Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Fredericksburg City Council is set to vote on a resolution that supports the continued exploration and attraction of data centers to the city, mainly targeting the Celebrate Virginia South area near the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball stadium. This decision follows recent adjustments in Fredericksburg’s tax policies, which align the city’s computer and peripheral tax rates with those in surrounding Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, part of Planning District 16.

According to city documents, efforts to lure data centers to Fredericksburg have been in the works for over a decade. In 2018, the council began publicly discussing the possibility of voting on amendments to the city code to designate data centers as a by-right use in specific zoning areas. Last month, the council unanimously agreed to a reduced tax rate of $1.25 per $100 of assessed value on all computer and peripheral equipment used in data centers, a move mirrored by other surrounding localities.


The SLC welcomed its first cohort of students in 2015, and in its nine years, this year’s cohort has the largest group of students across the county’s public and private schools and home school students. The council is comprised of sophomores, juniors and seniors.

The council is meant to help students “develop leadership skills and learn about county government through the lens of human rights,” a county press release stated. Students will learn about equity and inclusion; the United States Equal Opportunity Commission; the Fair Housing Act; and the rights and responsibilities in the workplace.


At the November 6 Prince William County School Board meeting, residents advocated for adding Eid Al-Adha as a recognized holiday in the school calendar. This would allow Muslim students and families to observe this significant religious event without missing school.

Hifsa Khan, a resident of Gainesville, spoke on behalf of a group of parents, highlighting the importance of Eid Al-Adha within the Muslim community. “Eid Al-Adha is considered the larger of the two Eids we celebrate, and it’s deeply meaningful for us. It’s a time when we gather with family, worship, and reflect on shared values,” said Khan.


The Virginia State Police (VSP) is expanding employment opportunities through the “Pathway to Trooper” program to allow young adults to get their foot in the door before they’re allowed to apply to become a state trooper at 21.

The program is meant to serve as a gateway to the Trooper Basic Session Academy, where applicants must be 21 years old or older to apply according to VSP policy.


On November 7, 2024, Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Angela Horan of the Prince William County Circuit Court ordered Anthony Omar Andrade, 26, to serve 30 years in prison for the second-degree murder of his close friend, Jose Alonso Bedregal, in November 2023.

The case, prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Garrett Jagtiani, reached its conclusion after Andrade’s guilty plea to the murder charge, with the court sentencing him to 40 years with 10 years suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation upon his release.


Press Release:

Prince William County has successfully completed substantial improvements along 5,000 feet of Prince William Parkway and 1,500 feet along Discovery Boulevard, including enhancements at the intersection of Discovery Boulevard and Hornbaker Road.


On November 7, officers responded to a crisis situation at an apartment complex near Woodbridge, where an intoxicated woman, attempting self-harm, kicked and struck an officer during the intervention. The woman was arrested and charged with assault on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of justice, with a court date pending.

Press Release from Prince William Police:


We’re getting our first look at Christmastime events in and around Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a season full of festive fun for the whole family.

Manassas City has a lineup of holiday happenings in early December. On Friday night, December 6, at 5:15 p.m., the city will light up with Santa Lights Manassas. Santa will arrive to bring holiday cheer and officially kick off the season with the lighting ceremony. The celebrations continue with the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, Christmas in Candyland, promises a delightful parade filled with sweet surprises, from colorful floats to festive marching bands.


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According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, residents in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas saw their first raindrops in almost 40 days this Sunday. The raindrops offered much-needed relief from a prolonged dry spell that has placed the region under moderate to severe drought conditions.

The National Weather Service has classified parts of Prince William County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Spotsylvania County as experiencing a D1 Moderate Drought. Meanwhile, Fairfax County, King George County, and the Northern Neck Peninsula are experiencing a D2 severe drought.


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