Sunday, July 12, 2026

A Tiny Weight-Loss Breakthrough, Robot Surgeons, and One Child's Big Impact

A new implant could transform obesity treatment, robots impress in the operating room, and a simple act of kindness grows into a lasting tradition.

 

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Data Center Halted, Hot Weather Looming, and Fireflies

A federal judge has ordered Wilmington to redo key ordinances connected to a proposed $4 billion Amazon Web Services data center, putting the project on hold for now.                
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Top Stories

Article Icon 1Judge Halts Amazon Data Center

A federal judge has ordered Wilmington to redo key ordinances connected to a proposed $4 billion Amazon Web Services data center, putting the project on hold for now.

The ruling followed three days of testimony from residents who said the city rezoned a 471-acre farm site off U.S. 68 without providing proper notice required under state law.

The decision allows residents to present expert testimony, cross-examine witnesses, and retain their own attorneys during the new hearings.

One organizer who lives about 200 feet from the site said neighbors have already spent roughly $47,000 opposing the plan.

Article Icon 1Big Boy Steams Back into Ohio

Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, rolls into downtown Struthers today for a whistle-stop visit from 11:30 a.m. to noon, amid an all-day celebration.

The 1.2 million-pound engine was built in 1941 to haul wartime freight through the western mountains. It is one of only 25 ever constructed and the sole Big Boy still operating. You can view the train’s daily schedule here.

The city is closing downtown streets to traffic and shuttling visitors from riverfront parking lots. Festivities include live music, food trucks, train memorabilia, and more.

The locomotive is traveling back through Ohio as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations. It will stop near Fostoria on Tuesday, where organizers hope nearly 1,000 people will gather to form a world-record outline of a train.

Article Icon 1Fireflies Light Up Central Ohio

Central Ohio is glowing after sunset this summer as fireflies put on one of their best displays in years.

Experts credit the favorable weather. A wet spring followed by hot, humid nights produced what forecasters describe as ideal firefly conditions because warm, muggy evenings accelerate the chemical reactions that create the beetles' glow.

Ohio is home to roughly two dozen firefly species, and the variety most likely to be flashing above local yards is the common “Big Dipper,” named for the J-shaped yellow streak it traces through the air.

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The Flyover

Elon’s New Currency (BUY NOW)

It’s bigger than SpaceX… xAI… or anything Tesla is working on. And it could launch a $480 trillion disruption, thanks to a massive rollout that’s already begun all over America. Because Elon’s new move targets the biggest market of them all… He’s now launching a CURRENCY system. Here’s exactly what to buy to profit.

Around Ohio

➤ Lakewood: State utility regulators responded to Mayor Meghan George’s formal complaint against FirstEnergy about recent power outages. The city has endured repeated outages since late 2024. (More)

➤ Southwest Ohio: The Ohio Department of Transportation has begun a three-year project to add a fourth lane in each direction along four miles of Interstate 75 in southern Montgomery and northern Warren counties. (See Details)

➤ Columbus: Michael Eicher, The Ohio State University’s longtime senior vice president for external affairs, will retire in January after helping lead the university foundation through the most successful fundraising campaign in its history. (More)

➤ Warren: Police Chief Eric Merkel will resign effective Aug. 24 after a public complaint accused him of theft in office, tampering with records, and sending a racially offensive message. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: One worker was seriously injured in a chemical explosion late Friday at Baerlocher USA, a plastics manufacturing plant. Hazmat crews contained the chemicals, and officials reported no environmental release or threat to the surrounding community. (More)

➤ Mason: The police union and a law enforcement advocacy group are backing fired officer Brandon Saylor, arguing that the city discarded due process by ending his career over a department-issued ball cap he wore during outdoor traffic duty. (More)


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Ohio Sports

➤ Kyle Schwarber, a Middletown native and MLB’s home run leader, will compete in tomorrow’s Home Run Derby in Philadelphia alongside Phillies teammate Bryce Harper. Schwarber entered the weekend with a league-leading 32 home runs. (More)

➤ The Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians made back-to-back first-round selections in Saturday’s 2026 MLB Draft, with Cincinnati taking Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron at No. 18 and Cleveland selecting Florida right-hander Liam Peterson at No. 19. (See Picks)

