WASHINGTON — Mars Inc., the company behind M&M’s, plans to eliminate blue and brown from its iconic candy lineup as part of a broader initiative to remove artificial dyes from the product, according to multiple reports.

The changes coincide with the candy’s 85th anniversary in August, marking a significant evolution for one of the world’s most recognized confectionery brands. The company has been working to develop naturally colored alternatives for several years, facing technical and cost challenges in replicating certain hues.

Blue and brown have proven particularly difficult to produce without synthetic additives. Mars has successfully recreated red and yellow using natural ingredients such as turmeric and beets. However, achieving stable blue requires spirulina extract, a concentrated blue-green algae powder that presents manufacturing complications.

Spirulina does not fully dissolve in water, potentially causing clogs in spray nozzles and buildup in production equipment. The ingredient also carries a significantly higher cost compared to traditional dyes, ranging from $20 to $100 per pound versus approximately $10 per pound for turmeric.

Company executives reportedly considered limiting colors to red, orange and yellow, evoking a sunset theme, but ultimately decided against that approach. The transition will initially launch on Amazon before broader distribution. Mars aims to offer all six original colors using natural dyes by 2028.

Brown requires blue coloring to achieve its distinctive shade, explaining its temporary removal alongside blue. The company will continue offering products with artificial dyes while expanding natural alternatives across its portfolio, including Skittles, Extra Gum and Starburst.

Health advocates have long pushed for the elimination of synthetic dyes, citing studies linking them to potential neurobehavioral issues such as hyperactivity and attention problems in some children. The Food and Drug Administration maintains that approved dyes are safe for most consumers when used as directed.

In April 2025, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced plans to phase out synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, primarily through voluntary industry efforts rather than mandatory regulations. Mars’ initiative aligns with this broader industry trend toward cleaner ingredient formulations.

The decision reflects evolving consumer preferences and regulatory pressures surrounding food additives. Many manufacturers have begun reformulating products to address concerns about artificial colors, flavors and preservatives while maintaining visual appeal.

M&M’s distinctive colorful appearance has been central to its brand identity since its introduction in 1941. The candies were originally created to provide soldiers with chocolate that would not melt in their hands during World War II. The colorful shell coating became an instant success and defining characteristic.

Industry analysts expect the changes to have minimal long-term impact on sales given Mars’ strong brand loyalty and marketing capabilities. Temporary removal of certain colors may even generate consumer interest and media attention during the transition period.

The company has not officially confirmed the exact timeline or details of the color changes. Reports suggest initial availability of the reformulated products will be limited, allowing Mars to gather consumer feedback before full rollout.

Spirulina’s use as a natural blue dye has gained attention in recent years across the food industry. While effective, its cost and processing requirements present challenges for large-scale production. Alternative natural blue sources remain under development but have not yet achieved commercial viability.

Consumer reactions to the potential changes have been mixed on social media platforms. Some express disappointment over losing familiar colors, while others support the move toward more natural ingredients. The company’s strong brand presence suggests it can navigate the transition successfully.

Mars joins other major food manufacturers in responding to demands for cleaner labels. The trend reflects broader shifts in consumer awareness regarding food ingredients and their potential health impacts. Companies balance these concerns with maintaining product appeal and affordability.

The M&M’s reformulation represents part of Mars’ ongoing commitment to product innovation and sustainability. The company has invested in various initiatives to reduce environmental impact and improve ingredient sourcing across its global operations.

As the August anniversary approaches, Mars will likely provide more details about its plans. The changes could influence other confectionery manufacturers to accelerate their own efforts to remove artificial additives from popular products.

The food industry’s response to calls for natural ingredients continues evolving. While challenges remain in achieving consistent colors and flavors without synthetics, technological advances offer promising solutions for the future.

M&M’s enduring popularity demonstrates the strength of its brand despite periodic changes to its formula and appearance. The upcoming modifications represent another chapter in the candy’s long history of adaptation to consumer preferences and industry standards.

SpaceX continues to dominate the commercial space sector with unmatched launch frequency, reusability achievements, and operational scale, while Blue Origin has made notable strides with its New Glenn rocket but remains significantly behind in overall capability and market impact as of mid-2026. The rivalry between Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin has defined much of the new space era, with both companies pursuing reusable rocket technology and ambitious lunar goals.

