Virginia

(The Center Square) - Ohio-based Kroger agreed in principle to settle lawsuits that by paying $1.37 billion to state and local governments for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic.

Kroger owns Fred Meyer and QFC stores, which have dispensed opioids nationwide.

"Opioid manufacturers, distributors, dispensers, and consultants all had a hand in creating the opioid crisis, and they have a responsibility to pay for the devastating results of their reckless behavior, " Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who led the negotiations, said in a press release.

A federal judge in Virginia will likely stay a case regarding medical providers and mifepristone.

The federal government is strengthening rules aimed at protecting miners.

Environmentalists and southwest Virginia residents are concerned about proposed sites for small modular nuclear reactors. 

The LENOWISCO Planning District's final feasibility study shows these reactors will be near local businesses, schools and residential neighborhoods. 

A 303-mile long natural gas pipeline system was tacked on to the debt ceiling deal.

Some states are pushing bills to subsidize the electric vehicl industry. 

Numerous states took action to implement gun control legislation this year.

The U.S. Department of Justice and eight states are going after Google.

Dealers who sell or distribute substances containing fentanyl could face first-degree murder charges under a bill introduced by a Virginia lawmaker.

Overall, mass public shootings in which four or more people are killed have become more frequent, and deadly, in the last decade, to the extent that the U.S. now averages about seven of these events each year.