Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Would you like a little levity today? Colton, age 7, has been really interested in the election this time around—especially the political ads on television. He’s asked Kody and me lots of questions about the candidates and their proposed policies, which are conversations I didn’t expect to have with a second grader.

While he’s flip-flopped a bit on who he’d hypothetically vote for and why, one thing’s remained consistent: Colton still gets a little confused on the pronunciation of the Virginia governor candidates’ names. That’s right—for several months, we’ve heard his oftentimes heated opinions about “Abigam” and “Windsome.” 

If you haven’t already cast your ballot, today’s your last opportunity to make your voice heard. Head out and vote before the polls close at 7 p.m.—and if you have any last-minute questions about the election, check out Dogwood’s free voter hub. Now go vote like Colton’s watching—because if he is, he’s definitely got opinions. I’m so glad you’re here.

Former President Barack Obama and Democratic nominee for Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger at a rally in Norfolk on Nov. 1, 2025. (Michael O’Connor/Dogwood)

By Michael O’Connor

Thousands of voters rallied at the Chartway Arena on the campus of Old Dominion University on Saturday for Virginia Democrats who were joined by former President Barack Obama. 

The campaign for Abigail Spanberger estimated that about 7,000 people were on hand as Obama urged Virginians to elect Spanberger the next governor of Virginia. 

Obama, greeted by raucous cheers in a sign of his lasting popularity in a state that backed him twice, described his concerns about the erosion of democratic norms under President Donald Trump, his dismay at Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears’ downplaying of federal workforce cuts, and gave a full-throated endorsement for Spanberger’s candidacy. 

“At a time when our politics feels broken, we need desperately leaders like Abigail: Public servants who are in it for the right reasons and are focused on the future, and who will always stay connected to the people they were elected to serve,” Obama said with Spanberger seated on stage nearby.

Election Day is here, and it’s more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a celebration of one of our greatest privileges: The right to vote. Every ballot cast is a statement of hope, a choice for the kind of community we want to build, and a reminder that democracy only works when we take part.

So, show up. Bring a friend. Wear that “I Voted” sticker with pride. Let’s honor those who fought for this right by using it. Vote today, Virginia!

A bald eagle is once again soaring the skies of Virginia after undergoing life-saving measures last month. (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke)

What’s more American to feature today than a bald eagle rehabilitation story? This one really fits the bill (or should we say, the beak?) for Election Day.

The bird of prey came to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke in September as a result of a fierce territorial fight with two younger eagles in Rocky Mount. The nonprofit reported that upon arrival, the eagle was so weak, it could barely lift its head.

The Roanoke center helped with the bird’s initial recovery, then transferred the eagle to the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro for additional care. There, the bird underwent flight conditioning and had lead removed from its blood.

Last month, the eagle took to the skies at a release at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park in Moneta.

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