Morning Roundup: May 6, 2019

Top Executives of Insys, an Opioid Company, Are Found Guilty of Racketeering [NY Times]
A fentanyl maker’s top executives, including the company’s founder, have been convicted of racketeering. “Just as we would street-level drug dealers, we will hold pharmaceutical executives responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic.” 

Grandmother Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Drugs Gets Chance at Freedom [WSFA]
After 17 years behind bars, 72-year-old Geneva Cooley may be considered for parole this year. More than a decade ago, she was caught up in a sting after traveling from New York City to Birmingham, Alabama to deliver a sock-full of drugs.

RHONY Star Luann de Lesseps Says She ‘Remains Committed’ to Sobriety After Failing Alcohol Test [People]
The Real Housewives of New York City star reportedly violated her probation twice since her 2017 arrest for disorderly intoxication and attacking a police officer. “I take my sobriety very seriously and like many in my situation, it is a daily struggle.”

‘A Miracle’: Social Work Student Flourishes Following Years of Addiction, Incarceration [Southern Miss Now]
Sidney Smith has spent more than 13 years in prison for drugs, and has been in treatment at least 10 times. Today, he is seven years sober.

Opinion: How Big Tobacco Got a New Generation Hooked [NY Times]
Smoking cigarettes may be fading out of favor, but nicotine addiction is still very much alive. An advertising executive examines the ways that Big Tobacco companies have shifted their focus to the booming market for vaping products.

Las Vegas Hearing Date Set for Billionaire Facing Drug Charges [Las Vegas Review-Journal]
Tech billionaire Henry T. Nicholas III was charged with drug trafficking and drug possession back in February. In June, a judge will decide whether he will go to trial.

Perspective: I Was a Meth Addict and a Thief. Today, I’m Being Honored by the FBI. [Washington Post]
During the 11 years that Ed Kressy spent addicted to methamphetamine, he was plagued by paranoia that the FBI was after him. Somehow, on his recovery journey, he ended up enrolled in the bureau’s Citizens Academy and now serves as an FBI ambassador.

Alcohol Is Everywhere on Tinder. Here’s How Non-Drinkers Cope. [Washington Post]
It can be a challenge to navigate dating platforms like Tinder and Bumble as a sober person. Experts and people in recovery sound off on the issue.