Spanberger Ahead in Latest Poll 

Democrat Abigail Spanberger holds a double-digit lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in the race for governor, according to the latest poll of likely voters by Emerson College Polling and The Hill. The survey was conducted on Sept. 28-29, after early voting had begun in the Commonwealth.

The poll showed that 52% back the former representative Spanberger, while 42% said they support Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears. Only 5% said they were undecided.

Voters were asked which issues were “very important” to their decision, with 79% citing the economy, 78% education, and 71% health care. Just 27% said transgender issues were very important.

It’s the first Emerson poll since January and indicates a large number of undecided voters have gravitated to Spanberger. “Notably, the male vote, which traditionally favors the Republican candidate, shifted from a 15-point advantage for Earle-Sears to an even split, with 46% supporting each candidate,” poll director Spencer Kimball said.

AG Candidate Convicted for Reckless Driving

Jay Jones, the Democratic candidate for attorney general, admitted he was convicted of reckless driving in 2022.

Jones was clocked at 116 mph on I-64 and eventually paid a $1,500 fine. He reportedly avoided a jail sentence by performing 1,000 hours of community service, half of which were completed with his political action committee.

“Several years ago, I made the mistake of speeding, for which I am regretful,” Jones said in a statement.

“Our laws are not suggestions,” his opponent, incumbent Jason Miyares, said. “This new information raises serious, troubling questions about Jay Jones’ judgment.“

What’s Open During Shutdown

The federal government is shut down until lawmakers can reach a spending agreement. Many of the 350,000 federal workers in Virginia are not getting paid, which will impact local economies. 

Not everything is closed, however. The Postal Service is not funded through the Treasury, so mail service will continue. Social Security, Medicare, SNAP benefits, and VA compensation will also be paid on schedule.

The Blue Ridge Parkway will remain open, but with fewer park rangers and services. Airports are also operating, but shortages of TSA personnel and air traffic controllers could cause slowdowns.

Smithsonian facilities will remain open at least through Monday, because the organization has some funds remaining from the previous fiscal year. When that runs out, however, museums will be closed. Visitors should confirm attractions are open before they go.

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➤ Norfolk: President Trump delayed a planned visit from today to Sunday, according to an updated invitation sent to news organizations. The president’s visit will coincide with a celebration of 250 years of the U.S. Navy. (Details)

➤ Chesterfield County: Toy maker LEGO hosted a “topping off ceremony” as the final steel beam was installed in its new $1.5 billion manufacturing facility. The factory and regional distribution center are scheduled to open in January 2027. (Details)

➤ Alexandria: The federal Justice Department reportedly fired Maya Song and Michael Ben’Ary, attorneys in the Eastern District of Virginia. Song had served as deputy to the ousted U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert, while Ben’Ary was serving as lead prosecutor in a terrorism case scheduled to begin in December. (More)

➤ Washington, D.C.: Hung Cao, a former naval officer and candidate for U.S. Senate from Virginia, was confirmed to serve as the Under Secretary of the Navy. (More)

➤ Hampton Roads: If the ongoing government shutdown lasts until the middle of the month, service members may miss their next payday on Oct. 15. Experts suggest reaching out to creditors right away to let them know payments may be delayed. (Details)

➤ Roanoke: Passengers on a flight bound for Roanoke spent a night in New York City after the wing of their aircraft collided with another jet while it was on a runway at LaGuardia Airport. The 32 passengers were eventually rebooked on a later Delta flight and arrived safely. (More) 

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➤ Virginia Tech allegedly stopped making revenue share payments to a football player who expressed a desire to redshirt for the remainder of the season. Instead, the Hokies allegedly kicked him off the team. (Details)

➤ UVA men’s soccer, ranked No. 16, completed a 3-2 comeback against Milwaukee to extend its unbeaten streak to six games. (More)

➤ VMI senior Rickey Bradley, Jr., was named Southern Conference Preseason Player of the Year in men’s basketball. (Details)

➤ Virginia Tech’s swimming and diving team visits D.C. to open its season against George Washington today and tomorrow. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | NCAA | NHL | Soccer | Golf

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➤ Dover Food Retail announced it will move some manufacturing operations from California to Chesterfield, making a $20 million investment in Virginia. (Details)

➤ Halifax Pharmacy shuttered after more than a century in business. It was the final independent pharmacy in the county. (More)

➤ The Virginia Tourism Corporation reported that visitors to Southwest Virginia spent more than $1.4 billion last year, up 6% year-over-year. (Details)

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➤ Researchers at Virginia Tech documented a 17% increase in cognitive issues among older Americans who consumed at least one serving of ultra-processed meat daily. (Details)

➤ Richmond Region Tourism used AI to resurrect a former resident—Edgar Allan Poe—to serve as a tour guide for some of the city’s “mysterious and spooky” regions. (More)

➤ The 2025 Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan released a list of the 12 invasive species that are of “high concern” in the Commonwealth. (More)

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Should universities be allowed to withhold revenue share payments to student-athletes?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I don’t care

Thursday’s Results:

Should EVs without passengers be allowed in HOV lanes?

1. No: 39%
2. I don’t care: 31%
3. Yes: 30%

When was the infamous Saltville Massacre?

Show me the answer