Family Dollar Agrees to $63M Settlement

Chesapeake-based Family Dollar has agreed to a proposed $63 million settlement with the FTC and 17 states over allegations that it routinely charged shoppers more at checkout than advertised prices.

Virginia did not join the case. Family Dollar, which is based in Chesapeake, operates more than 8,000 U.S. stores.

A judge must approve the deal. If approved, shoppers who made eligible purchases from Jan. 1, 2023, to Oct. 1, 2026, may qualify for refunds from a $40 million fund.

The total also includes a $20 million discount program offering 15% off select goods for two days, plus $3 million for the states, according to the FTC’s settlement terms.

Bush Deployment Could Reach 12 Months

Navy leaders told families of sailors aboard the Norfolk-based USS Bush to prepare for a worst-case 12-month deployment. The Navy has not confirmed it will last that long.

The carrier left Naval Station Norfolk on March 31 for an expected six- to seven-month deployment. Families say its expected return date has been pushed back twice.

At a Nov. 9 town hall, families were told the sailors would miss the holidays. Military spouse Sarah Streyder said a year away means “missed birthdays, holidays, t-ball games, homecoming dances.”

Virginia Tax Collections Beat Forecast

Virginia collected $394.4 million above forecast through October. The $2.19 billion collected in October was up 6.3% from a year earlier and $140.7 million above the monthly forecast.

The new tax on data centers’ electricity use brought in $66.5 million in October and $91.4 million through the first four months of the fiscal year.

The state budget projects $600 million by June 30. Corporate income taxes and income taxes paid outside payroll withholding ran a combined $328 million above forecast. Finance Secretary Mark Sickles called it “a great place to be heading into the budget cycle,” while warning those revenue sources are volatile. 

Withholding fell 4.6% from October a year earlier because there were fewer major deposit days, but it remained $57.5 million above forecast year to date. Sickles said the state would be cautious as it prepares its next biennial budget.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: In a follow-up, the Virginia Crime Commission recommended decertifying officers who misuse plate-reader data and civil penalties of at least $5,000 per improperly shared record. (More)

➤ Also Statewide: Virginia State Police and partners seized more than 148 pounds of drugs that could have generated $4.5 million in sales, plus $100,000 and two guns. (More)

➤ Richmond: In a follow-up to the Oct. 21 Richmond Public Schools cyberattack, newly obtained resignation letters show two former technology directors had raised funding and structural concerns before the breach. (More)

➤  Arlington County police charged Koby Berry, 28, with attempted abduction after an alleged Nov. 7 restroom incident; he has prior assault convictions in Arlington and Fairfax. (More)

➤ Chesterfield County: Late buses are costing students classroom and extracurricular time while teachers stay unpaid to supervise dismissal; Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) is consolidating routes, seeking retired drivers and training more. (More)

Like The Virginia Flyover? Share it with a friend! ✈️

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Getting More Scam Emails and Calls Lately? This Might Be Why. If you’re noticing more scam emails and calls, your email may already be on the dark web. You’ve heard the buzzwords: data brokers, data centers, AI bots. But do you know where your info goes the moment you type it into a website? When a site gets hacked, its user lists get sold to scammers. See if yours is out there, then lock it down with private email aliases and dark web alerts. See where your email ended up

➤ Virginia routed California 36-7, highlighted by a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown on a bizarre fourth-and-goal trick play by the Golden Bears. (Watch Play)

➤ Virginia Tech fell behind 21-0 early and turned the ball over three times in a 40-22 upset loss to Stanford, which entered the game with a 4-5 record. (More)

➤ Liberty edged Middle Tennessee 28-23 for its ninth straight win, while James Madison suffered its third loss in four games, falling 46-22 at UConn after allowing three fourth-quarter touchdowns. (See Scores)

➤ No. 6 UVA men’s basketball rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit to earn an 87-83 victory over Maryland on Friday. Senior guard Sam Lewis scored a career-high 28 points to power the Cavaliers’ offense. (More)

➤ Washington Commanders fourth-string quarterback Sam Hartman will reportedly be featured on the 30th season of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” a popular dating show. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | NHL | NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Costco Shoppers Say This Vitamin Firms Crepey Arms “Unlike Any Other”. If your arms, neck, or hands look crepey, this 1973 Nobel prize discovery explains why nothing your’ve tried has worked (what what finally does)  LEARN MORE

Flying together with our sponsor

More accounts, managers and investment choices do not always add up to a cohesive wealth strategy. Investors with $1 million or more may benefit from considering how each decision fits their goals, time frame and full financial picture.

The 15-Minute Retirement Plan examines risk, inflation, withdrawals and how long you need your wealth to last. Download the guide and schedule a conversation with a financial professional to talk about your plan.

➤ A mobile bar started by two Bedford sisters and their mom won silver for Best Bartending Service in Lynchburg Living’s Readers’ Choice Awards less than a year after launching. Codi and Meagan Tyree grew up dreaming of a restaurant together. (Meet Sisters)

➤ VCU voice students take the stage Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. for An Evening of Operetta Favorites, a program of lighthearted operetta scenes at Richmond’s Singleton Center. Tickets run $7 to $15. (Get Tickets)

➤ Holiday markets across Fairfax County are back, even with the Northern Virginia Christmas Market canceled. Highlights include a Finnish Christmas bazaar in Springfield serving hot glogg on Nov. 21 and Capital One Center’s first holiday market in Tysons Dec. 5-6. (See Markets)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ FREE Bottle: Most people blame age for stiff, achy joints. But what if the real culprit is a sticky protein called fibrin? Heal-n-Soothe uses powerful enzymes designed to help break it down. Flyover readers can request a FREE bottle while supplies last.

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. 

➤ A wiring upgrade mishap brought America’s air traffic system to a standstill and triggering thousands of cancellations. (Hear More)

➤ A $180 million Van Gogh auction was thrown into uncertainty when the painting’s dark World War II history resurfaced. (Listen Now)

➤ Forget cooking Thanksgiving dinner! These 13 restaurants offered holiday feasts with everything from prime rib to unlimited seafood. (Podcast Available)

Have you driven on Skyline Drive?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not yet

Yesterday’s Results:

What are your Thanksgiving plans? 

1. Hosting: 43%
2. Traveling: 30%
3. Not sure: 27%

In which direction does Skyline Drive look toward the Shenandoah Valley?

Show me the answer

If you’re a fan of our Trivia section, you’ll love our new book, The Flyover Book of Trivia 2027, an illustrated collection of 100 of our favorite questions and answers. (Buy It Now)