Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1929, representatives from the Virginia Academy of Science, the Garden Club of Virginia, and the Izaak Walton League met in Richmond to discuss the need for more state parks.

The new year will bring big changes at more than 1,300 vape shops in Virginia. A new law will only allow the sale of specific nicotine and vape products listed in a directory maintained by the Commonwealth, meaning that most flavored and disposable vapes will be banned. That could force many shops out of business.

What do you think about the new law? Hit reply to let us know!

Later today: watch for a partner message from Elf Labs on why Disney’s $1 billion AI deal matters, and what it could mean for you as an investor.

If you’re watching how AI is reshaping entertainment and wondering where everyday investors fit in, today’s sponsor, Elf Labs, shows how the game may be opening up beyond Hollywood’s inner circle.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Virginia Sues Uber

The Commonwealth joined 20 other states in a federal lawsuit against Uber Technologies, Inc. and Uber USA, LLC.

The case alleges that the company employed “deceptive and unfair practices” to trick customers into signing up for an Uber One membership, then made it difficult for them to opt out of the program.

The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and seeks to collect civil penalties from Uber.

“Deceptive enrollment and billing practices have no place in the marketplace,” Attorney General Jason Miyares said. Jay Jones will take over as attorney general next month.

Report Shows Slowing Economy

The annual State of the Commonwealth report published by Old Dominion University warned that the state’s economy slowed in 2025 and is expected to experience further disruptions next year.

At the Port of Virginia, the report found that the value of goods imported and exported decreased every month in 2025 compared to the same month the previous year.

The study attributed the economic decline to changes in federal trade and employment policies, noting that job losses are hitting hardest in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads region.

“For every lost federal civilian job in the Commonwealth, the private sector would need to generate 1.6 jobs to make up for the lost wages,” the report said. “In terms of total compensation, this ratio is likely closer to 2.0, a signal of the challenge that awaits Virginia in 2026.“

College Football Postseason

Old Dominion football kicks off tonight in the Cure Bowl in Orlando. The Monarchs will be looking to finish their first 10-win season since 2016 as they face South Florida.

James Madison earned a spot in the NCAA College Football Playoff with one of the top offenses in the nation. The Dukes averaged 448.3 total yards per game and will go on the road to face Oregon, another explosive offense, on Dec. 20.

In the Gator Bowl next week, Virginia will take on Southeastern Conference foe Missouri. “The last three years, I’ve been home at Christmas, and so, man, we’re excited to be in this building preparing for a bowl game,” Cavaliers coach Tony Elliott said.

In Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is rebuilding under new coach James Franklin. The Hokies are reportedly attempting to add Danny Rocco to their coaching staff. He’s been the head coach at the Virginia Military Institute for three seasons.

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What Disney’s $1 Billion AI Deal Means for Investors

Disney just signed a $1 billion deal with OpenAI. The three-year licensing agreement will enable users to generate characters from Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar using AI.

But the real story today is the future of AI and IP, and how much legacy studios will pay to get in.

For as long as the $2 trillion entertainment industry can remember, IP deals like this one have been a walled garden for a handful of billion-dollar studios. Disney buys Marvel for $4 billion. Universal buys DreamWorks for $1 billion. Now Disney invests $1 billion into OpenAI. It’s like a poker game where the minimum buy-in is the GDP of a small island nation.

But the game is now changing.

While Hollywood giants scramble for their place in the AI future, one $6 billion IP powerhouse team already owns over 500 trademarks and copyrights, including iconic characters such as Cinderella, Snow White, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Rapunzel, and many more.

Their use of AI and other next-gen patented tech is on another level. They’re bringing their characters off the screen and into your living room with 3D holograms, headset-free VR, and AI-powered talking toys. And they’re giving everyday investors access as they do it.

Note: This company is not affiliated with Disney.

They spent a decade building this portfolio. Now they have a team that has executed $6 billion in merchandising deals in their careers, and they have already earned $15 million in royalties for Elf.