SpaceX’s Commanding Market Position

By nearly every measurable metric, SpaceX remains the dominant force in commercial spaceflight. SpaceX’s launch business remains the industry benchmark. No competitor matches its combination of reuse, reliability, payload capacity, and flight cadence.

That dominance is reflected directly in market share figures. SpaceX handles roughly 60% of global commercial launches by mass, operating with over 300 successful Falcon 9 missions, operational crew transportation to the ISS, and the revolutionary Starship program entering service. The company’s pricing and reliability have effectively ended competition from European, Russian, and most other international launch providers in commercial markets, with only China’s state-backed launch programs maintaining comparable launch cadence.

That scale extends to the company’s broader workforce and corporate structure as well. SpaceX employs approximately 13,000 people across its facilities in California, Texas, Florida, and Washington state. Under the leadership of CEO Elon Musk and President Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX has grown from a startup to the dominant force in commercial space launch.

The Cost Advantage Driving SpaceX’s Edge

A central pillar of SpaceX’s dominance has been its ability to drive down launch costs through reusability, a capability competitors have struggled to match at scale. SpaceX accounted for over half of global launches in 2024, with costs as low as $2,720 per kilogram for Falcon 9 and $1,500 per kilogram for Falcon Heavy. Competitors including United Launch Alliance, Arianespace, Rocket Lab, and Blue Origin are vying for market share, but none match SpaceX’s price or reliability.

The company’s next-generation Starship vehicle is designed to extend that cost advantage even further. SpaceX is targeting a cost per kilogram under $100 with Starship, against Falcon 9’s roughly $2,720 today — a drop that would matter less for cutting prices further and more for enabling the kind of bulk satellite deployment future infrastructure plans depend on. If it delivers, the gap widens by an order of magnitude rather than a margin.

Starship’s Scale of Ambition

Beyond cost, Starship represents an entirely different category of vehicle in terms of raw capability. SpaceX Starship is the most ambitious rocket ever built. Standing 121 meters tall and designed to be fully and rapidly reusable, Starship is engineered to carry up to 150 tonnes to low Earth orbit — roughly five times the capacity of any previous rocket.

If Starship achieves full operational status and hits its stated target of under $10 million per launch, it would not merely extend SpaceX’s current lead. It would make most existing launch business models economically obsolete.

Blue Origin’s Real Progress, and a Recent Setback

Despite trailing SpaceX significantly, Blue Origin has genuinely closed ground in recent years after a long period of slower development. After years of being dismissed as a slow-moving vanity project, Blue Origin has had a significant turnaround. New Glenn achieved orbit on its second attempt in early 2025 and has since completed several commercial launches.

That progress earned the company a significant validation from a key government customer. The U.S. Space Force awarded Blue Origin a significant share of the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 contract — a deal worth potentially billions — alongside SpaceX and ULA. That contract was the moment Blue Origin became unambiguously a serious launch competitor, not just a well-funded contender.

However, the company suffered a significant operational setback more recently. Blue Origin is currently grounded following a launchpad explosion on May 28, 2026. That incident has further widened the operational gap with SpaceX, given that Blue Origin’s launch cadence before the explosion was already very low compared to SpaceX, which was achieving multiple Falcon 9 launches per week by 2023 and has sustained that pace since.

A Surprising Payload Capacity Edge for New Glenn

Despite trailing badly in launch frequency and reliability, Blue Origin’s hardware does hold one notable technical advantage over SpaceX’s current workhorse vehicle. On payload, which is simply how much mass a rocket can lift to orbit in one flight, Blue Origin’s New Glenn actually beats Falcon 9, though it hasn’t flown nearly often enough to prove that capacity translates into reliable, repeatable service.

New Glenn can lift 45 metric tons to low Earth orbit, with launch costs estimated at $67 million per flight — figures that demonstrate genuine heavy-lift capability, even if the rocket has not yet built the kind of flight history that would allow customers to fully rely on that capacity.

Diverging Business Strategies

Beyond the hardware itself, SpaceX and Blue Origin are pursuing fundamentally different business strategies to fund and sustain their respective rocket programs. SpaceX’s flywheel centers on Starlink, the company’s satellite internet service, as the primary engine generating revenue to fund Starship development and broader ambitions.

