What's Happening

Health

Menopause's Black Box Era Is Over

What's going on: Menopause is sometimes called “the change” — but the biggest change of all may be the Food and Drug Administration’s shift in how it’s treated. Yesterday, the agency announced it will remove the “black box” warning — the kind reserved for serious risks — from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products for menopause. That means HRT labels will no longer reference risks of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and dementia. Instead, the medications will display age-specific guidance, noting that there may be long-term health benefits if treatment begins within 10 years of menopause onset. The new labels are expected to hit US shelves within six months. Bonus: The FDA said it’s approving two new drugs for menopause symptoms — one that is estrogen-based and one nonhormonal option.

What it means: The FDA’s change could make it easier for women and their doctors to say yes to hormone therapy. For years, those experiencing menopause have suffered through excruciating symptoms — from hot flashes to vaginal dryness — amid fears that HRT could increase the risk of cancer or stroke. Many of these concerns date back to a 2002 study that linked hormone therapy with increased health risks. While some experts say those findings were overstated and that new research shows HRT benefits outweigh the risks, others say the FDA should have carried out additional studies before deciding to remove the black box label. 

Related: Perimenopause Can Raise Your Risk of Stroke — But These Habits May Help (Self)

Money

Checkout Might Get a Bit More Painful

What's going on: Splitting the check used to be about generosity. Now? It’s mostly about hoarding credit card points. And the rules could soon change. After 20 years of court battles, Visa and Mastercard proposed a settlement with businesses over swipe fees — the average 2% to 2.5% cut they take from every purchase. That adds up: The Wall Street Journal reports that in 2024, businesses shelled out $83 billion to card issuers — up 71% from 2019. The fees are typically the highest for premium credit cards, and if a business accepts one type of Visa or Mastercard, it has to take all of them. Now, the deal could give businesses more freedom to do things on their own terms.

What it means: Rewards cards we love — especially airline and hotel ones — might get a little more annoying to use. Still, it’ll be up to businesses to decide whether they accept these cards, charge customers extra to cover the higher processing fees, or keep the status quo. We bet you can guess which option won’t peeve shoppers. Still, don’t expect major changes overnight. Industry leaders are working out how this settlement plays out in the real (and expensive) world. Court challenges could pop up, too.

Related: Are Americans Finally Cutting Back on Their Credit Card Spending? (US News)

US News

‘Til Tariffs Do Us Part

What's going on: The only thing more stressful than getting the whole family to behave at a wedding? Paying for it. And now, tariffs are crashing the party. The Knot (a wedding planning service and publication) told CNN that costs have already jumped 18% in the past five years, and the trade tax could push them even higher. Nearly 80% of cut flowers are imported. (At least fake flowers don’t wilt?) And for anyone planning a wedding toast with champagne, the French imported drink is under a 15% tariff. It might be time to skip the tower of bubbly and encourage BYOB. Then there is the wedding dress. Even if it is made in the USA, there is a good chance that many of the materials come from China, Malaysia, or other countries. Love hurts (the wallet). 

What it means: Turns out you can put a price on love. CNN reports that one in five wedding vendors said they increased costs. Many say they can’t even give couples a firm quote anymore because tariffs change too fast. About 50% of engaged couples told The Knot they’ve had to adjust their plan to account for tariffs. One jewelry professional said, “The whole business model is fundamentally changing; you’re taking on a lot more risk.” Eloping never sounded so good.

Related: Tariffs Are Coming for a Pasta Night Staple (WSJ Gift Link)