Latest Opioids News
EXPLAINER: State, defense differ on impact of Floyd drug use
CHICAGO (AP) — The effect George Floyd's drug use had on his health and his death remained a key thread as attorneys delivered closing arguments Monday in the murder trial of former Officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin's defense attorney has repeatedly argued that Floyd's...
Oxford police report 7 overdose deaths since new year
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — A county in north Mississippi is reporting an increase in drug activity and overdose deaths that is alarming law enforcement. The Oxford Eagle reports that 10 people have died from drug overdoses in the last six months in the...
Key moments at Derek Chauvin's trial in George Floyd's death
The three weeks of testimony at a former Minneapolis police officer's trial in the death of George Floyd were filled with indelible moments, ranging from witnesses breaking down as they relived what they saw to a clinical account by one expert pinpointing on video the instant he believes...
Police say raid at NY day care center turns up drugs, guns
BAY SHORE, N.Y. (AP) — The owner of a Long Island child care center, her two sons and the girlfriend of one of the sons have been arrested after police raids turned up drugs, guns and $239,000 in cash, authorities said. Information “received from the community”...
Constitutional ban on legal marijuana dies in Idaho House
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A proposed constitutional amendment that would have prevented the legalization of marijuana and other drugs without the approval of two-thirds of the Idaho Legislature died in the House on Thursday. The legislation failed to attain the two-thirds...
Humboldt County sees alarming rise in fentanyl deaths
EUREKA, Calif. (AP) — The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says there has been a substantial increase in illicit distribution of fentanyl and an alarming number of overdose deaths this year. “As of April 14, 2021, the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has received...
AP sources: Tool behind crackdown on opioids could expire
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has been slow-walking its work on the extension of a legislative order that would keep in place a sweeping tool that's helped federal agents crack down on drugs chemically similar to fentanyl, three people familiar with the matter told The...
Defense expert blames George Floyd's death on heart trouble
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — George Floyd died of a sudden heart rhythm disturbance as a result of his heart disease, a forensic pathologist testified for the defense Wednesday at former Officer Derek Chauvin's murder trial, contradicting prosecution experts who said Floyd succumbed to a lack of...
Rhode Island seeks spike of drug overdose deaths in 2020
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Accidental drug overdose deaths in Rhode Island jumped by 25% in 2020 over the prior year, to their highest level since records have been kept, state health officials said Wednesday. There were 384 accidental overdose deaths last year, most...
EXPLAINER: Prosecution explores Floyd's 'spark of life'
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors trying a white former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death put one of Floyd’s brothers on the witness stand Monday in a further effort to humanize him for the jury and counter the defense narrative that Floyd was at least partially...