Blue Origin, meanwhile, has pursued a more diversified set of long-term initiatives, including BE-4 engine production scaling to supply both New Glenn and ULA’s Vulcan rocket, an Orbital Reef commercial space station targeting a 2028 launch, and a Neutron rocket program — its medium-lift vehicle competing directly with Rocket Lab and others — targeted for its first flight in 2026 and designed from the outset for booster reuse.

Other Competitors Entering the Field

While SpaceX and Blue Origin represent the two most prominent names in the current space race, several other companies are working to establish footholds in specific market segments. Rocket Lab, known for its Electron rocket, is developing Neutron, a medium-lift vehicle capable of carrying 13 metric tons to low Earth orbit at a target price of $50 million. A Rocket Lab spokesperson highlighted the company’s focus on an underserved segment of the market, noting there is a practical monopoly in the medium-lift launch market right now, with really only one operational vehicle currently serving that niche.

The Broader Market Context

The overall commercial launch market has continued expanding rapidly even as SpaceX maintains its dominant position within it. The satellite launch market grew 15.1% from $10.34 billion in 2024 to $11.9 billion in 2025, with projections estimating the market could reach $22.18 billion by 2029 — growth that creates room for multiple competitors to find commercial success even without directly challenging SpaceX’s overall market leadership.

What the Numbers Suggest Going Forward

Blue Origin, New Glenn, and Rocket Lab are SpaceX’s most significant rivals across commercial and government launch markets as of June 2026, though the gap between SpaceX and the rest of the field remains substantial across nearly every meaningful metric — launch cadence, cost per kilogram, payload reliability, and overall market share.

On raw capability, SpaceX is still well ahead. Starship’s mass-to-orbit advantage is so significant that if it achieves its operational cadence targets, it will reshape what’s economically possible in space the same way Falcon 9 reshaped the launch industry roughly a decade earlier.

The trajectory of the rivalry over the remainder of 2026 will likely hinge on two key developments: whether Blue Origin can recover from its recent launchpad explosion and resume New Glenn flights at a meaningfully increased cadence, and whether SpaceX’s Starship program can achieve the full operational status and dramatically lower per-launch costs the company has targeted. If Starship delivers on its ambitious technical and economic goals, SpaceX’s current lead would likely extend even further beyond the reach of Blue Origin and other competitors. If SpaceX stumbles in that effort, the company would be left defending its current advantage with the aging but reliable Falcon 9 against rivals that, despite their own setbacks, continue closing distance every quarter.

MUSCAT — Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz picked up sharply on Friday after the United States and Iran signed a ceasefire deal, with Gulf producers preparing to raise exports despite mounting concerns over new conditions Tehran is attempting to impose on vessels using the vital waterway.

A Sharp Jump in Traffic, but Still Well Below Normal

The numbers point to a meaningful, if partial, recovery in shipping activity through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. There were 25 commercial crossings through Hormuz on June 18 — the highest single-day count since April 18 and more than five times the average daily level of the first 10 days of June, according to AXS Marine data. Traffic remains well below the pre-conflict level of about 120 daily crossings, underscoring how much ground shipping activity still has to recover even with the ceasefire now formally in place.

The Ceasefire Agreement and Trump’s Warning

Washington and Tehran released the text of an interim agreement signed on Wednesday to end the conflict, although President Donald Trump warned he could resume attacks and target Iranian officials if commitments are not honored — a caveat that underscores just how conditional the current de-escalation remains.

Tankers Returning to the Strait

The practical effects of the ceasefire were visible almost immediately on the water. At least four tankers carrying crude, oil products, and liquefied petroleum gas entered the strait on Friday, heading for Iraqi Gulf ports, according to MarineTraffic data. A Japanese-owned crude tanker exited the strait after being delayed by the war and was bound for Japan.

India’s energy supply chain also showed signs of normalizing. Indian-flagged crude supertankers Desh Vibhor and Desh Vaibhav had commenced voyages through the strait to India after days of disruption.

In another notable shift, vessels have resumed normal tracking behavior after weeks of operating in the shadows to avoid detection during the conflict. Ships resumed broadcasting positions as they transited Hormuz, after weeks of concealing movements by switching off transponders.

