Thursday, May 14, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1804, Virginians Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed from Camp Dubois, leading their Corps of Discovery on a mission to explore the Louisiana Purchase. They returned 28 months later.

Going out to eat is a treat, but it’s not always affordable—unless you go to one of these three eateries in the Commonwealth. Restaurants in Wytheville, Roanoke, and Richmond are bringing costs down by allowing diners to pay whatever they can afford for specific meals.

Is there an affordable restaurant you like to visit? Hit reply to tell us about it, and we may stop by!

Scientists say one small part of the brain holds the key to memory, navigation, and long-term cognitive health, but many Americans are unknowingly letting it weaken. The good news? A few surprisingly enjoyable activities may help protect your brain before real decline begins. Tune in to The Flyover Podcast as Ayla Brown shares three simple habits researchers say could help keep your brain sharper for years to come. Listen here.

Later today, you’ll receive a message from our partner, Incogni, about how data brokers collect and sell personal information, and how to automatically remove it from hundreds of sites.

Today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is sharing practical money-saving strategies designed to help retirees cut unnecessary expenses, stretch their monthly budgets further, and focus more on enjoying retirement instead of worrying about rising everyday costs.

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.

Gerald R. Ford Strike Group Returning

The jets in Carrier Air Wing 8 returned to their home bases in Norfolk and Virginia Beach this week, as the supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford, to which they were assigned, makes its way across the Atlantic Ocean after a record-long period at sea.

The Navy officially announced that the carrier group’s flagship and the rest of the ships in Destroyer Squadron 2 will make port in the coming days to officially conclude their deployment.

The Ford was first deployed last June and headed to the Mediterranean. It sailed back earlier this year to take part in military operations in the Caribbean, then returned to the Middle East to participate in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.

The Carrier Air Wing flew more than 5,500 hours to support operations against Iran, and launched more than 11,800 times during the 11-month deployment.

Drought Conditions Continue

The entire state of Virginia is enduring some level of drought, despite the much-needed rain this week. The Department of Environmental Quality said that 30% of its 201 stream gauges with continuous flow data set record daily lows last month.

The Virginia Department of Health urged water utilities to review their response plans, monitor water supply levels, and coordinate with local partners to prepare for the possibility of further drought conditions.

The Smith Mountain Lake Association warned that water levels are down by 5 to 6 feet across the lake, which could lead to boat accidents. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s next report is expected out today.

Virginia Beach Gears Up for Summer

Virginia Beach is gearing up for a busy summer. On June 19, it will be the launch site for Sail250, a maritime event marking America’s 250th birthday.

The city council unanimously approved a $2.8 billion budget this week that includes tax relief for vehicle owners and pay raises for city employees. It also funds improvements to the Virginia Beach Sportsplex and Field Hockey Complex.

The city is also trying to make it easier for residents to park at the Oceanfront this year by providing a $50 annual parking voucher.

If you go to the beach this year, however, the Virginia Beach Police Department asks that you use care when digging sand pits, as they can trip unwary visitors.

Flying together with our sponsor

Retirement should be about your bucket list, not your grocery list. Finding extra room in your monthly budget doesn’t require a total lifestyle overhaul—just a few strategic moves.

The experts at FinanceBuzz have identified several simple ways to trim the fat and keep your savings where they belong: with you.

Check out this list

➤ Charlottesville: Gov. Abigail Spanberger returned to her alma mater to sign bills that ban the carrying of firearms at public higher education locations in the Commonwealth. The new law exempts law enforcement officers, ROTC cadets, and U.S. military personnel. (Details)

➤ Statewide: The Board of Housing and Community Development moved forward with a proposal that would require baby changing stations in public restrooms. The measure still needs to obtain final approval to be added to the state’s building code. (More)

➤ The Lynchburg City Council completed the first read-through of the city’s proposed 2027 budget at a lengthy meeting on Tuesday night. A second read-through will be scheduled before the end of the month. (Details)

➤ Richmond: The state capital ranked as the best metro area in the state for new college grads, according to a survey by payroll processor ADP. It came in at No. 25 nationally. (More)

➤ Statewide: Dominion Energy asked the State Corporation Commission to approve a plan that would add an additional $10 per month for the next decade to customers’ electric bills. The utility blames the increase on rising fuel prices and unrecovered costs. (Details)

➤ Southwest Virginia: Authorities are investigating multiple incidents of thieves stealing copper from vacant homes. (More)

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➤ UVA baseball wraps its regular season with a three-game series at Louisville, starting today. The Cavaliers are coming off an 18-6 home win over Richmond. (Details)

➤ Liberty men’s and women’s track teams are in Murfreesboro for the Conference USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships this weekend. (Preview)

➤ UVA men’s tennis faces Mississippi State today in the NCAA quarterfinals in Athens, Georgia. (Details)

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➤ Turn toothbrushing from a daily battle into something kids actually enjoy with the Sonic Glow Toothbrush. It’s fun, kid-friendly design and gentle 30-second cleaning help children brush longer and more effectively while encouraging healthier habits, cleaner teeth, and happier smiles — without the constant reminders or struggles from parents. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Restaurant owners in James City County pushed back against a proposal to boost the meals tax from 4% to 6% to help balance the budget. (Details)

➤ The Northern Virginia housing market saw a 4.2% sales increase year-over-year in April. A realty research organization reported the sale of 1,650 units in the region last month. (More)

➤ Amazon purchased a data center in Manassas that it had been renting. The purchase price was $65 million. (Details)

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➤ InvestorPlace is spotlighting what it calls a potential “Black Swan” AI investment opportunity tied to the explosive race for artificial intelligence dominance. As billions pour into AI infrastructure and next-generation technology, early investors could gain exposure to companies positioned to benefit from what some analysts believe may be the market’s next massive disruption. (LEARN MORE)

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You’ve worked hard for your retirement; now make sure your money is working just as hard for you. Stretching your budget doesn’t have to feel like a sacrifice. With a few effortless adjustments from the expert advice of FinanceBuzz, you can breathe easier knowing your finances are optimized for the long haul.

LEARN MORE

➤ A Virginia panel is considering whether to impose new regulations on the harvest of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Environmentalists warn that overfishing menhaden reduces an important food source for other fish species. (More)

➤ The Virginia State Police Academy accepted a steel beam from the World Trade Center, which was donated by the Freedom Flag Foundation. It will serve as a tangible reminder to recruits who were not alive in 2001. (More)

➤ The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center is caring for an owlet that was orphaned when the tree it lived in was cut down. The center advises removing trees in January, when owls are not nesting. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

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