Purdue Pharma, the company at the center of the opioid crisis, is dissolving through bankruptcy proceedings, a move that will see the creation of a nonprofit successor organization. This nonprofit is intended to focus on addressing the opioid addiction epidemic, a stark contrast to the devastation the company’s products have wrought. The Sackler family, who profited immensely from Purdue Pharma, will not face personal financial ruin, though the details of their continued wealth and its use are a significant point of contention and public outcry.
The bankruptcy plan aims to shift Purdue Pharma’s assets towards a new entity, a move that many view as a cynical attempt to distance the family from the consequences of their actions.… Continue reading
A judge delayed Purdue Pharma’s criminal sentencing to allow victims of the opioid crisis to attend in person, moved by protests outside the courthouse. The sentencing is expected to finalize a $225 million forfeiture by the OxyContin maker, clearing the path for a broader settlement of thousands of lawsuits. This comprehensive agreement includes up to $7 billion from the Sackler family and resolves federal investigations, although some victims continue to advocate for further prosecution.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, broadening the U.S. government’s authority to combat the opioid crisis. This designation allows the Pentagon and intelligence agencies to deploy tools typically used against weapons proliferation to combat drug traffickers. The move follows Trump’s earlier designation of drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, leading to military strikes against suspected drug vessels. While the administration claims these actions are necessary, critics, including legal experts, question their legality and call for congressional oversight.
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Rite Aid, a once prominent national pharmacy chain, has officially closed all of its locations across the United States. The closure follows a rapid decline, with the company operating 2,451 locations in 2022 before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023. Despite emerging from bankruptcy briefly, Rite Aid filed again in May 2025, leading to the liquidation of its assets and the complete closure of all stores by September. The company, founded in 1962, faced significant challenges including a heavy debt load and legal issues related to the opioid crisis.
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Qingzhou Wang, principal executive of Amarvel Biotech, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States. Along with marketing manager Yiyi Chen, they were convicted in New York of precursor importation and money laundering. The defendants were part of a group of eight Chinese nationals and four Chinese companies charged in June 2023. This case marked the first time the US charged Chinese companies with trafficking these chemicals directly into the US, rather than shipping them to Mexico.
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States agree to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma, resolving a significant portion of the opioid litigation against the company. This massive settlement, one of the largest in history, aims to address the devastating consequences of the opioid crisis fueled by Purdue Pharma’s marketing of OxyContin. However, the agreement has sparked significant outrage and controversy, with many feeling that it doesn’t adequately reflect the scale of the harm caused and the culpability of the Sackler family, Purdue Pharma’s owners.
The central point of contention revolves around the Sacklers’ apparent ability to retain substantial wealth despite the catastrophic consequences of their actions.… Continue reading
Provisional CDC data reveals a record-setting 27% decrease in U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2024, totaling an estimated 80,000 fatalities. This significant decline, attributed to factors including increased naloxone availability, expanded addiction treatment, and shifting drug use patterns, is the largest single-year drop ever recorded. However, overdose deaths remain higher than pre-pandemic levels and above those of 2018, necessitating continued efforts to sustain progress, as some experts express concerns over potential funding cuts. Despite this success, overdoses continue to be the leading cause of death among young adults.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi attributed the seizure of over 22 million fentanyl pills and 3,400 kilos of fentanyl in President Trump’s first 100 days to saving 258 million lives. This calculation, provided by the DOJ, is based on the amount of fentanyl seized and its purity level, divided by a lethal dose. While the methodology has been questioned, the claim centers on the prevention of potentially fatal overdoses. Further investigation is needed to verify the accuracy and assumptions within the calculation.
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President Trump’s recent Cabinet meeting featured effusive praise for his first 100 days in office, with members employing hyperbolic language to laud his accomplishments. Attorney General Pam Bondi particularly distinguished herself, claiming Trump’s actions saved 258 million lives through fentanyl seizures and exceeding the achievements of all previous presidencies. However, Bondi’s statistics are demonstrably inflated, and the administration’s proposed budget cuts to a Narcan distribution program raise questions about the commitment to combating the opioid crisis. These contradictory actions highlight a disconnect between the administration’s rhetoric and actual policy.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the seizure of over 22 million fentanyl-laced pills during President Trump’s first 100 days, claiming this saved 119 million lives. This assertion was widely criticized online as mathematically implausible, with commentators pointing out that this figure represents roughly one-third of the U.S. population. The significant discrepancy between the claimed number of lives saved and the actual U.S. population fueled widespread ridicule and accusations of innumeracy. Bondi’s statement sparked considerable debate and criticism regarding the accuracy and implications of the administration’s anti-drug claims.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker