Tag: Health

  • Public health alert issued for meat and poultry pasties over undeclared allergen

    Public health alert issued for meat and poultry pasties over undeclared allergen

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert this week for frozen meat and poultry pasties due to an undeclared egg allergen, the USDA said. 

    The pasties were produced using an egg wash, which wasn’t printed on the product’s label. 

    FSIS didn’t request a recall for the product because it’s no longer available to buy. 

    The agency discovered the mistake during a routine labeling review.

    IGLOO RECALLS 1 MILLION COOLERS OVER RISK OF FINGERTIP AMPUTATION

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert this week for frozen meat and poultry pasties due to an undeclared egg allergen, the USDA said.  (USDA / Fox News)

    The following packages are subject to the alert: 

    • 8-oz. plastic packages containing “The Pasty Oven Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
    • 8-oz. plastic packages containing “The Pasty Oven Pasty PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
    • 15-lb. cases containing 30 8-oz. units of “The Pasty Oven Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
    • 15-lb. cases containing 30 8-oz. units of “The Pasty Oven Pasty PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.

    They were sold at The Pasty Oven restaurant in Quinnesec, Michigan, and shipped out to fundraising groups across the state as well as Wisconsin. 

    Chicken pasty

    TUNA CANS SOLD AT TRADER JOE’S, WALMART AND OTHER SUPERMARKETS RECALLED OVER ‘POTENTIALLY FATAL’ FLAW 

    No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported yet, the USDA said. 

    Customers should throw out the product or return it to where they purchased it, according to the USDA. 

    The alert comes as a Mississippi-based beef tallow company resumes sales following a recall by the USDA this week. 

    “On February 6th, we were notified of a labeling issue affecting our 24 oz. beef tallow for cooking,” the company, Lady May Tallow, said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. 

    beef tallow

    A Mississippi-based beef tallow company resumes sales following a recall by the USDA this week.  (USDA / Fox News)

    “While the product itself remains completely safe and unaffected, the labeling required correction,” said the statement. “As a result, our manufacturer, Common Sense Soap, initiated a voluntary recall to ensure compliance.” 

    The USDA recalled 30,000 pounds of its product. 

    Beef tallow is the fat that surrounds a cow’s kidney. It can be used as an ingredient in cosmetics as well as in cooking. 

    GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

    The labeling has since been updated as sales resumed on Friday. 

  • Steve Kerr says NBA prioritizes ratings over players’ health: ‘They clearly don’t care’

    Steve Kerr says NBA prioritizes ratings over players’ health: ‘They clearly don’t care’

    Steve Kerr has long been a proponent of a shorter NBA schedule, and this week was a reminder why.

    Kerr’s Golden State Warriors played games on back-to-back nights, Wednesday in Dallas and Thursday in Houston.

    After losing Wednesday to the Mavericks, Kerr put the NBA on blast.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr watches during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies Jan. 4, 2025, in San Francisco.  (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

    “It’s a tough back to back. That’s what makes this loss even more frustrating,” Kerr said Wednesday. “We got to get into Houston at 3, whatever it is, because the NBA, in its infinite wisdom, makes us play an 8:45 game. They clearly don’t care about rest or player health; it’s just ratings and all that stuff. So, I get it. Everyone’s gotta do it. The whole league’s gotta do it. It is what it is.”

    It’s not uncommon for star players to sit out one end of a back-to-back. Stephen Curry sat out one of the games, but this weekend’s All-Star break probably had something to do with that.

    Steve Kerr points

    Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gestures during the first half against the Miami Heat Jan. 7, 2025, in San Francisco.  (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

    However, in January 2023, Kerr rested Curry as part of the “long game” and felt for the fans who missed out.

    “I feel terrible for fans who bought a ticket expecting to see someone play, and they don’t get to see that person play. It’s a brutal part of the business,” Kerr said at the time. “It’s why I’m going to continue to advocate for 72-game seasons. And I know that means less revenue but, at some point, I think there just needs to be an awareness from everybody involved in the league.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    “I think about it all the time. People are spending good money to see a team, and then someone doesn’t play? That’s not something I’m ignorant to. I know that is painful. We’ve had a lot of discussions with fans over the years who have been in that situation.”

