Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched a sharp critique of the growing buzz around Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs, pointing the finger at pharmaceutical companies for profiting off America's obesity crisis while ignoring deeper systemic issues. Speaking on social media, Kennedy, a vocal advocate for public health reform, took aim at Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant behind Ozempic and Wegovy, accusing them of using the U.S. obesity epidemic as a cash cow. Kennedy's comments come as Novo Nordisk reports unprecedented financial success, with profits surging 62% this year, largely driven by the skyrocketing demand for their diabetes and weight-loss drugs. Ozempic and Wegovy, which are used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, have catapulted the company into the global spotlight, boosting its net worth to a staggering $570 billion—more than Denmark’s GDP. Would you support RFK Jr. taking poisonous food out of schools and replacing it with healthy food ? YES or NO ? pic.twitter.com/fQ6pgPehte — Marjorie Taylor Greene Press Release (Parody) (@MTGrepp) September 25, 2024 According to Kennedy, however, the excitement surrounding these drugs distracts from the real root of the obesity problem: America's highly processed food system. He argues that while these medications may help mitigate some symptoms, they don't address the underlying causes of obesity, such as poor diet and mental health conditions tied to overeating. "Instead of fixing our food system and addressing the obesity crisis at its root, the author focuses on a drug that may palliate the symptom – and gladden the wallets of distant Big Pharma execs,” Kennedy posted. Kennedy's critique didn’t stop there. He went on to express concerns about the influence of "Big Pharma," claiming that companies like Novo Nordisk are more interested in profit than addressing the foundational issues plaguing public health. Analysts predict that Novo Nordisk could become a trillion-dollar company by 2030, further fueling Kennedy's frustrations about corporate exploitation of health crises​. MUST WATCH Donald Trump and RFK Jr Declares they are going to STOP the Mass Poisoning of US Children Today, Americans die earlier than Canadians, Germans, Italians, Japanese, Koreans, Australians, and more than any comparable country • it wasn’t always that way…… pic.twitter.com/alDy9x2RXl — MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) September 25, 2024 In response to Kennedy's accusations, Novo Nordisk defended their drugs, emphasizing that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is designed to supplement a healthy diet and exercise. A company spokesperson argued that obesity is a disease that often requires medical intervention beyond lifestyle changes, particularly for patients who struggle to maintain weight loss. "Obesity is not a personal failing; it’s a matter of health – and people deserve respect, support, and care,” the company stated. Kennedy, however, has long held a different view, advocating for holistic health approaches over pharmaceutical interventions. He has shifted much of his public health focus in recent years toward addressing the nation's "sick food system," blaming it for a host of chronic diseases, including obesity. During his brief presidential campaign, Kennedy pledged to overhaul food regulations and fight corporate control of agriculture and health policies. He now asserts that reforming how Americans eat—rather than relying on drugs—is the only long-term solution to the obesity crisis​. As Kennedy positions himself as a key health advisor to former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, his calls for addressing root causes of public health issues like obesity could become a focal point of future Republican health policies. Kennedy has vowed to tackle corruption within government agencies like the CDC and FDA, which he believes have been co-opted by pharmaceutical interests​. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk's success shows no signs of slowing. The company continues to dominate the GLP-1 medication market, with Ozempic sales up 52% and Wegovy sales soaring 154%. Experts project that the anti-obesity drug market could be worth $100 billion by the end of the decade. As Novo Nordisk reaps the financial rewards of their popular drugs, critics like Kennedy remain skeptical, arguing that true solutions lie not in medication but in reforming America's broken food and healthcare systems. The post RFK Jr. Slams Ozempic Craze, Calls for Focus on Food System Reform appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel escalated dramatically on September 25, 2024, when the Lebanese militant group launched a ballistic missile targeting the Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv. According to Hezbollah’s statement, the missile strike was a retaliatory action for the recent assassinations of senior Hezbollah leaders and a series of attacks attributed to Israeli intelligence, involving the detonation of wireless devices and pagers among Hezbollah’s ranks. The missile was identified as a "Qader 1" ballistic missile, a significant escalation in Hezbollah’s weaponry capabilities. The attack occurred around 6:30 a.m. local time, triggering air raid sirens across central Israel, including Tel Aviv. The Israeli military swiftly responded, deploying its Iron Dome missile defense system, which successfully intercepted the incoming missile. According to Israeli officials, the missile was not aimed directly at any Mossad facility, but rather targeted civilian areas. No casualties or significant damage were reported from the attack​. https://twitter.com/HamasAtrocities/status/1839563894634803343 This missile launch is part of a broader conflict that has intensified since Israel launched extensive airstrikes on southern Lebanon earlier in the week. In the days leading up to the missile strike, Israel had conducted over 1,600 airstrikes, focusing on Hezbollah strongholds in the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon. These airstrikes have resulted in over 550 Lebanese deaths and forced thousands of civilians to flee the region. Hezbollah's missile attack on Tel Aviv marks its deepest strike into Israeli territory since the 2006 Lebanon War​. The violence is also affecting other areas, with Hezbollah launching additional attacks on the occupied Golan Heights and northern Israel, particularly around Mount Carmel. These rocket barrages have been met with a robust Israeli defense, as the Iron Dome system has intercepted the majority of rockets and drones launched from Lebanese territory​. Israel this is not Hezbollah This are men with ballsYEMEN Houthis pic.twitter.com/edDbLjQBtC — KENY@NS (@MTUWASETI) September 27, 2024 The missile strike follows weeks of heightened tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, exacerbated by Israeli airstrikes that killed several high-ranking Hezbollah leaders, including the head of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force. Israel has accused Hezbollah of amassing a stockpile of precision-guided missiles and launching attacks from within civilian areas in Lebanon, further complicating the conflict. Hezbollah, in turn, blames Mossad for orchestrating the assassinations of its commanders and instigating covert attacks aimed at weakening its leadership​. Both sides seem poised for further escalation, as Israel continues its bombing campaign, while Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has vowed to retaliate against Israeli incursions. The situation has drawn international concern, with some analysts warning that a full-scale war could be imminent. The recent strikes have raised fears of a broader conflict in the region, particularly as Israeli officials express concern that Hezbollah’s missile capabilities could overwhelm Israel’s defense systems if the hostilities continue to intensify. As Israel continues to pound Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, it remains unclear how long this latest round of violence will last or whether it will lead to an even more destructive conflict between the two sides. For now, the situation remains volatile, with Hezbollah demonstrating its growing missile capability and Israel's military showing no signs of relenting in its efforts to neutralize the militant group. The post Hezbollah Fires Ballistic Missile at Mossad Headquarters Amid Escalating Israel-Lebanon Tensions appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

