Friday, July 31, 2026

International Motors Layoffs, the Ohio Cup, and Central Ohio Events

Friday, July 31, 2026

On this day in 1940, a Pennsylvania Railroad Doodlebug passenger train collided head-on with a freight train in Cuyahoga Falls, killing 43 of the 46 people aboard.

💨 Wildfire smoke may return to parts of Ohio today, bringing hazy skies and potentially reducing air quality. Find details in today’s Et Cetera section.

Today's sponsor, PuriProduce, offers a simple, chemical-free way to help clean your fruits and vegetables, giving you added peace of mind with every meal.

International Motors Sale Eliminates 1,341 Jobs

International Motors will eliminate 1,341 jobs in Springfield as the company sells most of its local operating assets to Canadian armored-vehicle manufacturer Roshel. International's Springfield operations are expected to end when the transaction closes Oct. 2.

More than 1,100 of the affected employees are represented by the United Auto Workers. Company officials said pay and benefits for those employees have already been negotiated through the union.

The sale includes the Springfield Assembly Plant and the nearby Truck Specialty Center on Urbana Road. The facilities will remain open after the sale, with Roshel planning to establish a U.S. operations hub.

Canton Explosion Injures Two

A massive house explosion leveled a home in Canton about 4 a.m. Thursday, seriously injuring two people, damaging neighboring houses, and scattering debris across the area.

Surveillance video captured a fireball erupting as the blast tore apart the residence. Firefighters found one victim in the street, who suffered severe burns and traumatic injuries.

The injured man told crews another person had been inside, prompting an extensive search of the rubble. The second victim was found alive about four hours later, nearly 1,000 feet from the house, with severe burns.

Division Fire Chief Steve Henderson said the explosion was caused by a natural gas leak.

Central Ohio Weekend Packs Calendar

The Ohio State Fair and major festivals are packing central Ohio's weekend calendar, with the Dublin Irish Festival, Pelotonia Ride Weekend, concerts, baseball, and community events expected to draw crowds across the region.

The Ohio State Fair continues at the state fairgrounds through Aug. 9 with rides, food, competitions, and entertainment. Other offerings include Columbus Clippers games, an Ohio State marching band performance with the Columbus Symphony, movie showings, theater, and neighborhood festivals.

The 39th Dublin Irish Festival runs Friday through Sunday at Coffman Park. Seven stages will feature 60 acts, while visitors can explore Irish food, dance, history, Highland Games, children’s activities, and Catholic Mass. More details are available here.

Pelotonia expects 8,000 riders, 3,000 volunteers, more than 1,000 cancer survivors, and about 15,000 opening-ceremony spectators. Its new 17-mile route is the event's shortest, designed to expand access to the event after the organization raised a record $29.2 million in 2025.

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➤ Springfield: Gov. Mike DeWine said federal officials have no plans for a surge of immigration enforcement or raids in Springfield following the end of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. (More)

➤ Butler County: In an appearance at the Butler County Fair, Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy said data centers should pay their own energy costs and argued that stronger academic standards should take priority over additional school funding. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: The Cincinnati Zoo delayed its Thursday opening while police investigated a threat, then admitted visitors after officers determined there was no active danger. (More)

➤ Also Cincinnati: UC Health will close the Bridgeway Pointe assisted-living facility Oct. 31 after failing to find a sustainable operator or buyer. The facility houses about 50 residents and employs 70 people. (More)

➤ Columbus: City leaders scrapped plans for a new Franklin County Municipal Court building after projected costs rose from $200 million to more than $335 million. Renovating the existing facility is expected to free at least $75 million. (More)

➤ Eastern Ohio: The federal government will auction 41 parcels covering 2,840 acres in Wayne National Forest for oil and gas fracking. Members of the public may file comments through Aug. 17. (See Details)

➤ Madeira: The Madeira branch of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library will close Aug. 17 for about six weeks of HVAC improvements, with curbside service continuing during construction. (See Details)

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➤ The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Cincinnati Reds 6-1 to capture the Ohio Cup for the 11th time in 12 seasons, with Kyle Manzardo earning series MVP honors. (See Highlights)

➤ Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith said he expects 2026 to be his final college season before entering the 2027 NFL draft, saying, "Kind of sad, but I'm going to give it everything I've got.” (More)

➤ Novak Djokovic will return to the Cincinnati Open for the first time since 2023. The three-time champion enters the August tournament riding a 10-match winning streak at the event. (See Details)

