Debra Des Vignes, inspired by a decade of crime reporting, founded the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop to help incarcerated individuals share their stories and heal. Through writing, inmates are finding a voice and a path to transformation.

A Kentucky teenager’s suicide exposes the alarming rise of AI-powered “nudify” apps used for digital blackmail. Threatening texts demanding $3,000 to suppress a fabricated nude image led to a tragedy that underscores the dark side of technology misuse.

A 92-year-old man is being treated for serious injuries after an SUV struck him while he was crossing a street in Minot. The impact pushed the elderly pedestrian 30 feet, highlighting the severity of the collision.
Walmart has issued a nationwide recall of water bottles after discovering that screw-on lids can eject forcefully, posing risks of serious impact and laceration injuries, including permanent vision loss. Consumers are urged to stop using the affected bottles immediately.
Actress Olivia Munn has revealed that her mother, Kim, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, two years after Olivia’s own battle with the disease. The announcement highlights the family’s ongoing struggle with cancer and emphasizes the importance of awareness and early detection.
Medicare
In a bid to educate seniors on their healthcare options, the Nebraska Association of County Officials is offering free online “Understanding Medicare” workshops months before the open enrollment period.

Spherix Global Insights plans to unveil a Special Topix™ report that dissects how U.S. insurers and pharmacy benefit managers will manage drug access across more than 25 disease areas. The study, due to subscribers by month’s end, promises rare, data-driven insight into formularies, contracting pressures and the post-Inflation Reduction Act landscape.
As the landscape of healthcare evolves, Medicare stands at a pivotal crossroads. With shifts in policy, enrollment trends, and beneficiary needs, understanding the future of Medicare is crucial for millions of Americans. This article explores the potential changes on the horizon and what they mean for beneficiaries.
As you approach the age of 65, understanding your Medicare options becomes crucial for managing your healthcare needs. While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) provides essential coverage, it doesn’t cover everything. This is where Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, comes into play. Medigap is designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Navigating the world of health insurance can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding government-sponsored programs like Medicare and Medicaid. While both programs aim to assist individuals with healthcare costs, they serve different populations and have distinct eligibility criteria. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Medicare and Medicaid and help you determine if you or a loved one qualifies for these essential services.
Nutrition
Chief Nutrition’s beloved collagen powder, a product hailed in Australia, is now available across the United States. Backed by dietitians, it offers skin, joint, and gut health support through a formulation of clean ingredients.

Viking Therapeutics unveiled Phase 2 results for its once-daily obesity pill, VK2735, showing up to 12.2 percent average weight loss after 13 weeks. Yet investors punished the stock, a reaction one analyst dismissed as “extreme,” underscoring the fierce competition from Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide.
Viking Therapeutics’ experimental pill helped patients lose 12.2 % of their body weight in just 13 weeks—better than Eli Lilly’s latest effort but still shy of Novo Nordisk’s own results. Yet it was Novo Nordisk’s shares that “popped,” underscoring how the race for obesity drugs can move markets in unexpected ways.
Looking to reduce your processed sugar intake? Discover six natural substitutes that can help satisfy your sweet cravings in a healthier way.
In 2025, the leading Shilajit supplements prioritize purity and safety, offering high-quality Himalayan resin verified by rigorous third-party lab testing. Consumers can trust these brands due to their authentic sourcing and traditional processing methods.
Fitness
Walking isn’t just a leisurely activity—it’s a powerful tool for strengthening your heart. Discover how regular walks can enhance your heart health, according to top cardiologists.

Approximately 40 wounded veterans from multiple western U.S. states gathered in Colorado Springs on Thursday for a two-day bicycling event. The ride aims to enhance their physical and mental well-being as part of a national program supporting veterans.
New research suggests that physical exercise can make your brain act up to four years younger, offering promising strategies to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Even minimal daily activity may provide significant cognitive benefits, highlighting the profound impact of exercise on brain health.
Des Moines County Conservation invites you to participate in the Mayday! Marathon! at Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve on Saturday, May 17. Run or walk to help support DMCC programs.
A new study suggests that increasing your daily steps—even without reaching the 10,000-step goal—can significantly reduce the risk of 14 different types of cancer. Walking more each day could be a simple and effective way to improve your health.
Senior Care
A devastating fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, Massachusetts, claimed nine lives and injured dozens more, prompting critical questions about emergency response and facility safety. As investigations continue, the community rallies to support those affected by the tragedy.

In the wake of a devastating fire at a Fall River assisted living facility, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the families of the nine deceased and survivors who were injured and displaced. The community is coming together to aid those affected by this tragic event.
A devastating fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts has claimed nine lives. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze that has left the community in mourning.
As federal health grants shrink, memory cafés in communities like Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, are stepping up to support dementia patients and their caregivers. Rob Kennedy joined about a dozen others in a local community space, highlighting the growing importance of grassroots initiatives.
Air Force veteran Stan Rohrer celebrated his upcoming 90th birthday by skydiving from 13,000 feet over California’s Lake Elsinore. Despite losing both legs in his 80s, his adventurous spirit continues to soar, inspiring many with his remarkable feat.
Mental Health
Baltimore Sun advice columnist Eric Thomas confronts two piercing reader questions: whether it is worth the emotional cost to remain in a neighborhood shared with an attacker, and how to respond when a close friend disappears without explanation. His “Asking Eric” column lays bare the tangled calculus of safety, trauma and loyalty.

