Substance

• Public health experts warn that the U.S. has effectively lost its measles elimination status, as only 6% of 2026 cases are now linked to travel compared to a historical average of 40%. • In other health news, the FDA approved bulevirtide on May 22, 2026, marking the first-ever approved treatment for Hepatitis Delta. • On June 17, the federal government announced $223.1 million in new funding for CCBHC community mental health clinics to improve care access and reduce emergency room visits.

Samhsa said funding cannot be used to purchase or distribute fentanyl test strips or other drug test kitsThe Trump administration’s decision to restrict use of federal funds for fentanyl test strips, in what officials described as a “clear shift away from harm reduction”, could have fatal consequences, experts and critics have warned.The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Samhsa) issued an open letter in April ordering an end to the use of its funding for all substance testing strips, including fentanyl, xylazine and medetomidine, the latest novel street drug to wreak havoc across the US. Continue reading...

Critics say document outlining strategy is both ‘completely Trumpian’ and an ‘alarming’ escalation in rhetoricWhen Donald Trump’s counter-terrorism “czar”, Sebastian Gorka, introduced the Trump administration’s long-awaited counter-terrorism strategy on a call with journalists on Wednesday, he also reportedly described critics of the administration’s war in Iran as “testicularly challenged”.The at-times bizarre 16-page memo Gorka authored is only slightly more subtle – taking rhetorically charged swings at the president’s enemies, the Biden administration, transgender people and some Islamist groups, while offering little clarity about the threat posed by political violence domestically or abroad or any specific plans to address it. Continue reading...

• Britney Spears has voluntarily entered a substance abuse treatment facility in Los Angeles more than a month after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. • The pop icon's decision to seek treatment comes as she continues to navigate personal challenges following her conservatorship termination. • The move marks a significant moment in Spears' ongoing recovery journey, with sources close to the singer indicating her commitment to addressing substance abuse concerns.

While Pete Hegseth has mocked the ‘big bad Royal Navy’ the First Sea Lord has sounded the alarm about its readinessMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, had his tongue firmly in his cheek when he singled out the “big bad Royal Navy” in a recent press update on the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.Hegseth’s sarcastic comment was only the latest in a long line of jibes against the capabilities and readiness of the British Royal Navy. Continue reading...

Salvaged railway timber removed for testing from Rozelle parklands, which was previously closed in 2024 when asbestos was found in garden mulchGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastParts of a Sydney children’s playground where asbestos was found in garden mulch in 2024 has been closed again, with authorities removing salvaged railway timber for testing.Areas of Rozelle parklands in Sydney’s inner west were fenced off on Monday, with a council notice advising: “Thank you for your patience while we work with the NSW government to carry out works.” Continue reading...