The Latest: Plaintiffs glad judge scheduled opioid trials

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Latest on the scheduling of trials for local governments suing over the opioid epidemic (all times local):

4:15 p.m.

A lawyer for local governments suing over the opioid epidemic is applauding a judge's decision this week to schedule trials in the case.

Paul Hanly says the trial schedule is important to the case because it means the sides can start exchanging more information and the judge's rulings on pretrial motions can help set the direction of the case.

The co-lead counsel for plaintiffs in the case says that can help lead to a settlement.

Judge Aaron Polster says he wants to try three cases from northern Ohio in March 2019.