Friday, August 15, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1940, floodwaters began receding along the New River after the remnants of a passing hurricane had pushed it to a record high the day before. The river crested nearly 22 feet above flood stage, about 5 feet higher than after Hurricane Helene last September.

A Northern Virginia school board voted to defy the federal government. In Top Stories, we'll have the latest on Loudoun County and Title IX. In Sports, Richmond is ready to welcome NASCAR back to town.

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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.

Deputies Injured in Pittsylvania Shooting

Three Pittsylvania County deputies were injured by shrapnel when a suspect opened fire as they were attempting to serve warrants in the Pittsville area near Gretna.

The suspect, James Andru Lehnerd, was eventually taken into custody after a long standoff and charged with felony attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer.

The deputies are recovering. "All three are well. Of course, they're shaken up," Pittsylvania County Sheriff Michael W. Taylor said.

State police will investigate the incident.

Loudoun Board Votes to Defy Federal Order

The Loudoun County School Board voted 6-3 not to comply with a demand by the U.S. Department of Education that it change its policies on whether students must use bathrooms and locker rooms that match their sex at birth.

The board's vice chair, Anne Donohue, said that while the district "would be open to further discussion with the Office for Civil Rights, LCPS is unable to agree to the terms of the proposed resolution agreement at this time."

The federal government says Loudoun's policy conflicts with Title IX and creates "a direct tension between federal agency guidance and binding judicial authority." The Trump administration is threatening to pull $50 million in federal funding unless the district complies.

Some parents at the meeting criticized the board. "You put the most vulnerable at risk. English learners, specifically at Title I schools...depend on federal funds, which we would receive if you certified the end of DEI," one warned.

Virginia Police Group Endorses Split Ticket

The Virginia Police Benevolent Association (VAPBA) endorsed Abigail Spanberger for governor over Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. It's the first time VAPBA has backed a Democratic candidate for governor since 2009.

"As a Member of Congress, she repeatedly voted to increase funding for local police departments and sheriff's offices," Joe Woloszyn, the president of VAPBA, explained in a statement.

Down the ticket, the police group said it supports Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid and incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares.

The Virginia Police Benevolent Association represents about 11,000 law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth.

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➤ Fairfax: Gov. Glenn Youngkin ordered the state police to conduct a criminal investigation into whether Fairfax County Public Schools officials helped minors obtain abortions without parental consent. (Details)

➤ Statewide: At his final joint meeting with lawmakers, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that the Commonwealth is in solid financial shape, including a $4.7 billion rainy day fund. (More)

➤ Petersburg: AARP canceled its 2025 People's Debate, which had been scheduled for September 16, after Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears said she had a scheduling conflict and couldn't attend. (Details)

➤ Alexandria: A pair of Alexandria business owners was indicted for allegedly having illegal gambling devices on their premises. The legislature outlawed so-called skill games in 2020. (More)

➤ Statewide: Population patterns are shifting across the Commonwealth, according to the latest figures from UVA's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. The most growth is expected in Northern Virginia, with less growth anticipated in the western reaches of the state. (More)

➤ Dinwiddie County: The Virginia Association of Counties named this the best small county in the state. Judges cited Dinwiddie's innovative Mock Trial program as the main reason behind the award. (More)

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➤ The Cook Out 400 roars into Richmond tomorrow evening. It's the only NASCAR Cup Series event scheduled at the track this season and may draw a sellout crowd. (Details)

➤ Virginia basketball released a trailer for a new video series that takes fans behind the scenes of UVA's team leading into the upcoming season. (More)

➤ The Washington Commanders are valued at $7.47 billion by Sportico, which makes them the 10th most valuable team among NFL franchises. (Details)

Yesterday's Results: MLB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA | LLWS

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➤ Virginia Peninsula Community College began construction on its Newport News Trades Center, a $9 million project that will educate more than 400 students annually for maritime and construction jobs. (Details)

➤ Artemis ARC, a federal contractor, is the highest-ranking Virginia company on this year's Inc. 5000 list. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech entered into a partnership with Aclara Resources to operate a rare earth separation pilot plant in Blacksburg. (Details)

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➤ Special Olympics Virginia will offer a Kids Plane Pull as part of its fundraising event on September 27 at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. (Details)

➤ The Thomas Jefferson Foundation obtained a $1 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation to support its program "to rebuild civic infrastructure and engagement in museums." (More)

➤ The 2025 Virginia Craft Beer Cup announced its winners in 31 style categories. (The Best Brews)

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