On Ending "The Gaza War"

I really hate that expression.  It's not "the war in Gaza", it's the war against Israel and the Jews.

That aside,  I agree with John Hinderaker's assessment of the "peace plan" that was announced yesterday.  You can't magically wave a wand over Gaza and make those Jew-haters suddenly want to be friends with Israel. The "Palestinians" have been brainwashed since birth to kill the Jews, and nothing will change that.

If they are willing to make peace, let them resettle into another Arab country, away from Israel.

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From Power Line: 

Peace In Our Time?

Posted on September 29, 2025 by John Hinderaker

"Today President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a joint press conference in which they announced a plan–Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”–that, according to the President, would not only end the war in Gaza:

I’m not just talking about Gaza. Gaza is one thing, but we’re talking about much beyond Gaza. The whole deal, everything getting solved. It’s called peace in the Middle East.

"Trump praised everyone from the King of Saudi Arabia (“a phenomenal person”) to President Erdogan of Turkey (“a friend of mine, strong man, but a good man”); apparently everyone in the region contributed to the deal that was announced today.

"I suspect that Netanyahu wants to bring the war to an end, mainly because of domestic pressures. He praised Trump as “the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House…it’s not even close.” He endorsed the Trump peace plan:

I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims. It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and its political rule, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.
***
Your plan is consistent with the five principles my government set for the end of the war and the day after Hamas. Everybody asked, What is your plan for the day after Hamas? Here’s our plan. Pass it in the cabinet. All our hostages, both those who are alive and those who died, all of them, will return home immediately. Hamas will be disarmed. Gaza will be demilitarized. Israel will retain security responsibility, including a security perimeter for the foreseeable future. And lastly, Gaza will have a peaceful civilian administration that is run neither by Hamas nor by the Palestinian Authority.

"The full text of the Comprehensive Plan is here. For the most part, its elements are predictable. The war ends; Israeli troops begin to withdraw; hostages, both living and dead, are returned within 72 hours; Israel will release more Hamas terrorists and others; aid will be sent to Gaza; Hamas members who put down their weapons will receive amnesty; there will be an economic development plan for Gaza.

"So what is new in the Comprehensive Plan? Gaza will be governed, on an interim basis, by a “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee,” supervised by “a new international transitional body, the ‘Board of Peace,'” headed by none other than Donald J. Trump. Tony Blair will also be a member. As Israeli forces are withdrawn, order will be maintained in Gaza by “a temporary International Stabilization Force” which will be formed by “Arab and international partners.”

"Hamas is to have no ongoing role in governing Gaza, and its terrorist infrastructure will be destroyed. There is nothing, of course, about a Palestinian state.

"One obvious catch is that Hamas has not agreed to the plan. If Hamas does not agree, or “if they supposedly accept it and then basically do everything to counter it,” Netanyahu vowed to complete that organization’s destruction. In that event, Trump said, “Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas.”

"Apart from Hamas’s real or apparent consent, there are obvious questions about the peace plan. Will the “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” not be another genocidal group? Will Trump’s “Board of Peace” actually have control over events? Will an international force, apparently drawn from Muslim countries, be willing or able to suppress the terrorist impulse that governs Gaza? Will Hamas’s infrastructure actually be destroyed, and Hamas disabled as a fighting force?

"The fundamental problem, in my opinion, is that the root of the evil is not Hamas, per se. The real problem is that Gaza’s sick culture, perverted religion and twisted educational system have produced a populace that is devoted to genocide above all else. Have two years of war taught the people of Gaza a lesson? Will there be a process in Gaza akin to the de-Nazification of Germany after World War II? Are Gazans really willing to lay down their arms and live normal lives?

"I don’t know, but I think an appropriately cautious answer is, I will believe it when I see it."

The Sickening Thought Of A "Palestinian" State

This powerful column is by Josh Hammer 9/29/25, as seen at the Hot Air blog:

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The Folly of 'Palestinian' Statehood
Josh Hammer 8:50 AM | September 29, 2025

"Four of America's nominally closest allies -- Britain, Australia, France and Canada -- disgraced themselves this week by recognizing a so-called Palestinian state. In so doing, these nations didn't merely betray the broader Western civilizational inheritance to which they lay claim. They also rewarded terrorism, strengthened the genocidal ambitions of the global jihad, and sent a bona fide chilling message: The path to international legitimacy runs not through the difficult work of building up a nation-state and engaging in subsequent diplomacy, but through mass murder, the weaponization of transnational institutions, and the erasure of historical truth.

"The Trump administration has already denounced this craven capitulation by our allies. There can be no recognition -- none whatsoever -- of an independent "Palestinian" state in the Levant. Such a recognition is an abdication not only of basic human decency but of national interest and strategic sanity.

"The global march toward recognition of an independent "Palestinian" state ignores not only decades of brutal facts on the ground but the specific tide of blood on which this latest surge sits. It was less than two years ago -- Oct. 7, 2023 -- that Hamas launched the most barbaric anti-Jewish pogrom since the Holocaust: 6,000 terrorists poured into Israel, massacring roughly 1,200 innocent people in acts of unconscionable depravity -- systematic rape, torture, beheadings, and kidnapping of babies. The terrorists livestreamed their own atrocities and dragged more than 250 hostages back to Gaza's sprawling subterranean terror dungeons, where dozens remain to this day.

"Many gullible liberal elites pretend that the radical jihadists of Hamas do not represent the broader Palestinian-Arab population, but that is a lie. Polls consistently show -- and anecdotal videos of large street crowds consistently demonstrate -- that Hamas and likeminded jihadist groups maintain overwhelming popularity in both Gaza and Judea and Samaria (what the international community refers to as the so-called West Bank). This is a radicalized population that deserves shame, scorn and diplomatic rebuke -- not fawning sympathy and United Nations red carpets.

"The "government" in Gaza is a theocratic, Iranian-backed terror entity whose founding charter drips with unrepentant Jew-hatred and whose leaders routinely celebrate the wanton slaughter of innocent Israelis as triumphs of "resistance." Along with the kleptocratic Palestinian Authority dictatorship in Ramallah, this is who, and what, G7 powers like Britain and France have decided to reward with an imprimatur of legitimate statehood.

"There is no meaningful "peace partner," and no "two-state" vision to be realized, amidst this horrible reality. There is only a sick cult of violence, lavishly funded from Tehran and eager for widespread international recognition as a stepping stone toward the destruction of Israel -- and the broader West for which Israel is a proxy.

