Police Blotter

Major Sentencing & Local Blotter: 21-Year Term in Woodbridge Drug Case; Gunshots in Woodbridge, Gainesville Break-In Attempt

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Law enforcement in Prince William and Stafford counties continues to address a range of public safety issues, from firearm incidents and burglaries to drug trafficking. In a significant development, a Woodbridge man involved in a large-scale fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy was sentenced to more than two decades in federal prison.

A Woodbridge drug trafficker was sentenced today in Alexandria federal court to 21 years and five months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

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Politics

Early Voting Begins Tomorrow for Virginia’s Special Redistricting Referendum

By Uriah Kiser

Early voting commences tomorrow, Friday, March 6, across Virginia for the April 21 special election on a proposed constitutional amendment concerning congressional redistricting. The statewide referendum arises amid partisan tensions and legal battles, with Democrats framing it as a necessary, temporary response to redistricting actions in other states that could disadvantage them nationally. Republicans view it as an unconstitutional power grab aimed at partisan advantage.

If approved by voters, the amendment would permit the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts for upcoming elections to “restore fairness,” with Virginia’s standard bipartisan redistricting process—established by a 2020 voter-approved amendment—resuming after the 2030 census.

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Stafford

Stafford Shields Data Centers from Tax Hike, Targets Homeowners

By Uriah Kiser

While advertising a six-cent increase in the real estate tax rate to $0.985 per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2026—potentially adding about $430 annually to the average household bill—the Stafford County Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal to raise the personal property tax rate on data center computer equipment and peripherals from $1.25 to $2.50 per $100 of assessed value during its March 3, 2026 meeting.

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Event

Impact Gala (Waldorf Astoria )

Waldorf Astoria

1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, DC, District of Columbia 20004

Website Social

Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC (PPMW) will host its 2026 Impact Gala on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., dinner, dancing and impactful programming, at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria downtown Washington, DC. The annual event will bring together a stylish crowd of advocates, community leaders, and supporters to raise critical funds for the organization’s “Fight Forward” campaign, which supports access to reproductive health care, education, and advocacy across the region. Along with live music, diner and programming, special guest appearances include actress and activist Sophia Bush, professional soccer champion Ashlyn Harris, and other special invited guests.  Join us for a fabulous evening for an important cause. 

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Prince William

Prince William Supervisors Move to End By-Right Data Centers in Overlay District — But Approve Controversial Hornbaker Project in 4-3 Vote

By Uriah Kiser

In a split decision reflecting deep divisions over the county’s data center boom, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted 4-3 on March 3 to initiate a zoning text amendment that would eliminate by-right approval for data centers inside the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District and require special use permits (SUPs) for all future projects countywide.

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Business

A New Grocery Store near Dumfries?

By Uriah Kiser
A ribbon cutting for Sprouts Farmers Market, at 8431 Sudley Road near Manassas on May 12, 2023.

“Sprouts is excited to bring our wide selection of fresh, local and better-for-you products to the Dumfries community as we continue to grow in Virginia,” Sprouts public relations manager Mychael Ramirez said in an email to the Prince William Times, the newspaper reported.

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Features

Israel Mensah Wins Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: CRRL]

Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg, and Access Eye, and presented by the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the event brought together 14 top spellers from Caroline, Colonial Beach, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fredericksburg, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Contestants represented public schools, private schools, and home schools.

Mensah secured victory by correctly spelling “ahimsa” in the final round. The Sanskrit word refers to the doctrine of non-violence, or refraining from harming others or taking life—a principle central to philosophies like Jainism, Hinduism, and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

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Fredericksburg

Rubber Duck Race Revival Announced for Fredericksburg; Vote on Event Name

By Potomac Local News
Overlooking Fredericksburg, the Chatham Bridge, and the Rappahannock River.

Fredericksburg rubber duck races will return after a hiatus. The City of Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events, and Friends of the Rappahannock announced the event revival.

Proceeds will be divided between Friends of the Rappahannock, which supports river conservation, and the FUNd Parks Fund, which supports local parks and recreation.

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Prince William

Montgomery Launches Write-In Bid Amid Casim Controversy in Woodbridge Supervisor Race

By Uriah Kiser
Montgomery [Campaign photo]

In a dramatic turn for the Woodbridge District Supervisor special election, Pam Montgomery, a U.S. Army veteran, former Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, lifelong Democrat, and experienced public servant, officially launched her write-in candidacy today.

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Manassas

MCPS Proposes $175.4 Million FY27 Budget with 5.5% Average Pay Raise, $6.8M VAVA Partnership Boost

By Uriah Kiser
Manassas City School Board

Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) leadership presented an ambitious yet balanced $175.4 million proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027 during the February 24, 2026, School Board business meeting, marking a 9.3% increase—or roughly $15 million—over the adopted FY26 budget.

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