Sunday, June 21, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1787, at the Constitutional Convention, delegates resumed work on the Virginia Plan two days after rejecting the New Jersey Plan. They voted for a bicameral legislature, approved popular election of the first branch, and set two-year terms for its members.

After months of gridlock, finger-pointing, and a session that ran so long lawmakers had to be called back to Richmond, the Commonwealth finally has a budget. See the details on what’s in it in the story below.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown broke down why dogs are suddenly showing up everywhere and what the law actually allows. More and more owners are bringing their pets along on daily errands. Ayla explained which dogs the law really recognizes as service animals and why so few people are willing to say no to the unregistered furry friends. Plus, join the discourse in our YouTube comment section, which has gotten the most comments we’ve ever had. Tune in here!

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Legislature Completes Budget before Shutdown

Virginia lawmakers released a completed budget agreement on Friday, less than two weeks before the state’s deadline and just in time to avoid an unprecedented government shutdown.

The two-year, tens-of-billions-dollar deal breaks a months-long standoff over data center tax breaks, landing on a new “energy consumption fee” of $0.011 per kilowatt hour, capped at $600 million annually.

Teachers get 4% raises and state employees 3.5% in each of the next two fiscal years. The budget also launches a regulated cannabis market starting July 1, 2027, capped at 350 stores statewide.

Both chambers vote tomorrow, then the budget heads to Gov. Abigail Spanberger for final approval.

Virginia Sees Driest Stretch since 1941

Gov. Abigail Spanberger is urging Virginians to voluntarily conserve water as the state endures its worst drought in 85 years, with precipitation running roughly 8 inches below average statewide.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows that 100% of Virginia is in a drought. The regional breakdown of drought severity shows 15% experiencing moderate drought, 52% severe, and 33% extreme.

Several localities, including Caroline and Louisa counties, have already moved to mandatory restrictions.

If conditions don’t improve, Spanberger could declare a Drought Emergency, which would trigger mandatory cutbacks for certain industries, something the state hasn’t seen since 2002.

Norovirus Warning Hits the Appalachian Trail

Health officials are warning hikers about a norovirus outbreak along the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy traced a potential hotspot of the virus to Blackrock Hut at northbound mile 885.8. Earlier cases were also reported between Buena Vista and Waynesboro.

The Virginia Department of Health says good handwashing is the best defense, but warns that’s easier said than done on the trail.

Critically, hand sanitizer doesn’t work against norovirus. Officials urge hikers to boil all water for at least one minute, avoid sharing food or gear, and isolate from others if symptoms appear.

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➤ Statewide: State Police seized over $1.2 million in narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine, and meth, during a one-week crime suppression operation. (More)

➤ Fairfax: Nearly 100 teens on bicycles and e-bikes swarmed a road Friday, forcing cars to swerve. Police stopped several riders but made no arrests and issued no citations. (See Video)

➤ Bristol: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino posted a record $24.18 million in May gaming revenue, its biggest month since the temporary casino opened in 2022. (More)

➤ Waynesboro: Two suspects were arrested for allegedly using a victim’s identity to drain their bank account across multiple locations. Investigators believe they’ve struck in other jurisdictions, too. (More)

➤ Chesterfield County: The County Planning Commission approved the master plan for reviving Southside Speedway, clearing a key hurdle for the shuttered track’s 2027 comeback. (More)

➤ Henrico: Some GRTC Pulse and local bus routes are getting more frequent summer service and new drivers, though most routes that cut back over the winter remain in a reduced state. (More)

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➤ UVA swimming alum Kate Douglass broke the world record in the 50m freestyle on Friday, recording a time of 23.59 in Indianapolis. Her time was two hundredths faster than the previous record, set in 2023. (More)

➤ Liberty track & field athletes Markus White and Allie Zealand were recognized as two of the top athletes in the CUSA after putting together historic 2026 seasons. (More)

➤ Richmond University has announced it will resurface Robins Stadium over the summer, giving the Spiders home football field its first upgrade since 2019. The project will be completed before the start of training camp. (More)

➤ UVA track & field runner Cassie Callis finished third in the heptathlon at the USATF U20 Outdoor Championships on Friday in Eugene, Oregon. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | College World Series | U.S. Open | WNBA

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➤ A new exhibit at Chesapeake’s Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Museum traces 250 years of Virginia’s maritime history through scale ship models. The exhibit runs through July 2. (See Video)

➤ Virginia’s average gas price dropped to $3.77 per gallon, down from $4.32 a month ago, marking the third straight week of declines, per AAA. Some Lynchburg stations are at $3.17. (More)

➤ Ten schools in Prince William County earned Virginia’s top honor for music programs, the Blue Ribbon Award, after all their band, orchestra, and choral ensembles scored “Superior” at state assessments. (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:

➤ JD Vance revealed the wardrobe expectations inside Trump’s White House. (Hear More)

➤ The World Cup brought booming crowds and confusion over restaurant etiquette. (Listen Now)

➤ A strong market helped retirement savers reach a major milestone. (Podcast Available)