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In this newsletter: Early data shows the next stage of the opioid epidemic has a firm footing in Allegheny County in the form of fentanyl analogs or, in other words, copycats of synthetic opioid fentanyl. Learn more about the local spike and how it leads to even more unpredictability on drug potency.

PublicSource and 90.5 WESA partnered up to explore how county executive candidates are thinking about the property tax assessment debacle. Some are considering a countywide reassessment to level the playing field while others favor a more phased approach.

Our top story

The rise of fentanyl analogs buoys persistent challenges for reducing substance use in Allegheny County

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has become the most common drug involved in fatal overdoses nationwide. Its analogs are substances with similar uses and effects but different chemical compositions, leading some to be significantly weaker than fentanyl and others to be dozens of times stronger.

Fentanyl analogs and other non-prescription synthetic opioids are becoming increasingly common across Allegheny County, with data showing that they were tentatively detected in 49% of fatal overdoses in 2022 — up from 21% in 2020.

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NOT TO MISS

To reassess or not to reassess? Property tax mess awaits next Allegheny County exec

Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community entails a home for all, especially those who are denied adequate housing due to poverty, injustice and a lack of access to basic community resources. A panel discussion with national and local leaders on housing equity follows the worship service of commemoration with Rev. Dr. Asa Lee preaching. Join us at 4 p.m. March 26 at Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church. "The Little Free Food Truck" will be on site.

WANT MORE? WE'RE ON IT..

A Pa. hospital’s revoked property tax exemption is a ‘warning shot’ to other nonprofits, expert says. What could it mean for UPMC?
CDC keeps Allegheny County in low level of community COVID-19. Check out the latest March 9 update to our stats dashboard.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

Dozens of the Pittsburgh area’s top institutions are going through leadership changes. The turnover could echo for decades

A GREAT READ

The knowns — and known unknowns — of long Covid, explained

Vox

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