Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Record El Niño Threat, Weekend Mass Shootings, Secret Service Hero Honored

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Today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast with Ayla Brown has a few stories you won’t find in today’s emailed edition, only in the podcast episode, because not everything fits in an inbox.

Here's a sneak peek of what we're diving into in today's Podcast Extra section:

➤ Forecasters warn a record-strength El Niño could decide whether your state floods or dries out. (Hear Details)

➤ Mass shootings swept through eight states last weekend, leaving dozens of victims as investigators continue to search for suspects. (Hear Episode)

➤ The Secret Service officer who took a bullet stopping a gunman at the White House Correspondents' Dinner is being honored. (Listen Now)

Hit play and get the full scoop.

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Primary Preview, FloydFest, and Youth Rescue Camp

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1726, Lieutenant Governor Hugh Drysdale died in Williamsburg after serving as acting governor of Virginia since 1722. A former British army officer from Ireland, he had called two General Assemblies and supported planters on tobacco issues during a relatively peaceful administration.

Virginia’s primary is coming up on Aug. 4, with early in-person voting running through Aug. 1. Get the details in Top Stories.

Virginia usually watches big weather stories play out somewhere else. Not this time. Forecasters now put the odds at 81% that El Niño reaches “very strong” status by winter, potentially one of the largest on record, and say the Commonwealth sits closer to the action than most people realize. In today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, Ayla breaks down the five ways forecasters say this El Niño will shape the months ahead. So how will a record-setting El Niño change Virginia’s winter? Tune in here!

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Aug. 4 Primary Preview

Virginia’s primary is set for Aug. 4, with early in-person voting running through Aug. 1 and the deadlines to register or request a mailed ballot both falling on July 24. Polls open statewide from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Virginia’s open primary allows any registered voter to pick one party’s ballot without declaring an affiliation. The marquee statewide race is the Republican U.S. Senate primary among Bert Mizusawa, Kim Farington, and David Williams. Contested U.S. House primaries are also on ballots in several districts.

The 1st District Democratic contest has turned contentious, with six candidates accusing the state party of abandoning its neutrality over a fundraising committee tied to contender Shannon Taylor.

State party chair Lamont Bagby rejected that, saying the shared fund benefits whichever Democrat wins and is open to all candidates.

VA Boys Trail in Reading

Virginia’s new Boys and Men Advisory Commission met for the first time Monday in Richmond, where researchers reported that the state has the widest fourth-grade reading gap between boys and girls in the nation.

On average, Virginia boys score 13.5 points lower than girls on fourth-grade reading, and 48% read below a basic level, the American Institute for Boys and Men told legislators. Boys also drop out at 1.5 times the rate of girls and trail in college degrees, the presentation found.

The commission was created this year by a bipartisan bill signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

Commission chair Del. Josh Thomas, a Prince William Democrat, said the data reflects “trends that have never been seen before in American history.” The presentation also revealed that only 19% of teachers in Virginia are men.

‘Super-Speeder’ Law in Effect

A new law that took effect on July 1 made Virginia the first state to launch a program that allows judges to order speed-limiting devices installed in the cars of its most dangerous drivers.

Under the law, drivers convicted of going more than 100 mph can be required to install an intelligent speed assistance device instead of losing their license.

The device uses GPS to cap a car at the posted speed limit, easing briefly to allow a pass before the limiter kicks back in.

Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the measure in 2025 after it passed the General Assembly. Tampering with the device is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Washington, D.C., and Maryland have passed similar laws, but officials say Virginia is the first to fully implement the technology.

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➤ Fairfax County: Kumneger Ayalsew, 29, faces nearly 200 criminal charges after police linked him to a string of thefts from unlocked cars at gyms in Reston, Centreville, and Tysons since April. Detectives say he used stolen cards to buy gift cards before victims noticed. (More)

➤ Albemarle County: Two delegates and a state senator, all Democrats, asked the county school board for an independent investigation into how it handled the arrests of two former staffers—one charged with 11 felony child sex crimes—after parents learned of the case over a month later. (More)

➤ Suffolk: A new study found a proposed Amtrak stop in the downtown area could draw about 24,000 additional boardings a year. (More)

➤ Floyd County: Organizers of FloydFest, which opens Wednesday, replaced the headlining show with Greensky Bluegrass after the Tedeschi Trucks Band canceled its Friday set due to Susan Tedeschi needing surgery. (More)

➤ ODU: Smithfield resident Kenya Mcchell Chapman, 32, pleaded guilty to illegally dealing firearms, including a stolen gun used in the March 12 shooting at the university that killed one person and wounded two. She faces up to 35 years at a Dec. 18 sentencing. (More)

