Virginia Archives - Page 4 of 24

We Asked Four Candidates about Transparency in Government; Three Responded

Published September 4, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 10:24PM

Our second week of candidate survey questions generated responses from three of the four candidates. To help voters in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District make an informed decision, we continue a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area.

Candidates are emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.

We Asked the Candidates about Data Center Policies. Kaine Responded

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 28, 2024 at 3:37PM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 10:23PM

As election season approaches, Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. Early voting in Virginia begins Sept. 20.

To help voters in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District make an informed decision, we continue a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area. Candidates are emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline.

Fredericksburg

Governor Youngkin Announces Historic Virginia Lottery Profits

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 8, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Shevan Collier of Stafford County won in May 2024 (Photo: VA Lottery)

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the Virginia Lottery’s fiscal year 2024 profits exceeded $934 million, the highest in its 36-year history. All profits from the Lottery go towards supporting K-12 public education in the Commonwealth.

Since 1999, Virginia Lottery profits have generated over $12 billion for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. 10% of the Virginia K-12 education budget comes from the Lottery. The record profits in FY24 were driven by over $5.5 billion in sales, the highest ever. Tickets were purchased at over 5,300 businesses and online, and retailers earned $142 million in commissions and bonuses. Of that $5.5 billion, players received $4.2 billion in prizes, with 77 cents returned for every dollar spent. The Lottery also recorded a low administrative cost rate of 3.8%, which will be finalized after a standard audit by the Auditor of Public Accounts.

Gov. Youngkin Implements Comprehensive Election Security Reforms

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 7, 2024 at 12:14PM

Gov. Glenn Youngkin talks with voters at National Night Out in Spotsylvania County.

Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 35, codifying his administration’s election security procedures, which include stringent ballot security, thorough counting machine testing, and rigorous voter list maintenance.

Press release:

Support for Biden Re-Election Evident Among Fairfax Democrats

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 11, 2024 at 10:30AM

President Joseph R. Biden [Photo: Whitehouse.gov]

Results of informal “should Joe Biden stay in the race” survey: Of the fifty-three respondents to our emails last week, 51% think Joe should stay in the race while 36% think he should withdraw. Another 13% either had a policy-related comment or offered nuanced comments.

Their call matches Suhas Subramanyam, the Democrat running for Virignia’s 10th Congressional District, which includes western Prince William, Manassas, and Manassas Park. Earlier this week, Subramanyam told Potomac Local he supports the president’s re-election bid for a second term, despite calls from some in his party to withdraw his candidacy due to cognitive issues.

Put That Cell Phone Away While in the Classroom

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 10, 2024 at 10:00AM

[Photo by John Tuesday on Unsplash]

Stafford County and Fredericksburg have already banned them. Cell phones have been ubiquitous in the classroom since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

More from the governor in a press release:

News

Best Places to See Fireworks in Our Area

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 4, 2024 at 9:13AM | Updated July 3, 2025 at 7:11PM

Happy Independence Day. Several local events will offer spectacular fireworks displays. Here are some of the best places to enjoy the festivities:

Stafford’s 4th of July Spectacular: Held at John Lee Pratt Memorial Park, this event features a variety of activities, culminating in a fireworks display at nightfall. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and attendees can enjoy live music, food vendors, and children’s activities. Parking is available on-site.

Press Release

VSP Urges Safe, Sober Driving for Fourth of July After Deadly Memorial Day Weekend

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 3, 2024 at 8:45AM

Virginia State Police: The Fourth of July brings feasts, fireworks, and parties, but the Virginia State Police (VSP) is asking that it include focus and sobriety as well.

The 2024 summer driving season has gotten off to a deadly start, with preliminary numbers showing 13 fatalities over the Memorial Day holiday, and an additional 25 fatalities in the week following Memorial Day.

News

Virginia DMV Implements New Changes Effective July 1, 2024

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 2, 2024 at 8:30AM | Updated January 18, 2025 at 1:13PM

The Woodbridge DMV on Caton Hill Road.

Effective July 1, 2024 new laws enacted by the Virginia General Assembly will bring several changes for DMV customers. These changes include updates to the uninsured motor vehicle fee, farm use placards, disabled parking placard duration, and manufactured home conversion procedures.

DMV offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4.

Press Release

Governor Youngkin signs 18 bills to support Virginians with developmental disabilities

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 1, 2024 at 4:30PM

Governor Youngkin signs bills on June 25, 2024 in Roanoke (Photo: governor.virginia.gov)

On June 25, 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed 18 bipartisan bills aimed at enhancing support for individuals with developmental disabilities. These laws improve accessibility in education, recreation, law enforcement, and transitional services. The governor also signed a biennium budget allocating $247 million for 3,440 priority one waiver slots, increasing the total under his administration to 4,540 slots.

“I’m pleased this legislative package and our?Right Help, Right Now?plan has instituted life-changing impacts that will benefit Virginia families, this community, and transform our level of care for Virginians with developmental disabilities for decades to come,” said Governor Youngkin.