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More To The Story: The opioid crisis has been a quiet, deadly presence in America for a quarter-century now. Since 1999, it’s killed more than 800,000 people in the US. But in the background, another crisis has been simmering: the often-lawless patchwork of treatment centers and programs that make up America’s drug rehab industry. Many of the roughly 50 million Americans who battle substance abuse rely on this underregulated for-profit industry that too often exploits patients, fails to properly treat them, or even worse. On this week’s More To The Story, journalist Shoshana Walter sits down with host Al Letson to talk about the lingering opioid crisis, the many theories about why overdose deaths have started falling in the US, and the stark racial disparity in how lawmakers have approached the opioid crisis compared with the crack epidemic in the 1980s.Producer: Josh Sanburn | Editor: Kara McGuirk-Allison | additional help from Artis Curiskis | Theme music: Fernando Arruda and Jim Briggs | Copy editor: Nikki Frick | Deputy executive producer: Taki Telonidis | Executive producer: Brett Myers | Executive editor: James West | Host: Al Letson Donate today at Revealnews.org/more Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at Revealnews.org/weekly Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky Read: Choose Your Child or Choose Recovery: The Impossible Decision Facing Addicted Mothers (Mother Jones)Read: Rehab: An American Scandal (Simon & Schuster) Note: If you buy a book using our Bookshop link, a small share of the proceeds supports our journalism.Listen: How Trump Exploits Working-Class Pain (More To The Story) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Andrew Becker, a reporter specializing in investigative journalism, joins the discussion alongside Bernice Yeung to unravel the controversial adoption saga of David Leavitt. They explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding the adoption of a Native American child by a non-Native family, revealing how it skirts the Indian Child Welfare Act. The conversation dives into the generational trauma faced by the Native family, leaving them feeling dispossessed, and highlights the legal and emotional turmoil that ensue when cultural identities clash in custody battles.

Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist known for his insights on history and politics, dives into the Voting Rights Act's 60-year legacy. He discusses how the law has been undermined by recent Supreme Court decisions and argues that the U.S. is facing a constitutional emergency. Bouie critiques the Democratic Party as overly cautious and emphasizes the need for bold leadership. He also explores how learning from Republican strategies could enhance voter engagement, highlighting the effectiveness of simple messaging in reaching constituents.

Matt Masters, a Kansas City police officer, shares the heart-wrenching story of his son, Bryce, who suffered cardiac arrest after being tased for over 20 seconds during a routine stop. Once a proponent of taser use for its perceived safety, Masters now challenges the transparency of Taser International regarding the dangers of this weapon. The conversation dives into taser marketing, the ethics of their use in law enforcement, and urgent calls for greater accountability and safety awareness in police training.

Sam Tsemberis, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Pathways Housing First Institute, shares his insights on the critical issue of homelessness. He discusses the implications of the Trump administration's shift from the Housing First approach to punitive measures. Tsemberis highlights the importance of stable housing as a foundation for recovery and critiques the dangers of moving funding away from housing to treatment. He underscores the proven successes of Housing First and advocates for a compassionate, systemic change in addressing homelessness.

Shoshana Walter, a reporter with The Marshall Project, dives into the troubling consequences of inaccurate drug testing on mothers. Susan Horton shares her harrowing experience of having her newborn taken away after a false positive from eating a poppy seed salad. Grace Smith recounts her battle against wrongful accusations of drug use during childbirth. They explore the systemic issues surrounding these tests, highlighting the emotional toll on families and the urgent need for reform in child protective services and hospital drug testing practices.

Abe Ajrami, a dedicated Palestinian aid worker based in the U.S., vitalizes the Gaza Soup Kitchen's mission to stave off famine in Gaza amidst a dire humanitarian crisis. He sheds light on the alarming starvation gripping the region and questions the international community's response to perceived genocide. Personal stories evoke the desperation faced by families seeking food, while he passionately advocates for meaningful support and a potential path toward a two-state solution. Ajrami's insights challenge perceptions and call for human dignity in the face of adversity.

Shoshana Walter, a seasoned reporter for Reveal, delves deep into the harrowing stories of mothers facing child welfare investigations due to their prescribed addiction medications. Jade Dass shares her personal struggle after taking Suboxone during pregnancy and losing custody of her newborn. The discussion uncovers the disconnection between medical advice and state actions, emphasizing societal stigma and the emotional turmoil families endure. Walter's upcoming book further explores these critical issues, shedding light on the intersection of motherhood, addiction, and systemic challenges.

Dan McClellan, a scholar of the Bible and religion known for his insightful content on TikTok, dives into the nuances of biblical interpretation. He discusses how historical misuse of scripture has shaped contemporary beliefs, touching on topics like the 'sin of empathy' and issues of wealth in the Bible. McClellan confronts the manipulation of biblical texts for political agendas and reflects on the disparities between academic scholarship and popular interpretations. His journey from non-religiosity to scholarship adds a personal touch to the conversation.

Nate Halverson, a Reveal reporter, investigates the Trump administration's controversial threats to reclaim the Panama Canal alongside Panamanian journalist Andrea Salcedo. They discuss how these threats are igniting protests in Panama, with citizens grappling with the specter of historical U.S. invasions. The conversation touches on the complexities of U.S.-Panama relations and the ramifications of perceived Chinese influence over the canal. Insightful reflections on past grievances highlight the delicate balance of national identity and foreign policy.