Sunday, August 23, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2011, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Mineral in Louisa County just before 2 p.m. Felt as far north as Rhode Island, it caused $80 million in damage, demolished two schools, and prompted evacuations at the Pentagon, White House, and Capitol—but there were no major injuries.

Chesapeake-raised astronaut Andre Douglas is preparing for NASA’s Artemis III mission, and, along with helping dock spacecraft, he’ll serve as the crew’s self-described “food master.”

If you could send one Virginia food or snack into space, what would it be? Hit reply and tell us—we want to hear your pick!

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counted down the 10 renovations homeowners regret most. 74% of homeowners who renovated in the last five years wish they'd done something differently, and the most regretted upgrades aren't what you'd expect. Ayla broke down where these projects go wrong and shared simple tricks that could save you from making the same mistakes. So before you pick up a paintbrush or a sledgehammer, find out whether your dream upgrade is one homeowners wish they could undo. And if you've already survived a remodel, see if your biggest regret made the list. Tune in here!

Today's edition is brought to you by Cacao Bliss. Try their delicious heart-healthy hot cocoa superfood drink.

Court Pauses Challenge to Firearms Ban

A Lancaster County judge paused a legal challenge Friday to Virginia’s ban on certain semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity magazines, joining three other state courts and a federal court that have issued similar stays.

The law took effect July 1, but its enforcement remains blocked statewide under separate injunctions while challenges work through the courts.

Among its provisions, the law prohibits future sales of certain semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity magazines.

Friday’s order pauses proceedings in John Crump, et al. v. Jeffrey S. Katz as the U.S. Supreme Court considers challenges involving similar semi-automatic firearms bans elsewhere in the country.

Virginia Raises Hunting, Fishing Fees

Virginia’s Board of Wildlife Resources approved fee increases for hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses Thursday, marking the first broad increase in 14 years.

Resident license prices will rise by roughly $5 to $20, depending on the package, while some nonresident fees will increase by as much as $50. The new rates take effect Oct. 1.

The department said the increases are needed to address a budget shortfall and are expected to generate about $6.9 million. Officials said the agency borrowed that same amount from the state treasury this year to pay bills.

The board also approved higher boating fees, a new $10 camping permit for wildlife management areas, and updated safety rules. Officials described the increases as a “last resort” after rising costs outpaced the agency’s budget.

Chesapeake Astronaut Trains for Artemis III

Chesapeake-raised astronaut Andre Douglas is training for NASA’s Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2027. The Western Branch High School graduate will make his first trip to space.

Douglas is one of four astronauts assigned to the mission, which will test critical systems in low Earth orbit needed for future lunar landings.

As Mission Specialist No. 2, Douglas will help with docking operations involving SpaceX and also sits beside the equipment used to warm and rehydrate meals, making him the crew’s self-described “food master.”

Douglas recently completed emergency egress training, including practicing escapes from the Orion capsule after splashdown. He credited growing up in Chesapeake with helping prepare him for the journey ahead.

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Longevity breakfast dessert enjoyed by Blue Zone Costa Ricans helps them live to 100?

Most Americans think eating sweets for breakfast is unhealthy…

But according to Stanford researchers, there's one delicious “dessert” food that Costa Ricans in the famous "blue zone" there eat each morning that…

✅ Keeps them lean even into their 70s, 80s, and 90s…
✅ Slows blood sugar spikes, and maintains healthy insulin sensitivity…
✅ Keeps their blood pressure at normal healthy levels…
✅ Keeps their hearts and arteries strong and clean well into old age, with a striking lack of heart disease in their population…
✅ Even helps them have 7x more Centenarians than Japanese people…

So what's the #1 “dessert” food that helps Costa Ricans live healthy, lean, and energetic past 100?

Click below to discover Costa Rica's Blue Zone secret:

>> Eat this Costa Rican longevity "dessert" for breakfast.

P.S. Here's the crazy part - while Costa Ricans are living longer with this morning ritual, Americans trying it are losing 7 lbs in a couple weeks as a "side effect." Not a bad bonus, right?

