Trump Official Accused PEPFAR of Funding Abortions in Russia. It Wasn’t True.

Three years ago, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) launched as a quick-access helpline for people in distress, connecting callers to trained counselors and local crisis centers. While millions have used it since, a new study reveals that awareness of the service is still spotty in parts of the U.S., leaving gaps in who can benefit from this critical resource.

Editor’s Note: The 988 lifeline is a lifeline in the truest sense—it’s there to help people in their darkest moments. But if folks don’t know it exists, it can’t do its job. This story highlights both progress (millions reached) and a glaring need: better outreach so no one slips through the cracks. It’s a reminder that launching a service is just step one; making sure people use it is the real challenge.

CVS Health just scored a big win by landing a pharmacy benefits contract with Calpers, California’s massive public employee retirement system. They beat out rival UnitedHealth for the deal, which means CVS’s Caremark division will now manage prescription drug coverage for hundreds of thousands of state workers and retirees.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another corporate contract—it’s a major shift in who controls prescription benefits for a huge chunk of California’s workforce. Calpers is one of the biggest public pension funds in the U.S., so this deal solidifies CVS’s grip on the pharmacy benefits market while dealing a blow to UnitedHealth’s ambitions in the space. For everyday folks, it could mean changes in how they access medications, depending on how CVS structures the plan. Bottom line: It’s a power move in the ongoing battle over who gets to manage America’s prescription drug spending.

The use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs in kids has exploded—up 65% right after the American Academy of Pediatrics gave them the green light in early 2023, and the trend hasn’t slowed down. NBC’s Kate Snow digs into which ages might actually benefit from these medications and what experts are saying about the surge.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another headline about weight loss drugs—it’s about how quickly they’re being adopted for kids, raising big questions. Are they safe long-term for developing bodies? Who really needs them? The spike in prescriptions suggests parents and doctors are eager for solutions, but the debate over risks and ethics is just heating up.

A federal judge just struck down a Biden administration rule that aimed to prevent medical debt from dragging down Americans' credit scores. This means unpaid hospital bills and other medical debts can still show up on credit reports, potentially making it harder for people to get loans, rent apartments, or even land jobs.

Editor’s Note: For millions of Americans, medical debt isn't just a bill—it's a long-term financial anchor. This ruling keeps the pressure on, since credit scores shape so much of daily life. It’s a setback for efforts to ease the burden of healthcare costs, especially when surprise bills or emergencies can tank someone’s financial stability overnight.

Jennifer Romolini, a former workaholic turned author and podcaster, shares her personal tips for finding joy and balance in Los Angeles. In her new podcast, Extended Scenes, she talks about her favorite spots in the city that help her stay grounded—even when the world feels like it's falling apart. Think of it as a survival guide for modern life, with a sunny L.A. twist.

Editor’s Note: Let’s face it—life can feel overwhelming, especially in a fast-paced city like L.A. Romolini’s take isn’t just about self-care clichés; it’s a relatable, real-talk approach to staying sane when everything else feels chaotic. Whether you’re local or just curious, her insights offer a refreshing perspective on carving out little moments of peace.