FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1758, 26-year-old Col. George Washington was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in Winchester, marking his first political victory. The event celebrated his service in the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War, launching a long public career that led to his role in the American Revolution.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has chosen Virginia Tech as one of two schools that will host a new fellowship for senior military officers. Learn more in Top Stories.

If shedding extra pounds and feeling your best this summer is on your agenda, today's sponsor, Direct Meds, is offering $150 off your first order of doctor-supervised GLP-1 weight-loss treatment delivered right to your door.

VT Chosen for Military Officer Fellowship

The Department of War has picked Virginia Tech and UNC-Chapel Hill to host a new fellowship for senior military officers.

They are the first schools approved for the revamped Senior Service College Fellowship, a 10-month program that stands in for the traditional war colleges. More partners are expected later.

The selections follow Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s February order stripping the fellowship from more than 20 elite schools, among them Harvard, Yale, and Virginia’s College of William & Mary.

Hegseth said senior colleges should sharpen warfighters on “genuine national security issues, not social justice activism,” part of what he called an effort to rebuild the warrior ethos.

William & Mary, dropped in February, said it was “puzzled and saddened” by the decision, and pointed to its long record of educating military officers.

Richmond Named No. 2 Rising City

LinkedIn’s 2026 Cities on the Rise report has named Greater Richmond the second-fastest-growing metro in the U.S. for jobs and new talent, a major leap from 13th place last year. Only Augusta, Georgia, ranks higher, with Richmond outpacing Reno, Nevada; North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The ranking highlights Richmond’s fast-growing economy, expanding tech infrastructure, and strategic East Coast location that continue to draw employers and residents. The metro is welcoming 281 net new residents per week, drawn by affordable living and job growth in sectors like credit and finance, healthcare, and higher education, plus convenient access to mountains, beaches, and Washington, D.C.

This momentum signals Greater Richmond’s emergence as a magnet for professionals and businesses seeking growth outside traditional hubs, reinforcing its position as Virginia’s standout city for career opportunities in 2026.

UVA Targets Deadliest Brain Cancer

University of Virginia researchers have developed an experimental way to deliver cancer-fighting molecules past the brain's natural defenses to attack glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is the deadliest brain cancer, killing more than 13,000 Americans a year, and the blood-brain barrier blocks most drugs from reaching the tumor.

The UVA team uses tiny genetic molecules called microRNAs to switch off multiple tumor-driving genes at once, then delivers them with brain-penetrating nanoparticles and focused ultrasound.

So far, the approach has slowed tumor growth and extended survival only in lab animals, not people, but researcher Roger Abounader says it could open the door to clinical trials for glioblastoma and other brain tumors.

Flying together with our sponsor

Ready to take the next step in your weight-loss journey? Today's sponsor, Direct Meds, is making it easier than ever with $150 OFF your first order of doctor-supervised GLP-1 treatment.

Direct Meds connects eligible patients with licensed healthcare providers and offers access to compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide through a simple online process. Your treatment plan includes medical review, prescription (if approved), medication, supplies, and fast home delivery—all with transparent pricing and no hidden membership fees.

Getting started takes just minutes. Complete a brief online health assessment, and if approved, your medication can be shipped directly to your door. Take advantage of this limited-time offer and save $150 on your first order while beginning a medically supervised approach to weight management.

➤ Statewide: Virginia hospitals warn that a proposed federal Medicaid rule could slash the state’s funding by $31 billion, arguing it reaches further than Congress intended in the reconciliation law President Trump signed. (More)

➤ Statewide: Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told Virginia Democrats they can still win the midterms by focusing on healthcare and affordability, even after losing a congressional map they’d hoped could flip up to four Republican-held seats. (More)

➤ Chesterfield County: Supervisors voted to put a 1% sales tax increase on the November ballot to fund school construction, which would create an estimated $65 to 70 million a year, and proposed offsetting cuts to real estate and personal property taxes to shift more of the load onto visitors. (More)

➤ Hanover County: Supervisors directed staff to draft local rules for retail marijuana sales ahead of Virginia’s recreational cannabis market opening July 1, 2027. Counties can set zoning, local sales taxes, and store hours. (More)

➤ Roanoke: Police reported that crime in the city is down 19% so far this year compared with the same period in 2025, continuing a multi-year decline. (More)

➤ Botetourt County: Officials said Google’s planned data center will use air-cooling technology, which uses far less water than conventional systems, though the cooling method for later buildings on the site is still being evaluated. (More)

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

➤ JMU’s Marching Royal Dukes were nominated for USA Today’s Best College Marching Band in the publication’s readers’ choice awards. The band has a membership of over 500, making it one of the larger bands in the country. (More)

➤ The Washington Nationals are weighing whether to trade breakout All-Star Foster Griffin ahead of the deadline or extend him. The left-hander signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal and now carries a 2.68 ERA through 20 starts. (More)

➤ Former Commander Deebo Samuel, who’s still unsigned in free agency, said he has “at least like three, four good years left” heading into his eighth NFL season. The 30-year-old caught 72 passes for 727 yards for Washington last season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Golf

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Need a simple place for your phone while driving? Try Cell Phone Seat, it doesn't block your view, vents, or even your cup holder. It's the easiest cell phone mount to install and use, plus it's Made in America by Veterans! Get the two-pack discount, makes a great gift. (See video here)

➤ Richmond’s Economic Development Authority offered the Flying Squirrels access to at least 30% of CarMax Park’s main entrance during a planned WinterWorld holiday event, but owner Lou DiBella’s attorney rejected the offer and demanded full access beginning Nov. 11. (See Details)

➤ Construction delays have pushed the opening of Portsmouth’s Advanced Career Education (PACE) Center to January 2027, forcing 164 students to rearrange their plans for the coming school year. (More)

➤ United Airlines will begin daily nonstop flights between Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport and Newark, giving Central Virginia travelers a new connection to one of the country’s busiest hubs. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Homeowners insurance doesn't monitor your property's title. Title fraud happens when criminals use forged documents to transfer ownership or borrow against your home's equity. Home Title Lock monitors your title 24/7 and sends alerts when any changes are detected. Get a free title report to confirm your property is still in your name. Check Your Title

Flying together with our sponsor

Summer is here. Are you ready to look and feel your best? Direct Meds makes it easier with doctor-supervised GLP-1 weight-loss treatment delivered right to your door. Whether you're aiming to slim down, boost your confidence, or finally fit into your favorite summer clothes, Direct Meds offers a simple online process and personalized care every step of the way.

For a limited time, new customers can get $150 OFF their first order. Start your summer transformation today and see why thousands are choosing Direct Meds.

➤ UVA is exploring three-year bachelor’s degrees as a way to trim the cost and time of college, one of several higher-education ideas drawing attention around the Commonwealth. (More)

➤ New research from a James Madison University professor challenges the long-repeated advice that letting a baby “cry it out” is the best path to healthy sleep habits. (See Details)

➤ Cason Funnel Cakes, run by Richmond siblings Andre and Terrance Cason, competes on the new season of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race, premiering Sunday. (Watch Report)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stronger, Whiter, Fresher. Want a whiter smile, stronger enamel, and fresher breath… without the harsh side effects? Check out Purely White Deluxe today.

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:

➤ Medicare covers a lot, but a new estimate shows retirees still face a soaring healthcare bill that keeps climbing every year. (Hear Details)

➤ Homicide numbers in major American cities are approaching territory the nation has not seen in more than a century. (Hear Episode)

➤ Ford reportedly fired a nine-year assembly worker accused of stealing snacks he insists he paid for. (Listen Now)