In a significant move ahead of the 2024 elections, the state of North Carolina has purged over 747,000 ineligible voters from its voter rolls. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, the removals took place over a 20-month period, ensuring that the state's voter lists are up-to-date and accurate. The board explained that the vast majority of the removals—89.2%—were due to voters being listed as inactive, duplicates, or deceased. This measure is part of an ongoing effort to uphold the integrity of the voting process in the battleground state. Election officials stressed that such routine maintenance is necessary to prevent inaccuracies and reduce the risk of voter fraud. The timing of the removals is critical as North Carolina gears up for the 2024 presidential and gubernatorial races, both of which are expected to be highly contested. North Carolina has long been seen as a key battleground, with both Republicans and Democrats vying for control in a state that has recently seen razor-thin margins in statewide elections. BREAKING: The North Carolina Election Board just revealed that they have removed 750,000 names from the voter rolls, including 130,000 dead people and 290,000 registrations that were duplicates This comes after Republicans filed a lawsuit, showing 225,000 names were unlawfully… pic.twitter.com/sU98iLraiT — George (@BehizyTweets) September 26, 2024 Republicans, who have been vocal about election integrity concerns, view this action as a necessary step in preventing potential fraud. On the other hand, some Democrats have raised concerns about the possible disenfranchisement of eligible voters. They argue that aggressive purges may remove legitimate voters who, for example, haven't participated in recent elections but still intend to vote in future ones. However, state officials assure that voters removed from the rolls can re-register if they remain eligible. The push to clean up voter rolls is part of broader efforts across the country to address election security. Other states, such as Georgia and Florida, have also enacted measures to ensure their voter lists are current, with similar purges aimed at weeding out ineligible names. Donald Trump and his appointed RNC Chair Michael Whatley pushed Mark Robinson on North Carolina voters. They knew who Robinson was, and they didn't mind it until they were losing. pic.twitter.com/mH411wouWv — American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) September 20, 2024 North Carolina has been at the center of election integrity debates in recent years. In 2018, the state faced national attention when allegations of absentee ballot fraud led to the invalidation of a congressional race. The controversy fueled calls for tighter controls and more oversight in election processes. In response, the state has taken multiple steps to prevent future incidents, including implementing voter ID requirements and increasing transparency in the handling of absentee ballots. Republicans have consistently supported such measures, citing the need to secure the election system from fraudulent activities. They argue that maintaining an accurate voter roll is a fundamental part of protecting the right to vote. Democrats, while agreeing on the importance of voter integrity, warn against actions that might suppress voter turnout, especially among minority and lower-income communities, who tend to vote in lower numbers and may be more affected by purges. The voter roll maintenance process has already drawn criticism from civil rights organizations, who claim that some voters could be wrongly removed. They are urging residents to check their voter status well ahead of election day to ensure they are still listed as eligible voters. Advocacy groups are also working to educate voters on how to re-register if they find themselves removed from the list. As the 2024 election draws nearer, these types of voter roll updates will likely continue to be a focal point of political debate, particularly in key battleground states like North Carolina. With early voting and absentee voting playing a growing role in the electoral process, ensuring the accuracy of voter lists will be crucial for both parties as they work to energize their bases and turn out the vote. The post North Carolina Removes 747,000 Ineligible Voters From Its Rolls Ahead of 2024 Election appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

