The federal government prohibits using federal funds to buy fentanyl test strips, even though they are legal and can prevent overdoses. This forces harm reduction programs to rely on scarce private donations, limiting access for people who use drugs. As a result, the policy may contribute to more fatal overdoses.

Health officials in Idaho report that more than 100 people have fallen ill from infections linked to raw milk consumption. The outbreak highlights the risks of unpasteurized dairy products and has prompted renewed health warnings.

Lord Laming, the British social worker and Labour peer who led the landmark inquiry into the murder of Victoria Climbié, has died. His recommendations reshaped child protection practices and mandatory reporting in the UK. The obituary highlights his enduring impact on social services and safeguarding policy.

As conversation around menopause treatment resurges, many women are questioning whether hormone therapy is right for them. The article breaks down the latest guidance on benefits and risks. It matters because confusion persists over who should use it and how to weigh symptom relief against potential health concerns.

Prediction platforms Kalshi and Polymarket are offering bets on clinical trial outcomes, drawing sharp criticism from ethicists and researchers. Critics describe the practice as "ghastly," arguing it commodifies patients' health and could create perverse incentives around medical research. The controversy highlights the growing tension between financial speculation and ethical oversight in healthcare.

Sir Christopher Ondaatje, the Sri Lankan-born Canadian businessman, explorer, and philanthropist, has died. He was known for his expeditions, including retracing the Nile, and for major charitable gifts to cultural and literary institutions. His death marks the loss of a prominent figure who linked high finance with adventure and the arts.

The dietary supplement industry is expanding rapidly as more consumers seek health products, yet scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited. Experts caution that many supplements are widely used without rigorous proof of benefits or safety, leaving regulators and consumers to navigate uncertain claims. This matters because billions of dollars are spent annually on products whose real impact is often unknown.

The UK Conservative Party has proposed banning foreign nationals from accessing social housing, a move critics have labeled divisive and harmful. The proposal targets non-UK citizens and has sparked backlash from advocates warning it stigmatizes immigrants and fails to address housing shortages. The plan adds to pre-election debate over immigration and housing policy in Britain.

The Guardian's editorial urges the newly appointed secretary of state to make mental health a top policy priority. It argues that mental health services have been chronically neglected and need urgent investment and reform. The piece emphasizes that mental health deserves the same level of attention and funding as physical health.