Thursday, May 21, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1607, just a week after English colonists settled at Jamestown, Captain Christopher Newport led John Smith, four other colonists, and 18 sailors up the James River on the colony’s first expedition, searching for a passage to the Pacific Ocean.

Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are making a splash with a 46% population jump from last year. Here’s why scientists are optimistic and what it could mean for the Bay’s future.

Could a single phone call or email wipe out a lifetime of savings in your family? The FBI says these three scams are responsible for billions in losses, and they’re hitting older Americans harder than ever, with average victims losing $83,000. On The Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown unpacks how each scam works, why they’re so effective, and what families can do right now to protect the people they love. Tune in here!

Still trying to figure out what to get Dad this year? We pulled together some of our favorite Father’s Day gift ideas to help make it easy. From practical everyday upgrades to fun finds he’ll actually use, these are gifts built for dads of all kinds. Check out the full Father’s Day Gift Guide here.

Today’s edition is brought to you by BIOptimizers, makers of Magnesium Breakthrough, the best-selling magnesium complex with all seven forms your body actually needs. For Memorial Day, BIOptimizers is offering 25% off sitewide through May 27.

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.

Budget Standoff Threatens Commonwealth Shutdown

Virginia’s budget fight over data center tax breaks is pushing the Commonwealth toward what could be its first-ever partial state government shutdown.

Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair Louise Lucas has proposed eliminating the sales and use tax exemption that data centers currently enjoy—a move that has become a major sticking point in budget negotiations.

The stakes are especially high for Southside Virginia, where officials say major proposed data center investments could be jeopardized if the exemption is eliminated. Critics of Lucas’ proposal warn that axing the tax break could drive future projects and jobs out of the Commonwealth.

Virginia revenues are running hundreds of millions ahead of forecast, even as lawmakers warn about economic uncertainty and slowing job growth. If a deal isn’t struck before June 30, Virginia faces a partial shutdown.

Spanberger Vetoes Marijuana Retail Marketplace

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has vetoed the bill that would have created a regulated retail marijuana marketplace in Virginia.

The veto does not change Virginia’s existing marijuana laws. Adult possession and limited home cultivation remain legal. The veto blocks the framework for licensed dispensaries and retail stores where Virginians could legally buy cannabis. She said the bill lacked sufficient oversight and enforcement mechanisms, but critics argue the veto contradicts her past campaign support for a legal retail cannabis market.

Democratic lawmakers who helped send her the bill sharply criticized the veto, arguing Spanberger had campaigned on supporting a legal retail cannabis market and then rejected the framework lawmakers sent her.

For now, Virginia remains in an unusual position: you can legally possess marijuana, but you still can’t legally buy recreational cannabis from a retail store. Expect the fight to continue when the General Assembly reconvenes.

Virginia Sues over Student Loan Caps

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joined a multistate coalition this week to sue the U.S. Department of Education over a rule he says unlawfully restricts federal student loan access for Virginians pursuing professional degrees.

The lawsuit challenges a Trump administration rule tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that narrows the federal definition of “professional degree”—the designation that determines which graduate students can borrow up to $200,000 in federal loans.

Jones and dozens of fellow state AGs, including Maryland’s Anthony Brown, argue the Department added restrictions Congress never authorized, potentially limiting access for students in some healthcare and other critical workforce fields. “Cutting off access to federal student loans cuts off access to career opportunities for Virginians,” Jones said.

The coalition argues the rule could worsen workforce shortages in critical professions, particularly healthcare fields where states already face ongoing staffing challenges.

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It’s designed to support deeper sleep, calmer evenings, stress support, and overall relaxation, without relying on cheap single-form magnesium that may leave gaps.

And right now, it’s part of BIOptimizers’ Memorial Day Sale: 25% off sitewide through May 27.

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Plus, when you spend $150+, you can get $35 in free gifts, including a pill holder and frother.