The tragic news of Maggie Smith’s death swept across the internet on September 27th. The actress, who played Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, died at the age of 89. Now Daniel Radcliffe and the rest of the Harry Potter cast are sharing their fond memories of one of their favorite co-stars. Daniel Radcliffe Remembers Maggie Smith Daniel Radcliffe played the famous Harry Potter in the film series and Maggie Smith played Professor McGonagall. In a statement with Variety, He remembered his co-star as “incredibly kind” and “a fierce intellect.” “The first time I met Maggie Smith, I was 9 years old,” Daniel began. “And we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job. I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her. The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when we met was ‘Would you like me to call you Dame?’ at which she laughed and said something to the effect of ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’” “I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease,” he continued. “She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the Harry Potter films.” “She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant, and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny,” Daniel added. The actor went on to say he’s “amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her.” “The word legend is overused,” he concluded. “But if it applies to anyone in our industry, then it applies to her. Thank you, Maggie.” An Incredible Actress, Woman, And Person Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, also spoke out after the actress’ death. She shared an Instagram post with a photo of Maggie Smith and a heartfelt caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BONNIE WRIGHT (@thisisbwright) In her caption, Bonnie referred to Maggie Smith as “Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house.” She then noted how much her friend would be missed and shared one of her most cherished memories with the Oscar winner. She wrote, “My favorite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning how to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has.” Bonnie finished her post by offering condolences for Maggie’s family and loved ones. Devon Murray, who played Seamus Finnigan, also spoke out making an Instagram post of his own. Claiming that Maggie Smith was “the kindest, most caring, and loving Lady” he had ever met. He also shared that she gave the best hugs along with some hilarious memories that the two shared on set together. Several other casemates spoke out, honoring Maggie Smith, as well. Everyone had nothing but kind words to say, showing that this woman was as fabulous off-screen as she was on screen. She will be deeply missed. This story’s featured image is by Ian Gavan/Getty Images. The post Daniel Radcliffe Pens Heartfelt Statement Honoring “Harry Potter” Co-Star Maggie Smith appeared first on InspireMore.

