The Virginia Flyover

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln observed a balloon ascent piloted by John LaMountain from General Benjamin Butler’s headquarters at Fort Monroe, Virginia. The balloon then passed over Washington and landed 12 miles away in Maryland, marking an early Civil War aerial reconnaissance effort.

Virginia is buzzing over a tiny comeback more than a century in the making. A rare native mining bee, Protandrena abdominalis, was rediscovered in Virginia at three southeastern sites, marking its first documented appearance in the commonwealth in over 100 years. The elusive pollinator may be small, but its return is creating quite a buzz! Find this story and more in Et Cetera.

In case you missed it on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counted down the seven pets linked to longer lives. One study that followed 3.4 million people over 12 years found that owners of a particular pet were 40% less likely to die during that period, and it’s not the one you’d guess. Some surprising animals made the cut, and the pet that landed at No. 1 isn’t even the most popular choice in American homes. Ayla ran through the full countdown and the research behind each one. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Dr. Steven Gundry, is sharing why he recommends an alternative to bone broth for collagen support and the simple “collagen reset technique” he says can help your body support its own collagen production.

Warner Seeks Federal AI Safety Board

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner joined Sens. Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Andy Kim of New Jersey in introducing AI security legislation that would establish enforceable federal safeguards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems.

The proposed Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act would create a permanent AI Safety Board within the Commerce Department. Developers of advanced models would be required to provide the board access at least 45 days before public release, submit safety plans, and report serious security incidents.

The proposed law would also establish a national database tracking AI failures and near misses, create secure federal testing environments, and authorize civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation per day.

JMU Extends Career Support beyond Graduation

James Madison University launched a new career model promising continued support for bachelor’s degree graduates who have not secured employment, entered graduate school, joined the military, or begun a service year within 12 months of graduating.

Beginning with the Class of 2027, qualifying alumni can receive career coaching, networking assistance, skills training, and access to undergraduate courses when space permits, all at no added cost. The program does not guarantee graduates a particular job, employer, salary, or location.

JMU will also provide free coaching and continued learning when employers identify workplace-skill gaps among recent graduates one to three years after graduation. The university says 95% of its Class of 2025 achieved a positive career outcome.

Filter Changes Paused before School Mold Closures

Richmond Public Schools paused contracted spring and summer air-filter replacements in February while addressing budget problems, months before mold closed Barack Obama and Bellevue elementary schools for more than a week.

The division said its maintenance staff took over the work, and that it does not believe the contractor pause contributed to the mold. However, officials confirmed only that filters at the two affected schools were changed during August remediation and did not answer whether filters were replaced across the division.

A districtwide filter change by the contractor cost more than $464,000. The school division’s auditor recently reported that RPS had no preventive maintenance mechanisms, while Superintendent Jason Kamras acknowledged improvements were needed but cited limited funding.

Flying together with our sponsor

Doctor unveils dark bone broth secret (avoid now)

If you think bone broth is a great way to get collagen, think again.

According to a former surgeon, animal bones are known for absorbing heavy metals.

This can potentially lead to brain fog, fatigue, or even muscle weakness.

That’s why he recommends a “collagen reset technique” instead.

To his knowledge, it’s the only technique that can help your body build its own collagen.

Anyone can do it without drinking broths.

See the technique here.

➤ Washington County: Judges reported humidity levels as high as 75% after the courthouse reopened following a three-week closure for black mold remediation, which has cost the county $425,000 so far. (More)

➤ Radford: The city investigated a possible data incident that caused an internet outage, disrupted emails and phone lines, and limited several municipal services, though emergency communications remained available. (More)

➤ Richmond: Mayor Danny Avula halted efforts to revive a proposed solar-panel agreement after learning of a potential relationship within a city department that could jeopardize the ordinances, directing the chief administrative officer to investigate. (More)

➤ Pittsylvania County: Teacher Whitney Barrett Farr, 45, was charged with stalking a juvenile student, served with a protective order, and held without bond as the school district cooperated with investigators. (More)

➤ Vinton: Army specialists removed apparent military ordnance discovered at an Omnisource facility after nearby roads were temporarily closed; police said they did not believe the objects endangered the community. (More)

➤ Statewide: Virginia opened a survey asking medical cannabis patients about their experiences and gaps in the program, with responses accepted through Oct. 16. (More)

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➤ Virginia gave up 10 sacks in a 38-7 loss at Florida State. Seminoles quarterback Ashton Daniels ran for 136 yards and five touchdowns, a school record for the position. (More)

➤ James Madison improved to 5-0 with a commanding 45-17 win over Marshall. George Pettaway rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns. (More)

➤ The Washington Commanders will play their first game in London since 2016 today at 9:30 a.m. against the Indianapolis Colts. Washington star receiver Terry McLaurin is not expected to play. (More)

➤ The Washington Wizards will not face any punishment from the league after young guard Bub Carrington openly admitted to the team tanking for AJ Dybansta in a recent interview. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ FREE Full-Size Tube: This “CMO Key” cream is replacing standard joint creams that rely on temporary icy-hot distractions. Most formulas never get past your skin’s natural “Dermal Dam.” Rub On Relief uses CMO to help unlock deeper soothing support instead of another 20-minute menthol trick. Claim your free tube!

Flying together with our sponsor

California Surgeon: “Muscle Loss in Seniors is Real, But It Doesn’t Have to Be”

If you think collagen is only for supporting healthier skin, hair, and nails, think again.

Not only does it play a role in holding the teeth in your mouth, keeping your heart walls intact, and reinforcing your gut lining…

It’s also what allows you to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities without getting tired.

But unfortunately, eating more collagen isn’t the answer.

That’s why Dr. Steven Gundry has created what he calls the “collagen reset technique.”

And to his knowledge, it’s the only technique that’s designed to help your body build its own collagen.

See the technique here ==>

➤ Virginia native Missy Elliott will bring four HBCU marching bands together Oct. 18 at Norfolk State University for a battle featuring Norfolk State, Virginia State, Elizabeth City State, and Hampton. (More)

➤ A vintage radio collection spanning the 1920s through the 1960s is now on display at the Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum, where a Chesterfield woman is preserving her late father’s lifelong passion. (More)

➤ An Arlington photographer’s image of a hooded merganser was selected from 23 entries to appear on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge’s 2027 annual pass. (More)

➤ A rare native mining bee, Protandrena abdominalis, was discovered at three southeastern Virginia sites, marking its first documented appearance in the state in more than a century. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ “Impossible” Bone Density Improvements Linked to Overlooked Protein. Recent DEXA scans have shown surprising bone density improvements in some women over 60 after adding a specific protein to their diets. Researchers are examining how this protein compound may provide nutritional support that calcium supplements alone cannot, potentially offering a new approach to maintaining stronger bones as you age. Learn More

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.

➤ Senior Trump officials gathered at Camp David as the seven-month Iran war fueled fresh fighting and a major U.S. military buildup. (Hear More)

➤ Amazon’s refund drama landed in shoppers’ inboxes with a proposed $309.5 million settlement and a deadline worth circling. (Listen Now)

➤ A ranking of America’s best fall foliage destinations revealed where travelers headed for autumn’s brightest reds, oranges, and golds. (Podcast Available)