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Michael Vera walked into a bedroom of a residential drug treatment program in Los Angeles in March to find its occupant slumped over on his bed and struggling to breathe, a homemade straw on the floor beside him and tinfoil with what appeared to be drug residue under his body.

This story also ran on Los Angeles Times. It can be republished for free.

The 35-year-old overdose victim had been out of custody less than 48 hours, in the midst of a frequently fatal danger zone: Individuals newly released from prison are 40 times as likely to die of opioid overdoses as members of the general population, researchers say.

But he was one of the lucky ones, because Vera was among tens of thousands of California inmates to receive training in overdose prevention and resuscitation when he was released from state prison in 2020. He was given two doses of Narcan to take with him, part of California prisons attempt to arm every departing inmate with overdose-reversal medication.

Vera and his roommate quickly summoned staff members. Paramedics administered two jolts of Narcan, a brand-name version of the drug naloxone. That stabilized the patient enough to get him to a hospital, where he soon recovered. Email Sign-Up

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More than 80% of inmates released in California between April 2020 and June 2022 departed with antidote kits and the training that goes with them, according to a January study by corrections officials. Acceptance has continued to grow, with 95% of departing inmates accepting Narcan in July 2022, the most recent month with data.

Now corrections officials are trying to determine whether the kits actually save lives by examining overdose rates among formerly incarcerated people. They are still gathering data and have no timeline for results, though their report calls the evaluation effort “a critical priority.” Officials are also looking at whether the program can help address health inequity issues, since overdose death rates are higher in lower-income areas, where parolees often live, and occur disproportionately among racial minorities and people with disabilities.

At the same time, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is looking to cut the cost and boost the supply of opioid antidotes by having the state produce them itself. Currently, federal grants and legal settlements with opioid vendors fund most of the Narcan for departing inmates, but officials said the state did have to buy 1,180 kits for $62.40 each. In 2020, California began offering kits containing two doses of Narcan and information on how to use it to every departing prison inmate. Education and Narcan is key. Its not a perfect solution, but its a damn good one, said Mark Malone, director of administration at Fred Brown Recovery Services. (Alessandra Bergamin / KFF Health News) Narcan, a common form of the antidote naloxone, is kept in the kitchen first-aid kit at Fred Brown Recovery Services. At the instruction of a 911 operator, staff rushed to retrieve Narcan from the box amid a potentially fatal overdose. (Alessandra Bergamin / KFF Health News)

This is an extremely serious problem, said Lynn Wenger of the nonprofit research institute RTI International. As people leave jail and prison, their tolerance for opioids is very low and the stress of release is high.

Wenger is the lead author of a 2019 study of a naloxone distribution program at the San Francisco County Jail, where over a four-year period nearly one-third of inmates who were equipped with the drug upon release reported reversing an overdose.

California officials estimate that some two-thirds of inmates in the state have a substance abuse problem, fed by smuggled contraband. That statistic tracks with national estimates. A new program to administer anti-craving medications like methadone to incarcerated drug users has brought inmate overdose deaths down substantially over the past several years.

But parolee overdoses remain a huge problem.

The California report, quoting various studies, says people just released from incarceration are 40 times as likely to die of opioid overdoses as members of the general population, though estimates vary. Massachusetts put the death toll at 120 times as high, while a study using Washington state prison data put the risk at 12.7 times as high in the first two weeks. Research in Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Cook County (Chicago) all found significant connections.

Globally, overdoses are the top cause of death among people recently released from custody.

Its just so scary whats going on here, and were seeing it, said Mark Malone, director of administration at Fred Brown Recovery Services, a 40-year-old nonprofit in the Los Angeles neighborhood of San Pedro. Thats where Vera was getting addiction treatment when he helped save the overdose victim. With quick thinking, roommates Michael Vera and Agustin Pargas intervened amid a potentially fatal overdose. “It made me feel good to be able to save somebody, Vera said. He has a second chance now.” (Alessandra Bergamin / KFF Health News)

Research shows that formerly incarcerated drug users are especially vulnerable because their tolerance for opioids fades while they are behind bars and their social networks and medical care are disrupted, often including any substance abuse treatment they were receiving in prison. And if they use drugs once released, they often do so in solitude, where they are less likely to be found quickly if they overdose.