'This is a public safety issue'

He is remembered as a 'highly respected, adored and dedicated coach and player'

'into this 43 day doom loop'

'I’m drenched in poo, my car is splattered yellow'

Autumn is a season of change, reflection, and transformation, and it’s no surprise that many classic rock songs have been inspired by its unique atmosphere. In crafting this list of 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Fall, we’ve intentionally avoided the most obvious picks, instead digging deeper to uncover tracks that truly capture the spirit of the season. From the fading daylight to the crisp air and the sense of time slipping away, these songs explore the emotional layers of fall—sometimes directly, other times through more metaphorical expressions. Each of these artists has a distinct take on autumn. Don Henley’s The post 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Fall appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

In commemorating the 4th anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords, which paved a way forward for unprecedented cooperation between Israel and Arab nations, the bipartisan Senate Abraham Accords Caucus underscored recently, “In the face of increased Iranian aggression, the foundation of this agreement is more important than ever to further cooperation in the region to deter threats from Tehran and its proxies.” Indeed, since their inception in September 2020, when then-President Donald Trump institutionalized the bilateral pacts between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, the Abraham Accords have yielded concrete steps forward. Specifically, the agreements between Israel and the UAE and Israel and Bahrain unambiguously marked the beginning of a transformative, constructive chapter for a region that must and will continue to be vital to America’s interests in the national security and economic dimensions. The accords have remained intact over the past four years while serving as a positive realignment in the region that unites Israel and its neighbors against common enemies. The Senate caucus statement further noted that “as we celebrate four years since this historic signing, the U.S. should continue building on the accords by bringing our partners together, helping advance prospects for peace, restoring prosperity in the region, and widening the circle of partnership to new countries.” The Abraham Accords Peace Institute’s latest annual report assessed that despite the grave challenges triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre in Israel and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war, “diplomatic and trade ties remained steady, with the leaderships of Abraham Accords countries affirming their continued commitment to the accords. Accords countries were able to leverage the trust built with Israel.” It is notable that accumulated trade between Israel and the Abraham Accords countries exceeded $4 billion in 2023, which is “a testimony both to the real case for trade between Israel and neighboring countries and to the resilience of the Accords, even in the face of war and geopolitical tensions,” according to the report. Israel’s bilateral trade with the accords countries has also continued to grow in 2024. Compared to the same period in 2023, trade with Bahrain in the first seven months of 2024 was up over 900%, and with Morocco, by more than 55%, according to the Abraham Accords Peace Institute. The accords can be the best practical example of what Washington’s relationship with Jerusalem and the region can look like when the United States can exercise its leadership.   Continuing to pave the path forward with greater commitments for previously impossible Israeli-Arab cooperation as well as increased engagements with the United States matter more than ever in ensuring that the accords move the geopolitical direction toward a better future for the region. Clearly, now is not the time to discount that critical, evolving process of the Abraham Accords—or worse, to abandon our commitment to the accords. The agreements have raised the real prospects of peace and stability in the region to the highest point in many decades, and that must go on. Selling short the historic accords at this critical juncture would be an immensely unwise move in the long run. Abandoning the accords also wouldn’t help Palestinians in Gaza, which Hamas governs. In fact, it would do the exact opposite, confining the Palestinian people to the same trap of corrupt and oppressive governance that thrives only by ensuring that peace fails. It is encouraging that Israel’s Arab partners “remain committed to strategic choice,” as reported by the Times of Israel, although “the overall visibility of its ties with Bahrain, Morocco, and the UAE has changed since Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7.” Robert Greenway, director of The Heritage Foundation’s Center for National Defense, who also helped negotiate the accords and serves the Abraham Accords Peace Institute as a board member, succinctly summed up the imperative of preserving and enhancing the accords in a recent commentary, pointing out: Despite all these challenges, the accords endure. They endure because the promise of peace and prosperity remains strong and can be resurrected. To fulfill that promise, renew, and even expand the Abraham Accords—including via the addition of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—it is vital to discard false assumptions and the poor policies they produce. … In the end, the world has seen two competing visions for the Middle East, and their results are self-evident. President Trump successfully confronted America’s adversaries and built an enduring peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The Biden-Harris administration has appeased our enemies and abandoned our allies, leaving the Middle East in flames. It’s not too late to choose peace. Indeed, as the Abraham Accords moves onward, now is the time to uphold their renewed importance. That will be the true celebration of the accords’ 4th anniversary and beyond. The post Abraham Accords: 4 Years of Unprecedented Cooperation Between Israel and Arab Nations appeared first on The Daily Signal.