Fredericksburg

 

The University of Mary Washington will host a public debate on October 2, 2024, between Derrick Anderson (R) and Eugene Vindman (D), candidates for Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District. The event, co-sponsored by local organizations, will be held at Dodd Auditorium and available for viewing via Zoom.


News

Acting Superintendent Chris Fulmer said 99% of Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) students have now been assigned bus routes, but “despite our best efforts, there are students without confirmed routes.”

SCPS began the year with significant transportation issues, with almost 3,000 students who had no assigned bus route. Parents were notified the night before school began for Kindergarteners, Sixth and Ninth graders. The issues continued throughout the first week. According to Fulmer, the issues were due to a software issue with the new transportation app.


Weather

 

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region until 10 p.m. on Sunday, August 18. A slow-moving cold front will bring showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. The highest chances of precipitation are expected this afternoon and evening as the front moves across the area.


Event

Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!

Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.


Schools

Prince William County Public Schools: “The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has shared the Prince William County Public Schools’ preliminary on-time graduation and dropout rates for the 2023-24 school year, citing remarkable progress throughout the division.

The preliminary on-time graduation rate for the 2023-24 school year is 94.3%, a 2.6% increase over the previous school year, and the English learners’ on-time graduation rate is 80.6%, a 9.6% increase over the year prior. The overall dropout rate decreased by 2.7% and the English learners’ dropout rate decreased by 9.6%.”


Podcast

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where information is at our fingertips, the importance of local media cannot be overstated. Local news is the backbone of our communities, providing us with timely information, holding leaders accountable, and telling the stories that matter most to our daily lives. But what goes into making local news? How do independent publishers sustain a hyperlocal news business in an ever-changing media landscape?

I’m excited to introduce my latest podcast episode, where I sit down with Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, one of the most successful independent local news websites in the country. Howard and I both share a deep passion for community journalism, and in this episode, we peel back the onion on what it takes to run and sustain a hyperlocal news business.


Fredericksburg

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has scheduled various lane closures and maintenance work on I-95 and Route 3 in the Fredericksburg District from August 18-24, 2024, affecting both northbound and southbound traffic. Additionally, the Falmouth Bridge on Route 1 will have alternating lane closures for load testing, with full traffic stops planned for certain nights as part of a future major rehabilitation project.

Press release:


Manassas

Manassas City Public School Board members did not approve a resolution to require monthly attendance reports be made public in a 4-2 vote Tuesday.

The issue of attendance at MCPS was born from a meeting on Oct. 10, 2023, where Chevese Thomas, executive director of student services, gave a 36-slide presentation on attendance. Board Member Sara Brescia expressed concerns and presented this resolution to the Board in February, but the discussion was postponed to this meeting, the first of the 2024-2025 school year.


Features

The show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts centers on Hercule Poirot, the famed Belgian detective, tasked with unraveling the mystery of an American tycoon found dead in his compartment. The victim was stabbed multiple times, and the door to his room was locked from the inside. With the train immobilized and no escape possible, Poirot must sift through the alibis and secrets of the eclectic group of passengers to find the killer before they strike again.

Kevin Cleary steps into the shoes of Detective Poirot, delivering a performance that aligns well with the iconic sleuth’s meticulous and observant nature. His portrayal anchors the show, guiding the audience through the intricate investigation. Andrea Kahane, as Mrs. Hubbard, adds a layer of charm and wit to the production. Her character injects humor into the otherwise tense atmosphere, making her a memorable presence on stage. Kathy Helenda’s depiction of Princess Dragonmiroff is also noteworthy, particularly in her interactions with Stephanie Wood, who plays Greta Ohlosson. The chemistry between these characters enhances the unfolding drama and keeps the audience engaged.