November 14, 2025

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)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ Weekend Non-Negotiables, our new Friday afternoon newsletter, hits your inbox at 1 pm ET.

🗓️ The only film that can put magicians in the same league as secret service agents is in theaters. 

🗓️ 5 Seconds of Summer is back with a new album, so we can all relive our youth together.

🗓️ Happy National Pickle Day. Finally, a holiday for the girls.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

TOGETHER WITH CITYMD

Thing to Know

Emergency room vs. urgent care

When an accident happens, you might only have a second to decide where to go for care. Here’s how to make the right call — fast. If it’s a serious situation (like chest pain, trouble breathing, or a head injury), go to the ER. For non-life-threatening issues that still need attention (like a sprain, ear infection, or minor burn), head to UC. And if you’ve ever delayed care because finding a doctor felt like a pain, you’re in luck. There are high-quality urgent care centers available right in your neighborhood in NYC. Think: faster visits, trusted providers, and a one-stop shop for vaccines and lab work. You can even check wait times online before heading out. Reliable care without the waiting-room marathon? Sign us up.

Holiday Gifts for the Men In Your Life

If he keeps telling you he doesn’t need anything, don’t believe him. Get him these gifts he’ll actually like:

• A multi-tool for the guy who thinks he can fix anything

• A leather wallet specifically designed for his front pocket

• A nicer-than-usual T-shirt

Know It All

How much is FIFA paying for its Kennedy Center stay during the 2028 World Cup?

Extra Credit

Read

Because “I wish I had asked” isn’t a feeling anyone wants. November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — the perfect reminder to hold on to the stories, lessons, and quirks that make your parents them. Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story and Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story make it easy to turn memories into keepsakes you’ll treasure for years, one thoughtful prompt at a time.*

Game Time

Kick your weekend off with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. We’re all in.