May we approach this day with respect, deepen our understanding, and recommit ourselves to ensuring Indigenous communities are heard, honored, and included in shaping our shared future.

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the histories, cultures, & enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples. Today is also a time to reflect on the injustices Indigenous communities have faced & recognize the importance of preserving Indigenous voices, traditions, & sovereignty.

Books open doors, and every child should have the freedom to read. Each student went home with a copy of the book, and I hope they enjoy getting to know the remarkable women whose lives and groundbreaking contributions are highlighted.

The morning was made more special with a poetry reading of the Poet Laureate of Virginia: Dr. Latorial Faison & a discussion by former Secretary of Education Anne Holton. Thank you to our Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Sesha Moon, students, educators, librarians, and volunteers.

I was delighted to spend last Monday morning with 250 middle schoolers from Richmond and Henrico for our Banned Books Week celebration. I especially enjoyed reading excerpts from “Hidden Figures: Young Readers’ Edition” with the students and hearing their thoughts and questions.

This week, I released the Energy Costs Listening Tour Report, following five stops across Virginia. We heard directly from hundreds of Virginians about rising energy costs and their concerns about the proposed Dominion–NextEra takeover.

Today is a day of historic commemoration. Virginia celebrates the first regular session of the elected House of Delegates and Senate that convened in Williamsburg in October 1776 after the declaration of independence.

Over the course of five listening sessions in September, we heard from Virginians in communities across the Commonwealth and began to see the same concerns emerge around the proposed takeover.

From sitting down with local leaders to hearing from families, workers, & small business owners, our week in Southwest VA was a reminder of what makes Virginia so special: the people who call it home. Thank you for every conversation, every welcome, & every stop along the way.

Five days, three cities, and conversations with hundreds of Virginians about the people, communities, and future of our Commonwealth.

I was inspired to see that commitment firsthand; my staff and I worked alongside those who make this mission possible. Thank you to Open Door Café and all of the volunteers who continue to make a difference in the Wytheville community.

Since January 2026, Open Door has served 2,900 volunteer meals, a remarkable example of neighbors helping neighbors. Volunteers & staff grow their produce, work with local businesses to reduce food waste, & rely on a community that shows up each day to keep their neighbors fed.

Last week, my staff and I volunteered at Open Door Café in Wytheville. Open Door Café is Virginia’s only “donate-what-you-can” restaurant, offering everyone who walks through the door t chance to volunteer service in exchange for a home cooked meal, regardless of ability to pay.

Now, with the help of the Chesapeake Climate Network, we’re turning those voices into a full report for our legislators and leaders for review and action.

After five stops across the Commonwealth, we’ve heard from Virginians about what they need from our energy future. Their concerns may differ, but they share a clear expectation: reliability, transparency, and energy costs people can afford.

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Ukrop. An iconic figure, a true business and civic leader, Jim has long been one of the most compelling visionaries in Richmond and Virginia. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, innumerable friends, and all his colleagues.

Joy Powers is running for Congress to be a strong voice for the communities of the Ninth District, and today was a meaningful reminder of the people, communities, and values that make Southwest Virginia special. The Fighting Ninth is fired up, united, and ready for the road ahead!