By AMANDA SEITZ

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top health agency will undertake a “massive testing and research effort” to determine the cause of autism, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Thursday.

Kennedy, a longtime vaccine critic who has pushed a discredited theory that routine childhood shots cause the developmental disability, said the effort will be completed by September and involve hundreds of scientists. He shared the plans with President Donald Trump during a televised Cabinet meeting.

Trump suggested that vaccines could be to blame for autism rates, although decades of research have concluded there is no link between the two.

“There’s got to be something artificial out there that’s doing this,” Trump told Kennedy. “If you can come up with that answer, where you stop taking something, eating something, or maybe it’s a shot. But something’s causing it.”

Autism is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. It presents with a wide range of symptoms that can include delays in language, learning, and social or emotional skills.

There’s scientific consensus that childhood vaccines don’t cause autism. Leading autism advocacy groups, including Autism Speaks, agree.

Research, including studies of twins, shows genes play a large role. No single environmental factor has been deemed a culprit. The National Institutes of Health, which already spends more than $300 million yearly researching autism, lists some possible risk factors such as prenatal exposure to pesticides or air pollution, extreme prematurity or low birth weight, certain maternal health problems or parents conceiving at an older age.

Kennedy has offered no details on how his study will be different or what researchers will be involved. Leading autism organizations, such as the Autism Society of America, have not been included in discussions about the research, said ASA spokeswoman Kristyn Roth.

Roth said many agree that more research is needed to determine what causes autism, but Kennedy’s approach has raised alarms.

“There is a deep concern that we are going backward and evaluating debunked theories,” Roth said.

Trump and Kennedy have both expressed concerns about rising autism diagnoses rates.

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Some of that increase is due to increased awareness and a change in how the disability is diagnosed. For decades, the diagnosis was given only to kids with severe problems communicating or socializing and those with unusual, repetitive behaviors. But around 30 years ago, the term became shorthand for a group of milder, related conditions known as ″autism spectrum disorders.” Milder autism cases are far more common than severe ones.

With improved screening and autism services, diagnosis is increasingly happening at younger ages, too. And there’s been more awareness and advocacy for Black and Hispanic families, leading to an increase in autism diagnosed among those groups.

Still, anti-vaccine advocates, including Kennedy, have claimed that vaccines are to blame. The theory largely stems from a 1998 paper that was later retracted.

Scientists have since ruled out a link between vaccines and autism, finding no evidence of increased rates of autism among those who are vaccinated compared to those who are not.

Kennedy has hired David Geier, a man who has repeatedly claimed a link between vaccines and autism, to lead the autism research effort. The hiring of Geier, who the state of Maryland found was practicing medicine on a child without a doctor’s license, was first reported by The Washington Post.

HHS did not immediately response to a request for comment.

Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard in Washington, D.C., and Carla K. Johnson in Seattle contributed.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

By Melba Newsome, KFF Health News

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Purple flags, representing the nearly 300 Mecklenburg County residents who died of opioid overdose in 2023, fluttered in the humid breeze last August in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on the city’s predominantly Black west side.

As recently as five years ago, the event might have attracted an overwhelmingly white crowd.

But the gathering on the last day of the month at the Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center drew large attendance from Black people eager to learn more about a crisis that now has them at the center.

Purple flags representing the 291 county residents who died of opioid overdose in 2023 are displayed in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day last August. (Mecklenburg County/KFF Health News/TNS)

In recent years, the rate of overdose deaths from opioids — originally dubbed “Hillbilly heroin” because of their almost exclusive misuse by white people — has grown significantly among Black people. This is largely due to the introduction of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times as powerful as morphine, which is often mixed into heroin and cocaine supplies and can be consumed unknowingly. In North Carolina, Black people died from an overdose at the rate of 38.5 per 100,000 residents in 2021 — more than double the rate in 2019, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data.

Terica Carter, founder of Hajee House Harm Reduction, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that co-organized the event with the county’s public health office, has been working to change that statistic. Seven years ago, she founded Hajee House after the overdose death of her 18-year-old son, Tahajee, who took an unprescribed dose of Percocet that he didn’t know was laced with fentanyl. Her nonprofit has since focused on addressing a critical issue in the fight against the opioid epidemic: that resources, treatment, and policy prescriptions have not followed the surge in addiction and overdoses among Black people.

“Nobody was acknowledging it, and I felt so alone,” Carter said. “That pushed me into not wanting anybody else to go through what I went through.”

