Politics

Stafford Board of Supervisors 2025 Election: Where Candidates Stand on Transparency and Public Engagement

By Kelly Sienkowski
Mike Catell, Kecia Evans, Kelly Robertson, Marcus Oates, Bart Randall, Hank Scharpenberg

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series by Potomac Local News introducing candidates for the Stafford County Board of Supervisors. This fall, voters will choose representatives for the Garrisonville, Hartwood, Falmouth, and Aquia Districts. To help local voters learn more about their candidates, Potomac Local News invited all Board of Supervisors candidates to a virtual interview with the same five questions. Their answers have been condensed for clarity. The remaining candidates either declined, had scheduling conflicts, or did not respond.

Videos of the interviews are available here.

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Fredericksburg

Early Birds Could Snag Full-Ride Scholarships, UMW says

By Potomac Local News
University of Mary Washington sign

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The University of Mary Washington is now accepting applications for first-year students hoping to begin classes in Fall 2026—and those who apply early could land some of the school’s top scholarships.

According to a university press release, applications opened August 1 and can be submitted through the Common App or directly at umw.edu/admissions/apply. Early decision (binding) applications are due by November 1, while early action (non-binding) applicants have until November 15. Regular decision applicants have until February 1, 2026. Students who apply early are given priority for scholarships and admission decisions.

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Event

Dialogue for Democracy

Event location

George Mason University, Buchanan Hall

4379 Mason Pond Drive

Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Add to Calendar

High school students from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are invited to participate in Dialogue for Democracy at George Mason University!

Hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, this event offers high school students an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

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Features

See The Sound of Music in Fredericksburg—with Manassas’ Own in the Spotlight

By Uriah Kiser
Glyptis

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – International opera and musical theater performer Kelly Glyptis is returning to her roots this month, starring as Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

Glyptis, who grew up in Manassas and graduated from what was then Stonewall Jackson Senior High School—now Unity-Reed High School—called the opportunity to perform back home “really special.” She previously toured with The Sound of Music in 2018 and now steps fully into the role for a limited run that begins August 20 and continues through October 26. Glyptis is scheduled to perform through October 6.

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Prince William

PWEA Shake-Up: Alcohol, Pajama Parties, and Union Infighting — Ousted Board Members Speak Out

By Alan Gloss

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) will hold a formal hearing on August 23, 2025, to determine the future of the Prince William Education Association (PWEA), which it placed under emergency trusteeship in late July.

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Features

Swing Into August with the Marine Big Band

By Potomac Local News

QUANTICO, Va. – If you love jazz and big band music, mark your calendar for Thursday, August 7. That’s when “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Big Band brings its swing-era style to the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

This high-energy jazz ensemble performs the music of legends like Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and Count Basie. It’s part of the U.S. Marine Band, the oldest professional musical group in the country.

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Fredericksburg

A ‘Glorious’ Opening, Shadowed by Spending: Walker–Grant Middle School Begins a New Chapter in Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Community leaders, educators, and descendants of historical figures gathered Wednesday for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly built Walker–Grant Middle School, celebrating what many called the start of a new era in Fredericksburg education.

The former middle school at 1 Learning Lane, just off Route 1, will be repurposed as Gladys West Elementary School. 

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Manassas Park

Manassas Park Schools Hit by Ransomware—Here’s What We Know So Far

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – The folks at Manassas Park City Schools just told Potomac Local News they were the target of a ransomware attack back in June—and some personal information might’ve been exposed.

The school division says it first learned of the incident on June 13, 2025, and quickly brought in IT staff and outside cybersecurity experts to investigate and secure its network. Hackers had reportedly accessed the system a day earlier and encrypted parts of it. While there’s no confirmation that anyone’s personal data was taken or misused, officials are alerting those who might be affected—just in case.

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Business

Malawi’s Pizza at Spotsylvania Towne Center Has Closed—Here’s Their Goodbye

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – A popular local pizza spot known for its mission-driven dining has officially closed its doors. The owners of Malawi’s Pizza in Spotsylvania Towne Center near Fredericksburg shared the news, saying the decision was made for personal reasons.

Malawi’s Pizza first opened in Fredericksburg in 2016 and quickly became more than just a restaurant—it was a place where the community gathered. In 2021, Potomac Local News covered the launch of their food truck, which took their “Pizza With a Purpose” mission on the road, expanding their reach while continuing to support meals for children in Malawi, Africa.

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