A Stafford grand jury added two more involuntary manslaughter charges against the bus driver accused in a May crash that killed five people, Prince William planners recommended 130 condos next to Potomac Mills, Stafford is among 47 Virginia localities voting Nov. 3 on a 1% school construction sales tax, Fredericksburg released a teen-violence prevention report, Fauquier teachers marked 9/11 for students born after the attacks, Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered flags lowered Friday, Amazon broke ground on a more than $460 million recycled-water system in Spotsylvania County, Stafford planners recommended a James River Equipment expansion, Prince William Fire and Rescue is seeking input on its next strategic plan, a Fredericksburg coalition built a 72-hour housing prototype, VCU raised its president’s base pay to $1 million, a Manassas nonprofit received an estimated $500,000 in donated clothing, a planned U.S. Senate debate between Mark Warner and Bert Mizusawa was canceled, the Commonwealth Transportation Board scheduled fall meetings in Fairfax and Fredericksburg, Central Rappahannock Regional Library won a grant to revive Rappahannock Reads, anglers are using FOIA to learn trout-stocking dates early, and Manassas is recruiting a resident for its Economic Development Authority.
Stafford Bus Driver Indicted Again in Crash That Killed Five
According to The Free Lance-Star, a Stafford County grand jury on Tuesday added two more involuntary manslaughter charges against Jing Sheng Dong, the bus driver accused in the May 29 crash that killed five people and injured others. Dong had already been indicted on three involuntary manslaughter counts. The new indictments bring all of the charges together for a five-day jury trial set to start March 8.
The trial had been scheduled for next month but was continued last week after defense attorney Thomas Walsh said he still had evidence to review. Judge Charlie Clark granted the delay over the objection of Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Olsen, who said surviving victims need closure. Dong pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the latest charges, remains free on bond, and is on house arrest at a Manassas residence after Clark ruled he could not leave Virginia before trial. He lives in Staten Island, New York.
Planning Commission Backs 130 Condos Next to Potomac Mills
According to the Prince William Times, the Prince William County Planning Commission on Sept. 9 unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning for Potomac Lofts, a plan to replace a vacant Kaiser Permanente medical office at Gideon Drive and Potomac Mills Road with up to 130 two-over-two condominiums. Fairfax-based Five Oaks Properties LLC would redevelop the 6-acre site just south of the mall parking lot into a four-story complex with off-street parking and resident green space. The proposal now goes to the Board of County Supervisors.
The developer would set aside 12 units for buyers earning 60% to 100% of area median income, about $119,000 for a family of four. Two units would be reserved at 60% AMI, five at 80% and five at 100%. Staff estimated 80% AMI units at about $228,720 and market-rate units at about $547,000. The site sits in an area the 2022 comprehensive plan marked for high-density mixed use. The Lake Ridge Occoquan Coles Civic Association opposes the density and traffic impact. Member Clancy McQuigg said the project is “way too high, way too dense and way too out of place.” Occoquan Commissioner Raheel Sheikh asked staff to address those concerns before the board vote, which has not been scheduled.
Stafford Among 47 Virginia Localities Voting Nov. 3 on School Sales Tax
According to the The Center Square, voters in 47 Virginia localities will decide Nov. 3 whether to give local governments authority to levy an additional sales tax of up to 1 percent for school construction. A change in state law this year opened the option statewide. Outside Northern Virginia, the revenue is limited to school construction and major renovations. Northern Virginia localities, including the City of Fairfax, may also use it for public transportation. A yes vote would not automatically raise the tax; the local governing body would still have to adopt an ordinance.
Stafford County is the only Fredericksburg-area locality with the question on the ballot. County staff have estimated $13 million to $20 million a year if the levy is enacted, with food bought for home consumption and essential personal hygiene products remaining exempt. The money could not pay teacher salaries, operating costs or existing school debt, and state law requires an expiration date of no more than 20 years. Prince William County does not have the sales-tax question on its November ballot. Amounts at stake elsewhere range from about $1 million a year in Amelia County to $65 million to $70 million in Chesterfield County.
Fredericksburg Releases Teen Violence Prevention Report
According to the City of Fredericksburg, city and school officials released a consulting firm’s report to the Steering Committee on Teenage Violence, drawing on focus groups, interviews, a local survey and other data. The Fredericksburg Police Department issued the request for proposals in May 2025 after a late-2024 Department of Criminal Justice Services grant, and the city awarded the contract in September 2025. The report lists 13 recommendations in two tiers and a possible implementation roadmap. Consultants will brief City Council and the Fredericksburg City Public Schools board at a joint meeting Oct. 27.