California offers departing inmates a kit containing two doses of Narcan, along with instructions on how to recognize and prevent overdoses, perform CPR, and administer the antidote.

Demian Johnson, who spent 35 years in prison for a second-degree murder he committed when he was 18 before being paroled in 2018, now helps formerly incarcerated people and others with substance abuse problems at Five Keys Schools and Programs, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit. He says two of his friends died soon after they were released from years of incarceration.

“It’s not hard for me to figure out why so many are succumbing to these really, really potent drugs, said Johnson, noting that what inmates obtain in prison is likely to be much less pure than what they would find outside.

One of Johnsons buddies died alone of fentanyl within a year of leaving prison.

He had nobody to save him, to bring him back or to issue him some Narcan, Johnson said. When Michael Vera was released from prison in 2020, he was shown a training video and given two doses of Narcan to take with him. (Alessandra Bergamin/KFF Health News) (Alessandra Bergamin / KFF Health News) At Fred Brown Recovery Services, a residential drug treatment program in San Pedro, California, Narcan is available in emergency boxes throughout the house. Because of increased overdoses in the last year, the treatment program has increased training and availability of Narcan. (Alessandra Bergamin / KFF Health News)

Wenger says the California program is likely having benefits beyond helping those recently paroled: They can use the Narcan to save others, too.

They are often released to neighborhoods where they are likely to encounter someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose & will have the tools to reverse an overdose, she said in an email.

That was the case with Vera, who said he was particularly glad to be able to help someone because he lost a 21-year-old niece and 24-year-old nephew to overdoses around the time he was released.

Vera said the paramedics told him they were just in time. “If we wouldn’t have found him, they don’t know what his outcome would have been but it would have been bad,” Vera said. He has a second chance now.”

This aticle was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. Related Topics California Pharmaceuticals California Legislature Georgia Illinois Legislation Maryland Massachusetts Michigan New Mexico North Carolina Prescription Drugs Prison Health Care Contact Us Submit a Story Tip

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‘I will not go quietly,’ Gregg Wallace says amid reports he’s been sacked by the BBC

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'I will not go quietly,' Gregg Wallace says amid reports he's been sacked by the BBC

Former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has vowed he will “not go quietly”, amid reports that he has been sacked by the BBC.

It comes after the TV host faced an investigation, commissioned by MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK, into alleged inappropriate behaviour while working for the BBC.

In November, the 60-year-old stepped back from presenting the cooking show after accusations that he made sexual comments towards staff and celebrity guests on a range of programmes over 17 years.

Gregg Wallace receives his MBE for services to food and charity. Pic: PA
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Gregg Wallace received an MBE for services to food and charity in 2023. Pic: PA

Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, author and actor Emma Kennedy, and presenter Kirstie Allsopp, were among the high-profile figures who made claims of inappropriate behaviour against Wallace.

In a statement, released ahead of the publication of the summary of a report into the claims, the 60-year-old said he had been “cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations” made against him.

However, he said the report, carried out by independent law firm Lewis Silkin, had found him “primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018”.

Wallace’s statement, published on Instagram, came hours before the BBC News reported that 50 more people had made claims to the corporation against the presenter, including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another.

In his statement, Wallace labelled BBC News’s claims as “uncorroborated tittle-tattle”.

Wallace wrote: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkin’s report – a decision I do not take lightly.

“But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.

“I have now been cleared by the Silkin’s report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.

“The most damaging claims (including from public figures which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.

“To be clear, the Silkin’s report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018.”

