a way the public health establishment has failed to achieve. So that means MAHA is doing something right. Some of it may be timing (after a Covid-19 pandemic and deep frustration and mistrust with institutions). The movement also does three other things really well: 1. It gives a new, louder voice to system failures. While MAHA is not a monolith, one theme stays consistent across their stories: the system failed them. For some, it was the system that flooded their communities with opioids and then walked away. For others, it was the system that let their business collapse during Covid with no safety net in sight. For others still, it was the system that failed to help them manage a complex chronic illness, bouncing them from physician to physician without any real answers. And in many ways, our health ecosystems are failing Americans. Why are medical bills so incomprehensible? Why do some kids get a healthy school lunch and others don’t? Why do an epidemiologist and a MD/PhD student have to start newsletters in the middle of the biggest public health emergency in a century, just so people can get straight information? Because the systems failed. This deep-seated frustration driving many Americans to search for solutions elsewhere needs to be recognized. 2. MAHA has brilliant comms central to their efforts. MAHA figured out something most health institutions still have not: the information landscape changed. It’s participatory now, not top-down; influence runs through many nodes in a community, not one institution; and storytelling and telling audiences “what you really think” moves people more than data dumps do. MAHA goes where audiences are listening, using podcasts, social media, and memes in ways most health institutions would scoff at—but it works. 3. They are very good at organizing. A MAHA meeting feels like a rally: energy, speakers, music, and most importantly, an action for everyone. Someone’s writing the next policy brief, someone’s seeding a narrative, someone knows the next legislative deadline, someone’s sending the text messages for a campaign. None of this is new (ask the civil rights movement), but MAHA knows it works and has capitalized on it. What MAHA gets wrong This list could be much longer, and this newsletter has spent a lot of time covering it, but here are a few things: Poor use of scientific evidence. This is the fundamental problem with many MAHA policies: the hype outpaces the science, and experts are often villainized for pointing this out. MAHA leadership has traded real solutions for cheap wins. For example, instead of taking on the powerful food industry and passing real reforms, it has celebrated french fries made of beef tallow and taken out artificial dyes from still very sugary children’s cereal. These changes won’t move the needle on America’s diet. MAHA leadership has tried to dismantle vaccine access in the U.S. While many MAHA supporters emphasize other issues, the effort to change vaccine policy has become MAHA’s signature effort. This is not surprising given RFK Jr.’s extensive track record campaigning against vaccines. It has rallied behind the wrong leader. RFK Jr. has a decades-long track record of villifying doctors, scientists, and public health workers, well before he became HHS secretary. He is known for his decades-long work sowing distrust in vaccines as well as life-saving treatments like antiretroviral therapy for HIV. This is not a serious person who can move the needle on health in the U.S, and he has already done serious damage. Public health needs more than defense Defending the evidence is absolutely necessary so health in the U.S. doesn’t move further backward. The public health establishment is very good at defense. The problem is this defense often sounds like defending the status quo, which has failed many people. Public health needs to offer an alternative to RFK Jr.’s MAHA—one that is rooted in evidence, truly listens to and addresses people’s frustrations, and has innovative solutions and the courage to change the systems. How do we get there? Find common ground. Do you know what most people care most about? The abysmal cost of healthcare. Start there. Fight for the human loudly. Too often, communications and engagement center on science with a capital S, funding mechanisms, or the CDC/FDA/NIH. Not the person. So the public doesn’t see themselves in it. Instead, they see people fighting for the very powerful systems that they feel negatively impact their health and well-being. Let the public feel and hear that you see their frustrations, you get it, and you’re fighting for them within the system. Recognize when pro-science messages are alienating people. Facts absolutely matter, but angrily venting only alienates people further. Our friend Elisabeth Marnik recently wrote a New York Times article about her experience growing up unvaccinated and how listening and empathetic conversation are the only ways to reach people that really work (a position backed by communication science). Her comments section was full of hateful comments from pro-vaccine individuals attacking her for daring to suggest we approach vaccine-hesitant individuals with empathy. It is possible to both stand firm behind scientific evidence and empathize with people who don’t trust it. Lean into politics smartly. Often, public health has shied away from politics: Don’t touch it, lest you get burned. But this fails to recognize that the third rail is what fuels the train: who is elected determines our budgets, our priorities, and our authority. Being political means being very savvy in strategy on both sides of the aisle, knowing your audience, and recognizing that political capital is as scarce as financial resources and needs to be allocated accordingly. Bottom line So does public health need MAHA? That’s not really the right question. Public health has a responsibility not to dismiss 40% of the country who feel heard by this movement and are frustrated that the system has failed them. And it has a responsibility to stick to the evidence and recognize MAHA leadership for what it is: a danger to our nation’s health. Both can, and should, be done. Love, YLE and KP A big thanks to Craig Spencer, who had the courage to put his neck out there to start a much-needed discussion at such a critical moment—one that is determining the identity of an entire field. Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD is completing an emergency medicine residency and research fellowship focusing on health literacy and communication. In her free time, she writes the newsletters You Can Know Things debunking health myths and rumors and The Public Health Roundup. Views expressed belong to KP, not her employer. Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE) comprises a team of experts, ranging from physicians to immunologists to epidemiologists to nutritionists, working together with one goal: to “translate” ever-evolving public health science so that people are well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. The YLE suite of newsletters reaches over 475,000 people across more than 132 countries. 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