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Welcome to all our new Activators! 🎉
This week, I had the honor of presenting three sessions at the Wisconsin Youth Justice Services Conference to diverse audiences united by one priority: our kiddos.💛 It was an inspiring couple of days, and I’m grateful to have met (and reconnected with) so many incredible people doing important work.
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✨More Good Days, Together🫶
| | 💰Federal Budget Talks Continue🏛️
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Earlier this month, the House Appropriations Committee released its Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) appropriations bill for FY 2027, reinstating several key prevention programs—DFC, CARA, and HIDTA—that had been reduced or eliminated in the President’s proposal.
As of late April 2026, the Senate Appropriations Committee is actively reviewing the FY 2027 budget request, including hearings with cabinet members and agency leaders to examine proposed funding levels—many of which include significant cuts to education and social programs.
Now is the time to advocate for prevention! Connect with your federal policymakers and help them understand the impact these programs have in your community. And remember—advocacy should be done on your own time, using your own resources, unless your role allows otherwise. But education is always encouraged—share the great work happening in your communities!
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| | | 📸wiredenergydrinks.com, GetFriss.com | | |
'Third-Hand' Smoke - the Dust Finally Settles ABC News
...third-hand smoke, or "residual tobacco smoke contamination...remains after the cigarette is extinguished."...contaminating particles are measurable in rooms, on clothing and on toys long after a person has finished smoking...
What to know about the UK's Generational Smoking Ban TIME
...This may be the last year in the U.K. that an 18-year-old can, on their birthday, buy a pack of cigarettes. For anyone whose 18th birthday comes in 2027 or later, the government is set to pass a law banning them from ever buying tobacco products in an effort to create a “smoke-free” generation...
From Brazil to Nevada: Research shows how tobacco messaging shapes public perception University of Nevada Reno
The severe dangers of nicotine biohacking
American Lung Association
...Nicotine has long been linked to tobacco usage and proven to be highly addictive. But health and wellness influencers as well as tobacco companies are now proposing using the substance to improve performance and cognition, a dangerous suggestion...
✍️Looking to file a complaint about sales to minors, selling flavored tobacco products, or violations of smoke free air laws? Check out this map from the Public Health Law Center for contact information!
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This beer brand that released a brew so strong, it's banned in some states Chowhound
Key Takeaways:
- Samuel Adams Utopias is the strongest beer in the world with a 30% ABV, making it banned in 15 U.S. states.
- To achieve its high alcohol content, Utopias is aged in various whiskey barrels and casks, contributing to its unique flavor profile resembling more of a cognac than a traditional beer.
- Despite its hefty price tag of $240 for a 24.5-ounce bottle, those who have tasted Samuel Adams Utopias have mixed feelings, with some describing it as syrup-like and astringent liquid caramel.
Coors 0.0% debuts as more drinkers cut back on alcohol
Food & Wine
...The zero-ABV brew will debut in Northeast markets this May, with a nationwide rollout planned for 2027...
🍺Did you know...Non-alcoholic (NA) drinks can contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), while 0.0% alcohol (alcohol-free) drinks contain no measurable alcohol. This is sometime a point of confusion!
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You're about to see more alcohol on TikTok - and there's a reason
Fast Company
...Until very recently, alcohol brands like Malibu were completely absent from TikTok. But over the past two years, TikTok’s stronger age-gating protocols, which help guarantee to marketers like Malibu that the content they publish is only seen by legal-age users, have opened the platform for greater experimentation. The growing, cross-generational popularity of TikTok, with four in ten U.S. adults active on the platform and 80% over the age of 21, was also heralded as a key factor...
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What do you think—are age gates enough to prevent these messages from reaching people under 21? 🤔
I’ve noticed more brands, like Modelo Chelada, being advertised on streaming services and across digital spaces at all times of day. Previously, ads like these were more limited to channels, platform, and time slots with primarily adult audiences.
As media consumption shifts, so does exposure. It raises an important question about how effective current safeguards really are—and what that means for youth prevention efforts. 📸ispot.tv
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🚨Stay aware. Stay diligent.👀
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Brands like Real Botanicals shots are being promoted online as a quick “mood boost,” and they’re widely available through various vendors. These products contain mind-altering ingredients, including highly addictive, opioid-like substance kratom.
Why does this matter? I live in Wisconsin—where kratom has been banned since 2014—and was still able to order this product from a third-party seller, with free delivery in 3–5 days. There was a brief pop-up saying it couldn’t ship to my location… but it disappeared just as quickly.
The takeaway? Shipping restrictions, age gates, and even “illegal” products aren’t always barriers. These items can still end up on doorsteps in your community.
📸 https://realbotanicals.com
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🔎What's New📦
'New' Trends, Products, & Resources
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This week's 'new to me' file includes these examples of super potency THC beverages that are widely available online. Described as 'not for newbies', these are promoted to those with experience and/or high tolerance. They were kidding...Check out the equivalents below!
📸drinkmuze.com, uncleskunks.com
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Join me for the first annual PATH Conference on June 10–11, 2026—in person or virtually! 🎉
With dedicated treatment and prevention tracks, you’ll hear from experts across the field and build your capacity for meaningful change. Plus, enjoy free wellness activities woven throughout the event!🫶
This is a can’t-miss opportunity—hope to see you there!
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Ready to move your ideas into action? 🌱
I'd love to partner with your communities and organizations to build your capacity through strategic planning, training, facilitation, and grant support. With 25+ years in prevention and public health, I can help you turn your great ideas into practical, sustainable solutions. Let’s connect🤝
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