"For decades, first-world Western leaders maintained a straightforward position: There can be no recognition of a "Palestinian" state outside of direct negotiations with Israel, full demilitarization, and the unqualified acceptance of Israel's right to exist in secure borders as a distinctly Jewish state. The move to recognize a "Palestinian" state at the United Nations torches that policy, declaring to the world that savagery and maximalist rejectionism are the currency of international legitimacy. By rewarding unilateralism and eschewing direct negotiation, these reckless Western governments have proven us international law skeptics right: The much-ballyhooed "peace process" agreements, such as the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, are not worth the paper they were written on.

"In the wake of Oct. 7, these nations condemned the massacre, proclaimed solidarity with Israel, and even briefly suspended funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, the bespoke Palestinian-Arab UN aid group, after myriad agency employees were found to have participated in the slaughter. Yet, under the relentless drumbeat of anti-Israel activism and diplomatic cowardice, they have now chosen to rehabilitate the Palestinian-Arab nationalist cause -- not after Palestinian leaders renounced terrorism, but while its most gruesome crimes remained unpunished, its hostages still languish in concentration camp-like squalor, and its leaders still clamor for the annihilation of Israel.

"President Donald Trump should clarify not only that America will not join in this dangerous, high-stakes charade, but that there could very well be negative trade or diplomatic repercussions for countries that recognize an independent "Palestinian" terror state. The reason for such consequences would be simple: Undermining America's strongest ally in the Middle East while simultaneously carving up yet another new terror-friendly Islamist state directly harms the American national interest. There is no American national interest -- none, zero -- in the creation of a new "Palestinian" state in the heart of the Holy Land. On the contrary, as the Abraham Accords peace deals of 2020 proved, there is plenty of reason to embolden Israel. Contra liberal elites, it is this bolstering of Israel that fosters genuine regional peace.

"The world must know: In the face of evil, America does not flinch, does not equivocate, and does not reward those who murder our friends and threaten the Judeo-Christian West. As long as the Jewish state stands on the front lines of civilization, the United States must remain at its side, unwavering, unbowed and unashamed. Basic human decency and the American national interest both require nothing less."

        To find out more about Josh Hammer and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Dr. Ruth's COVID & Health News 9/28/25

Below is the latest newsletter from Dr. Ruth Ann Crystal:

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COVID & Health News, 9/28/25 

"According to Michael Hoerger, as of 9/22/25, there are approximately 857,000 new COVID cases per day in the United States with every 1 in 57 people currently infected. On Saturday, he posted that many states in the Northeast have very high levels of COVID and that 1 in 18 people are currently infected with COVID in Connecticut. Per the CDC, “The percentage of COVID-19 laboratory tests that are positive and COVID-19 emergency department visits are declining.” But remember, 50% or more of transmission happens on the backside of a COVID wave, so it is important to continue with mitigations including masking with N95s or KN95s, testing for COVID especially before indoor events, and staying home when sick.

From: https://x.com/michael_hoerger/status/1971820189252759853

Variants

"XFG remains the top variant causing COVID infections, representing about 85% of US cases.

Acute COVID infections, General COVID info

"University of Hawaii researchers found the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein’s S2 subunit directly disrupts lung surfactant. This new finding may help us understand the root cause of severe breathing difficulties in COVID patients.

Pregnancy

"A study from Baylor College of Medicine finds that SARS-CoV-2 infection directly harms the placenta by increasing the formation of syncytial knots, damaging the endothelial lining and decreasing the expression of placental growth factor (PlGF). Some of these histological changes in infected placentas share features associated with preeclampsia. SARS-CoV-2 viral-induced damage to the placenta may be the underlying mechanism that increases the risk for preeclampsia-like symptoms in pregnant individuals with COVID.

Pediatrics

"Using EHR data from over 1.6 million American children and adolescents, the NIH RECOVER team found elevated rates of dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol) and elevated BMI after COVID infection compared to matched controls. Changes persisted for months after acute illness, raising concerns about long-term cardiometabolic risks in kids who have been infected with COVID. Pediatric cardiovascular follow-up and prevention are recommended.

"An overactive immune response in the gut, specifically involving the BTNL8 gene and gamma delta (γδ) T-cells in the intestines, was found to lead to a hyper-inflammatory state and is a common link between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) after COVID infection. Another inflammatory disease, Kawasaki Disease, may also be influenced by abnormal gut immunity, but the pathway has not been elucidated yet.

Antiviral treatments

"Scientists in Italy screened over 260,000 molecular compounds using advanced computing to discover four molecules that effectively shut down the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These molecules work by hitting the virus’s replication machinery called the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in two different places. The dual-site mechanism successfully blocked viral replication in experimental assays, thereby offering a foundation for developing highly potent antiviral agents. The most potent COVID blockers included rose bengal, venetoclax, and AKBA.

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Long COVID

"A RECOVER study of 2,956 people who had prior COVID infection on average 1.8 years prior showed that 66% of people who thought their sense of smell had returned to normal were actually still impaired. Younger women were most affected by occult reduction in sense of smell. The authors note that verified olfactory dysfunction is strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease and they suggest formal testing should become routine in post-COVID care. This study was performed in adults, but I wonder if children with multiple COVID infections could also have unrecognized loss of smell which is a sign of early neurodegenerative disease.

"Viral persistence of SARS-CoV-2 has been hard to show in saliva and stool samples. A new study shows that Long COVID symptoms appear to be linked to specific bacteria in our gut and mouth. In a University of Pittsburgh study of 349 individuals with Long COVID, oral and gut microbiota were linked to three distinct Long COVID symptom subphenotypes: 1) high symptom burden, 2) taste/smell disturbances, and 3) minimal symptoms. Participants with a high symptom burden showed lower microbial diversity. Specific microbial patterns were associated with symptoms like cognitive impairment, fatigue, and loss of smell suggesting that bacterial dysbiosis may contribute to the variability of Long COVID symptoms. “A Prevotella-enriched microbiome was associated with greater dyspnea severity and Bacteroides-dominant was linked to cognitive impairment risk.”

"An interesting point from the authors is that social determinants of health may affect what a person eats (fast food vs whole grains, fruits and vegetables) which can in turn affect the gut microbiome. Perhaps people in lower socioeconomic areas may be more susceptible to Long COVID because of gut microbiome dysbiosis related to what foods they have available to eat.

