Public Health

Cocaine ER Visits and Crimes Hit Record Highs in NRW, Germany

Cologne, Germany -- September 01, 2026 -- Hospital treatments for cocaine-related emergencies are climbing across North Rhine-Westphalia, while crimes tied to cocaine and crack have tripled over the past decade, according to a new data analysis published Monday by German radio station 1LIVE. The station's data journalists examined police crime statistics from the state's LKA and 12 district police authorities, alongside state health data on hospital admissions. The findings point to a drug once tied mainly to nightlife now turning up in everyday emergency rooms across the region's largest cities.

Chinese Glove Maker Hits 107 Billion Units a Year as Sales Jump 40%

ZIBO, China -- August 30, 2026 -- INTCO Medical, the Chinese manufacturer that supplies disposable gloves to hospitals, restaurants and households worldwide, reported first-half 2026 revenue of RMB 6.91 billion (about $1.03 billion), a 40.61% jump from a year earlier. The company, listed as 300677.SZ, said net profit attributable to shareholders climbed 17.86% to RMB 837.3 million (about $124.6 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2026. INTCO Medical also confirmed its annual production capacity has reached 107 billion gloves, a scale the company said makes it the world's largest disposable glove producer.