News Above the Noise—Week of April 7, 2024
1. How the Total Solar Eclipse Might Unify the Country
Tomorrow, on April 8, those along a 115-mile-wide path from Texas to Maine will have the chance to see a total solar eclipse. And in this beautiful piece by David Baron, he makes a case that the event may have a healing impact on all of us. “In this age of polarized politics, siloed entertainment and individualized news feeds, the [2017] eclipse offered a precious shared experience—one that lifted and joined rather than debased and divided,” Baron writes. Here’s hoping tomorrow’s eclipse will do the same.
2. Too Few People are Screened for Colon Cancer
A staggering 1 in 3 people who should get screened for colon cancer have never received any screening, according to the American Cancer Society—a shame, given this screening can detect cancer when it is in the early stages and easier to treat. The good news: A new blood test might offer a more convenient way to get tested than a colonoscopy, which many consider uncomfortable, invasive, and time-consuming. To read more about this new test and what it can (and can’t) detect, click here.
3. What is Our Fear of Aging Doing to Our Kids?
There’s an alarming new trend among young girls lately, who are heading to beauty retailers in droves for a surprising category of products: anti-aging lotions and potions. That’s right, these so-called “Sephora kids” are looking for anti-aging products, thanks to social media exposure to older beauty influencers who are open about their use of anti-aging skin care, Botox, and other cosmetic procedures. But what does this all mean for kids? This excellent article answers that question and others, and you can read it here.
4. Meet the Latest Social Media Sensation: ‘Carefluencers’
There’s a new term for the growing number of people who share behind-the-scenes looks at the daily realities of providing round-the-clock care for older loved ones: “carefluencers.” For an in-depth look at this inspiring social media trend, click here.
5. What You Need to Know About Florida’s 6-Week Abortion Ban
Next month, a 6-week abortion ban is set to take effect in Florida, and it will severely limit abortion access in one of the country’s most populous states—and one that has become a key access point for abortion amid widespread restrictions in the region. A staggering 1 of every 3 abortions in the South happened in Florida last year. You can read more about the expected impact of this new legislation here.
Editor's Note: Every week, The Sunday Paper's team of journalists sifts through the news to make sense of what's happening in the world and provide hope for your week to come. We find what Rises Above the Noise and do our best to highlight what we think matters. If you’d like to read more in-depth, please note that while we do our best to feature articles that are not behind a paywall, some of the news pieces we recommend require their own subscriptions beyond our control.