    Steve Kerr talks to reporters

    Head Coach Steve Kerr of the USA Basketball men’s team talks to the media after a game against Canada July 10, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  (Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images)

    LUKA DONCIC TRADE TO LAKERS COULDN’T BE VETOED, NBA COMMISH SAYS

    NBA ratings have been noticeably down this year, although the surprising Luka Dončić trade prompted lots of talk. His Lakers debut was also watched by over 2 million people, making it one of the most viewed regular-season games in recent memory.

  • Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day 2025 Date and Significance: What Is Congenital Heart Defect? Everything To Know About the Day To Raise Awareness on Heart Health

    Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day 2025 Date and Significance: What Is Congenital Heart Defect? Everything To Know About the Day To Raise Awareness on Heart Health

    Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day is observed every year on February 14, aligning with Valentine’s Day to emphasise the importance of heart health from the moment of birth. This observance plays a critical role in raising awareness about congenital heart defects (CHD), a group of conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart and are present from birth. Although congenital heart defects are among the most common birth defects, they often go unnoticed, making early detection and education essential. By dedicating a day to this cause, we can better support affected families, foster understanding, and promote early interventions for those affected by CHD. On Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day 2025, know the significance of the day, meaning of Congenital Heart Defect and other important details. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year. 

    Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day 2025 Date

    Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day 2025 is on February 14.

    What is a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD)?

    A congenital heart defect is a heart abnormality that develops in the womb before birth. These defects can involve the walls of the heart, the valves, or the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart. Congenital heart defects can vary widely in severity, from minor issues that may not require immediate treatment to more serious conditions that require surgery or ongoing medical care. What Causes Heart Attacks? Know All About The Symptoms and Preventive Measures To Enhance Your Heart Health. 

    Common types of congenital heart defects include septal defects (holes in the heart), valve abnormalities, and issues with the flow of blood in and out of the heart. Some defects may be detected at birth, while others may not be noticed until later in life, depending on the severity of the condition. In severe cases, congenital heart defects can lead to complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or developmental delays.

    The exact cause of congenital heart defects is often unknown, though genetic factors, maternal health, and environmental factors during pregnancy can contribute to their development. Early detection through routine screenings, such as echocardiograms or heart exams, is crucial for diagnosing and managing these conditions effectively. American Heart Month 2025 Dates and History: Know Significance of the Month-Long Observance That Turns the Spotlight on Heart Diseases and Health. 

    Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day Significance

    Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day holds immense significance in raising awareness about the prevalence and impact of congenital heart defects. According to statistics, CHD affects millions of people worldwide, including children and adults. While many people are familiar with the term “heart disease” in general, congenital heart defects are often overlooked because they are not as widely discussed.

    Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day serves as an important reminder to raise awareness about heart conditions present from birth and the critical need for early detection and treatment. As congenital heart defects are one of the most common birth defects worldwide, bringing attention to the issue is vital for supporting affected families, educating the public, and advancing medical care and research. This observance not only honors those affected by congenital heart defects but also emphasises the importance of proactive healthcare to ensure the best outcomes for individuals living with CHD. By joining together to raise awareness, we can contribute to a healthier future for all individuals, from birth onward.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2025 12:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • RFK Jr. sworn in as Health and Human Services secretary

    RFK Jr. sworn in as Health and Human Services secretary

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the new secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), hours after being confirmed in the Republican-controlled Senate Thursday by a close vote of 52-48 that was almost entirely along party lines.

    Kennedy stood in the Oval Office alongside his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, and accompanied by his children, while he placed his hand on a Bible and swore the oath of office. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch swore in Kennedy.

    After the ceremony, Kennedy told attendees about his first visit to the Oval Office. 

    “My first time in this Oval Office was in … 1962. I came here, and I had a meeting with my uncle who was president then, where we talked about the environment. He was involved very deeply, as we all know, in restoring physical fitness in this country.

    MCCONNELL WARNS RFK JR. TO STEER CLEAR OF THE POLIO VACCINE

    “For 20 years, I got on my knees every morning and prayed that God would put me in a position where I could end the childhood chronic disease epidemic in this country,” Kennedy said.

    “On Aug. 23 of last year, God sent me President Trump. He’s kept every promise he’s made to me. He’s kept his word in every account and gone way beyond it. … I’m so grateful to you, Mr. President.” 

    Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., arrives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the war effort against Russia Sept. 26. (AP/J. Scott Applewhite)

    Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote against Kennedy’s nomination. McConnell, the former longtime GOP Senate leader, had polio as a child and is a major proponent of vaccines.

    Kennedy, the well-known vaccine skeptic and environmental crusader who ran for the White House in 2024 before ending his bid and endorsing Trump, needed a simple majority to be confirmed by the Senate.

    SENATE DEMOCRATS RAIL AGAINST RFK JR. IN LATE-NIGHT SESSION AHEAD OF VOTE

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shakes hands with Donald Trump

    Former Republican presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, shake hands during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena Aug. 23, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

    “I’m a survivor of childhood polio. In my lifetime, I’ve watched vaccines save millions of lives from devastating diseases across America and around the world. I will not condone the re-litigation of proven cures, and neither will millions of Americans who credit their survival and quality of life to scientific miracles,” McConnell said after the Kennedy vote.

    Kennedy, whose outspoken views on Big Pharma and the food industry have also sparked controversy, has said he aims to shift the focus of the agencies he would oversee toward promotion of a healthy lifestyle, including overhauling dietary guidelines, taking aim at ultra-processed foods and getting to the root causes of chronic diseases.

    The push is part of his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.

    SENATE CONFIRMS ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. TO SERVE AS TRUMP’S HEALTH SECRETARY

    president trump with rfk jr and cheryl hines

    (L-R) President Donald Trump, actress Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of Health and Human Services, during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (Jason C. Andrew/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Trump regularly criticized Kennedy during his independent presidential bid, accusing him of being a “radical left liberal” and a “Democrat plant.”

    Kennedy fired back, claiming in a social media post that Trump’s jabs against him were “a barely coherent barrage of wild and inaccurate claims.”

    CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    However, Kennedy made major headlines again in August when he dropped his presidential bid and endorsed Trump. 

    Kennedy had long identified as a Democrat and repeatedly invoked his late father, former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and his late uncle, former President John F. Kennedy, who were both assassinated in the 1960s. Kennedy in recent years built relationships with far-right leaders due in part to his high-profile vaccine skepticism.

    Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report

  • Senate confirms Robert F Kennedy Jr. to serve as Trump’s Health secretary

    Senate confirms Robert F Kennedy Jr. to serve as Trump’s Health secretary

    The Senate on Thursday confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary in President Donald Trump’s cabinet.

    The Republican-controlled Senate voted nearly entirely along party lines to confirm Kennedy. The final showdown over his controversial nomination was set in motion hours earlier, after another party line vote on Wednesday afternoon which started the clock ticking toward the confirmation roll call.

    Kennedy, the well-known vaccine skeptic and environmental crusader who ran for the White House in 2024 before ending his bid and endorsing Trump, needed a simple majority to be confirmed by the Senate.

    Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote against Kennedy’s nomination. McConnell, the former longtime GOP Senate leader, suffered from polio as a child and is a major proponent of vaccines.

    TRUMP HEALTH SECRETARY NOMINEE RFK JR. SURVIVES HEATED HEARINGS

    Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

    Kennedy survived back-to-back combustible Senate confirmation hearings late last month, when Trump’s nominee to lead 18 powerful federal agencies that oversee the nation’s food and health faced plenty of verbal fireworks over past controversial comments, including his repeated claims in recent years linking vaccines to autism, which have been debunked by scientific research.

    During the hearings, Democrats also spotlighted Kennedy’s service for years as chair or chief legal counsel for Children’s Health Defense, the nonprofit organization he founded that has advocated against vaccines and sued the federal government numerous times, including a challenge over the authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for children.

    ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. LIVE ON FOX NEWS ‘THE INGRAHAM ANGLE’ 7PM ET TONIGHT

    With Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee voting not to advance Kennedy, the spotlight was on Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., a physician and chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).

    Cassidy issued a last minute endorsement before the committee level vote, giving Kennedy a party-line 14-13 victory to advance his confirmation to the full Senate.

    Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., center, President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, talks with Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., left, following his testimony during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

    Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., center, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, talks with Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., left, following his testimony during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

    Cassidy had emphasized during Kennedy’s confirmation hearings that “your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me,” which left doubt about his support.

