When Oregon voted to decriminalize hard drugs in 2020, it was considered a landmark moment in addressing addiction. Now in the face of fentanyl overdoses and concerns around public safety, the state has reversed course. We discuss what it means to those watching in both the United States and Canada.

Oregon reversing course on drug decriminalization as overdose deaths spike

Three stories to expand your worldview, delivered daily. Matt Galloway cuts through a sea of choice to bring you stories that transcend the news cycle. Conversations with big thinkers, household names, and people living the news. An antidote to algorithms that cater to what you already know — and a meeting place for diverse perspectives. In its 20 years, the Current has become a go-to place for stories that shape and entertain us. Released daily, Monday to Friday.

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Steve Burgess loves to travel, but he also sees how tourists are taking a toll on the places they visit. He joins us to discuss his new book, Reservations: The Pleasures and Perils of Travel.

Why travel needs to change

Ontario will bar employers from asking staff for sick notes, in an effort to decrease the administrative burden on doctors and give them more time with patients. Dr. Cathy Risdon says doctors face a lot of paperwork that’s necessary but doesn’t do much to help patients.

Ontario scrapping sick notes for missed work

Ottawa is hosting negotiations to hammer out a global treaty on plastic pollution, which is showing up in every corner of the earth — and even in human blood and breastmilk. Guest host Mark Kelley asks Nestle’s Jodie Roussell what her company is doing to curb the problem; and talks to scientist Pete Myers about what role consumers can play.

Push for global treaty on plastic pollution

The UN human rights office has called for an investigation into possible war crimes by Israeli forces in Gaza, following the discovery of hundreds of bodies in mass graves at two hospitals. We talk to UNHCR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.

Mass graves discovered at Gaza hospitals

More and more municipal politicians are leaving their jobs because of the abuse they face and the toll it takes. Matt Galloway talks to Waterloo, Ont., city councillor Jen Vasic; Calgary city councillor Jasmine Mian; and Montreal borough councillor Younes Boukala.

Oregon reversing course on drug decriminalization as overdose deaths spike

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