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FDA Launches Crackdown on Deceptive Drug Advertising The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration today announced sweeping reforms to rein in misleading direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertisements. Today, the FDA is sending thousands of letters warning pharmaceutical companies to remove misleading ads and issuing approximately 100 cease-and-desist letters to companies with deceptive ads. In addition to enforcing existing law, the FDA is initiating rulemaking to close the “adequate provision” loophole created in 1997, which drug companies have used to conceal critical safety risks in broadcast and digital ads, fueling inappropriate drug use and eroding public trust. “Pharmaceutical ads hooked this country on prescription drugs,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said. “We will shut down that pipeline of deception and require drug companies to disclose all critical safety facts in their advertising. Only radical transparency will break the cycle of overmedicalization that drives America’s chronic disease epidemic.” The FDA is concerned patients are not seeing a fair balance of information about drug products. This concern is magnified when serious risks are not clearly presented, or the information is too difficult for seniors to read or hear. “For far too long, the FDA has permitted misleading drug advertisements, distorting the doctor-patient relationship and creating increased demand for medications regardless of clinical appropriateness,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. “Drug companies spend up to 25% of their budget on advertising. Those billions of dollars would be better spent on lowering drug prices for everyday Americans.” Americans also live in a new era of social media. An increasing reliance on digital and social media channels, including undisclosed paid influencer promotion, has blurred the lines among editorial content, user-generated media and pharmaceutical advertising, making it increasingly difficult for patients to distinguish between evidence-based information and promotional material. A 2024 review in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research reveals that while 100% of pharmaceutical social media posts highlight drug benefits, only 33% mention potential harms. Moreover, 88% of advertisements for top-selling drugs are posted by individuals and organizations that fail to adhere to the FDA fair balance guidelines. The stakes surrounding prescription drug ads are high. While these ads can raise awareness of disease states and beneficial therapies, they must also disclose important risks and limitations. Current law requires that advertisements present a fair balance between a product’s risks and benefits; avoid exaggerating benefits; not create a misleading overall impression; properly disclose financial relationships; and include information regarding major side effects and contraindications. Despite widespread violations, the FDA has been increasingly lax and reactive in its enforcement approach over the last few decades. The FDA used to send more than a hundred warning letters each year, and misleading ads were rare. But over time, enforcement waned and the number of warning letters sent to pharmaceutical companies dropped to one in 2023 and zero in 2024. The FDA will no longer tolerate such deceptive practices. Going forward, the agency will aggressively deploy its available enforcement tools. The FDA is already implementing AI and other tech- enabled tools to proactively surveil and review drug ads.
Bank Robbery Suspect Caught A-62-year-old man The cooperation Employees at Solutions Plus Bank (Proposed) in Albertville showoff their 2025 Day of Caring T-shirts during a campaign kickoff breakfast on September 9 at Sand Mountain Park. The group is one of many Day of Caring Volunteers. They include: Kevin Do, Myra Pierce, Susan Armstrong, George Shipman, Thomas Carroll, Clara Guinn, Zan Luther, Jamie Sticher, and Cade Smith. The proposed bank plans to open locations in both Albertville and Guntersville. Day of Caring Kickoff 2025
without incident by FBI Task Force Officers from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office in Pulaski County, Kentucky. "I want to thank our officers for their swift response to the robbery and our investigators for their diligence in resolving this case quickly. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the FBI Birmingham for their prompt assistance and hard work as well," said Fort Payne Police Chief David Davis. "We are thankful for the support of our community. then began a Drug-related Death Investigation. During the execution of a search warrant at the residence, authorities found Fentanyl, Meth, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia. After gathering evidence from the scene and interviewing multiple subjects, the following individuals were arrested by law enforcement officers. Vanessa Taylor Whitmoyer (29 of Higdon) was charged with Manslaughter-Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x2), Tampering with Physical Evidence, Promoting Prison Contraband 2nd, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd.
of several local businesses and their owners, who allowed us access to their security camera footage, was instrumental in the apprehension of the suspect. We appreciate the community's backing during times like these and look forward to strengthening our relationship with local residents." "Partnerships empower law enforcement to act with strength, speed, and success against crime," said Special Agent in Charge David R. Fitzgibbons. "FBI James McDowell (68 of Higdon) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Crystal Lynn Benson (44 of Higdon) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. “Illegal narcotics continue to destroy families and communities and put lives at risk. This case is a reminder of the devastating consequences these substances can have,” commented Sheriff Welden. “Our office is dedicated to hold individuals accountable in cases where reckless or illegal actions contribute to the loss of life.”
Birmingham is grateful to the extraordinary law enforcement partnerships with Ft. Payne Police Department, FBI Louisville- London Resident Agency, and our FBI Pulaski Task Force Officers that connect us across the nation as we work together to keep our communities safe." At the time of the press release, Loveless was being held at the Pulaski County Jail, pending extradition back to Fort Payne. He may also face federal charges in connection with the bank robbery. New Spirit Program Gadsden State College is launching a new spirit initiative, which will be called the The Gadsden State Cardinalettes Dance Team. The formation of the team marks a significant step in enhancing school spirit, supporting Cardinal Athletics, and increasing student and community engagement. "The creation of the Cardinalettes Dance Team is an exciting step forward for Gadsden State Athletics,” said Blake Lewis, Athletic Director. The Cardinalettes will represent GSCC at athletic events and community functions, serving as ambassadors of the college’s energy and enthusiasm.
has been apprehended in Kentucky, following a Bank Robbery in Fort Payne, Alabama. According to authorities, on September 10, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for a bank robbery that occurred at PNC Bank in downtown Fort Payne on September 9, 2025. Mark Loveless, a 62-year-old resident of Somerset, Kentucky, has been charged with first- degree robbery. He was apprehended been charged with crimes after a death investigation. Authorities reported that one individual was charged with Fentanyl Manslaughter. According to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden, his deputies, along with the Ider Police Department and Dekalb Ambulance Service, responded to a medical call in the 100 block of Alabama Highway 75 in Higdon, on September 9, 2025. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Kimberly Ann Little (age 53) deceased inside the residence. After Drug Paraphernalia was also observed in plain view, the Dekalb County Drug and Major Crimes Unit was notified and also responded to the scene. Investigators
Manslaughter Arrest Three people have Leland
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