Author: Potomac Local News

NASA chooses Manassas students: A team of students from Metz Middle School was selected as one of 57 winners in an inaugural nationwide challenge designed to attract, engage and prepare future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals. [Press release]

Prince William libraries an innovator: The Urban Libraries Council announced Prince William Public Libraries  as one of 10 Top Innovators during the 2021 Innovations Celebration held virtually on January 21. [Press release]

Free rides: Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FRED) will begin fare free service on all routes beginning Monday, February 28, 2022. FRED received grant funding through the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) through the Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP). [Press release]

Fredericksburg VRE improvements: Rehabilitation of the Virginia Railway Express’ (VRE) Fredericksburg station took a step forward on January 21, 2022 when the commuter rail service’s Operations Board approved a task order for construction management services. Construction on the $5 million project is expected to begin this summer, following the selection of a construction contractor. [Press release]

County needs poll workers: Stafford County is looking for more poll workers to help make sure our elections are safe, secure and accessible. [Press release]

Million dollar donation: The Large Rehearsal Hall in the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Education and Rehearsal Wing, which opened in 2019, will be named The Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall in their honor. [Press release/George Mason University]

Prince William schools sue Youngkin over masks: The Schools Boards of Alexandria City, Arlington County, City of Richmond, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Hampton City and Prince William County, filed a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of Executive Order 2 issued by the governor on January 15, 2022. [Press release]

Another Woodbridge ferry study: The plans for a commuter ferry taking riders from Woodbridge to Washington are moving forward again after being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a new study on the way that should detail a full understanding of how the proposed system would operate. [Insidenova.com]