Woman's Car, Home Torched + Opioid Epidemic Pharmacy Lawsuit

Happy Sunday, people of Cleveland! Here's everything you need to know around town today.

---

First, today's weather:

Humid with showers. High: 74 Low: 65.

---

Here are the top stories in Cleveland and the surrounding area:

1. Cleveland woman Shanice Foster fears for her safety after someone torched her car and home this week. Surveillance video from the residence's porch camera shows a person pouring gasoline near the front door of the Gay Avenue rental home while the victim was asleep. Foster reported that she identified a possible suspect to arson investigators; as of Saturday afternoon, no arrests have been made. The Cleveland Division of Fire has confirmed that the incident will be investigated as aggravated arson. (Cleveland 19 News)
2. Record numbers of prescription painkillers — considered a contributing factor to the nation's ongoing opioid epidemic — were dispensed in Lake County and Trumbull County between 2012 and 2016. Now, county leaders want major national pharmacy chains that were involved in much of that distribution to pay. In a federal trial starting today in Cleveland, the two counties will try to convince a jury that the retail pharmacy companies should be held accountable for the way they dispensed pain medication into their communities. The trial, which is expected to last around six weeks, could set the tone for similar lawsuits against retail pharmacy chains by government entities across the country. (AP News)
3. The annual Wrongful Conviction Day rally was held outside the Cuyahoga County Justice Center on Saturday afternoon. Guest speakers included Laurese Glover, one of the members of the wrongfully convicted "East Cleveland Three." The rally, hosted by Ensuring Parole for Incarcerated Citizens, was followed by a march to the Free Stamp. (Cleveland 19 News)

---

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• The 10th Annual Stroll & Roll 5K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run (October 10)
• Brown's Pre-Game Shoot (October 10)
• 2021 Sweetest Day Couples Shoot (October 16)
• Add your event

Job listings:

• Looking for a Change? Cortes Campers will Train! (Details)
• Add your job listing

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Sunday. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.