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This year, about $1.5 billion has landed in state and local government coffers from court settlements made with more than a dozen companies that manufactured, sold, or distributed prescription painkillers and were sued for their role in fueling the opioid crisis.

This story also ran on NPR. It can be republished for free.

That money has gone from an emerging funding stream for which people had lofty but uncertain aspirations to a coveted pot of billions of dollars being invested in real time to address addiction.

Altogether, the companies are expected to pay more than $50 billion to state and local governments over nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, more than 100,000 Americans have died of drug overdoses annually in recent years, underscoring the urgent nature of the crisis.

KFF Health News has been tracking the funds all year and covering the windfalls mixed impact in communities across the country. Here are five things weve noticed in 2023 and plan to keep an eye on next year:

1. The total amount of settlement money state and local governments expect to receive is a moving target.

Before the start of the year, national settlements were in place with at least five companies, and several other deals were in the final stages, said Christine Minhee, founder of OpioidSettlementTracker.com.

Today, most states are participating in settlements with opioid manufacturers Johnson & Johnson, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, and Allergan; pharmaceutical distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson; and retail pharmacies Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS. Many are also settling with the national supermarket chain Kroger. More from This InvestigationPayback: Tracking the Opioid Settlement Cash

Opioid manufacturers and distributors are paying more than $54 billion in restitution to settle lawsuits about their role in the overdose epidemic, with little oversight on how the money is spent. Were tracking how state and local governments use or misuse the cash.Read More

Several of these deals began paying out in the second half of this year, leading to bumps in states opioid settlement pots.

But there have been dents and slowdowns too.

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, a manufacturer of generic opioids, originally agreed to pay $1.7 billion as a result of its 2020 bankruptcy filing to state and local governments, as well as people directly affected by the crisis. But the company filed a second bankruptcy in August, slashing $1 billion from that figure.

Purdue Pharma, perhaps the best known of all the companies for its creation and marketing of OxyContin, had agreed to pay $6 billion as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. But the Biden administration objected to the deal this summer, and the case now lies in the hands of the Supreme Court. At its core is the question of whether its legal for the Sackler family to gain immunity from future civil cases about the opioid crisis under the companys bankruptcy deal when they have not filed for bankruptcy as individuals.

The Supreme Court heard arguments in December and is expected to rule on the case next spring or summer. Until then, no Purdue money will flow. Advocates and victims of the opioid crisis gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 4, while the justices hear a case about Purdue Pharmas bankruptcy deal. The protesters urged justices to overturn the deal, which would give the Sackler family immunity against future civil cases related to opioids.(Aneri Pattani/KFF Health News)

2. Most states still arent being transparent about how the money is used.

In March, KFF Health News and Minhee published a comprehensive investigation showing that only 12 states had promised to publicly report how they were using all their settlement dollars.

Since then, that number has inched up to 16.

But 15 states still have not committed to publicly reporting anything at all, and others have promised to publicize only a portion of their spending.

Many people arent happy about the secrecy.

In Ohio, a local advocacy group, Harm Reduction Ohio, sued the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, which controls most of the states settlement dollars, for violating public records and open-meeting laws. Although a judge ruled in favor of the advocacy group, it became a moot point in July, when the state passed a budget that included language exempting the foundation from such requirements.

In Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services came under fire for not publicly reporting how it was spending upward of $40 million in settlement funds. In October just hours before a legislative subcommittee hearing in which lawmakers asked critical questions about the money the department launched a website, displaying a breakdown of organizations to which it had awarded funds.

At the national level, a dozen Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about a lack of transparency and oversight via a Sept. 25 letter to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which is leading the federal governments response to the opioid crisis.

We urge the Biden administration to closely track opioid settlement fund spending, to ensure that populations in need of additional support receive it, the lawmakers wrote.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy responded this month that it did not have the statutory authority from Congress to do so.