➤ Statewide: Families who need to apply have until Aug. 31 to apply for SUN Bucks, a one-time $120 summer grocery benefit for each eligible school-aged child. More than 628,000 children have received benefits. (More)

➤ Statewide: Health officials have confirmed six human cases of West Nile virus. Mosquitoes also tested positive in several Virginia Beach neighborhoods, though no human cases were confirmed there. (More)

➤ Also Statewide: State officials estimate up to 300,000 Virginians could lose Medicaid coverage under the new federal tax and spending law. Separately, about 100,000 have lost Marketplace coverage this year amid higher premiums. (More)

➤ Manassas: Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger will resign Sept. 30, nearly three months earlier than previously planned. The city will follow its charter and state law to fill the vacancy. (More)

➤ Newport News: The Navy is reportedly considering renaming the future USS Doris Miller, an aircraft carrier under construction, possibly for President Trump. No final decision has been announced. (More)

➤ Henrico County: Officials revoked 10 fire investigators’ access to the county’s license-plate reader system after finding the access violated state law. Evidence obtained through the license-plate reader system in five criminal cases will not be used. (More)

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➤ Washington Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels made his preseason debut yesterday against the Detroit Lions, throwing just one pass as the starting offense went three-and-out in their only drive in a 17-13 loss. (More)

➤ James Madison University has announced a sellout of season tickets for the fourth consecutive season. JMU plans to expand Bridgeforth Stadium in coming years to accommodate more fans. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech is reportedly in the mix to land 2025 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year Trent Hendrick, who was granted an extra year of eligibility after being granted a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit against the NCAA. Hendrick spent time at NFL minicamps this offseason. (More)

➤ Washington Nationals No. 3 prospect Jarlin Susana looked strong in his recent rehab appearance, tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and topping out at 103 mph on his fastball. (More)

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➤ Could Chocolate Help Support Your GLP-1 Levels? One particular form of chocolate is getting attention for its potential effect on GLP-1, a hormone involved in appetite and metabolism. While some people turn to expensive injections, others are exploring this surprisingly simple approach. Could your favorite treat hold the key? Discover the #1 chocolate for supporting metabolism and GLP-1 >>

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3 foods that are loading your body with microplastics

According to Dr. Rick Cohen - a renowned Duke University MD - these 3 "micro-plastic foods" are secretly poisoning Americans…

Because they’re packed with tiny pieces of plastic that can raise your risk of a heart attack, build up inside your brain and damage organs in your body. These "3 foods" are some of America's favorite seafood, a common vegetable and something you sprinkle EVERY day on your meals.

Avoid these 3 "micro-plastic foods at all costs

➤ Four Shenandoah Valley high schools, East Rockingham, Buffalo Gap, Central, and Fort Defiance, each won $5,000 through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights program. (More)

➤ Smith Mountain Lake’s Battle of the Bands returns today from noon to 8 p.m. at Mango’s Bar & Grill, with eight bands competing while donations benefit SML Good Neighbors. Admission is free. (More)

➤ Petersburg firefighter Jacob Beville had his swearing-in interrupted by a fire call, finished his oath, ran to the truck, and helped battle the blaze before returning for his badge. (See Video)

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➤ Most Americans think eating sweets for breakfast is unhealthy. But according to Stanford researchers, there's one delicious “dessert” that Costa Ricans in the famous "blue zone" there eat each morning. So, what's the #1 “dessert” food that helps Costa Ricans live healthy, lean, and energetic past 100?

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

➤ A brief tariff pause ended with the U.S. and Canada locked in a new trade fight. (Hear More)

➤ A father’s decision left his young son stranded thousands of feet up Mount Fuji. (Listen Now)

➤ The night sky is set to deliver a lunar show that will not be matched until 2028. (Podcast Available)

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➤ Most of us could use a few more healthy habits, but they don't have to be complicated. Quince has a wellness product that's become part of many of our daily routines. We think it's worth checking out if you're looking to make small improvements that add up over time. (More)