I don’t know about you, but the Bad Bunny concert did not disappoint. The set, the songs, the powerful billboard message: They all came together as a beautiful celebration of Latino heritage — with some special guests along for the ride (oh, hi Ricky Martin) and an actual wedding. I also spotted a few other famous faces dancing in the street scene. Sure, there was football too — congrats to the Seahawks (and their kicker who set a Super Bowl record). Celebrities packed the stands, including one duo that did absolutely nothing to quiet those relationship rumors. And my favorite commercial? No surprise there, I love carbs. But the real plot twist was the tears. Now, let’s get to the news…
— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY
US News
RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Panel Loads Up the Review List
What’s going on: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s federal vaccine panel has prepped two more targets for its examination table. At its next meeting later this month, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will review mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as well as all vaccines given to pregnant women, according to The New York Times. The lead-up has already turned contentious. Dr. Robert Malone, one of the ACIP panelists, has accused the FDA of “hiding” data on COVID vaccine risks and claimed that COVID vaccines are contaminated with trace DNA fragments — accusations that regulatory agencies in the US and abroad have reviewed and dismissed. And he's not the only cynic at the table. Two vaccine-skeptic obstetrician-gynecologists who joined the panel are now part of a new work group reviewing all vaccines given to pregnant women.
What it means: The panel can't pull vaccines from shelves — only the FDA can. But if the ACIP rescinds or restricts vaccination recommendations, your insurance may stop covering them, or your doctor could stop offering them. While it's too soon to tell what actions the group will take, there are a few things to remember: Over a billion doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered so far, and no safety concerns related to residual DNA have been identified. In fact, the FDA debunked the DNA contamination claim in a 2023 letter and called it “quite implausible” and “misleading.” Overall, scientists are growing frustrated by recycled claims finding a new life and a bigger platform. One virologist told the Times that all of Malone's comments have been “thoroughly rebutted and debunked.”
