by Georges Ki-Zerbo | 26 Jan 2026 | Africa, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Tens of millions of people get life-saving treatment thanks to decades of U.S. government funds that have now evaporated. In Africa, this is a wake-up call. A plaque hangs outside a health clinic in Thaba-Tsoeu, Lesotho that acknowledges funding by “The American...
by Mahima Adey | 19 Jan 2026 | Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
There’s vitamin D for bones, ginkgo biloba for memory, St. John’s wort for your mood, zinc for an immune boost. If it’s all natural, what’s the problem? Vitamin pills. (Photo by photoniko) In 2023, David Mitchener, 89, was admitted to a...
by Angelica Recierdo | 6 Jan 2026 | Education, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Many teachers find that students can’t learn if they are hungry or cold. But that often means providing food and clothing out of their own pockets. Children eat snacks in a classroom. (Illustration by News Decoder) Ashley teaches Spanish at a public high school...
by Hanan Hammad | 30 Dec 2025 | Culture, Personal Reflections, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Live out of suitcases for months at a time, and you learn what to leave behind. It’s not the physical stuff that matters but connections you make and keep. Suitcases beside a taxi. (Illustration by News Decoder.) This article was produced exclusively for News...
by Natasha Yu Chia Hu | 29 Dec 2025 | Education, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
College students must pay for housing, books and course fees. For many, that leaves little extra for meals. Some campuses are working to fill that need. A college student considers buying food or books. (Illustration by News Decoder.) University systems have long been...
by Georges Ki-Zerbo | 22 Dec 2025 | Africa, Health and Wellness, United States, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Contraception reduces mortality and can improve the lives of women. But the United States has pulled its global funding for maternal health programs. An almost-empty shelf, that once held contraceptives for patients, is seen at the Palala Clinic in Bong County,...
by Natasha Yu Chia Hu | 1 Dec 2025 | Education, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Can schools entice young people to choose foods that are better for their health and the health of the planet? A woman serves lunch to a boy in a cafeteria. (Photo by pixelshot) In New York City, a surprising culinary shift is happening where few expect it: inside...
by News Decoder | 27 Nov 2025 | Journalism, News Decoder Updates, School Partners, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
At the University of Toronto, people with specialized information become journalists and work with News Decoder to inform teens hungry for good information. A map connects Toronto to Paris. (Credit: Google Maps Image/News Decoder) Preety Sharma is a public health and...
by Natasha Yu Chia Hu | 17 Nov 2025 | Environment, Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
In many places, people are shocked by the high price of food. But cheaper options come with other costs to children’s health and the greater environment. A supermarket aisle of sugary drinks. (Photo by LoraLiu/Getty Images) This article was produced exclusively...
by Charissa Egger | 6 Nov 2025 | Education, India, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
To conduct new research, scholars need access to past studies. But often that costs money that many can’t afford. India is trying to fix that problem. A library has an aisle closed for subscribers. (Illustration by News Decoder) This article was produced...