Politics

Stafford Leaders React to Veto of Local Sales Tax for School Construction

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County leaders are responding to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s recent veto of SB1307, a bill that would have allowed counties and cities across Virginia to hold voter referendums on implementing a 1% local sales and use tax dedicated to public school construction and renovation projects.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Stafford Leaders React to Veto of Local Sales Tax for School Construction Read more

Protest Against Trump Held in Manassas as More County Voters Back Him at the Ballot Box

By Uriah Kiser

A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the Prince William County Judicial Center in Manassas on Friday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump’s alarming consolidation of executive power.

The protest, organized by Will Stewart of Indivisible NoVA West, drew about 10 attendees. The group selected the courthouse as a symbolic backdrop to highlight what they described as the judiciary’s critical role in holding the executive branch accountable.

Go to Protest Against Trump Held in Manassas as More County Voters Back Him at the Ballot Box Read more

Education, Not Slot Machines: Lateef’s Plan to Fund Virginia’s Future

By Uriah Kiser

Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman At-Large of the Prince William County School Board, has entered the race for Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, positioning himself as an education-focused candidate in a crowded Democratic primary. With years of experience overseeing Virginia’s second-largest school division, Lateef brings a track record of pushing for increased teacher pay, improved graduation rates, and infrastructure investments—all issues he hopes to prioritize at the state level.

An Education-First Platform

Lateef, an ophthalmologist and longtime public servant, has served on the Prince William County School Board since 2018. Under his leadership, teacher salaries have increased by 61%, making the county more competitive with neighboring school divisions. Additionally, the county’s graduation rate has risen to 95%, the highest in its history.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Education, Not Slot Machines: Lateef’s Plan to Fund Virginia’s Future Read more

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

By Kelly Sienkowski
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.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Legislation Update: What Your State Senators Are Working on This Session Read more

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

By Kelly Sienkowski
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.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Legislation Update: What Your State Delegates Are Working on This Session Read more

Democrats Subramanyam and Vindman Split on Riley Laken Act as House Passes Immigration Bill

By Kelly Sienkowski
Subramanyam / Vindman

On January 7, the U.S. House of Representatives convened for the first session of the 119th Congress and passed H.R. 29, the “Riley Laken Act,” with bipartisan support.The bill is named in memory of Riley Laken, a 22-year-old nursing student tragically murdered in February 2024 while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. Her assailant, José Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.Riley’s death ignited widespread media attention and a national debate over immigration policies, focusing on the detention and monitoring of individuals entering the country illegally.The Riley Laken Act mandates the detention of certain undocumented immigrants arrested for or charged with crimes such as burglary and theft. It also empowers states to sue the federal government for perceived failures in immigration enforcement.The bill passed the House with a 264-159 vote. Eleven members abstained, while 48 Democrats joined Republicans in support of the measure.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Democrats Subramanyam and Vindman Split on Riley Laken Act as House Passes Immigration Bill Read more

Monica Gary Won’t Seek Re-election to Stafford County Board of Supervisors Amid Controversy

By Uriah Kiser

Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, announced she will step down at the end of her term on December 31, 2025.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Monica Gary Won’t Seek Re-election to Stafford County Board of Supervisors Amid Controversy Read more

Governor, Area Leaders React to Potential Federal Job Cuts

By Alan Gloss
Gov. Glenn Youngkin in Dale City [Photo: Alan Gloss]

With the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on the horizon, Northern Virginia’s federal workforce and contractors brace for potential downsizing as the incoming administration targets redundancies and inefficiencies in government operations.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

Go to Governor, Area Leaders React to Potential Federal Job Cuts Read more

Delegate Paul Milde Introduces Bill to Close Tobacco and Vaping Loophole in Schools

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County) has introduced legislation aimed at closing a loophole created last year by HB 790, which inadvertently allowed underage students to possess tobacco and vaping devices on school grounds without facing legal consequences.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to Delegate Paul Milde Introduces Bill to Close Tobacco and Vaping Loophole in Schools Read more

New Leadership on the Horizon for Manassas Park

By Uriah Kiser

Following the Tuesday, November 5, 2025, General Election, Manassas Park will see a new mayor and a fresh face on the city council. Democrat Alanna M. Mensing, who ran unopposed, will assume the mayoral role, succeeding outgoing Mayor Jeanette Rishell. Mensing received 83.87% of the vote, marking a significant shift as Rishell, mayor since 2016, did not seek re-election this year.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to New Leadership on the Horizon for Manassas Park Read more
View More Stories