➤ The Columbus Blue Jackets will simulcast their television coverage on radio next season, ending Bob McElligott's 17-year run as the voice of the Blue Jackets after the team declined to renew his contract. (See Reactions)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA | Golf

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➤ The sale of Fallen Timbers has closed, clearing the way for an $89 million redevelopment in Maumee that could bring housing, hotels, offices, stores, restaurants, and entertainment. (See Plans)

➤ A New Albany microgrid will power an artificial intelligence data center with on-site generation and battery storage, operating independently of Ohio's power grid and creating 35 to 40 jobs. (See Details)

➤ A data center group launched nearly identical promotional campaigns in Ohio and seven other states as communities weigh the industry's energy, water, tax, and infrastructure costs. (See Campaign)

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➤ Wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest could bring hazy skies to Ohio today, reducing visibility and potentially affecting air quality if particles descend closer to the ground. (More)

➤ Desmond Howard, a Cleveland native and Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Michigan, surprised his former teacher, Ruth Boyce, during her 102nd birthday celebration, arriving with flowers and sharing cake and memories. (See Photo)

➤ The Ohio Women's Monument could miss its mid-September unveiling because crews must reinforce the parking garage roof beneath Capitol Square, where the square’s first statues of women will stand. (See Monument)

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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:

➤ The father who gave his son the rifle used in Georgia's deadliest school shooting has been sentenced in a first-of-its-kind case. (Hear Details)

➤ Coordinated cyberattacks on dozens of Minnesota water plants are reportedly under investigation for possible ties to Iran. (Hear Episode)

➤ Belgian authorities say an intern inside NATO's top military command is suspected of spying for an unnamed foreign power. (Listen Now)

Which of these central Ohio events, if any, do you plan to attend this weekend?

Yesterday's Results:

Have you dealt with power outages this summer?

No: 38%
Yes, a few times: 24%
Yes, once: 23%
Yes, regularly: 15%

What was the name of Cleveland’s first newspaper, which published its inaugural edition on this day in 1818?

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The Ohio Flyover
1985 W Henderson Road
Box #2084
Columbus, OH 43220

$76.6B Navy Contract, Dulles Overhaul, and the Chincoteague Pony Swim

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1939, NFL quarterback Norm Snead was born in Halifax County. He played 16 seasons for the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, he threw for over 30,000 yards.

The Virginia Department of Education is preparing to create the next generation of Standards of Learning tests for public schools. Learn more in Top Stories.

Today's sponsor, PuriProduce, offers a simple, chemical-free way to help clean your fruits and vegetables, giving you added peace of mind with every meal.

Newport News Lands Historic Navy Contract

The U.S. Navy awarded $76.6 billion in contracts Wednesday for 14 new submarines, with Newport News Shipbuilding sharing the build with General Dynamics Electric Boat.

The package covers nine Block VI Virginia-class attack submarines and five Build II Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines, with the remainder of the money allocated to shipyard expansion and hiring.

Under the yards’ longstanding teaming arrangement, Newport News will be the delivery yard for six of the nine Virginia boats and will build six module sections for each Columbia submarine.

The two shipyards have delivered 26 Virginia-class submarines to date. “We are committed to building the nuclear-powered submarines that protect our nation,” Newport News President Kari Wilkinson said.

The award followed a nearly three-year negotiating delay, and Navy officials cast it as a recapitalization of the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad.

Virginia’s Firearms Ban Stays on Hold

A Washington County judge has paused the main lawsuit over Virginia’s new firearms ban while the U.S. Supreme Court weighs similar cases, leaving a statewide injunction against the law in place. Signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger in May, the law bars selling or transferring certain semi-automatic rifles and magazines holding more than 15 rounds.

Judge Jeffrey Campbell expanded his injunction statewide in a July 7 ruling effective July 21, then stayed the case, Santolla v. Katz, as the justices review bans from Illinois and Connecticut. The pause does not lift the injunction.

Plaintiffs, backed by the NRA and gun-rights groups, argue the limits violate the Virginia Constitution’s right to bear arms. The state defends the law and is expected to appeal.

A separate federal lawsuit from the U.S. Justice Department challenges the ban under the Second Amendment. One plaintiff’s attorney, state Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, expects six to eight more months of litigation.

VA Set to Overhaul Standards of Learning Tests

The Virginia Department of Education opened bidding Monday for a company to build the state's next generation of Standards of Learning tests, its first competitive search for an assessment vendor since 2005.

The request for proposals aims to replace a testing system that has drawn complaints over delayed results, technology access problems, and frequent changes. Officials estimate the new system will cost $30 million to $38 million a year, below the current contract’s roughly $46.5 million.

