The Virginia Flyover

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1790, the first U.S. Census begins, fulfilling a mandate set by the U.S. Constitution. Virginia’s 1790 census data were later lost, likely destroyed during the British attack on Washington, D.C., in the War of 1812.

Virginia’s 550-mile Bicycle Route 76 connects mountain towns, coastal destinations, and dozens of historic sites along the way. What Virginia road, trail, or backroad gives you the best view of the commonwealth? Hit the reply button and share your favorite!

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla tackled the science behind what your dreams are actually made of. Researchers just wrapped one of the largest dream studies ever conducted, and it turns out the coworker from years ago and the worry that spun into a full storyline are not random at all. Ayla broke down the five things the study uncovered, including one detail that has been hiding in people’s dreams for years without them noticing. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Zap Zone Defender, helps you reclaim your backyard by silently eliminating up to 15,000 mosquitoes in a single night—without chemicals, sprays, or loud buzzing.

Electricity Costs Rise Across Virginia

Northern Virginia households are seeing higher summer electric bills as prolonged heat drives air conditioning use, which Dominion Energy says can account for about half of household electricity consumption.

A July 1 fuel adjustment added about $8 per month for an average residential customer. Dominion said increased usage, not data centers, is the primary driver of higher household bills.

Local governments face separate increases. Virginia Beach added $4.7 million to its budget as municipal electricity rates are projected to rise an average of 24.9% in fiscal 2027.

Hampton added $1 million, while Norfolk expects electricity expenses to rise nearly $500,000. Officials are considering energy-efficiency projects and examining whether data centers contribute to broader rate pressures.

First Online Safety Day

Saturday marked Virginia’s first Internet Safety and Online Predator Awareness Day, an annual observance created to educate families about online predators, scams, cyberbullying, and identity theft.

Lawmakers, educators, and police gathered Friday at Bedford Hills Elementary School in Lynchburg, urging parents to monitor children’s social media activity and discuss online risks regularly.

The Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received nearly 24,000 cyber tips in 2025. Investigations led to about 350 arrests and identified and rescued approximately 250 children.

Officials said children are commonly exposed to sexually explicit material between ages 8 and 10. They advised parents to know whom children contact online and watch for strangers posing as peers.

Virginia Firm Lands AUKUS Contract

A subsidiary of Reston-headquartered Leidos will design a floating dry dock supporting Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

The Western Australia facility will handle critical repairs and maintenance beginning in the early 2030s, before Australia develops full depot-level maintenance capabilities later that decade.

Australian officials called the dry dock a prerequisite for receiving the nation’s first Virginia-class submarine under the U.S.-U.K.-Australia AUKUS partnership.

The project is part of an initial A$12 billion investment in Western Australia’s Defence Precinct at Henderson, expected to support 10,000 direct jobs there over two decades.

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➤ Statewide: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise organic blueberries and mixed berries over possible E. coli contamination after 12 illnesses. Customers should not eat the products and may return them for a refund. (More)

➤ Danville: Virginia Department of Social Services is investigating more than 12 reports of stolen SNAP benefits tied to suspected card skimmers. Chip-enabled EBT cards are planned for this fall; officials recommend locking cards through the app between purchases. (More)

➤ Loudoun County: Amazon filed initial plans for four data centers totaling about 400,000 square feet on George Washington University’s former Ashburn campus, purchased for $427 million. County Supervisor Juli Briskman opposes the proposal. (More)

➤ Richmond: City leaders may replace a 30-foot stop sign parking ban with a 20-foot stop sign parking ban after citations surged 280%, from 358 last year to 1,359 so far in 2026. (More)

➤ Alleghany County: EMS crews from across Southwest Virginia trained with lifelike simulators for roadside births as nearby labor and delivery closures make emergency deliveries en route to hospitals more likely. (More)

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➤ Washington Nationals standout Luis Garcia Jr. exited Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves with left knee soreness, unwelcome news as his time with the team could soon come to an end with trade rumors swirling ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech was featured at the beginning of ESPN’s trailer for the 2026 college football season, marking the shift in excitement around the team as it heads into a new era under head coach James Franklin. (More)

➤ Washington Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin said he is excited to play a bigger role under new offensive coordinator David Blough, who has told reporters he wants to get McLaurin “10 targets a game.” (More)

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

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➤ Virginia Tech’s Route 76 project is spotlighting 30 historic sites through podcasts, public art, signage, and museum displays along the commonwealth’s 550-mile bicycle route. (More)

➤ The Virginia Aquarium welcomed its first lesser Madagascar tenrec, a tiny insect-eating mammal that resembles a hedgehog. The birth supports a national conservation breeding program. (See Photos)

➤ A new historical village at the Dismal Swamp opened in Chesapeake, featuring a restored 1903 schoolhouse and exhibits on Indigenous peoples, Maroon communities, and the Underground Railroad. Admission is free. (More)

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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:

➤ The U.S. and Israel are reportedly preparing to bombard Iran’s energy infrastructure this weekend, though no final order has been given. (Hear More)

➤ Police arrested a man who stole a running car in Atlanta with a 2-year-old in the back seat while her mother made a delivery. (Listen Now)

➤ Savannah Guthrie on Saturday pleaded again for answers after Arizona officials released the ransom notes sent following her mother’s disappearance six months ago. (Podcast Available)