Gulf Producers Move Quickly to Ramp Up Output

With the waterway reopening, major regional oil producers wasted little time signaling their intent to capitalize on the improved conditions. Kuwait Petroleum Corp is offering crude for July delivery via a tender, after lifting force majeure and announcing plans to ramp up output, while Abu Dhabi National Oil Company issued its fourth tender this month.

The U.S. Lifts Its Blockade, but Mine Risks Remain

The United States formally lifted its blockade of Iranian ports on Thursday, though officials cautioned that physical hazards from the conflict have not been fully cleared from the water. “Mariners should be advised of the existence of mines and expect naval presence as clearance operations continue,” the U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Centre said late on Thursday. The center advised vessels to avoid the Traffic Separation Scheme because of mine risks — a designated routing system through Iranian and Omani waters that was originally adopted by the United Nations shipping agency in 1968.

A Persistent Risk of Renewed Conflict

Despite the visible signs of normalization, shipping industry analysts continue to flag the underlying fragility of the current arrangement. “Risks range from the danger of mines … to that of getting stuck in the Mideast Gulf should tempers flare and Iran block Hormuz once again,” ship broker Braemar said in a note. The same analysis flagged a specific financial provision buried within the agreement that could shape how the waterway operates going forward: “The deal … opens the possibility for Iran to charge fees to manage Hormuz transits after 60 days.”

Iran Asserts New Control Over Transit

In the days following the ceasefire, Iran has moved to assert a more active role in regulating traffic through the strait — a development that has alarmed the broader shipping industry. Iran signalled tighter control over shipping, with state TV reporting that vessels must coordinate transit with the Revolutionary Guards navy.

That tightened posture has already manifested in specific incidents on the water. British maritime security firm Ambrey said Iranian forces ordered a Hong Kong-flagged tanker and a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier to turn back on Thursday.

A New Permit System Drawing Industry Objections

The most contentious development has been the emergence of a formal Iranian permitting regime for vessels seeking to use the strait. In an undated advisory circulated to the maritime industry in the last 24 hours and seen by Reuters, Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority said “no vessel is permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without a valid passage permit issued by the PGSA.” The PGSA, which describes itself as the sole body authorized to issue permits, also said it reserves the right to introduce insurance fees, requiring ship-owners to obtain and renew coverage.

That assertion of authority has met firm resistance from the global shipping community. The shipping industry has rejected any fee or toll system being imposed on what they say is an international waterway — a dispute that could become a significant flashpoint in the weeks ahead as the practical mechanics of the ceasefire continue to take shape.

Iranian Oil Already Flowing Toward Asia

Beyond the disputes over transit permits, monitoring groups have documented a substantial volume of Iranian crude already moving toward buyers in Asia in the wake of the ceasefire. A flotilla of 10 laden Iranian-flagged supertankers carrying close to 20 million barrels of oil were sailing from Iran’s Chabahar anchorage in the Gulf of Oman and heading to Asia for likely teapot refineries in China, according to analysis from U.S. advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran, which monitors Iran-related tanker traffic.

A senior adviser at the organization suggested the easing of sanctions enforcement has removed a key obstacle that had previously complicated such shipments. “There is apparently no longer the hot potato issue of unilateral American sanctions,” UANI senior adviser Charlie Brown said.

What Comes Next

With traffic through Hormuz still running at a fraction of pre-conflict levels and Iran’s new permitting and insurance-fee regime drawing immediate pushback from the global shipping industry, the path toward a fully normalized waterway remains uncertain. The 60-day window referenced in the ceasefire agreement, after which Iran may be permitted to formally charge transit fees, looms as a significant near-term test of how durable the current arrangement proves to be — particularly if shipping companies continue refusing to recognize Tehran’s claimed authority over what they maintain is an international passage. In the meantime, the presence of mines still being cleared from the strait, combined with Iran’s documented willingness to turn back vessels it deems noncompliant, leaves the recovery in oil shipments through one of the world’s most strategically vital chokepoints on still-uncertain footing.

ORLANDO, Florida — A former juvenile probation officer in Florida has been arrested and charged with more than 100 felonies for allegedly using her access to a state database to provide sensitive information to members of a drug trafficking organization.

Crystal Lawson, who previously worked for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, faces 113 counts of unauthorized computer access according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities allege she repeatedly accessed the Comprehensive Case Information System between January and May to identify active cases and alert suspects about impending arrests.

