Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering banning NIH scientists from publishing in certain biased medical journals. Kennedy pointed to the testimony of Dr. Marcia Angell, former editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine. She warned the public that it is “no longer a science journal.” Instead, she called the journal a “vessel for pharmaceutical […] The post RFK Might Ban NIH Scientists from Publishing in Biased Medical Journals appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

The Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, pointed out the leftist bias of the American Bar Association (ABA) and ordered that it will bo longer have access to non-public information, including bar records. The ABA uses a ratings process in which their Standing Committee rates each nominee “Well Qualified,” “Qualified” or “Not Qualified.” “Unanimous committee ratings appear as a single rating. In other situations, the rating from the majority or substantial majority (2/3 or more of those voting) of the Committee is recorded first, followed by the rating or ratings of a minority of the Committee. The majority rating is the rating of the committee,” the ABA notes on its website. “The ABA has a history of taking liberal positions on issues including abortion, the death penalty, same-sex marriage, affirmative action, and the Second Amendment,” National Review stated in 2019. “The organization’s ideological bias has long tainted its ratings of judicial nominees. An entire book on the subject was written as early as 1965, Joel B. Grossman’s Lawyers and Judges: The ABA and the Politics of Judicial Selection.” Of the 15 members on the ABA’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary in 2019, five donated to Barack Obama’s campaign, three to that of Hillary Clinton, and none to the three Republican nominees between 2008-2016. Incredibly, the ABA gave a minority “Not Qualified” rating to iconic Judge Robert Bork and other conservative legal scholars, including Richard A. Posner, Edith H. Jones, and William H. Pryor, among others. “For several decades, the American Bar Association has received special treatment and enjoyed special access to judicial nominees,” Bondi wrote in a letter to ABA President William Bay. “In some administrations, the ABA received notice of nominees before a nomination was announced to the public. Some administrations would even decide whether to nominate an individual based on a rating assigned by the ABA.” She continued: Unfortunately, the ABA no longer functions as a fair arbiter of nominees’ qualifications, and its ratings invariably and demonstrably favor nominees put forth by Democratic administrations. The ABA’s steadfast refusal to fix the bias in its ratings process, despite criticism from Congress, the Administration, and the academy, is disquieting. Accordingly, while the ABA is free to comment on judicial nominations along with other activist organizations, there is no justification for treating the ABA differently from such other activist organizations and the Department of Justice will not do so. Specifically, the Office of Legal Policy will no longer direct nominees to provide waivers allowing the ABA access to non-public information, including bar records. Nominees will also not respond to questionnaires prepared by the ABA and will not sit for interviews with the ABA. The American Bar Association has lost its way, and we do not believe it serves as a fair arbiter of judicial nominees.@TheJusticeDept will no longer give the ABA the access they’ve taken for granted. pic.twitter.com/ViqX9IRa7w — Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) May 29, 2025

Summer’s here, and it’s finally time for some of our favorite things. We love the lazy days, warm sunny skies, cool treats, and, of course, America’s Got Talent. The competition returned with a bang on May 27. Judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell joined host Terry Crews for an incredible season premiere. The competition’s fierce this year, but one act blew Simon’s mind during their first time on stage. If you’ve followed Simon, you know he can be a bit of a curmudgeon, and impressing him takes a lot of work. Light Wire understood the assignment and had Simon Cowell slamming the Golden Buzzer. Simon Cowell Gave Light Wire The Golden Buzzer On The Season Premier We have to admit, their performance was incredible. Light Wire, created by two brothers from Brazil, combines lighting and artistic elements to create a stage show like you’ve never seen before. The colors, dancers, and designs created a sensory experience like we’ve never seen. The judges all gave Light Wire a standing ovation at the end of their 3-minute performance. “Can I say something? You never ever know when you’re doing a new year, whether you’re going to see something better than you’ve seen before. And honest, I’m not just saying this, this was one of the most beautiful, stunning acts I’ve seen across all the Got Talents,” Simon said. “You were so emotional, I don’t know why you were so nervous because you were always going to get one of…” Simon Cowell smashed the Golden Buzzer, and the crowd went wild. “Wow Wow Wow… what a way to start off a season… this is a Vegas Act for sure….,” a fan shared on YouTube. “Truly amazing. I finally agree with Simon on a Golden Buzzer. I hope people realize that they were speaking up for the Amazon rainforest,” this person agreed. We cannot wait to see what Light Wire has in store for the rest of the season. This story’s featured image can be found here. The post Watch The Breathtaking Act That Took Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer On “America’s Got Talent” appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you can grab a wireless phone charger and a pack of gum at 2 a.m., why not emergency contraception too? That’s the question Cadence, an Oakland-based health company, is answering with its no-nonsense product: the Morning After Pill. The company has spent the past year placing its emergency contraception on the shelves of gas stations, corner stores, and 24-hour convenience shops across the country. Since its launch in March 2024, the pill is now stocked in 11,000 locations across 48 states, from an E-Z Mart in San Antonio to a deli in Walla Walla, Washington. South Dakota and Hawaii are the only states not