alcohol abuse

Three people were killed in a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, including a restaurant worker and a man known for helping others achieve sobriety. The gunman, Chad Williams, 24, died by suicide during the attack, and authorities have not identified a motive.

Minnesota's Department of Health investigators found that Covered Bridge Assisted Living in Holdingford provided resident Don Brambrink with 18 shots of liquor and a beer over 24 hours before a doctor's appointment, leading to a missed telehealth visit and hospital evaluation for alcohol withdrawal. Brambrink, who had a history of alcohol use and mental health issues, refused to stay in the hospital despite a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit.

The VA is launching a trial of a GLP-1 drug to treat alcohol abuse, aiming to enroll over 600 veterans at 18 VA medical centers.

The use of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy for weight loss in the US has increased from 3% to 11% in 2024, with an additional 4% reporting past use, per Gallup polling. Obesity rates in the US fell to 36.4% in 2024 from a peak of 39.9% in 2022, and early research suggests these drugs may offer benefits beyond weight loss, including treating alcohol abuse and reducing coronary disease risk.

An 18-month-old toddler, Luke Russell Jr., died after choking on a popcorn kernel while his mother, Olivia Bithorn, was drinking in another room. Bithorn was charged with second-degree manslaughter and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors cited her history of alcohol abuse and prior incidents endangering her children.

An 18-month-old boy, Luke Russell Jr., died after choking on a popcorn kernel while his mother, Olivia Bithorn, was drinking in another room. Bithorn faces charges of second-degree manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child, with prosecutors citing her history of alcohol abuse.