The sheriff’s office detailed how Lawson allegedly searched for unserved arrest warrants and shared that information with associates of the drug trafficking group. This activity reportedly compromised investigations, leading to lost evidence, unrecovered assets and at least one suspect fleeing to avoid capture.

Lawson began her employment with the Department of Juvenile Justice in February 2022 but was terminated later that year following an arrest for battery. Despite her dismissal, she retained database access that enabled the alleged unauthorized inquiries.

Each count of unauthorized access carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, meaning Lawson could face a maximum sentence of 565 years if convicted on all charges. The case highlights vulnerabilities in government database security and the serious consequences of insider misuse.

Investigators discovered the activity through routine monitoring of the case information system. The pattern of repeated access by a former employee who no longer had legitimate need for the information raised immediate red flags.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the impact on ongoing investigations. “Lawson was able to find multiple active, un-served arrest warrants, searched for and identified co-defendants in the criminal case, and leaked active arrest warrants to members and associates of the DTO,” officials stated in a social media post.

Law enforcement agencies rely heavily on secure databases to coordinate investigations and protect sensitive information. Unauthorized access not only compromises individual cases but can endanger officers and informants involved in dismantling criminal organizations.

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has launched an internal review of its access protocols following the arrest. Officials indicated they are working with law enforcement to strengthen security measures and prevent similar incidents.

This case adds to growing concerns about insider threats within government agencies handling sensitive data. Cybersecurity experts recommend regular audits, immediate revocation of access for terminated employees and multi-factor authentication to mitigate risks.

Lawson’s alleged actions allegedly benefited a drug trafficking organization operating in the central Florida region. The group reportedly used the leaked information to evade capture and potentially destroy evidence before warrants could be executed.

Prosecutors will likely present detailed digital evidence showing the timing and nature of the database queries. Forensic analysis of access logs typically provides compelling proof in such cases, demonstrating unauthorized use by individuals without legitimate business need.

The charges underscore the critical importance of maintaining confidentiality in law enforcement databases. Even seemingly minor breaches can have cascading effects on public safety and the administration of justice.

Legal experts note that convictions in unauthorized access cases often result in significant prison time, particularly when the breaches compromise active criminal investigations. The potential 565-year maximum sentence, while unlikely to be fully imposed, illustrates the severity with which such offenses are viewed.

The incident has prompted renewed calls for improved employee screening and monitoring within agencies handling sensitive information. Background checks, regular security training and strict access controls are essential components of protecting data integrity.

For the affected drug trafficking investigation, authorities must now assess the extent of compromised evidence and determine whether additional charges or investigative adjustments are necessary. The case may require rebuilding certain aspects from alternative sources.

Lawson remains in custody pending court proceedings. Her defense will likely argue about the circumstances of her continued database access and intent behind the queries. Court records indicate a hearing schedule will be established in the coming days.

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice expressed commitment to full cooperation with law enforcement. Spokespeople emphasized that such breaches are taken seriously and that appropriate measures will be implemented to prevent recurrence.

This case serves as a reminder of the human element in cybersecurity. Even sophisticated technical protections can be undermined by individuals with authorized or lingering access who choose to misuse their privileges.

As the investigation continues, authorities will examine whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged scheme. The full scope of compromised cases and potential damage to ongoing operations remains under review.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office continues working with federal partners to dismantle the drug trafficking organization. Despite the setback from the alleged leaks, officials expressed confidence in their ability to pursue justice through alternative investigative avenues.

The case highlights broader challenges facing law enforcement in the digital age. Balancing efficient information sharing with robust security protocols requires constant vigilance and adaptation to emerging threats.

This article was written by

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DULUTH, Minn. — What started in 1977 as a single race has grown into one of the most celebrated road races in the country, and this weekend, Grandma’s Marathon is marking five decades of history with its biggest celebration yet. Here are 10 things to know about the milestone weekend.

1. The race sold out faster than ever before

Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth opened registration and sold out in record time — just 12 hours. The half marathon also quickly sold out. The race is set for June 20, 2026, and will be the 50th running of the marathon along the North Shore.