Mayor Kerry Devine said the assessment backed what officials already saw: partners are in place, but communication and public awareness of available programs can improve. Sheriff Rashawn Cowles, who chairs the committee, said no single office can solve teen violence. Parks, Recreation and Events Director Jennifer Casarotti said a new recreation coordinator — the only net-new city position funded in fiscal 2026 — more than doubled teen programming, expanded Rec2U mobile recreation and helped grow summer camp from 71 sessions serving 608 campers to 99 sessions serving 1,223. Superintendent Dr. Marci Catlett, who led creation of the more than 30-member committee, said schools have added kindness and anti-bullying programs.
Fauquier Teachers Mark 9/11 for Students Born After the Attacks
According to the InsideNoVa, Kettle Run High School teachers Jessica Murphy and Bill Davidson held the fifth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Friday to connect students who were not alive in 2001 with the gravity of the attacks. Rain kept the bleacher climb — 110 stories, matching the height of the World Trade Center towers — limited to adults, including first responders in full fire gear. More than 400 students still walked the school track in Fauquier County to mark the day.
Murphy, who teaches criminal justice, psychology and sociology, was a 22-year-old Arlington County police recruit on Sept. 11, 2001. After instructors told her academy class the towers had been hit and then that the Pentagon was struck, the recruits were activated with only about a month and a half of training. She recalled traffic duty, searches and the sense that people of every background worked together. Students Bella Suddarth, Holly Von Herbulis and Jack McCartney said the event let a younger generation honor people who were there. InsideNoVa also reported on a “Voices of Freedom” interview series at the Tank Farm in Nokesville beside a recovered FDNY Squad 252 fire engine.
Spanberger Orders Flags at Half-Staff for 25th Anniversary of 9/11
According to the Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger, the governor on Thursday ordered U.S. and Virginia flags flown at half-staff on all local, state and federal buildings and grounds in the commonwealth in memory of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The order takes effect at sunrise Friday, Sept. 11, and remains in place until sunset.
Spanberger said the order honors Patriot Day, the families who still carry that loss, and first responders who ran toward the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the passengers and crew of Flight 93. The order was issued Sept. 10, 2026.
Amazon Breaks Ground on $460 Million Recycled-Water System in Spotsylvania
According to Spotsylvania County and Amazon, the company hosted a groundbreaking Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Stevenson Ridge for a recycled-water project of more than $460 million that will upgrade the Massaponax Wastewater Treatment Plant and add more than 20 miles of pipeline to supply industrial reuse water, including cooling for Amazon data centers. Amazon said the system will have the second-largest water-reuse capacity in Virginia and that it is fully funding the work so local water bills are not used to pay for construction.
Treated wastewater that would otherwise be discharged will be sent through a “purple pipe” network for industrial use, leaving potable drinking water untouched for that purpose. Amazon said its Spotsylvania data centers will run on 100% recycled water once the system is finished and that the county can later sell reclaimed water to other industrial users. Speakers included Amazon data-center cluster leader Jeff McCormick, Supervisor Drew Mullins, and Amazon water and energy manager Mandy Ulrich. Amazon said it has invested more than $1 billion in the county to date.
Stafford Planning Commission Backs James River Equipment Expansion
According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, the Stafford County Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday night to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a rezoning for James River Equipment on 9.51 acres at the northeast corner of Wyche Road and Venture Drive. The machinery sales and service company plans a 35,089-square-foot building with office, shop and showroom space, a parts warehouse and a 2,500-square-foot wash bay.
The project would supplement James River Equipment’s existing site at 131 Wyche Road. The requested rezoning would change the property from office to heavy industrial. The Free Press reported the recommendation followed a short public hearing and little discussion.
Prince William Fire and Rescue Seeks Input on Next Strategic Plan
According to the Prince William County, the Fire and Rescue System is inviting residents to open-house sessions next week to help shape its next strategic plan. Emergency Services Consulting International will independently facilitate the meetings. Sessions are set for 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Buckhall Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 7190 Yates Ford Road in Manassas; 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Potomac Library in Woodbridge; and 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Haymarket Gainesville Library.
Fire and Rescue System Chief Thomas LaBelle said the sessions are a chance to hear residents’ priorities and expectations. The county said the planning work supports its 2025–2028 goal of cultivating a safe and secure community. Unlike a traditional public meeting, the sessions are built around facilitated conversation rather than formal presentations.
Fredericksburg Coalition Builds 72-Hour Prototype to Address Homelessness
According to Radio IQ, Micah Ecumenical Ministries is working with Atlantic Builders and other partners to construct a prototype “Jeremiah community” home on the Oberle Academy campus in Fredericksburg in 72 person-hours, with work set to culminate Friday at noon. Executive Director Meghann Cotter said the model aims to end chronic homelessness through a neighborhood-style supportive housing approach, based on the view that people become homeless when they run out of relationships.
Atlantic Builders’ Brian Roinestad said the build is meant to show what a community can do when it organizes around a neighbor without housing. Radio IQ reported a coalition of business and community leaders is backing the effort as a new local approach to chronic homelessness.
