The Virginia Flyover

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1770, William Clark was born in Caroline County. He later co-commanded the Lewis and Clark Expedition with Meriwether Lewis from 1804 to 1806, mapping the West, keeping detailed journals, and serving afterward as Missouri Territory governor and U.S. Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

NASA just opened its first major new wind tunnel in more than 40 years at Langley, where researchers could help shape everything from tomorrow’s aircraft to vehicles designed for Mars. If you could tour one Virginia research or military facility, which would you choose? Hit reply, and let us know!

Are you paying $139 a year for Amazon Prime just to get free shipping? Odds are you’re only using a fraction of what that money buys. Beyond fast delivery, your membership includes five benefits that could save you hundreds of dollars annually on everyday things. On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, Amy shares five Prime features hiding in plain sight, plus exactly how to activate each one. So what are you already paying for and leaving on the table? Tune in here!

We’re always interested in products that take an everyday task and simply make it easier. That’s what caught our attention about today’s sponsor, the Sonic Glow Brush. If you’ve ever wished brushing your teeth was quicker without sacrificing a thorough clean, this is worth a look.

Spanberger Restores Rights to 66,085

Since taking office in January, Gov. Spanberger has restored civil rights to 66,085 Virginians with past felony convictions, including voting and jury service.

Virginia’s constitution currently bars people with felony convictions from voting unless the governor restores their rights. Spanberger reinstated a proactive review process after taking office.

Voters will consider a constitutional amendment Nov. 3 that would automatically restore voting rights upon release from incarceration, removing the decision from the governor.

Virginia Guard Tests New Brigade Model

Virginia’s 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team became the first National Guard brigade to complete a readiness rotation under the Army’s new mobile structure.

Over 18 months, the brigade fielded about 35 new capabilities, including squad vehicles, drones, counter-drone technology, electronic warfare systems, and updated command tools.

The Army plans to convert 25 of 27 National Guard combat brigades, using the Virginia unit’s training lessons to guide future transitions.

NASA Opens New Langley Wind Tunnel

NASA opened its first major new wind tunnel in more than 40 years Friday at Langley Research Center in Hampton.

The research facility will test scale models of aircraft, drones, rockets, and spacecraft through free-flight and mounted experiments.

The 25,000-square-foot facility can reach 117 mph and will support research involving X-planes, reentry capsules, and vehicles designed for flight on Mars.

Flying together with our sponsor

A Smarter Way to Brush in Just 30 Seconds

Most of us spend two minutes brushing our teeth twice a day. The Sonic Glow Brush takes a different approach. Its soft, U-shaped mouthpiece surrounds your teeth and uses sonic vibrations to clean them all at once, delivering a full brushing routine in as little as 30 seconds.

It’s easy to see why so many people are making the switch. Whether you’re trying to get out the door faster in the morning, simplify your evening routine, or just want an easier way to stay consistent, this brush offers a refreshing alternative to a traditional toothbrush. It also features multiple cleaning modes, built-in blue light whitening technology, and a rechargeable battery that’s perfect for home or travel.

If you’re looking for a smarter, faster way to brush, see how the Sonic Glow Brush works here.

➤ Statewide: Extreme drought fell to 8% and severe drought to 21%, though most of the commonwealth remains under some drought designation. (More)

➤ Culpeper: Three Eastern View High School golfers swam into Lake Culpeper and rescued two adults and a child after the family’s kayaks capsized. (More)

➤ Ashburn: Homeowners in a 143-house subdivision are considering a reported $4 million-per-home sale to a data center developer; every owner must agree and rezoning is required. (More)

➤ Northern Virginia: University of Maryland researchers are tracking black bears to estimate population size and movement, including one that crossed the Potomac River into Herndon. (More)

➤ Albemarle County: Eastbound I-64 will have daytime left-lane closures between mile markers 130 and 132 Aug. 3-6 for tree trimming. Expect delays. (More)

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➤ Virginia Tech cross country and track & field received a $1.2 million gift from Lynchburg donors Martha and Paul Seufer, the largest in program history. The gift will fund a new Champions For Life area in Rector Field House and a covered pavilion at the outdoor practice facility. (More)

➤ Capitals star Alex Ovechkin went viral this week after accidentally wandering into a couple’s wedding photo shoot hotel while carrying a hockey stick. The bride initially thought he was a janitor. (More)

➤ Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin said this offseason has been a welcome return to normalcy after last year’s holdout and injury-shortened season. He also said he’s been building chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels and mentoring the team’s younger receivers. (More)

➤ Washington Wizards wing Jamir Watkins underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn ACL in his left knee and is expected to miss most of the 2026-27 season. The 43rd pick in the 2025 draft, he averaged 7.4 points in 50 games as a rookie. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Golf | WNBA | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Turn your ordinary garden hose into a powerful cleaning tool with Jetterix. This easy-to-use high-pressure nozzle helps blast away dirt, mud, and grime from driveways, patios, vehicles, siding, and more—without the cost of an expensive pressure washer. Get yours today and make outdoor cleaning faster and easier.

Flying together with our sponsor

A Small Upgrade You’ll Use Every Day

Some products promise to change your life. Others simply make your daily routine a little better. We think this falls into the second category. If you’re going to brush your teeth every day anyway, it makes sense to see if there’s a faster, easier way to do it.

Learn more about the Sonic Glow Brush and see if it’s right for you today.

➤ The historic Cavalier Hotel sold for $23.9 million as part of a $174 million deal that also included three other Virginia Beach Oceanfront properties. (More)

➤ The Virginia Zoo welcomed its first-ever green oropendola chick and two Kenya crested guineafowl keets, whose mother set a breeding-age record. (See Photos)

➤ The “Greetings from Richmond” mural returned to Broad Street with hidden city landmarks and a tribute to late Valentine museum director Bill Martin. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Want exposure to Anthropic before its anticipated IPO? A new video reveals a publicly traded company with an early investment in Anthropic that may offer indirect exposure to its future growth. Learn why some investors are watching this opportunity closely—and discover the stock ticker free in the presentation. (LEARN MORE)

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:

➤ Your $139 Amazon Prime membership includes hidden benefits most members are unknowingly paying for and never using. (Hear More)

➤ Mortgage rates have climbed to their highest level in a year as war fears and Fed doubts fuel inflation concerns. (Listen Now)

➤ Shark sightings are surging off New York City beaches, forcing police to send drones into the sky over swimmers. (Podcast Available)