Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Hmm… seems like something important is happening in Virginia toady. Is it the fact that we’re in the middle of hurricane season? Yeah, but we’re getting into that in today’s lead story.

Maybe it’s the fact that 85% of readers who responded to our survey in Monday’s newsletter have already registered to vote? Close, but not quite.

Ah! Eureka! It’s that early voting starts today in Virginia. We’re hitting the highlights below, so be sure to scroll down. Have a great weekend, and remember, I’m so glad you’re here.

Amie Knowles

Newsletter Editor, Dogwood

Officials urge the inclusion of a first aid kit, flashlight, and batteries as part of your emergency kit. (Getty Images/Unsplash)

The 2026 hurricane season in Virginia: What to know & how to prepare

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: While Virginia’s hurricane season has been especially quiet thus far (thanks to El Niño), the commonwealth has weathered its fair share of storms. To avoid being caught unaware when Virginia finds itself in the crosshairs of a devastating hurricane, preparation is key.

Our top tips:

Lauren Opett, acting state coordinator of emergency management, explained that preparedness includes gathering supplies, reviewing evacuation plans, and discussing emergency procedures with those you live with.
Officials urge building an emergency kit with enough essential supplies to last at least three days. Necessary items might include flashlights, batteries, food, water, backup cellphone batteries, a first aid kit, medications, and a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
Those living in coastal and low-lying floodplains should familiarize themselves with Virginia’s evacuation zones, officials said. The interactive digital map shows zones ranging from A through D, with A being areas most at risk of flooding or storm surge.

Want to learn more? We’ve got additional preparedness guidelines at the link below.

That’s not all →

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If you enjoy this newsletter and value the work we do, consider chipping in today. Any amount helps—and we’re grateful for every bit of support.

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Colton (from left), Kody, and Amie enjoy a pizza from Frank’s Pizza. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)

A patio pizza kind of party

By Amie Knowles

We spent five-figures on electrical and HVAC upgrades—does that count for “what I’m buying?” Because other than that, it’s been the bare essentials for a couple of weeks, and it’ll be the bare essentials for a little while longer unless we win the lottery.

We did, however, splurge on the most amazing cheese pizza known to Tightsqueeze, and that came directly from one of our favorite local Italian restaurants, Frank’s Pizza. We were staying at my in-law’s home while we were without power, but our key accidentally got locked inside. So, a patio picnic it was until NetNet (Colton’s grandma) got home and unlocked the door.

Pizza might be their signature, but the eatery has everything from hearty subs to filling pasta dishes. And it’s well-priced, too. My husband, our son, and I usually eat for under $30, including tax and tip. The next time you’re down in the Southside and seeking a steady lunch or dinner spot, tell ‘em we sent you.

See the menu →

We asked earlier this week if you’ve registered to vote. Out of the 69 readers who responded, 60 said “yes” and nine voted “no.”

So I’ll ask you, if you haven’t registered to vote yet, why haven’t you? You can check your registration status for free or read about hosting a voter registration drive in your community here.

Share your take →

Tables inside a Fairfax County polling location at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School on Aug. 4, 2026. (Michael O’Connor/Dogwood)

Virginia’s weekly action guide

By Ava Edwards

Election Day in Virginia and across the country is Tuesday, Nov. 3. If you’re planning to vote in the election, which includes high-profile races for the United States Senate and House of Representatives, there are a lot of other important dates to keep in mind before you head to the polls.

Key dates in Virginia’s 2026 midterm elections:

🗳️ Sept. 18-Oct. 31: No-excuse in-person early voting is available to all registered voters. Hours vary by county.

🗳️ Friday, Oct. 23: This is your last day to register to vote in the general election without using a provisional ballot. You can register online using Dogwood’s voter registration tool before 4 p.m. local time. You can register through Election Day, but must use a provisional ballot.

🗳️ Friday, Oct. 23: This is the deadline to request a mail-in absentee ballot online.

🗳️ Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day. This is the last day to vote in Virginia’s midterm elections. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. As long as you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be able to vote. Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the registrar by noon three days post-Election Day.

Bookmark this article →

The strike at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden that began on Sept. 2 has garnered community support for the workers as they fight for better pay and dignity on the job.⁣ (Watch here)
Speaking at a roundtable in Henrico on Sept. 14, Democrat Shannon Taylor criticized the role of private equity in the healthcare industry. (Watch here)
The Dominion-NextEra merger is one of the biggest stories in the state. While politicians fight over extensions, US Rep. Rob Wittman holds stock in NextEra and ratepayers brace for the worst. (See post)

Would you share this newsletter with a friend?

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, Ava Edwards, Michael O’Connor, and Jonny Lupsha. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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