Chanda Woods, an integrated language arts teacher at Newport News Public Schools’ Crittenden Middle School, has been named the 2025 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year (Region 2) by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Woods has been a teacher and a mentor for 26 years.

From educational programs to hands-on conservation efforts, the parks invite visitors of all ages to join in honoring our planet and taking action for a sustainable future. There will be something for everyone this Earth Day at Virginia State Parks. To learn more, go to virginiastateparks.gov/earthday.

The project also included replacing all dock structures and dredging the area. The docks are made of composite materials and provide ADA accessibility to visitors.

Together, the 242 amendments to the budget offered by the Governor he says preserve the vast majority of spending priorities as passed by the General Assembly. It increased funding for Metro, toll relief in Hampton Roads, affordable access in Higher Education, and the Housing Trust Fund, the Governor's Office said.

James C. Ward was a part-time Firefighter for the Virginia Department of Forestry, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on March 30, 2024.

VDOT reports that the northbound I-95 general purpose lanes will have lane closures, weather permitting, Friday night, April 5 and Saturday night, April 6 around mile marker 155between the Dale City Truck-Only Safety Rest Area North and Cardinal Drive for Powells Creek bridge work.

April is Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month and there is a lot of concern about non-native plant pests and plant diseases. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages everyone to help reduce the threat that invasive plant pests and diseases pose to Virginia’s agricultural and natural resources.

Ruff held seats on key committees in the Virginia General Assembly that influenced policy impacting farmers, including the Agriculture, Appropriations, and General Laws & Technology committees. He also chaired the Virginia Tobacco Region and Revitalization Commission and the Center for Rural Virginia board of trustees.