Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2006, the U.S. Navy officially retired the F-14 Tomcat with a ceremony at Naval Air Station Oceana. The versatile fighter jet was first deployed in 1974.

Some childhood nostalgia is returning to Northern Virginia: Toys R Us will open at Leesburg Premium Outlets ahead of the holiday season. If Geoffrey the Giraffe and those packed toy aisles take you back, head to today’s Poll and tell us whether you would visit a new store.

Have you picked your retirement date yet? A new study says that choice may shape how long you live, not just how much you save. What happens to your odds if you work one more year? And does it matter whether you leave the job healthy or already sick? Ayla walks through what the researchers found on today's episode of The Flyover Podcast. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor is hear.com, offering the sleek, AI-powered Horizon IX hearing aid designed to deliver clearer, more natural sound with personalized technology you won’t find at big-box stores.

Quantum Firm Selects Arlington for U.S. Headquarters

British quantum-algorithm company Phasecraft has selected Arlington for its U.S. headquarters, state officials announced Monday.

The company develops software intended to help quantum computers tackle practical problems in energy, advanced materials, and other industries. Phasecraft cited Virginia’s skilled workforce, research universities, access to federal agencies, and proximity to prospective customers among its reasons for choosing Ballston.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Arlington County helped secure the project. Phasecraft plans to invest $113,000 and create 19 jobs, with the state supporting recruitment and employee training through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Nor’easter Threatens Eastern Virginia

A nor’easter is expected to bring several days of rain, strong northeast winds, and coastal flooding to eastern Virginia beginning Tuesday night and continuing through Thursday.

The DMV forecast calls for periods of heavy rain and gusty winds that could disrupt commutes and cause flooding in low-lying areas. Conditions are expected to remain unsettled through much of the workweek.

Along the Eastern Shore, prolonged onshore winds could push water into bays, tidal creeks, and vulnerable coastal communities during multiple high-tide cycles. Forecasters expect widespread minor to moderate tidal flooding in Accomack and Northampton counties by midweek.

Marine conditions could become particularly dangerous, with gale-force winds and offshore waves reaching 10 to 13 feet. Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as the storm develops.

Henrico Police Add Online Threat Detection Tool

Henrico Police is using Liferaft, an online threat-detection platform that compiles publicly available content from social media, websites, and forums. County supervisors approved the $106,000 purchase in April as part of the department’s fiscal 2026-27 budget.

Police Chief Eric English said the system will help officers identify possible threats involving schools, public officials, religious facilities, and planned events. He said it cannot access private social media accounts and will not be used to monitor lawful speech or peaceful protests.

Supervisor Misty Roundtree questioned the lack of state-level restrictions governing the technology and raised concerns about artificial intelligence and deep- and dark-web searches. English said the department would not use those capabilities, although Liferaft says its platform includes AI tools and deep- and dark-web monitoring. Police and the company have not clarified whether Henrico’s package includes those features.

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➤ Northern Virginia: Fairfax County supervisors approved a planning amendment that could allow an existing 706-unit apartment complex near the Dunn Loring Metro station to be replaced with as many as 2,975 homes. A rezoning application with additional project details will require separate approval. (More)

➤ Hampton Roads: Authorities made an arrest in connection with a social media threat involving Nandua Middle and Nandua High schools in Accomack County after additional officers were assigned to both campuses Monday. (More)

➤ Statewide: A statewide study found that a majority of Virginia households with children have experienced food insecurity, meaning family members have lacked consistent access to enough food. (More)

➤ Central Virginia: Richmond is reevaluating its contract with Flock Safety and reviewing oversight of the city’s license plate readers amid privacy concerns. The city also plans to reduce its data-retention period from 21 days to seven days. (More)

➤ Northern Virginia: Critics are questioning Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano’s handling of several defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity, arguing that his office did not sufficiently challenge their mental health claims. The cases include the 2019 fatal stabbing of a landlord in Vienna. (More)

➤ Hampton Roads: Federal civil rights officials reached an agreement with Virginia Beach schools after finding deficiencies in investigations and record-keeping involving sexual misconduct reports from 2017 through 2020. The division said it has since hired a Title IX coordinator and expanded staff training. (More)

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➤ No. 9 UVA field hockey held off a fourth-quarter surge from No. 11 North Carolina to win 2-1 on the road. Virginia goalkeeper Nilou Lempers made four late saves to seal the victory. (More)

➤ Richmond women's soccer extended its program-record unbeaten streak to nine games this season with a 1-1 draw at George Washington on Sunday. The Spiders are 5-0-4, but haven't lost in 12 matches dating back to last season. (More)

➤ 18-year-old Liberty tennis player Angel Veliz made his Davis Cup debut for Ecuador this weekend, the youngest player on his country's roster for the international team competition. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | WNBA | NHL | Soccer

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➤ Richmond introduced a 25-year solar proposal Monday that would place privately owned panels on 39 municipal buildings. The city projects $12 million in net energy savings, although internal correspondence revealed concerns about legal exposure, termination fees, and other financial risks. (More)

➤ TECHnista will invest $15.1 million to expand into a 30,000-square-foot building at Danville’s Cyber Park, creating at least 22 jobs over three years. The education consulting firm develops K-12 curricula focused on advanced manufacturing and defense-related careers. (More)

➤ Jubilee Family Development Center broke ground on an expansion of its Astronaut Leland Melvin STEM Center in Lynchburg, funded by a $1 million capital campaign. The project will add five classrooms, a patio, a garden, and an accessible entrance for youth education and adult workforce training, with completion expected by summer 2027. (More)

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➤ Weird Brothers Coffee combines specialty coffee with pop culture-inspired products and a focus on building community. Owner Paul Olsen founded the Northern Virginia roaster with his late brother, Kenny. (More)

➤ Toys R Us will open a store at Leesburg Premium Outlets ahead of the holiday season. The store will be located next to Perfume Hut and across from Old Navy, near the shopping center’s outdoor play area. (More)

➤ Southern Living called Independence one of Virginia’s best-kept secrets, highlighting its bluegrass traditions, Appalachian heritage, local dining, and proximity to Mount Rogers, Grayson Highlands State Park, and the New River. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes.

➤ Researchers found the timing of your retirement may matter far more than just to your savings account. (Listen Now)

➤ Insiders at major AI companies are openly mocking viral warnings that the technology could wipe out humanity. (Hear Episode)

➤ The New York Times writer behind the 1619 Project now says her decade-long public school experiment may have cheated her own daughter. (Hear Details)