    However, after speaking again with the nominee, Cassidy rattled off a long list of commitments Kennedy made to him, including quarterly hearings before the HELP Committee; meetings multiple times per month; that HELP Committee can choose representatives on boards or commissions reviewing vaccine safety; and a 30-day notice to the committee, plus a hearing, for any changes in vaccine safety reviews.

    HEAD HERE FOR LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST 100 DAYS BACK IN THE WHITE HOUSE

    “These commitments, and my expectation that we can have a great working relationship to make America healthy again, is the basis of my support,” the senator said.

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump

    RFK Jr. and Trump split image (Getty Images)

    Earlier this week, another Republican senator who had reservations regarding Kennedy’s confirmation announced support for the nominee.

    “After extensive public and private questioning and a thorough examination of his nomination, I will support Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,” GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine announced on Tuesday.

    Another Republican who was on the fence, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, also voted to advance Kennedy’s nomination.

    Murkowski noted that she continues “to have concerns about Mr. Kennedy’s views on vaccines and his selective interpretation of scientific studies,” but that the nominee “has made numerous commitments to me and my colleagues, promising to work with Congress to ensure public access to information and to base vaccine recommendations on data-driven, evidence-based, and medically sound research.”

    Former longtime Senate GOP leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, a major proponent of vaccines, also voted to advance Kennedy’s nomination.

    Kennedy, whose outspoken views on Big Pharma and the food industry have also sparked controversy, has said he aims to shift the focus of the agencies he would oversee toward promotion of a healthy lifestyle, including overhauling dietary guidelines, taking aim at ultra-processed foods and getting to the root causes of chronic diseases.

    The push is part of his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.

    “Our country is not going to be destroyed because we get the marginal tax rate wrong. It is going to be destroyed if we get this issue wrong,” Kennedy said as he pointed to chronic diseases. “And I am in a unique position to be able to stop this epidemic.”

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at a campaign event for this independent presidential bid, on May 1, 2024 in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at a campaign event for this independent presidential bid, on May 1, 2024 in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)

    The 71-year-old scion of the nation’s most storied political dynasty, launched a long-shot campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination against then-President Joe Biden in April 2023. However, six months later, he switched to an independent run for the White House.

    Trump regularly pilloried Kennedy during his independent presidential bid, accusing him of being a “Radical Left Liberal” and a “Democrat Plant.”

    Kennedy fired back, claiming in a social media post that Trump’s jabs against him were “a barely coherent barrage of wild and inaccurate claims.”

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump

    Then-former President Donald Trump, right, welcomes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the stage at a campaign rally at the Gas South Arena on Oct. 23, 2024 in Duluth, Georgia. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

    However, Kennedy made major headlines again last August when he dropped his presidential bid and endorsed Trump. 

    While Kennedy had long identified as a Democrat and repeatedly invoked his late father, former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and his late uncle, former President John F. Kennedy – who were both assassinated in the 1960s – Kennedy in recent years built relationships with far-right leaders due in part to his high-profile vaccine skepticism.

    CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    After months of criticizing him, Trump called Kennedy “a man who has been an incredible champion for so many of these values that we all share.”

    Trump announced soon after the November election that he would nominate Kennedy to his Cabinet to run HHS.

    The final vote on Kennedy’s nomination came one day after another controversial pick, director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, was confirmed by the Senate in a 52-48 vote.

    Fox News’ Chad Pergram contributed to this report

  • Senate confirms Robert F Kennedy Jr. to serve as Trump’s Health secretary

    Senate to hold final vote on RFK Jr nomination to serve as Trump’s Health secretary

    The Senate is expected on Thursday to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary in President Donald Trump’s cabinet.

    The final showdown over Kennedy’s controversial nomination was set in motion after the Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday – in a 53-47 party-line vote – invoked cloture, which started the clock ticking toward the final confirmation roll call.

    Kennedy, the well-known vaccine skeptic and environmental crusader who ran for the White House in 2024 before ending his bid and endorsing Trump, needs a simple majority to be confirmed by the Senate.