Currently, no mechanism exists that would allow ONDCP to require states to disclose their spending, the office wrote in a letter obtained by KFF Health News. ONDCP cannot effectively monitor how states use these funds. Email Sign-Up

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3. Nationwide, money is being spent in several common areas.

Although there is no national data on how settlement dollars are spent, piecemeal tracking by journalists and advocates has surfaced some favorites.

One of the biggest is investing in treatment. Many jurisdictions are building residential rehab facilities or expanding existing ones. Theyre covering the cost of care for uninsured people and trying to increase the number of clinicians prescribing medications for opioid use disorder, which have been shown to save lives.

Another common expense is naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Wisconsin is spending about $8 million on this effort. Kentucky has dedicated $1 million. And many local governments are allocating smaller amounts.

Some other choices have sparked controversies. Share Your Story

Do you have concerns about how your state or locality is using the opioid settlement funds? Are they doing something effective that other places should replicate? Tell us here.Share Your Story

Several governments used settlement dollars to purchase police patrol cars, technology to help officers hack into phones, and body scanners for jails. Supporters say these tools are critical to crack down on drug trafficking, but research suggests law enforcement efforts dont prevent overdoses.

People are also divided over school-based programs to prevent kids from developing addictions. While they agree on the goal, some people favor programs that teach kids about the dangers of drugs like D.A.R.E. in the 80s while others prefer programs focused on improving mental health, resiliency, and communication skills.

Perhaps the most contentious use, though, is shoring up county budgets and paying back old bills. Even if its legal, many people directly affected by the epidemic say this misses the goal of the settlement money, which is to address todays ongoing crisis.

4. The settlements required companies to change problematic business practices, but that has had unintended consequences.

As part of their settlements, manufacturers like Allergan and Johnson & Johnson agreed not to sell opioids for 10 years and curb marketing and promotion activities. Pharmaceutical distributors were required to step up efforts to identify suspicious orders from pharmacies, under the oversight of an independent third-party monitor. Retail pharmacy chains must condct audits and site visits to their pharmacies, as well as share data with state agencies about problematic prescribers.

The goal of these stipulations is to prevent further misuse of prescription opioids. But some people see unintended consequences.

Distributors have placed stricter limits not only on pharmacy orders of opioids, but on many drugs considered potentially addictive, known as controlled substances. As a result, orders for these medications are being canceled more often and some pharmacies are hesitant to fill prescriptions for new patients. That has left people struggling to obtain medications for chronic pain, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and, ironically, even medication that treats opioid addiction.

Bayla Ostrach, a researcher in North Carolina who studies substance use and health policy, said buprenorphine, which is considered a gold-standard treatment for opioid use disorder, was already difficult to obtain at many community pharmacies and in rural areas. But the settlements appear to be making it worse.

Instead of increasing access to treatment which is critical to stemming the number of overdoses I really worry the settlements may be having the opposite effect, Ostrach said. Members of the Washington, D.C., Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, which will advise on the use of more than $80 million, met for the first time and were sworn in on Oct. 25. Like many other jurisdictions, the District of Columbia has yet to spend any of its settlement funds.(Aneri Pattani/KFF Health News)

5. Many places haven’t decided what to do with the money yet.

Several states, including Montana and Hawaii, have yet to spend any of the settlement funds controlled by their state agencies. In Maine and West Virginia, councils overseeing the lions share of funds are still in the process of identifying priorities and developing processes to award grants.

Across the nation, some county officials say they need more guidance on appropriate uses of the money. Others are surveying residents on what they want before making decisions.

The slow pace has frustrated some advocates, who say there should be greater urgency at a time when the drug supply is becoming increasingly deadly. But others say the money will continue arriving through 2038, so setting up thoughtful processes now could pay off for years to come.

Its a trade-off between putting out current fires and preventing future ones, said Shelly Weizman, project director of the addiction and public policy initiative at Georgetown Universitys ONeill Institute. Shes hopeful officials will strike the right balance.