From: https://www.cell.com/iscience/pdf/S2589-0042(25)01889-9.pdf

"A study conducted by King’s College used microneurography to examine nerve function of 36 Long COVID patients. The researchers found that 88.9% of the patients had objective electrophysiological abnormalities in their peripheral C fibers, which are a type of unmyelinated small nerve fiber. “Postganglionic sympathetic [nerve] fibers also showed abnormal recovery cycles with a lack of supernormality, suggesting impaired neuronal homeostasis.” These findings provide new evidence that peripheral nerve dysfunction may be a contributing factor to the wide range of symptoms seen in Long COVID patients including neuropathic pain and orthostatic intolerance, which aligns with previous research on small nerve fiber loss in these individuals.

"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced new initiatives to improve care for individuals with Long COVID, including a public awareness campaign and an online platform for healthcare professionals to share clinical insights.

Government Health News

"The Trump administration has proposed a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, which would sharply reduce the number of foreign physicians entering the United States for residency and for staff positions. Given that approximately 10,000 out of 43,000 medical residency spots are currently filled by H-1B holders, this fee up from under $5,000, cannot be absorbed for residents who typically earn around $55,000.

"On Monday, President Trump made false claims about acetaminophen (Tylenol) in pregnancy and repeated the long-debunked link between vaccines and autism. Medical experts condemned his remarks as irresponsible, with NYU bioethicist Art Caplan calling it “the saddest display of a lack of evidence” by a leader. In contrast, a large Swedish sibling-control study of 2.5 million children, published in JAMA (4/9/24), found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also reaffirmed acetaminophen’s safety and importance for treating fever, pain, and pregnancy complications. On Friday, Mr. Trump posted similar medical fallacies on his social media.

"On Thursday, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens announced that she will introduce articles of impeachment against HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.

"In an address to the United Nations on Tuesday, 19-year-old Violet Affleck gave an important speech about the importance of clean air and masking to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. She said, “We [youth] are told by leaders across the board that we are the future … But when it comes to the ongoing pandemic, our present is being stolen right in front of our eyes.” “For adults, the relentless beat of ‘back to normal,’ ignoring, downplaying, and concealing both the prevalence of airborne transmission and the threat of Long COVID manifested in a series of choices. Young people lacked both real choice in the matter and information about what was being chosen for us.” “At this point, the whole population is the control group, and after only five years, Long COVID has surpassed asthma as the most common chronic illness in children.”

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Measles

"As of September 23, 2025, there have been a total of 1,514 confirmed measles cases reported in the United States, with 12% of cases hospitalized (185 of 1514) and 3 confirmed deaths from measles.

Other news

"Vaccines do not just protect us against infectious diseases. New data from large-scale studies shows that four vaccines, Influenza, Shingles, RSV, and Tdap, are linked to a lower risk of dementia. Keeping up with routine immunizations may be a simple, proactive measure for supporting long-term brain health in older adults.

"A new review looks at new and future treatments for Type I diabetes. Researchers highlight three major breakthroughs: the use of immunotherapy to delay disease onset, advancements in stem cell therapies for beta-cell replacement, and improvements in automated insulin delivery systems. These innovations may eventually move beyond managing symptoms to addressing the root cause of the disease, offering new hope for those living with the condition.

"A meta-analysis of 21 studies found that probiotics can improve brain function in people of all ages, but the specific benefits vary by age group. Probiotics were shown to improve memory, processing speed and spatial ability in older adults, executive function in infants and children, and verbal ability in young adults. Often the positive effects of probiotics on cognition require taking them for 6 months in infants and children and for at least 3 to 4 months in older adults. Probiotics and a gut-healthy diet may be a powerful way to support brain health throughout life.

"A new gene therapy developed by researchers at University College London has successfully slowed the progression of Huntington’s disease by 75% in a clinical trial. This one-time surgical treatment works by halting the production of the toxic protein that kills brain cells, a groundbreaking step for a condition that has been incurable. This remarkable advance offers real hope that people who carry the Huntington’s gene could one day live without ever experiencing symptoms.

"It is Fat Bear Week with people voting for their favorite big bear. Brown bears from the Katmai National Park in Alaska bulk up to provide energy for winter hibernation by eating up to 30 salmon a day. You can vote for your favorite semi-finalist bear on Monday (9/29/25) and for the finalists on 9/30/25 at FatBearWeek.org.

"Have a great week,

"Ruth Ann Crystal MD"

NO To A "Palestinian" State!

Great analysis from columnist Michael Goodwin in the 9/27/25 New York Post.  Why would Israel want a state for a neighbor that hates and murders Jews and wants to destroy Israel? It would be October 7 every day.

You want a "Palestinian" state?  Create it in Iran. At least that's not right next door to Israel.

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Netanyahu’s message to the UN is clear — Israel cannot be forced to destroy itself with a Palestinian state

"There were many memorable passages in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s defiant speech to the United Nations Friday, but for clarity of purpose and strength of resolve, this one stands out: “You will not shove a Palestinian state down our throats. We will not commit national suicide because you are weak.” 

"As he threw down the gauntlet in the vast hall, Netanyahu unfortunately was speaking mostly to empty chairs. The UN has become such a cesspool of antisemitism that most delegates couldn’t be bothered to listen to the Israeli prime minister’s argument. 

"Forget their stated objections, the real reason the diplomats fled is that they can’t stomach a strong Israel. Most are quislings, as illustrated by their mad rush to create a Palestinian state. 

"Netanyahu rightly said that many so-called leaders are acting out of fear of their domestic populations, especially those in Europe who are faced with large surges of Muslim immigrants. 

"As he put it, “When the going got tough, you caved. Instead of fighting the terrorists who murdered many of your citizens, you are fighting us.” 

"He’s also right that several previous Israeli leaders offered Palestinians a state of their own, but were met with rejection and ramped up violence in Jerusalem and elsewhere. 

"The bloody pattern converted many of Israel’s legions of peace­niks into hawks who favor strong borders and a superior military capable of defeating all Arab and Muslim regional forces. 

"A twin realization is that the so-called two-state solution is really a delusion until Palestinian society is committed to living in peace with the Jewish state. The popularity of Hamas and groups like it are proof that the time has not yet come. 

No partner for peace 

"A favorite saying among many Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, is that “We don’t have a partner for peace.” 

"Still, if the prime minister had come to the UN to apologize for defending his people against terrorists and pledged to make peace with the people who aim to eliminate Israel, Netanyahu would have been cheered and hailed as a peacemaker. 

"Make that the peace of the grave for Jews, which seems to be a fine idea for much of the world. 