➤ FC Cincinnati defeated English club Burnley 3-1 at TQL Stadium, with Ayoub Jabbari breaking the tie with a header and Kristian Fletcher converting a penalty kick in stoppage time. Cincinnati hosts Honduran club CD Olimpia on Wednesday. (See Recap)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | Wimbledon | Golf | WNBA

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Still Brushing the Old-Fashioned Way? Sonic Glow cleans your entire mouth in just 30 seconds with thousands of sonic bristle movements, making it a great option for anyone who wants an easier, more effective routine, especially if dexterity is a challenge. See why so many people are making the switch today.(More)

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15X Bigger Than SpaceX: Elon’s New Launch

While the rest of the market goes crazy for “the mother of all IPOs,” a new Elon Musk innovation is quietly being rolled out nationwide. It’s been 27 years in the making, and it could have a radical impact on how millions of people manage their money… and even collect Social Security. Here’s everything you need to know.

Et Cetera

➤ After a soggy stretch marked by storms and flooding, forecasters say a powerful heat dome will settle over Ohio this week, pushing temperatures into the 90s and heat index readings above 100 degrees. (See Forecast)

➤ Cleveland Clinic will begin delivering select prescriptions by drone later this summer, initially serving a limited group of patients near its Beachwood campus. (See Details)

➤ Southwest Airlines is adding seasonal nonstop service between Cleveland Hopkins and Dallas Love Field, operating from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, 2027. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

Statins May Be Helping… and Hurting. Statins are meant to protect your heart — but they can also block something your body desperately needs. CoQ10 fuels every cell, from your brain to your muscles. As you age, or if you take statins, your CoQ10 levels can plummet up to 40% — leaving you tired, foggy, and drained. Click here to discover the right form of CoQ10 you need to support your today. Learn more

The Flyover Podcast

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

This tiny implant may change weight-loss treatment for months at a time. (Hear More)

Humanoid robots successfully performed surgery and stunned medical researchers. (Listen Now)

One child's kindness sparked an incredible neighborhood tradition. (Podcast Available)

Check This Out

Watch Cleveland Browns players try to pronounce some of Ohio’s trickiest place names!

video via Cleveland Browns - Instagram

The Poll

What do you call the glowing insects that light up summer evenings?

  1. Lightning bugs
  2. Fireflies
  3. I use both
  4. Other (tell us!)

Yesterday's Results:

Have you ever looked through a telescope?

  1. Yes, I’ve used one: 51%
  2. Yes, I own one: 20%
  3. No, but I’d like to: 16%
  4. No, I’m not interested: 13%
Ohio Trivia

On this day in 1854, which abolitionist delivered a landmark commencement address in Hudson?

Show me the answer

The Ohio Flyover

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Lexington Honors Mayor, Clinics Close, Surf Festival Heads to Virginia

͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌   ͏ ‌  
Top Stories

Article Icon 1Lexington Honors Mayor Frank Friedman

Hundreds of people gathered in Lexington to celebrate the life of longtime Mayor Frank Friedman, whose memorial service filled a local church and overflow space after his death on July 2.

Family, friends, and community members shared stories of Friedman's decades of public service, kindness, and commitment to the city, where he had served as mayor since 2016.

Following the service, residents gathered for a celebration of life, leaving written memories and wearing bow ties in tribute to the beloved community leader.

Article Icon 1Southwest Virginia Clinics Close

Eight school-based health clinics in Southwest Virginia have closed as community health providers warn declining federal 340B funding and rising demand are forcing cuts to services in underserved communities.

The clinics, operated by Federally Qualified Health Centers, provided primary care to students in areas with limited healthcare access and were funded through savings from the federal 340B drug pricing program.

Health providers are urging federal lawmakers to protect the program, warning proposed policy changes and shrinking funding could lead to additional service reductions across Virginia.

Article Icon 1Super Girl Surf Festival Coming to Virginia Beach

The Super Girl Surf Festival will make its Mid-Atlantic debut in Virginia Beach over Labor Day weekend, bringing the world's largest women's sports, music, and lifestyle festival to the Oceanfront.

The free three-day event is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors and feature 5,000 female athletes competing in 14 sports, along with concerts, wellness activities, and community events stretching from the First Street Jetty to the Fishing Pier.

Virginia Beach joins Oceanside, California, and Jacksonville Beach, Florida, as host cities for the nationally recognized festival, with organizers planning to return in future years.

