Friday, October 18, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1812, the U.S. sloop-of-war Wasp engaged the British vessel HMS Frolic. Both vessels were damaged, and when a larger British ship arrived, the Wasp was forced to surrender. The captured Wasp served as HMS Peacock until it was lost off the Virginia Capes the following year.

Welcome to The Virginia Flyover, where we cover the Commonwealth from the mountains to the capes. Read on for an update on some animal stories we've followed this week, and be sure to hit reply and let us know how we are doing and what we should be covering in your area.

Be sure to check out today's sponsor Kailo, the medication-free way to pain relief.

Pentagon Confirms Drone Incident

The Pentagon confirmed that two Virginia military bases “did experience incursions of unauthorized unmanned aerial systems last year in December 2023.” The incursions by unmanned drones had been reported by The Wall Street Journal earlier this week.

A Defense Department spokeswoman told reporters she could not provide any information on where the drones came from, where they went, or whether they were operated by a foreign government.

The drone flights lasted 17 days and occurred over Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Base Langley-Eustis, which is the base of the F-22 Raptor.

Singh said the base commander could have ordered that the drones be shot down, but she said the intruders “didn’t appear to exhibit any hostile intent.”

Tony Bennett Retires

University of Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett announced his retirement on Thursday, shortly before the 2024-25 season begins. The university plans to host a news conference with Bennett on Friday, during which he may provide a reason for the departure.

The move comes just a week after Bennett sat with reporters at the ACC Tipoff to discuss ways his program is adjusting to life in today’s NCAA, where the proliferation of transfers and licensing deals is presenting challenges to many top programs.

Bennett has experienced ups and downs in his career, winning a national title in 2019 just one year after UVA became the first number 1 seed to lose to a 16-seed in the First Round.

The Cavs were picked as the fifth-best team in the conference going into the ACC season.

Live Music this Weekend

It will be a big weekend for live music across Virginia.

Country music fans, and all supporters of Virginia agriculture, will want to check out Virginia Farm Fest on Saturday at Poor House Farm in Rice. Supporters say it is similar to Farm Aid, but at a "Virginia level." Ten acts from across the state are on the lineup.

Classical music fans will want to be on hand as the Richmond Symphony presents Stravinsky's masterpiece The Rite of Spring on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. The performance also features pieces by Debussy and Ravel.

Finally, for those who want to enjoy a mug of beer or glass of wine with their entertainment, there are plenty of breweries and vintners across the Commonwealth hosting live music this weekend. Find your favorite and go!

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➤ Richmond: The Department of Medical Services intends to use its $95 million reserve fund to cover delayed Medicaid payments for fiscal year 2025 as it works to determine who will remain eligible for the joint state-federal program. (Details)

➤ Arlington: Federal officials and both of Virginia's senators led a groundbreaking ceremony for a new railroad bridge that will improve passenger service across the Potomac. (Rendering)

➤ Charlottesville: UVA edited the language explaining one of its mentorship programs after the Legal Insurrection Foundation filed a suit claiming that the school was excluding white students. (Details)

➤ Norfolk: The Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming plan to break ground on a casino on October 30. Voters approved the project back in 2020. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Accuweather long-term forecast predicts a relatively mild winter for most of Virginia as La Niña conditions are expected to dominate. (More)

➤ Danville: Chef Gordon Ramsey will open his first restaurant in the Commonwealth, at the Caesars Virginia casino. (Details)

➤ The Washington Commanders will retire former cornerback Darrell Green's jersey during halftime of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, honoring one of the franchise's greatest players. (More)

➤ JMU men's soccer picked up a crucial Sun Belt win over Georgia Southern, as they try to work their way back onto the top 25 rankings. The Dukes were previously ranked as high as number 8 in the nation but fell off the rankings entirely after losing to UVA last week. (Details)

➤ Virginia Tech handed Boston College a 42-21 loss in the ACC's Thursday night game of the week. VT running back Bhayshul
Tuten rushed for 266 yards and three touchdowns. (See Details)

➤ Yesterday's Results: NFL | NCAAF | MLB | NBA | NHL | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Real estate developer Artspace will redevelop a former factory site in Roanoke, building a mixed-use, affordable housing project intended for artists. (Details)

➤ Allianz Partners signed a 10-year deal to put its name on Richmond's new amphitheater, which opens in June. (More)

➤ Amazon and Dominion Energy signed a Memo of Understanding to work to explore the potential development of a Small Modular Reactor in Virginia. (Details)

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➤ Nichelle Lewis, a Chesterfield native, has earned her second leading role on Broadway, in Ragtime. (Details)

➤ Twelve Loudoun County wineries have combined their output for a unique blend to mark 40 years of regional winemaking. (More)

➤ Solar farms in Halifax County, Chesapeake, and Suffolk already practice "agrivoltaics" by hosting herds of sheep and may soon be populated by cattle as well. (More)

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➤ GoDonut is a clever and convenient stand for phones, tablets, and e-readers that makes it easy to enjoy your mobile devices anywhere, hands-free. (See It Here)