➤ VA Schools: WSLS compiled a full list of 2026-27 school start dates for districts across central and southwest Virginia to help families plan for the coming year. (See Dates)

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➤ The Washington Nationals re-signed left-handed reliever Matt Krook to a major league contract after he elected free agency earlier this month. (More)

➤ Six UVA rowers will compete at the World Rowing Under-23 Championships this week in Duisburg, Germany. The group includes two Americans, a German, a Canadian, a Spaniard, and an Irish rower. (More)

➤ UVA women’s lacrosse assistant coach Kady Glynn will compete as a goalkeeper for Germany at the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo later this month. (More)

➤ The Washington Capitals raised more than $1.8 million for charity during the 2025-26 season across theme nights, auctions, and community programs. The Hockey Fights Cancer auction alone brought in more than $116,000. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA

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➤ Roughly a dozen activists and several lawmakers rallied at the State Capitol on Monday demanding officials reject the proposed $67 billion acquisition of Dominion Energy by Florida-based NextEra Energy, fearing skyrocketing rates and loss of local control for 2.7 million customers. (More)

➤ Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced that Hepburn and Sons, a defense firm formerly based in Manassas, will invest $18.1 million to build a new corporate headquarters in Prince William County. (More)

➤ The Western Virginia Water Authority addressed community concerns and misinformation about Google’s data center, confirming an agreement for up to 2 million gallons of water daily for the data center initially while prioritizing existing customers amid drought. (See Details)

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Whether you're paying down existing balances or planning a large purchase, this offer can help you save on interest while earning cash back on everyday spending. See if you qualify and take advantage of this limited-time opportunity today.

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➤ A new map ranks states by the share of residents age 65 and older, with Virginia landing 36th at 17.6%—just below the national average of 17.7%, and well under neighboring West Virginia, the third-oldest state, at 21.9%. (See Map)

➤ More than 40 kids turned out for the Virginia Association of First Responders’ Youth Rescue Camp in Blacksburg, trying hands-on fire and rescue skills—including scuba lessons with Virginia State Police divers at the local aquatic center. (More)

➤ Travel + Leisure rounded up standout state parks across the country, highlighting Virginia's Grayson Highlands State Park, which is home to wild ponies and offers over 4,500 acres of scenic trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. (See List)

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➤ Coffee vs Hot Cacao vs Green Tea: Which of these hot drinks was proven in a study boost stem cells by 220% in 30 days? Billionaires drop 6 figures on stem cell therapy, but this hot drink costs 50 cents a day and boosts anti-aging stem cells improving heart health, blood pressure, and longevity.

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

➤ Forecasters warn a record-strength El Niño could decide whether your state floods or dries out. (Hear Details)

➤ Mass shootings swept through eight states last weekend, leaving dozens of victims as investigators continue to search for suspects. (Hear Episode)

➤ The Secret Service officer who took a bullet stopping a gunman at the White House Correspondents' Dinner is being honored. (Listen Now)

Have you been to Grayson Highlands State Park?

Yesterday’s Results:

Should the U.S. Senate pass the Protect College Sports Act to create national rules for college athletics?

Yes: 50%
No: 27%
Not sure: 23%

What kinds of ponies live in Grayson Highlands State Park, and how did they get there?

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The Virginia Flyover
10408 Courthouse Rd
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Spotsylvania, VA 22553

Soldier Killed, County's First Hospital, and Baldwin Busts Out

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Good morning! On this date in 1864, Union and Confederate forces clashed in the Battle of Atlanta, the bloodiest fight of Union Gen. William Sherman’s campaign to take the city during the Civil War.

When the Pacific Ocean flexes, Georgia feels it 2,000 miles away. Forecasters now put the odds at 81% that El Niño reaches "very strong" status by winter, potentially ranking among the strongest on record and affecting the Southeast U.S. In today's episode of The Flyover Podcast, Ayla breaks down the five ways forecasters say this El Niño will shape the months ahead. So what does a historic El Niño hold for Georgia? Tune in here!

Georgia Soldier Killed in Strike

A U.S. Army officer who primarily lived in Georgia was among the American soldiers killed in recent days while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks.

1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, enlisted in Hawaii but primarily lived in Georgia. He was assigned to an air defense artillery regiment based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Feehan's family said he was set to be married after his deployment and planned to attend law school. They are establishing a scholarship in his name, pledging his death gratuity to launch the fund.

