The funding names the HITT Energy Innovation Lab inside the 24,000-square-foot facility, which will focus on electrical and advanced trade skills. State data show that electricians remain a top workforce priority in Virginia, with strong demand for technicians who can handle building automation, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure. The center’s groundbreaking occurred last year, and it is scheduled to open in spring 2027.
NOVA President Anne M. Kress said the partnership creates a learning environment that matches industry needs. HITT Co-President Evan Antonides highlighted the focus on technical skills and safety values. Provost Dr. Molly Lynch called the center a game-changer for preparing students for high-paying careers in the region.
Deborah Ellen Smith
July 5, 1957 — March 30, 2026
Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.
Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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By Shirleen Guerra
(The Center Square) – Virginia has yet to finalize a state budget for 2026-27, with negotiations stalled over a major policy dispute tied to the commonwealth’s data center industry.
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Editor’s Note: This feature article was based on a recent conversation from the Potomac Local Podcast with Sarah Burzio, Executive Director of Visit Occoquan. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/mm39Kdj3plw?si=u3BLNjFXkHCWU-34
As spring blooms along the Occoquan River, this charming riverside town is rolling out a lineup of events and openings that perfectly capture its small-town magic. Just off I-95 yet a world away, Occoquan feels like a hidden gem where 100% locally owned businesses line walkable streets, artists thrive, and neighbors gather under the trees. This May, visitors and residents alike can dive into creativity, community, and cozy reads before the town’s big Riverfest celebration in June.
By Shirleen Guerra
(The Center Square) – Gas prices in Virginia have moved above $4 per gallon, with averages rising ahead of the summer travel season, though prices still vary depending on where drivers fill up.