    TRUMP HEALTH SECRETARY NOMINEE RFK JR. SURVIVES HEATED HEARINGS

    Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

    Kennedy survived back-to-back combustible Senate confirmation hearings late last month, when Trump’s nominee to lead 18 powerful federal agencies that oversee the nation’s food and health faced plenty of verbal fireworks over past controversial comments, including his repeated claims in recent years linking vaccines to autism, which have been debunked by scientific research.

    During the hearings, Democrats also spotlighted Kennedy’s service for years as chair or chief legal counsel for Children’s Health Defense, the nonprofit organization he founded that has advocated against vaccines and sued the federal government numerous times, including a challenge over the authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for children.

    HEAD HERE FOR LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST 100 DAYS BACK IN THE WHITE HOUSE

    With Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee voting not to advance Kennedy, the spotlight was on Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., a physician and chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).

    Cassidy issued a last minute endorsement before the committee level vote, giving Kennedy a party-line 14-13 victory to advance his confirmation to the full Senate.

    Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., center, President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, talks with Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., left, following his testimony during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

    Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., center, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services, talks with Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., left, following his testimony during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

    Cassidy had emphasized during Kennedy’s confirmation hearings that “your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me,” which left doubt about his support.

    However, after speaking again with the nominee, Cassidy rattled off a long list of commitments Kennedy made to him, including quarterly hearings before the HELP Committee; meetings multiple times per month; that HELP Committee can choose representatives on boards or commissions reviewing vaccine safety; and a 30-day notice to the committee, plus a hearing, for any changes in vaccine safety reviews.

    “These commitments, and my expectation that we can have a great working relationship to make America healthy again, is the basis of my support,” the senator said.

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump

    RFK Jr. and Trump split image (Getty Images)

    Earlier this week, another Republican senator who had reservations regarding Kennedy’s confirmation announced support for the nominee.

    “After extensive public and private questioning and a thorough examination of his nomination, I will support Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,” GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine announced on Tuesday.

    Another Republican who was on the fence, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, also voted to advance Kennedy’s nomination.

    Murkowski noted that she continues “to have concerns about Mr. Kennedy’s views on vaccines and his selective interpretation of scientific studies,” but that the nominee “has made numerous commitments to me and my colleagues, promising to work with Congress to ensure public access to information and to base vaccine recommendations on data-driven, evidence-based, and medically sound research.”

    Former longtime Senate GOP leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, a major proponent of vaccines, also voted to advance Kennedy’s nomination.

    Kennedy, whose outspoken views on Big Pharma and the food industry have also sparked controversy, has said he aims to shift the focus of the agencies he would oversee toward promotion of a healthy lifestyle, including overhauling dietary guidelines, taking aim at ultra-processed foods and getting to the root causes of chronic diseases.

    The push is part of his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.

    “Our country is not going to be destroyed because we get the marginal tax rate wrong. It is going to be destroyed if we get this issue wrong,” Kennedy said as he pointed to chronic diseases. “And I am in a unique position to be able to stop this epidemic.”

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at a campaign event for this independent presidential bid, on May 1, 2024 in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at a campaign event for this independent presidential bid, on May 1, 2024 in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)

    The 71-year-old scion of the nation’s most storied political dynasty, launched a long-shot campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination against then-President Joe Biden in April 2023. However, six months later, he switched to an independent run for the White House.

    Trump regularly pilloried Kennedy during his independent presidential bid, accusing him of being a “Radical Left Liberal” and a “Democrat Plant.”

    Kennedy fired back, claiming in a social media post that Trump’s jabs against him were “a barely coherent barrage of wild and inaccurate claims.”

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump

    Then-former President Donald Trump, right, welcomes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the stage at a campaign rally at the Gas South Arena on Oct. 23, 2024 in Duluth, Georgia. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

    However, Kennedy made major headlines again last August when he dropped his presidential bid and endorsed Trump. 

    While Kennedy had long identified as a Democrat and repeatedly invoked his late father, former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and his late uncle, former President John F. Kennedy – who were both assassinated in the 1960s – Kennedy in recent years built relationships with far-right leaders due in part to his high-profile vaccine skepticism.

    CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    After months of criticizing him, Trump called Kennedy “a man who has been an incredible champion for so many of these values that we all share.”

    Trump announced soon after the November election that he would nominate Kennedy to his Cabinet to run HHS.

