Pharmacists have filed a whistleblower lawsuit, now in federal court in Cleveland, accusing Rite Aid of helping fuel the opioid crisis by pressuring pharmacists to quickly fill prescriptions without checking for red flags. The U.S. Justice Department has intervened in the case. (Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press file photo) |
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Opioids lawsuit: The U.S. Department of Justice has intervened in a whistleblower lawsuit that accuses Rite Aid of illegally distributing opioids and helping fuel a prescription painkiller crisis that ravaged communities across the country. Adam Ferrise reports the lawsuit accuses the chain of informally incentivizing and pressuring pharmacists to recklessly fill opioid prescriptions regardless of their validity and even if they were clearly unnecessary or dangerous. It’s unknown exactly what the Justice Department is seeking by intervening in the lawsuit. Player collapses: Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a medical emergency after making a tackle in the first quarter of Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals and the contest was postponed indefinitely by the NFL, Michael Niziolek reports. In a statement, the NFL said that Hamlin was in critical condition at University of Cincinnati Hospital. |
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GOP goals: When state lawmakers begin the 135th General Assembly session today, Republicans will aim to use their record-setting majorities to pass an ambitiously conservative agenda ranging from expanding school vouchers to reducing – or even eliminating – the state’s income tax. A number of state lawmakers and others around Capitol Square in Columbus say they expect to see a combination of bills that failed to pass the general assembly last session, as well as new proposals, Jeremy Pelzer reports. |
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Term begins: Chris Ronayne was sworn in as Cuyahoga County’s third executive just after midnight Sunday during a private ceremony attended by family and friends. Ronayne, who won the election in November to take over the office from Armond Budish, stood in front of the Irish Famine Memorial next to the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland and was sworn in by Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan Sheehan. Sports gambling: It was an exhilarating day for sports fans and casinos alike Sunday in the Cleveland area and around the state as people took advantage of Ohio’s long-awaited first day of legal sports betting. Gretchen Cuda Kroen reports parking lots at MGM Northfield Park and Jack Casino in downtown Cleveland were packed. Fans came to watch their favorite NFL teams, place some bets, and, hopefully, win a lot. |
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Seniors health: For seniors, staying active during the winter months can go a long way toward staying healthy. Brenda Cain reports simple exercise several times a day is enough to keep muscles and joints in shape. Fibromyalgia relief: Multi Radiance Medical in Solon recently received Food and Drug Administration approval for one of the first laser therapy devices designed specifically for fibromyalgia patients, Julie Washington reports. The FibroLux therapy laser is a portable, handheld device that’s pointed at various parts of the body to bring temporary relief of pain. |
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Fatal shooting: A man was found dead from gunshot wounds on Friday in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, Megan Sims reports. A preliminary investigation by the homicide unit has indicated the male was climbing over a banister onto the balcony of his apartment to enter a back door when he was shot by an unknown suspect. |
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RV Life: The Kinzbachs look back on a year of travel in their RV on this week’s episode of the “Rocking the RV Life” podcast. Their review of 2022 includes a breakdown of costs for campsites and traveling, and how they dealt with very high fuel prices (a real challenge). |
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2 people dead, 5-year-old girl wounded in separate shootings in Akron Read more Man uses machete to kill worker at Dollar Tree store in western Ohio, police say Read more Shaker Heights council adopts ‘conservative’ 2023 budget -- with $23 million cash reserve Read more Medical facility with drive-through restaurant may be approved in Avon Read more Summit Metro Parks offers Christmas tree recycling through Jan. 31, 2023 Read more Westlake expands literacy program for kids Read more Avon Fire Department contract on way to being approved; negotiations agreeable Read more Parma resident and longtime Camp Cheerful volunteer honored for service Read more Parma Heights reaches four-year deal with police captain and sergeant’s union Read more Richmond Heights Mayor Thomas announces city’s first volunteer MLK ’Day of Service’ event; looks ahead to 2023 Read more |
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