The overhaul promises faster, more detailed results for teachers and families, plus accommodations for English learners and students with disabilities. State Superintendent Jenna Conway called releasing the request a top priority after years of delay.

Vendors have until mid-September to bid, and the winning system must be running for the 2027–28 school year.

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Fresh fruits and vegetables are a healthy choice, but recent headlines about parasites and contaminants have many families taking a closer look at how they clean their produce.

LEARN MORE

➤ Statewide: Virginia’s nursing home watchdog panel is vowing tougher enforcement as a backlog of complaints has topped 1,000 this year and 58% of nursing homes remain overdue for inspection. The state pushed its deadline to clear the backlog to Dec. 31, 2027. (More)

➤ Also Statewide: Virginia reported 47 new cyclosporiasis cases from July 21-28, raising the total since May 1 to 126 amid a national surge, though Virginia’s cases are not linked to the lettuce outbreak. (More)

➤ Harrisonburg: The city council voted unanimously to end its contract with Flock Group and pull 33 license-plate-reading cameras from city streets, citing privacy, equity, and data-security concerns. Any new fixed-camera system will now need council approval first. (More)

➤ Loudoun County: A judge on Thursday granted a competency evaluation for Elijah Zion Bieniemy—son of Eric Bieniemy, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator and former Washington Commanders coach—charged in his mother’s July 26 shooting. His Aug. 31 preliminary hearing will be rescheduled. (More)

➤ Lynchburg: Police and the FBI raised the reward to $30,000 for information in the unsolved killing of 6-year-old Kingston Campbell, who was shot in his bed three years ago while playing video games. (More)

➤ Dulles: President Trump proposed a $22.5 billion overhaul of Washington Dulles International Airport, including more parking and the removal of its aging people-movers. (More)

Like The Virginia Flyover? Share it with a friend! ✈️

I read the same headlines you do, and there are mornings that the news industry looks like it's coming apart. But then I look at what The Flyover team builds every single day, publishing facts over the spin, and I've never been more sure that we're on the right side. The Flyover will always be free, but producing it isn't. If you rely on us for news without noise and believe fact-first journalism is worth fighting for, will you help the Flyover network hit our milestone of 6 million readers? I'd appreciate it very much.

Thanks for reading every morning, and today.

— Cole

➤ Rising UVA junior Anna Moesch broke her own American record in the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. National Championships, finishing in 51.88 seconds. She’s now the third-fastest performer in history in the event. (More)

➤ Richmond football’s Camden Byrd was named Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in tackles for loss, sacks, and forced fumbles last season. The Ashland native also earned FCS Preseason All-America honors. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech extended contracts for men’s basketball coach Mike Young and five other head coaches this week. Young’s one-year extension at $3 million keeps him from entering the 2026-27 season as a lame duck after four straight years without an NCAA Tournament appearance. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA | Golf

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➤ Commonwealth Fusion Systems raised another $1 billion, bringing its total to $4 billion, to advance the planned 400-megawatt Fall Line Fusion Power Station in Chesterfield County. It’s targeted to open in the early 2030s and already has power deals signed with Google and Eni. (More)

➤ The commission overseeing the historic Hotel Roanoke voted unanimously, after a closed session, to sell its adjacent conference center to a Virginia Tech Foundation subsidiary. The panel splits its six seats between the city of Roanoke and Virginia Tech. (More)

➤ Developers broke ground on Dōma, a six-story, 276-unit apartment building beside CarMax Park, the first of four buildings in the opening phase of Richmond’s Diamond District redevelopment. (More)

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➤ UVA Health researchers say focused ultrasound shows promise as a new way to treat brain tumors, offering a more precise path to deliver therapy to hard-to-reach growths. (More)

➤ The 101st Chincoteague Pony Swim sent the island’s wild ponies across the channel from Assateague on Wednesday, with spectators staking out the marsh line as early as 3 a.m. for a front-row view. (See Photos)

➤ World War II Navy veteran John Mozian turned 102, celebrating with his three children at Waynesboro Manor and reflecting on his service, wartime injuries, and life as an identical twin. (Watch Report)

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➤ The father who gave his son the rifle used in Georgia's deadliest school shooting has been sentenced in a first-of-its-kind case. (Hear Details)

➤ Coordinated cyberattacks on dozens of Minnesota water plants are reportedly under investigation for possible ties to Iran. (Hear Episode)

➤ Belgian authorities say an intern inside NATO's top military command is suspected of spying for an unnamed foreign power. (Listen Now)