How a classic candy company made the switch to natural food dyes

Katie Chubb knows firsthand how tough it is to find a birth center when you need one—she had to go without during her own pregnancy. Now, she’s determined to open one in her community, which lacks accessible maternity care. While locals are backing her, hospitals aren’t making it easy, throwing up roadblocks that highlight the challenges of filling gaps in healthcare.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one woman’s struggle—it’s a snapshot of a bigger problem. "Maternity deserts" (areas with little to no maternal care) are growing, leaving families with few options. Chubb’s fight shows how hard it is to fix systemic gaps, even when there’s clear demand. If grassroots efforts like hers keep hitting walls, who’s stepping up to help?

Atkinson Candy Company, a classic confectioner, managed to pull off what many food manufacturers are struggling with—ditching artificial dyes for natural alternatives. While others are still grappling with technical and cost challenges, Atkinson got ahead of the curve, showing it's possible to keep the vibrant colors candy lovers expect without synthetic additives.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about candy looking pretty—it’s part of a bigger shift as consumers demand cleaner ingredients. If even a legacy brand like Atkinson can make the switch, it puts pressure on the rest of the industry to follow suit, whether they're ready or not.

Thousands of Americans relying on the weight-loss drug Zepbound are being pushed to switch to Wegovy due to new insurance restrictions from CVS Caremark. While some are making the change to cut costs, others are fighting to stay on Zepbound, citing better results and fewer side effects. Many feel frustrated that insurers are overriding their doctors' recommendations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about swapping prescriptions—it’s a clash between cost-cutting insurers and patients who’ve found a treatment that actually works for them. When coverage decisions disrupt medical care, it leaves people stuck between their health and their wallet, raising bigger questions about who should call the shots: corporations or doctors.

A 12-year-old boy from South Carolina, Jaysen Carr, tragically died after being infected by a rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba while swimming in a reservoir. His family's lawyer confirmed the heartbreaking news, marking another rare case of this terrifying infection.

The head of the WHO honored David Nabarro, a physician and global health leader, as a tireless advocate for health equity and pandemic response—most notably during COVID-19. His legacy is one of dedication to public health on a worldwide scale.