Teachers Protest Soaring Insurance Rates

The Virginia Beach School Board scheduled a special meeting at the administration building this evening to discuss “health insurance premiums, employee healthcare costs, and potential future steps.”

The meeting follows a lawsuit filed last week by 112 employees. They sued Superintendent Donald Robertson Jr., claiming he did not tell them until after they signed contracts for the entire school year that health insurance premiums were set to jump by 110% on January 1.

The employees asked to remain anonymous so school officials couldn’t retaliate. They said the increase would “irreversibly reduce” employee wages and benefits.

About half the people involved in the lawsuit are teachers, with the rest being bus drivers, counselors, therapists, and other employees.

Birds Seized in Virginia Beach Raid

Authorities recovered more than 200 birds during a raid on a possible cockfighting ring in Virginia Beach.

Police opened an investigation after neighbors complained about unaccompanied, aggressive dogs running loose at the property. They discovered the birds, which included 36 adult roosters.

All but two of the birds were seized by the police department’s Animal Services Bureau, while two seriously injured ones were humanely euthanized.

No charges were filed, but the Commonwealth’s attorney is investigating.

Burning Suspect Held in Isolation

Shotsie Buck Hayes, the suspect being held in connection with the attack last month on Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, is being kept in isolation at the city jail under close observation.

The 29-year-old reportedly spent several weeks receiving psychiatric treatment at Central State Hospital because authorities thought he might be suicidal. He has since returned to Danville for confinement.

Hayes is accused of driving to Vogler’s place of business to carry out the brutal attack that left the victim with burns over more than half of his body. Police found burned clothes and a flammable substance at the crime scene.

Vogler’s wife said he is making progress toward recovery. He was recently able to stand for the first time since the attack and is sometimes able to breathe without a ventilator.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Fairfax: George Mason University President Gregory Washington said he will not apologize for the school’s diversity efforts. The U.S. Department of Education accused the university of violating civil rights law and has given it until next week to respond. (Details)

➤ Prince Edward County: State police identified the woman whose body was found over the weekend at High Bridge State Park as 23-year-old Samantha Okinyi of Prospect. State and local authorities are cooperating in the investigation. (Details)

➤ Virginia Beach: Authorities released the name of the 40-year-old man who was shot and killed during an altercation in the home of an off-duty state police special agent. John Gregory Conner allegedly broke into the officer’s home on Sunday morning, leading to the deadly struggle. (More)

➤ Salem: Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said that an investigation conducted by his office found reasonable cause that Roanoke College violated the Virginia Human Rights Act in 2023 when it allowed a biological male swimmer to compete on the women’s swim team. (Details)

➤ Bristol: Washington County Sheriff’s deputies returned fire after an armed man shot at them, killing the suspect. No deputies were injured in the exchange. (More)

➤ Montgomery County: Virginia Tech linebacker Caleb Woodson was stripped of his team captaincy after he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated on Saturday. (Details)

Like The Virginia Flyover? Share it with a friend!

➤ The Washington Commanders trimmed their roster down to 53 men yesterday. (See Final Cut)

➤ Former Highland Springs High School basketball coach George Lancaster passed away this weekend at the age of 80. Lancaster won 726 games, fifth all-time in Virginia high school history. (More)

➤ The UVA marching band will be on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall Friday evening to host the annual Paint the Town Orange pep rally ahead of Saturday’s season-opening football game against Coastal Carolina. (Details)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | U.S. Open

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Transform your workouts at home with HomeGym Pro—compact, versatile equipment designed to build strength, burn fat, and improve flexibility without expensive memberships. Easy to use, durable, and portable, it’s the perfect solution for any fitness level. Get fit faster, right from the comfort of your home. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Anthony Romanello announced he will depart early next year after six years as executive director of the Henrico Economic Development Authority. He is expected to remain in the post until a replacement can be hired. (Details)

➤ The State Corporation Commission is still considering whether to approve a $90 million compressor station proposed for Chesapeake. The facility would improve gas pressure but might also require rezoning residential land for industrial use. (More)

➤ Authorities arrested seven people in connection with a retail theft operation that stole $20,000 in tools from a Home Depot in Reston in recent months. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Sleep better and save big with Lull Mattresses—now 50% off! Experience premium comfort, pressure relief, and cooling support designed for deeper, more restful nights. With free shipping, a 365-night trial, and unbeatable savings, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your sleep. Don’t miss this limited-time offer!

Flying together with our sponsor

How General Motors Is Securing Lithium Supply

The world will need to produce 3.8 million tons of lithium per year by 2035 to meet the demand for electric vehicles. GM is turning to a startup to unlock a US-based lithium supply: EnergyX.

EnergyX’s patented LiTAS® technology can extract up to 300% more lithium than traditional methods. GM led a $50 million funding round in EnergyX earlier this year, and EnergyX is now opening up the opportunity to join them to all investors. Don’t miss out: Become an EnergyX shareholder today.

➤ The Old Dominion Humane Society in Fredericksburg rescued dozens of dogs last week that were suffering from neglect in Southwestern Virginia, even though its facilities were already at capacity. The canines face a long road to recovery. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech’s 17th annual Gobblerfest on Friday will give students a chance to explore the clubs that are available on campus this year. (More)

➤ A Virginia Beach elementary school student took the next step in his recovery this week by returning to school to begin fifth grade after being shot in the head in 2024. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Most Americans are magnesium deficient, leading to poor sleep, low energy, weight gain, and health issues—and most supplements don’t help. Organixx Magnesium 7 provides all seven high-quality forms your body needs to improve sleep, boost metabolism, support blood sugar, and increase calmness. Limited-time flash sale available today. (LEARN MORE)

Are you traveling for Labor Day weekend?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Ask me Monday

Tuesday’s Results:

Have you been ticketed by a speed camera? 

1. Yes: 32%
2. No: 44%
3. Not yet: 24%

What is the official state snake of Virginia?

Show me the answer