Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Dominion’s 20-Year Plan, Early Voting Surges, and a Goat Farming Craze

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1774, the First Continental Congress adopted the Continental Association, a colony-wide boycott of British goods. Williamsburg’s own Peyton Randolph presided over it as the Congress’ first president.

Richmond International Airport is one step closer to improving its security checkpoint process. Learn more in Top Stories, then answer our Poll to let us know what would improve your airport experience.

What does $1 million actually get you once retirement hits? A life of cruises and beach houses, or something far more ordinary? How much disappears into housing before the first trip is booked? What happens when the medical bills arrive, and is there anything left for the grandkids? And the biggest factor in how far a million goes: It’s not the stock market, and it surprises almost everyone. On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counts down the five things you need to know about retiring with seven figures. Tune in here!

Your personal information could be for sale online without your knowledge. Later today, watch for a message from our partner, Incogni, about removing your data from hundreds of websites, plus a special 58% discount for Flyover readers.

Today’s sponsor, Fisher Investments, is offering a guide for tips and advice on creating a retirement strategy that’s cohesive, current, and aligned with your full financial picture.

Dominion Plans Solar Surge, Keeps Natural Gas

Dominion Energy plans more than 39 gigawatts of new power generation over the next 20 years to meet surging electricity demand in Virginia, according to its latest integrated resource plan update.

The roadmap calls for over 21 gigawatts of solar, 3.5 gigawatts of battery storage, 3.3 gigawatts of wind, and 2 gigawatts of small modular reactors, alongside 9 gigawatts of new natural gas.

The company—which currently owns or contracts with renewable projects in five states, including Virginia—says carbon-free resources aren’t yet commercially viable or sufficiently dispatchable to meet roughly 4% annual load growth, which is expected to double demand by 2045.

Residential bills are projected to rise under both company and regulatory calculations, while the plan aims to reduce reliance on costlier power purchases from the regional grid.

Richmond Airport Advances $250M Checkpoint

A Richmond International Airport committee has picked a design firm for a $250 million project that would merge its two security checkpoints into one area with up to 14 lanes.

The Capital Region Airport Commission’s planning committee voted last week to recommend a $13.4 million design contract with Gresham Smith, a Nashville firm with a local office whose team includes several Richmond-area firms.

Beyond combining the A and B concourse checkpoints, the plan, unveiled a year ago, adds a second level with administrative offices and a grand hall, plus more concessions and a lounge. Seven contractors responded to a request for proposals to build it, and staff expects to bring a pick to the commission in January.

The committee also backed a $20.6 million deal with Norfolk-based Tazewell Contracting for a two-story “rental car connector.” Both contracts still need full commission approval.

Virginia Tech Joins Federal Mining Project

Virginia Tech will help build and test next-generation mining technology as part of a federally backed project led by Lynchburg’s Innovative Wireless Technologies.

The work falls under the Department of Energy’s $73 million “Mine of the Future” initiative, which aims to shore up America’s supply of critical minerals by moving new mining tools out of the lab and into working mines.

Innovative Wireless Technologies is leading a roughly $25 million effort, with about $17.7 million from Washington and the rest from partners including Virginia Tech and the Colorado School of Mines.

Virginia Tech expects to receive about $4.6 million for wireless, tele-remote, and advanced mining research, pending final award negotiations. Test sites are planned in Blacksburg, along with locations in West Virginia and Colorado.

Flying together with our sponsor

The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income

A successful retirement strategy should account for more than individual investments. Your goals, health, spending needs, family, and other accounts all shape the approach that may be right for you. For investors with $1 million or more, bringing those pieces together can be especially important. The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income explores how to balance short-term volatility against long-term growth needs, prepare for inflation, coordinate your portfolio, schedule withdrawals, and keep your retirement plan current.

Download the guide for tips and advice on creating a strategy that’s cohesive, current, and aligned with your full financial picture. Then schedule a conversation with a financial professional to discuss ways to bring your retirement plan to life.

➤ Statewide: Virginia’s General Assembly canceled its Oct. 26 special session to elect Court of Appeals judges over scheduling conflicts, scuttling Sen. Glen Sturtevant’s hoped-for push to debate a data center moratorium. (More)

➤ James City County: An elementary student brought a handgun to Williamsburg Christian Academy on Friday and was later found with it at an after-school program, police say. James City County police and the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office are both investigating. (More)

➤ Fluvanna County: The Southern Environmental Law Center sued on behalf of six residents to overturn the county Board of Supervisors’ 4-1 approval of a 1,540-megawatt Tenaska gas plant, alleging the board leaned on unenforceable developer promises and skipped its own zoning and public-hearing rules. (More)

➤ Henrico County: The family of King Overton, a 9-year-old who drowned at a SwimRVA summer camp in June, filed a $100 million wrongful-death lawsuit Friday, alleging an inflatable play structure blocked the only staffed lifeguard stand. (More)

