The Virginia Flyover

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1861, three enslaved men from Hampton rowed across Hampton Roads to Fort Monroe, where Union Gen. Benjamin Butler declared them “contraband of war”—the first legal crack in American slavery’s armor.

Virginia is making America’s most advanced memory chips, and Gov. Abigail Spanberger just signed an executive order limiting ICE activity at polling places and other state-owned sites. Plus, a new balcony solar law aims to help Virginians lower their power bills. All this and more in Top Stories.

A new report just exposed the five biggest financial fears haunting American retirees, and the findings are sounding alarms across the country. On The Flyover Podcast, Amy Hess reveals what those fears are, why so many Americans are being blindsided, and the critical steps families can take right now to set themselves up for success. 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.

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.

Virginia Makes America’s Most Advanced Chip

Micron Technology has begun manufacturing 1-alpha DRAM—the most advanced memory chip ever made in the United States—at its Manassas facility.

The 1α node is used in automotive, defense, and medical device applications. Micron expects full qualified production volume from the Manassas fab by the end of 2026.

The milestone is part of Micron’s approximately $200 billion U.S. manufacturing expansion—one of the largest domestic semiconductor investments in American history. Sen. Tim Kaine attended the announcement ceremony in Manassas.

Spanberger Bars ICE From Polling Places

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 16, directing Virginia law enforcement not to assist ICE agents at polling places, schools, hospitals, and courthouses.

The order arrived the same week Spanberger vetoed Democratic-backed bills that would have more broadly restricted ICE statewide—a split that deepened divisions inside her party. Supporters say the executive order protects voters; critics say it does not go far enough in restricting enforcement.

The order applies to state-owned property only, not federal facilities or private businesses. Virginia holds statewide legislative elections in November.

New Law Targets Virginia Power Bills

Gov. Spanberger signed legislation allowing homeowners and renters to plug small-scale balcony solar panels directly into standard outlets to offset electricity costs.

A typical setup involves two to four panels; during daylight hours, the system draws less power from the utility grid, reducing monthly bills for residents who cannot install rooftop solar. The law applies to renters and condo owners as well as homeowners.

Virginia’s residential electricity rates have climbed in recent years as Dominion Energy pursues its proposed merger wit h NextEra Energy, which remains under state regulatory review.

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➤ Richmond: Virginia will remain one of just two states without a class action process in its courts after Gov. Spanberger vetoed legislation that would have created one; consumer advocates say the veto shields corporations from accountability. (More)

➤ Arlington: The number of unemployed Arlington residents surged 50% since the Trump administration took office, reaching 4,814 in March 2026 versus 3,212 in December 2024; Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax County posted similar increases. (More)

➤ Norfolk: The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority plans to voluntarily clean up petroleum and laundry chemical contamination near Sykes Midrise after soil testing found risks; residents near the site are seeking answers on health impacts. (More)

➤ Richmond: Richmond Police released body camera footage from a fatal officer-involved shooting earlier this week as the department faces scrutiny over use-of-force protocols. (More)

➤ Richmond: Virginia’s Science and Technology commission is advancing AI oversight legislation carefully after the Trump administration threatened to penalize states that restrict the tech industry. (More)

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➤ Virginia baseball was knocked out of the ACC Tournament on Thursday after blowing a four-run lead to top-seeded Georgia Tech in the quarterfinals. They ended up losing 16-10. (More)

➤ Former Commanders owner Dan Snyder relisted his Alexandria estate for $49.9 million, down from $60 million two years ago. The home sits on 16.5 acres that were once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. (More)

➤ The Washington Spirit face Club América in the Concacaf W Champions Cup soccer final today, looking to become the second NWSL club to ever win the continental women’s title. (More)

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➤ Roanoke: The city leads Central and Southwest Virginia’s Memorial Day weekend with a ceremony featuring the Roanoke Valley Regional Honor Guard, plus a full slate of observances honoring fallen service members running through Monday. (More)

➤ Arlington: The DMV has a packed Memorial Day weekend lineup of free outdoor concerts and family events throughout Northern Virginia and the DC area. (More)

➤ Virginia Beach: A local military family clinic and veterans are marking Memorial Day by reflecting publicly on grief, survivor’s guilt, and the emotional weight military families carry year-round. (More)

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