Sunday, May 17, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1954, the Supreme Court released its decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark ruling that outlawed school segregation. One of the five cases contained in the ruling was Davis, et. al. v. County Schoolboard of Prince Edward County, which was triggered by a student strike in Farmville led by Barbara Johns.

After an early May respite, higher temperatures are on the way in many parts of the state this week. In Virginia Beach, the Seatack pool is reopening just in time for the heat. It had been closed since March for resurfacing.

Are you ready for the heat? Scroll down to our Poll and let us know, or hit reply to share tips for dealing with a sticky summer.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown shared three simple habits researchers say may help keep your brain sharp as you age. Scientists believe small everyday choices could play a bigger role in long-term cognitive health than many people realize. Listen here.

Today’s sponsor, Splash Spotless Cleaning Products, is here to upgrade your spring cleaning routine with a hands-free foam toilet cleaner that tackles stains and odors without scrubbing—just pour, let it foam, and flush for a fresh, sparkling bathroom.

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.

$100B Southern VA Vote Monday

On Monday, the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority votes on a deal that could bring $100 billion in investment and 2,500 new jobs to Southern Virginia’s Berry Hill megasite.

The project involves SAC III Acquisition Co., an affiliate of data center developer Stack Infrastructure, which wants to purchase nearly 3,000 acres at the Southern Virginia Megasite. If approved, the company would commit to at least $100 billion in capital investment over 30 years and create 2,500 jobs averaging $80,500 annually.

The scale far exceeds what was first disclosed — the project was originally reported as a $738 million investment creating 2,050 jobs. That dramatic growth has raised the stakes considerably for one of the Commonwealth’s most historically underserved regions.

RIFA’s special meeting is set for Monday at 2 p.m. A yes vote would put Pittsylvania County on the path to one of the largest economic development commitments in Virginia history.

8,000 Wahoos Walk the Stage

The University of Virginia is conferring degrees on 8,053 graduates this weekend, with Final Exercises set for Sunday morning on the Lawn.

Forecasters are calling for a toasty 92 degrees on Grounds—but that’s not stopping the Class of 2026 from celebrating in style. Among the most heartwarming stories: Mandy and Emily Flores, a mother and daughter from a military family, who enrolled together and are now walking the stage side by side.

Former UVA President Jim Ryan delivered Friday’s Valedictory keynote, urging graduates to “do the right thing, always.” The students themselves chose Ryan—a UVA Law alum—to send them off.

Marlins Chase History at 47-0

No. 1 Virginia Wesleyan softball is doing something no one in Division III has ever seen — the Marlins entered Saturday’s regional final at a perfect 47-0, one win from a Super Regional berth.

The Norfolk-based Marlins, the only undefeated team in all of D-III, have steamrolled through the season behind pitching aces Emma Adams and Hannah Hearl. Hearl was brilliant in Friday’s 6-0 shutout of Manhattanville, striking out 14 batters in six innings at Broyles Field.

VWU claimed its 17th Old Dominion Athletic Conference title and earned the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament—all without dropping a single game. An undefeated national championship run would be historic for any level of college softball.

If the Marlins punch through Saturday, Super Regionals await May 22-23, with the national championship series set for Salem, Virginia starting May 28. Hampton Roads is watching every pitch.

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➤ Farmville: On the 72nd anniversary of Brown v. Board, Virginia AG Jay Jones highlighted that Davis v. Prince Edward County — sparked by Barbara Johns’ student walkout in Farmville — was one of five landmark cases. (More)

➤ Harrisonburg: James Madison University celebrated its Class of 2026 this weekend, conferring more than 4,200 undergraduate and 500 graduate degrees at commencement ceremonies in the Shenandoah Valley. (More)

➤ Statewide: Every part of Virginia is now under some level of drought, per updated U.S. Drought Monitor data — with Shenandoah Valley among the hardest-hit regions despite recent spring rainfall. (More)

➤ Suffolk: Virginia is acquiring a large tract of forestland in Suffolk to protect a biodiversity hotspot, with plans to restore longleaf pine trees that once dominated the landscape. (More)

➤ Richmond: The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected Virginia Democrats’ emergency bid to restore a voter-approved congressional map — leaving current district lines intact for the 2026 midterm elections. (More)

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➤ UVA softball was unable to climb out of a 5-0 first-inning hole at the Knoxville Regional against No. 7 Tennessee, falling 7-5 after a late comeback attempt came up just short. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Virginia Tech was run-ruled in five innings against No. 16 LSU, falling 8-0. (More)

➤ UVA men’s tennis rallied from a 3-1 deficit to take down top-seeded Wake Forest yesterday and advance to the national championship, which will be played today at 2 p.m. ET. (More)

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➤ Norfolk: ODU senior Leah Hallwirth pitched “6-7” shaped chicken nuggets as a class marketing project, and Perdue actually made them — panko-breaded and shaped like the digits, on shelves nationwide since May 1. (More)

➤ Mount Vernon: The Spring Wine Festival wraps up this weekend with Virginia winery tastings on Washington’s east lawn at sunset over the Potomac — a hard combination to beat. (More)

➤ California’s first big thunderstorm season reminder is here: Count the seconds between lightning and thunder, then divide by five to estimate how many miles away the storm is—and if you can hear thunder at all, it’s time to head indoors. (More)

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