Hajee House seeks to fill the gaps in resources and information about opioid overdose, substance use, and treatment. It also provides syringes, safe-use toolkits, the overdose reversal drug naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and recovery referral services — all in a familiar, neighborhood environment.

Despite efforts by groups like Hajee House, a lot of work remains in North Carolina. In 2019, for instance, white people accounted for 88% of those served by the opioid use prevention and treatment services funded by a $54 million grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, North Carolina Health News reported. Black people, meanwhile, made up about 24% of North Carolina’s population but only 7.5% of those served by the state assistance.

Participants hold signs during an overdose awareness rally at Freedom Park in Charlotte, North Carolina, in February 2024. (Sanchez Huntley/KFF Health News/TNS)

Nationally, Black people are half as likely as white people to be referred to or get treatment — even after a nonfatal overdose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“If you are a Black person and have an opioid use disorder, you are likely to receive treatment five years later than if you’re a white person,” said Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health. “Five years can make the difference between being alive or not.”

According to the CDC, only 1 in 12 non-Hispanic Black people who died of an opioid overdose had been engaged in substance use treatment, while non-Hispanic white people had been treated at nearly twice the rate. Even those who seek care are less likely to complete the program and have poorer outcomes — which studies have linked to implicit bias and a lack of diversity and empathy for Black patients among treatment providers.

Daliah Heller, vice president of Drug Use Initiatives at Vital Strategies, a global health nonprofit, said she’s troubled by the lack of equal access to the full range of medications for opioid use disorder, which is considered the gold standard for care.

Those medications have the potential to reduce overdose risk by half and double a patient’s chances of entering long-term recovery. The FDA has approved three medications: buprenorphine and methadone, which are synthetic opioids that reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and naltrexone, a post-detox monthly injectable that blocks the effects of opioids.

Black people are overwhelmingly treated with methadone. While methadone patients stay in treatment at higher rates compared with those prescribed buprenorphine, they face significant drawbacks, including difficulty finding a clinic, waitlists, and a requirement to visit the clinic every day to receive the medication under the supervision of a practitioner.

Meanwhile, buprenorphine can be prescribed in an office setting and filled at the pharmacy. A University of Michigan study found that white patients received buprenorphine three to four times as often as Black patients due to geographical availability and ability to pay.

“When buprenorphine came online in the early 2000s, we thought we could integrate that treatment alongside health care, and you wouldn’t need to go to a special program anymore,” Heller said. “That didn’t happen.”

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Edwin Chapman, who runs an addiction clinic in Washington, D.C., said he must overcome many prescribing challenges to effectively treat his mostly Black patient population.

“The insurance companies in many states put more restrictions on patients in an urban setting, such as requiring prior authorization for addiction treatment,” Chapman said, speaking from his own experience working with patients. “The dosing standards were based on the white population and people who were addicted to pills. Our surviving Black population often needs a higher dose of buprenorphine.”

Heller said the lack of access to treatment is also driven by broader, systemic issues. She said many Black people fear that, by seeking social services, they might become ensnared in the criminal justice system and ultimately lose their employment, housing, or even custody of their children.

“Drug use occurs at the same levels across racial and ethnic groups, but Black Americans are more likely to be arrested and incarcerated on drug charges,” Heller said. “The more hyper-criminalized experience levied against Black communities interferes with access to care.”

All this is why there’s an increasing need for nonprofits like Hajee House that can provide information and a low-barrier access to services in the Black community, Carter said.

She credits the success of Hajee House to her personal connections and a keen understanding of the needs and cultural preferences of the Black community. When she holds overdose awareness events, for instance, she features cookouts, bouncy houses, and DJs to make them look more like block parties.

“We focus on making the events and outreach a comfortable, familiar environment for the Black community,” Carter said. “We’re Black, so we keep it Black.”

©2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By Courtney Frazer, Bankrate.com

Teaching kids about money has taken on new complexity in our digital age. While previous generations learned financial basics through piggy banks and cash allowances, today’s parents are turning to technology to help children understand modern money management and develop a better relationship with the screens they are so often glued to.

Digital budgeting tools now enable kids to experience real-world financial decisions — from setting savings goals to tracking spending — all under parental supervision. These digital tools do more than just track dollars. They create natural and often fun opportunities for families to discuss spending habits, savings goals and smart financial choices.