England rugby union backs Tatyana Heard and Abby Dow told BBC Sport that crochet has become their antidote to endless doomscrolling. The pair believe the craft will steady their nerves when the Women’s Rugby World Cup begins.
A black-tie-optional evening at The Venue at Cotton Creek on August 9 drew supporters determined to help disabled veterans reconnect with the outdoors. Planned by Laura Rogers and months in the making, the inaugural gala mixed patriotism with personal testimony to launch a new fundraising tradition for the region.
After a decade and a half without fresh therapeutic options, fibromyalgia patients finally have reason for optimism. The FDA’s approval of Tonmya is the first new treatment for the condition in 15 years, promising more effective pain relief and a better quality of life.
A wife’s discomfort with her husband’s unsanitary eating habits is causing tension in their marriage. Open communication and empathy may be the keys to resolving their issues and restoring harmony at home.
Sexual Health
A South Lake Tahoe resident has recovered from a rare plague infection reportedly contracted through a flea bite during a camping trip. Health officials are reminding everyone to take basic precautions against rodent and flea exposure to prevent future cases.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about potential Cesium-137 contamination in some packages of Great Value frozen shrimp sold at Walmart. The agency’s alert urges consumers to stay tuned for additional guidance while it assesses the scope of the risk.
As students sharpen pencils and pack backpacks, Springfield officials are sharpening their disaster plans. Back2School Safety Month now urges every classroom to prepare for severe weather, blackouts, lost phone lines, or even violence before the first bell rings.
Despite unclear evidence and guidelines advising against it, fundal pressure continues to be used in many maternity clinics. A recent study reveals how communication significantly shapes women’s experiences of this controversial practice during childbirth.
As COVID-19 cases begin to rise again in Hawaii, health officials are calling on the public to remain vigilant to prevent further spread of the virus. The resurgence has prompted a renewed emphasis on caution among residents and visitors alike.
Conditions
A new malaria treatment, recently approved by Swiss medical regulators, offers fresh optimism to health workers caring for infants in Uganda. As malaria continues to threaten lives across Africa, this landmark decision could pave the way for better protection of the most vulnerable.

A Missouri patient has died after contracting a “brain-eating amoeba,” an infection linked to water skiing at Lake of the Ozarks. Health officials confirm the case is part of a 97% fatal condition that underscores the importance of understanding potential freshwater risks.
New Jersey health and environmental officials are investigating what could be the state’s first locally acquired malaria infection in more than 30 years. The patient, a Morris County resident who has not traveled, has prompted authorities to determine how the disease appeared so close to home.
Skin allergies are common and often frustrating to diagnose. But new technology could soon help change that. Emerging advances, including artificial intelligence, promise a more efficient future in allergy testing.
Xeltis has announced positive preliminary data from its ongoing EU clinical trial of the Xabg coronary artery bypass conduit. The study evaluates the technology in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease scheduled for elective bypass surgery.
Tools / Trackers / Calculators
Iconic actress and Oscar winner Jane Fonda is raising a fist against the march of time by starring in a virtual-reality exercise series. At 87, she continues to defy expectations, embracing new technologies and feeling younger than ever.

Discover how the Oura Ring 3 is transforming sleep and well-being, and why now is the perfect time to get it at a $100 discount.
Polar has rolled out a significant free update to its top smartwatches, introducing features like enhanced maps with Points of Interest, charging during activities, and more customizable watch faces. These updates aim to improve user experience and address previous user feedback.
As we usher in 2025, there’s no better time to invest in your health. Discover 18 wellness products on sale that can help you start the year on the right foot.
More From Health
Quest Diagnostics is set to offer an FDA-cleared blood test for Alzheimer’s disease developed by Fujirebio. Building on its pioneering AD-Detect™ product line, the test will be available for clinical and research use as soon as this summer, marking a significant advancement in assessing symptomatic patients.

In a groundbreaking preclinical study, NurExone Biologic Inc.’s ExoPTEN treatment enabled 100% of animals in the high-dose group to regain motor function after spinal cord injury. The dose-dependent study offers renewed hope for future therapies, with significant improvements confirmed using advanced gait analysis technology.
After opting for early Social Security benefits and part-time work, one individual faces a new challenge: can switching to a taxi driver job affect their benefits? Understanding the implications of career changes during early retirement is crucial.
Despite recent price reductions for popular obesity treatments Wegovy and Zepbound, patients continue to face hurdles in accessing these medications.

As temperatures soar, a heat advisory is now in effect across New Hampshire. Meteorologist Kevin Skarupa warns that pop-up storms are possible on this hot day, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Menopause is often shrouded in misconceptions. Experts are now debunking five common myths, shedding light on overlooked symptoms, and emphasizing the crucial need for support among women.
A recent report by Futurism.com highlights alarming cases where individuals have developed severe psychosis after using AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Notably, some affected individuals had no prior history of mental health issues, raising concerns about the potential risks of AI interactions.

Multiple shark sightings off Far Rockaway on July 4th forced the temporary closure of Queens beaches, as NYC officials took action to protect the public.

As fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July, many pets will be overwhelmed with fear. Missing Dogs Massachusetts warns that this is their busiest time of year due to a spike in lost dogs. Pet owners are urged to take precautions to keep their furry friends safe.

In a heartfelt letter to ‘Dear Abby’, a widow shares her readiness to embrace love once more, shedding light on the complexities of moving forward after loss.