"Indeed, most media accounts of the speech emphasized that the empty hall symbolized how isolated Israel has become on the global stage. 

"The implied reason is that Israel’s policies are to blame. The twisted logic is that the Jewish state is carrying out a war of choice in Gaza, as if Oct. 7 never happened. 

"The inference among many Westerners who have surrendered their laws and culture is that Israel must somehow learn to live with people who say the only good Jew is a dead Jew. 

"The speech came just before what is shaping up as another big push by the Trump White House for a deal to end the war in Gaza and secure release of the hostages, both living and dead. The terms are to be outlined at a Monday meeting between President Trump and Netanyahu. 

“It’s looking like we have a deal,” the president said recently. In a Truth Social post Friday night, Trump said negotiations had been underway for days and that “There is more Goodwill and Enthusiasm for getting a Deal done, after so many decades, than I have ever seen before. Everyone is excited to put this period of Death and Darkness behind them . . . We must get the Hostages back, and get a PERMANENT AND LONG­LASTING PEACE!” 

‘After the fighting ends’ 

"Some aides are promoting the idea that Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, would take a role overseeing Gaza after the fighting ends. 

"Ah, the magic words — after the fighting ends. When will that be and who will make it happen? 

"As we approach the second anniversary of the bestial Oct. 7 slaughter, there is no public sign that Hamas is ready to give up its guns. Nor is there a chance in heaven or hell that Israel would withdraw from Gaza until Hamas disarms and the hostages are ­released. 

"Even though the Israeli public is divided and exhausted, Netanyahu would see his tattered standing plunge to rock bottom if he ever endorsed anything less. 

"Even though most of the world has forgotten, Israelis recall that a parade of the death cult’s leaders have said they would repeat the horrors of Oct. 7 again and again if given the chance. 

"All of which makes me deeply skeptical that peace is at hand. I don’t believe either side is ready to give sufficient ground to satisfy the other. 

"Ironically, among the obstacles is the push for a Palestinian state, presumably including and centered on Gaza. 

"Trump was correct months ago when he said that pushing for such an entity now was effectively rewarding Hamas for its terror. 

"Yet France, Great Britain, ­Canada, Australia, Portugal and others joined the stampede, which rewards Hamas and encourages it to keep fighting. 

"Look at it this way: If Hamas held out under Israel’s ferocious barrage for nearly two years, why would it lay down its arms just when it’s largely being given much of what it demanded and fought for all along? 

"In fact, were the terror leaders to surrender their guns and the hostages, they would be giving up all their bargaining power. 

"And if they left Gaza, where in the world would they be safe from Israeli agents? If Israel could drop a bomb on the bedroom of Hezbollah’s leader and blow up the pagers of thousands of the terror group’s fighters, Hamas’ butchers would find no safe haven. 

No leadership 

"Additionally, the Trump plan reportedly envisions some sort of multinational force to keep the peace. 

"Where such a force would come from is not clear, nor is it likely that Israel would entrust its security to forces from any nation pushing for a Palestinian state. 

"There is also the issue of a day-to-day civil governing authority, which would be a necessary mid-point between the public and the Blair group, which would be ­focused on long-range strategic ­issues, including rebuilding. 

"Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel would never accept the leadership of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. 

"The PA maintains civil control over much of the West Bank and is led by Mahmoud Abbas, who is notoriously corrupt and ineffective

"Now in the 20th year of a four-year term, he is wildly unpopular among most Palestinians and ­Israelis. 

"He lost control of Gaza in 2005 when most residents there chose Hamas in elections and there is no desire for him to return. And ­Hamas would not likely cede its rule to him. 

"None of this is to say that peace should not be given a chance. But there will be no peace if Hamas has any role in post-war Gaza."

Bibi Fights Back in His Great U.N. Speech

I watched and applauded Netanyahu's typically powerful United Nations address today, but unfortunately his words never seem to have any impact whatsoever on his enemies, or on the "Free Palestine" radicals in America who think Israel and the U.S. are the enemies. 

This line alone was extremely vivid, as reported by The Times of Israel:

Netanyahu at UN slams gutless Western leaders ‘insanely’ recognizing Palestine: ‘Like giving Al-Qaeda a state 1 mile from NYC after 9/11’

A Take On Political Violence, From The Babylon Bee

I just love the Babylon Bee -- their take on the news is more honest than the actual news reporting. (Also, notice Hillary's new face!)

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Hillary Says We All Must Stop Pointing Fingers, As We All Know The Republicans Are To Blame

Politics · Sep 25, 2025 · BabylonBee.com 

 

"NEW YORK, NY — While appearing on MSNBC's Morning Joe, former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton called for unity amidst the onslaught of political violence, saying, "We must all stop pointing fingers, as we all know the Republicans are to blame."

"Despite having no official capacity in modern politics, Clinton appeared on Morning Joe to rally Americans around a common goal: blaming Republicans for everything.

"Let's just say it, white men of a certain persuasion, certain religion, certain point of view, certain ideology, are literally destroying America," Clinton told host Joe Scarborough. "Why are we bickering amongst ourselves when Republicans are allowed to walk freely? It's time to stop demonizing both sides and pointing fingers and instead demonize and point fingers at Republicans."

"Scarborough appeared to shift uncomfortably in his seat during the broadcast because he is, in fact, a white man. However, Clinton said he would be spared from the coming extermination because he is no longer a Republican. "Am I not merciful?" she said, offering her hand for Scarborough to kiss.

"Co-host Mika Brzezinski pushed back on Clinton's earlier statement that Republicans were to blame for all political violence and said point-blank, "It sounds like you're advocating violence." To which Clinton answered, "At this point, what difference does it make? We can only turn down the temperature of our rhetoric by completely eradicating white conservative Christian men from existence."

"At publishing time, the media said the cause for the ongoing rise in political violence was still unknown."

Vaccines Work, and RFK Jr. Ought To Resign

One thing I have never understood is why Trump hasn't spoken more about his great accomplishment of Operation Warp Speed, which provided the COVID vaccine in record time.  Dr Faust mentions this achievement in his column, below.

From Dr Jeremy Faust at Inside Medicine 9/25/25:

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Democrats Should Use the Impending Government Shutdown to Force RFK Jr.'s Resignation.  An impending government shutdown presents an opportunity. This is the best way to leverage that.

"The United States federal government is about to run out of money. If Congress does not pass a spending bill—or a short-term continuing resolution that keeps money flowing temporarily—there will be a federal government shutdown this coming Tuesday.

