Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1862, the first pitched battle of the Civil War’s Peninsula Campaign occurred at the Battle of Williamsburg. Advancing Union forces fought the Confederate rearguard in a battle that lasted all day as the Confederates retreated toward Richmond.

As students across the Commonwealth are cramming for finals, we asked how readers would improve education.

One recommended more effective supervision. “Fixing the discipline and behavioral issue would save millions in damage to facilities, reduce disruption in instruction, and cut time spent off task.”

“The biggest way to improve education is to actually hold the students accountable for learning,” one reader wrote, while another urged providing more options. “We need community colleges with a 2-year course for potential inventors with a minor in PLUMBING.“

The stock market is on a tear, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing at fresh all-time highs on May 1, and the Dow climbing back toward 50,000. But what’s actually driving this rally? Is it Big Tech earnings? The AI buildout? Hopes that the war in Iran ends soon? On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown breaks down the three forces behind Wall Street’s record run and what investors are watching next. Tune in!

Today’s sponsor is Cozy Earth, and if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your sleep or finding a Mother’s Day gift that actually gets used, this is worth a look. Their bamboo sheets have quickly become a standout with The Flyover readers and have been one of the most talked-about home upgrades we’ve featured.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Spirit Airlines Shuts Down

Travelers across the Commonwealth were scrambling last weekend to find alternatives after Spirit Airlines announced it was out of business. “It was budget-friendly, which helped a lot when coming out of Richmond,” Todd Jones, who used Spirit to fly to Florida, said.

At Norfolk International Airport, travelers heading to Orlando were stranded at an empty ticket counter. “It’s actually very frustrating, honestly, I feel like. I mean, nobody really said anything,” Ronald Newsome said.

The grounded airline had sued the federal government last year, seeking permission to fly longer routes out of Reagan National Airport in Arlington. Only five new long-distance flights were recently approved, awarded to American, Delta, United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines.

Spirit did not fly through Dulles Airport. The former airline announced that the “recent material increase in oil prices” was a key factor in its rapid collapse.

Drug Bust in Bedford County

The James River Regional Drug Task Force announced the arrest of 23-year-old Garrett Belcher on charges that he was transporting 33 pounds of marijuana and more than $8,700 in cash.

The suspect was detained during a traffic stop last week in Bedford County. Members of the sheriff’s office’s Community Action Team took part in the operation.

Belcher was taken to the Blue Ridge Regional Jail in Lynchburg and held without bond.

Involuntary Commitment Report Released

An analysis of Virginia’s involuntary commitment process indicated that the state’s mental health systems often prioritize restraining patients rather than protecting them.

The report was published by the disAbility Law Center of Virginia.

For example, no Virginia state agency collects information about the involuntary commitment of people suffering from mental health challenges. In some cases cited in the report, patients were restrained for long periods of time “even when they did not pose any active danger.“

State law attempts to balance the need for emergency mental health care with each individual’s civil liberties.

Flying together with our sponsor

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➤ Chesterfield: A police officer pulled a person from a burning home before firefighters arrived to extinguish the blaze. The victim was treated for smoke inhalation, and two officers were treated on scene for minor injuries. (Details)

➤ Alexandria City Council signed off on a $979 million budget that does not include a real estate tax increase. However, parking will cost more, with fees rising from $1.75 to $2.75 per hour. (More)

➤ Danville: The new riverfront park opened after three years of construction. The city’s parks and recreation director called it the “premier downtown public space.” (Details)

➤ Washington County: Wayne Stevens, who was serving his third term on the Board of Supervisors, passed away. Local schools lowered flags to half-staff in his honor. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Commonwealth will begin restoring voting rights to some former felons next month under an agreement with a federal judge. “When Virginians have paid their debt to society, they deserve to regain their right to vote,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said. (Details)

➤ Botetourt County: Crops aren’t the only things suffering because of Virginia’s ongoing drought conditions; honeybee colonies are under pressure as well. A beehive needs up to a quart of water daily to thrive. (More)

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➤ UVA men’s and women’s tennis each advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals this weekend. (Details)

➤ Virginia Tech flipped wide receiver Demarcus Brown from UVA this week, giving James Franklin’s new staff its 10th commitment of the 2027 class. Brown caught 14 TDs as a junior at Roanoke’s North Cross School. (More)

➤ Speculation abounds that the Washington Wizards might trade Anthony Davis this offseason without him having ever suited up for the team. (More)

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➤ The average price of gas increased 22.7 cents per gallon over the week that ended yesterday, according to the tracking firm GasBuddy. The cost for a gallon of fuel in the Commonwealth averaged $4.16 yesterday, up 10.3 cents month over month and $1.15 year over year. (Details)

➤ Andre McLaughlin, a former Williamsburg police officer, has tailored a different career for himself: making custom suits for men. (More)

➤ Oliver Inc., a packaging company in Chesterfield County, announced it will close a facility, impacting 72 employees. (Details)

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Flying together with our sponsor

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➤ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach is marking its 30th anniversary this year with a full slate of concerts. (See Schedule)

➤ The nonprofit group 100 Black Men of Central Virginia awarded 54 scholarships to high school seniors from the Charlottesville region. To earn the the $1,000 scholarships, students needed to post a 3.0 GPA, take part in community programs, and enroll in classes this fall. (More)

➤ The Virginia Tech Police Department will raise money for Special Olympics Virginia at its annual hot dog luncheon, which is scheduled for May 21. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

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