Is there a vision in each state about where were going to be when the settlement monies are done? she said. My hope is that 18 years from now were not still where we are today.

Aneri Pattani: apattani@kff.org, @aneripattani Related Topics Courts Public Health States Investigation Opioid Settlements Opioids Substance Misuse Contact Us Submit a Story Tip

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Environment

Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 coolers + bundles $200 off, G-Force’s new DE-S cargo e-bike $1,399, EcoFlow DELTA 2 bundle flash sale, more

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May 5, 2025

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Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 coolers + bundles 0 off, G-Force's new DE-S cargo e-bike ,399, EcoFlow DELTA 2 bundle flash sale, more

We’re starting off this week’s Green Deals with a spotlight on Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler discounts that are running as part of the brand’s ongoing Mother’s Day Sale, which start from $700. Next, we have G-Force’s extended e-bike savings, including its newest DE-S Premium All-Terrain Fat Tire Wide Cargo e-bike that is down at $1,399. Lastly, there’s EcoFlow’s latest flash sale that is offering a DELTA 2 bundle with an expansion battery and bag for $849, as well as an additional solar panel bundle offer. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals from last week are in the links at the bottom of the page, rounded together in our Electrified Weekly coverage, including the free extra battery preorder deal on Rad Power’s new RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bike and Lectric’s teasing of its upcoming XP 4 e-bike that will be revealed tomorrow, May 6, 2025.

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.

Save $200 on Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 40L and 58L electric coolers and bundles starting from $700

Looking back in on Anker’s SOLIX Mother’s Day Sale which is continuing through May 11, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the deals for brand’s latest release, the EverFrost 2 Portable Electric Coolers. You’ll find the 40L model discounted to $699.99 shipped here (matching at Amazon), while its 58L counterpart is down at $899.99 shipped (also matching at Amazon), as well as alternate bundles that give you a secondary removable battery below. These two models would normally run you $900 and $1,100 at full price, with these prices only having been beaten out by the February pre-sale launch discounts to $600 and $800 from Anker, while the 58L model saw a drop to $809 from Wellbots. We’ve been seeing these same discounts repeat in recent sales, bringing you another chance at $200 off the going rates for the best post-launch prices we have tracked. Head below for more information on these coolers and their bundle options, or you can get our hands-on take from our review here.

Currently only sporting the two mentioned model sizes (though there is a smaller 23L cooler slated to hit the market later in the year), Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Coolers see to it that ice runs will no longer be needed during gatherings and other events. There’s currently the 40L model that provides a single compartment with dual functionality and the 58L model that has two compartments – each with dual functionality – that can cover simultaneous cooling and freezing. The big change from its predecessors is the trading of a direct cooling system for the new air-cooled system, providing compartment cooldowns at much faster speeds.

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Both the 40L and 58L models have been given dual battery ports (with the second battery either being sold separately or within bundles that you can find below), which provide up to 104 hours of continuous runtime when set to Eco Mode, according to Anker. Each of these batteries come with a 288Wh capacity and can also be repurposed as power banks when not running the coolers, giving you a little added versatility to keep personal devices juiced up with either the 60W USB-C or 12W USB-A ports. There are four ways to recharge the batteries – with a max 100W solar input, plugging the cooler into a wall outlet or 12V car port, or you can use a USB-C connection directly to the batteries. Both models sport IPX3 water-resistance ratings, as well as large 6-inch wheels for semi-rough terrain and a fold-down tray that is also used as a handle. You can get a full rundown on what to expect in our hands-on review here.

Anker’s SOLIX Mother’s Day EverFrost 2 deals:

If you’re looking to electrify your life with a backup power solution, be sure to browse the power station discounts while the Anker SOLIX Mother’s Day Sale continues through May 11, complete with free gifts that accompany select purchases. We also spotlighted the brand’s deals on its other latest release, the F3800 Plus Portable Power Station that start from $3,199.

