Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Virginia Free Press

virginia free press

 

FEATURED STORY

BREAKING NEWS

Ahead of the Game, Miles to Go – Virginia Public Education and AI 

Ahead of the Game, Miles to Go – Virginia Public Education and AI 

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

For educators who regularly are adapting to new technologies and new programs, Artificial Intelligence presents a new challenge – one that treating it like an educational tool won’t resolve. 

Opinion

The Hard Work of Conservation

Scott Lingamfelter

We must move beyond climate alarmism and take a practical approach to conservation.

16 Stunning Data Points on Data

Chris Saxman

The future belongs to our kids. We need to make sure the future works for them so they can love it.

Paul Banksley: AI Means It’s Time to Think Bigly

Rick Hess

For the 22nd century skills guru, the age of 30x learning is here.

Analysis: The Data Center Story We Think We Know Isn’t the Story

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

The current tensions over AI and data centers didn’t emerge overnight, though it certainly feels that way. Rather, the tensions are the predictable outcome of a 50-plus year retreat from trust. 

Debating Debates: When Theater Replaces Substance

Shaun Kenney

When was the last time anyone was blown away by a political debate again? This is what happens when we replace substance with theater.

Learning with Artificial Intelligence

August 31, 2026

The Region 3 AI Leadership Summit gave teachers an opportunity to demonstrate how AI works.

Daily Tech Notes for August 31, 2026

August 31, 2026

Today in DTN – A South Korean firm is bringing a major investment to Virginia to support the state’s data center industry.

Matt riches OO8AEXFQtdI unsplash

Learning with Artificial Intelligence

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

The Region 3 AI Leadership Summit gave teachers an opportunity to demonstrate how AI works.

Tech notes hero hero

Daily Tech Notes for August 31, 2026

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

Today in DTN – A South Korean firm is bringing a major investment to Virginia to support the state’s data center industry.

Qtq80 oJDBoR

Accountant Hired by AG Office Challenges Proposed APC Rate Increase

Steve Haner

In testimony before the SCC, an accountant representing the Attorney General’s office challenged Appalachian Power Company’s proposed 5.4 percent increase in customer’s bills.

Screenshot 2026 08 21

Long-tenured Worker Displacement up 1.1 Million over Previous Biennial Summary

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

The biennial Worker Displacement Summary released on Thursday shows a jump over the previous summary (2021-2023) in displaced workers of 1.1 million. The South Atlantic division, of which Virginia is a part, is one of two divisions that saw increases in the number of workers losing jobs from the previous summary. 

Matt riches OO8AEXFQtdI unsplash

Learning with Artificial Intelligence

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

The Region 3 AI Leadership Summit gave teachers an opportunity to demonstrate how AI works.

Tech notes hero hero

Daily Tech Notes for August 31, 2026

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

Today in DTN – A South Korean firm is bringing a major investment to Virginia to support the state’s data center industry.

Farm drought

Drought Begins to Break Over Most of Virginia During Super El Nino Year

VFP STAFF

Southside Virginia remains under severe drought as conditions normalize across most of Virginia.

Cd07

State of the Race: Ollivant vs. Vindman in CD-07

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

The 7th has been purple leaning toward Blue in recent elections, but runaway victories have not been part of the story. This race will likely be no different. Don’t be surprised in election night goes late into the night in this race.

Kbaucherel oysters 4747796

The Hard Work of Conservation

Scott Lingamfelter

Natural Bridge Virginia

Bridging History and Jefferson’s Public Trust

David Botkins

Learning with Artificial Intelligence

August 31, 2026

The Region 3 AI Leadership Summit gave teachers an opportunity to demonstrate how AI works.

Daily Tech Notes for August 31, 2026

August 31, 2026

Today in DTN – A South Korean firm is bringing a major investment to Virginia to support the state’s data center industry.

Culture

Accountant Hired by AG Office Challenges Proposed APC Rate Increase

Accountant Hired by AG Office Challenges Proposed APC Rate Increase

August 28, 2026

In testimony before the SCC, an accountant representing the Attorney General’s office challenged Appalachian Power Company’s proposed 5.4 percent increase in customer’s bills.

State of the Race: Ollivant vs. Vindman in CD-07

State of the Race: Ollivant vs. Vindman in CD-07

August 25, 2026

The 7th has been purple leaning toward Blue in recent elections, but runaway victories have not been part of the story. This race will likely be no different. Don’t be surprised in election night goes late into the night in this race.

STATE OF THE RACE: McGuire vs. Perriello in VA-05

STATE OF THE RACE: McGuire vs. Perriello in VA-05

August 24, 2026

With recent polls showing Perriello within three points among likely voters, do Democrats sense an opportunity in VA-05?

Tens of Thousands of Eligible Virginia Children May Be Missing $120 in Food Aid

Tens of Thousands of Eligible Virginia Children May Be Missing $120 in Food Aid

August 21, 2026

The SUN Bucks program makes a one-time $120 sum available for school-age children who qualify. The funds, distributed through the SNAP EBT program, must be requested before August 31. Estimates are that as many as 75,000 eligible children are not receiving the benefit.

Gov. Spanberger’s Address to the Joint Money Committees of the General Assembly

Gov. Spanberger’s Address to the Joint Money Committees of the General Assembly

August 20, 2026

Gov. Spanberger spoke to the Joint Money Committees of the General Assembly on the end of Fiscal Year 2026 and her priorities for the upcoming budget development cycle.

STATE OF THE RACE: McLellan vs. Brown in VA-04

STATE OF THE RACE: McLellan vs. Brown in VA-04

August 18, 2026

Virginia’s 4th Congressional District features no Republican candidate, a progressive independent, and a well-funded Democrat seeking re-election.

STATE OF THE RACE: Scott vs. Rivera in VA-03 

STATE OF THE RACE: Scott vs. Rivera in VA-03 

August 17, 2026

The 3rd Congressional District pits a longstanding Democratic congressional leader against a Republican newbie. Pollsters are seeing Blue.

Morning Consult: Spanberger Approval at 54%

Morning Consult: Spanberger Approval at 54%

August 14, 2026

In a surprise poll, Morning Consult has Spanberger’s approval ratings at 54%.

Food, Energy Drive Consumer Price Index

Food, Energy Drive Consumer Price Index

August 14, 2026

Consumers won’t be surprised by the July CPI numbers that reveal what bill payers already know – energy and food and expensive.

STATE OF THE RACE: Kiggans vs. Luria in VA-02

STATE OF THE RACE: Kiggans vs. Luria in VA-02

August 13, 2026

Virginia’s 2nd District isn’t just a rematch; it’s a bellwether for the White House.

POLITICS

Bridging History and Jefferson’s Public Trust

Bridging History and Jefferson’s Public Trust

August 24, 2026

A visit to Natural Bridge offers a powerful reminder that history is not as distant as it sometimes seems. Once visited by George Washington and cherished by Thomas Jefferson, Virginia’s past still stands.