Gregg Wallace on MasterChef. Pic: BBC/ Shine TV 2024
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Gregg Wallace on MasterChef. Pic: BBC/ Shine TV 2024

‘I was hired as the cheeky greengrocer – now that’s a problem’

Wallace said he recognised that “some of my humour and language” was at times “inappropriate” and, for that, he apologised “without reservation”.

“But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks,” Wallace, who also referred to his recent diagnosis of autism, added.

“I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges, and all.

“For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem.”

Wallace and Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2014
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Wallace and his partner Anna Wallace, pictured in 2014

Wallace: Complaints from ‘middle-class women of a certain age’

Shortly after the allegations first emerged, Wallace recorded a video where he dismissed his accusers as “middle-class women of a certain age”.

His remarks were met with huge criticism – including from Downing Street, where a spokesperson for the prime minister described them as “completely inappropriate and misogynistic”.

Wallace responded by posting a follow-up clip where he apologised and said he “wasn’t in a good space” when he posted the comments.

Wallace was replaced in the 20th season of MasterChef, which aired this spring, by restaurant critic and former I‘m A Celebrity contestant Grace Dent. Several Christmas episodes of the show were also pulled from the BBC’s 2024 festive schedule.

In April, Wallace spoke to the Daily Mail, denying all accusations against him and saying he had contemplated suicide following the allegations.

Wallace’s lawyers have previously called allegations that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature “entirely false”.

A spokesperson for the BBC said: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”

A Banijay spokesperson told Sky News: “We won’t be commenting until our report is published.” They have signalled the report will be published later this week or next.

Banijay previously said Wallace is “committed to fully co-operating” with the external review.

Alongside MasterChef, Wallace presented Inside The Factory for BBC Two from 2015 to 2023.

He also featured on various BBC shows over the years, including Saturday Kitchen, Eat Well For Less, Supermarket Secrets, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals, as well as being a Strictly Come Dancing contestant in 2014.

More recently, Wallace has been promoting his health and lifestyle website, offering one-to-one coaching from both himself and a team of experts, which includes nutritionists and doctors, and his wife Anna in the role of recipe curator.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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Prime Day-1 Green Deals: Lectric’s new XP Trike2, EcoFlow, Segway e-bikes, ECOVACS robot mowers, Anker SOLIX, and much more

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Prime Day-1 Green Deals: Lectric's new XP Trike2, EcoFlow, Segway e-bikes, ECOVACS robot mowers, Anker SOLIX, and much more

Amazon’s Prime Day is in full swing through the rest of the week, and we’ve got a jam-packed edition of Green Deals for you today from the first round of savings that we’ve spotted so far, with all the rest being added to our Prime Day Green Deals hub here, which we’ll be updating regularly. Leading the pack is the preorder launch of Lectric’s new XP Trike2 that is getting $227 in free gear at $1,499 through July 28th. We also have some EcoFlow direct-website Prime Day savings, like the DELTA Pro 3 bundle with a 400W panel and a transfer switch at a new $2,849 low, among others. There’s also the new low price hitting Segway’s Xafari e-bike for $2,000, while the Xyber e-bike is down at $3,000. All that and much more are waiting for you below.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Lectric launches new and improved XP Trike2 with $227 in free gear for preorder at $1,499

As part of Lectric’s newly launched Better Than Prime Sale, the brand is offering preorder savings on its all-new XP Trike2 that comes with $227 in free gear at $1,499 shipped, while the upgraded 750 model won’t be available for preorder until September. This bundle would normally cost $1,726 in full, but as most folks know, the brand tends to provide discounts on the bundled items over actual price cuts. This all-new commuting solution is getting the first chance at savings through July 28th, when it is slated to begin shipping. Along with the eTrike, you’ll be getting a wider saddle with a supporting backrest, an Elite headlight, and a suspension seat post. Head below to learn more about this model and its upcoming 750 variant too.