G-Force DE-S e-bike

Get serious cargo-hauling power on G-Force’s DE-S premium all-terrain e-bike with 160-mile range for $1,399

Despite G-Force’s Spring Sale e-bike offers slated to end with April, it appears that the brand has extended the savings, giving folks a little more time to score them at these lower prices before rates are raised down the road due to tariffs. Among the continuing deals, the brand’s latest release, the DE-S Premium All-Terrain Fat Tire Wide Cargo e-bike is still being offered at $1,399 shipped. This new model normally carries a $1,799 price tag, with things uncertain as to how high it may rise in the future, with the brand’s previous Spring Sale bringing costs down to this same rate last month. It’s a solid $400 off the going rate while things last, with this being the lowest price we have tracked since the brand came onto our radar.

A serious model with equally serious cargo-hauling capabilities, G-Force’s DE-S e-bike comes with a 750W brushless geared hub motor alongside a waterproof and flame-retardant 45Ah removable battery in order to provide you with 28 MPH top speeds and up to 160 miles of pedal-assisted travel on a single charge. While this bike comes with a cadence sensor, the brand has also equipped it with an additional PAS sensor that allows the rider to control the e-bike’s output power, “eliminating the need for a torque sensor to achieve a smooth riding experience,” according to the brand.

It’s got a solid array of features that make the riding experience all the better, like the smoothed-out cruising thanks to the adjustable front fork suspension paired with the rear suspension system, further bolstered by the fat tires. Alongside these, there’s also hydraulic mineral oil brakes, a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, a 48V LED “ultra bright” headlight, an integrated taillight, an extended rear cargo rack that supports multiple load modes (cargo, passenger, child seat installation, more), hidden cable routing, removable pedals, a telescopic comfort saddle, and a backlit LCD display.

G-Force’s other e-bike deals:

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station

EcoFlow offers flash sale on 2,048Wh LiFePO4 DELTA 2 bundle with an expansion battery and bag at $849 (Today only)

As part of its ongoing Spring-to-Summer sale, EcoFlow has launched another 24-hour flash sale with two offers – one to provide backup power support while the other provides solar support to your power stations. The first of these offers gives you a DELTA 2 Portable Power Station bundled alongside a Smart Extra Battery (expansion battery) and a bag for $849 shipped. The combination of the station and battery would normally cost you $1,798 at full price, which we’ve been seeing in the brand’s direct 2025 sales usually falling to $949. This means that you’re getting the additional travel bag with a further $100 markdown, one of the best prices we have tracked that is also currently matching on Amazon, though, without the bag.

This is quite a solid combination for short-term off-grid power needs, as well as at-home emergency backup. With the inclusion of the extra battery, EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 power station goes from a 1,024Wh to 2,048WH LiFePO4 capacity, which you can further expand to 3,072Wh with another battery connected. It delivers up to 1,800W of steady output through its 15 port options, which surges to 2,200W for larger needs. There’s the usual array of smart controls available through its companion app, as well as the unit coming with an IP68 waterproof construction, knowing that it’ll likely accompany you out into the wilds of the world.

The station’s battery can be recharged in a short time thanks to the fast-charging tech that the brand has given it, letting you refill 80% of its battery in just 50 minutes via a wall outlet, with things taking a little longer at 80 minutes to get it back to full. Of course, there’s also the solar charging capabilities if you have or plan to buy the appropriate panels, with a max 500W input that can recharge the battery in three to six hours, depending on weather conditions.

EcoFlow is also providing the opportunity to grab two of its 110W Solar Panels at $329 shipped while these flash savings last. Outside of this discount, the panels are currently going for $209 each (and regularly run $399), making this is a great chance to score both at about $165 each, giving you the means to recharge the above station’s – or any other model – battery with the sun’s rays.

Be sure to check out the full lineup of deals we’re seeing from EcoFlow’s Spring-to-Summer Sale while they last – which is only a few days longer. You’ll also find some additional coverage of the deals on the brand’s new WAVE 3 AC/Heater and GLACIER electric coolers that are starting from $807.

