As the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to make Florida the first state to remove school vaccine mandates, deep concern is spreading among doctors, parents and public health workers for the safety of children, their families and others who might be vulnerable in a disease outbreak.

They fear that dreaded diseases, held in check for decades by vaccines, could flare up again if too many people in Florida aren’t immunized. Here’s what to know about Florida’s plan:

DeSantis calls this ‘medical freedom’

While states traditionally follow federal guidance when it comes to vaccines, school mandates are set by state health departments. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced Wednesday that the health department would begin taking steps immediately to eliminate these mandates, calling them “immoral” intrusions on people’s rights that hamper parents’ ability to make health decisions for their children.

“We’re going to end it,” Ladapo said, without providing details or a timeline.

The Health Department also did not immediately respond to questions about other vaccine requirements, such as for certain workplaces. Many such requirements are enshrined in state law and would require legislative approval. DeSantis appointed Ladapo and his wife Casey DeSantis to a commission that’s drafting a broader “medical freedom” measure expected to be introduced in the next legislative session.

School nurses sound alarm

“If they’re able to go through with it, they’re just opening a door to a health crisis that’s 100 percent preventable,” said Lynn Nelson, president of the National Association of School Nurses.

Schools are a microcosm of society, and when students go home, they can bring diseases to vulnerable people such as infants and the elderly, Nelson said.

Measles, mumps and pertussis – also known as whooping cough — are among the preventable diseases Nelson is most concerned about if Florida’s plan succeeds. Measles, a highly contagious illness, can create life-threatening situations for infants and small children, she said.

“There are outbreaks all over the country right now, and they will spread in any state or community where the vaccine rate drops,” she said.

Florida already lags nation in vaccination rates

Even before Wednesday’s announcement, Florida lagged the rest of the United States when it came to kindergarteners being immunized for diseases like measles, mumps and rubella, with 88.7% immunized in 2025, compared to more than 92% nationwide, according to state and federal health statistics.

New religious exemptions to vaccines have also increased, to 6.4% among children age 5-17 years old, and as much as 15% in some counties, as of April 2025.

That’s according to the Florida Health Department’s monthly online “Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Report,” which was last updated on May 29. At the time, it showed cases of hepatitis A, whooping cough and chickenpox were increasing in Florida.

Why are vaccines needed?

Since the first safe and effective polio vaccine was released for use in the United States in 1955, vaccines have become a cornerstone of public health, keeping schoolchildren and adults safe from infectious diseases that had afflicted populations for centuries.

Timely and up-to-date required vaccinations “are essential to protecting school-age children, youth, and the public from preventable, serious infectious diseases,” according to a recent position paper from the National Association of School Nurses.

“Vaccine exemptions should be eliminated, except when necessary for validated medical contraindications,” the group said.

How could this affect Florida’s tourism industry?

It’s unclear how a decline in vaccinations might affect Florida’s top business – its $128 billion tourism industry. Florida is among the top U.S. destinations, with 143 million visitors last year.

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and other Orlando theme parks no longer require proof of vaccinations for employees, due to Florida laws passed in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that limit employers’ power to require such protection. Representatives for Disney and Universal didn’t respond to inquiries Thursday asking them about the potential impact of more unvaccinated children.

Florida also is home to a cruise line industry with a $24 billion economic impact, according the Cruise Lines International Association. Most cruise lines don’t have any vaccine requirements. But the CDC has recommended that passengers be vaccinated against COVID and the flu, and that they check which other vaccines may be recommended based on the countries they’re visiting.

Jeff Martin, Mike Schneider And Daniel Kozin, The Associated Press

Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced Thursday that he will resign, ending a three-year tenure marked by the freeze of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding by the Trump administration and heated criticism from House Republicans over the university’s response to campus protests.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Schill acknowledged those challenges directly.

“It is critical that we continue to protect the University’s research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity, and independence,” he said.

Northwestern emerged as a prominent target of President Donald Trump’s campaign to reshape elite colleges he has derided as hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. In April, the administration froze $790 million in federal funding for the school in Evanston, Illinois, which is among dozens of colleges that have been under investigation over claims they did not do enough to protect Jewish students during campus protests.

During the wave of pro-Palestinian protests in spring 2024, Northwestern drew ire from conservatives over an agreement it struck with demonstrators to take down their encampment. In exchange, Northwestern pledged to reestablish an advisory committee on university investments and other commitments.