"Moments like these are rare opportunities for the party that is not in control of Congress. As The New York Times described it, “passing a government spending bill that can win the necessary 60 votes depends on attracting at least a small amount of Democratic support. That will require bipartisan negotiation, an art that has been fading steadily on Capitol Hill and has so far been lost altogether during Mr. Trump’s second term.”

"In other words, Democrats have some leverage here. How should they use it?

"So far, I’ve heard the usual fantasies, which boil down to using the threat of a shutdown to convince the other side to abandon its most cherished projects.

"Try as they might, Congressional Democrats are not going to get their Republican counterparts to get religion on, say, reversing $1 trillion in cuts. But there’s something that Democrats can do. They can make the Republicans an offer they can’t refuse.

"Congressional Democrats should make an uncharacteristic offer to support some deep cuts enumerated in the recent House and Senate markups of the appropriations bill for the coming fiscal year. In exchange, they should require that President Trump fire HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, or accept his prompt resignation.

"Democrats should consider including some extraordinary deep cuts proposed in President Trump’s requested budget, floated earlier this year, cuts that were so extensive that neither chamber of Congress included them in their recent versions of the spending bill. To be clear, these cannot be superficial concessions, but must instead be impressive enough to get Republicans’ attention. These cuts must be carefully chosen, but they would have to be significant enough that, absent the offer, many or most of the included proposals would be likely to die during the negotiation process otherwise. That’s the only way to get their attention. Remember, without a deal like this, many of these cuts are likely to eventually happen anyway.

"This deal would be worth it for both sides. Whether President Trump realizes it or not, this deal would indeed be to his longterm advantage. Secretary Kennedy poses a singular, unique threat to President Trump’s primary legacy from his first term, Operation Warp Speed, the successful effort that led to effective vaccines against Covid-19 in months, instead of years. Trump’s leadership on Covid-19 vaccines in 2020 saved hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of American lives.

"However, since his confirmation as health secretary, Kennedy has taken several steps that could destroy Trump’s vaccine legacy. He has spread falsehoods about the vaccines, including that they are the most dangerous vaccines ever created. He has canceled hundreds of millions of dollars in research that could prevent another pandemic or end the emergency phase of one sooner.

"Secretary Kennedy also poses a unique threat to President Trump’s legacy in his second term, too, something the President may not yet recognize. By attacking our nation’s vaccine infrastructure—by dismantling the rigorous and transparent process that ensures that our policies are firmly rooted in the best-available totality of the science, and by paving the way for actions that may scare vaccine manufacturers off the market—Kennedy is risking the lives of millions of American children. If more measles outbreaks occur as a result of decreased vaccine uptake, the attendant increases in severe pediatric illnesses and deaths will squarely be Trump’s responsibility.

"Kennedy’s inability or refusal to understand the way science actually works is also starting to create self-defeating optics for the administration, including the bizarre spectacle of the President of the United States repeatedly yelling “Don’t take Tylenol” from behind a podium at the White House. (The FDA had to walk back some of what was said at that press event.) This unforced error—trying to pin increased rates of autism on Tylenol use during pregnancy when the evidence on this is far from certain—is likely to backfire for the President in many ways. First, millions of Americans will feel incorrectly shamed for having taken a medication that is safe and effective. In fact, the medication may actually contribute to lower rates of autism in pregnant women who take it to treat fevers. The “precautionary principle” invoked by the President’s FDA Commissioner is therefore not applicable here. Second, the complete abandonment of norms in developing public health policy might someday cause the President’s opposition to embrace a similar style when they are in control. While an eye-for-an-eye approach would not be the ideal response (a return to the commitment to rely on rigorous, settled science would be), it’s easy to imagine that that’s where we’re headed. No one is served by this, short-term victories notwithstanding.

"President Trump can end these threats to our nation’s public health by requesting Secretary Kennedy’s immediate resignation. This would also be a gift to Republicans, many of whom sense that Kennedy’s damage will soon be unpopular.

"Yes, Kennedy’s replacement will have to pass Senate confirmation. But this time, the Senate will not be so easily fooled by false assurances, the fate that befell Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a pro-vaccine physician, who was bamboozled into offering the last-minute support Kennedy’s successful nomination needed.

"The 20th century was the first one in which surviving childhood became the norm. Life-saving vaccines were a big part of that achievement. Equally important, though, is our national vaccine infrastructure, which is what assures that people can receive them. Removing threats to access to vaccines—threats introduced by Secretary Kennedy—matters more than almost anything in the 2026 spending bills. Congressional Democrats should be willing to swallow a bitter pill on some cuts if it means a generation of children will be guaranteed the protection offered by vaccines."

More Anti-I.C.E. Violence

This morning I saw the aftermath of that violent shooting at an I.C.E. facility in Dallas.  It appears that the gunman mistook the illegal aliens for I.C.E. agents when he fired and then killed himself.  It wasn't a surprise that the shell casings were inscribed with anti-I.C.E. messages.

(I couldn't help noticing that the I.C.E. facility was located on Stemmons Freeway, which of course brought me think of the assassination of JFK)

I'd like to know when our brave police and I.C.E. agents finally get the kind of sympathy and protection that illegal aliens have received.

------------------------------

Live updates: 2 dead, another in critical condition after Dallas ICE facility shooting; Officials said that the three people shot at the Texas field office are ICE detainees, and no ICE officers were hurt. The suspect was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Unconcerned About COVID

It always amazes me when I read about people's blasé attitude toward COVID and their loathing for face masks. Even now, I think they'd rather get COVID than wear a mask!

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'People are a lot more cavalier about the virus': COVID is rising as attitudes ease
Meg Trogolo, Worcester Magazine, 9/23/25

"It’s been more than five years since Worcester battened down the hatches to ride out the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s been more than four years since the first COVID vaccines rolled out in early 2021, a miraculous feat of science and international teamwork given the short amount of time it took.

"If you look around on public transit or on a trip to the grocery store, no one stands 6 feet apart. Masks are almost nowhere in sight. For the most part, it’s like you’re back in 2019.

"Dr. Michael P. Hirsh, medical director at the City of Worcester Division of Public Health, says that’s not a sign that COVID has left us, but a symptom of indifference to a virus that is on the rise once again.

“I think there's been so much misinformation about the vaccination process and the dangers of COVID that there are a lot of people saying, 'What the heck, I've gotten it twice before and nothing happened,'” Hirsh said. “People are a lot more cavalier about the virus.”