    The final vote on Kennedy’s nomination comes one day after another controversial pick, director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, was confirmed by the Senate in a 52-48 vote.

  • Australian health care workers threaten Israeli man, claim to have killed Jews in their care

    Australian health care workers threaten Israeli man, claim to have killed Jews in their care

    Two Australian healthcare workers are being investigated after threatening to kill an Israeli man on camera, claiming they had previously killed Jews in their care.

    The man and woman, who said they were doctors, spoke with the man via Chatrouletka, a website where strangers are matched internationally to have conversations.

    After the Israeli man revealed his nationality, the female worker said “it’s Palentine’s country, not your country you piece of s—,” according to the video.

    Skyline of Sydney, Australia, which is the capital of New South Wales (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Getty )

    JEWISH CHILDREN, TEENS VIOLENTLY ATTACKED IN LONDON: ‘STREETS ARE NO LONGER SAFE’

    As the Israeli man asked for peace, the conversation escalated, and the woman said “when the time comes, I want you to remember my face, so you can understand that you will die the most disgusting death.”

    The pair went on to say they wouldn’t treat the man, and would kill him if he came to their hospital.

    The man in scrubs said “you have no idea how many Israelis came to this hospital and…,” while sliding his arm across his neck in a throat slashing motion.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre) gives an address to the Leaders’ Plenary during the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, Australia, March 6, 2024.  (Joel Carrett/Pool via Reuters/ File Photo)

    New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the two individuals are workers at Bankstown Hospital.

    Minns and Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the pair were identified quickly and were “stood down” by NSW authorities. 

    “They have rightly been referred to the NSW Police for criminal investigation,” Albanese wrote in a statement Tuesday on X. “Individuals found to have committed criminal antisemitic acts will face the full force of our laws.”

    Members of the Synagogue recover items from the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia after an arson attack.

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 06: Members of the Synagogue recover items from the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. An arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne forced congregants to flee as flames engulfed the building early on Friday morning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an antisemitic act, emphasizing that such violence at a place of worship is unacceptable in Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

    Albanese described the comments as “vile,” and condemned the healthcare workers’ actions.

    “The antisemitic video circulating today is disgusting,” he wrote. “The footage is sickening and shameful. These antisemitic comments, driven by hate, have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia.”

    A synagogue was fire-bombed in Melbourne on Dec. 6, which authorities are now investigating as a likely terrorist attack. Other reports indicate cars have been set aflame and buildings have been vandalized in Sydney Jewish communities.

    melbourne Synagogue

    A member of the Jewish community recovers an item from the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. An arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne forced congregants to flee as flames engulfed the building early on Friday morning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an antisemitic act, emphasizing that such violence at a place of worship is unacceptable in Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images) (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images))

    The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) reported more than 2,000 antisemitic incidents in Australia since Palestinian militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Data was collected between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024.

    In a news conference on Tuesday, Alexander Ryvchin, ECAJ co-chief executive officer, said members of the community have felt unsafe at Australian hospitals.

    COLUMBIA GROUP’S ANTISEMITIC NEWSPAPER DRAWS OUTRAGE FROM NY LAWMAKER, AS UNIVERSITY INVESTIGATES

    “Hospitals are a place where people should never feel unsafe,” Ryvchin said. “It’s the exact contrary. People should feel entirely comfortable that they’ll be treated based on their condition and humanity, not in the way that we saw in that video.”

    He added the incident was the “tip of the iceberg,” and he believes there are many Australians with the same ideology.

    Melbourne Synagogue

    Members of the local Jewish community look at the damage of the arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. An arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne forced congregants to flee as flames engulfed the building early on Friday morning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an antisemitic act, emphasizing that such violence at a place of worship is unacceptable in Australia. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

    “Antisemitism has sadly taken root in Australia, and we need to expunge it root and branch,” Ryvchin said. “There need to be consequences.”

    On Wednesday, Australia enacted a hate crimes bill imposing minimum mandatory penalties for certain hate-related crimes, including six years for terrorist offenses, three years for financing terrorism and one year for displaying hate symbols.

    “There have been similar instances of such behavior in Sydney and Perth where perpetrators have been convicted and given only a token fine,” the ECAJ wrote in a statement posted on its website. “That is also unacceptable because perpetrators come to regard such fines as merely the cost of “doing business” and not as a real deterrent.”