Their proprietary interactive content, built on 12 cutting-edge tech patents, has just secured a $200 million TV distribution deal.

As giants like Disney reveal their cards, everyday investors finally have a seat at the table.

Invest in Elf Labs by tonight at 11:59 p.m. PST and get up to 25% bonus shares.

➤ Statewide: The Virginia Department of Education projected that the state will need to spend about $1.2 billion over the next two years on schools, more than expected. Costs are increasing to pay for higher teacher salaries and to provide help for students who need extra support. (Details)

➤ Buchanan County: The Appalachian School of Law (ASL) said it may seek to merge with Roanoke College. Declining enrollment has made it difficult to remain independent. ASL was founded in 1994. (More)

➤ Norfolk School Board members will meet next week to consider a consolidation plan that includes school closures and redistricting. Changes could take effect as soon as the next academic year. (Details)

➤ Blacksburg: Liam Watson, a sitting member of the town council, went on trial to face charges of election fraud and voting illegally in 2023. Prosecutors allege Watson did not live in town when he registered and voted there. (More)

➤ Woodbridge: Police charged Brandon Trevor Kellstrom, 33, with brandishing a firearm and reckless driving after he allegedly pointed a gun at another driver. (More)

➤ Wise County: Court officials sealed all documents related to the case of Travis Turner, the Union High School football coach who disappeared last month as state police prepared to question him about child exploitation charges. There’s a $5,000 reward for information leading to Turner’s arrest. (Details)

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➤ The Washington Commanders will not play quarterback Jayden Daniels for the rest of the season as he rehabs a dislocated elbow. The second-year star has missed six games due to injury this season. (More)

➤ Randolph-Macon remained No. 2 in the nation in Division III men’s basketball. Other Commonwealth squads, including Mary Washington, Virginia Wesleyan, Roanoke, and Hampden-Sydney, also ranked in the Top 25. (The Poll)

➤ Old Dominion hosts James Madison tonight in men’s basketball, as both teams open Sun Belt Conference play. (Preview)

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➤ The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond found that the overwhelming majority of the Commonwealth’s farms—83%—are classified as small farms. Virginia’s agriculture contributes more than $82 billion to the economy each year. (The Report)

➤ Delta Dental of Virginia, based in Roanoke, was sued after a data breach released information about 146,000 people. (More)

➤ The Arlington County Board approved a plan to redevelop an abandoned strip mall into a six-story property with apartments and retail. (Details)

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The $4B Deal Everyday Investors Missed

In 2012, Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4 billion—one of the most profitable entertainment deals ever made.

But everyday investors never had the chance to participate, missing the upside.

Elf Labs spent a decade securing over 500 trademarks and copyrights featuring Cinderella, Snow White, and other iconic characters to ensure that these dynamic changes.

The company is building a tech-powered character universe, using AI, immersive technology, and 12 patents to activate these globally recognized characters across entertainment, gaming, and consumer products—a market estimated to be worth over $2 trillion.

Analyst interest increased even before any national rollout, following multiple unsolicited offers exceeding $70 million.

And unlike the Lucasfilm deal, investors can get in while the company is still private.

Timing matters here—a limited allocation remains, and up to 25% bonus shares expire tonight.

Invest Now

Invest in Elf Labs by tonight at 11:59 p.m. PST and get 5% bonus shares.

This is a paid advertisement for Elf Lab’s Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://www.elflabs.com/

➤ The Prince William County school system announced it will launch a drone program in 2026. (Details)

➤ Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon is scheduled for this weekend, including a fireworks show over the Potomac, a tour of George Washington’s mansion, and a chance to meet Aladdin the Camel. (Details)

➤ Members of the Roanoke Shine professional pickleball team visited a school to unveil “Pickle Math,” a program designed to help elementary school students improve their prowess on the court and in the classroom. (Details)

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