What Happened Today - 8 May 2025
What Happened Today – 8 May 2025
Today’s Topics
Another unqualified candidate to join the Team
Trump’s Day…
China and Russia…not good
Food Recalls…
We have a new Pope!
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Another Unqualified candidate to join the Team
Trump just picked Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General, and honestly, it’s raising a lot of eyebrows. Here’s why people are worried:
She’s never run a big public health program, managed a crisis, or worked in government. Her background? Wellness startups and social media, not leading national health policy or emergency response.
Her medical license has been inactive since 2019. Not required for the job, but come on-the “nation’s doctor” should at least be able to practice medicine.
No advanced public health degree. She’s got the Stanford MD, but nothing like an MPH or DrPH, which you’d expect for someone steering the country’s health priorities.
She’s tight with RFK Jr. and the “Make America Healthy Again” crew, who are way more about anti-pharma and wellness trends than actual science. She’s questioned vaccines and pushed some pretty fringe ideas.
Why does this matter? The Surgeon General is supposed to be the voice of reason on stuff like gun violence, vaccines, health equity, and public health emergencies. Means has no real experience with any of that. She’d also be in charge of 6,000 health pros who jump in during disasters and outbreaks-again, not her wheelhouse.
This pick feels more about politics and loyalty than actual qualifications. That’s risky when we’re talking about the country’s top health job.
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Trump’s Day today…
Trump just announced a new trade deal with the U.K.-the first big one since his global tariffs. The U.S. is lowering tariffs on U.K. cars and metals, and in return, the U.K. will buy more American goods. It’s a shift from old multi-country deals to more direct, “America First” agreements.
He also proclaimed May 8 as “Victory Day for WWII” and November 11 as “Victory Day for WWI.” But don’t worry-Veterans Day isn’t changing. These are just extra commemorative days, not new federal holidays.
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China and Russia…not good
China’s President Xi showing up in Moscow to meet with Putin and join Russia’s Victory Day parade is a big deal-and not in a good way. This is a clear sign that China and Russia are getting even tighter, right when both are at odds with the U.S. and Europe.
They just signed a bunch of new deals-military, economic, tech-you name it. China’s basically keeping Russia’s economy afloat while Russia keeps up the pressure in Ukraine. Together, they’re openly pushing back against the U.S., NATO, and Western influence.
Bottom line: A stronger China-Russia partnership means more headaches for America and our allies, more trouble in Ukraine, and a world that feels a lot less stable. This is something to keep a close eye on.
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Food Recalls
Tomatoes: Two brands (Ray & Mascari and Williams Farms Repack) are recalling tomatoes in 14 states because of possible Salmonella. They were sold in clamshell containers, so if you grabbed tomatoes recently and live anywhere from New York to Georgia, double-check your fridge. No one’s gotten sick yet, but the FDA says toss them or take them back if you have any.
Yellowstone Baked Beans: Vietti Food Group is recalling Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans (15 oz cans) because they forgot to mention there’s soy in them. If you’ve got a soy allergy, definitely don’t eat these.
There have also been some smaller recalls on coconut meat and pumpkin seeds for Salmonella, and a few other products for missing allergen labels.
If you bought tomatoes, Yellowstone baked beans, or anything else that seems off, check those recall lists and don’t take chances. Better safe than sorry.
While you can’t blame any one recall directly on the president, the policies and budget cuts from Trump’s administration have clearly weakened the systems that keep our food safe. Less oversight, fewer inspectors, and slower recalls all add up to more risk for everyone. So, yes-a lot of what’s happening with food safety and recalls right now can be traced back to decisions made by Trump and his team.
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We have a new Pope!
Well, we just witnessed history: for the first time ever, the Catholic Church picked an American as Pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago is now Pope Leo XIV.
Who is he?
Pope Leo XIV grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the son of a Navy vet and a librarian, and spent a huge part of his life working as a missionary and bishop in Peru. He’s got deep roots in both the U.S. and Latin America, and before this, he was the Vatican’s go-to guy for picking bishops worldwide. Pope Francis himself picked him for that job, so that tells you something.
His first words as Pope:
He stepped out and simply said, “Peace be with you all.” Then he talked about hope, unity, and God’s love for everyone. He honored Pope Francis and said he wanted to carry on that same spirit of blessing and compassion.
Where does he stand?
He’s very much in line with Francis: focused on the poor, big on building bridges, and all about peace and dialogue. He’s known for being down-to-earth and genuinely caring about people from all walks of life.
I’m not Catholic, but as a Christian, I actually find a lot of comfort in this choice. Seeing someone with American roots, real-world experience, and a heart for service get picked for this role feels like a win for all of us. It’s proof that faith can cross every border, and that humility and compassion still matter.
Never thought I’d see the day an American would be Pope. But Pope Leo XIV brings a message of peace and unity that the world could really use right now-and I’m here for it.
Speak Truth!
If this has helped, please like and share—cause good trouble.
Go Cause Good Trouble, with Your Elbows Up!
**These are facts that I researched and verified – AI helped put together some sentence structure, but the words and tone are mine. These are my views based upon facts, research and thoughtful consideration using logic. I own the copyright to any images used. I’m comfortable to stand alone to uphold truth. Feel free to check me, but do not attack me. I am only causing good trouble.**