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Watson: Spanberger’s tepid support for ‘right to work’ is all politics
I read with some skepticism the recent opinion piece ("Spanberger displays a rare trait in politics – intellectual honesty," May 16) by my good friend and former House of Delegates colleague, David Ramadan, suggesting that a vague campaign statement by the Democratic nominee for governor somehow demonstrates a rare example of political courage. On the contrary, former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger’s declaration that she would not sign legislation that “fully repeals Virginia’s right-to-work law” was a predictable tactic intended to preempt a vulnerable issue in her campaign for governor.
Eddie Radden Jr., Richmond activist and longtime Capitol doorkeeper, dies at 96
From city streets to church sanctuaries to the corridors of the Virginia State Capitol, Eddie L. Radden Jr. spent his life serving and uplifting the Richmond community. A lifelong advocate for civil rights and community progress, he died peacefully last Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 96, leaving behind a lasting impact on Richmond. “Through every trial, he remained a pillar of strength, faith, and unwavering love,” Radden’s family said in a statement. “His legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion will forever guide us.”
Youngkin announces $16.9M investment in workforce housing
Governor Glenn Youngkin visited the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub on Wednesday, May 21 to announce more than $16.9 million in state funding for workforce housing investments across Virginia. The funds, which are part of the Virginia Workforce Housing Investment Program, will support 10 projects statewide and are expected to leverage more than $254 million in private investment.
Navy wants to test drinking water for synthetic chemicals near Chesapeake’s Northwest Annex
The Navy is asking Chesapeake residents who live within a mile of the Northwest Annex to reach out and have their drinking water wells sampled for certain long-lasting synthetic chemicals. The testing is for for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS — a combination of thousands of different chemicals that have been commonly used in household and industrial products for decades, particularly due to stain- and water-repellent qualities.
Trump Administration Opens Investigation Into Diversity Efforts at Virginia School
The Trump administration announced on Thursday that it was investigating the admissions system at an elite public high school in Fairfax County, Va., which has been accused of discriminating against Asian American students to favor other racial groups. The administration has repeatedly argued that the Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action in college admissions should also apply to K-12 education. But the court has never made such a statement, and it chose last year to allow the high school’s admissions program to stand.
Personnel and details of Fort Eustis’ TRADOC merger to be decided in summer
The Army Training and Doctrine Command headquarters, along with the Center for Initial Military Training, at Fort Eustis are both up for a potential relocation as part of a merger with the Army Futures Command in Austin, Texas. However, Army officials said Thursday they will have to wait until June 15 to receive orders from the Army on how that merger will occur before the new command is formed in October. The two branches of Fort Eustis under the proposed merger include nearly 1,000 people, roughly 650 are civilians and the rest are military positions, said Army spokesperson Col. Jennifer Walkawicz in a Thursday press briefing.
What to expect from a special election to replace late Rep. Gerry Connolly
In an election year dominated by state offices, Fairfax County voters now face the prospect of also electing a new lawmaker to represent them in Congress. Following the death of longtime Rep. Gerry Connolly yesterday (Wednesday), voters will soon need to select a new representative for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District — a critical decision given the Republican Party’s slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. But, when could that happen? And how does the special election process work? According to Virginia law, it’s a joint effort between the state executive and local political parties.
The Army looks at ways to downsize at Ft. Eustis under merger with Austin
Roughly 1,000 soldiers and civilian jobs at the headquarters unit for Training Doctrine and Command at Fort Eustis are under scrutiny as the Army looks to relocate the headquarters to Austin, Tx. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered that TRADOC merge with Army Futures Command and Austin, Tx. An Army planning team was created just outside the Pentagon last week to look at how the merged command will operate. They have a deadline of June 15 to create a report, said Brig. Gen. Jennifer Walkawicz, TRADOC Deputy Chief of Staff in a press briefing.
NOAA predicts ‘above normal’ hurricane season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting another “above normal” hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean for 2025. Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service, said there’s a 60% chance of an above-average season and a 30% chance of a “near-normal” season. There could be 13 to 19 tropical storms, with six to 10 hurricanes, according to NOAA’s forecast. Of those hurricanes, three to five could be “major” storms — Category 3 or above. In recent weeks, other weather entities such as Accuweather and Colorado State University released similar season forecasts.
Prince William School Board chair talks lieutenant governor campaign
At its core, Prince William School Board Chair Babur Lateef’s decision to run for lieutenant governor has everything to do with his experience in Prince William County. It’s the local successes Dr. Lateef has seen — and helped spur — that he hopes to deliver to other parts of the commonwealth. An ophthalmologist by trade, Lateef has spent the last seven years as chair of the School Board for the second largest school system in Virginia, one that includes over 90,000 students and nearly 13,000 employees. Now he’s one of six Democrats running in the June 17 Democratic primary.