Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I love a good fair. But so does my arch-nemesis: The Ladder Climb game. I’ve spent tens of dollars over the years trying to best it. Alas, the carnival game continues to have the last laugh each and every time. I hold strong to the hope that one day, the giant Pikachu will be mine. 

This rivalry runs deep. Sure, there are methods online that attempt to teach folks how to win the game. There are even videos of people doing it. Apparently, the trick is to move your left arm when you move your right leg and your right arm with your left leg. Sounds great for someone blessed with coordination—I might as well go ahead and just order the jumbo plush, save myself some money and pride.

Speaking of fairs, our talented writer Aila Boyd wrote about several of them happening throughout our commonwealth this month and next. I hope you find one that speaks to you—and that you beat whatever carnival game seeks to steal your money and joy. I’m so glad you’re here.

The Warren County Fair takes place July 28-Aug. 2 in Front Royal. (Warren County Fair)

Here’s what you need to know: Whether you’re looking to take in a thrilling tractor pull, take a spin on a Ferris wheel, or learn more about the commonwealth’s agricultural heritage, consider attending one of these Virginia fairs.

Our top picks:

• The Prince William County Fair, active through Aug. 16, bills itself as a “fairground extravaganza.” Notably, it offers something for everyone, including carnival rides, pageants, motosports, livestock competitions, and musical performances. Tickets are $10 for children and seniors and $20 for adults.

• This year marks the 72nd Page Valley Ag & Industrial Fair, taking place from Aug. 16-24. The fair offers attendees the chance to enjoy a carnival ride, taste some traditional fair fare, and gain further insights into the region through cultural exhibitions. Admission is free for those under 6, $5 for those 6-12, and $10 for adults.
• The Isle of Wight County Fair, happening Sept. 11-14, offers something for everyone, including entertainment, food, livestock and craft exhibits, motorsports, classic cars, pageants, and rodeos. The rodeos are a high point of the fair. Attendees get to take in barrel racing, mini bull riding, and Mutton Bustin’. 

Discover the fun for yourself! We’ve rounded up a dozen fairs taking place now through Sept. 27.

We asked, you answered.

And man, that’s tough. When we reached out about your power bills this summer, we were really hoping beyond reason that we’d hear that they weren’t that awful. Well, given the responses we received, if you look at your power bill, you probably know that wasn’t the gist of the messages.

I did want to point out one response that stood out to me. This one came from a reader named Iela D., who mentioned a hope that “the hot weather and increased flooding are making people aware that we are experiencing the effects of climate change.” Me too, Iela, me too.

Thanks to everyone who wrote in; I really do love hearing from y’all. Be sure to open Monday’s newsletter to read our next question of the week—and feel free to contact me anytime at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

President Donald Trump visits the Federal Reserve, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

By Michael O’Connor

Hiring is slowing in Virginia and fewer people are quitting their jobs as they brace for the possibility of a worsening economy due to the Trump administration’s federal cuts and tariff policies. 

In June, 41,000 fewer people were hired for jobs in Virginia than in May, which was the largest decline in the country, according to a report released Wednesday by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Virginia was also one of four states in June where fewer people quit their jobs than the month prior. The number of Virginians quitting their jobs fell by 19,000 in June, the BLS said. 

The combination of slower hiring and more people holding onto their jobs is a warning sign for Virginia and the nation, both of which are already dealing with a worsening labor market and an expected uptick in prices because of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. 

“Virginia seems to be a type of the canary in the coal mine there because none of the numbers per se are particularly surprising given that we’ve been expecting sort of a softening of the labor market,” said David Bieri, an associate professor of public policy at Virginia Tech.

• A majority of the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s union-eligible workers voted last month 43-23 to form a union with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, or IAM Union. (Read more here)

• Recent inspections at Boar’s Head sites in three states, including Virginia, documented sanitation problems similar to those that led to the listeria contamination that killed 10 people and sickened dozens. (Read more here)

• In the aftermath of the One Big Beautiful Bill’s passage, Virginians must ask: What does this sweeping legislation truly mean for our communities? (Read more here)

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