News News

• The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to enter New Mexico streets between 2023 and 2025. • This strategy was designed to help agents build more comprehensive cases against drug trafficking networks rather than making immediate seizures. • Whistleblower David Howell alleges that the DEA violated Justice Department safety rules and gambled with public health to achieve these law enforcement goals.

• The ICH has introduced a new standardized framework for clinical trial protocols consisting of a harmonized guideline, a protocol template, and a technical specification for electronic exchange. • These documents apply to all phases and therapeutic areas of interventional clinical trials, including pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, and cell or gene therapy products. • This initiative matters as it streamlines the format and content of protocols, facilitating more efficient data exchange and regulatory consistency across global jurisdictions.

• Johnny Marr, the guitarist for The Smiths, is auctioning off a collection of guitars he used during his career, including instruments played with Billie Eilish. • A highlight of the sale is his 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, used on tracks like "This Charming Man" and famously lent to Noel Gallagher for Oasis' "Supersonic" cover. • Marr stated he is selling the instruments to prevent his studio from becoming a "museum," opting instead to clear space and let the gear find new owners.

• Celebrated British artist David Hockney has passed away at his home in London earlier this month. • In accordance with his wishes, a low-key funeral was held with only his partner and great-nephew in attendance. • Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed sadness over the loss, describing Hockney as one of the nation's most celebrated artists.

• Toy Story 5 has achieved a record-breaking opening weekend for the franchise, marking a significant commercial success for Disney and Pixar. • The film serves as a critical "return to form" for the studios following a period of notable operational and financial challenges in recent years. • With a production budget estimated at $250 million, the movie must earn at least $500 million to offset marketing and additional overhead costs.

• US Vice President JD Vance discussed current events in a podcast, mentioning the US-Iran peace talks and tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. • Vance also spoke about the delayed release of an agreement, initially planned for June 15, but released two days later due to unknown reasons. • A pool repainting project at the White House, costing around $14 million, is part of Trump's efforts to leave a lasting impression on Washington.

Experts thought H5N1 bird flu would more likely reach Australia’s north. But an arrival from Antarctica had always been possibleGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastBrown skuas and giant petrels are a common sight offshore in southern Australian waters in the winter months, but they will rarely risk venturing on to land.So when two of these birds were discovered sick – on beaches a few kilometres apart on Western Australia’s southern coastline – it was a sign something might be wrong. Continue reading...