➤ Lynchburg & Danville: Early voting is surging as the Nov. 3 election nears. About 6,600 ballots have been cast in Lynchburg, while Danville has recorded roughly 2,800, more than double its 2022 midterm total. Early voting runs through Oct. 31. (More)

➤ Chesterfield County has opened five library branches as early voting satellite sites: Clover Hill, Ettrick-Matoaca, LaPrade, Meadowdale, and North Courthouse Road. (More)

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

➤ The Washington Commanders dropped to 1-4-1 after a 17-23 Monday Night Football loss to the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, as Jayden Daniels’ two second-half touchdown passes sparked a late comeback that fell short. (More)

➤ Undefeated James Madison visits Appalachian State in Boone, North Carolina, on Thursday. The Dukes are favored by 10.5 points in the Sun Belt matchup. (More)

➤ UVA’s men’s basketball boasts one of the nation’s top backcourts heading into the season, featuring sophomore point guard Chance Mallory, a popular breakout pick, and shooting guard Sam Lewis. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech volleyball swept UVA 3-0 Friday at Cassell Coliseum, snapping a nine-match losing streak to the Cavaliers. Right-side hitter Frances Torres led the way with 13 kills, and outside hitter Destiny Walker added 10. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NFL | NHL | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Don't Lose Your Precious Photos and Videos! ThePhotoStick OMNI makes protecting your favorite memories effortless! Simply plug it in, click GO, and automatically find, organize, and back up thousands of photos and videos. Compatible with phones, tablets, and computers, it eliminates complicated backups and monthly cloud fees. Protect your memories today! Get ThePhotoStick OMNI Here >>

➤ Henrico officials cut the ribbon this month on Medallion Park, a $100 million redevelopment across Telegraph Road from the former Virginia Center Commons mall site, pairing the 279-unit Signal at Medallion Park apartments with 170,000 square feet of renovated office space. (More)

➤ Blacksburg’s town council voted unanimously to replace the $1,000 criminal penalty for operating a noncompliant short-term rental with a $500 civil penalty, matching state code. Renters may now also operate one short-term rental with their landlord’s permission. (More)

➤ Dutch Bros opened its first Virginia location Friday at 796 Lynnhaven Parkway in Virginia Beach, next to Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Keep Every Meal Hot and Delicious! Tired of food getting cold before everyone finishes eating? The Urban Cooks Heating Mat helps keep your favorite dishes warm and ready to serve. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and parties, this convenient warming mat makes entertaining easier and mealtime more enjoyable. Get Yours Today >>

Flying together with our sponsor

More accounts, managers, and investment choices do not always add up to a cohesive retirement strategy. Investors with $1 million or more may benefit from stepping back to consider how each decision fits their goals, time frame, and full financial picture. The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income examines risk, inflation, portfolio coordination, withdrawals, and investment income sources. Download the guide and schedule a conversation with a financial professional to talk about your plan.

➤ A goat-farming craze is attracting small-scale farmers, but experts urge caution. Seven Gables Farm & Apiary in Hardy has raised Nigerian Dwarf goats for a decade and advises newcomers to vet breeders carefully and weigh the commitment before diving in. (Watch Report)

➤ George Mason University and VCU researchers landed a two-year, $200,000 state grant to study chemotherapy-induced nerve pain in breast cancer, using proteomics and a tumor-bearing mouse model to learn how cancer and chemo combine to damage nerves. (More)

➤ Virginia landed 16th in a 2026 happiness index that weighed well-being, work environment, and community conditions, with a score of 56.08. Hawaii topped the ranking, and West Virginia came in last. (See Map)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ 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.

➤ The million-dollar retirement dream is shrinking, and the biggest threat isn’t the one most retirees expect. (Listen Now)

➤ Ukrainian drone operators completed a frontline medical evacuation that had never been done before. (Hear Details)

➤ A National Guard member was shot after troops stepped in to break up a late-night street fight in Washington, D.C. (Hear Story)

What would most improve your airport experience?

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your favorite Chuck Berry song?

Johnny B. Goode: 39%
Not a Chuck Berry fan: 15%
Maybellene: 14%
Roll Over Beethoven: 13%
Rock and Roll Music: 10%
Sweet Little Sixteen: 6%
Other: 3%

Where is Virginia’s only exhibition mine located?

Show me the answer

Unsubscribe

The Virginia Flyover
10408 Courthouse Rd
Unit #508
Spotsylvania, VA 22553

Record Jobs, Airman Tragedy, and Festival Guide

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1946, Lewis Grizzard was born in Fort Benning. The humorist and columnist became a Southern voice, known for wit, charm, and unapologetic regional pride.