VCU Board Raises President Michael Rao’s Base Pay to $1 Million
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Virginia Commonwealth University’s board of visitors on Friday approved a $1 million annual base salary for President Michael Rao and extended his contract through June 2032. If he receives the maximum bonus, he could earn about $1.7 million this school year. The base pay is a 12% increase from roughly $896,000 last year. He will also receive almost $490,000 in deferred compensation and is eligible for a performance bonus of up to $250,000.
Board Rector Steven DeLuca said Rao exceeded expectations in student success, enrollment, research and philanthropy and that the board wants his pay near the 75th percentile of presidents at similar universities, including the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. Rao, who joined VCU in 2009, is the longest-tenured president of a public college in Virginia. He said no one reaches those results alone. Board member Harry Thalhimer abstained, saying he supports Rao but wanted more discussion of certain contract terms and did not want to delay the vote.
Manassas Nonprofit Receives $500,000 in Clothing From Florida Partnership
According to Boxes of Basics, a partnership with The Giving Closet Project in Jacksonville, Florida, and MG Moving Services delivered about 10 pallets of new winter clothing and unused Coach career wear — valued at an estimated $500,000 — to Northern Virginia for children and teens in need. The Manassas-based nonprofit said the shipment arrives ahead of National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day on Sept. 15.
Boxes of Basics works with school counselors, social workers and other referral partners in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park to pack seasonal wardrobes for children facing clothing insecurity. The organization said the donated clothing will be distributed through that network. Director of Operations and Communications Sally Crockett offered interviews and additional details.
Warner-Mizusawa Senate Debate Canceled After Incumbent Declines
According to Cardinal News, AARP canceled its “People’s Debate” in Virginia’s 2026 U.S. Senate race after Democratic Sen. Mark Warner did not commit to participate. Republican challenger, retired Army Maj. Gen. Bert Mizusawa, had accepted the invitation. Warner’s campaign cited an “unsettled and expectedly busy official Senate calendar.”
A Warner spokesperson said the senator will keep taking his message on health-care costs, affordability and artificial intelligence to communities across Virginia. The campaign did not say whether Warner would debate later in the cycle. A Mizusawa spokesperson said Warner “refuses to explain to senior citizens why he opposed cutting taxes on social security.”
CTB Sets Fall Transportation Meetings in Fairfax and Fredericksburg
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board will hold nine public meetings this fall on highway, rail and public-transportation projects and programs. Meetings begin at 2 p.m. and include remarks from officials followed by a town hall. The Northern Virginia District session is Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Potomac Conference Room at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District office, 4975 Alliance Drive in Fairfax. The Fredericksburg District session is Thursday, Nov. 12, in the VDOT Fredericksburg District Auditorium, 86 Deacon Road in Fredericksburg.
Representatives from the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, VDOT and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation are scheduled to attend. Comments may also be submitted by email or mail through Nov. 30. Highway comments go to [email protected]; transit and rail comments go to [email protected].
Library Wins $12,226 Grant to Revive Rappahannock Reads
According to Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Virginia Humanities awarded the library a $12,226 grant to bring back Rappahannock Reads, a community-wide reading program last held in 2019. The series runs September 2026 through May 2027 and centers on ecologist Dr. Douglas W. Tallamy’s book “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard,” available in editions for adults and young readers. A live community question-and-answer session with Tallamy is scheduled for Saturday, April 10.
Library Executive Director Rebecca Purdy said the grant lets the library restore a shared community topic, pairing the book with classes, book-club kits, wildlife resources, a digital reading challenge and workshops with local partners. CRRL serves Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania and Westmoreland. Event details are at librarypoint.org/rappahannock-reads.
Anglers Use FOIA to Learn Virginia Trout Stocking Dates Early
According to Cardinal News, some Virginia anglers are using the Freedom of Information Act to obtain the Department of Wildlife Resources’ trout-stocking schedule before the agency posts it. Retired Army aviator Kent Sylvester raised the practice at an August department meeting, saying fly-fishers in Bath County already knew when the stocking truck would arrive. The department said it receives about 700 public-records requests a year tied to stocking.
DWR raises more than 1.2 million catchable-size trout at five state hatcheries and releases them into about 180 waters from October through June, part of a recreational freshwater fishery the agency ties to fishing’s $1.3 billion statewide economic impact. Chief of fisheries Mike Bednarski said the department has historically announced sites in advance only for opening day or certain urban waters, to keep birds from eating the fish too quickly. Otherwise, anglers have had to wait until after 4 p.m. on stocking days to learn where trout were released. FOIA allows any citizen to request those public records.
Manassas Seeks Resident to Fill Economic Development Authority Seat
According to the City of Manassas, officials are recruiting a qualified city resident to fill a vacancy on the Economic Development Authority. The authority works with businesses that invest and expand in Manassas and is part of the city’s effort to strengthen the local economy.
The city said applicants whose experience and interests match the role should apply through the municipal appointments portal at manassasva.gov/apply. The post did not list a deadline or describe how many seats remain filled.
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