Michigan's 8th Congressional District GOP Primary

Paul Junge wins GOP primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, aims to replace retiring Democrat Rep. Dan Kildee. Junge focused on fighting inflation, border crisis, and opioid epidemic during his campaign.

Rite Aid store closures and bankruptcy

Rite Aid is closing 27 stores in Ohio and Michigan as part of bankruptcy proceedings due to competition and legal issues related to the opioid crisis. Other major retailers like Walmart and Target are also facing financial struggles.

Youth Fentanyl Overdose Deaths

Fentanyl has significantly contributed to a doubling of overdose deaths among children aged 12 to 17 since the start of the pandemic. The crisis has now affected young people, with a rise in emergency room visits and addiction treatment among Latinos in the Washington, DC area. The surge in youth overdoses is attributed to a dangerous drug supply and decline in mental health due to lockdown measures and increased social media usage.

Rise in Counterfeit Fentanyl Pills Seized in the U.S.

A new study shows a significant increase in counterfeit fentanyl pills seized by law enforcement, contributing to the opioid crisis in the U.S. The pills are made to resemble legitimate prescription opioids but are much deadlier. Public health officials are concerned about the rise in availability of these pills and the risk they pose to individuals, especially young people. The study also highlights the dangers of fentanyl, its potency, and the increasing number of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills being seized in the Western U.S.

Chinese Communist Party's Role in Fueling the Opioid Crisis

A bipartisan House report reveals that the Chinese Communist Party is fueling the global opioid crisis by subsidizing the manufacturing and export of materials used to make fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. The report also highlights the CCP's ownership interest in companies tied to drug trafficking and its failure to prosecute fentanyl manufacturers.

Opioid Crisis Lawsuit in West Virginia

A federal appeals court is reviewing a lawsuit against major U.S. drug distributors accused of causing a health crisis in West Virginia by distributing 81 million pills over eight years in one county. The distributors were ruled in favor of in a previous trial, but the appeals court is seeking clarification on whether opioid distributions can constitute a public nuisance under West Virginia law.

Debate Over Harsh Sentences for Fentanyl Traffickers in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Democrats oppose harsh mandatory minimum prison sentences for fentanyl traffickers, arguing that the 'tough on crime' approach doesn't work. Republicans advocate for mandatory minimums to combat the fentanyl epidemic.

Washington State Bill to Address Opioid Crisis for Native American Tribes

A bill in Washington state aims to address the opioid crisis by providing millions of dollars to Native American tribes. The bill received unanimous support in the House and Senate, but some tribes feel the funding is insufficient.

Opioid Crisis Response in Mobile, Alabama

Mobile, Ala., is considering how to use opioid settlement funds: treat people in crisis now or invest in long-term solutions to reduce future addiction rates.

Oregon's Measure 110 and the Debate Over Decriminalizing Drug Possession

Oregon's Measure 110 decriminalized possession of small amounts of hard drugs in favor of treatment over punishment, leading to a fierce debate amid a spiraling opioid crisis. While the law was celebrated as a compassionate approach to addiction, recent backlash has sparked discussions on reinstating criminal penalties for drug possession.