Schill defended the arrangement during an appearance in May 2024 before a House committee investigating campus antisemitism.

“We had to get the encampment down,” Schill said. “The police solution was not going to be available to us to keep people safe, and also may not be the wisest solution as we’ve seen at other campuses across the country.”

Supporters of Israel and the administration officials have framed the protests at Northwestern and other schools as antisemitic and “pro-Hamas.” But people involved in the demonstrations reject that characterization. They say advocating for Palestinian human rights and territorial claims, or criticizing Israeli military action, is not antisemitic.

Schill will continue as president until an interim leader is chosen, Northwestern said. He also will work with the Board of Trustees on efforts to restore the university’s frozen federal funding, the school said.

___

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Annie Ma, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department urged a federal judge on Thursday to allow the immediate removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook while she fights to keep her job, dismissing as “baseless” Cook’s claim that the president is attempting to fire her so that he can seize control of the independent central bank.

Trump said he was firing Cook on Aug. 25 after one of his appointees alleged that she committed mortgage fraud related to two properties she purchased in 2021, before she joined the Fed. Cook is accused of falsely listing two properties as “primary residences.” Down payment requirements are often more lenient and mortgage rates lower for primary residences versus a second home or investment property.

In a filing in U.S. District for Washington D.C. this week, Cook’s lawyers argued that firing her was unlawful because presidents can only fire Fed governors “for cause,” which has typically meant inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance while in office. They also said she was entitled to a hearing and a chance to respond to the charges before being fired, but was not provided either. Attorneys said in the court filing that Cook never committed mortgage fraud.

Responding on Thursday, the Justice Department said the president has the discretion to fire Cook for cause and that his decisions cannot be reviewed by the courts.

The case could become a turning point for the 112-year old Federal Reserve, which was designed by Congress to be insulated from day-to-day political influence. Economists prefer independent central banks because they can do unpopular things like lifting interest rates to combat inflation more easily than elected officials.

Trump has repeatedly attacked Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the other members of the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee for not cutting the short-term interest rate they control more quickly.

Many economists worry that if the Fed falls under the control of the White House, it will keep its key interest rate lower than justified by economic fundamentals to satisfy Trump’s demands for cheaper borrowing.

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans say kids should be vaccinated to attend school. But as Florida plans to become the first state to eliminate childhood vaccine mandates, U.S. adults are also less likely to think these immunizations are important than they were several decades ago.

Routine childhood vaccine rates are falling, and fewer Americans – particularly Republicans – now say it’s extremely important for children to get vaccinated. Polling indicates that for the relatively small but influential group of Americans who oppose childhood vaccines, concerns about personal freedom and government influence are prominent.

Childhood vaccines prevent 4 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And they don’t just protect individuals; they create “herd immunity” in a community. This is when enough people have immunity to stop the uncontrolled spread of a disease. It keeps everyone safe by preventing outbreaks that can sicken the vulnerable.

Here’s what recent surveys show about views on childhood vaccines, and how they’ve shifted.

Americans broadly support vaccine mandates

Florida’s move is a significant departure from decades of public policy and research that has shown vaccines to be safe and the most effective way to stop the spread of communicable diseases.

It also runs largely counter to mainstream public opinion about vaccine requirements, although some polling suggests that U.S. adults are less likely to embrace vaccine mandates than they were several decades ago.

About 8 in 10 U.S. adults in a Harvard/SSRS poll from March said parents should be required to have children vaccinated against preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella to attend school, including majorities of Democrats and Republicans. And about 7 in 10 U.S. adults in a New York Times/Ipsos poll said healthy children should be required to be vaccinated because of the risk to others.

A 2024 Gallup poll found a narrower split, though, with about half of U.S. adults saying the government should require all parents to have their children vaccinated against contagious diseases such as measles, while just under half said the government should stay out.

That’s a dramatic shift from 1991, when another poll found that 81% of Americans said the government should require childhood vaccinations.

Republicans less likely to see vaccines as important

The drop in support for childhood vaccination requirements is driven mostly by Republicans. The 2024 Gallup poll found that most Republicans, 60%, oppose government vaccine mandates.

At the same time, Republicans are also less likely to see vaccines as important. In the Gallup survey, only about one-quarter of Republicans said it was “extremely important” for parents to get their children vaccinated, compared to about 6 in 10 Democrats.