That pace of registration followed a pattern organizers had anticipated well in advance. After record-setting registration numbers last year — the half marathon and 5K sold out in less than two days, and the marathon sold out in a month — organizers expected even more interest this year ahead of the event’s 50th anniversary celebration. “Wait until October 2, and you may be too late,” said Marketing and Public Relations Director Zach Schneider, referencing the event’s October 1 open date for general registration.

2. Organizers adjusted race capacities for the milestone year

Expecting more interest surrounding the 50th celebration, organizers adjusted capacities for the 2026 race weekend, with the marathon taking on more participants than in previous years to accommodate the heightened demand tied to the anniversary.

3. A drone show will light up the sky over Bayfront after the race

Grandma’s Marathon turns 50, and organizers are pulling out all the stops. New this year, a drone show sponsored by Visit Duluth will take to the night sky after the race wraps on Saturday, with 300 drones forming images central to the marathon and the community that fuels it. The show is set to highlight the weekend-long music festival and celebration at Bayfront Festival Park.

4. Two of Duluth’s most iconic landmarks will glow green for the weekend

Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert has announced that both the Aerial Lift Bridge and Enger Tower will be lit green for race weekend, turning two of the city’s most recognizable landmarks into part of the citywide celebration.

5. The festivities begin Thursday with a milestone expo

Before anyone laces up, the weekend begins at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Now in its 30th year, the Essentia Health Fitness Expo will fill Pioneer Hall and the Arena with close to 100 vendors showing off the latest in running apparel, gear, and technology. The expo is free and open to the public, running from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, and continuing the following day.

6. Friday kicks off with the William A. Irvin 5K and kids’ races

Races begin Friday, kicked off with Whipper Snapper races for kids at Bayfront Festival Park, followed by the William A. Irvin 5K, which was first run in 1994. The race is named after the Great Lakes ore boat docked in the slip at the canal; the course starts at the stern, circles the canal area, and finishes at the bow. Nearly 2,000 runners participate. The 3.1-mile route winds through Canal Park and even takes runners beneath the same finish line structure marathoners will cross the next day.

7. The half marathon sends thousands south along Scenic Route 61 before dawn

Early Saturday morning, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon kicks off, sending more than 7,000 runners south on Scenic Route 61 to Duluth. The half marathon was first run in 1991 and has since eclipsed the marathon in participation by a few hundred runners. The race starts near the Talmadge River and begins at 6 a.m.

8. The main event follows after 7:30 a.m., with a stacked music lineup all weekend

Saturday morning at the crack of dawn, runners take their mark for the half marathon, followed after 7:30 a.m. by the main event: the 50th annual Grandma’s Marathon. But it’s not just cardio: Rock the Bayfront will feature music on both Friday and Saturday with acts including Hippo Campus, Charlie Parr, Emily Haavik & the 35s, and Soul Asylum.

9. Traffic disruptions are expected, but one major road is getting a break

One thing for travelers to know: traffic won’t be as bad as it could be. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is pausing construction work on London Road for the weekend; however, multiple other roads on the North Shore will be closed, so drivers should give themselves plenty of time. Businesses in Canal Park are gearing up for extra customers, with at least one new business, Voyageur Donuts, planning to make 750 donuts as a first batch and preparing to make more if demand requires it.

10. The Young Athletes Foundation continues its mission of free youth programming

A central pillar of the race weekend’s broader mission involves the Grandma’s Marathon Young Athletes Foundation, which puts on free youth races throughout the year — including Whipper Snapper Races on Friday, Wednesday Night at the Races in the summer, and Saturday Morning at the Races in the winter. This year, in honor of the 50th Grandma’s Marathon, the foundation gave away free entries to runners 18 and under for other races, such as the upcoming Park Point 5-Miler and 2-Mile Walk on July 16. “It’s going so well that I can’t imagine having to pull back on that now and charging kids under 18 for races again because it’s so mission focused,” said race director Shane Bauer. “That’s the entire reason Grandma’s Marathon Young Athletes Foundation exists is to get people out there and active and conscious of that healthy lifestyle.”

Looking Ahead to the Next 50 Years

Race weekend, which also includes the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and William A. Irvin 5K, has seen record numbers of finishers each of the previous two years, with 18,359 finishers being the official total from a year ago. Even amid the celebration of the milestone anniversary, organizers say their attention is already turning to what comes next. Bauer and his staff of 10 full-time employees and one part-timer — plus the thousands of volunteers who help — are already thinking ahead to the next 50 years of Grandma’s Marathon, and what it could look like, including potential partnerships with the city of Duluth to get more year-round use out of Bayfront Festival Park.

