With RFK Jr.'s confirmation looking imminent, what does this mean for public health? (And what is going to happen to Business Barbie now that the leopards ate her face?)

Facts Over Fear: Jumping in to help save (what's left) of our fragile democracy. Let's squash the fear by acknowledging the facts and acting to create a better world for us all.

FACE YOUR FEAR: This is a public health crisis.

Hundreds of ducks have been found dead from suspected bird flu along Chicago’s Lake Michigan according to a report from NBC Chicago. Meanwhile, as COVID-19 rages on with no end in sight, norovirus, RSV and influenza are also causing significant impacts, including hospitalizations and school closures. Everyone I know seems to be sick with something these days and I’m just sick and tired of all of this.

We know that to prevent the spread of airborne viruses, the use of N95 and KN95 masks an important resource, and yet no one seems to mask. Perhaps there is this level of nihilism setting in, but I beg of you, as someone who has committed to masking since March of 2020, please reconsider masking for the sake of your own health and those you love. Stay updated on your vaccines, wash your hands regularly and isolate when sick.

Now, all of this would be much easier if masks, COVID and flu tests were free and readily accessible, and we all had access to a national paid leave program. Imagine if we had an infrastructure bill that included updating air filtration systems in all of our public buildings? Instead we have an anti-vaxxer, anti-science grifter on the cusp of being appointed as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

According to NBC News, RFK Jr. cleared a key hurdle Tuesday after a Senate panel voted to advance his nomination to be health and human services secretary to the full chamber. In a 14-13 vote along party lines, the Senate Finance Committee pushed through Kennedy’s nomination after he managed to allay concerns raised by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La. Cassidy is up for re-election in 2026. He has already drawn a GOP primary challenger over his vote to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial.

And of course, true to form, Trump attempted to provide a boost to Kennedy on Truth Social just minutes before the committee’s vote with this gem:

Did I mention there are multiple outbreaks of tuberculosis now tearing through our communities across the nation, with cases being reported in Kansas, Michigan and California? We have to face our fears that our elected officials have been in collective denial about these public health risks — and now they are compounding. Ignorance is not bliss and we must DEMAND that our federal public health communications be reinstated.

These are our lives, our livelihoods and our communities that are at stake. While Trump plays dictator and Musk usurps all federal power, I have to ask: When is enough enough and how many more people have to die before we act?

Reality Check: The leopard ate “Business Barbie’s” face

According to MSN: “Some Americans are shocked to learn that Black people are not the primary beneficiaries of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.” And by some, they mean white women.

I’m sorry, did white women really think they were not the main benefactors of DEI?

More from MSN: “White women have benefitted the most from DEI programs. While women remain underrepresented ‘at every stage of the corporate pipeline,’ a McKinsey study estimated it would take 48 years for women of color to achieve gender parity, while only 22 years for white women to reach this milestone.”

Case in point, this recent headline from NBC:

So in today’s edition of the leopard ate my face, we yet again have learned that being in proximity to power doesn’t make you powerful. It just makes you less likely to lean into programs and policies that could benefit you.

NEWS OF NOTE: Everything, everywhere all at once

1. According to CNBC: “President Donald Trump signed an executive order that outlines plans for a government-run sovereign wealth fund to serve as an economic development tool and perhaps be used to buy TikTok. A U.S. fund could help it compete with those countries and might make the government less dependent on issuing Treasury debt to raise money. Critics say a lack of transparency can lead to conflicts and corruption if there are not strict governance rules.” This has Musk’s fingerprints all over it. I have a feeling he wants to create this fund so that there will be less oversight as to where your money is going. And I don’t yet know how, but I feel that crypto is going to play into this, as well. (If you figured this part out, please comment below!)

“The main concern with starting a new sovereign wealth fund is that America is a net debtor. Starting a fund would require redirecting existing government revenue. (Trump surrogate Doug Burgum says he envisions using revenue from oil and fracking activities), and that means running up yet more debt.

And according to the Economist: “In America a SWF looks like a risky solution to a problem that does not truly exist.” This feels on brand.

2. Newsweek reports: House Republican Andy Biggs introduced a bill on Sunday that would abolish the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a Department of Labor agency tasked with overseeing workplace safety.

   The Arizona representative argued that OSHA's role should be taken over by "state governments and private employers."

What could go wrong with your private employer overseeing job safety? This means that there would be a complete elimination of federal workplace safety protections. And beyond physical hazards, your employer could end breaks, not provide bathrooms or water, turn off central air for office workers, lock you in the building to work and force unpaid overtime. (In case you are keeping score, yes this is all a part of Project 2025).

And so I ask, AGAIN. Where are the Democrats? Why are they allowing any cabinet nominations to take place? Why aren’t they disrupting everything? Did you think that the dismantling of our federal government would be this easy?

More on this topic later in the week. And until then, take care of yourselves, and each other. -Natalie