"As Hirsh sees it, a cavalier attitude is a dangerous thing to have at a time when COVID numbers are once again rising, vaccination rates have dropped and the federal Center for Disease Control, under the anti-vaccine Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., no longer recommends the yearly COVID shot for much of the population.

A rapid rise in COVID cases

"The city Division of Public Health gathers COVID data from plenty of sources, including monthly reports from city public health staff and weekly data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

"Although current strains are not causing as many hospitalizations as previous strains, Hirsh said, they are still spreading, they still have the potential to do significant damage to anyone at high risk, and they also come with an extremely painful “razor blade” sore throat.

“Because I'm on staff with the UMass hospital system, I get a lot of intel from my friends in the emergency department, to get a feeling of how many people are showing up in the emergency room with respiratory ailments,” Hirsh said. “So far, COVID numbers are going way up.”

"In Hirsh’s observation, recently, many people who come down with a cough or a fever aren’t even calling their doctors or testing for COVID-19 at home. That lack of communication is causing COVID infections to go undocumented unless the infected person needs medical attention for something else.

“Most people that are presenting to the emergency room are getting tested because they mention having respiratory symptoms as part of a questionnaire, but they came in for something else,” Hirsh said. “They test, and incidentally, they have COVID, too.”

"In addition, multiple departments in the UMass hospital system are researching “long COVID” in patients who developed brain or lung problems after getting the virus, which Hirsh said is “a real phenomenon.”

A look at recent numbers

"The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tracks COVID-19 infection rates throughout the state using samples of wastewater from municipal water systems across the state, and every two weeks, it updates a public 'dashboard' website with the results of those samples.

“Wastewater data can provide an early warning about increasing cases since virus will show up in wastewater several days, maybe even a week, before positive test numbers start to increase,” the website states.

"One of the wastewater treatment plants where public health workers take samples is the Upper Blackstone Clean Water facility in Millbury, which covers all of Worcester and large areas of Auburn, Holden, Millbury, Rutland, Sutton and West Boylston.

"The state measures COVID levels using copies of the virus per liter of wastewater, and as September began, the level in the Upper Blackstone Clean Water samples more than doubled in just 10 days — from about 805,000 copies per liter on Sept. 1 to about 2.16 million copies per liter on Sept. 10.

"Those numbers indicate that COVID levels have soared in the past three months, as some samples from July contained less than 100,000 COVID copies per liter — less than 1% of the Sept. 10 level.

Keeping ourselves, and each other, safe

"So how can Worcesterites protect ourselves, and by extension each other, from getting sick? Hirsh says there are two effective options.

"The first of those options is getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine for 2025-2026, which is available to anyone who wants it in pharmacies throughout Massachusetts, though not without a fight.

"At the beginning of September, Kennedy’s CDC chose not to recommend this year’s COVID vaccine for some groups of people, which limited access to the shots in Massachusetts.

"On Wednesday, Sept. 17, Gov. Maura Healey and the state Department of Public Health responded by releasing Massachusetts’ COVID vaccine guidelines for the year, allowing anyone in the state to receive this season’s shot.

"Hirsh said not only does the vaccine help prevent infections, the limited research on long COVID that has been done so far indicates that vaccines may also lower the risk of developing long-term issues after getting the virus.

“I think it's great there will be very few problems getting the vaccine if you want it,” Hirsh said.

"The second of those options is more conspicuous, and one that may draw attention from strangers trying to block out their memories of lockdown: masking up.

"What Hirsh has observed in Worcester since March 2020 is that the more people wear masks at large events and indoor public spaces, the more likely they are to stay safe from not only COVID but other lung infections, too.

“The winter of 2020 to 2021, when most people were complying with mask recommendations, we saw almost no flu or RSV infections,” Hirsh said. “In 2022, when that mask recommendation was lifted, we had a huge surge which we called the 'triple-demic.' It was RSV, flu and COVID all at once.”

"Though it doesn’t always feel good when the loops on an N95 mask are pulling on your ears, Hirsh said the protection you gain when you wear one is more than worth it.

“I know it's an annoying feeling. I was a pediatric surgeon for 40 years, so I wore a lot of masks in the operating room,” Hirsh said. “Masks work. There's no doubt in my mind.”

Rewarding Terrorists With Their Own State

This is yet another excellent column by Brendan O'Neill from Spiked.  He never minces words. This "recognizing a Palestinian state" is appeasement of the worst kind.

There is NO "two-state solution", and Hamas should be totally destroyed. If the 'Palestinians' want their own state, they should go elsewhere, as far away from Israel as possible.

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Keir Starmer has emboldened the enemies of humanity. The world leaders ‘recognising Palestine’ are betraying the Jewish nation and the West itself.

By Brendan O'Neill, September 22, 2025 

"If you want a state, kill some Jews. That’s the sick message Sir Keir Starmer has just broadcast to the world. He says his recognition of a State of Palestine while Hamas continues to hold half-starved Jews in its dank tunnels and still dreams of annihilating the Jewish State is not a ‘reward for terror’. He isn’t fooling anyone, possibly not even himself. Somewhere in the recesses of what remains of his moral sensibility, even he must know that bestowing legitimacy on a ‘state’ part-ruled by a neo-fascist militia is an act of lethal cowardice that benefits no one but the neo-fascists.

"Starmer made his Palestine statement in true neo-imperial style. In a glossy video message, he said his act of recognition is an attempt to counter the ‘growing horrors’ in Gaza and to ‘keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution’. The Foreign Office has already updated its maps of Israel and the Palestinian Territories to reflect the PM’s decree that a State of Palestine should exist. Do these people think it’s still the 1920s and puffed-up ministers in London’s opulent offices of state have the ‘right’ to redraw the map of the Middle East as they see fit?

"The most maddening part of Starmer’s Palestine posturing is his claim that this is about ‘keeping alive’ the hope of peace. That was also said by the other states that recognised Palestine yesterday: Australia, Canada and Portugal. Their imperious arrogance is outdone only by their geopolitical obliviousness. The idea that it assists peace to give an army of anti-Semites what it wants less than two years after it slaughtered more Jews in one day than anyone else since the Nazis is preposterous. In truth, it emboldens the enemies of humanity, the neo-medieval murderers of Hamas and their allies in the regressive Islamist project, by telling them that butchery works. Mass murder brings benefits. Rape a Jew, get a nation.

