The Virginia Flyover

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1775, the Third Virginia Convention adopted a resolution drafted by Patrick Henry. It instructed officers to permit dissenting clergymen, including Baptists, to preach to soldiers who preferred not to attend Church of England chaplain services, advancing religious freedom during the Revolution.

As families gear up for a new school year, Operation Homefront helped about 400 Norfolk-area military children start theirs with backpacks full of supplies. It got us wondering: What’s one back-to-school tradition, memory, or must-have you still remember from your own school days? Hit reply and tell us!

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla shared what scientists said about when you should actually be eating dinner. Scientists say your dinnertime could be shaping your blood sugar, your cravings, and even your heart health, and the growing field of chrononutrition finds that eating at the wrong hour can throw off the body’s internal clock. Poorer blood sugar control. Stronger cravings the next day. Even a higher risk of heart disease. Ayla explained what dinnertime is actually right for you, so before you plan tonight’s meal, find out whether your schedule is working for you or against you. 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.

Five Shot at Virginia State University

Five people were shot outside residence halls at Virginia State University early Saturday, prompting a campus lockdown and large police response.

Officers found the victims near the Quad Annexes around 1:30 a.m. One remained in critical condition, while four suffered non-life-threatening injuries. One victim was confirmed to be a VSU student.

The university said the shooting involved multiple suspects, but authorities had not announced arrests or released suspect descriptions. Police said there was no immediate threat to campus.

The lockdown was lifted Saturday morning as the investigation continued. Gov. Abigail Spanberger and other Virginia leaders offered support for the victims and VSU community while thanking first responders.

Severe Storms Batter Central Virginia

Severe storms swept through Central Virginia Friday, knocking out power to more than 7,000 customers around Charlottesville as strong winds and heavy rain moved through.

Two tornado warnings were issued for Charlottesville and Albemarle County before expiring Friday evening. Officials did not report a confirmed tornado touchdown.The storms also brought large hail to parts of Fluvanna, Goochland, Powhatan, and surrounding areas, with some pieces nearly filling residents’ palms.

Severe weather also postponed Friday night’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Richmond Raceway, while Charlottesville canceled its Fridays After Five event.

More strong to severe storms are possible today from areas east of the Blue Ridge to Hampton Roads, with damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes possible.

Newport News Bolsters Water Cybersecurity

Newport News is strengthening cybersecurity around its water system after cyberattacks disrupted utilities in at least seven states. The city allocated more than $6 million for IT infrastructure and has also added cybersecurity staff and leadership.

Newport News Waterworks serves about 410,000 customers across the Peninsula. Officials said its industrial controls are not internet-facing and default manufacturer credentials are replaced to reduce vulnerabilities.

The utility also monitors threats through WaterISAC, an information-sharing organization for water systems, while employees receive regular cybersecurity training and the city maintains analog safeguards.

The FBI said recent attacks have caused operational disruptions at some water utilities nationwide. Newport News officials said they are monitoring the threat environment but have not reported a successful attack on the city’s system.

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A Smarter Way to Brush in Just 30 Seconds

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➤ Statewide: Immediate-jeopardy nursing home citations rose 77% after state oversight reforms, while 58% of inspections remained overdue and 25% of inspector positions were vacant in July. (More)

➤ Roanoke: Ringana expects site work and employee training to begin this fall for its U.S. headquarters, an $85 million project expected to create more than 400 jobs. (More)

➤ Norfolk: The Navy is revising policies after Angelina Resendiz’s murder, including a new “Absent-Unknown” status and tighter transfer rules for sailors investigated for sexual assault or stalking. (More)

➤ Henry County: The Sheriff’s Office will not renew its contract with Flock Safety and will suspend access to the cameras amid concerns over privacy, data access, and misuse. (More)

➤ Alton: Lynchburg native Blake Davis, 20, is among more than 120 motorcycle riders competing this weekend at Virginia International Raceway, where speeds can approach 200 mph. (More)

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➤ The Washington Nationals have announced they plan to move All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to second base after Abrams’ defensive struggles. (More)

➤ Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who has appeared in 14 games over the last two seasons for Washington, was sent to the locker room early due to a knee injury at the start of the team’s 20-7 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins. (More)

➤ Richmond Raceway hosted the Cookout 400 last night, the second NASCAR Cup Series race in Virginia this season. (See Results)

➤ JMU football players Amar Thomas and Zach Greenburg were both named as HERO Sports preseason Group of six All-Americans. (More)

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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.

➤ Surfers Healing brought children and young adults with autism to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for surfing sessions, with experienced surfers helping participants enjoy the waves. (More)

➤ The 18th annual Smith River Festival returns to Henry County next weekend with a petting zoo, climbing wall, water activities, and a 5K Mud Run. (More)

➤ Operation Homefront gave about 400 Norfolk-area military children backpacks filled with school supplies through its annual Back-to-School Brigade, helping families offset school-year costs. (More)

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➤ Waking Up to Pee at Night? It’s Not Normal. If nighttime bathroom trips are disrupting your sleep, you’re not alone – but it’s not something you have to accept. A new report reveals the real reason so many adults wake up to pee and a simple way to support 24-hour bladder control, fewer urges, and fewer leaks. See what’s behind it and how to fix it. Read now.

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:

➤ College costs outpaced wages and left families scrambling to cover the bill. (Hear More)

➤ Teen trouble prompted one New Jersey town to tighten its summer rules. (Listen Now)

➤ A Supreme Court justice said conservatives faced an unexpected barrier on college campuses. (Podcast Available)