Premier Andrew Furey spent his last day in the legislature reflecting on his time in politics.

Yesterday was Furey’s last day in the House of Assembly before a new leader is chosen on May 3.

He looked back on his time in office by telling his former self not to be so serious.

A standing ovation for Furey in the House of Assembly (NL HOA)

Furey, who announced his intention to step down in February, plans on spending the years to come in the operating room and with his family.

“There’s always going to be some seller’s remorse, I guess, when you make a big life decision like this, but any remorse that may have been there was completely alleviated and evaporated when I saw the smiles on my children’s faces and a lightness to them that I have not seen in five years or more,” he said.

PC Leader Tony Wakeham (NL HOA)

PC Leader Tony Wakeham took time to say goodbye to the premier before saying the province is worse off since he got elected four-and-a-half years ago.

Wakeham started by saying he respects the premier’s commitment, but quickly later slammed the Liberals for issues in health care, affordability and crime.

He says he will “take those tasks on after the next election.”

“After 10 years of Liberal governments, I think it’s fair to say that our health care system is not in a better place. The cost of living is having a significant impact on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” he said.

“When we think about crime in our communities, as I said yesterday, once upon a time we watched crime on TV and went to see family doctors in our communities, and now we see crime in our communities and we go visit a family doctor by a virtual (appointment).”

Roads are bare and dry on the Avalon and in Central Newfoundland. On the west coast, roads are wet.

Roads across Labrador are mostly snow-covered with icy and slushy patches with fair visibility.

Ferries in the provincial network are operating on schedule.

At the St. John’s International Airport, WestJet flights 264 and 265 are delayed. Flights are on time in Gander and Deer Lake.

RCMP say a “cavalier” attitude toward cocaine use, combined with a stunning spike in purity, has made it the number one cause of overdose deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The numbers are troubling and they don’t lie.

Of the 158 overdose deaths in the last two years, almost 90 per cent were accidental, and half of those were due to cocaine alone.

That’s not to say lethal contributors like fentanyl aren’t also killing people; deaths related to both, as well as other stimulants, have been on the rise since 2021.

But cocaine has emerged as the leading killer, with the average number of related deaths almost tripling over the past two years from 14 to almost 40.

That’s due in large part to the sudden flood of nearly pure product that appears to be catching even the most seasoned users off guard, sending them to emerg, or the morgue.

That’s not surprising when one considers the usual purity of 15 to 20 per cent is now pushing 95 per cent on the street.

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Nash Denic says he’s seen victims as young as 14 succumb to a single snort, warning it’s just the luck of the draw for today’s weekend partier.

“Taking the drug is Russian roulette because you never know which line is going to kill you,” he said.

(Office of the Chief Medical Examiner)

Just after midnight, RNC patrol officers responded to a residence in the west end of St John’s to a report of an assault.

Officers spoke to the victim and observed injuries to his face.

As a result, officers arrested a 37-year-old male. He was charged with assault and was held to appear in court in the morning.

The leaders of Canada’s major political parties will debate again tonight as Canadians prepare to head to the polls in less than two weeks.

The four leaders took part in a French language debate in Montreal last evening, and will make their pitch to voters in English tonight.

The Green Party has been barred from participating in the debates after failing to secure candidates in the required number of ridings.

Tonight’s debate takes place at 8:30 p.m. NST.

The Bank of Canada is holding the line on interest rates after seven consecutive rate decreases, maintaining the 2.75 per cent rate set in March.

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem says continued uncertainty caused by tariff policies imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump has led them to hold the line until the economic path forward becomes clearer.

“The dramatic protectionist shift in U.S. trade policy and the chaotic delivery, have increased uncertainty, roiled financial markets, diminished global prospects and increased inflation expectations,” Macklem told reporters yesterday. “The path of U.S. trade policy remains highly unpredictable. There’s also considerable uncertainty about the impacts of a trade war on our economy.”

Due to the Good Friday holiday on Friday, April 18, most City offices and facilities will be closed.