The two parties began to diverge on the issue before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the gap widened substantially after 2019, when Republicans became much more likely to dismiss the importance of childhood vaccinations.

Slightly more than half of Americans were “extremely” or “very” concerned that more people choosing to not vaccinate their children against childhood diseases would lead to more outbreaks of infectious diseases, according to an AP-NORC poll from January, but Democrats were more concerned than Republicans or independents.

Many have heard false claims about the risks of vaccines

As prominent figures like Kennedy refuse to acknowledge the scientific consensus that childhood vaccines don’t cause autism, an April KFF poll shows that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults have heard or read the false claim that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, also known as the MMR vaccines, have been proven to cause autism in children.

About one-third have heard the false claim that getting the measles vaccine is more dangerous than becoming infected with measles, according to KFF.

Very few U.S. adults – around 5% – think each claim is “definitely true,” the poll found, but less than half say each is “definitely false,” with significant numbers expressing uncertainty.

Vaccine mandate opposition may be more about choice than safety

Another poll, though, suggests that concerns about parental rights may be playing a larger role than worries about safety.

The Harvard/SSRS poll from March found that among those who do not support routine childhood vaccine requirements, about 8 in 10 said a “major reason” for that opposition was that it should be the parents’ choice whether or not to vaccinate their child.

Many fewer vaccine opposers, 40%, said concerns about safety were a major reason.

Linley Sanders And Amelia Thomson-deveaux, The Associated Press

Lawmakers in Missouri are the latest to try to draw a new U.S. House map for the 2026 election that could improve the Republican Party’s numbers in Congress.

It’s a trend that began in Texas, at the behest of President Donald Trump, to try to keep GOP control of the House next year. California Democrats responded with their own map to help their party, though it still requires voter approval.

Redistricting typically occurs once a decade, immediately after a census. But in some states, there is no prohibition on a mid-cycle map makeover. The U.S. Supreme Court also has said there is no federal prohibition on political gerrymandering, in which districts are intentionally drawn to one party’s advantage.

Nationally, Democrats need to gain three seats next year to take control of the House. The party of the president typically loses seats in the midterm congressional elections.

Here is a rundown of what states are doing:

Missouri lawmakers hold a special session

A special session called by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe began Wednesday and will run at least a week.

Missouri is represented in the U.S House by six Republicans and two Democrats.

A revised map proposed by Kehoe would give Republicans a better chance at winning the seat held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver by stretching the Kansas City-based district into rural Republican-leaning areas.

Although Democrats could filibuster in the Senate, Republicans could use procedural maneuvers to shut that down and pass the new map.

Texas Democrats walked out but Republicans prevailed

Democratic state House members left Texas for two weeks to scuttle a special session on redistricting by preventing a quorum needed to do business. But after that session ended, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott quickly called another one — and Democrats returned, satisfied that they had made their point and that California was proceeding with a counter plan.

Republicans hold 25 of the 38 congressional seats in Texas. A revised map passed Aug. 23 is intended to give Republicans a shot at picking up five additional seats in next year’s elections. Abbott’s signature made the map final.

California Democrats seek to counter Texas

Democrats already hold 43 of the 52 congressional seats in California. The Legislature passed a revised map passed Aug. 21 aimed at giving Democrats a chance to gain five additional seats in the 2026 elections.

Unlike Texas, California has an independent citizens’ commission that handles redistricting after the census, so any changes to the map need approval from voters. A referendum is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Indiana Republicans meet with Trump about redistricting

Indiana’s Republican legislative leaders met privately with Trump to discuss redistricting while in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 26. Some also met with Vice President JD Vance.

Several Indiana legislators came out in support of a mid-cycle map change following the meetings. But others have expressed hesitation. It remains unclear if Indiana lawmakers will hold a special session on redistricting.

Republicans hold a 7-2 edge over Democrats in Indiana’s congressional delegation.

Louisiana Republicans looking at times for a special session

Louisiana lawmakers are being told to keep their calendars open between Oct. 23 and Nov. 13. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Oct. 15 over a challenge to the state’s congressional map.

Republican state Rep. Gerald “Beau” Beaullieu, who chairs a House committee that oversees redistricting, said the idea is to have lawmakers available to come back to work in case the Supreme Court issues a ruling quickly.

