What's Happening

Health

Could Ultra-Processed Foods Be Fueling Colon Cancer Risk in Women?

What's going on: A new study published in JAMA Oncology is linking ultra-processed foods to a higher risk of precancerous colon polyps in women under 50. Researchers tracked more than 29,000 registered nurses for over 24 years, collecting self-reported diet logs and colonoscopy results. They found that women who got about a third of their daily calories from UPFs were 1.5 times more likely to develop polyps than those who ate the least. (Polyps typically aren’t cancerous, but can be considered early warning signs.) The most common offenders weren’t just candy and soda — but everyday staples like bread, breakfast cereals, sweetened drinks, and bottled condiments. It’s worth noting the study focused on a specific group — mostly white women in the same profession. 

What it means: Scientists still don’t know if ultra-processed foods directly cause early-onset colorectal cancer, but they do know these foods can spark inflammation and disrupt the gut microbiome — two factors tied to higher cancer risk. One doctor calls it “jarring” to see more people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s develop the disease, long before routine screening begins at 45. While cutting back on UPFs can help, swapping them out isn’t always easy or affordable. Experts urge younger adults to watch for these symptoms — persistent bathroom changes, blood in the stool, sudden weight loss — and talk to a doctor. Catching the disease early can push survival rates above 90%. 

Related: These Identical Twins Shared Everything, Then Came This Devastating Diagnosis (Business Insider)

US News

Congress May Be Coming for Your Calm

What's going on: Congress slipped a last-minute hemp provision into the bill that ended the government shutdown — the legislative equivalent of sneaking weed into a brownie when no one’s looking. The measure tightens restrictions on many hemp-derived products, including those with non-intoxicating CBD and low-dose THC, which had been legalized since the 2018 Farm Bill. Experts say this will effectively wipe out most hemp-based products — CBD included — even if that isn’t the bill’s explicit goal. But many GOP lawmakers argue the restrictions will help curb hemp-derived drinks and foods, which they say can produce a high.

What it means: If you’re partial to popping a gummy before bed, this is bad news. Plenty of people swear by CBD products for pain, sleep, and stress relief, even though the FDA only approves it to treat rare epilepsy disorders, and the research on CBD remains mixed. A National Institutes of Health report showed at least 10.5% of adults relied on CBD in the last month, while another survey from 2023 found that up to 37% of women use some form of cannabis. Celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow endorse CBD, and Marie Claire even predicted a CBD comeback earlier this year (awkward timing). While Congress may be back on a high, the rest of the nation? Not so much. 

Related: That’s Not All That Was Snuck Into the Shutdown Bill (NBC News)

US News

A One-Way Ticket to Anywhere But Here?

What's going on: Ever daydream about selling all of your stuff, hopping on the first plane to Barcelona, and never returning? Well, you aren’t alone. About 40% of young American women, ages 15 to 44, told Gallup they’ve toyed with the idea of leaving the country permanently. That’s up from around 10% in 2014. Meanwhile, nearly 20% of men in the same age range said they’ve thought about moving abroad. Gallup says few countries have shown a gender gap this wide, the largest since global tracking began in 2007. Wanderlust or wanting out?

What it means: Moving apartments, let alone countries, is never easy. But a growing number of women seemingly can’t picture a future for themselves in the US — let alone one that’s thriving. Gee, we wonder why. As Gallup explained: The numbers highlight women’s lack of faith in the US government, military, and judicial system. The report also found that the desire to book a one-way ticket out of the US has increased during each Trump administration and after the Supreme Court overturned abortion rights. Still, it’s unclear how many of these women will actually pack their bags for good. Until then, maybe a girls' trip to some of these cities will help.

Related: Do You Still Have To Pay Uncle Sam Taxes if You Live Abroad? (CNBC)