It’s the first week of October, which means that it’s time for MCN’s annual reminder to start thinking ahead to Halloween -- and not just to the details of your child’s Fortnite-inspired costume. It’s time to think ahead to the candy! “Snickers candy bars famously promise to satisfy. But you might find them less satiating if you knew your chocolate could be salted with the tears of enslaved children,” is the somewhat distasteful start of a recent article (pun intended). Advocates suing Big Chocolate were unsuccessful earlier this year in getting Snickers, Mars, and other common candy delights to be labeled with a warning about the use of child labor. But we as consumers can avoid the horrendous practice. Here’s more on Fair Trade chocolate from US certifier Fair Trade USA (and here’s a quick link to the mini-bars of chocolate on sale at Equal Exchange, if you don’t have a store nearby that sells fair trade goodies). The good stuff sells out before October 31st, so make sure to adjust your grocery lists accordingly, and then stash it in a very high shelf so it lasts until Halloween. On to our weekly recommendations from MCN staff -- here’s what we’ve been reading. What about you? Let us know on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

Deliana, Director of International Projects and Emerging Issues, shared this bit of hope for many immigrants with temporary protected status: “San Francisco judge suspends Trump administration's decision to end protected status for hundreds of thousands of immigrants.”

Laszlo, Co-Chief Executive Officer, noted that there’s “lots of exciting news on TB this week, on the international level at the UN, and also under the microscope. I found this research from my Alma Mater (“Taking On TB”) and it really interested me.”

Candace, Specialist in Clinical Systems and Women’s Health: It’s National Midwifery Week and here’s a story to go with it: “Healthcare Inequality Extends Beyond Food Deserts: ‘Maternity deserts,’ healthcare provider bias also need to be addressed, expert says.”

Amy, Director of Environmental and Occupational Health, shared the moving California Sunday Magazine story, “‘Papá, I don’t think you should go to work today.’ The dread and hope of migrant farmers and families.”

Claire, Writer and Editor, shared “Migrant minor is held in adult detention facility for nearly a year after dental exam found he was likely 18.”

Have a safe and healthy weekend.

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