The Virginia Flyover

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1703, a hurricane struck the Mid-Atlantic, causing major damage in Virginia and Maryland, where vessels broke free from moorings and 10 tobacco houses overturned before the storm moved into the Northeast.

From superhero dashes to bounce houses and a petting zoo, JackFest is bringing a full afternoon of family fun to Foxfield today. Even better, the free festival supports Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville. Learn more in Et Cetera.

In case you missed it on The Flyover Podcast, Amy unpacked the IRS notices landing in millions of mailboxes about a new program that deposits up to $1,000 a year in federal matching money directly into retirement accounts, rather than just trimming your tax bill. But there’s a catch. Plenty of savers will get the full amount while others won’t see a dime, and the difference comes down to a few details on your tax return. Amy covered who qualifies, what disqualifies you, and how to actually claim the money. Tune in here!

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Google Eyes Roanoke County Data Center

Google is evaluating Wood Haven Technology Park in Roanoke County as a potential data center location, the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority confirmed Friday. The site sits near the junction of interstates 81 and 581.

A Google spokesperson confirmed that Clearview Dynamics LLC, the company named in a pending agreement to purchase 94 acres, is a Google subsidiary. Due diligence is expected to continue through March 2027 and include engineering, environmental, and utility studies.

The agreement does not guarantee that the sale or data center will move forward. WVRIFA says the project could support jobs and increase tax revenue, while the proposal has drawn public pushback over the secrecy surrounding an earlier nondisclosure agreement.

USS San Antonio Returns From Second Deployment

USS San Antonio returned to Norfolk Friday, bringing hundreds of sailors home after nearly four months supporting U.S. Southern Command missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. The ship departed June 29, about two months after completing a nine-month deployment.

During its latest deployment, the amphibious transport dock delivered earthquake relief in Venezuela and supported maritime interdiction operations. It also became the first amphibious transport dock since 2018 to transit the Panama Canal and the first of its class to use the expanded Neo-Panamax locks.

Families welcomed sailors home at Naval Station Norfolk as the crew concluded its second deployment in a little more than 14 months. Capt. Matt Gleason thanked the crew’s families and friends for supporting the sailors through their demanding schedule.

Buffalo Mountain Gains New Conservation Area

Virginia acquired 2,211 acres beside the Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve in Floyd and Carroll counties and designated the land as a state conservation area. The acquisition brings the state’s total landholdings at Buffalo Mountain to 4,332 acres.

The $9.5 million acquisition, funded through a federal grant, will protect the popular summit, mature forests, and nearly 14 miles of native trout streams. Officials said protecting the property from development will also benefit water quality at the headwaters of the New River.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation will develop a management plan for future use and expanded public access, although no timeline has been established. The existing preserve, which draws an estimated 15,000 visitors annually, will remain open throughout the process.

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➤ Prince William County: Rep. Eugene Vindman’s district office was evacuated Friday after receiving a suspicious package similar to those sent to congressional offices nationwide. His staff was safe, and local and federal authorities responded. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Abigail Spanberger directed the DMV to allow dyed diesel in on-road vehicles through Dec. 31, provided users first pay the state’s backup fuel tax. (More)

➤ Also Statewide: Amtrak reduced and rerouted Virginia service through Oct. 26 while crews replace aging tracks near Washington Union Station. Some trains will end in Alexandria, with buses connecting passengers to Washington. (More)

➤ Albemarle County: Farmers urged motorists to slow down and give tractors and other farm equipment more room after reporting repeated close calls with drivers during harvest season. (More)

➤ Eastern Shore: Accomack and Northampton counties face strong coastal winds, dangerous surf, and possible tidal flooding as an offshore nor’easter develops. A high surf advisory runs from 4 a.m. today through 7 a.m. Tuesday, while a coastal flood watch covers Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. (More)

➤ Staunton: Mary Baldwin University named retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Julie Nethercot commandant of cadets for the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership. The 33-year veteran will begin Oct. 26, succeeding retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Terry Djuric, who has led the program since 2013. (More)

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➤ Virginia Tech snapped a two-game losing streak with a 34-24 win over Georgia Tech in Blacksburg. Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns. (More)

➤ Virginia fell 23-13 at No. 24 SMU, held under 300 yards for a third straight game. A roughing-the-passer penalty at the end of the first half set up an untimed-down field goal that put SMU ahead for good. (More)

➤ Washington Commanders starting running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has yet to practice this week due to a groin injury, leaving him likely to miss tomorrow night’s game against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Washington Wizards No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa was removed from Friday night’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans after suffering an ankle injury. Washington opens the season Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. (More)

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➤ The Pamunkey Indian Tribe is planning a new life for Windsor Shades, a 1745 tavern built atop an ancestral village. The tribe purchased the 13-acre property in May and is considering a bed-and-breakfast, winery, wedding venue, or history-trail stop. (More)

➤ The sixth annual JackFest, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville, comes to Foxfield today from noon to 4 p.m. with children’s races, bounce houses, games, and a petting zoo. Admission is free. (More)

➤ Norfolk’s inaugural NEON Nights turned the NEON District into an after-hours art walk Friday, filling shops, galleries, and public spaces with exhibitions, live performances, comedy, crafts, and a community mural. (More)

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➤ Why Do Bruises Suddenly Show Up After 50? You don’t remember bumping into anything—yet another bruise appears. While many people chalk it up to aging or medication, easy bruising may be a clue worth paying attention to. It’s one of 7 commonly overlooked warning signs that can become more noticeable with age. See all 7 warning signs—and what they could be telling you.

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.

➤ A grandfather built a $2 million business by giving families a reason to get lost in a cornfield. (Hear More)

➤ The NBA has built an AI detective to sniff out suspicious bets. (Listen Now)

➤ Three studies suggest that the cold shoulder sometimes conceals a guilty conscience. (Podcast Available)