The Pentagon said Feehan and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, died in attacks on Friday and Saturday. Another soldier, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of New York, is believed to have also been killed, bringing the number of U.S. troops killed since the Middle East conflict began to 18.

Epps Named Appeals Judge

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Augusta-area U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian K. Epps to the Georgia Court of Appeals, filling a vacancy left by the resignation of Judge Brian M. Rickman.

Epps has served as a magistrate judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia for 13 years. Before joining the federal bench, he was a partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, representing commercial policyholders in insurance disputes.

Epps has long been active in the Augusta community, chairing the Shepeard Community Blood Center and helping found Prodigal Ministries. He will join a 15-judge court whose members serve six-year terms.

He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia, where he teaches a mediation course as an adjunct professor at the law school.

Farmers' Financial Health Studied

University of Georgia researchers are studying the financial health of the state's farmers, who anchor Georgia's largest economic sector.

The Farm Profitability Survey, a joint effort involving the UGA College of Public Health, the Georgia Farm Bureau, and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, asks farmers about operating margins, cash flow, and debt. Survey participants remain anonymous.

Whitney Sangster of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, the charitable arm of the Georgia Farm Bureau, said the survey seeks "hard data because we can sit here and say farmers are struggling, they're suffering, but we don't have the hard data to back that up.”

Christina Proctor of the UGA College of Public Health is leading the research alongside Dr. Stephanie Basey of The Hive Research Collective, a consultant on the project.

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➤ Marietta: GOP gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson said he will speak alongside President Trump at Wheeler High School today. (More)

➤ Grovetown: Construction is nearing completion on Columbia County's first hospital, Wellstar Medical Center, ahead of its scheduled late-August opening. (More)

➤ Garden City: Leaders voted 4-2 to raise the property tax rate from 4 to 7.851 mills, a nearly 90% increase, despite opposition from some residents. (More)

➤ Albany: Dougherty County commissioners approved a 45-day moratorium on data centers, pausing acceptance and approval of new applications while leaders weigh the centers' impacts. (More)

➤ Savannah: Ongoing construction near Wright Square is reshaping the historic district, with several projects drawing mixed responses from residents and tourists. One resident said, "Downtown is just Disneyland now," while another called the projects "progress" and a welcome boost for the economy. (More)

➤ Rincon: The city paid $2 million for about 15 acres on Fort Howard Road as a site for a new Effingham County library and a planned walkable downtown district. (More)

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➤ Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin was named National League Player of the Week after going 10-for-14 with three home runs and eight RBIs in a three-game series against the Texas Rangers. He also hasn't struck out in 34 consecutive plate appearances, the longest active streak in the majors. (More)

➤ Georgia Tech opened as a 6.5-point favorite over Colorado for the teams' season opener on Sept. 3 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. (More)

➤ Georgia Southern invited fans and supporters to its 2026 Football Kickoff Dinner on Aug. 28, which former NFL head coach Jon Gruden will headline. (More)

➤ The Warner Robins American Little League softball team plated two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to complete a thrilling 7-6 comeback over South Carolina. (More)

➤ The YMCA of Metro Atlanta reported a 32% increase in fall youth soccer sign-ups since last year, attributed to World Cup excitement. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA

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➤ Georgia reached all-time highs in both its labor force and total employment in June, with its jobless rate holding at 3.4%, the state labor department said. (More)

➤ A Forsyth County lettuce farm reported an increase in customers following the multistate outbreak of the parasite linked to imported iceberg lettuce. (More)

➤ Georgia Power officials reiterated their pledge that residential customers will not see higher bills as more data centers move into the state, saying large companies rather than consumers will bear expansion costs. (More)

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➤ A UNESCO vote on whether to make the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge the state's first UNESCO World Heritage Site is expected before the group's Busan, South Korea, session ends July 29. (More)

➤ Nicole Jones-Harper, a film and broadcasting teacher at Kendrick High School in Columbus, earned her first strongwoman championship title. (More)

➤ The Savannah Bananas' mascot, Split, is among this year's nominees for enshrinement in the Mascot Hall of Fame. (More)

➤ Country band Lonestar will perform at the 2026 Georgia National Fair in Perry this October as part of the fair's free concert lineup included with gate admission. (More)

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➤ Forecasters warn a record-strength El Niño could decide whether your state floods or dries out. (Hear Details)

➤ Mass shootings swept through eight states last weekend, leaving dozens of victims as investigators continue to search for suspects. (Hear Episode)

➤ The Secret Service officer who took a bullet stopping a gunman at the White House Correspondents' Dinner is being honored. (Listen Now)