What to know about family money apps

As digital payments and online banking become the norm, traditional methods of teaching financial literacy need a refresh. Family money apps help bridge this gap, offering several advantages:

Encourage financial independence: These apps create a safe space for children to practice money management skills while parents maintain oversight. Kids can make real financial decisions — like choosing to save or spend their allowance — building practical knowledge through hands-on experience.
Build financial literacy: Many apps incorporate learning through interactive features, games and age-appropriate lessons that help children grasp key money concepts naturally.
Simplify allowance systems: Parents can easily manage allowances, set up chore rewards or help children budget their funds digitally, making the process simpler for both parents and kids.
Offer learning opportunities: When parents can see their children’s spending patterns in real-time, it creates natural moments to discuss financial choices and guide better decisions.
Improve relationship with technology:Modern parents are constantly trying to peel their kids away from screens. However, money apps can create an engaging yet educational experience that begins to introduce your child to the idea that screens can be used for more than just video games and movies.

One of the most valuable aspects of these apps is how they turn abstract money concepts into tangible experiences. When children actively participate in decisions about saving, spending or donating their own money, they develop a deeper understanding of financial responsibility. This hands-on approach helps them grasp the real value of money and learn to set meaningful financial goals.

The best money apps for families

With numerous family budgeting apps available, finding the right fit depends on your family’s needs and children’s ages. Here’s a breakdown for parents to help narrow down the decision:

1. BusyKid — Best for allowance management

BusyKid takes a practical approach to teaching kids about earning money. The app connects chores with earnings, helping children understand the relationship between work and rewards. Beyond basic allowance tracking, BusyKid introduces children to real-world money management through its prepaid debit card option, which lets them use their earnings within parent-set boundaries.

Key features:

Clear tracking system for chores and allowance
Parent notifications for spending activity
Options for saving, spending or exploring basic investing

What stands out about BusyKid is its introduction to investing — children can learn about the stock market with real (but parent-supervised) investments. This early exposure to investing concepts helps kids understand ideas like long-term growth and financial risk in a controlled environment.

2. Greenlight — Best for teens

Greenlight strikes a balance between teenage independence and parental oversight. The app allows teens to develop financial decision-making skills while keeping parents in the loop. This approach works particularly well for families looking to give their teenagers more financial responsibility without removing safety nets entirely.

Key features:

Customizable spending controls, including store-specific limits
Instant transaction alerts and balance updates
Educational resources focused on teen financial literacy

The app’s investment features and comprehensive educational content make it particularly valuable for teens who are ready to learn about more advanced financial concepts, such as long-term savings strategies and investment basics.

3. FamZoo – Best for multiple children

Think of FamZoo as your family’s private banking system. The app excels at helping parents manage multiple children’s accounts while teaching everyone about household finances. Its straightforward approach makes it easier for families to create a unified system for allowances, savings and spending.

Key features:

Separate account tracking for each child
Flexible options for prepaid cards or digital IOU tracking
Customizable spending categories for different age groups

FamZoo’s strength lies in its ability to adapt to different family situations while maintaining consistent financial teaching. Its family-centered approach is perfect for households with more than one child, as it creates a team environment around budgeting and savings.

4. GoHenry — Best for financial education

GoHenry places learning at the forefront, making it particularly effective for younger children just starting their financial journey. The app combines practical money management tools with educational content that grows with your child.

Key features:

Age-appropriate financial lessons and quizzes
Adjustable parental controls
Real-time updates on spending activities

The app’s focus on building foundational money knowledge through interactive learning makes it especially valuable for families with younger children who are just beginning to understand financial concepts.

Key considerations for choosing the right app

Every family has unique financial teaching needs. Here’s what to consider when selecting an app that fits your household:

Age-appropriate design: Match the app’s features with your child’s understanding level. Younger children benefit from simple, visual interfaces focused on basic concepts, while teens need tools that can handle more complex financial decisions.
Cost and fees: While most family finance apps charge monthly or annual fees, their costs vary significantly. Consider whether premium features — like additional educational content or specialized debit card services — align with your family’s goals and budget.
Customization options: Look for apps with adjustable settings that can evolve with your child. Features like customizable chore lists, adjustable spending limits and expanding educational content help ensure the app remains useful as your child develops financial independence.
Educational approach: Consider how each app teaches financial concepts. Some focus on learning through daily transactions, while others offer structured lessons about topics ranging from basic budgeting to understanding interest rates.
Security features: Prioritize apps with robust security measures, including parent-controlled accounts and secure transaction monitoring, to ensure safe financial learning.

