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In Virginia's 1st Congressional District, Democratic prosecutor Shannon Taylor is challenging longtime Republican Rep. Rob Wittman with an anti-corruption message, accusing him of enriching himself through stock trades in companies he helps regulate. Wittman denies wrongdoing, says his portfolio is managed by outside advisers and reflects inheritances, has backed legislation limiting stock trading, and calls Taylor "a liar." The district, unrepresented by a Democrat since the 1970s, backed Trump by about 5 points in 2024 but went for Gov. Abigail Spanberger by nearly 3 points in 2025, making it a top Democratic flip target. Wittman has outraised Taylor roughly two-to-one, though outside groups have spent nearly $5 million attacking him on her behalf. Wittman, who has never won by fewer than 10 points, has deep local ties and Trump's endorsement, while Taylor has pledged to support a stock-trading ban, term limits, and a lobbying ban for former members of Congress.

The race reflects a broader anti-corruption theme emerging nationally this midterm cycle, with similar stock-trading and ethics attacks surfacing in North Carolina, New Jersey, and Virginia's neighboring 2nd District, where Rep. Jen Kiggans faces Democrat Elaine Luria. Polling shows voters are more likely to associate corruption with Republicans, giving Democrats an opening to tie incumbents to affordability frustrations and Trump-era controversies.

Communities across Tennessee celebrated Dolly Parton's legacy on Sept. 25, 2026, after Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed the date "Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day," referencing her hit song. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell framed the day around Parton's kindness and generosity rather than her fame, with the city organizing kindness pledges, book giveaways, and Dolly-themed library cards tied to her Imagination Library, which distributes free books to children worldwide.

In Johnson City, East Tennessee State University hosted an open mic night celebrating Parton's creative spirit and encouraging students to make their own positive impact. Sevierville, her hometown, declared its own Dolly Parton Day, recognizing both her career and her support for the community, including the "My People Fund," which aided families after the 2016 Sevier County wildfires. The Dollywood Foundation also designated the date "Give Like Dolly Day," urging support for Imagination Library programs and encouraging broader charitable giving inspired by Parton's example.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has ordered American and state flags at government buildings lowered to half-staff following the death of Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, according to her family. Flags will remain lowered from 6 p.m. Tuesday through sunset on Sept. 1. President Donald Trump has issued a similar order for U.S. flags nationwide through the same date.

Spanberger's order cited Parton's cultural contributions and her Imagination Library, a book-gifting program launched in 1995 that provides free books to children under five and currently serves roughly one in six eligible children in the United States. Several chapters operate in Central Virginia, including Goochland County, Powhatan County, and Richmond. Parton's family has said the program will continue as part of her legacy.

Tennessee lawmakers from both parties say they intend to honor Dolly Parton during the legislative session beginning next January, though no formal plan has been agreed upon. House Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary and Rep. John Ray Clemmons said leadership will consult Parton's family and friends before advancing any proposal, describing her as a unifying figure even in death.

The legislature has weighed tributes before: a 2021 bill to erect a Parton statue at the Capitol won rare bipartisan backing but was withdrawn after Parton herself asked lawmakers to hold off, citing pandemic-era timing, while suggesting she might welcome the honor "down the road." Individual lawmakers have since floated ideas, including designating September 25 as "9 to 5 Day" and renaming Nashville International Airport after Parton, a proposal from Rep. Todd Warner, who previously pushed to name the airport after President Trump. Leadership says a unified proposal is still being developed.

Parton died at age 80, prompting national tributes, including President Trump's order to lower U.S. flags to half-staff and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey's matching proclamation honoring her career and philanthropy, including her Imagination Library literacy program.