Best Spring 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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Environment

Rivian CEO posts image of the new Maximus drive unit that will power the upcoming R2 EVs

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May 5, 2025

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Rivian CEO posts image of the new Maximus drive unit that will power the upcoming R2 EVs

Rivian R2

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe just posted a fresh image of a Maximus drive unit—a vital component teased for some time now that will be a key piece in Rivian’s goal to reduce the cost per drive unit in its R2 EV builds.

Rivian continues to show strength during uncertain times in the automotive industry, particularly regarding legacy automakers’ electrification strategies. While threats to EV adoption linger, demand for Rivian’s American-made BEVs has stayed high despite a slight dip in deliveries last quarter.

The company is still riding the success of its first two flagship models—the R1S and R1T, which are now in the second generation. Better still, fans of the brand and EV enthusiasts alike are highly anticipating the arrival of Rivian’s encore to the R1 models, the R2, which will then be followed by a smaller R3 and a rally-like R3X.

As a young automaker, Rivian has overcome hurdles to establish itself in the EV industry, finally achieving scaled production at its Normal, Illinois, facility. Part of that strategy includes consistent innovation and improvement to improve vehicle function and performance for its customers and optimize manufacturing to reduce overall cost.

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An excellent example of that evolution is Rivian’s Enduro drive unit, which was implemented on dual-motor versions of the R1T and R1S. Since then, Rivian has been teasing a new drive unit called Maximus, which we thought may also make its way into R1 builds, but have since learned will debut in the upcoming R2 EVs.

Today, Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe offered a close-up look at Maximus being developed within the R2 design. Check it out:

Rivian R2
The Maximus drive unit / Source: @RJScaringe / Instagram

RJ teases the Maximus drive unit in the Rivian R2

According to RJ Scaringe, the image above is Rivian’s new Maximus drive unit configuration implemented in the R2. There’s not much else of the upcoming BEV to see here, but an exciting little tidbit nonetheless.

While most consumers have been attracted to the Rivian R2’s size and look, Maximus will play a key role in Normal as the American automaker works to reduce the per-unit cost of its drive units—a primary goal it has previously shared with the public.

One key improvement we already know about is Maximus’ stator windings—one of the key components of any electric motor. Previously, Rivian shared that Maximus uses a new continuous winding technique that reduces the total welds per stator and thus the total overall cost of building each one. For comparison, Rivian’s current Enduro drive unit requires 264 stator welds, while Maximus only needs 24.

Rivian has also integrated the front rotor shaft and gear into a single forged, CNC-milled component and reduced the number of required bearings. The result is a simpler, more compact drive unit that is cheaper to build and weighs less, which is excellent news for EV range and efficiency.

With Maximus development underway, Rivian appears to remain on track to officially launch the R2 next year as promised. Be sure to check back with Electrek often for the latest Rivian news about the R2 and beyond.

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Sports

NBC’s Tirico left Derby broadcast with nut allergy

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May 5, 2025

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NBC's Tirico left Derby broadcast with nut allergy

  • Associated Press

May 5, 2025, 11:53 AM ET

NBC Sports host Mike Tirico said Monday he is feeling fine after having to leave the Kentucky Derby broadcast early over the weekend because of a strong reaction to a nut allergy.

“I’ve had a nut allergy my whole life and am usually very, very careful,” Tirico said on the “Today” show. “I ate something that had a nut in it and had a nut allergy, causing your throat and your nose and all that stuff to kind of clog up and swell. It affects your breathing a little bit.”

Tirico said he took an epinephrine shot and was treated by EMTs at Churchill Downs. He began feeling better later Saturday night.

“I’m embarrassed about the attention,” he said.

Ahmed Fareed took over for the 58-year-old broadcaster, who was hosting Derby coverage for the ninth year.

Tirico is set to host the Preakness Stakes on NBC on May 17.

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