The Virginia Flyover

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1776, the Fifth Virginia Convention adjourned, unaware that Congress had voted for independence on July 2 and adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Having established independence and a state government, the convention dissolved in favor of a General Assembly to be held under the new constitution.

As our nation commemorates its 250th birthday, we’ll be sending out shortened editions through Monday so The Virginia Flyover staff can celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will be back on Tuesday.

America just turned 250, and we invited the entire world to the party. For years, the world has been told that this country is angry, divided, and not what it used to be. Then over a million international visitors poured into our cities this summer for the World Cup, and they are seeing something completely different. Late-night Waffle House runs, brisket the size of a small child, and strangers going out of their way to help. A lot of them showed up braced for the worst and instead fell head over heels. Tune in to today’s Flyover Podcast as Amy shares what the world is discovering about America. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Lemonade Pet Insurance, helps pet owners manage rising vet costs with affordable plans starting around $10/month and flexible coverage designed to protect both your pet’s health and your budget.

The whole world came to America for the World Cup this summer, and over a million visitors are discovering why this country is truly one of a kind. (Watch Now)

90-Year-Old Reflects on Life Before Electricity

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, a 90-year-old Rockingham County resident shared memories of growing up before electricity transformed daily life in the Shenandoah Valley.

Arletta Clutteur recalled washing clothes by hand, cooking without electric appliances, and raising money through community events to help bring electricity to local schools. She said neighbors relied on one another, gathering for hymn sings and sharing harvests long before modern conveniences arrived.

The reflections come as the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative marks its 90th anniversary, celebrating the expansion of electricity that forever changed homes, schools, farms, and hospitals across the region.

Balloons Over Rockbridge Takes Flight

Hot air balloons filled the skies over Rockbridge County this Fourth of July weekend as the annual Balloons Over Rockbridge festival returned with live music, family activities, and tethered rides celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Held at the Virginia Horse Center, the free festival featured dozens of vendors, local bands, children’s activities, and balloon launches, with tethered flights delayed Saturday because of extreme heat.

The two-day event also supports Unity 4 Kids, with proceeds benefiting programs that serve children and families throughout the region. See pictures and videos here.

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➤ Henrico County: County officials say they were notified the same day a facility released nearly 600 pounds of ethylene oxide but did not alert the public because the leak had already been contained and posed no immediate emergency. (More)

➤ Albemarle County: Historic Michie Tavern has new owners after nearly six decades under the MacDonald family, with the landmark’s dining, gift shop, and daily operations continuing uninterrupted. (More)

➤ Lexington: The city is mourning the loss of longtime Mayor Frank Friedman, who died Thursday after suffering a brain aneurysm, as residents honored his decades of public service during the city’s Fourth of July celebrations. (More)

➤ Roanoke County: A brush fire that burned about 100 acres in the Fort Lewis area is now fully contained, with crews continuing to monitor the site as investigators work to determine the cause. (More)

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