Republicans now hold four of Louisiana’s six congressional seats.

Ohio must redraw its maps before the 2026 midterms

Because of the way its current districts were enacted, the state constitution requires Republican-led Ohio to adopt new House maps before the 2026 elections. Ohio Democrats are bracing for Republicans to try to expand their 10-5 congressional majority.

Democrats don’t have much power to stop it. But “we will fight, we will organize, we will make noise at every step of the process,” Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde said.

New York Democrats try to change state law

New York, similar to California, has an independent commission that redraws districts after every census.

State Democrats have introduced legislation to allow mid-decade redistricting, but the soonest new maps could be in place would be for the 2028 elections. That is because the proposal would require an amendment to the state constitution, a change that would have to pass the Legislature twice and be approved by voters.

Maryland Democrats planning a response to Texas

Democratic state Sen. Clarence Lam has announced he is filing redistricting legislation for consideration during the 2026 session. Democratic House Majority Leader David Moon also said he would sponsor legislation triggering redistricting in Maryland if any state conducted mid-decade redistricting. Democrats control seven of Maryland’s eight congressional seats.

Florida’s governor pledges support for redistricting

Florida Republican state House Speaker Daniel Perez said his chamber will take up redistricting through a special committee. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has reiterated his support for the state to join the redistricting fray, calling on the federal government to conduct a new census count and claiming that the Trump administration should “award” the state another congressional seat.

Twenty of Florida’s 28 U.S. House seats are occupied by Republicans.

Kansas Republicans haven’t ruled out redistricting

Republican state Senate President Ty Masterson didn’t rule out trying to redraw the state’s four congressional districts, one of which is held by the state’s sole Democratic representative. The Legislature’s GOP supermajority could do so early next year.

A court orders Utah to redraw its districts

Utah Republicans hold all four of the state’s U.S. House seats under a map the GOP-led Legislature approved after the 2020 census. But a judge ruled Aug. 25 that the map was unlawful because the Legislature had circumvented an independent redistricting commission that was established by voters to ensure districts don’t deliberately favor one party.

The judge gave lawmakers until Sept. 24 to adopt a map, which could increase Democrats’ chances of winning a seat.

The Associated Press

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is before a congressional committee Thursday, where he is facing questions about the turmoil at federal health agencies.

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee has called Kennedy to a hearing about his plans to “Make America Healthy Again.” But the health secretary is being grilled over layoffs and planned budget cuts that detractors say are wrecking the nation’s ability to prevent disease.

Kennedy recently fired Susan Monarez, a longtime government scientist he installed as the CDC director for less than a month, and has sought to reshape the nation’s vaccine policies to match his long-standing suspicions about the safety and effectiveness of long-established shots.

Here’s the latest:

’When were you lying, sir?’

That’s what Sen. Tina Smith asked Kennedy, contrasting his assertion during confirmation that he wasn’t opposed to vaccines with his statements on a podcast that a safe and effective vaccine did not exist.

“Both things are true,” Kennedy said, attempting to say more before the Minnesota Democrat interrupted him. “No, actually I want you to listen to me,” Smith said, going on to say Kennedy had “stacked” a panel that makes vaccine recommendations.

Trump’s Fed nominee says he’d keep his White House job even if confirmed by the Senate

Stephen Miran, President Donald Trump’s pick to join the Federal Reserve board, said Thursday that he would remain a White House employee even if the Senate confirms him to fill an unexpired term as a governor for the central bank.

Miran, who was nominated to fill a term set to expire in January, made the disclosure at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.

He said he would instead take an “unpaid leave of absence” as chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers on the advice of his lawyers and would only resign from the administration if he were nominated for a longer term at the Fed.

Tillis wants clearer answers from Kennedy

How does Kennedy actually feel about Operation Warp Speed? How did he go from supporting his CDC director to firing her less than a month later? Is it true that every American can get a COVID booster if they want it?

Those are some of the questions that senators have repeatedly asked Kennedy throughout the hearing, but Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, still spent his time saying he wants clearer answers from Kennedy or his staff.

Tillis’ line of questioning emphasizes how many contradictions and muddled answers have come out of the hearing. Kennedy has repeatedly denied accusations and said senators were making things up as they grilled him for answers on his health care agenda.

Kennedy says ‘anybody can get the booster’ for COVID-19

While saying that anyone could get a booster shot, Kennedy also acknowledged that access “depends on the state.”

