Monday, October 26, 2026

Erika Kirk Visits Liberty, Best College Town, and a Skeleton Festival

Monday, October 26, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1896, Virginia Tech’s football team first wore their new burnt orange and Chicago maroon colors during a game against Roanoke College, replacing the original black and gray uniforms.

Scammers took $20 billion from Americans last year, and we want to tell you about the 10 most common scams that are putting you and your loved ones in danger right now. Odds are you’ve already encountered one or maybe even fallen into one. These deceptions are convincing enough to fool people who were sure they’d never fall for one, and knowing how they work is the best protection you have. So how do you keep yourself and the people you love safe? On today’s episode of Flyover Focus, we count down all 10, including one that threatens to drain your entire retirement account. Tune in here!

Are you paying more for car insurance than you need to? Later today, watch for a message from our partner, Insurify, about comparing rates from more than 100 insurers in just minutes.

Today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is sharing 18 little-known Costco shopping secrets that could help you uncover hidden deals, maximize your membership, and save more money on your next shopping trip.

Erika Kirk Speaks at Liberty Convocation

Erika Kirk, CEO and Chairwoman of Turning Point USA, told thousands of students at Liberty University's convocation Friday that returning to the Lynchburg campus “feels like coming home.”

Kirk, who earned a graduate degree from Liberty in 2019, reflected on the year since her husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was killed while speaking at a Utah university in September 2025.

She urged students toward humility and service over online outrage, closing with a prayer: “Less of me, more of him. Here I am, Lord. Send me.”

Charlie Kirk, who helped found what is now Liberty’s Standing for Freedom Center, was a frequent convocation guest. Erika Kirk was a keynote speaker at the center’s Freedom Uncensored conference on campus over the weekend, where Liberty awarded her an honorary doctorate.

Democrats Question Lucas Indictment Timing

Gov. Abigail Spanberger and other Democrats are questioning the timing of a federal indictment against state Sen. Louise Lucas, the Senate’s president pro tempore and a Portsmouth Democrat.

The indictment was unsealed Thursday, less than two weeks before Election Day, and charges her with racketeering conspiracy, marijuana distribution, and money laundering.

Lucas, 82, surrendered and was released on her own recognizance. She and six others, including two daughters and a grandson, face charges in what prosecutors describe as a marijuana-trafficking and money-laundering scheme.

Spanberger and fellow Democrats said the unsealing broke with the Justice Department’s long-standing custom of avoiding charges so close to an election.

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected claims of political payback, saying the investigation began years ago and that there was “nothing improper” about the timing. Lucas, who is not on the ballot, is set to be arraigned Nov. 16.

Williamsburg Porch Collapse Injures 28

A porch collapsed at a Williamsburg home during a homecoming gathering late Friday, injuring 28 people, including William & Mary students.

Crews were called to the 200 block of Matoaka Court around 10 p.m., where members of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity and Delta Gamma sorority had gathered to celebrate Homecoming weekend, and found the porch had given way.

Thirteen people were taken to hospitals by ambulance and 15 more sought treatment on their own. None of the injuries were life-threatening, and officials said the count could rise as more people come forward. William & Mary confirmed its students were among the injured and said it would support them.

The city sent its Code Compliance Division to inspect the site. The cause of the collapse was not immediately clear.

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➤ Augusta County: Prosecutors rested their case Friday on Day 4 of the trial of former Nexus executives Michael Donovan and Richard Moore, charged with stealing over $400,000 from Zachary Cruz, after calling final witnesses. (More)

➤ Norfolk: Norfolk State University senior Semaj Richelle Coleman, 22, was killed Saturday night in what police say was an accidental shooting in a parking lot on East Virginia Beach Boulevard. A 23-year-old man faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless handling of a firearm. (More)

➤ Virginia Beach: Thousands of breast cancer survivors and supporters walked the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Saturday morning for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. (See Photos)

➤ Richmond: Two men were wounded in a shooting near Virginia Union University during homecoming Saturday night after an altercation near Henderson Hall escalated, according to Richmond Police. Neither man’s injuries were life-threatening. (More)

➤ Bedford County: A hiker who fell on Sharp Top Mountain was carried out and taken to a hospital Saturday evening with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to the Bedford Fire Department. (More)

➤ Charlottesville ranks as the third-best college town in America in a new study, trailing only Austin, Texas, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. It also placed second among small cities. (See Rankings)

