News - Page 44 of 1912 - Potomac Local News

Is Bird Flu a Threat to Humans? UVA Expert Explains

Published January 31, 2025 at 3:14PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

UVA Prince William Medical Center in Manassas.

As bird flu cases continue to rise in the U.S., UVA Health infectious diseases expert Dr. Patrick Jackson provided insights into the latest developments and potential risks during a media briefing. With over 60 confirmed human cases nationwide and recent detections in birds across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, concerns about the virus’s spread have resurfaced.

Jackson reassured the public that while the presence of bird flu in Virginia is noteworthy, it does not significantly change the risk level for humans. “We’ve known for a long time that H5N1 influenza, in its current strain, is widely distributed in wild bird populations,” he said. “The fact that it’s been detected in poultry operations in Virginia was something we expected to happen sooner or later.”

Stafford County School Bus Delays Due to Staffing Shortages

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 31, 2025 at 2:47PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Due to an unforeseen number of staff absences, Stafford County Public Schools is experiencing bus delays this afternoon.

Several schools are being significantly impacted by delays, including North Stafford High, Brooke Point High, and Colonial Forge High, which have reported delays ranging from 15 to 45 minutes. The elementary and middle schools, such as Garrisonville Elementary and Stafford Middle, are also experiencing delays, particularly for routes that have been combined or affected by traffic.

Fatal Crash in Nokesville and Bomb Threat on Stafford School Bus Under Investigation

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 31, 2025 at 2:39PM

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

A fatal crash in Nokesville on January 30 has left one man dead and another injured, according to the Prince William County Police Department. The incident occurred at approximately 3:28 p.m. at the intersection of Aden Road and Parkgate Drive.

Authorities report that the driver of a 2008 Nissan Titan, identified as 29-year-old David Joseph Russell Callen of Manassas, was traveling southbound on Aden Rd at a high rate of speed. The Titan crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with a 2022 Subaru Outback heading in the opposite direction. The force of the collision caused the Titan to leave the roadway, rolling several times before coming to a stop on its roof.

Legislation Update: What Your State Senators Are Working on This Session

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 31, 2025 at 2:30PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Virignia State Capitol

Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System.

Virginia has 40 Senators who serve 4-year terms.

GOP attorneys general urge Costco to drop diversity policies, cite Trump’s order

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published January 31, 2025 at 2:26PM

The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.

Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.

The Northern Virginia victims of Flight 5342

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 31, 2025 at 2:25PM

At least five young figure skaters from Northern Virginia and some of their parents were killed in the tragic plane crash Wednesday night between American Airlines Flight 5342 from Kansas and an Army Black Hawk helicopter flying on a training mission over the Potomac River.

Here’s a list of the Northern Virginia residents we know died in the crash thus far.

Virginia math and reading scores show minimal changes since pandemic: ‘We have a long way to go’

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published January 31, 2025 at 2:22PM

Virginia fourth and eighth graders’ math and reading scores have not significantly changed since 2022, per the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nation’s Report Card, reports 06 News Richmond.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin said at a Wednesday press conference that the scores on this assessment, which was taken last January, were “not surprising” and “expected.”

Frigid January Causes Significant Damage at Leesylvania State Park Fishing Pier

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 31, 2025 at 1:32PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Leesylvania State Park Fishing Pier [Flickr photo pool]

Repairs are needed across the entire structure, and park management is working diligently to complete the necessary fixes as quickly as possible.

“Most of the bracing has broken underneath, and the roof portion of the pier also has extensive damage to the pillars holding it up,” said Kenneth Ashdown, Leesylvania State Park Manager. “It is not safe for the pier to be open to the public at this time, and we hope to have this repaired as soon as possible.”

Fredericksburg Notes: Treasurer Brenda Wood Announces Retirement, Urban Forestry Program Flourishes

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 31, 2025 at 1:32PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Wood

After more than two decades of dedicated service to the community, City Treasurer Brenda Wood has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the year. Wood, the City Treasurer since January 2014, will not seek re-election in November 2025.

Wood’s career with the City spans more than 23 years, with her most notable role being Treasurer. Before stepping into that role, she served as Chief Deputy Treasurer under G.M. Haney. Wood’s leadership helped bring the Treasurer’s office to new heights, including successfully implementing new financial systems and the recent upgrade to the city’s online payment portal. Under her watch, the office achieved accreditation, a mark of excellence in municipal finance.

Legislation Update: What Your State Delegates Are Working on This Session

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 31, 2025 at 10:30AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Photo: Virginia Department of Historic Resources

Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System.

Virginia has 100 delegates who serve two-year terms. Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 30, 2,370 bills were introduced by delegates and senators. A total of 287 have failed the House of Delegates so far, and 306 have passed the House, many of which have moved into a committee for further review.