Headlines from across the state: Judge Michael Urbanski to retire after long tenure on the federal bench; more …

Judge Michael Urbanski is retiring from the federal bench. Meanwhile, Virginia officials are debating nurse mandates in schools, environmental groups are reacting to the rescinding of a Chesapeake Bay executive order, and advocates are seeking to protect farmland from development.
From elsewhere: Virginia health committee considers mandating licensed nurses in every school. After Obama-era Chesapeake Bay executive order rescinded, environmental groups brace for fallout. As farmers face mounting financial pressures, advocates want to keep farmland away from developers — and data centers.
READ NEXT
More on the wire
AI TLDR
The race for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District is among the most competitive in the nation. Incumbent Republican Jen Kiggans is facing a challenge from Democrat Elaine Luria in a rematch of their 2022 contest.
AI TLDR
Youth advocates are urging Virginia lawmakers to reconsider higher fines for public marijuana use. They warn that increased penalties could disproportionately impact young people and Black communities before the state's legal market opens.
AI TLDR
Virginia DMV wait times have dropped significantly, falling to an average of 8.3 minutes in 2026 compared to 37 minutes in 2019. The improvement follows major reforms directed by state lawmakers.