In observance of the Good Friday holiday tomorrow, in St. John’s, garbage and recycling collection will not occur, it will be collected on Saturday. Robin Hood Bay will also be closed.

All City parking by-laws are still in effect, however paid parking will not be enforced as Friday is a Shops Closing Holiday.

Paul Reynolds Community Centre, Kenmount Terrace Community Centre and Southlands Community Centre will be open for the Federal Election advanced polls only. Recreational facilities will be open standard operating hours for regular programming on Saturday and Sunday.

Public washrooms will be open at Bannerman Park, Bowring Park, Kenny’s Pond and Quidi Vidi Lake.

Some members of St. John’s city council are calling for police foot patrols in the downtown area in response to safety concerns from residents and businesses.

Newfoundland and Labrador's Medical Association cancelled a joint news conference with the Registered Nurses Union on Wednesday following a meeting with N.L. Health Services CEO Pat Parfrey to discuss the future of the Janeway Children's Hospital.

The federal election is less than two weeks away, and candidates on the west coast of Newfoundland have a lot of ground to cover. With Liberal MP Gudie Hutchings not seeking re-election, it means the district will have a first-time member of parliament. The CBC’s Colleen Connors met up with the Liberal and NDP candidates, while the Conservative hopeful spoke with CBC Radio.

The man accused of setting fire to Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence in Pennsylvania told 911 operators he was motivated by what he believed Shapiro’s views were concerning the war in Gaza. The suspect faces charges including attempted homicide and aggravated arson, with officials noting no immediate plans for "ethnic intimidation" charges. (CNN)

A federal judge found "probable cause" for the Trump administration to be held in criminal contempt for violating an order to pause deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. The administration sent alleged gang members to El Salvador despite a court order, prompting the judge to cite possible criminal contempt. The White House plans to appeal the ruling. (NPR)

The Trump administration is suing Maine for allowing transgender athletes in women's sports. The dispute over Title IX led to threats of funding cuts. Maine's governor accused the administration of overreach. (BBC)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to sue President Trump over tariffs imposed in April. Newsom asserts Trump lacks the constitutional authority to impose what he called "the largest tax hike of our lifetime." The lawsuit aims to declare the tariffs unlawful and unenforceable, citing potential economic losses for the state as a major concern. (UPI)

For the first time in a century, a juvenile colossal squid was filmed swimming in the deep sea near the South Sandwich Islands. Estimated to grow up to 23 feet long, the colossal squid is distinct from the giant squid, with little known about its life cycle. The footage was captured by scientists using a remotely operated vehicle, marking a significant discovery. (NBC News)

Police are sounding the alarm about rising numbers of drug overdose deaths in the province, caused mostly by cocaine.

The high purity of the drugs in recent years has made them more deadly than ever before, and the victims are getting young, as young as just 14 years old.

NTV’s Rosie Mullaley reports.

The organizations representing doctors and nurses and called a joint news conference Wednesday to raise their concerns about moving gynecology services to the Janeway, but then cancelled it. The NLMA says it received consultation commitments from N.L. Health Services, but the Registered Nurses’ Union is still accusing the health authority of sending “mixed messages.” NTV’s Bailey Howard reports.

With a rapidly aging population in the province, the Seniors’ Advocate is calling for more supports from the provincial government to allow oder people to retrofit their homes for safety, preventing life-changing accidents and allowing them to age at home. NTV’s Jodi Cooke reports.

Artificial intelligence can be a complex technology, and in the competitive business world, it might feel daunting to adapt. But as NTV’s Beth Penney tells us, there’s a new program available to workers in the province to gain those required skills. 

The Trans Canada Highway in Grand Falls-Windsor is about to get some improved signage, but the opposition is worried it’s not clear enough for public safety.

NTV’s Colleen Lewis has the story.

The N.L. Folk Festival is calling for the community’s help to keep the cultural institution alive. A fundraising event will be held this weekend at a local brewery. NTV’s Becky Daley reports.

