M&M's Buys Cheez-It, Meth Candy, & Kid Entrepreneurs.

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Big Stories

Study: Humans Age Rapily in Two Bursts — at 44 & 60.

A new study from Stanford Medicine found that many of our body’s molecules and microorganisms change quickly in our 40s and 60s.

• The research looked at thousands of different molecules in people aged 25 to 75 and found that instead of changing gradually with age, many of these molecules and microbes shift quickly around age 44 and again around age 60. The changes could affect our health, including how our heart and immune systems work.

• The researchers discovered that molecules linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease don’t just gradually increase with age but spike during these periods. The study tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes and found that about 81% showed sudden shifts, especially in the mid-40s and early 60s. Both men and women experience the shifts, suggesting factors beyond menopause could influence these changes.

• The changes observed in people’s 40s and 60s could be affected by lifestyle choices, such as alcohol consumption or stress, which might become more common at these ages. The researchers believe that being aware of these changes can help people adjust their lifestyles to stay healthier longer. Their advice? Start exercising and drink less in your 40s as your ability to metabolize alcohol slows.

Cheez-It and Pringles Join the M&M’s Brand Family

Mars, the company known for M&M's, is buying Kellanova, the maker of Cheez-Its and Pop-Tarts, for nearly $30 billion.

• The deal is the biggest in the sector since J.M. Smucker bought Hostess for $5.6 billion last year. Kellanova was formed last year when Kellogg split into two companies. It has many popular brands like Pringles and Rice Krispies Treats.

• By buying Kellanova, Mars will gain more power when dealing with suppliers and stores. The combined company will control about 8% of the U.S. snack market, just behind PepsiCo’s 9%. Kellanova’s strong presence in international markets will also help Mars reach more customers globally.

• The deal is expected to be completed next year. Even though some regulators worry about monopoly barriers, analysts think the deal will be approved because there isn’t much overlap between the two companies' products. The purchase will help Mars diversify its product offerings as younger consumers’ tastes have shifted away from chocolate.

Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida to Resign

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he would not seek re-election as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in September.

• His decision comes amid a corruption scandal within the party, though Kishida himself was not implicated. Public dissatisfaction with the government, especially due to the high cost of living, has also hurt the LDP's popularity, with support dropping to around 20%.

• Kishida decided to step down to allow for greater transparency and reform within the LDP. His three-year term as party head saw Japan strengthen its ties with the U.S., especially in the face of global challenges like the war in Ukraine and tensions with China.

• Former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced he's interested in replacing Prime Minister Kishida. Experts believe the LDP needs to pick a new leader unconnected to recent scandals if they want to do well in the 2025 general election. Political analyst Atsuo Ito suggests they should choose someone young and different from the current administration.

Little Stories

• Germany's top prosecutor has issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian man suspected of blowing up the Nord Stream gas pipelines almost two years ago. The undersea explosions on September 26, 2022, damaged a pipeline that used to transport 40% of Russia's gas exports to Europe before Russia invaded Ukraine. (More)

• Hurricane Ernesto is moving away from Puerto Rico after hitting the island with heavy rain and flooding. Even though the storm passed north of the U.S. territory, 740,000 people were without power, and the island remains under a flash flood watch until Thursday. This is the third hurricane of the season. (More)

• A New Zealand charity accidentally gave out candies with dangerous amounts of methamphetamine. The Auckland City Mission found out after someone reported the sweets tasted "funny." The candies, labeled as a Malaysian brand called Rinda, were donated in a sealed package by an unknown person. (More)

• Last week, more Americans applied for mortgages than at any time since January 2023, and refinancing applications hit their highest level since May 2022. Lower interest rates are helping people save money on their monthly payments, but the average new 30-year mortgage rate is still 6.5% — higher than most existing mortgages. (More)

• The purpose of Stonehenge is still a mystery, but scientists are closer to figuring out how it was built. They discovered that a large stone at the center — known as the '“altar stone” — came from northeastern Scotland, over 460 miles away, instead of Wales as previously thought. It's still unclear how the stone was transported to southern England. (More)

Extra Credit

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