Another Shooting in Virginia Beach

Seven people were hospitalized after being shot at KempsRiver Crossing shopping center in Virginia Beach. All the victims, aged 20-24, are expected to survive, though one was in critical condition. 

Police had responded to complaints of a large gathering in the parking lot of the facility on Sunday night, described as an impromptu car meet-up, when they reported hearing multiple gunshots.

“After the shots were fired, people were just running, trying to get out, dropping things, losing things, just because it was a matter of getting out once you hear gunshots,” a woman who works at the shopping center said.

A spokesman said the gathering appeared to be a car meet. The incident is under investigation.

Armed and Dangerous Fugitive

Police in James City County asked for help locating Kevin Lavaughn Christian, a fugitive who also goes by the aliases “Kelvin” and “Squirrel.” The 50-year-old is a registered sex offender.

Officials said he removed his court-ordered ankle monitor and disappeared. He may also have stolen cell phones.

Christian is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information should contact the James City County Police Department and not attempt to approach him.

Temperature Inversion Causes Boom

Residents from Gainesville to Leesburg were puzzled on Friday when they heard a loud boom that wasn’t part of a traditional thunderstorm.

The National Weather Service explained that the noise was caused by a lightning strike across the state line in southern Frederick County, Maryland. “The resultant thunder shook the windows at our office here in Sterling near Dulles Airport, as well,” forecasters wrote.

The sound traveled so far because of a rare temperature inversion. Usually, the air gets cooler as it leaves the surface of the Earth. In Friday’s inversion, warm air higher up trapped cool air near the ground, creating an echo-chamber-like effect.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Loudoun County: Sheriff Mike Chapman told Congress that a bill awaiting Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signature could end his county’s cooperation agreement with federal ICE officers. The proposed law prohibits ICE from wearing face coverings and conducting operations at schools and courthouses. (Details)

➤ Lynchburg: Fire Marshal Candace Brown imposed a burn ban yesterday as dry, windy, and warm conditions boosted the risk that wildfires could spread out of control. A statewide ban on burning brush between midnight and 4 p.m. remains in effect until April 30. (More)

➤ Statewide: Attorney General Jay Jones said an invalidated state law that required background checks for most private firearm sales might have prevented the murder at Old Dominion University earlier this month. The law was struck down by a Lynchburg-area circuit court in October. (Details)

➤ Richmond: The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority mailed its first bills to drivers who used the Powhite Parkway, Downtown Expressway, or Boulevard Bridge without an E-ZPass transponder. (More)

➤ Charlottesville: The Virginia Science Olympiad State Tournament, held at the University of Virginia, handed out awards for projects involving science, technology, and engineering. (Details)

➤ Richmond: Richmond Public Schools formed eight flag football teams for girls after the Virginia High School League introduced the sport last year. (More)

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

➤ Mary Washington rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit to topple defending champion Trinity and advance to the DIII men’s basketball championship game. (Details)

➤ UVA women’s basketball advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament with an 83-75, double-overtime victory against Iowa. (More)

➤ The Washington Capitals visit St. Louis tonight after Alex Ovechkin netted NHL goal number 1,000 (including regular season and playoffs), becoming only the second player, behind Wayne Gretzky, to ever hit the milestone. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Struggling to hear conversations clearly? The Audien Atom 2 offers an affordable, easy-to-use solution designed to enhance sound and reduce background noise. With multiple listening modes, a nearly invisible fit, and all-day battery life, it helps you stay connected and confident—without the high cost of traditional hearing devices.  (LEARN MORE)

➤ The average price of gas jumped 34 cents per gallon over the last seven days, reaching $3.85 yesterday. According to the tracking site GasBuddy, that’s $1.01 more than last month and 90.2 cents more year-over-year. (Details)

➤ Virginia Railway Express named Chris Henry as the commuter rail system’s chief operations officer. (More)

➤ The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors changed the zoning of the former Franconia Governmental Center site to allow developers to move ahead with a proposed 120-unit apartment building. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stay energized and hydrated with Instant Hydration premium electrolyte drink mix designed to replenish essential minerals and support faster recovery. Just mix with water for a refreshing boost that helps combat fatigue, improve performance, and keep you feeling your best—whether you’re working out, traveling, or powering through your day.

Flying together with our sponsor

Is This the Next $110B Coffee Giant?

Dunkin’ was acquired for $11B. JDE Peet’s IPO’d at $17B. Starbucks today is valued at a $110B market cap. They all achieved this without owning the whole coffee supply chain. Imagine how much more market they could capture if they did.

Green Coffee Company controls its entire coffee-making process from seed to sale. As Colombia’s #1 producer, they’ve seen revenue grow from $1M to $37M since 2021.

Now, they have exclusive U.S. rights to the legendary Juan Valdez® brand, and they’re reigniting it in the U.S. coffee market. We’re now in the final days to become a pre-IPO investor in Green Coffee Company.*

➤ A report conducted for the Virginia Chamber Foundation warned that more than a third of the jobs in the Commonwealth “could be impacted in some way” by the development of artificial intelligence. Virginia is projected to be among the top 10 states affected by AI. (Details)

➤ The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Infrastructure Grant program is accepting applications until the end of April. (More)

➤ Volunteers in Loudoun County teamed up over the weekend to search out and destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses. The invasive species damages the trees on which it lays eggs. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Tired of relying on ibuprofen for inflammation? New research highlights a natural compound found in everyday foods that works along similar pathways—without being just a temporary fix. Some doctors are even rethinking their recommendations. Discover this alternative approach to supporting your body and managing inflammation more effectively. (Learn More)

Are you concerned that AI will take away jobs?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I’m not sure

Monday’s Results:

Do you like the name “Virginia Piedmont” for the region from Fauquier to Nelson counties? 

1. I don’t care: 39%
2. Yes: 37%
3. No: 24%

How many cities in the Commonwealth are independent of any county?

Show me the answer