Colleen Power has been writing and recording music for 25 years.

In this weeks Backstage Pass, NTV’s Amanda Mews sits down with the versatile singer/songwriter, to chat about her latest project.

The City of St. John's is ordering everyone out of Cochrane Pond Park, located just off of the Trans-Canada Highway on the outskirts of the city.

The town of Wabana on Bell Island is looking for more information after they say a significant amount of garbage was dumped near one of its parks.

The video shows two separate piles of garbage dumped within a few feet of each other at the West Dam Municipal Park.

The town’s caption on the video calls the situation “disgusting, disgraceful, (and) disrespectful.”

The town says it is working with the RCMP to investigate the issue.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact the town hall.

The MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor says it’s “only a matter of time” before another fatality hits a section of the Trans-Canada Highway in the area.

A concrete barrier divides the highway through the town, but there are businesses on either side of the highway, potentially confusing drivers who may pull out, only to end up going down the wrong side of the highway.

Chris Tibbs asked the minister to do a study on that section of road after another close call last weekend.

He says reduced speed and lights would improve safety.

“Until they can get this fixed, I’ve offered the minister a suggestion of lowering the speed limit to 50 or 60 for that two-minute drive. It’ll give somebody a chance coming around the hairpin turn by the hospital in Grand Falls-Windsor.”

Transportation Minister Fred Hutton says they have no such plans beyond new signage.

“We are well within the regulations of the Transportation Association of Canada. They put strict guidelines in place in terms of what you are permitted to do and not do on highways. We’re within those guidelines and what we plan to do is make signs that are even larger than are required” says Hutton.

Cost and a lack of guidance are keeping seniors from retrofitting their homes to prevent falls later, according to new research from Newfoundland and Labrador's seniors' advocate.

Premier Andrew Furey says Cenovus nearing the completion of the gravity-based structure for West White Rose underscores the importance of the industry.

The company held a celebration in Argentia on Tuesday. Within the next few months the structure will be towed out to the Jean d’Arc Basin, with first oil expected next year.

Furey calls it a “full circle” moment for him, as West White Rose was a very active file from the moment he took office.

He says it represents a commitment to the industry, and the importance of the industry and the province’s product at a time when global world demand is changing.

“This product is not landlocked. We don’t need pipelines across six provinces, we can take this product wherever we want. So it is competitively advantageous to continue to develop this product now from an industrial perspective and an environmental imperative as well, in that it’s lower carbon per barrel than the oil sands. So we need to continue to develop this product.”

“And a sample of a completion of a project like today tells us not only is the resource there, not only is the will there, but the skilled trades workers are there as well.”

Teenagers as young as 14-years-old are dying from drug overdoses in recent 'gut-wrenching' incidents, says Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical examiner.

A student from the NunatuKavut Community Council has written an open letter to the Chair of Memorial University’s Board of Regents taking exception to MUN’s Indigenous Verification Draft Policy.

The policy is being brought in to address questions and concerns raised at academic institutions across the country about people falsely claiming to be Indigenous in order to avail of programs specifically aimed at Indigenous students and researchers.

Keona Russell, who is pursuing a bachelor degree in behavioural neuroscience, says she went to MUN not to debate her identity, but to learn and grow. She says the new draft verification policy has left her shaken and feeling like her voice, and history, don’t matter.

She asks Justin Ladha whether Memorial sees the harm and the exclusion because “some of us are not Indigenous enough to count?”

MUN is accepting feedback on the draft policy until May 2nd.

Tributes were paid in the House of Assembly today as Premier Andrew Furey transitions back to private life and his medical career.

Today was the premier’s last sitting in the House of Assembly as the legislature takes a two-week Easter break followed by Constituency Week.

Premier Andrew Furey shocked his party, and the province when he announced his intention to step down from political life back in February.

John Abbott and John Hogan are in the running for the Liberal party’s top job, with a leadership convention set for May 3rd.

Government House Leader Lisa Dempster called today a “bittersweet day.”

She acknowledged that Premier Furey will be welcomed back in the operating room in his role as a skilled orthopedic surgeon.

“As I’ve traveled around the province and around my own district, many, many, many times I’ve ran into folks that have said ‘he did this for me, he did that for me.’ One guy said ‘he fixed my missus’ arm,’ and that’s just an example. Someone said ‘he put my daughter back together.” Dempster took the time to acknowledge what she called “the incredible contribution that our premier has made to Newfoundland and Labrador during his five-year tenure”.

Opposition Leader Tony Wakeham says it takes a lot of courage to offer yourself up for public service.

“It takes an extra-special commitment to take on the role of premier. So I want to congratulate the premier on his efforts for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and I wish him and his family well into the future.”

NDP Leader Jim Dinn meanwhile says the demands of representing a large district far removed from the place where he lives is challenging enough.

He acknowledged the challenges in representing the province and it’s massive geography, and representing the province on the world stage, and the time that takes away from family and his career as a surgeon. “For those things, I thank you.”

RCMP NL is warning drug users of the dangers in using cocaine. Recent seizures in this province have determined that current street-level quantities of cocaine are of an extremely high potency. Cocaine currently is the leading drug causing toxicity (overdose) deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador.

While fentanyl is a highly toxic and dangerous substance, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has confirmed that cocaine is the most prevalent drug responsible for toxicity deaths within Newfoundland and Labrador. The OCME is reporting a marked increase in both cocaine and fentanyl related toxicity deaths since 2023.

The OCME has reported a total of 158 toxicity deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador between 2023-2024, of which 87% were accidental deaths.  49% of these deaths involved cocaine alone while 18 % of these deaths involved fentanyl and/or analogs of fentanyl alone. In the remaining deaths, a number of other drugs were detected, including other stimulants such as methylphenidate, ecstasy (MDMA), and amphetamines, other opioids such as morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, as well as various Benzodiazepines 

“Cocaine has caused significant harms in this province in recent years with respect to mortality and hospitalizations,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Nash Denic. 

The number of deaths where cocaine has been implicated has steadily risen since 2021 with sharp increases in 2023 and 2024.”

With drastic changes in the potency of street-level cocaine over the past couple of years, the province has seen drastic increases in the number of cocaine toxicity deaths. From 2018-2022, the province had an annual average of 14 toxicity deaths attributed solely to cocaine. Between 2023-2024, this average has more than doubled, with an annual average of 36 deaths attributed solely to cocaine.

RCMP Federal Policing Eastern Region has seen a dramatic increase in the purity of street-level cocaine seized in the province, noting recent purity levels between 94-96%. “Up until about 2-3 years ago, cocaine seized at the street-level in the province was on average 15%-20% pure,” said Inspector David Emberley of RCMP Federal Policing–Eastern Region. “In the last couple of years, this purity level has risen to an average of over 90% purity, which can easily result in overdose and death. Unfortunately, many people have a cavalier attitude towards cocaine use and are likely not aware of its fatal impacts.”

Years after being sanctioned, a student who was punished over protesting at Memorial University has won his say in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.

An Ontario man has been charged after the trailer of a transport truck which crashed near Long Harbour was found to be full of contraband tobacco.

The vehicle went over an embankment on the Long Harbour Access Road just before 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

RCMP held the scene overnight. The next day, RCMP searched the truck and found that it was “full of contraband tobacco.”

The exact quantity of the seizure is still being processed.

The operation to remove the truck forced an extended closure of the Long Harbour Access Road on Monday.

The 53-year-old driver has been released from custody and will appear in court at a later date to answer to a number of charges.

People in the Bay of Islands have launched a petition, complaining about being left in the dark regarding that cargo ship which ran aground off Lark Harbour a couple of months ago.

The Baltic III ran aground in mid-February, but it has been slow-going for the salvage company ever since. Local residents, especially the fishing community, are worried of a spill, which would contaminate rich fishing grounds. The lobster season is about to start.

