Harvard scientists say research could be set back years after funding freeze

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Hundreds of Harvard researchers have fallen victim to the freeze on funding by the Trump administration. The halt in federal funding has meant some of the world’s most prominent researchers exploring everything from opioid addiction to how diseases like cancer progress are laying off young researchers and shelving years or even decades of research. Some research might be lost forever. The funding cuts are part of a monthslong battle that the Trump administration has waged against some the country’s top universities. It has taken a particular hard and aggressive line against Harvard, freezing funding after the university rejected a series of demands from a federal antisemitism task force.

FBI forces out more leaders

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI is forcing out more senior officials, including a former acting director who resisted Trump administration demands to turn over the names of agents who participated in Jan. 6 Capitol riot investigations and the head of the bureau’s Washington field office. That’s according to people familiar with the matter and internal communications seen by The Associated Press on Thursday. Brian Driscoll led the bureau in the weeks that followed President Donald Trump’s inauguration last January. Steven Jensen for months led the Washington office, one of the bureau’s largest and busiest. Driscoll and Jensen have sent farewell messages to colleagues.

Trump seeks to change how census collects data

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has instructed the Commerce Department to change how the Census Bureau collects data, seeking to exclude immigrants in the United States illegally. The Republican president said Thursday the census’ data collections will be based on “modern day facts and figures” and use information gained from the 2024 presidential election. It’s an indication Trump might try to inject his politics into a head count that determines political power and federal spending. Trump says people in the U.S. illegally would be excluded from census counts. Census changes could play into Trump’s efforts to urge Texas and other Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps. A census expert says Trump “cannot unilaterally order” a new one.

Americans get more than half their calories from ultra-processed foods, CDC report says

(AP) — A new federal report finds that most Americans get more than half their calories from ultra-processed foods. Overall, about 55% of calories consumed by Americans older than age 1 came from ultra-processed foods during August 2021 to August 2023. The top sources include burgers and sandwiches, sweet baked goods, savory snacks, pizza and sweetened drinks. Ultra-processed foods have been linked to chronic health problems. One surprising finding: Consumption of ultra-processed foods appeared to dip slightly over the past decade. One nutritionist says there may be greater awareness of the foods’ potential harms.