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Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, RFK Jr. is fending off criticism from his own base; Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine faces a stark choice and risks losing American support over the proposed U.S. peace plan; and a drying-up Rio Grande basin threatens water security on both sides of the border.

UP FIRST

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during the Western Governors' Association meeting Thursday, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rebecca Noble)

MAHA idealism meets political reality as RFK Jr. attempts to wrangle a growing movement

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is fending off criticism from his own base as some of the environmental and anti-vaccine activists who propelled him into politics have said they want stronger action against vaccines and pharmaceutical companies. Other Kennedy supporters have questioned why he and other government leaders have appeared willing to work closely with large corporations. The tensions reflect emerging cracks within Kennedy's “Make America Healthy Again” coalition as it amasses power and broadens in scope. Read more.

TOP STORIES

Zelenskyy says Ukraine faces a stark choice and risks losing American support over US peace plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told his country in an address Friday that it could face a pivotal choice between standing up for its sovereign rights and preserving the American support it needs, as leaders discuss a U.S. peace proposal seen as favoring Russia. Read more.

A drying-up Rio Grande basin threatens water security on both sides of the border

One of North America’s longest rivers, the Rio Grande — or Rio Bravo as it’s called in Mexico — is in crisis. Findings released Thursday by the World Wildlife Fund, Sustainable Waters and a team of university researchers show unsustainable use threatens water security for millions of people who rely on the binational basin. They estimate that just 48% of water consumed throughout the basin is replenished by renewable sources like snowmelt and rain. Read more.

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IN OTHER NEWS

The Indian HAL Tejas during a demonstration moments before crashing at the Dubai Air Show, at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Friday. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Dubai Air Show: Indian fighter jet crashes during a demonstration flight, killing the pilot

Georgia: Ex-deputies cleared of murder in death of Black man shocked at least 15 times 

Ohio: Officer acquitted in death of Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black mother accused of shoplifting

Six-hour gunbattle: Australian extremists who killed police officers had a shared delusional disorder, coroner says

Artificial intelligence: France moves against Musk’s Grok chatbot after Holocaust denial claims

‘Madchester’ sound: Gary Mounfield, former Stone Roses bassist, has died at 63

WATCH: Jingle bells, subway smells: NYC station gets a new aroma

TRENDING

Heather Robb, left, and Laine DiPasquantonio, right, pose for a selfie in Denver, Colo., when they reconnected in April 2025. (Heather Robb via AP)

Reconnecting with an old friend is a story of distance, loss and rediscovery

Reconnecting with old friends can be challenging. Many people are hesitant to reach out and fear being seen as a burden after years without contact. A psychologist and author who studies friendship says recipients are typically touched and happy to hear from a friend they lost contact with.