The Kennedy Beacon

Metadata summary: The White House has launched a website claiming the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a lab leak at China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology due to dangerous gain-of-function (GoF) research, marking a significant shift from the Biden administration’s earlier zoonotic transmission stance. This position, supported by new evidence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s research, has led to calls for justice against those who funded GoF experiments, with the Department of Justice investigating EcoHealth Alliance’s related activities.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced a plan to phase out eight petroleum-based synthetic food dyes in the U.S., aligning with the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. The FDA will establish a national standard, revoke authorizations for certain dyes, and promote natural color additives. The announcement follows state-level bans in West Virginia and Utah and a prior federal ban on Red No. 3. Health advocates, including Dr. Mark Hyman and Vani Hari, supported the move, while Kennedy criticized media silence and hinted at future efforts to address sugar in food.

Helena Hjalmarsson examines the rising autism rate and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s commitment to research, despite pushback from senators with pharmaceutical ties.

On April 16, 2025, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a significant increase in autism rates, now at 1 in 31 for eight-year-old children, based on CDC’s ADDM Network data. Kennedy’s press conference highlighted the severe impacts of profound autism, sparking polarized reactions. Critics, including autism advocates and parents, argue his remarks perpetuate harmful stereotypes, while supporters praise his acknowledgment of autism’s environmental causes and call for urgent research.

In a candid interview with Megyn Kelly, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announces reforms to curb Big Pharma's influence by removing industry members from FDA advisory committees. Highlighting the "revolving door" between the FDA and pharmaceutical companies, Makary aims to reduce conflicts of interest and ensure independent drug approval processes, fostering public trust in the agency.

Jax Bari, an 11-year-old with celiac disease, pushes for mandatory gluten labeling on packaged foods to enhance food safety for millions.

In his first press conference as HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted a sharp rise in autism rates, from 1 in 36 children two years ago to 1 in 31 today, with boys affected at a rate of 1 in 20, and criticized "epidemic denialism" that attributes the increase to diagnostic changes. He emphasized that environmental toxins, not genetic markers, are driving the 480% surge in autism cases since two decades ago, announcing real-time data analysis to investigate causes like pollution, pesticides, and ultrasound.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun, alongside federal health leaders, including RFK Jr., announced nine executive orders to enhance public health through chronic disease studies, healthier food policies, and increased physical education, aligning with a growing state-led movement supported by federal initiatives.

The CDC’s ADDM Network reports autism prevalence at 1 in 31 U.S. eight-year-olds in 2022, up 17% from 1 in 36 two years prior, with California at 1 in 12.5. Rates are rising fastest among children of color. The article blends a father’s reflections on his autistic sons, vaccine safety concerns, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s health advocacy.