    Anthony Albanese

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted on X after the video went viral online. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

    Though it has faced more intolerance, the Jewish population of Australia is substantially smaller than the Muslim population, which accounts for 3.2%, according to previous reporting. Jews account for just 0.4% of the population.

    The Australian Federal Police was previously tasked with conducting an operation that would “focus on threats, violence, and hatred” targeting the Jewish community, Fox News Digital reported. 

    In addition, the Prime Minister allocated $25 million, about $15 million in the U.S., beginning in 2022 to increase security for Jewish organizations, according to a Reuters report. He also took a stand against hate speech and banned the Nazi salute.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Fox News’ Beth Bailey contributed to this story.

  • Federal judge orders Trump admin to restore public health web pages

    Federal judge orders Trump admin to restore public health web pages

    A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to restore web pages and datasets that were taken down in accordance with President Donald Trump’s executive order.

    Under U.S. District Judge John Bates’ order, HHS, the CDC and the FDA are required to restore data sets and pages that were “removed or substantially modified” last month “without adequate notice or reasoned explanation.”

    Earlier this month, Doctors for America, represented by Public Citizen Litigation Group, filed a lawsuit against the Office of Personal Management (OPM), the CDC, the FDA and HHS for removing information that it says was used by doctors and researchers.

    President Donald Trump signs an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women’s or girls’ sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

    RILEY GAINES: THE ALL-OUT WAR ON FEMALE ATHLETES ENDS NOW, THANKS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP

    “Removing critical clinical information and datasets from the websites of CDC, FDA, and HHS not only puts the health of our patients at risk, but also endangers research that improves the health and health care of the American public,” Dr. Reshma Ramachandran, a member of the board of directors for Doctors for America, said in a statement on the organization’s website.  “Federal public health agencies must reinstate these resources in full to protect our patients.”

    “These federal agencies exist to serve the American people by protecting public health,” Zach Shelley, an attorney at Public Citizen Litigation Group and lead counsel on the case, said in the same statement. “Removing this vital information flouts that mandate. Our lawsuit seeks to hold them to their responsibilities to the people of this country.”

    President Donald Trump holds up an executive orders after signing it

    President Donald Trump holds up an executive order after signing it at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.  (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

    LGBT ACTIVISTS MOBILIZE TO CHALLENGE TRUMP’S ‘EXTREME GENDER IDEOLOGY’ EXECUTIVE ORDERS

    Doctors for America alleged in its complaint that the removal of the web pages and data sets created a “dangerous gap in the scientific data available to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks.”

    According to the complaint, the pages and data sets that were either taken down or modified included a report on an HIV medication, pages on “environmental justice,” pages on HIV monitoring and testing and a CDC guide on contraceptives, among others. Doctors for America claim that these pages and reports were either removed or modified to “combat what the president described as ‘gender ideology.’”

    President Trump signs various executive orders

    President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Getty)

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    The web pages in question were taken down in accordance with President Trump’s order on “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” In the order, President Trump outlines precise definitions of “woman,” “man,” “female,” “male” and other gendered words, establishing the recognition of two genders as official U.S. policy.

    “The erasure of sex in language and policy has a corrosive impact not just on women but on the validity of the entire American system. Basing federal policy on truth is critical to scientific inquiry, public safety, morale, and trust in government itself,” the order reads.

  • Trans youth mental health psychiatrist resigns from NCAA committee after org complies with Trump order

    Trans youth mental health psychiatrist resigns from NCAA committee after org complies with Trump order

    Dr. Jack Turban, the director of the gender psychiatry program at the University of California, San Francisco, who specializes in the mental health of transgender youth, resigned from an NCAA committee on Friday after the organization complied with President Donald Trump’s executive order.

    Trump signed an executive order to protect women’s sports. The order banned biological males from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. It gave the federal government authority to penalize federally funded entities that “deprive women and girls of faith athletic opportunities.”

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    President Donald Trump signs an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women’s or girls’ sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

    In response, the NCAA changed its trans-inclusion policy to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports altogether. Turban wrote a letter to NCAA president Charlie Baker announcing his resignation from the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS).

