In the latest fallout from the opioid crisis that swept the U.S., Walmart agreed to pay $3.1 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits that were filed by U.S. states, cities, and tribal communities, adding to a an expansive settlement recently reached by two rival pharmacy chains.
The prospective deal follows a deal announced earlier this month in which CVS Health and Walgreens agreed to pay about $5 billion each amid accusations that the companies fomented the opioid crisis. None of the retailers, however, admitted wrongdoing as part of the agreements.