That came during an exchange with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who said Kennedy was contradicting promises made during his confirmation hearings that he wouldn’t restrict vaccine access.

“It’s not recommended for healthy people,” Kennedy went on.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has OK’d new shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax, but the approvals came with some new caveats. Until now, the U.S. — following guidance from independent experts who advise the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — has recommended yearly COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 6 months and older.

The question of who can get a shot is complicated for many people. The answer may depend on your age, laws and policies in the state where you live, insurance coverage and finding a health care professional who will give you the shot.

Ecuadorian president and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet in South American country

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Thursday thanked Rubio for the U.S. efforts to “actually eliminate any terrorist threat.”

His remark during a meeting with Rubio and Ecuadorian cabinet members came two days after the U.S. military struck a boat in the Caribbean the White House has said was carrying members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, which President Trump declared a terrorist organization earlier this year.

Rubio arrived in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, Wednesday after a stop in Mexico City.

Chicago suburb with processing center prepares for federal immigration operation

Leaders of a Chicago suburb where there’s a federal immigration processing center are telling residents that a Trump administration crackdown could last more than a month.

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said in a recent letter to residents that the suburb will serve as the main processing center for the operation and be open 7 days a week for 45 days.

She cites communication from federal officials. Officials in the village of about 8,000 people declined to elaborate Thursday, saying they’re focused on safety. Department of Homeland Security officials have also requested to use a Naval Station north of the city for logistical support.

Thompson says they’re talking to area businesses about expected protests and traffic disruptions.

Kennedy says no one knows how many Americans died from COVID. Here are the numbers

In an exchange with Sen. Mark Warner about how many Americans have died from COVID-19, Kennedy claimed nobody knows because of a lack of government data.

“I don’t think anybody knows that, because there was so much data chaos coming out of the CDC and there were so many perverse incentives,” he said.

But this data is easily accessible. Approximately 1.2 million Americans have died from the virus, according to both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Worth Health Organization.

Kennedy faces heated questions over limits to updated COVID shots

He deflected questions from Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan about recent changes limiting access to COVID-19 shots for healthy children and adults.

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID shots but only for seniors or younger people with underlying health risks. That’s sparked confusion and frustration from some Americans, including parents interested in vaccinating healthy children against the virus.

Many pharmacies are unwilling or legally barred from giving vaccines outside the uses endorsed by the FDA and other federal authorities.

Kennedy said drugmakers did not provide the FDA with studies showing their vaccines significantly benefited healthy children and adults. People can still get a shot with a prescription from their doctor, Kennedy added.

Memos released by the FDA last week show the agency’s top vaccine regulator, a Kennedy ally, overruled his staff in placing limits on COVID vaccines.

While opposed by many U.S. medical groups, the narrower criteria for seasonal shots mirrors many countries in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Cassidy, eyeing reelection, walks a fine line in questioning Kennedy

Sen. Bill Cassidy tried to strike a balance between his support for President Trump and his medical ideals. He praised Trump’s handing of COVID while suggesting Kennedy is making it more difficult for Americans to receive the vaccine.

The Louisiana Republican is already facing a crowded GOP primary field in his 2026 reelection bid. And after placing a key vote for Kennedy’s nomination, his questions were under particular scrutiny.

Cassidy, also a medical doctor, asked about Kennedy’s anti-vaccination stances. He also asked about members Kennedy has named to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunizations who’ve testified as expert witnesses in lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies who developed the COVID vaccine.

“I would say you seem more interested in settlements than science,” Cassidy said, ending his time with Kennedy by saying, “Effectively, you are denying people vaccines.”

Trump in ‘Coalition of Willing’ call tells Europe’s leaders to stop buying Russian oil, go after China

French President Emmanuel Macron and European leaders dialed up Trump after their hybrid talks on post-war security guarantees for Ukraine.

Trump during Thursday’s call told the leaders that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that’s funding the war, stressing Russia received €1.1 billion in fuel sales from the EU in one year, according to a White House official.

Trump also emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russia’s war efforts, according to the official, who wasn’t authorized to comment publicly about the private talks and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Macron said Thursday following the meeting that 26 of Ukraine’s allies have pledged to deploy troops as a “reassurance force” for the war-torn country once fighting ends in the conflict with Russia.

