I know it’s been a couple of days, but did you enjoy the long weekend? We did—once again, my husband, son, and I found ourselves in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a soccer game. A very, very rain-drenched soccer game. With rain ponchos donned and cellphones in waterproof cases, we remembered just how nice it is to have good options available to us to keep us comfy.
Speaking of convenient options, did you know there are several options when it comes to voting before Election Day? One, of course, is early in-person voting—and that’s available in Virginia through Saturday, Oct. 31. You can find information about early voting locations here.
Another is voting by mail. The deadline to request a mail-in absentee ballot online is coming up soon: Friday, Oct. 23. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3, and must reach their final destination by noon on Friday, Nov. 6.
There’s also the ballot drop box option. Return ballots no later than 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. You can find official ballot drop box locations here. However you choose to vote, that’s up to you—but whether you head to the polls, to the drop box, or to the mailbox, I’m so glad you’re here.
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Pick up some apples and some cider to take home at Ikenberry Orchards. (Ikenberry Orchards)
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By Aila Boyd
Here’s what you need to know: With orchards spread throughout the commonwealth, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in the cherished fall tradition of apple-picking.
Our top picks (see what we did there?):
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Mackintosh Fruit Farm, a family-owned and operated establishment in Berryville, has been a Northern Shenandoah Valley mainstay for the past 30 years. Consider visiting the farm for some apple-picking, as well as pumpkins and fall squash, before heading to The Cider Room for a glass or two of some locally made hard cider.
- Stop by Ikenberry Orchards for a wide range of pre-picked apples in Daleville. The orchards have been owned and operated by four generations of the same family. While you’re there, pick up a pumpkin to take home to carve while enjoying some Ikenberry cider.
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Carter Mountain Orchard offers u-pick apples with views of the picturesque valley surrounding Charlottesville. Apple picking season runs from mid-August through November, with seven varieties of apples available.
Want more fun? We’re highlighting a dozen apple orchards open across Virginia for the fall season.
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Virginians listen to State Corporation Commission officials explain the public hearing proceedings regarding the Dominion-NextEra merger at Christopher Newport University’s Freeman Center in Newport News, Virginia, on Oct. 7, 2026. (Jonny Lupsha/Dogwood)
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By Jonny Lupsha
On Oct. 7, the first public hearing regarding the $67 billion Dominion-NextEra merger took place in Newport News. Supporters expressed faith that the deal would provide the commonwealth with affordable and reliable energy as well as access to NextEra resources.
However, opponents expressed concerns about monopolistic practices like rate hikes as well as several NextEra controversies, including a recent $150 million settlement in a class-action securities fraud lawsuit.
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Children sit in a classroom participating in a lesson. (Shutterstock/Rawpixel)
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By Kristine Gill
Denise Harrington, an educator and member of the League of Women Voters, grew up as America was desegregating its schools. As a young student, though, her only option was Hampton University’s Laboratory School in Virginia, which she attended through a scholarship/voucher program.
“That’s how I was educated from kindergarten to second grade, and then things did not open up until I was in third grade, which would have been 1970,” Harrington said. “That’s the only time it was safe for me to go to a public school.”
Harrington said the shift was stark.
Public school teachers were better equipped to work with students with special needs, and students were better prepared for college. As an adult, acquaintances are sometimes surprised to learn she attended a private school as a child, but when she explains it was a result of segregation and that her education suffered as a result, their tune changes.
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Have you shared this newsletter with a neighbor?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Aila Boyd, Jonny Lupsha, and Kristine Gill. It was edited by Paula Solis.
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