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➤ The Washington Commanders look to address their struggling defense, which holds the NFL’s worst success rate on first downs this season, as they come off their bye this week. (More)

➤ Washington Capitals forward Alex Tuch led the team to a comeback victory over the Buffalo Sabres, his former team, on Saturday, scoring two goals, including a game-winner in overtime. (See Highlight)

➤ The Washington Wizards held a 21-point lead early in the fourth quarter of their weekend matchup against the Chicago Bulls, but a late comeback forced a tight game before Washington prevailed 124-120 to earn their second win of the young season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NHL | NBA | Soccer | Golf | NASCAR | F1

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➤ Scammers stole $20 billion from Americans last year, and the people they fooled were sure it could never happen to them. Odds are you’ve already encountered one of their tricks. (Tune In Here)

In the latest episode of Flyover Focus, we count down the 10 most common scams putting you and your loved ones in danger right now. These deceptions are convincing enough to fool even the most careful people, and knowing how they work is your best protection. We count them all down, including one that threatens to drain your entire retirement account. How many would you have spotted?

In case you missed it, last week’s Flyover Focus counted down 10 small towns that changed American history. (Watch Now)

➤ Home sales across Virginia are cooling, with 8,410 homes sold in September, a 4.2% drop from a year ago. Pending sales are down 14.3%, active listings jumped 20.4%, and the median price held at $420,000. (More)

➤ Maximus will acquire Agile Defense for $660 million in cash, expanding its defense and national security capabilities with cybersecurity, AI, and digital expertise from the McLean-based firm. (More)

➤ Whole Foods will open its first Chesterfield store on Nov. 19 at Midlothian Depot, a 37,636-square-foot location that becomes the organic grocer’s third in the Richmond region. (More)

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➤ Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls filled downtown Harrisonburg on Saturday for the 15th annual Skeleton Festival, a family-friendly fall celebration hosted by Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. (Watch Report)

➤ G.W. Carver High’s class of 1976, the first in Henry County to spend all five years in an integrated high school, gathered recently for a 50th reunion in Martinsville. When the county integrated, it kept the historically black school open and sent white students there. (See Photos)

➤ The Franklin County bluegrass band Lost & Found was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame Thursday at this year’s International Bluegrass Music Association awards in Chattanooga, Tennessee, months after the death of founding member Allen Mills. (See Photos)

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes.

➤ Eleven people, six of them children, were shot after Florida A&M’s homecoming game, and police say a fight between two or three people set it off. (Hear Details)

➤ Clocks fall back this weekend, and three different plans to stop the twice-a-year switch all stalled in Congress. One would have split the difference by 30 minutes. (Hear Why)

➤ Most of what America streams was released five or more years ago, and a 2015 pop song is one of this year’s biggest hits. (Listen Now)

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$4B Audi Plant, Falcons Upend Niners, and Newest $1B Startup

Monday, October 26, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1945, writer Pat Conroy was born in Atlanta. His works include The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini.

A big shout-out to Peach County in today's edition! Can you name its largest city? Head to Trivia to learn more about the county named for the region's peach crop ... and now the planned site of an Audi plant. If you're from the area, reply and share your reaction.

Scammers took $20 billion from Americans last year, and we want to tell you about the 10 most common scams that are putting you and your loved ones in danger right now. Odds are you’ve already encountered one or maybe even fallen into one. These deceptions are convincing enough to fool people who were sure they’d never fall for one, and knowing how they work is the best protection you have. So how do you keep yourself and the people you love safe? On today’s episode of Flyover Focus, we count down all 10, including one that threatens to drain your entire retirement account. Tune in here!

Are you paying more for car insurance than you need to? Later today, watch for a message from our partner, Insurify, about comparing rates from more than 100 insurers in just minutes.

Today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is sharing 18 little-known Costco shopping secrets that could help you uncover hidden deals, maximize your membership, and save more money on your next shopping trip.

Audi Plans $4B Plant

Audi announced plans to build its first U.S. manufacturing plant on a 1,474-acre site along Highway 96 near Interstate 75 in Peach County, a roughly $4 billion project expected to create about 4,500 jobs.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner joined President Trump for the announcement at a Republican campaign rally on Saturday in nearby Perry, where Trump credited his tariff policy.

Site preparation at the Middle Georgia Megasite is set to begin in 2027, with construction in 2028 and full production of 200,000 vehicles a year by 2031. The company plans to build premium SUVs at the plant.