-Aamer Madhani

Republican senator and surgeon: ‘I’ve grown deeply concerned’

Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, an orthopedic surgeon, said he has “grown deeply concerned” that trust in vaccines could be in jeopardy under Kennedy’s leadership.

“If we’re going to make America healthy again, we can’t allow public health to be undermined,” he told Kennedy. “I’m a doctor. Vaccines work.”

Kennedy told Barrasso that Americans have lost faith in the CDC and pledged to make health recommendations “clear, evidence-based and trustworthy.”

Kennedy tells Hassan she’s ‘just making stuff up’

That’s what Kennedy told Sen. Maggie Hassan repeatedly after she accused him of restricting COVID-19 vaccines, while having applauded their initial development.

Over and over, Kennedy decried Hassan’s questions as “crazy talk” as the New Hampshire Democrat asked about why he “acted behind closed doors to overrule scientists” on vaccine access.

Last month, U.S. regulators approved updated COVID-19 shots but limited their use for many Americans — and removed one of the two vaccines available for young children. The new restrictions are a break from the previous U.S. policy, which recommended an annual COVID-19 shot for all Americans 6 months and up.

Kennedy’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein questioned

Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell asked Kennedy, who’s said he flew on the now-disgraced financier’s plane, what he thought about victims of Epstein who appeared on the steps of the Capitol this week to call for greater transparency into Epstein’s operation and demise.

“I don’t know about any women on the steps,” Kennedy told Cantwell, who tied critiques of the health secretary’s decision-making to his ties to Epstein, and called Kennedy a “charlatan.”

Earlier in the hearing, Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon criticized Kennedy for claiming he was “a protector of children” even though the secretary had said he had flown on Epstein’s plane “on multiple occasions.”

Kennedy touts ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 ‘therapeutics’

During his exchange with Cassidy, Kennedy noted that Trump pushed development of the COVID-19 vaccine, but said he also “promoted therapeutics like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine.”

The unproven treatments soared in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely among those skeptical of vaccines.

Ivermectin is an anti-parasite drug. Trump said he took hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug, to try to prevent COVID-19.

In repeated tests, neither drug has been shown to effectively prevent or treat COVID-19.

The District of Columbia sues over Trump’s deployment of the National Guard

The District of Columbia on Thursday sued to stop Trump’s deployment of the National Guard during law enforcement intervention in Washington.

The city’s attorney general, Brian Schwalb, said the hundreds of troops are essentially an “involuntary military occupation.” He argued in the federal lawsuit that the deployment is an illegal use of the military for domestic law enforcement.

A federal judge in California recently ruled that Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles after days of protests over immigration raids in June was illegal. The Republican administration is appealing that decision and Trump has said he is ready to order federal intervention in Chicago and Baltimore, despite staunch opposition in those Democrat-led cities.

That ruling, however, does not directly apply to Washington, where the president has more control over the Guard than in states.

▶ Read more about the Washington, D.C., lawsuit

Bennet and Kennedy engage in yelling match over upcoming vaccine recommendation review

Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, a Democrat, called attention to Kennedy’s appointments to a CDC vaccine advisory panel, many of whom have criticized vaccines and spread misinformation. The panel is scheduled for an upcoming review of recommendations for a series of common childhood vaccines.

“Should parents and schools in Colorado be prepared for more measles outbreaks as a result of that? How about more mumps outbreaks?” Bennet asked.

Kennedy said he didn’t anticipate a change to recommendations for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine but said he thinks parents should be able to “make their own choices.”

The back-and-forth soon escalated into verbal warfare, with Kennedy and Bennet screaming questions at each other and accusing the other of failing to answer.

“I’m asking the questions,” Bennet screamed. “This is not a podcast. It is the American people’s health that is on the line here.”

Cassidy says he’s approaching Kennedy questioning ‘as a doctor, not as a senator’

The Louisiana Republican opened by saying he felt Trump deserves a Nobel prize for Operation Warp Speed, then said Kennedy’s cancellation of $500 million in contracts related to the MRNA vaccine platform “seems inconsistent.”

Cassidy, who voted for Kennedy’s confirmation but admitted his skepticism of his qualifications at the time, requested his questioning time back as Kennedy repeatedly interrupted him.

Kennedy defends rural health care hospital effects in Republicans’ signature tax law. Here are the facts

“These institutions are not just delivering health access to rural Americans’ economic centers or cultural centers, those communities are often the largest employer,” Kennedy told Sen. Mike Crapo.

