Candidates Speak at Labor Fest

The annual Labor Fest in Buena Vista gave all six candidates for statewide office a high-profile chance to make their case to voters.

When Democratic supporters in the crowd interrupted Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears with chants of “U.S.A.,” she responded by making a bipartisan bid. “I will not defund police and will not remove their qualified immunity, and that will benefit Democrats,” the Republican said.

Abigail Spanberger, her Democratic opponent, focused on economic concerns. “Every corner of the Commonwealth, people talk about the cost of living, the cost of housing, the cost of health care, the cost of our energy bills, and I am running to work to lower costs,” she said.

The Republican and Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general also spoke at the Labor Day event. Early voting in Virginia begins on Sept. 19.

AI School Planned in Chantilly

Texas-based Alpha Schools plans to open an artificial intelligence-driven private school in Chantilly.

MacKenzie Price, the program’s founder, said that “kids do not need to sit in class all day doing academics” and added that AI allows the school to meet students where they are academically. The school will teach kindergarten through third grade and will cost $65,000 a year.

Alpha Schools also operates in Florida, New York, and North Carolina.

Instead of using teachers, Alpha has “guides” to mentor students using AI-generated learning plans. Students are taught in small-group sessions and one-on-one meetings.

Marijuana Arrests at Vape Shops

Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers served search warrants at eight vape shops suspected of illegally selling marijuana in Henrico and Hanover counties.

Five people were arrested in the sweep. “Charges are related to the felony distribution of marijuana and felony distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school zone,” the Hanover Sheriff’s Office announced.

Officials said the investigation also revealed that 11 vape stores in Hanover County have been selling products to underage buyers.

Hanover recently took steps to tighten the regulation of vape shops.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: Virginia will have to spend over $234 million each year to maintain health insurance premium tax credits for more than 200,000 people unless federal policymakers take action to renew funding by the end of the year. (Details)

➤ Alexandria: Authorities revealed that former U.S. attorney Jessica Aber, 43—who was found dead in her home in March—died of natural causes, suffering “sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.” (Details)

➤ Arlington: Authorities are cracking down on retail thefts. In one sweep last month, Arlington police arrested 15 people and charged them with a total of 15 felony and 30 misdemeanor offenses. (More)

➤ Richmond: The Virginia Department of Health announced it has resolved the problems uncovered in an audit of Virginia’s Office of Emergency Medical Services last year. The new EMS leadership includes a business manager position and a new director. (More)

➤ Virginia Beach: City leaders expressed concerns about the popularity of electric bikes at the Oceanfront. They’ve launched a task force to develop potential safety measures. (More)

➤ Norfolk: Interim Superintendent Dr. James Pohl warned families that the Norfolk Public School system is no longer protected from federal immigration enforcement activities. (Details)

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

➤ Liberty, ranked No. 17 in field hockey, hosts James Madison at 2 p.m. today. (Score)

➤ UVA quarterback Chandler Morris is expected to take the field this weekend when the Cavaliers visit N.C. State. “We’re going to need him,” head coach Tony Elliott said. (Details)

➤ James Madison women’s soccer tied No. 9 Penn State on the road, netting the equalizer on a late goal from freshman Audrey Orrock. (More)

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

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Transform your workouts with Bum Bands resistance training gear—designed to tone, strengthen, and shape your body anywhere. Perfect for home, gym, or travel, these durable bands help you target glutes, legs, and core with ease. Lightweight, portable, and effective—achieve real results without bulky equipment. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Gas prices dropped across Virginia over the last week to an average of $3.00 per gallon yesterday. The tracking firm GasBuddy reported that is 9.4 cents per gallon less than last month and 18.2 cents per gallon less than last year. (Details)

➤ Fairfax County vowed to step up its economic development programs in the months ahead. At the same time, county officials criticized the state government, saying it has been undermining their efforts. (More)

➤ Spotsylvania County leaders approved a zoning change that would allow developers to build a 2.2-million-square-foot data center. The county planning commission will host a session about it later this month. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Meet ScrollGenie: the hands-free smart ring that lets you scroll through videos, books, music, and apps with a simple gesture. Built for multitaskers, it offers seamless navigation, remote photo capture, and 48-hour battery life. Get yours now—enjoy a special 56% discount for a limited time!

Flying together with our sponsor

Experience relief from neuropathy with Compressa Socks—featuring breakthrough 7-zone compression technology that boosts blood flow, reduces swelling and inflammation, nurtures nerve regeneration, and enhances stability and comfort so you can walk, sit, and move freely—regaining mobility and independence with every step. (LEARN MORE)

And if you have wrist pain and swelling check out the medical-grade Compressa Wrist Sleeve—its targeted 7-zone compression enhances circulation, reduces inflammation and swelling, stabilizes joints, eases pain (even from carpal tunnel), and accelerates healing, helping you move freely and confidently without surgery. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Arlington firefighters retrieved an 8-year-old toucan named Chester after the bird got itself trapped behind a dishwasher. The rescue created a stir on its owner’s social media accounts. (Details)

➤ The Northern Virginia Modelers Club meets every month at Fairfax High School to assemble kits and discuss their craft. (More)

➤ A lucky lottery player in Manassas purchased a Powerball ticket that won $1 million in the Labor Day drawing. Since nobody in the nationwide lottery hit all six numbers, today’s top prize is expected to be $1.3 billion. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Soothe discomfort and support healthy joints with Manna Liposomal Curcumin. Designed for maximum absorption, this powerful formula helps calm inflammation, ease stiffness, and promote mobility so you can move freely again. Feel the difference in daily comfort and long-term wellness—start supporting your body naturally today. (Learn More)

Would you consider sending a student to an AI-driven school?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Maybe

Tuesday’s Results:

Will you go deer hunting this fall? 

1. No: 37%
2. Never: 26%
3. Yes: 20%
4. Maybe: 17%

When was the first Labor Day festival in Buena Vista?

Show me the answer