Kennedy Jr. announces efforts to tackle the autism epidemic, with the US frozen $2.6 villion with Harvard funds, and Trump hosts the Italian prime minister.
US Secretary of Health Kennedy JR. Targeting autistic spikes
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. opposed the American autism epidemic on April 16, calling it a preventable disease caused by environmental factors rather than genetics.
On April 10th, at the cabinet meeting, Kennedy presented a “large-scale testing and research initiative” by September to identify the causes of autism.
Tourists in front of the main gate of Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts on April 15th, 2025. Scott Eisen/Getty Images
Federal government freezes $2.6 billion in funding to top universities
The federal government has frozen $2.6 billion in funding for one of the most prestigious universities in the United States by refusing to adhere to new policies.
The announcement came on April 14 after Harvard refused to establish a plan to address anti-Semitism and its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Universities across the country have been widely criticized for failing to address student protests last year against Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks.
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He said part of President Donald Trump’s campaign agenda is to drive DEI programs across the federal government, the private sector and the education system out of the United States, promoting racism and gender over merit.
Former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris were strong supporters of the DEI.
US President Donald Trump will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in his oval office on April 17, 2025. Get McNamee/Getty Images
Trump hosts the Italian Prime Minister
President Donald Trump hosted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on April 17 to ease tensions between the US and the European Union amid on the ongoing trade dispute.
Both leaders showed confidence that deals would emerge.
On April 2, Trump announced the EU’s 20% tariff as part of mutual tariffs being implemented around the world to level the arena, but soon introduced a 90-day suspension.
In addition to 20%, the EU also faces two other tariffs. It’s 25% of the vehicle and 25% of steel and aluminum.
Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives to testify before Washington’s Senate Judiciary Committee on January 31, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Meta CEO Zuckerberg testifies in antitrust trials
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of social media giant Meta, testified that he accused the industry of monopolizing as part of a continuing trial by the government’s Watchdog.
In a 2021 complaint, the Federal Trade Commission accused Meta of violating antitrust laws, which allegedly dominates the industry through Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms, suggesting a company split and selling individual platforms.
Google appeared in court again this week. This is because a federal judge also ruled that by “willfully acquire and maintain monopoly rights” in certain advertising markets, the company also violated antitrust laws.
