
For opioid victims, payouts fall short while governments reap millions
CBSN
Christopher Julian's opioid journey is familiar to many Americans.
He was prescribed painkillers as a teenager for a series of sports injuries. He said the doctor never warned him they could be addictive. Julian didn't learn that fact until years later, when he was cut off and began suffering withdrawal symptoms. At that point, he started siphoning pills from family members and buying them from others in his southern Maine community.
After his brother died of brain cancer in 2011, Julian used opioids to cope with more than physical pain.

This story previously aired on July 3, 2021. It was updated on June 17, 2025. NEWS REPORTS: The brutal murder of the Pelley family … Shot to death in their home Sunday morning … It thrust a small town into the national spotlight ... DET. BOTICH [ interrogation]: So. do you know who killed your mother and father, or your father and stepmother? DET. BOTICH [interrogation]: Did you have anything to do with it? NEWS REPORT: Tuesday lawyers laid out their cases to the jury in opening statements. NEWS REPORT: After calling more than 50 witnesses, prosecutors say all the facts point to Jeff Pelley. NEWS REPORT: The prosecutor started his closing argument letting the jury know it was his burden to prove the case. NEWS REPORT: But now the burden of deciding Jeff Pelley's fate is theirs. NEWS REPORT: One of Pelley's lawyers says his client is under a lot of stress now that the jury has the case.

Former Texas Rep. Blake Farenthold, who left Congress amid sexual harassment allegations, dies at 63
Former Rep. Blake Farenthold, who left Congress amid sexual harassment allegations, has died. He was 63.