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!

Today's sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is highlighting a limited-time Chase Freedom Unlimited® offer that combines a lengthy introductory 0% APR, cash back rewards, and a chance for eligible new cardholders to earn a $200 bonus.

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.

Flying together with our sponsor

High-interest credit card debt can make it harder to get ahead. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card offers a lengthy introductory 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for eligible applicants, giving you time to pay down balances with less interest during the promotional period.

New eligible cardholders can also earn a $200 bonus after meeting the required spending threshold. Plus, you'll earn cash back on everyday purchases, making this card a smart option for both saving and spending. Explore this limited-time offer today and see if it fits your financial goals.

LEARN MORE

➤ 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)

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

➤ 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

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ 10 Reasons You’ll Want This Smart Hummingbird Feeder in Your Backyard Happy Birdy, the AI-powered smart Humming Bird Feeder that lets you see, identify, and connect with birds like never before. Enjoy real-time notifications, stunning HD footage, and AI bird recognition — all from your phone! Learn More

➤ 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)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Don't Wait Until it's Too Late to Fix Your Hairline Get our LOWEST PRICING EVER on your first order for a limited time only from Keeps Hairloss Treatment. See results in 180 days or your money back! Get Started

Flying together with our sponsor

Looking for a smarter way to manage your finances? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card combines everyday rewards with valuable introductory savings. Eligible new cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after meeting the required spending threshold, plus enjoy a lengthy introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers.

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.

LEARN MORE

➤ 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)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ 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)