China's Fentanyl Crackdown May Cut U.S. Overdose Deaths

A new report suggests a significant decline in U.S. fentanyl overdose deaths may be linked to action from an unexpected source: China. The potential drop follows China's crackdown on the sale of precursor chemicals used to manufacture the deadly synthetic opioid. This enforcement has disrupted the supply chain for illicit fentanyl production. The report highlights how international policy can directly impact domestic public health crises. The U.S. has long pressured China to curb the export of these precursors. In other news, the EU's free trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur is set for a crucial vote in Brussels. European papers are analyzing which industries stand to benefit. Meanwhile, Berlin's mayor faces criticism. He played a tennis match during a city-wide power blackout, drawing accusations of poor judgment during a civic emergency.