Today’s sponsor, Fisher Investments, is offering a guide for tips and advice on creating a retirement strategy that’s cohesive, current, and aligned with your full financial picture.

Jobs Hit New Record

The state labor department reported record employment and labor force numbers for the ninth straight month in September, with 5.3 million employed and a labor force of 5.5 million workers.

Initial jobless claims fell to 15,874, the lowest since April 1974.

The statewide jobless rate ticked up to 3.3% from 3.2% in August, below the national rate of 4.2% and down from 3.4% a year earlier. As of August, the Gainesville area reported the lowest jobless rate among the state's metro areas at 2.8%, with metro Atlanta's rate at 3.4%.

The job gains extended to health care, local government, and manufacturing. At a Dalton rally Friday, President Trump highlighted planned investments by UCB, Pirelli, and Hyundai as signs of Georgia’s manufacturing growth. The biggest job losses over the past year came in federal government (8,800), professional and technical services (8,600), and construction (4,900).

Thyroid Cancer Rates Under Study

A University of North Georgia epidemiologist launched new research into why several northeast Georgia counties report some of the state's highest thyroid cancer rates.

Rates in Union, Lumpkin, Hall, White, Habersham, and Rabun counties have run about double or higher than the national average over the past decade.

North Georgia epidemiologist Neal Lin's research will examine year-by-year trends, types of thyroid cancer, and whether diagnoses cluster in particular communities.

Researchers have suggested environmental causes as a possible explanation, though no single factor has been linked to the elevated rates.

Gas Prices Dip Again

Georgia's average gas price fell to $3.73 a gallon as of this weekend, down 8 cents from a week earlier and 56 cents below the national average of $4.29.

Albany reported the lowest metro average at $3.57 a gallon, while Savannah was the most expensive at $3.83. You can check the latest gas prices in your area here.

Diesel prices averaged $5.73 as of Monday, down from a record $6.35 a month ago.

This month, Gov. Brian Kemp extended the suspension of the state's per-gallon taxes on gas (33.3 cents) and diesel (37.3 cents) through Nov. 5 and waived penalties for using dyed diesel on roads.

Flying together with our sponsor

The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income

➤ Fort Stewart: Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson of Fort Stewart was identified as the airman who died in a rappelling accident before Saturday's UTSA-Navy football game in Texas. (More)

➤ Macon: Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. for President Trump's Republican rally Saturday. The venue remains unannounced. Trump is expected to address the rally at 7 p.m. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Former President Barack Obama will join U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and governor nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms at an Oct. 28 rally for Democrats. The venue remains unannounced. (More)

➤ Moultrie: The Sunbelt Ag Expo opens today, offering students and families hands-on activities, educational competitions, and livestock demonstrations. (More)

➤ Augusta: The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area secured a $750,000 federal grant to restore the historic Mother Trinity CME Church, bringing total grant funding to $2.25 million. (More)

➤ Savannah: Georgia Southern University's Armstrong Campus will mark the 30th anniversary of its Celebrate Together tradition from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. (More)

➤ Monroe County: A 58-year-old St. Louis man died Saturday on I-75 after a tire came off a southbound truck's trailer, crossed into northbound traffic, and struck two vehicles. (More)

Enjoy reading The Georgia Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.✈️

➤ The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton and released Cooper Rush, who started the season's first two games. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels was released from Grady Memorial Hospital and rejoined the team in the locker room following his injury in Sunday's game. (More)

➤ Georgia Southern's rifle team beat West Virginia 4,740-4,738 for the program's first win over a No. 1-ranked team. (More)

➤ Christian Mays of Northeast Mississippi Community College, the nation's No. 1 junior college defensive lineman per 247Sports, switched his commitment to Georgia from Tennessee. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Dream defeated Golden State 79-65 in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night in San Francisco, with both teams again leaving the court for the national anthem. (More | Video)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NFL | NHL | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Florida-based Novineer, which makes generative design software for product engineers, won the $475,000 Startup Showcase Live investment prize at last week's Venture Atlanta conference. (More)

➤ The Home Depot became the Atlanta Hawks' official home improvement partner in a multiyear deal that includes Fan Zone naming rights and a skilled-trades career program with Atlanta Public Schools. (More)

➤ Raising Cane's opened its first Macon restaurant, hiring more than 100 local crew members and donating $2,000 to All About Animals Rescue. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The Georgia-Carolina State Fair is underway in Augusta, part of the state's busy lineup of fairs and fall festivals that run into next month. (See Guide)

➤ Historic Athens Porchfest marked its eighth year Sunday, turning front porches in seven neighborhoods into stages for a free day of live music presented by Cafe Racer. (More)

➤ Breast cancer survivors toured Savannah by trolley Monday, stopping at The Olde Pink House, Leopold's Ice Cream, and City Hall during the Paint the Town Pink campaign. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor