A public hearing in Vancouver into the 2015 death of Myles Gray, who died after a confrontation with police, has resumed. The proceedings were delayed last week after an obscene remark was broadcast on the audio livestream, leading to the resignation of public hearing counsel Brad Hickford and raising concerns about further delays in the long-awaited inquiry.
The federal and Ontario governments have announced over $510,000 in combined funding for the Caledonia 3 project in Dutton, Ontario. This investment will create 33 new affordable housing units for seniors, with 17 units specifically designated for affordability, as part of ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis.
The U.S. military carried out a lethal strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean on January 23, 2026, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. This incident marks the latest in an ongoing campaign, 'Operation Southern Spear,' which has seen over 36 such strikes since September 2025, leading to at least 117 fatalities.
England and Wales recorded a record 277,970 abortions in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022. The age-standardised rate reached 23.0 per 1,000 women, the highest since 1967. Medical abortions, particularly at-home pill use, dominated, accounting for 87% and 72% of procedures respectively. Factors like the cost of living and improved access via telemedicine are cited.
British Columbia is ending its three-year drug decriminalization pilot program on January 31, 2026, citing unmet expectations and public safety concerns. The program, which allowed possession of small amounts of illicit drugs, faced criticism over public drug use and rising overdose deaths.
France's National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) has expanded compassionate access for Agenus' botensilimab and balstilimab combination therapy. This updated protocol now includes certain ovarian cancers and soft-tissue sarcomas, providing fully reimbursed, hospital-based access for patients with significant unmet medical needs.
PC Matthew Pike is on trial at Bristol Crown Court, charged with causing death by dangerous driving after reaching speeds of up to 93mph during a fatal car chase in November 2021. The pursuit led to a collision that killed Dr. Keryl Johnson, 35, in Bristol city centre.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have issued a fourth temporary extension of telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications, effective through December 31, 2026. This action aims to ensure continuity of patient care and allow time for permanent regulations.
A 25-year-old woman tragically died after being swept into the ocean from Maroubra Beach in Sydney, Australia, in the early hours of New Year's Day 2026. Emergency services responded around 4 am amidst hazardous surf conditions, locating her body an hour later. The incident was one of several water-related emergencies across Sydney beaches.
Spain has become a significant hub for Turkish criminal organizations, marked by a rise in violent internal feuds, targeted killings, and extensive drug trafficking operations. Recent incidents, including high-profile murders and major drug seizures, highlight the growing presence and sophisticated activities of these gangs across the country, particularly along the Mediterranean coast.
Health Canada has amended regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to tighten controls on precursor chemicals and drug manufacturing equipment. These measures, announced by Minister Marjorie Michel, aim to disrupt the illegal production of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, enhance border security, and protect public safety.
President Emmanuel Macron announced a significant increase in fines for drug users in France, tripling the penalty from €200 to €500 during a visit to Marseille. This move is part of an intensified national crackdown on drug trafficking and related violence, aiming to deter consumption and disrupt criminal networks.
The U.S. military confirmed strikes on three alleged drug vessels in the Eastern Pacific on Monday, December 15, 2025, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. The operation, part of an ongoing counternarcotics campaign, was conducted by US Southern Command.
A new West Health-Gallup poll indicates that 29% of Americans identify healthcare costs as the most urgent national health problem, marking the highest level since 2004. The survey also found a record-low 16% satisfaction with U.S. healthcare costs and a record-high 23% viewing the system as 'in crisis'.
President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on December 15, 2025, formally designating illicit fentanyl and its precursor chemicals as 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' (WMD). The move aims to escalate federal efforts against the opioid crisis, citing fentanyl's extreme lethality and its role in funding criminal organizations.
Hungary has reported a significant increase in Hepatitis A infections, reaching a total of 1,912 cases by the 49th week of 2025, according to the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK). This marks an increase of 55 cases in a single week, highlighting an exceptionally severe epidemic compared to previous years.
Hungary has reported a significant increase in Hepatitis A infections, with 55 new cases bringing the total to 1,912 in the 49th week of 2025. The National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK) highlights an 'exceptional' situation, with cases far exceeding previous years' averages and affecting multiple regions.
China and the United States have significantly advanced joint anti-drug efforts, investigating multiple cases and maintaining close interagency communication. This renewed cooperation, stemming from high-level agreements, focuses on combating illicit synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, and involves intelligence sharing and coordinated law enforcement actions to address global drug challenges.
UK gambling charities, including GamCare and Gordon Moody, warn that vital support for addicts is at risk due to delays in the new statutory levy system. The overhaul, replacing voluntary contributions with mandatory payments from April 2025, has created funding uncertainty, prompting calls for emergency government assistance to prevent service disruption.
An illegal black market for popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro is thriving between Gibraltar and Spain's Costa del Sol. 'Narco-style couriers' exploit price differences and high demand, leading to the proliferation of potentially dangerous counterfeit medications and prompting investigations by Spanish authorities into public health risks and illegal distribution networks.
