Errors in RFK Jr.’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ report

State Dept. reorganization, China's new global group, and a spelling champion

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Sarah Naffa May 30, 2025 By Sarah Naffa May 30, 2025 In the news today: The White House acknowledges problems in RFK Jr.'s health report; the State Department notifies Congress of its bigger reorganization plan; and China forms a new global mediation group, signaling Beijing's rising influence in the global south. Also, "eclaircissement" was the winning word at the Scripps National Spelling Bee championship. In Thursday's newsletter, the Change of Pace item had the headline for a different story. It should have said: 'Only 900 speakers of the Sanna language remain. Now Cyprus' Maronites are mounting a comeback' Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a Make America Healthy Again Commission event in the East Room of the White House on May 22. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) POLITICS White House acknowledges problems in RFK Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' report The White House will fix errors in a much-anticipated federal government report spearheaded by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which decried America's food supply, pesticides and prescription drugs. Read more. Why this matters: Kennedy's wide-ranging "Make America Healthy Again" report, released last week, cited hundreds of studies, but a closer look by the news organization NOTUS found that some of those studies did not actually exist. "I understand there was some formatting issues with the MAHA report that are being addressed and the report will be updated," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. "But it does not negate the substance of the report, which, as you know, is one of the most transformative health reports that has ever been released by the federal government." RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Trump has long warned of a government 'deep state.' Now in power, he's under pressure to expose it   European benchmarks rise while Asian shares finished lower amid uncertainty over Trump's tariffs   Hit by Trump trade wars, U.S. economy falls 0.2% in first quarter, an upgrade from initial estimate   Federal judge extends order blocking Trump administration ban on foreign students at Harvard   Google, Justice Department face off in climactic showdown in search monopoly case   Trump commutes sentence of former political fundraiser Imaad Zuberi   What to know about onetime Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover, whose federal sentence Trump commuted   Trump administration increases pressure on 'sanctuary jurisdictions' with public listing   Trump suffered 'mental anguish' from disputed CBS News interview with Harris, lawyer says   Georgia Supreme Court upholds ban on those under 21 carrying handguns in public   Nebraska Republicans sought to weaken voter-backed paid sick leave. A Democrat helped them do it Chicago risks severe cuts to transit. Its poorest suburbs could be hit even harder   Texas lawmakers fail to pass ban on social media for those under 18   Man who says far-right content led him to threaten election officials is sentenced to 3 years   US government employee charged with trying to give classified information to a foreign government   Bernard Kerik, who led NYPD on 9/11 before prison and pardon, has died at 69   Harrison Ruffin Tyler, preserver of Virginia history and grandson of 10th US president, dies at 96 POLITICS State Department notifies Congress of reorganization plan with bigger cuts to programs and staff The planned changes, detailed in a notification letter obtained by The Associated Press, reflect the Trump administration's push to reshape American diplomacy and scale back the size of the federal government. Read more. Why this matters: The State Department on Thursday notified Congress of an updated reorganization of the massive agency, proposing cuts to programs beyond what had previously been revealed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a steeper 18% reduction of staff in the U.S. The proposal includes an even higher reduction of domestic staff than the 15% initially floated in April. The department is also planning to eliminate some divisions tasked with oversight of America's two-decade involvement in Afghanistan, including an office focused on resettling Afghan nationals who worked alongside the U.S. military. Efforts to cut the department's Afghan programs received immediate backlash from veterans groups and advocates. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Elon Musk came to Washington wielding a chainsaw. He leaves behind upheaval and unmet expectations Facing calls for more immigrant arrests, ICE undergoes a shakeup Trump administration reverses planned closures of 3 dozen US mine safety offices WORLD NEWS China forms new global mediation group with dozens of countries Representatives of more than 30 other countries, from Pakistan and Indonesia to Belarus and Cuba, joined China on Friday in establishing an international mediation-based dispute resolution group. Read more. Why this matters: The support of developing countries signaled Beijing's rising influence in the global south amid heightened geopolitical tensions, partly exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Japan's Ishiba warns against tension over tariffs and vows to expand Asia-Pacific trade group Macron will kick off Singapore security conference with Hegseth in attendance US and allies accuse North Korea and Russia of flagrantly violating UN sanctions in military deals ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS READ Ceasefire proposal: Israel accepts a US proposal for a temporary Gaza ceasefire but Hamas gives a cool response Kidnapped musicians: Bodies of 5 missing members of Mexican regional music band are found near Texas border 100,000 euros in damages: Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams wins libel lawsuit against BBC Longtime allies: Russia accuses ally Serbia of betrayal for supplying arms to Ukraine Pro-monarchy protest: Tens of thousands demonstrate in Nepal seeking restoration of ousted monarchy Sex-trafficking trial: Ex-assistant testifies Sean 'Diddy' Combs sexually assaulted her and used violence to get his way Today in History: In 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen, France WATCH 'Eclaircissement': Faizan Zaki wins National Spelling Bee a year after finishing runner-up Jennifer Doudna: New supercomputer to power AI and scientific research unveiled at Berkeley National Lab Lötschental valley: Dramatic video shows glacier crashing down a Swiss mountainside 700-pound boulder: Alaska man trapped by boulder recounts rescue, ordeal A CHANGE OF PACE Ricotta and cherry jam tarts. (Milk Street via AP) Tangy cherry preserves bring balance to this ancient ricotta tart Torta antica roma is a rustic tart inspired by the traditional Roman combination of ricotta and cherries. It's exceptionally light, with milky-sweet ricotta balanced by tangy, brightly hued fruit preserves with a tender, buttery, almost cake-like crust and topping. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sarah Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sarah SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences or unsubscribe | Privacy Policy *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT