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Dear New Yorkers,

For years, New York has procured the anti-overdose drug naloxone from a single supplier. But next year, the state’s Department of Health is opening up its exclusive contract to other companies.

One pharmaceutical company pitching itself for the deal is Hikma Pharmaceuticals — a firm set to pay $150 million in settlement funds to six states, including New York, for their role in fueling the opioid crisis.

If Hikma succeeds, that would mean some of the money they’re paying the state into a fund meant for community relief would go right back into their pockets.

The company’s product has come in for heavy criticism: Kloxxado, Hikma’s version of nasal naloxone, is available only in an 8 mg version — twice the dose of Narcan. Studies have shown that higher dosages lead to more complications, without boosting the drug’s efficacy in reversing overdoses.

“They are trying to make a buck off of the epidemic they created,” said Alexis Pleus, executive director of Truthpharm, an advocacy group dedicated to reducing substance use harms in the state. “And they are doing this with a much worse product.”

Read more here about Hikma’s pitch to state officials, plus more about the company’s product.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Tuesday's Weather Rating: 1/10. Comically bad. High temperatures in the mid to upper 90s with heat index values over 100° F. Ridiculously high dew points and a chance of severe storms later this afternoon, too. The vibes are extremely not good out there.

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Our Other Top Stories

The latest reports submitted to the city Campaign Finance Board, covering donations and expenditures dating back to January, offer a peek into how the 2025 mayoral race is shaping up. Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign reported raising more than $1 million, a show of strength that outperformed his rivals even as the mayor faces looming federal probes and record low approval ratings. But competitors are circling. Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer and current State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, who’ve both announced exploratory committees to run for mayor, reported raising $412,000 and $326,000 respectively. Current Comptroller Brad Lander, reported to be mulling a run, brought in $187,000. During heat waves, like the one underway this week, the city’s electricity provider, Con Edison, asks its customers to limit energy use. Read THE CITY’s guide to why Con Ed’s network operates the way it does, plus which areas of the city are most affected — and when and how it’s actually a good idea to conserve energy. On the latest episode of the FAQ NYC podcast, the hosts talk about New York City’s 2025 mayoral race, which just unofficially kicked off with the first fundraising numbers of 2024. Plus, they discuss the national political moment that makes it hard for most New Yorkers to think about a primary that’s just 11 months away and seems likely to include a rare competitive race against a sitting Democratic mayor. Listen here.

Summer & THE CITY brings you the best of summer, by and for New Yorkers. It’s a free, weekly newsletter to help you enjoy — and survive — the hottest months in the five boroughs.

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Things To Do

Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.

Tuesday, July 16: Books on Broadway: The Outsiders, a “backstage” talk about the book that inspired the Tony-winning Broadway musical, featuring the play’s director and a leading cast member. Free from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Reading Room at Bryant Park in Manhattan. Wednesday, July 17: A performance of “Mama, I Want To Sing!” with the Mama Foundation for the Arts; the 1983 musical celebrates gospel and the people who make it. American Sign Language interpretation provided. Free from 11-12 p.m., with a second performance from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the NYPL’s Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, in Manhattan. Sunday, July 21: The weekly Brooklyn Pop-Up Market, with jewelry and goods by local artisans, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum.

THE KICKER: Shorebirds are getting into fights with the NYPD’s fleet of drones, which have been deployed over city beaches this summer to monitor sharks and drowning swimmers.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Tuesday.

Love,

THE CITY

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