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Some of the nation’s biggest pharmacy chains are undergoing trial in Cleveland. A federal case that began in Cleveland on Monday will determine what role, if any the big pharmacies played in the ongoing opioid addiction crisis.
Critics say CVS, Walmart, Walgreens and Giant Eagle pharmacies acted recklessly in dispensing pain pills, failed to implement sufficient monitoring and safety measures, and ignored the growing numbers of people who became hooked on the pills. The pharmacies say they did nothing wrong and point the finger of blame instead back at doctors and government regulators.
It is a bellwether or test case that is being watched closely by other communities.
NPR’s Addiction Correspondent, Brian Mann joins host Rick Jackson to discuss the case.
Later in the show, the former mayoral candidate who did not advance past the September primary are aligning themselves behind either Justin Bibb or Kevin Kelley.
Early voting is set to begin this week for the November General Election.
There is still much work for both Bibb and Kelley's campaign to do to win over prospective voters and the endorsement of former rivals could help both consolidate their support.
Cleveland voters, this election, will also decide on a charter amendment that would expand the Community Police Commission. Issue 24, as it appears on the ballot, would give the Community Police Commission final say on police discipline. The city's safety forces are pushing back on the issue and whomever wins the mayor's race will also inherit the voter's decision on Issue 24.
Ideastream Senior Reporter Nick Castele covers the endorsements and Issue 24 in this week's episode of our podcast, "After Jackson: Cleveland's Next Mayor."
You can follow the After Jackson: Cleveland's Next Mayor podcast and download it from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and NPR One. We will also continue to bring you the episodes weekly here on The Sound of Ideas.
Ideastream Public Media and the City Club of Cleveland will present a mayoral debate between Justin Bibb and Kevin Kelley on October 11 at 7:30pm.
The debate will air on WVIZ/PBS, WCPN and online at Ideastream and the City Club's websites.
Brian Mann, Addiction Correspondent, National Public Radio
Nick Castele, Senior Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
