Author: PLN News

Manassas

‘It’s a LIE’: Manassas board member rips myth blaming kids’ backgrounds for poor scores

By PLN News
Brescia (right)

All Manassas City Public Schools remain fully accredited, and six of the division’s nine schools improved their overall index scores from the previous year, according to 2026 accountability data presented to the School Board on Oct. 13.

Dr. Jennifer Cassata, executive director of accountability and finance, walked the board through Standards of Learning results and the Virginia School Performance and Support Framework. Five schools earned scores in the Meets Expectations range, up from three the year before. Baldwin Elementary and R. C. Haydon Elementary both moved into that category. Weems Elementary again posted the division’s highest score. Jennie Dean Elementary exited a prior federal Targeted Support and Improvement designation.

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Manassas

No airline named yet as Manassas Airport Commission recommends tower contract, hears incentive plan and rail connection update

By PLN News

The Washington Manassas Airport Commission voted Oct. 15 to recommend that City Council award a roughly $29 million contract for a new air traffic control tower to Costello Construction, while also hearing calls from flight-school operators for better general aviation infrastructure on the west ramp and receiving briefings on a proposed airline incentive framework and Virginia Railway Express connections.

No specific airlines were named. At the commission’s Sept. 24 meeting, Airport Director Juan Rivera said he hoped the city’s commercial partner, Avports, would have at least one airline deal signed within three weeks. That window closed in mid-October without a public announcement. On Oct. 15, Avports representatives said they remain in talks with multiple carriers and are still targeting a November start for commercial service next year, but the airlines have asked that the discussions not be disclosed until the carriers are ready to make their own announcements.

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Fredericksburg

Confidential MWHC admin emails discuss clinics’ failure to properly sanitize gynecological instruments for past two years—maybe longer

By PLN News
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Confidential Mary Washington Healthcare emails indicate that autoclaves at the Fredericksburg and Lee’s Hill OB/GYN clinics were not subjected to required weekly spore testing for at least two years, possibly longer, The FXBG Advance reports.

The emails, dated around July 28, 2026, discuss switching from metal instruments to plastic or disposable alternatives after the discovery.

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Traffic

VDOT lists lane closures for Fredericksburg District Oct. 18–24

By PLN News
A drone view of Interstate 95 at Exit 126 in Spotsylvania County, where traffic merging with Route 1 has been identified as one of the region’s top crash hot spots. [Photo: VDOT]

On I-95, mobile northbound and southbound single lane closures run Monday–Saturday, 8 p.m.–5 a.m., between Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) and Exit 148 (Quantico) for bridge inspections in Stafford.

Other I-95 work includes soil sampling between Exit 130 and Exit 133, Rappahannock River bridge inspections near Exit 130–133, pavement marker and rumble strip installation near Exit 143, and noise barrier work near Exit 126 in Spotsylvania.

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Prince William

UVA Community Health accepting grant applications for community programs

By PLN News
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UVA Community Health, part of UVA Health, is accepting grant applications to support community-based programs, the health system said.

The program offers two types of grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve the communities of UVA Community Health. Healthy Spark Grants support work on social determinants of health such as access to care, food security, and physical activity. Community Strong Grants go to longer-term partners focused on mental and behavioral health, chronic disease, and access to care.

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Prince William

Prince William Parks opens fall photo contest through Nov. 15

By PLN News
Occoquan Greenway Bridge Offers New Trail Connection for Pedestrians and Bicyclists [Photo: Prince William County Parks and Rec]

Prince William County Parks & Recreation opened a fall photo contest running Oct. 15 through Nov. 15, the department said.

Categories are Wildlife, Landscape/Scenic, People, Active, and Young Photographers (ages 17 and under). Photos must be taken during the contest period. Entry details are at pwcparks.info/photocontest.

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Stafford

Stafford schools set three community sessions for next strategic plan

By PLN News
Yellow Stafford County Public Schools bus parked at a school curb with the door open as a student walks on the sidewalk
A Stafford County Public Schools bus. The School Board on Sept. 8 deferred any high school schedule change for 2027–28 after nearly 90 minutes of public comment focused on electives.

Stafford County Public Schools is beginning the process of drafting its next five-year strategic plan and has scheduled three community engagement sessions for residents to share experiences, ideas, and hopes, the division said. The sessions are set for 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, and 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 12, all in the School Board Chambers at 31 Stafford Ave.

The current Elevate Stafford plan, covering 2022 to 2027, sets four goals: ensuring meaningful post-secondary outcomes for every student prepared for life after graduation, supporting high expectations for academic performance and expanding opportunities, providing a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment for every student, staff, and family member, and supporting and investing in all staff.

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Spotsylvania

Suspect dies after driving at deputies in Spotsylvania officer-involved shooting, VSP says

By PLN News
[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

Updated October 19, 2026, 11:12 a.m. ET

Virginia State Police said a 39-year-old man died Sunday after he drove his vehicle at Spotsylvania deputies and fired at them, wounding one, while deputies investigated a domestic-related shooting.

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