The HHS secretary responded that as a result of the Republicans’ signature tax and spending law “we’re infusing more than 50% increase in the amount of money that is going to rural communities,” calling it a significant investment.

Crapo contended the bill increased funding for rural hospitals.

The facts are more complicated.

Nonpartisan estimates say roughly 10 million people are expected to lose health insurance from the legislation. Most of those will lose Medicaid.

That will leave many hospitals with patients who can’t afford to pay for emergency services. The changes are expected to disproportionately impact rural areas, where as many as 1 in 4 Americans rely on Medicaid to pay for health insurance, particularly hard.

Wyden and Kennedy go into overtime

Wyden’s questioning of Kennedy went over the Democrat’s allotted time and had to be gaveled out by the panel’s chairman.

Wyden and Kennedy got into a heated exchange after the senator said the secretary “stacked the deck” of a vaccines committee, replacing scientists with “vaccine skeptics and conspiracy theorists.” Kennedy said his actions “got rid of the conflicts of interests” he said had pervaded such panels.

Kennedy also said he had support from scientists and doctors “all over the country.” Many of the nation’s leading public health and medical societies, including the American Medical Association, American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have decried Kennedy’s policies and warn they’ll drive up rates of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Kennedy claims people at the CDC ‘did not do their job’

Speaking on recent firings at the CDC, Kennedy called attention to a concern he often talks about — the chronic disease epidemic.

“That’s why we have to fire people at the CDC,” he said. “They did not do their job.”

He accused the recently ousted director Susan Monarez of lying in her Wall Street Journal op-ed on Thursday when she said she was pressured to preapprove the recommendations of his vaccine advisory panel.

Kennedy calls for ‘new blood’ at the CDC

Toward the end of his opening remarks, Kennedy said he wanted to address “the recent shakeups at CDC,” personnel changes he called “absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the world’s gold standard.”

Kennedy went on to describe COVID-19-era recommendations and policies he said were implemented “with no science and heightened economic inequality,” like school closures.

Last week, the Trump administration fired the agency’s director Susan Monarez. Several top CDC leaders resigned in protest, leaving the agency in turmoil.

A protestor decried Kennedy’s vaccine stances during the hearing

Just as Kennedy first mentioned vaccine safety standards during his opening remarks, a protestor in a wheelchair shouted at the secretary and challenged whether he understood current policy and research surrounding vaccine safety.

“You’re killing billions of people,” the protestor shouted at the back of the room as they were escorted out by Capitol Police.

Sen. Mike Crapo, the Finance Committee’s chair, warned other attendees from speaking out and disrupting order after the protestor’s removal.

As HHS Secretary, Kennedy has made a a string of decisions that have put the longtime vaccine critic’s doubts about shots into full effect at the nation’s health department.

Wyden tried – and failed – to force a formal swearing-in for Kennedy

As the hearing began, Wyden asked to have Kennedy formally sworn in as a witness, defying tradition, saying the HHS secretary has a history of lying to the Senate Finance Committee.

For example, Wyden said, Kennedy promised he would “do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking vaccines.” But under Kennedy, U.S. regulators have limited the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for many Americans.

Crapo denied Wyden’s request, saying despite partisan disagreements among the senators on the committee, “the bottom line is we will let the secretary make his own case.”

Kennedy makes remarks on Georgia officer killed in CDC shooting

Kennedy opened his remarks by expressing condolences for the family of David Rose, a law enforcement officer killed during the Aug. 8 shooting at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta.

A man opened fire outside the agency headquarters, leaving bullet marks in windows across the sprawling campus and killing Rose before being found dead in a nearby building.

Kennedy said he visited with Rose’s family and said he “remains in our prayers.”

Zelenskyy and European leaders hold call with Trump

European leaders took part in a hybrid “Coalition of the Willing” meeting about Ukraine on Thursday and then held a phone call afterward with Trump to update him on their work.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also took part in the call with Trump, according to a person familiar with planning for the call who was not authorized to comment publicly.

“They expressed the hope that the United States would continue to make a substantial contribution to the joint efforts to support Ukraine, formulate security guarantees, and shape a productive diplomatic process,” German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement following the meeting, which German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attended virtually.