    “Unfortunately, your recent decision to issue a blanket ban on trans female participation in women’s sports does not align with medical or scientific consensus,” Turban’s letter read. “I cannot in good conscience participate in this kind of politicization of science and medicine at the expense of some of our most vulnerable student athletes.

    “I am immensely grateful for my time with CSMAS and have been impressed by the academic and medical rigor the committee brings to ensuring competitive fairness and the safety of student athletes. I am particularly thankful to have had the opportunity to work with the other physician members of the committee. Their compassion and scientific expertise have been unparalleled.

    TRUMP TOUTS EXECUTIVE ORDER KEEPING BIOLOGICAL MALES FROM WOMEN’S SPORTS

    Donald Trump riffs to the crowd

    President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

    “However, it is clear that your decision was based on politics and not science, as the CSMAS membership was not consulted prior to the decision.”

    The NCAA announced the change a day after Trump signed the executive order.

    “The NCAA is an organization made up of 1,100 colleges and universities in all 50 states that collectively enroll more than 530,000 student-athletes,” Baker said in a statement. “We strongly believe that clear, consistent, and uniform eligibility standards would best serve today’s student-athletes instead of a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions. To that end, President Trump’s order provides a clear, national standard.

    “The updated policy combined with these resources follows through on the NCAA’s constitutional commitment to deliver intercollegiate athletics competition and to protect, support and enhance the mental and physical health of student-athletes,” Baker said. “This national standard brings much needed clarity as we modernize college sports for today’s student-athletes.”

    NCAA flags

    Trump’s executive order banned biological males from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. (Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Turban added in an Instagram post, “I am sad to see the #NCAA politicize science and medicine at the expense of some of our most vulnerable student athletes.”

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

  • National Poop Day 2025: Different Types of Poop, Stool Colours, Their Significance and When It Rings an Alarm About Your Gut Health

    National Poop Day 2025: Different Types of Poop, Stool Colours, Their Significance and When It Rings an Alarm About Your Gut Health

    National Poop Day is an unofficial observance that highlights the importance of digestive health and encourages open discussions about bowel movements. It is celebrated on the 10 of February every year, aiming to raise awareness about the role of poop in our overall health. The day serves as a reminder for people to pay attention to their digestive systems, the consistency of their stools, and how diet, hydration, and lifestyle choices impact bowel movements. Beyond just being humorous, National Poop Day also serves an educational purpose, emphasizing the need for proper hygiene and understanding common digestive issues. As you observe National Poop Day 2025, we at LatestLY have bought together a list of significance of different colours of poop. National Poop Day 2025 Date, History, and Significance: Celebrating Our Body’s Natural Functions – the Digestive and Excretory Systems.

    Brown: This is the healthy, normal colour of poop, caused by the bile in the digestive system breaking down and processing food.

    Green: Often associated with a fast-moving digestive system, green poop can result from eating leafy vegetables or foods with green dyes. It may also be caused by diarrhoea.

    Yellow: Yellow poop can indicate a problem with fat absorption, sometimes linked to conditions like celiac disease or other malabsorption disorders.

    Black: Black poop can signify bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as from a stomach ulcer. However, it can also be caused by iron supplements or certain foods.

    Red: Bright red poop usually signals bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, like haemorrhoids or other anal issues. It can also result from eating red-coloured foods like beets or tomatoes.

    While occasional changes in stool colour or consistency are usually harmless, there are certain signs that should raise concern. If you experience persistent black, red, or pale stools, especially accompanied by pain, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss, it may indicate a serious underlying condition such as gastrointestinal bleeding, liver disease, or infections. Consistent diarrhoea or constipation, along with other symptoms, may also require medical attention to rule out chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. National Fart Day 2025 Date in the US: Know Aim and Significance of the Annual Event That Helps in Breaking the Stigma Around Flatulence.

    National Poop Day serves as both a light-hearted and educational occasion to promote awareness of digestive health. Understanding the colours and consistency of stool can be a helpful way to monitor your health. While most changes in poop are not alarming, it’s essential to listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider if you notice troubling symptoms. Taking care of your digestive system through proper diet, hydration, and regular check-ups can help ensure a healthier, happier gut.

    (Disclaimer: This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 10, 2025 03:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).