Encouraging financial conversations at home

While apps provide valuable tools, meaningful family discussions about money create lasting financial wisdom. Here are five natural ways to incorporate money talks into daily life:

Use everyday moments as teaching tools

Turn regular activities into learning opportunities. Whether you’re comparing prices at the grocery store or deciding on a family purchase, share your thinking process. These real-world scenarios help children connect financial decisions with actual outcomes.

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Create shared financial goals

Work together on family savings projects, like planning a special trip or saving for a shared purchase. This collaborative approach shows children how individual choices contribute to larger financial goals and teaches the value of working together.

Support individual money goals

Help your children identify and work toward personal financial targets, whether saving for a special item or setting aside money for charity. Using family finance apps to visualize progress can make abstract concepts like delayed gratification more concrete.

Show financial responsibility in action

Children learn by example. Share appropriate financial decisions you make, explaining your thought process for saving, budgeting or planning larger purchases. When facing financial challenges, discuss them in age-appropriate ways to demonstrate realistic money management.

Make financial check-ins a routine

Set aside time each month for casual family discussions about finances. Keep these talks positive and age-appropriate, gradually introducing more sophisticated concepts as your children grow. These conversations help normalize money discussions and keep financial education an ongoing process.

The bottom line

Today’s digital-first world requires a fresh approach to teaching children about money. While family finance apps offer valuable tools for hands-on learning, they work best as part of a broader strategy that includes open discussions and real-world practice.

Success comes from finding the right balance — using digital tools to provide practical experience while maintaining active family conversations about money. By combining thoughtful app selection with regular financial discussions, parents can help their children develop the knowledge and confidence they need for lifelong financial well-being.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best age to teach financial literacy?

The best age to begin teaching financial literacy can be as early as three to five years old. More generally, once your child starts to verbally express their wants and needs, they become an active participant in everyday transactions — and how you respond in those moments plays a key role in shaping their understanding of money and value.For example, if they want a chocolate bar, it’s important to show them that crying — a method that may have worked as a baby — is no longer effective. Instead, they can learn that completing chores or meeting other expectations helps them earn what they want.The financial literacy apps mentioned above can provide helpful structure as you guide your child through these lessons that may last a lifetime.

What is the 50/30/20 budget rule for kids?

The 50/30/20 budget rule is a popular money management strategy that can be used by kids and adults alike. It suggests dividing your income into three categories: 50 percent for needs, 30 percent for wants and 20 percent for savings.For kids, this might look like setting aside half of their allowance for essentials like school supplies or lunch money, 30 percent for fun purchases like toys or treats, and 20 percent for future goals.

©2025 Bankrate online. Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. ©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Each Friday, City Limits rounds up the latest news on housing, land use and homelessness. Catch up on what you might have missed here.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announcing the Council’s budget response earlier this month. (John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit)

Welcome to “What Happened in NYC Housing This Week?” where we compile the latest local news about housing, land use and homelessness. Know of a story we should include in next week’s roundup? Email us.

ICYMI, from City Limits:

The NYC Council released a response to Mayor Eric Adams’ preliminary budget proposal that seeks billions of additional dollars for programs and services, including funds for housing and maintenance at NYCHA. Housing Chair and Councilmember Pierina Sanchez said she wants to see more money go to preservation efforts to fix up the city’s aging housing stock, and to hire more staff at the Department of Buildings and the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development.

President Trump’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will create “a point of contact” between the two federal agencies to share data about undocumented immigrants living in government-subsidized housing. What does it mean for NYC?

“Through a tax on the mega-rich, the Livable New York Act would fund 100,000 units of deeply affordable housing and transition every building in New York off of fossil fuels over the next 10 years—all while creating tens of thousands of good union jobs for New Yorkers.” Read the oped here.

ICYMI, from other local newsrooms:

For the first time in seven years, the city seized a violation-riddled property from its landlord under its Third Party Transfer program, Gothamist reports.

Meet the New Yorkers who work full time but still can’t afford a place to live, via the New York Times.

A NYCHA tenant is suing the housing authority because her apartment is inaccessible for her wheelchair, The City reports.

The City Council passed a bill to double the number of public restrooms—an important resource for homeless New Yorkers—over the next 10 years, NY1 reports.

The post What Happened This Week in NYC Housing? appeared first on City Limits.