Merz laid out three “areas of action,” including working toward a summit Zelenskyy would also participate in, and “a ceasefire must be agreed there.”

The White House did not offer any immediate comment.

— Jamey Keaten and Aamer Madhani

Wyden challenges GOP colleagues on their support of Kennedy

The Oregon Democrat asked his Republican Senate colleagues, “What line must Robert Kennedy cross before some of you will also join this alarm?”

Seeking that Kennedy step down, alternatively Wyden called on Trump to “fire him before more people are hurt.”

The hearing has begun

Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said each senator will get five minutes to question Kennedy. He said he expects a “spirited debate.”

That started right away. While Crapo touted the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, the Democratic ranking member, Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, argued Kennedy has prioritized “elevating junk science and fringe conspiracies.”

After entering hearing room, Kennedy greets senators, including Republican Bill Cassidy

Before taking his seat, Kennedy briefly greeted the assembled senators, including Cassidy, a physician eyeing reelection.

The Louisiana Republican’s support was critical to Kennedy’s confirmation, but the two-term senator did publicly express concern about his anti-vaccination positions before voting to confirm Kennedy. This week, Cassidy said he wanted to “carefully frame” his questions to Kennedy at Thursday’s hearing.

Kennedy arrives for Senate hearing

He was greeted by shouted reporter questions — as well as “We love you, Bobby” from supporters in the hallway — as he entered the Senate hearing room.

Kennedy did not answer questions but gave a wave before going inside.

Sen. Thom Tillis on RFK Jr. ahead of his appearance before a congressional committee

Asked if he has confidence in the health secretary, Tillis, a Republican on the committee, said he wants to hear from Kennedy in person.

“He’s got to reconcile what he said during his confirmation process with what we’ve seen over the past few months, particularly on vaccine policy,” Tillis said.

Former CDC director Susan Monarez speaks out after her firing

The longtime government scientist who ran afoul of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. penned a Wall Street Journal op-ed published Thursday in which she raises concerns about the way ahead for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following her ouster.

“Public health shouldn’t be partisan. Vaccines have saved millions of lives under administrations of both parties,” Monarez writes. “I was fired for holding that line. But the line doesn’t disappear with me. It runs through every parent deciding whether to vaccinate a child, every physician counseling patients, and every American who demands accountability.”

Monarez was fired and replaced on an acting basis by Kennedy’s top deputy, Jim O’Neill.

The White House said Monarez, who served for only 29 days, was “not aligned with” Trump’s agenda. Monarez’s lawyers said she refused “to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts.”

Melania Trump will address the White House task force on AI

The first lady will gather with members of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education and private sector leaders later today.

Trump’s made online protection of children a central part of her “Be Best” initiative. She said in a statement ahead of today’s meeting that she won’t be surprised if AI becomes the “greatest engine of progress” in U.S. history.

“But, as leaders and parents we must manage AI’s growth responsibly,” she added. “During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance. We are living in a moment of wonder, and it is our responsibility to prepare America’s children.”

GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, facing primary challengers, proceeds cautiously on CDC and RFK Jr.

Cassidy’s support was crucial to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. With firings and resignations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now prompting concern about a leadership breakdown at the nation’s leading public health agency, the Louisiana lawmaker and physician is in a tight spot.

The two-term senator — who publicly expressed concern about Kennedy’s anti-vaccination positions before voting to confirm him — has worried aloud about “serious allegations” at the CDC and has called for oversight, without blaming Kennedy.

But he was choosing his words carefully as he returned to Washington this week after the Senate’s August recess and was preparing to question Kennedy during a finance committee meeting scheduled for Thursday. Cassidy told reporters he hadn’t yet decided what to ask Kennedy, saying, “I want to carefully frame the question.”

▶ Read more about Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy

High-ranking Democrat says RFK Jr. must ‘answer to the public’

In a statement last week, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon — the highest ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee — said, “It is more imperative than ever that Kennedy answer to the public and their representatives about the chaos, confusion, and harm his actions are inflicting on American families.”

Kennedy’s track record as health secretary

In May, Kennedy — a longtime leader in the anti-vaccine movement — announced COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, a move opposed by medical and public health groups.

In June, he abruptly disbanded a panel of experts that had been advising the government on vaccine policy. He replaced them with a handpicked group that included several vaccine skeptics, and then shut the door to several doctors’ groups that had long helped form the committee’s recommendations.

The Associated Press