“It’s great to be a part of it in any year, and then with the 50th,” Bauer said, “I know we had a great staff, but this year, it’s like, ‘Wow.’ It’s a superhero staff. It’s cool to be a part of.”

Schneider echoed that sense of pride in the event’s growth over five decades. “The way the race has grown in these 50 years is phenomenal,” Schneider said. “We’re excited to celebrate and honor that history and success while at the same time setting the stage for many years to come. Each year, we get to showcase our community on a worldwide stage, and that part never gets old.”

Selena Gomez’s husband, Benny Blanco, has taken over the internet with a dramatic change in his appearance, leaving social media users stunned. The music producer’s unexpected hairstyle has been trending across social media since he appeared on the YouTube series “GOAT Talk.”

The New Look

While he and rapper Lil Dicky spent the episode discussing their favorite “greatest of all time” names from the worlds of television, film, and music, viewers couldn’t stop discussing his hair. The 38-year-old was seen in a half-shaved style, with the left side of his head appearing completely buzzed while his curly hair remained untouched on the right.

During the show, Blanco did not address the makeover, leaving fans confused about whether the hairstyle was genuine or part of a joke.

The Internet Reacts

As soon as the episode was released, social media and the video’s comment section were flooded with reactions from viewers, many of them amused — and a few expressing genuine sympathy for Gomez.

“What bet did Benny lose?” one user wrote. Another added, “I feel so bad for Selena.” A third commented, “Please tell me Benny didn’t cut his hair.” Another viewer offered a more pointed theory, writing, “Bald cap, fun choice. Double-check everything or AI will get you.”

Other reactions leaned more toward bewilderment. “Umm, what happened, Benny my boy?” read one comment, while another wrote, “Benny Blanco’s new haircut… wow. That’s quite the transformation.” One user even drew a comparison to a well-known animated franchise, asking, “Is he auditioning for Shrek 5?” Another speculated that the look may have been a direct response to prior criticism, writing, “Benny Blanco took those comments about his hair to heart and actually shaved his head…”

Not the First Time Blanco Has Generated Online Buzz

The viral haircut moment is far from the first time Blanco has found himself at the center of internet attention since his relationship with Gomez became public. The producer has previously addressed controversy surrounding comments about his feet during a podcast appearance, and Gomez herself has spoken publicly about that same “dirty feet” episode, telling fans she finds herself falling more and more for her husband despite the online chatter surrounding it.

Blanco also directly addressed the feet controversy during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, reacting with apparent disbelief that the topic had generated as much attention as it did.

Separately, the couple has also had to contend with periodic divorce rumors circulating online, despite no indication from either Gomez or Blanco that their marriage is in any difficulty.

Benny and Selena’s Relationship

The couple often posts glimpses of their life together with fans through social media. Record producer and songwriter Benny Blanco and singer-producer-actress Selena Gomez have been together since June 2023.

Their relationship has continued to develop in the public eye, with the couple regularly marking milestones together. Last year, the two celebrated their first Thanksgiving together following their marriage, sharing the occasion with fans through social media posts.

A Candid Admission About Their Romance

Blanco has previously spoken candidly about his own surprise at the relationship’s trajectory, particularly given Gomez’s global fame as both a singer and actress. Last year, during his appearance on the Today Show, Benny Blanco admitted his initial disbelief about dating Selena. “I wake up every day, and I look in the mirror, and I’m like, ‘How did this happen?’ But until anyone figures it out,” he remarked.

The Wedding

The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in California on September 27, 2025, after confirming their engagement in December 2024. The wedding capped a relationship that had developed largely in public view, with both Gomez and Blanco frequently sharing details of their courtship with fans across various platforms.

With the viral haircut moment continuing to circulate widely online, it remains unclear whether Blanco intends to address the style change directly or whether it will simply join the growing list of internet moments tied to the couple’s relationship that have generated significant public attention without an official explanation from either party. Given the pattern of past controversies — from the feet comments to ongoing divorce speculation — fans and followers will likely continue parsing Blanco’s public appearances closely in the days ahead, watching for any further commentary on the hairstyle or any visible change before his next public appearance.