"Starmer criticised Hamas, calling it a ‘brutal terror organisation’. He said it can play ‘no role’ in this State of Palestine the aloof leaders of the West think they can magick up with grand talk. He can have as many pops at Hamas as he likes. It will do nothing to alter the galling truth that, objectively, in a truly material sense, he has handed a victory to this genocidal terror outfit founded with the express intention of destroying the Jewish nation. During a time of unforgiving war between the Jewish State and a militia of Jew-killers, he has taken action that directly boosts the moral fortunes of the latter. Shameful doesn’t cover it.

"Hamas itself recognises this. ‘Hamas claims victory after Starmer hands out a “prize for terrorism”’, says the front page of today’s Daily Mail. This follows Hamas’s gloating over Starmer’s ‘prize’. Starmer’s statement is ‘a victory for Palestinian rights and the justice of our cause’, the terrorists said. And it will ‘send a clear message’ to Israel, they crowed. Hamas refers to Western leaders’ recognition of a State of Palestine as ‘one of the fruits of 7 October’. This will be your legacy, Sir Keir: you gifted ‘fruit’ to the mass killers of Jews. You pleased the men who beat Shani Louk to death by assenting to one of their aims. You brought a smile to the faces of fascists.

"It’s this simple: if you take action that isolates the Jewish State and delights its murderous foes, then you have forfeited your right to be considered a serious leader or even a moral person. This isn’t about whether we think there should be a Palestinian state in the future. It’s not about whether people think the two-state solution is still a goer or is dead in the water courtesy of Hamas’s fascistic pogrom. That debate will continue. No, it’s about the fact that, right now, a bloody war is raging between the Jewish nation and the Jews’ enemies, and what our leaders do and say in that moment really matters. It impacts on the battlefield over there and on the political future here.

"In his statement, Starmer raged against Israel as well as pleasing Hamas. He slammed Israel’s ‘relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza’. Its actions are ‘utterly intolerable’, he said, and they ‘horrif[y] all of us’. To shame and ridicule an ally as it fights an existential war against the racist militia that invaded its lands and killed its people – what an ignominious new low in British foreign policy. This is surely the most morally abject foreign-policy decision a British prime minister has made since Chamberlain. The nations of the world now know: if you are invaded and pillaged by a 6,000-strong army of terrorists, if your women are raped and your people are murdered, Britain will not have your back. Britain will betray you.

"For Starmer to lay into Israel and please Hamas is an act of geopolitical suicide. It harms us as well as our one-time friends in the Jewish State. Violent Islamism is a menace across Europe. Anything that appeases these dreamers of a Caliphate, these soldiers of bigotry who long to punish ‘infidels’, is a calamity for the West, too. Starmer has exposed the soft, yellow underbelly of our own lost and timorous societies, unwittingly inviting other Islamists to seek ‘fruit’ from acts of violence. To advertise one’s penchant for appeasement in an era of profound moral and physical conflict is a folly of incalculable proportions.

"Just who is Starmer speaking for when he decrees a new State of Palestine should exist? It’s not ordinary Brits. A new poll has found that nearly nine in 10 Britons oppose the recognition of Palestine without conditions. They clearly see the risk and the lunacy of giving a state to a terror army before it has released the Jews it kidnapped and laid down the arms with which it dreams of destroying the Jewish nation. No, the ‘domestic political pressure’ Starmer is responding to comes from the Palestine obsessives of his own party and his own class – that keffiyeh-adorned section of society that has convinced itself Israel is a demonic entity. This is the most unforgivable thing about his appeasing antics: he has sacrificed our alliance with the world’s only Jewish nation at the altar of the narrowest political expediency; in the name not of democracy but of placating the irrational Israelophobia of a noisy and bigoted minority.

"We are still failing the moral test of 7 October. Our societies still fail to appreciate the enormity of the civilisational clash that was birthed by that historically cruel assault on the Jews. Our leaders still dither and appease and fantasise that the violent haters of the West can be pacified with pieces of political fruit. Israel will continue to fight against Hamas regardless of what Starmer and the rest say. It’s us, the Western world, I am worried about."

Brendan O’Neill is spiked’s chief political writer and host of the spiked podcast, The Brendan O’Neill Show. Subscribe to the podcast here. His latest book – After the Pogrom: 7 October, Israel and the Crisis of Civilisation – is available to order on Amazon UK and Amazon US now. And find Brendan on Instagram: @burntoakboy

Your Local Epidemiologist - The Dose, 9/22/25

Here's the latest informative issue of The Dose, by Katelyn Jetelina and Hannah Totte, MPH:

==================================

Autism report prep, Covid peaking, bad ACIP headlines, falls and loneliness climbing, and more: The Dose (September 22) 

"Happy Monday! Time to buckle up for another week (yes, that’s the pep talk I give myself every Monday).

"Covid-19 levels may have peaked, but the messy ACIP vaccine headlines haven’t. This week will bring new headlines too, with RFK Jr.’s promised autism report expected to surface—I’ll get you ready for that. Plus: why falls among older adults are rising, and why loneliness is climbing among young people. Finally, a question from the YLE community about accessing Covid-19 vaccines at pharmacies.

"Plenty to cover, but all tied back to what it means for you.

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Webinar Today!

"Join me today for a YLE webinar: All About Fall Vaccines. We’ll dive into the who, what, when, and where of flu, RSV, and Covid vaccines with Chelsea Cipriano from the Common Health Coalition. We’ve set aside 30 minutes to answer your questions live, too!

• 10am PT / 1pm ET

• Paid subscribers can register here.

• If you can’t make it this time, I will be sure to share the recording!

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Infectious disease “weather” report

"Covid-19’s summer wave has peaked. Wastewater, ER visits, and positive tests are all declining across the country. This surge was about the same size as last winter’s, but smaller than last summer’s, largely because no dramatically new variant emerged. The virus is still mutating, but in small steps rather than big leaps. We’ll see what this winter has in store when Covid waves usually begin in mid-November.

Source: CDC; Annotated by Your Local Epidemiologist

"RSV and flu: Not too much stirring, yet.

"Rhinovirus and enterovirus—also known as the common cold (gray line below)— continue to climb. In other words, there are a whole lot of people with stuffy noses and feeling crappy right now.

Source: NRVESS

"What does it mean for you? If you’re sick right now, it’s probably still Covid-19 or the common cold. When should you get your vaccines? Catch the breakdown here. Also, here’s how (and how not to) boost your immune system backed by science.

