Poll Shows Governor’s Race Tightening

A survey of more than 1,000 likely voters by the Trafalgar Group showed former Rep. Abigail Spanberger with a narrow lead in the governor’s race over Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. The Democratic candidate’s 2.5-point edge is within the poll’s margin of error.

Both candidates spoke yesterday at the Virginia Education & Workforce Conference.

“The chaos coming out of Washington isn’t just bad policy,” Spanberger said. “It’s creating real harm for Virginia families and businesses.“

Earle-Sears cited the current administration’s successes in cutting taxes and regulations. “Virginia has talent, Virginia has the technology, and Virginia has the tenacity to compete with anyone, anywhere,” she said.

President Donald Trump has not endorsed Earle-Sears in this race, but recently wished outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin luck in the upcoming election. “He wants to see that young woman win, and the attorney general who I endorsed,” Trump said during a joint appearance with Youngkin.

Changes Roil Virginia U.S. Attorneys’ Offices

Former Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee resigned from the Western District of Virginia to accept a position in the private sector at the firm Gentry Locke.

Lee’s job was a flashpoint this summer, when interim U.S. Attorney Todd Gilbert named Lee as senior counsel and executive assistant U.S. attorney instead of firing him, as the White House had reportedly demanded. Gilbert resigned after five weeks on the job.

In the Eastern District, prosecutor Maggie Cleary was reportedly removed from her position this week. However, as of Tuesday, her LinkedIn page still stated that “Maggie Cleary serves as Senior Counsel for the Department of Justice in the Criminal Division.”

Cleary sent an email to staff last month informing them that she had been named acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. However, the next day, Lindsey Halligan, a special assistant to the president, was named to the post instead.

Long Bridge Project to Cause Delays

Passenger and freight trains will not be able to cross the Potomac from Virginia into the District of Columbia from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., seven days a week, beginning in January. The daily closure, which could last up to five years, is to facilitate the construction of a new span across the river.

The existing Long Bridge handles up to 2 million Amtrak passengers and 3 million Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuters each year and is being expanded from two to four tracks.

Some VRE trains will operate from Alexandria instead of D.C. during the $2.3 billion construction project.

Amtrak said it will continue to run two trains daily out of Newport News and add a third trip once the bridge is open. In the meantime, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority plans to operate bus service from Virginia Beach through Norfolk and Newport News, before transitioning to an express route to Washington, D.C.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Loudoun County: A U.S. District Court Judge ordered the parents who sued the county school system after it opened a Title IX investigation of their sons to post a $125,000 bond by the end of the day today. If LCPS prevails on its pre-trial motions, the system could use the bond money to pay its attorney fees. (Details)

➤ Richmond: The U.S. Navy hosted a ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial to mark its 250 years of service. “This is where it all began,” House Speaker Don Scott, a Navy veteran, said. “Greatness grew in these Virginia waters.” (More)

➤ Norfolk: The Airport Authority announced it will not show passengers a video recorded by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown. (Details)

➤ Arlington: Metro retired its 2000 series railcars, which had covered more than 200 million miles and moved 775 million people since they were introduced four decades ago. (More)

➤ Greene County: UVA Health rolled out a mobile care unit to bring doctors to patients in rural areas. The service will be available at the Greene County Senior Center every third Tuesday of the month from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Details)

➤ Pittsylvania County: Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating Ellis Lambert, a suspect in a shooting incident earlier this week. Lambert is considered “armed and dangerous.” (More)

Like The Virginia Flyover? Share it with a friend! ✈️

➤ No teams from the Commonwealth made AP’s preseason men’s college basketball Top 25 poll. UVA and VCU did receive some votes. (See Poll)

➤ Anna Leigh Waters, the world’s No. 1 female pickleball player, won the triple crown at the Virginia Beach Cup, taking home gold in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. (More)

➤ Lake Braddock topped the latest Class 6 Virginia high school football rankings, followed closely by Colonial Forge and Manchester. (See Full Rankings)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NHL | NCAAF | NBA | Soccer | Tennis

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Tired of mosquito bites ruining your nights? Try Repelix — a sleek, scent-free, DEET-free device that emits an invisible 15-foot shield using heat-activated technology, offering up to 15 hours of protection so you can finally enjoy your porch, patio, or sleep in peace. (LEARN MORE)

➤ The Virginia Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications for its fuel assistance program. Households with an income below 150% of the federal poverty level are eligible for support. (Details)

➤ Smartmouth Brewing Co. will close its Norfolk location this year. The company’s brewery in Virginia Beach will remain open. (More)

➤ Lynchburg’s Main Street is open for business after being closed for repairs for 10 months as part of the Downtown Renewal project. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ 10 Financial benefits Americans born 1941–1979 need to know about. Building wealth later in life doesn’t have to be complicated. With unique discounts, programs, and perks available for Americans over 45, these 10 strategies could help stretch your money further. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Plastic Surgeon Reveals Morning Trick for Weight Loss

Can trimming stubborn belly fat really come down to one simple tweak in your diet?

According to one of Beverly Hills’ leading plastic surgeons, the answer is YES!

Dr. John Lakey discovered a morning trick that supports a powerful fat-burning hormone, inspired by a friend’s transformation. A study showed 297 volunteers lost 24 pounds in eight weeks without changing diet or exercise.

Click here now to see how it works.†*

*Results can and will vary.

✝ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

➤ Mechanics in Hampton Roads said they expect to spend this week working on cars that were damaged by seawater during the weekend’s tidal flooding. (Details)

➤ Nineteen Virginia families posted photos on two billboards in Roanoke of family members who died from fentanyl overdoses. One goal is to share a message of hope with others who are suffering addiction problems. (More)

➤ The illuminated sign that welcomes drivers to Richmond’s Carytown neighborhood was removed for repairs and may be gone for weeks. The sign has malfunctioned at least three times in the last year. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Need a simple place for your phone while driving? Try Cell Phone Seat, it doesn’t block your view, vents, or even your cup holder. It’s the easiest cell phone mount to install and use, plus it’s made in America by Veterans! Get the two-pack discount, which makes a great gift. (See Video)

Which Virginia school do you think will finish highest-ranked in men’s basketball?

1. UVA
2. Virginia Tech
3. VCU
4. George Mason
5. James Madison
6. Liberty
7. Other

Tuesday’s Results:

Have you been on a train in Virginia—Amtrak, VRE, or Scenic Railway—this year? 

1. No: 38%
2. Yes: 32%
3. Never: 30%

How many miles of the Appalachian Trail are in Virginia?

Show me the answer