The state has seen a 23% decline in fatal overdoses from January-September in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
opioids
Posted inLocal & State, News
Kennebunk doctor will not serve prison time for overprescribing opioids
Dr. Merideth Norris was found guilty last summer of writing 15 unauthorized prescriptions to 5 patients. A judge said she felt Norris had already suffered enough public and professional consequences.
advertisement
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Politics
Bill to make opioid settlement spending more transparent advances
The 39 counties and municipalities receiving a direct share of the opioid settlements would have to submit annual, publicly available reports.
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
Biddeford council approves plan for Opioid Settlement Fund
The plan is intended to support Biddeford residents affected by the opioid crisis.
Posted inBusiness, Nation & World, News
Supreme Court’s Purdue Pharma ruling upends bankruptcy settlements
The court’s decision to scuttle a $6 billion opioid settlement is set to have ripple effects that stretch far beyond Purdue, its billionaire owners and the victims of the drug crisis.
Posted inBusiness, Nation & World, News
Supreme Court rejects nationwide opioid settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma
The settlement would have shielded Sackler family members who own the company from civil lawsuits over the toll of opioids but also would’ve provided billions of dollars to combat the epidemic.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State
Kennebunk doctor found guilty on 15 counts in opioid prescription case
The jury deliberated for more than nine hours following a two-week trial in U.S. District Court in Portland.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State
Jury begins deliberations in federal opioid trial against Kennebunk doctor
Dr. Merideth Norris is facing 16 counts of illegal distribution of a controlled substance. The jury will return Friday morning.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Kennebunk doctor accused of overprescribing opioids was blocked from filing prescriptions
In the first day of a federal trial against Dr. Merideth Norris, prosecutors say she was prescribing incredibly high doses to her patients, catching the attention of local pharmacists. Norris and those coming to her defense say pain management is incredibly complex.
Posted inLocal & State, News
How Maine counties and municipalities are spending their opioid settlement funds
Many communities are putting money toward police programs and services, despite advocates’ warnings. Maine expects to receive about $230 million over 18 years from settlements.