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Confusing Covid-19 headlines

"One of the quickest ways to drive down vaccine uptake is through confusing—or flat-out wrong—headlines. Especially now that we are all living headline to headline, trying to keep up with the firehose.

"I was disappointed in the coverage following last week’s coverage of ACIP’s. Headlines were confusing and, at times, plain incorrect. I hope the media steps up; this won’t be the last vaccine rodeo.

"Let’s be clear: Covid-19 vaccines are still recommended for everyone over 6 months of age—even by RFK Jr.’s handpicked ACIP members. (Surprising, yes, but likely a product of political and grassroots pushback. Still, we’ll take the win. Go here for my thoughts.)

• Broad recommendation: The CDC still recommends vaccines for everyone 6 months and older under “shared clinical decision making.” This is broader than FDA’s approach (which excludes off-label use), but narrower than some professional organizations.

• Insurance coverage: Vaccines remain covered across private plans, Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare—no cost-sharing. Health insurance groups (AHIP, ACHP) affirmed they’ll continue coverage.

• Pharmacy access: Pharmacists can counsel and vaccinate under shared decision making in all 50 states, which matters since >90% of adults get Covid vaccines in pharmacies.

"Potential barriers to keep in mind:

• Provider knowledge: Some providers, like pharmacists, aren’t yet familiar with shared decision making. It requires both education and time, which are already in short supply. Fair reimbursement for vaccine counseling could help.

• Healthcare access: Not everyone has a provider to discuss vaccines or insurance coverage with.

• Prescription rules: In some states, you may still need a prescription. Because vaccines are still considered off-label for some groups (like healthy adults and children, due to CDC and FDA misalignment), some states require prescriptions at pharmacies.

  • The good news: More than 23 states have “decoupled” from federal rules.

  • The bad news: Utah, Nevada, West Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida still haven’t.

"What does this mean to you? Get vaccinated.

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Autism report coming soon.

"Remember RFK Jr.’s promise to “find the cause of autism” by September? Well, it’s September. Word is his report is coming today (or this week). So consider this your prep.

"Scientists have been studying autism for years by looking at genetics, environmental exposures, and other factors. Revisit the YLE post below for more.

Vaccines don’t cause autism. So what does?

Katelyn Jetelina, Andrea Tamayo, and Thomas Farley

·

Mar 20

"A version of this story was originally published by Dr. Thomas Farley, the author of a wonderful newsletter called Healthscaping.

Read full story

"I imagine he will do with this report what he does best: Mix kernels of truth with outright falsehoods. Word is that the report will cover the following (and likely more). Some quick nuance for you:

• Tylenol during pregnancy. Early studies hinted at a possible correlation. But this was largely put to rest after a major 2024 study compared siblings—one exposed to Tylenol in utero, the other not. This “natural experiment” took into account genetics and family environment, and the result was clear: the link disappeared. There’s some data to suggest that fevers during pregnancy are linked to autism, which Tylenol can help prevent. Check out a deep dive here.

• Folic acid during pregnancy. Large studies show folic acid is important for preventing serious conditions like neural tube defects. A few small studies have explored whether very high levels might shape development differently, but the evidence isn’t consistent. Check out a deep dive here.

• Leucovorin: A treatment? A rare condition called cerebral folate deficiency, where folate in the blood looks normal but the brain doesn’t get enough, has been associated with developmental differences. In children who are both autistic and have this condition, leucovorin (folinic acid) has been studied in small trials. Some studies suggest possible benefits for communication and behavior, but much more research is needed. Be wary of anyone telling you to run out and buy this.

• Vaccines. Over 25 epidemiological studies, including a fantastic 2019 analysis of more than 600,000 children in Denmark, have refuted any link.

"One of the most harmful things this report could do is blame mothers and burden families with unfounded guilt. Autism is not something to “cure”—it’s a natural part of human diversity. People with autism deserve understanding, respect, inclusion, and the supports they need.

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Trend highlights: Older people are falling more; younger people are lonelier

"A recent review by Dr. Thomas Farley highlighted that, among those over 65, fall-related deaths have more than tripled over the past thirty years. Over 85 is the highest risk group. This now surpasses deaths from cancer, car crashes, and overdoses.

Source: T. Farley, JAMA (2025). Annotated by Your Local Epidemiologist.

"There are a few potential explanations for this:

• Prescription trends: Many older adults are increasingly prescribed fall risk–increasing drugs (FRIDs), which are medications that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or loss of balance. These include opioids, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and some antidepressants prescribed, despite safer alternatives, at rising rates despite warnings from geriatric experts.

• Reporting changes: Death certificates increasingly list falls as the cause of death.

• Frailty: Today’s oldest-old are living longer but often with more comorbidities, making them more vulnerable.

"What does it mean for you? If you’re older or caring for someone who is, review your medications with a doctor. Ask specifically about FRIDs.

"Younger people are lonelier.

"Two new polls reveal that 1 in 2 teenagers and young adults (13–24-year-olds) cite loneliness as the most common reason for disruptions in their daily lives, followed by family issues.

Source: Axios

"What does it mean for you? Connection matters. Encourage downtime, in-person friendships, and supportive online spaces. Communities protect against loneliness and other health risks.

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Question Grab Bag

"So what does shared clinical decision making mean in practice when I go into Walgreens to get my COVID shot this fall? Just give my age (over 80) and that's my "go-home-free" card? Or do I have to say "Yeah, I talked to my doctor about it and s/he said it's a good idea" (whether or not that actually happened)? Or actually produce something in writing from a doctor?

"Great question! In most cases, you’ll go up to the counter or schedule an appointment, just like you usually would.

• If you’re in a green state (see figure above), you don’t need a doctor’s note or anything in writing.

• If you’re in a purple state and considered “off-label” (like healthy adults under 65), you will need a prescription. Pharmacists can administer the vaccine, but they can’t write the prescription themselves.

"So what does shared clinical decision making actually mean in practice? At its core, it’s a conversation about the benefits and risks of vaccines. That’s always been important, but how it’s carried out is left to the practitioner, and it can look different depending on where you go. Importantly, all pharmacists in all 50 states can do “shared clinical decision making” with you. Some pharmacists may use a standard template, while others will sit down for a one-on-one discussion. In some cases, a technician will cover the basics before the pharmacist gives final approval.

"However it unfolds, expect it to take a little more time than usual, but the end result should be the same: you’ll walk away vaccinated.

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Bottom line

"Stay healthy and sane this week. Hope to see you at the webinar soon!

"Love, YLE"