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The Flyover

Elon’s New Currency (BUY NOW)

It’s bigger than SpaceX… xAI… or anything Tesla is working on. And it could launch a $480 trillion disruption, thanks to a massive rollout that’s already begun all over America. Because Elon’s new move targets the biggest market of them all… He’s now launching a CURRENCY system. Here’s exactly what to buy to profit.

Around Virginia

Statewide: New Virginia ABC rules have eased the required food-to-liquor sales ratio for restaurants, making it easier for some businesses to qualify for and maintain full liquor licenses. (More)

➤ Richmond: Virginia regulators will have 180 days to decide whether to approve Dominion Energy's proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra Energy, a deal that could affect electric rates, jobs, and the state's energy future. (More)

Goochland County: Developers have proposed an 871-acre data center campus in eastern Goochland, launching the county's first project under its new Tech Overlay District and drawing concerns from nearby residents. (More)

Virginia Beach: Five people, including four children, suffered life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Landstown Road Saturday afternoon. The cause remains under investigation. (More)

Roanoke: An animal cruelty investigation into a Roanoke dog boarding and daycare facility found allegations of dogs in heat distress and other unsafe conditions, which the owner disputes. (More)

Fairfax: Police shot and injured a knife-wielding person at a Wawa after authorities said the person ignored commands to drop the weapon and advanced toward officers. (More)


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Virginia Sports

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams will become the first Nationals position player to start in the All-Star Game since 2018 tomorrow. Abrams’ teammate, James Wood, also earned a reserve role and will likely appear as well. (More)

➤ Former UVA men’s basketball star Ugonna Onyenso was quiet in his recent pro debut, scoring two points in 20 minutes of action in the NBA Summer League. (More)

Virginia Tech men’s basketball has brought its 2026-2027 non-conference schedule to 14 games, adding UCF, Mercer and Mount St. Mary’s to the schedule. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | Wimbledon | Golf | WNBA

Flying together with our sponsor

Still Brushing the Old-Fashioned Way? Sonic Glow cleans your entire mouth in just 30 seconds with thousands of sonic bristle movements, making it a great option for anyone who wants an easier, more effective routine, especially if dexterity is a challenge. See why so many people are making the switch today.(More)

Flying together with our sponsor

15X Bigger Than SpaceX: Elon’s New Launch

While the rest of the market goes crazy for “the mother of all IPOs,” a new Elon Musk innovation is quietly being rolled out nationwide. It’s been 27 years in the making, and it could have a radical impact on how millions of people manage their money… and even collect Social Security. Here’s everything you need to know.

Et Cetera

Wounded Warrior Project partnered with VB Surf Sessions to host a surfing clinic in Virginia Beach, giving wounded veterans a chance to build connections and find support through the ocean. (More)

A Hampton Roads nonprofit has launched a mobile STEM and cybersecurity education bus to bring hands-on technology lessons to students in underserved communities across Virginia. (More)

A Charlottesville nonprofit is hosting its first community yard sale, with proceeds supporting programs that provide assistance to families across Central Virginia. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

Statins May Be Helping… and Hurting. Statins are meant to protect your heart—but they can also block something your body desperately needs. CoQ10 fuels every cell, from your brain to your muscles. As you age, or if you take statins, your CoQ10 levels can plummet up to 40%—leaving you tired, foggy, and drained. Click here to discover the right form of CoQ10 you need to support your today. Learn more

The Flyover Podcast

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

This tiny implant may change weight-loss treatment for months at a time. (Hear More)

Humanoid robots successfully performed surgery and stunned medical researchers. (Listen Now)

One child's kindness sparked an incredible neighborhood tradition. (Podcast Available)

Check This Out
Enjoy relaxing aerial views of Virginia. 

The Poll

Have you driven on Skyline Parkway?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Not yet


Yesterday’s Results:

How much of a tip do you generally leave for restaurant waitstaff?

  1. Between 15% and 20%: 64%
  2. Less than 15%: 13%
  3. No tip: 12%
  4. 20% or more: 11%
Virginia Trivia

What are some of the more unusual animals that live in Shenandoah National Park?

Show me the answer

The Virginia Flyover

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A Tiny Weight-Loss Breakthrough, Robot Surgeons, and One Child's Big Impact

A new implant could transform obesity treatment, robots impress in the operating room, and a simple act of kindness grows into a lasting t...