⛽️ Here’s how Virginians are saving 41 cents per gallon

October 26, 2026

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Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

When my husband switched offices last year, it was like he got a pay raise—even though his position and salary remained the same. That’s because his commute to and from work reduced by about 40 minutes one-way.

Our monthly savings literally increased by a couple hundred bucks solely because we didn’t need to purchase as much gasoline. That’s how much gas prices affect everyday people—and saving you some money is top of mind in today’s lead story. I’m so glad you’re here to read it.

Amie Knowles

Newsletter Editor, Dogwood

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By Amie Knowles

Gas prices in North Carolina are the lowest in the country, according to AAA—so how does that affect Virginia? Along the VA-NC border, some drivers are crossing the state line to take advantage of the extra savings.

We observed prices in the Southside area at $4.24 per gallon on Oct. 21—but just three miles across the state line, gas in Pelham, North Carolina, was $3.79.

That’s because North Carolina temporarily suspended its 41-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax through Nov. 30. Should Virginia do the same? Write to me at amie@couriernewsroom.com with your take.

Watch here →

Is less funding impacting schools in your area? Or maybe a new opportunity boosted the local economy. It’s situations like these where your vote matters because local leaders oftentimes are the people with the final say.

If you had the chance to ask someone on your board or council: What’s one thing you wish your local government would fix?

Join the conversation

Have you voted already? Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. (When We All Vote)

Party at the Polls: A fun way to increase voter turnout in Virginia

By Ava Edwards

For the past 10 years, national voter turnout organization When We All Vote has brought Party to the Polls to local precincts across the country. Their goal? To fight voter suppression and boost turnout through community and joy.

Party at the Polls is a national initiative that brings music, block parties, food, and community to polling locations. With over 3,000 parties hosted around the US and a 2% to 4% increase in voter turnout since its founding, Party at the Polls is an effective and fun way to fight against voter suppression.

According to We All Vote’s Senior Advisor Kalisha Dessources Figures, “As early voting starts in the midterm elections, we can’t ignore how different and heavy voting feels for some Americans. That’s why our largest-ever Party at the Polls program will ensure voters across the country feel empowered and energized to show up with and for one another. These events are more than just fun—they’re effective. These parties will shape key races across the country.”

Whether it’s attending one of the many parties planned this election season or hosting a party yourself, there are plenty of ways to get involved with Party at the Polls.

Take part in the party →

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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 a story from Ava Edwards. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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