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OxyContin Manufacturer Purdue Pharma Plead Guilty To Federal Charges

Purdue Pharma has reached a deal with the Justice Department in the case revolving around their role in the opioid epidemic. Purdue, the manufacturers of Oxycontin, a prescription painkiller, has pleaded guilty to three federal criminal charges in a settlement of over $8B.

The Justice Department announced Purdue would plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and two counts of breaching federal anti-kickback law. The criminal resolution also includes a $3.5B criminal fine, criminal forfeiture of $2B, and a $2.8B civil settlement.

Direct payment to the government of $225M will be made as part of Purdue’s $2B forfeiture. The $3.5B criminal fine likely won’t be fully collect due to the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings taking place.

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The company’s executives and owners aren’t off the hook yet. Members of the incredibly wealthy Sackler family are still under a criminal investigation and aren’t yet absolved of criminal liability.

The company will admit in the plea deal that they broke federal laws by “knowingly and intentionally conspired and agreed with others to aid and abet” to push the pharmaceuticals from medical officials “without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice.”

“The agreed resolution, if approved by the courts, will require that the company be dissolved and no longer exist in its present form,” Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said of the agreement.

A spokesperson for the Sackler family said, “Members of the Sackler family who served on Purdue’s board of directors acted ethically and lawfully, and the upcoming release of company documents will prove that fact in detail… This history of Purdue will also demonstrate that all financial distributions were proper.”

The spokesperson confirmed to FOX business that “no member of the Sackler family was involved in that conduct or served in a management role at Purdue” as part of the deal.

[Via]

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Artist Spotlight

Wyn Calico create the need to support with his latest release “Support”

Wyn Calico steps into deeply personal territory with his latest single, “Support,” a heartfelt offering that addresses a feeling many people know, but rarely express so openly. It’s a song about the universal desire to be encouraged, recognised, and uplifted, turning personal frustration into a relatable message of resilience.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1MNvjKqPPbCmQsA8NCwMxT?si=0f5ab4fc2ee24ab8

“Support” is a meditation on what it feels like to work tirelessly for something you want, but not have the support you need to fully achieve it. Wyn Calico expresses the emotional burden of wanting to make a difference, believing in your purpose, and still moving forward when you hit setbacks. The song is not only about disappointment, but also a rallying cry of resilience in the face of adversity.

This song also highlights an important truth, there are many talented and hard-working people out there who have everything it takes to make a difference, except the encouragement and opportunity to flourish. Wyn Calico’s lyrics and delivery shine a light on that struggle and offer a sense of solidarity to those in similar situations.

“Support” isn’t just a personal statement. It’s a conversation starter. It encourages us to think about the value of community, support, and believing in each other. Wyn Calico’s latest drop is honest, relatable, and emotionally driven, a powerful reminder that even in the moments of isolation, the desire to keep pushing forward is still stronger than ever.

Connect with Wyn Calico on Spotify || Instagram

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Artist Spotlight

NNORDY steps into jazz fusion with latest release “Wrong Turn”

NNORDY’s latest release, “Wrong Turn” is a fully live jazz fusion album that showcases the limitless possibilities of instrumental storytelling with the remarkable chemistry between guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums. The song has no words but is an excellent story told through musicianship and sets the stage for listeners to embark on a rich jazz experience.

“Wrong Turn” shows the strength of live performance from the get-go. Each instrument feels alive and in conversation with the others, a dynamic dialogue that develops organically over the course of the piece. Without vocal guidance, each musical phrase is left to speak for itself, giving the listener the freedom to interpret the track in their own way.

The guitar and keyboards often lead, crafting complex melodic lines and textures that give the music direction and atmosphere. Meanwhile, the bass and drums lay down a solid rhythmic base, creating movement and momentum while still leaving a lot of room for exploration. NNORDY creates a track that both dedicated jazz fans and listeners looking for something adventurous and fresh will enjoy. “Wrong Turn” shows that instrumental music can be as expressive and compelling as vocal music.