One idea was to build a road to the site but there does not appear to have been any movement in that regard.

Resident Richard Sheppard says they haven’t been able to get any information on plans or timelines.

He says the next storm could be the one that does it.

“If that fuel leaks out, that’s the end of the fishery in the Bay of Islands,” he says.)

A joint news conference called by the Registered Nurses Union and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association over the lunch hour was cancelled after the groups met with NLHS officials.

The two organizations called the news conference to talk about proposed plans to move adult gynecology inpatients to the Janeway.

However, the event was cancelled after a meeting with NL Health Services CEO Pat Parfrey and other officials.

Parfrey clarified that no decision has been made on moving adult gynecology services to the Janeway.

The NLMA and RNU say NLHS has also committed to consult with frontline workers and representative organizations before any decisions are made.

The NLMA says it agrees with that approach, and will advise if a decision is made contrary to the advice of physicians.

A teenager, who only held a learner’s permit, has been charged with impaired after a single vehicle collision last Friday in Springdale.

An off-duty RCMP officer came upon the scene around 5:30 p.m. along the main highway near the TCH and called 911.

A vehicle, which was heavily damaged, was resting on its roof in a ditch.

The driver was transported to the hospital in Springdale for treatment of minor injuries.

The driver refused to provide blood samples according to police.

The accused is now facing charges of impaired driving and refusing to comply with a blood demand. The teen’s license was suspended and vehicle impounded.

Cocaine has been identified as the leading cause of overdose deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador and the RCMP and Chief Medical Examiner’s Office are warning users of the dangers.

RCMP say street level quantities of the drug are of an “extremely high potency.”

The OCME has reported a total of 158 toxicity deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador between 2023-2024, of which 87 per cent were accidental deaths. 49 per cent of those deaths involved cocaine alone, while 18 per cent involved fentanyl and/or analogs of fentanyl alone.

In the remaining deaths, a number of other drugs were detected, including other stimulants such as methylphenidate, ecstasy (MDMA), and amphetamines, other opioids such as morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, as well as various Benzodiazepines.

While fentanyl is a highly toxic and dangerous substance, the office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that cocaine is the most prevalent cause of death, though there has been a marked increase in deaths related to both drugs since 2023.

Dr. Nash Denic says cocaine has caused “significant harm” in this province. He says the number of deaths where cocaine has been implicated has risen steadily since 2021 with sharp increases in 2023 and 2024.

A sexual assault case involving an American basketball player was back in provincial court this morning.

Twenty-nine-year-old Raekwon Holliman is accused of assaulting a woman at a downtown St. John’s hotel in late February.

He spent a week in custody before being granted bail on a number of conditions, one of which permits him to return to the U.S. as the case moves along here.

RNC say they were called to the unnamed hotel around 3 a.m. on February 28th, encountering a woman in need of medical assistance.

Holliman, in town with the Rochester Kingz for games versus the Newfoundland Rogues, was arrested later the same day.

In court this morning, his local lawyer said he’s still awaiting all disclosure from the Crown.

It’s hoped that will be in the hands of the defence when the case is called again on May 30th.

The province’s seniors’ advocate has released a report on the in-home preparedness of seniors as they age in place.

The report – ‘An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure,’ found that nearly 80 per cent of seniors indicated that cost is a barrier to installing items to prevent falls, such as railings, non-slip tape, hand bars and bathroom modifications.

Advocate Susan Walsh says injury suffered in slips and falls is the leading reason why seniors ending up in long-term care facilities and that more money should be allocated for prevention and information.

“The report found many can’t afford it, but many also just don’t know what to do,” she told reporters Wednesday.

She says help should be provided. “Yes, provide some financial assistance for our lower income seniors, and as well, make it available that if you can’t afford it, but your income’s higher, well, here’s a no-cost loan.”

The Bank of Canada is holding interest rates at 2.75 per cent after seven consecutive cuts.

Governor Tiff Macklem says a lot has happened since the last rate adjustment in March, and the future remains unclear given the U.S. government’s tariff policy.

