Thursday, April 23, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1861, Robert E. Lee accepted command of Virginia’s military and naval forces, three days after he’d resigned from the U.S. Army.

This is National Work Zone Awareness Week, and state officials reminded drivers that Virginia recorded more than 4,000 crashes in work zones last year, 300 more than in 2024.

Officials are urging drivers to be cautious and slow down in construction zones, especially since the state plans more than 600 such projects this year.

The cost of living varies wildly across the United States, and for retirees, choosing the wrong state can cost up to six figures a year. On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown shares new data that ranks the cost of living in every U.S. state, and what groceries, housing, and healthcare actually cost depending on where you live. Plus, which states give retirees the most financial breathing room? Where does your state land, and what does it mean for your retirement? Tune in here!

Later today, watch for a note from our partner, Incogni, on how to get your personal data off the internet, plus a special discount code for our readers.

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.

Illegal Immigrant Sentenced

Israel Flores Ortiz, an illegal immigrant who was convicted of groping girls while he was a student at Fairfax High School this year, was sentenced to 360 days in prison and two years of probation.

After credit for time already served, he is expected to serve about 140 days. All the victims in the case were younger than 18.

“I apologize to the girls and their families, and I also want to apologize to my family and my parents,” Flores Ortiz said before the sentencing. “I know I have brought shame and embarrassment to my parents for my actions.”

He entered the United States from El Salvador illegally in 2024.

Fairfax County Public Schools retained a law firm to investigate the incidents and “confirm that all policies, procedures, and regulations were properly followed.“

Data Center Plans Unveiled

Officials said that a planned AI data center campus at the Berry Hill megasite in Pittsylvania County would generate $73 billion in investment and create 2,050 jobs over the next three decades, making the project the largest in Southside history in terms of investment, job creation, and salaries paid.

Pittsylvania County Economic Development Director Matt Rowe called the project “a really, really large investment that then can hopefully be reinvested in the community for the schools and services folks in the community to enjoy and depend upon.“

Rowe added that the Dan River can provide enough water for the project, and that it will draw its electricity from a different provider than local residents do.

Commanders Pick in NFL Draft

The Washington Commanders own the No. 7 pick in tonight’s NFL draft. Coverage begins at 8 p.m.

After a disappointing 5-12 season, Washington’s top priority could be offense. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon is a popular projection at No. 7, but many see Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love as a can’t-miss prospect.

Defense is also in play. General Manager Adam Peters may try to grab Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. With no second- or fourth-round picks thanks to last year’s Laremy Tunsil trade, the Commanders need to make an effective choice tonight.

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➤ Statewide: The redistricting referendum voters passed this week was the most expensive ballot issue in state history, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. At least $62 million of the $83 million spent came from supporters of the proposal. (Details)

➤ Alexandria: Along with the statewide referendum, the city also included a local race on its ballot. Democrat Sandy Marks was elected to fill an open city council seat. (More)

➤ Richmond: A high school senior was shot to death, and his mother and sister were wounded, in a shooting incident that is thought to be linked to a domestic dispute. Police have taken the girl’s father, 41-year-old Levy Nelson, into custody. (Details)

➤ Virginia Beach: A lawyer filed suit charging that the city’s temporary curfew—which will be in effect Friday at 9:30—violates Virginia law. The filing came shortly after the court dismissed a similar challenge. (Details)

➤ Bristol: The city’s proposed budget doesn’t contain funding to hire the three additional firefighters the department had asked for. (More)

➤ Statewide: A new law will allow parents of students with disabilities to enter schools to serve as their child’s service dog handler. The policy takes effect in time for the 2026-2027 school year. (More)

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➤ James Madison softball rallied to beat No. 23 Virginia 9-7 on the road this week. It’s the program’s first win over the Cavaliers since 2021. (Details)

➤ The Washington Capitals have contingency plans ready if 40-year-old Alex Ovechkin decides to retire this offseason. The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer indicated he wants assurances the team will compete for a Stanley Cup before he’ll commit to return. (More)

➤ Norfolk native Kaytron Allen is set to hear his name called at this week’s NFL draft after a record-setting career at Penn State. “I’m from Norfolk,” Allen said. “A lot of kids don’t make it out of Norfolk.” (Details)

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➤ Yard Bull Meats of Roanoke works with area farms to deliver the meat it sells. “We know the farmers, we’ve been to the farms, we’ve seen how they treat their animals,” owner Tyler Thomas said. (Details)

➤ Jon Henry General Store has announced an expanded focus within the Virginia Fresh Match Program, a statewide initiative that doubles the value of SNAP/EBT benefits for eligible purchases. (More)

➤ EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure raised $1.5 billion to build two hyperscale data centers in Northern Virginia. (Details)

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➤ Debbie Winkfield is recovering after kidney transplant surgery. The donor was Lora Booher, a former Navy colleague she hadn’t seen in decades. (Details)

➤ The 65th International Street Fair will be hosted at Alumni Mall at Virginia Tech this Sunday. (More)

➤ Mills Godwin High School in Henrico County presents the musical Hadestown, tonight through Sunday. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

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