Fentanyl Deaths Plummet

The number of fatal fentanyl overdoses in the Commonwealth plunged nearly 44% from 2023 to 2024, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Overdose deaths attributed to any drug declined by one-third.

Federal CDC data indicate that Virginia led the nation with its year-over-year decline in drug overdose deaths.

“Our approach stands on four principles: interrupt the drug trade, enhance penalties for drug dealers, educate people about the dangers of fentanyl, and equip them to save the life of someone in crisis,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin explained.

County-level governments and non-profits are also contributing to efforts. For example, some are making it easier to obtain Narcan and drug testing strips.

GOP Breaks Ranks over Lt. Gov.

John Reid, the only Republican candidate for Virginia’s open lieutenant governor slot, accused the leader of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Spirit of Virginia PAC of making “false and defamatory statements” about him.

Reid said that GOP operatives have pressured him to drop out. He is the first openly gay man to seek statewide office.

Many Republicans are rallying behind Reid. The Loudoun County GOP is selling merchandise with slogans like “I support John Reid” and “In John Reid we trust.” Phil Kazmiercak, vice president of the Young Republicans of Virginia Beach, resigned from the state’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board to protest Reid’s treatment.

“John Reid is the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor,” current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is seeking the top job, said. “It is his race and his decision alone to move forward.“

Economic Outlook Hazy in Virginia

A quarterly survey of business leaders in Northern Virginia indicated that only about half of the respondents are now very or somewhat optimistic about how their company will perform in the next six months—down from 81% just three months ago.

Julie Coons, head of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the survey, attributed the drop in confidence to changes in federal policy. “Our economy is being reordered by the reduction in federal spending and procurement,” Coons said.

A recent report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond indicated that Southwest and Southside Virginia may be hit harder by tariffs, due to their reliance on manufacturing and agriculture.

The Hampton Roads region is also bracing for economic changes. “We don’t know what the ultimate impact of tariffs will be to the port, which accounts for tens of thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth,” said Old Dominion University economist Bob McNab said.

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➤ Richmond: Neighboring water systems that rely on Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities didn’t find out for five days that the system had pumped higher-than-normal levels of fluoride into the water supply. The city said the concentration of fluoride remained within safe levels. (Details)

➤ Alexandria: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced plans to eliminate 57 bus stops in Northern Virginia as of June 29. The goal is to make bus service “quicker and more streamlined.” (More)

➤ Statewide: Changes to state law would triple the amount of energy storage capacity that Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power are required to procure to comply with the Virginia Clean Economy Act. The changes will become law unless Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoes them by Friday. (More)

➤ Washington County: The sheriff’s office warned residents to be on the lookout for Dakota Manuel Reynolds, who fled during a traffic stop. He is wanted for abduction, felony eluding, and violating probation. (Details)

➤ Virginia Beach: A city police officer will remain in jail after his bond request was denied. Anthony Paul faces two counts of indecent liberties with two teenagers over alleged incidents in 2019 before he joined the force. (More)

➤ Richmond: Amid concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse, the city will reduce the number of procurement cards available to its workers by 80% for the next several months as it attempts to “reassess, retool, and reboot the program.” (Details)

➤ The Washington Capitals topped the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 in Game 5 to win the first-round playoff series 4-1. It’s the first NHL playoff series the Caps have won in any round in seven years. They will face the Carolina Hurricanes in round two. (More)

➤ Liberty softball lost 5-3 at No. 25 UVA. The Flames dropped to 41-11, and the Cavaliers moved to 36-16. (Box Score)

➤ UVA baseball topped Navy 5-1 to move to 26-16. The Cavs have a week off for exams before taking the field again next Wednesday. (Box Score)

➤ JMU women’s lacrosse plays No. 4 Vanderbilt in Norfolk today. (Schedule)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ The U.S. Attorney launched an Eastern District of Virginia Equal Access to Banking Task Force to help those who’ve been denied access to banking or other financial services. (Details)

➤ Celebrate Healthcare, a non-profit that advocates for affordable care and job services, will host a job fair on Friday in Chesapeake to help displaced workers find a new job. (More)

➤ Amazon’s newest delivery station is operating in Virginia Beach. The facility will generate 600 direct and indirect jobs. (Details)

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➤ The Virginia Aquarium admitted 77 cold-stunned sea turtles this winter—more than twice its typical seasonal total. The revived animals were released into warmer waters off North Carolina or Florida. (Details)

➤ The District of Columbia, using a new law, has sued four Virginians who collectively racked up more than $250,000 in traffic citations, parking fines, and penalties. (More)

➤ Southwest Virginians looking for places to walk will find plenty of regional gardens and trails to explore. (Where to Walk)

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Are you confident about the direction of Virginia’s economy?

1. Yes, we’ll be fine
2. No, I’m concerned
3. I’m not sure

Wednesday’s Results:

Are you planning to sell your home this year? 

1. No: 54%
2. Yes: 23%
3. Perhaps: 23%

How many species of sea turtles swim in Virginia waters?

Show me the answer