News - Page 16 of 1912 - Potomac Local News

How Stafford Schools Are Adapting for English Learners and Students with Disabilities

Published May 6, 2025 at 8:00AM

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from fixing school transportation to addressing equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.

Part 3: Reaching Every Learner — Special Education, ESL, and Academic Equity

Police Blotter: Parents Arrested After Child Dies of Fentanyl Overdose

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 5, 2025 at 8:01PM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY

STAFFORD COUNTY

Republicans Hold Annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner Amid Record Attendance

By Alan Gloss

Published May 5, 2025 at 3:54PM

Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears addresses the crowd at the Lincoln Reagan Dinner in Manassas, laying out her 2025 gubernatorial campaign priorities. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

County GOP Chairman Jacob Alderman said the party sold more than 300 tickets for the fundraiser, which brought in over $30,000 to support local political efforts. The evening featured prominent conservative speakers including Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega, and Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts.

A Focus on Diversity and Conservative Values

City Officials Caught Off Guard as Bank Tenant Sidesteps Millions in Data Center Taxes

By Uriah Kiser

Published May 5, 2025 at 1:00PM

MANASSAS, Va. – A bank tenant inside a newly completed data center in Manassas has triggered a sweeping local tax exemption, upending financial expectations and leaving city officials blindsided.

At the April 30, 2025, Manassas City Council meeting, Commissioner of the Revenue Tim Demeria revealed that a tenant inside the new Brickyard data center, operated by Digital Realty Trust, had filed paperwork identifying itself as a bank. Under Virginia Code §58.1-1202, banks are exempt from local Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) taxes and the business personal property taxes that typically bring cities millions in revenue from data centers.

BREAKING: Farm Brew LIVE Rebrands as NOVA LIVE

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 11:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Farm Brew LIVE, one of the region’s top spots for beer, food, and live music, has a new name and an expanded vision. Villagio Hospitality Group announced that the 10-acre entertainment campus in Manassas is now officially NOVA LIVE.

The rebrand reflects more than a name change. According to a press release from Visit Prince William, it signals a “new phase of growth and innovation,” including new dining options, enhanced entertainment, and even overnight accommodations on the way.

Young Artists Shine at Law Day Celebration in Prince William County

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 8:30AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Student creativity took center stage at the 5th Annual Law Day Award Ceremony, hosted by Jacqueline Smith, Clerk of the 31st Circuit Court, on May 1, 2024. Held at the Judicial Center in Manassas, the event honored young artists from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park who illustrated the national theme “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.”

According to a press release from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, the evening featured a keynote address by Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy, who presented Clerk Smith with a formal Law Day Proclamation on behalf of the Board of County Supervisors. The proclamation celebrated the historical significance of law in American society and underscored the event’s civic message.

PWCS to Host Second Annual Sports Fair May 10 to Inspire Future Student-Athletes

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 8:00AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) will host its second annual Sports Fair on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kelly Leadership Center, located at 14715 Bristow Road, at Independent Hill.

The event is free and open to all students, but rising sixth-grade, middle, and high school students are especially encouraged to attend. The goal of the Sports Fair is to promote awareness of the many athletic opportunities available through PWCS and to inspire interest among students who may be new to organized sports.

Governor’s Veto Derails Occoquan Riverwalk Expansion, Stormwater Project Still in Limbo

By Potomac Local News

Published May 3, 2025 at 11:26AM

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Plans to extend the popular Occoquan Riverwalk have hit a major roadblock after Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed $1.2 million in state funding that town leaders had counted on to move the project forward.

The veto was one of 37 line-item cuts to the bipartisan budget recently passed by the General Assembly. Governor Youngkin justified the cuts, totaling $900 million, as necessary due to “short-term risks as President Trump resets both fiscal spending in Washington and trade policies.”

Sip, Stroll, and Soak Up the Sun: First Friday Brings Fun to Fredericksburg Tonight

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 1:00PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Downtown Fredericksburg is rolling out the welcome mat for May’s First Friday celebration, and the weather couldn’t be better. With sunshine, temperatures climbing into the upper 80s, and only a slight chance of evening showers east of I-95, it’s shaping up to be a prime night to enjoy art, culture, food, and drink in the heart of the city.

From 5 to 9 p.m., the streets will come alive with gallery openings, live music, and unique pop-up experiences. Thanks to the Sip & Stroll program, visitors 21 and up can carry beverages from participating restaurants and shops until 8:30 p.m. To make getting around easier, a free trolley shuttle will run throughout the event.

Early Voting Kicks Off in Virginia Lt. Governor Race—Lateef Doubles Down on Anti-Casino Stance

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 10:00AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Early voting is now underway in Virginia’s Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor, and one Northern Virginia candidate is making a bold stand on gambling.

Prince William County School Board Chairman Dr. Babur Lateef, one of five Democrats seeking the nomination, is campaigning hard against proposals to expand casino gambling in the state—particularly a push to build a casino in Tysons Corner. He argues that Virginia, which has operated with budget surpluses in recent years, doesn’t need gambling revenue to fund its government.