Virginia tradition calls for morning suits at an inauguration. But Spanberger switched things up

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s governors traditionally wear morning suits for their inaugurations. But for her swearing-in on Saturday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger, the first woman to fill that role, dressed in white, the color of women’s suffrage.

According to “A Guide to Virginia Protocol and Traditions,” males in the official party wear morning coats, a formal daytime suit with long tails, and women wear dark suits for the inauguration. Many, including the new governor’s husband, kept to that tradition on Saturday.

Spanberger's office did not respond to an email seeking comment on her inauguration outfit. But in a recent interview with NPR, Spanberger said she wouldn’t continue that tradition.

“I’m not going to wear a morning coat, not to disappoint anyone,” she said.

The new governor’s white outfit, which included a long, white coat with gold buttons, paired with white gloves, appeared to be a nod to the women’s suffrage movement that led to American women securing the right to vote. In her address, Spanberger noted the gravity of the moment and highlighted suffragists' refusal to give up.

“I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who work, generation after generation, to ensure women could be among those casting ballots, but who could only dream of a day like today,” Spanberger said.

Abigail Spanberger is sworn in as Governor of Virginia during inaugural activities at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP)

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger sits with her husband Adam Spanberger during inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Richmond Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger arrives for inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Richmond Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Governor Abigail Spanberger waves to the crowd during Inauguration Day at the Virginia Capitol Building, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Mike Kropf /Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

TARVISIO, Italy (AP) — At age 41, Lindsey Vonn’s ability to consistently finish on the World Cup speed circuit’s podium is unparalleled.

Vonn stood second in a super-G on Sunday that was held amid difficult visibility to set up her seventh podium result in eight races this season.

No other skier has more than three podiums in the speed events — and Vonn's “worst” result this season is fourth.

The results make Vonn a clear medal favorite in both downhill and super-G for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which open in less than three weeks.

Vonn was beaten only by Germany’s Emma Aicher, who is 19 years younger.

Aicher finished 0.27 seconds ahead of Vonn to set up her second victory this season, with former Olympic champion Ester Ledecka third, 0.94 behind.

Lower-ranked skiers were still coming down the course.

Alice Robinson, the New Zealand skier who won two giant slaloms and a super-G this season, crashed into the final gate and hit the snow hard. She got right back up and appeared to avoid serious injury but appeared shaken.

Fog on the upper section made it difficult for skiers to navigate the Prampero course.

Vonn led Aicher at every checkpoint but lost time on the final gates.

It's set to be Aicher’s fourth career victory after two downhills and a super-G. She’s one of the few skiers on the circuit who competes in all four disciplines.

Ledecka, the Czech racer who claimed Olympic golds in both snowboarding and skiing at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, set up her first podium of the season.

Romane Miradoli of France finished fourth and Keely Cashman of the United States was fifth for the best result of her career.

The women’s circuit remains in Italy for the Kronplatz giant slalom on Tuesday.

There is only one more set of speed races before the Olympics, in Crans Montana, Switzerland, Jan. 30-31.

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

New Zealand's Alice Robinson crashes during an alpine ski, women's World Cup Super G, in Tarvisio, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)

New Zealand's Alice Robinson crashes during an alpine ski, women's World Cup Super G, in Tarvisio, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)

Czech Republic's Ester Ledecka celebrates at the finish area of an alpine ski, women's World Cup Super G, in Tarvisio, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)

Germany's Emma Aicher celebrates at the finish area of an alpine ski, women's World Cup Super G, in Tarvisio, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)

United States' Lindsey Vonn celebrates at the finish area of an alpine ski, women's World Cup Super G, in Tarvisio, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)