How was your weekend, Virginia? Ours was pretty cool. My husband, Kody, and I celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary by attending the North Carolina State Fair. We rode the rides, sampled the food, and had a genuinely great time being kids again for a few hours.
It’s great to have someone wonderful to share life with. It’s awesome to have someone to share news with, too, and that’s where y’all come in. If you find value in this newsletter (and I certainly hope you do) would you mind forwarding this link to a friend so they could sign up for free, too? It sure would mean a lot—because I’m so glad you’re here.
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What’s important to you about voting this year? Maybe it’s an issue affecting your family, something happening in your community, an experience you’ve had, or simply something you hope will change.
We want to hear your story. Send us a short selfie-style video telling us what’s inspiring your vote, or your perspective on voting. Submit your video by 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 23, and if you are eligible, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift card.*
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By Amie Knowles
This is what Virginia’s worst drought in more than two decades looks like.
Nearly 60% of the commonwealth is experiencing prolonged drought conditions. Although recent rainfall helped water levels rise in places like Smith Mountain Lake, portions of Virginia are still experiencing an extreme drought.
Local governments—like the towns of Gretna and Chatham—sounded the alarm on the dry conditions. They called the situation a “water emergency” and asked residents to use less.
Many crops are not growing as well this year because of the dry conditions. Virginia’s hay yield is down 35% statewide, recent USDA and Virginia Cooperative Extension data showed, with losses reaching 70% in some areas.
And the drought comes as Virginians are already raising questions about another demand on the state’s water supply: data centers. Some of the larger Virginia data centers use millions of gallons of water a day to cool the components.
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Perhaps the rumor of a data center moving nearby raises alarm. Or maybe a licensing fee hinders local business owners.
These are some of the everyday issues that local government officials across Virginia often have the power to vote on—and their decisions ultimately impact your community (remember, that’s why who you vote for is so important).
We’re curious: What’s one thing you wish your local government would fix?
Write to me at amie@couriernewsroom.com and let me know.
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By Ava Edwards
Virginia poll workers play an important role in keeping our elections safe, fair, and efficient. But many counties across the commonwealth need more election officials to help staff polling places. If you meet the requirements—and would like to help—becoming an election official is a great way to get civically involved.
The responsibilities of an election official vary greatly, but include greeting voters, opening and closing polling locations, assisting voters, maintaining voting equipment, and more.
There are several perks to becoming an election official.
First, becoming a poll worker is a great opportunity to connect with your community. Whether it is interacting with voters or bonding with fellow workers at your polling place, you connect with many friendly, local faces as a poll worker.
Second, by working as a poll worker, you keep our elections safe and fair.
And last, you can get paid (really)! Payment varies greatly, but in many instances you are compensated for a day’s work and can even receive a stipend for travel. In Virginia, poll workers are paid $75 a day.
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Are you enjoying this newsletter?
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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 by Ava Edwards. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
Dogwood is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.
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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOTING, REGISTERING TO VOTE, OR PROOF OF VOTING IS NOT REQUIRED. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 18+. Entry Period: 12:00 a.m. ET 10/19/26 – 11:59 p.m. ET 10/23/26. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules. Sponsor: Courier Newsroom, Inc.
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