The next generation of one of the most popular eTrikes on the market, especially amongst older riders, Lectric’s new XP Trike2 cruises onto the scene with a Stealth M24 500W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,092W) that runs quieter than normal motors, as well as a 624Wh battery. This combination provides top speeds of 14 MPH and a travel range of up to 50 miles on a single charge when the five PAS levels are activated. If you haven’t ridden in a while and want to take things slow, there is a power-limiting preset feature that dials down its max speed until you’re ready.

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There’s a bunch of notable upgrades coming with the Lectric XP Trike2, like the Cloud 50 suspension fork to take pressure off your joints, as well as hydraulic brakes for guaranteed stopping power, a headlight and taillight that provides amber side lighting, turn signals, brake lighting, plus reflective tires – all in the name of keeping you seen and safe. You’ll also be getting puncture-resistant tires with fenders over each, a 20A internal controller with an IPX5 water-resistance rating, parking brakes, a rear cargo rack with a 75-pound payload, a half-twist throttle, a new TFT LCD display, keyless riding functionality, and more.

Now, if you want to hold off for the upgraded Lectric XP Trike2 750 model, there are a few key differences to consider. First, it will be available at $1,799 shipped come September, with a larger 840Wh battery and Stealth M24 750W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,310W) that provide increased 17 MPH top speeds and a travel range up to 70 miles with the pedal assistance activated. From there, the big changeup comes from the inclusion of the brand’s Quick Switch tech that allows you to switch between cadence and torque sensors.

EcoFlow DELTA 3 Pro power station

Get $2,448 in savings on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro 3 bundle with a 400W panel and transfer switch at new $2,849 low

EcoFlow has switched to its full Prime Day Sale event running through July 11 with up to 62% discounts (and a bonus 5% savings) across a massive lineup of units. Three offers can be found only on the brand’s direct site, with the biggest deal amongst them being the DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station bundled with a 400W solar panel and transfer switch for $2,849.05 shippedafter using the code EFPDAFF5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. This package would normally run you $5,297 at full price, which we’ve only seen brought as low as $3,499 back in its Memorial Day sale. The deal here gives you more savings than ever, putting $2,448 back in your pocket for the best new price we have tracked.

Check out the full post and all the included bundles in our original coverage here.

Segway e-bikes

Segway’s Xafari and Xyber e-bikes with Apple Find My, proximity locking, more are starting from a new $2,000 low

Running parallel to Amazon’s Prime Day Sale event, Segway has some limited-time discounts of up to $400 on its two new e-bikes. Through July 11, you can score the Xafari e-bike at $1,999.99 shipped, while the Xyber e-bike is down at $2,999.99 shipped. Normally fetching $2,400 and $3,300, respectively, we’ve only seen previous post-launch discounts hitting these models once before at the top of June, when their prices were brought down to $2,200 and $3,000. While the low price is returning for the Xyber e-bike, the Xafari is seeing even lower pricing for this event that saves you $400 off the tag at the new best rate we have tracked.

Get the full rundown on what you can expect from these models in our original coverage here.

ECOVACS robot lawn mower

Save $600 on ECOVACS’ AI-supported Goat A2500 robot mower at new $1,100 low for Prime Day

As part of its Prime Day event, Amazon is offering the price yet on the new ECOVACS Goat A2500 RTK Robot Lawn Mower dropping to $1,199.99 shipped during this event. This new model has spent most of the time since its release earlier in the year keeping to its $2,000 full price, which we’ve seen brought down as low as $1,500 with discounts so far. During this seasonal event, we’re seeing things go even lower thanks to the 30% markdown that is cutting $600 off the tag, landing it at the best price we have tracked.

Get the full rundown on what you can expect from this new model in our original coverage here.

