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A federal provision set to take effect in November 2026 will ban hemp-derived products containing more than 0.4 mg of THC per container, threatening the $24 billion industry. Industry leaders are lobbying for new legislation to regulate and preserve hemp-based products, especially THC beverages popular among Gen Z.
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As the global food system accounts for about a third of human-caused greenhouse gases, consumers are exploring sustainable options like local farms and food donations. During Thanksgiving, these choices can significantly reduce environmental impact and food waste, with tips from experts on shopping and donating responsibly.
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The US Department of Agriculture has threatened to withhold SNAP funds from 21 states refusing to share recipient data, citing privacy concerns and fraud. Legal battles are ongoing, with courts temporarily blocking enforcement. The dispute highlights partisan tensions over food aid and data privacy, affecting millions of Americans.
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President Trump announced an $11 billion aid package for US farmers affected by trade tariffs and global trade shifts. The aid, funded by tariff revenues, aims to support small-scale producers and stabilize agricultural prices amid ongoing trade disputes with China and other countries. The package is part of broader efforts to address rising food costs and economic pressures.
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San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against 10 food and beverage companies, accusing them of marketing ultra-processed foods linked to health issues like obesity and diabetes. The city seeks penalties, consumer education, and restrictions on marketing, especially to children, citing scientific evidence of harm. The lawsuit marks a first for a U.S. municipality targeting such companies.
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Recent data shows shifts in global trade patterns due to US tariffs and China's export growth. The US trade deficit shrank slightly in November, while China’s trade surplus hit a record high, despite ongoing tariffs and trade tensions. Countries are diversifying markets and rerouting shipments amid these tensions.
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The Biden administration announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers affected by trade disputes, inflation, and market disruptions. The aid aims to provide market certainty, especially for soybean and sorghum producers impacted by tariffs and trade wars with China. The announcement follows recent divestments by officials to avoid conflicts of interest.
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President Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for US farmers affected by trade disputes and low commodity prices. The payments aim to provide temporary relief but do not address underlying market uncertainties. Farmers remain cautious about future prospects, seeking broader market access and policy reforms.
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Recent outbreaks of avian influenza across Europe and North America have led to mass bird culls and raised fears of a potential human pandemic. Spain reports its first outbreak since 1994, while the US and India also face significant challenges. Experts warn of the virus's high mutation risk.
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Starting January 1, 2026, 18 US states will implement new restrictions on SNAP benefits, limiting purchases of sugary drinks, candy, and certain prepared foods. The move aims to promote healthier eating but faces logistical challenges and mixed evidence on health outcomes.
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The US Department of Agriculture announced aid payments for row crop farmers, including soybeans, corn, and sorghum, to offset losses from China's trade restrictions. Payments are scheduled for delivery by February, but farmers remain concerned about ongoing costs and market access. The aid totals $11 billion, with additional funds for specialty crops.
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Research on ultraprocessed foods highlights potential health risks linked to their high sodium, sugar, and fat content. Experts call for policy changes amid ongoing debates about their impact, with recent studies showing increased calorie intake and weight gain associated with these foods.
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The Biden administration is withholding over $129 million in federal funds from Minnesota amid ongoing disputes over fraud investigations, immigration enforcement, and federal aid cuts targeting Democratic-led states. The move follows recent legal rulings and political tensions, with the state appealing the funding freeze.
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The US government has enacted a law allowing schools to serve full-fat and 2% milk, reversing a policy from 2012 that mandated only low-fat options. This aligns with new dietary guidelines promoting whole dairy products, sparking debate over childhood nutrition and health impacts.
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Unseasonably cold weather in Florida has caused thousands of invasive green iguanas to become cold-stunned and fall from trees. Wildlife officials are collecting and humanely killing the reptiles, which cause environmental damage. Some residents are also collecting and preparing the animals for consumption, highlighting ongoing invasive species control efforts.
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U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns ordered the government to bring back 19-year-old Babson College student Any Lucia López Belloza, who was deported in November despite a court order. The judge cited a government acknowledgment of a mistake and gave the Department of Homeland Security two weeks to comply.