He says they thought it prudent to hold the line until more information becomes available.

“Faced with pervasive uncertainty, governing council will proceed carefully, with particular attention to the risks. That means being less forward-looking than usual until the situation is clear. It also means we are prepared to act decisively if incoming information points clearly in one direction.”

As the federal election enters the home stretch, advance polling is open on some university campuses. We asked student voters at Memorial University in St. John’s about the issues that made the difference in their decision.

Higher prices are showing up on some items that are being counter-tariffed by Canada. But levies were left off many food items from the U.S., which has moderated the overall impact on grocery budgets.

Across the Island, roads are snow-covered in most areas with icy and slushy sections and good visibility. Freezing drizzle is occurring in some areas.

Roads are snow-covered in Labrador with icy and slushy patches and good visibility.

The MV Grace Sparkes will depart St. Brendan’s at 9:00 a.m. and depart Burnside at 10:00 a.m. this morning. All other ferries are operating on schedule.

At the St. John’s International Airport, Air Canada flights 687 and 1519 and Porter flights 230 and 2280 are delayed. Flights in Gander and Deer Lake are on time.

Back on March 27, there was a fire at a six-unit row of homes on Livingstone Street in St. John’s owned by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing.

In the interest of public safety will be moving forward with the demolition of this row of homes.

Only one of the six units had a tenant at the time of the fire who has been living in temporary accommodations and is scheduled to move into another Newfoundland and Labrador Housing unit next week. 

The structure was broken into several times and vandalized following the blaze.

Security has been on-site since March 28 and will remain until this demolition work is completed.

If you’re heading to the liquor store today, be sure to bring a few extra quarters as the price of most alcohol went up Sunday.

The price of a case of domestic beer jumped by over 25 cents, now sitting at nearly $33.51 for a dozen. Import beer also jumped, adding nearly 40 cents to a 12-pack.

The price of some spirits also increased, depending on the size and the alcohol, but things like vodka went up by almost 60 cents for a 26oz bottle.

Some wines also increased in price.

Last week, federal alcohol taxes rose by nearly two per cent, hitting most products at the liquor store.

The Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have agreed to what is the largest contract in franchise history.

According to MLB insiders, Guerrero Jr. has agreed to a 14-year, $500M deal, with no deferred funds, locking the homegrown all star in as a Blue Jay for life.

It comes after the 26-year-old first baseman failed to reach a deal by spring training, indicating he was interested in testing the free agency market at the end of the season.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. during a pre-game warmup in his rookie season in 2019. (Photo via Sara Strickland/VOCM News.)

The son of hall of famer Vlad Guerrero, he signed with the Blue Jays at age 16, and shifted into the role of franchise player following his major league debut in 2019.

In 2021, in what was undoubtedly his best season, Vladdy tied for most home runs in all of Major League Baseball with 48, and finished second in AL MVP voting behind Shohei Ohtani.

Guerrero Jr. and teammate Bo Bichette before taking on the Seattle Mariners in April 2024. (VOCM News)

The new contract will take effect for the 2026 season.

The House of Assembly will resume sitting on Wednesday.

Budget 2025 will be delivered in the House on Wednesday. The budget will focus on the financial and economic health of the province, especially in light of tariffs.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Siobhan Coady will deliver the budget at 2:00 p.m.

The newly modernized morgue at the Health Sciences Centre is scheduled to open mid-month.

The public was horrified to learn last year that a number of freezer units, which had been set up just outside the hospital, were being used to store unclaimed bodies.

Those units were later moved into an underground parking area while a new morgue, with increased capacity, was under construction.

Renovations of parking garage from June 2024. (File photo)

The CEO of NLHS, Pat Parfrey, says the new morgue is on track to open on April 14.

In January, new legislation was enacted giving NLHS the ability to respectfully bury some of the 32 unclaimed human remains being stored at the time.

The number of bodies currently in storage is in the range of 30 to 35.