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➤ Statewide: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of school-focused bills aimed at addressing teacher shortages, improving school construction processes, and expanding parent involvement in course selection across Virginia. (More)

➤ Chesterfield County: Google’s proposed second data center campus could impact nearby wetlands, adding another environmental concern to Virginia’s fast-growing data center industry. (More)

➤ Henrico County: Residents in eastern Henrico County are pushing back on Quality Technology Services’ plan to add 17 new data center buildings near White Oak Technology Park, citing concerns about noise, traffic, and strain on local infrastructure. (More)

➤ Richmond: Transit officials extended the region’s fare-free bus program for another year, saying free fares are now part of the system’s long-term approach. (More)

➤ Stafford County: Antisemitic graffiti found in bathrooms at Stafford High School prompted an increased police presence as authorities investigate the incident, though officials say there is no credible threat to the school community. (More)

➤ Petersburg: Parts of the city are under a boil water advisory after a waterline break caused road closures and reduced water pressure, with officials urging residents to use boiled or bottled water until testing is complete. (More)

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➤ Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood hit the MLB’s first inside-the-park grand slam since 2022—a base-clearing shot that sparked a comeback win over the Mets. (More)

➤ UVA senior Ben James shot an 8-under 63 at the NCAA Winston-Salem Regional, tying the second-lowest round in program history. (More)

➤ The Washington Spirit sold out their May 30 match against Seattle Reign FC a full 11 days before kickoff, the earliest sellout in club history. The game will tie the franchise’s single-season sellout record, with 10 home matches still left to play. (More)

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➤ The Kelvin8 Multitool combines eight essential emergency tools into one compact device designed for roadside safety and survival. Featuring a hand-crank power bank, flashlight, SOS alarm, seatbelt cutter, and window breaker, it helps drivers stay prepared during blackouts, accidents, storms, and unexpected emergencies wherever the road takes them. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Amherst County plans to redevelop the former Central Virginia Training Center into a mixed-use neighborhood, with some buildings demolished and a new access road to attract developers. (More)

➤ Roanoke-based Virginia Transformer will build a new 600,000‑square‑foot manufacturing plant in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, expected to create 1,100 jobs as demand grows for power-grid equipment. (See Details)

➤ Virginia is tightening emissions standards for data center backup generators starting July 1, 2026, as regulators and lawmakers respond to growing concerns over air quality and the expanding diesel fleets tied to AI-driven data center growth. (More)

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➤ Protect your home and your budget with ServicePlus Home Warranty’s Memorial Day Sale, offering 50% off coverage plans plus 2 months free for new customers. From costly appliance breakdowns to unexpected home repairs, ServicePlus helps cover expensive surprises while giving homeowners peace of mind at a fraction of the usual cost. (LEARN MORE)

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BIOptimizers Memorial Day Sale Is Live

BIOptimizers’ Memorial Day Sale is live: 25% off sitewide through May 27.

Start with their best-selling Magnesium Breakthrough, a full-spectrum magnesium complex with all seven forms your body actually needs.

It’s designed to support better sleep, calmer evenings, stress support, and relaxation, without the cheap single-form approach.

You can also save on MassZymes, Berberine Breakthrough, P3-OM, and more.

Plus, orders of $150+ can get $35 in free gifts.

👉 Shop before the Memorial Day Sale ends May 27

➤ Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are making a comeback, with the population rising 46% from last year to an estimated 349 million crabs. Scientists are encouraged by a sharp increase in juvenile crabs but say declining female crab numbers remain a long-term concern. (More)

➤ Burke just claimed the top spot on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live in Virginia for 2026–2027, landing 108th nationally—a well-earned honor for the Fairfax County community. (More)

➤ No Kid Hungry Virginia highlights summer programs helping families feed kids, including $120 per student from Virginia Sun Bucks and meals from the Summer Food Service program. (More)

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➤ A little-known AI company is quietly positioning itself ahead of what could become the biggest tech IPO of 2026: Anthropic. Backed by surging institutional interest and exploding demand for advanced AI, one overlooked stock may offer investors a rare chance to gain exposure before Wall Street catches on and the opportunity disappears. (LEARN MORE)