Anker SOLIX F3000 power station

Anker’s new modular SOLIX F3000 3,072Wh LiFePO4 station gets up to $2,599 increased savings from a new $1,599 low

Anker SOLIX has officially launched its full Prime Day Sale with up to 57% discounts, bonus savings, free gifts, and more through July 11. Among the deals we’re seeing, the brand’s new SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station is getting increased savings up to 2,599 off, with things starting at the solo power station for $1,519.05 shippedafter using the code PDSG5OFF at checkout. which is also matching in price at Amazon. Outside of these initial savings, this new unit will carry a $2,599 price tag, which is reduced from the $900 $1,080 markdown that lands it at a new low price. What’s more, the brand is also offering reduced add-on accessory discounts (on the station’s landing page), giving folks the chance to pick up the home backup kit for just $99 (normally $399) and/or the 120V generator input adapter at $49 (normally $99) – adding on an additional $350 savings should you take the opportunity.

Get the full rundown on what you can expect from this new model, as well as the pricing on its bundles in our original coverage here.

greenworks crossover-Z riding lawn mower

Get $2,200+ savings on Greenworks’ 60V Crossover-Z riding mower with six 8Ah batteries at a new $2,797 low

As part of its Prime Day Competitor Sale, Walmart is offering the best pricing yet on the Greenworks 60V Crossover-Z 42-inch Cordless Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower with six 8Ah batteries and three dual port turbo chargers at $2,797 shipped. Normally, this package would run you $5,600 direct from the brand’s website, where it’s currently marked down to $5,319, but fetches $4,997 at Walmart. The already significant difference in price only gets better with the $2,200 markdown we’re seeing during this sale that beats out all the pricing we’ve seen up until today to land it at a new all-time low. You won’t find this package at Amazon, where only the bundle with four 8Ah batteries is offered – plus, that’s sitting nearly $1,000 higher in price, so you’re getting a lot more here for a lot less.

Learn more about this riding mower in our original coverage here.

Aiper IrriSense smart irrigation system

Get $100 in first savings on Aiper’s IrriSense smart irrigation system that covers 4,800 square feet at $600

Through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering the first chance at savings on its new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System at $599.99 shippedafter clipping the on-page $100 off coupon, with the price matching direct from the brand’s website. This new device just hit the scene back in May with a $700 price tag, with the deal we’re seeing here from both Amazon and the brand’s direct site being the first chance at cash savings that we have tracked. You’ll be able to upgrade your irrigation with a smarter alternative at $100 off while it lasts, setting the bar for future deals down the line.

Learn more about this all-new release and what it can do in our original coverage here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Ford launches new $0 down, 0% interest summer sales promo and you get a free EV charger

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Ford launches new alt=

Ford has a new idea to help you save this summer: $0 down payment, 0% interest, and zero payments for the first 90 days. The new summer sales promo is available on most Ford and Lincoln models. Those buying an electric vehicle can also score a free home EV charger.

In April, Ford launched the “From America, For America” campaign, offering employee pricing to all. According to Ford, the offer helped make it the number one selling brand in America in the first half of 2025.

Despite the success, Ford is shaking it up for the second half of the year. Starting July 8, Ford is transitioning to its new “Zero, Zero, Zero” offer.

The summer sales promo features a $0 down payment, 0% interest for 48 months, and zero payments for the first 90 days on most Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

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Although the employee pricing plan turned out to be a success, Ford dealers said buyers could benefit from less out-of-pocket expenses.

Those shopping for an EV can also score a free home charge. Ford extended its Power Promise program through September 30.

Ford-summer-sales-promo
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)

The program offers buyers a free Level 2 home charger (plus standard installation) and other perks like 24/7 live electric vehicle support, roadside assistance, and an 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.

Despite strong overall sales in the second quarter, Ford’s EV sales fell by nearly a third. Ford spokesperson Martin Gunsberg told Electrek the lower EV sales were due to the Mustang Mach-E recall and changeover to the 2025 model year. “Our dealers can’t sell what they don’t have,” he said.

Ford-summer-sales-promo
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E (Source: Ford)

Although the Trump administration is ending the federal EV tax credit, you still have until September 30 to snag the savings on eligible models.

Ready to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find deals on the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning at a dealer near you.

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