News - Page 16 of 1911 - Potomac Local News

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

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.

Cleanup Continues at Drained Canal in Fredericksburg; Investigation into Cause Ongoing

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 9:30AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – City work crews have now removed more than 15 tons of debris from the drained canal running through Fredericksburg and made several key repairs to its aeration system, according to the latest update from city officials.

The city says cleanup efforts are expected to continue through Wednesday, after which the canal will be refilled. That process could take between three and five days using pumps, though rainfall may accelerate the timeline. A photo shared by the city government shows piles of debris lining the canal bed as part of the extensive restoration work.

Big Changes Coming to Stafford’s School Buses—Here’s What Parents Need to Know

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 9:00AM

Part 2: Fixing the Bus Problem — New Plans for Transportation in Stafford

Stafford County Public Schools has faced mounting criticism over its student transportation system. From late buses to no-shows, families voiced their frustration during connection sessions held by Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith earlier this year. In response, Smith is moving quickly. “We can’t wait another year,” he said. “The data showed our biggest bottleneck was at the elementary level. That’s where we had to start.”

Agora Turns 10: Coffee Shop Celebrates with Sprinkles, Discounts, and Double Punches

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 8:30AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Agora Downtown is marking a major milestone—10 years in business—with a week of celebration and a few extra perks for its loyal customers.

To wrap up its Spirit Week, Agora is giving customers a sweet deal: complimentary sprinkles and whipped cream with every drink. Those who show up in birthday-themed gear like pins, sashes, or festive attire will receive 10% off their purchase today, Friday, May 2, 2025. It’s all part of the shop’s way of saying thanks to the community that’s supported them for a decade.