Early childhood obesity rates have declined dramatically in the past decade, according to a new analysis with CDC research.

Marie McIntosh
News Engagement Specialist
Marie McIntosh is a news engagement specialist at The Center for Investigative Reporting, focusing on Junior Watchdogs, CIR's hub for information for kids. Marie works closely with the editorial team to find stories that affect kids, parents and teachers. Those stories cover nutrition, safety, education and more. Marie manages the production of video games and activity books and develops resources that engage kids and their families. She also supports CIR's events. Previously, she was the editorial assistant and social media manager for The Bay Citizen, which merged with CIR in 2012. Before that, Marie worked in textbook publishing in Boston.
Coming to a screen near you: CIR’s first video game for kids
“Hairnet Hero” follows Lula, a long-suffering nutritional director, as she attempts to give students at her school a healthy, balanced lunch. The principal, teachers and kids are all on her case about the cost, nutrition and taste of her lunches, and the consequences of serving unbalanced meals to her students can be dire.
Marijuana dominates drug seizures along US-Mexico border
There’s only one word for the number of pounds of marijuana seized by the U.S. Border Patrol and at U.S. ports of entry: high.
Cocaine, ‘caviar of street drugs,’ remains in high demand
From snake-oil patent medication to Wall Street boardrooms, cocaine is a drug with a distinct hold on America’s consciousness.
Methodist minister under fire for officiating gay son’s wedding
As the debate over same-sex marriage swirls in social, political and legal circles around the country, members of the United Methodist Church are caught in the middle.
What’s your church’s stance on homosexuality?
The debate over same-sex marriage has been raging as the Supreme Court prepares to issue a decision on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the California law that made such marriages illegal. However, the discussion also extends beyond the political landscape, as churches across the world are having similar conversations about how their religion’s dogma should apply to […]
Film, panel discussion highlight church’s debate over homosexuality
About 50 people gathered this week at the Delancey Street Theater in San Francisco to screen the film “A Church Divided” and participate in a panel discussion on the United Methodist Church’s stance on homosexuality.
Beyond ‘The Shooter’: The long look at life after active duty
The soldier known as the Shooter describes the intense operation leading up to Osama bin Laden’s final moments, but also shares another, darker side of the veteran experience: the challenges combat veterans face, even ones with millions of dollars in training and top security clearance, as they re-enter civilian life after returning home from war.
Are you a veteran on a wait list? Here’s who to contact
Find out who’s responsible for overseeing the Department of Veterans Affairs and its disability claims process and who you can contact for help with claims.