Audi cited the region's established automotive supply chain, skilled workforce, access to Class I rail, and proximity to the ports in Brunswick and Savannah. The state's technical college system will create a customized training program and facility for the plant.

Gas Tax Break Extended

Gov. Brian Kemp extended Georgia's suspension of the state gas tax through Nov. 30, covering the Thanksgiving travel season.

The move extends an action Kemp took in response to global market volatility. It also keeps waivers on commercial truck weight limits and on penalties for using off-road dyed diesel on roads. The suspended tax is 33.3 cents a gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents for diesel.

Since the suspension began Sept. 28, Georgia's average price for regular has stayed below the national average and now sits roughly 63 cents lower, according to AAA.

Kemp said the move will "keep more money in Georgians' pockets."

Aldean Introduces Trump

Country music star and Macon native Jason Aldean introduced President Trump at Saturday's rally at Guardian Centers in Perry, part of a busy weekend of Republican and Democrat campaign activities.

GOP governor candidate Rick Jackson and U.S. Senate candidate Mike Collins joined Trump at the rally, as both parties send headliners to Georgia before early voting ends Friday.

Democrat outreach included U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff campaigning with former U.S. transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg in Atlanta, and governor candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms campaigning in Savannah.

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➤ Cherokee County: The county will take over daily management of Victoria Campground and eight other Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites at Lake Allatoona starting Jan. 1. (More)

➤ Baxley: A 43-year-old local man faces a charge of aggravated assault against a public officer after allegedly shooting at a state game warden investigating illegal hunting Friday night in Appling County. The warden was unhurt. (More)

➤ Savannah: Gusty winds and a full moon could push tides near moderate flood stage early this week, forecasters say. (More)

➤ Athens: The community celebrated the opening of the redesigned College Square event space with a ribbon-cutting, new art, and live music. Renovations cost $6.5 million. (More)

➤ Columbus: The West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition marked 17 years of Paint the Town Pink, its campaign supporting breast cancer survivors. (More)

➤ Sparta: Hancock County deputies and corrections officers intercepted a contraband shipment bound for Hancock State Prison on Oct. 16, seizing 33 pounds of marijuana, ecstasy, tobacco, cellphones, knives and a PlayStation, the sheriff's office said. (More)

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➤ The Atlanta Falcons upset unbeaten San Francisco 29-20 on Sunday, led by a three-touchdown performance by quarterback Michael Penix. (More)

➤ Georgia football rose to No. 3 in this week's AP Top 25 poll, moving up a spot after last week's No. 2 BYU fell to Central Florida. (See Poll)

➤ The WNBA is exploring venue options for Game 6 of the finals Thursday because the Atlanta Hawks are scheduled to play that night at State Farm Arena. (More)

➤ A University of Georgia graduate built CollegeSeats, a resale marketplace for college sports tickets that competes with StubHub and SeatGeek. It covers SEC schools and Georgia Tech. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NHL | NBA | Soccer | Golf | NASCAR | F1

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In case you missed it, last week’s Flyover Focus counted down 10 small towns that changed American history. (Watch Now)

➤ AI company Tractian became Atlanta's newest startup valued at over $1 billion after raising $130 million in Series D financing. (More)

➤ The Home Depot Foundation raised its commitment to veteran causes to $1 billion by 2032, with a special focus on housing programs, including covering security deposits and application fees. (More)

➤ Atlanta startup VerdeTerra, part of Georgia Tech's incubator, launched a home air purifier that uses algae to clean indoor air. (More)

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Costco Shoppers: Don't Miss These 18 Money-Saving Secrets!

FinanceBuzz reveals 18 Costco shopping hacks that could help you keep more money in your pocket.

See All 18 Costco Money-Saving Secrets Here >>

➤ Helen Mirren received the Legend of Entertainment Award on Saturday's opening day of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. (More)

➤ A passport service center will open in Marietta on Nov. 2. Appointments are required. (More)

➤ A legislative panel studying child welfare spending and higher foster care costs held its final meeting and plans to issue a report by December. (More)

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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.

➤ Eleven people, six of them children, were shot after Florida A&M’s homecoming game, and police say a fight between two or three people set it off. (Hear Details)

➤ Clocks fall back this weekend, and three different plans to stop the twice-a-year switch all stalled in Congress. One would have split the difference by 30 minutes. (Hear Why)

➤ Most of what America streams was released five or more years ago, and a 2015 pop song is one of this year’s biggest hits. (Listen Now)