The FDA announced it will ban the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer in animals, from food and drinks. This dye, found in products like candy, cereals, and milkshakes, has been banned in cosmetics since 1990. Consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have pushed for this move due to evidence linking the dye to cancer and potential behavioral effects in children. The ban follows years of research, including a 1980s study that showed tumors in rats exposed to high doses. Food manufacturers will have until January 2027 to remove the dye, with an extra year for dietary supplements. The move aligns with actions already taken in countries like Australia and Japan. Some U.S. companies have already removed the dye, and several states, including California, have also started to ban it.
New Food Labels Would Simplify Dietary Choices
The FDA has proposed new, simplified front-of-package nutrition labels to help consumers quickly identify foods with excessive sugar, salt, and saturated fat, which contribute to obesity and diet-related illnesses. These three nutrients are linked to chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, affecting over 60% of U.S. adults. The labels would rank these nutrients as high, medium, or low based on daily recommended values. Food companies criticized the proposal, favoring a voluntary industry labeling system instead. The new labels could take up to four years to implement if finalized.
Michelle Obama: ‘Done With Trump,’ Will Skip Inauguration
Michelle Obama’s decision to skip President-elect Trump’s inauguration signals her ongoing disdain for him. While her husband, former President Obama, will attend, Michelle has chosen not to participate, sending a clear message to her allies that she wants no part in an event involving someone she believes is undeserving of the presidency. Allies emphasize that Michelle’s stance aligns with her consistent criticism of Trump, particularly his character and his actions that put her family in danger.
TikTok Will Go Dark by Sunday: Report
TikTok plans to shut down its app for U.S. users on Sunday if a federal ban takes effect, unless the Supreme Court intervenes. While the law would only prevent new downloads, TikTok’s shutdown would stop users from accessing the app entirely. The company will provide a message directing users to a website with information about the ban and offer them a chance to download their personal data. The ban stems from a law signed by President Biden in April 2024, requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell its U.S. assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban.
Village People Torched for Plan to Perform at Trump Swearing In
The Village People have announced their participation in events surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, despite backlash. In a statement, the band emphasized their belief that music should transcend politics and that their iconic song “Y.M.C.A.” can help unite the country after a divisive campaign. The decision follows previous controversies, such as the use of their song at Trump’s rallies during the 2020 election cycle. While band frontman Victor Willis initially opposed the song’s use at such events, he later accepted the publicity it generated and chose not to take legal action against Trump for using the song.
Some Houses Survived the LA Inferno Intact. Why?
Eric Martin was certain that his home in Altadena, California, would be lost to the devastating Eaton Fire. However, to his shock, his house survived the blaze, while homes on his block were reduced to rubble. He returned later to find that not only was his house intact, but so were those of his neighbors. The survival of his home, along with others amidst the wildfires in Los Angeles County, raises questions about why some structures endure while others burn. Experts suggest several factors might be at play, such as fire-resistant design, homeowners’ preparation (like creating defensible spaces by clearing flammable materials), the intervention of firefighters, weather conditions, and sometimes, sheer luck.