yet on board. Contraception where it counts “Our original goal was to transform contraception,” said Kate Voyten, Cadence’s senior vice president of commercial operations. “Get it everywhere there is a condom.” And she’s not exaggerating. While about one-third of all condoms are sold at convenience stores, until recently, these shops offered little in terms of reproductive healthcare for women—apart from tampons and pregnancy tests. Cadence is looking to change that. Its goal: normalize access to emergency contraception by putting it exactly where people need it—close by, easy to find, and always open. What emergency contraception does (and doesn’t do) The Morning After Pill contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone used to delay ovulation when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy and does not affect long-term fertility, according to the FDA. Still, many people remain confused. A recent KFF poll found that half of women in states where abortion is banned incorrectly believe emergency contraception is also illegal, or they’re unsure. Why 24/7 access matters The surge in availability comes at a critical time. Since the Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections in 2022, many clinics that provided both abortion and birth control services have shut down. In states like Texas and Tennessee, access to contraception has become more limited, especially for teens and low-income women. “It’s long overdue,” said reproductive health advocates. While online pharmacies and telehealth have expanded options, the immediacy of access—especially during off-hours—remains a challenge. Emergencies, after all, don’t check the clock. Cadence is also seeking FDA approval for a regular over-the-counter birth control pill, pushing forward on multiple fronts to improve access in the face of legal and political challenges. A fight over facts Despite medical consensus and FDA approval, emergency contraception remains a target for misinformation. Groups like Students for Life of America falsely label it an “abortifacient,” contributing to confusion and stigma. The reality, experts say, is far more clear-cut: emergency contraception prevents ovulation and cannot disrupt an implanted pregnancy. In some states, where lawmakers equate fertilization with pregnancy, the culture war over contraception has heated up. Yet public demand for access is growing. A step toward equity By putting the Morning After Pill next to the gum and granola bars, Cadence is taking a bold but sensible step toward reproductive equity. For many, it might be the difference between panic and peace of mind. “This is about putting healthcare tools where people live their lives,” said Voyten. Convenience, in this case, might just be revolutionary.The post Emergency contraception just got a lot more convenient first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM They may be small, but chia seeds are doing some serious heavy lifting in the world of nutrition. Forget buzzy trends that come and go—these seeds have the science to back up their superfood status, and they’re easier to work into your day than you might think. “They’re packed with fiber, omega-3s, and protein to help support heart health, digestion, and satiety,” says registered dietitian Marisa Moore. That trio alone is enough to grab attention, but chia seeds bring even more to the table. Nutritional powerhouses in disguise According to nutritionist Laura Iu, chia seeds are rich in key minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, all of which play vital roles in keeping bones strong, muscles functioning, and your body balanced. Studies from around the world support their benefits: research from Iraq and Iran points to chia’s ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, while Chinese scientists have been investigating how the seeds’ unique bioactive compounds help reduce inflammation and regulate glucose. And their fiber content? That helps keep your digestive system moving. Chia seeds may also play a proactive role in cancer prevention. Their antioxidants and polyphenols have been linked to lower risks of breast, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. That’s quite a resume for something smaller than a grain of rice. Daily dose: how much is enough? Dietitian Anita Mirchandani suggests starting with a single tablespoon daily. “A little goes a long way!” she says. Too much too soon can lead to bloating or gas, especially for those sensitive to fiber or managing conditions like IBS. The Mayo Clinic notes that 2.5 tablespoons of chia seeds contain around 10 grams of fiber—almost half of your daily recommended intake. So start small, and pay attention to how your body feels. Easy, delicious ways to eat chia seeds No need to overhaul your diet. Just a sprinkle here and a stir there can help you take full advantage of chia’s benefits. Try soaking the seeds overnight in your milk of choice to make chia pudding—a favorite of Mirchandani’s—or mix them into smoothies, oatmeal, or even cooked rice dishes. They also add a satisfying crunch to yogurt and salads, says Moore, who likes to stir them into warm berries to create a quick, nutritious jam. Iu keeps her chia seeds in a glass jar near her breakfast staples. “It reminds me to sprinkle them on toast or stir them into congee,” she says. One small tip: keep added sugar to a minimum. Let the natural nutrition of chia shine. When to steer clear (or take caution) While chia seeds are safe for most, there are exceptions. People with swallowing issues should be cautious, and chia seeds should be introduced slowly to young children. Though rare, allergies to chia seeds do exist. A study from Montefiore Medical Center found them more common among people with sesame allergies, particularly Hispanic women. In extreme cases, chia seeds can cause anaphylaxis—so speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns. Small in size, big in benefits—chia seeds are a simple, versatile addition to your diet. Just start with a tablespoon, be mindful of how your body responds, and enjoy experimenting with new ways to eat them. Whether you blend, soak, sprinkle, or stir, these tiny seeds are a great way to nourish your body from the inside out.The post Tiny seeds, big impact: why chia belongs in your daily diet first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.