By Shirleen Guerra
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, examining whether its policies on plea bargaining and sentencing discriminate against U.S. citizens.
“It obviously raises questions. It’s not a good look at all,” Prince William Times reported. “Even if it’s not a legal conflict of interest, … it raises questions about his ethical participation in everything data-center-related.”
Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye, who serves on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, works as director of government affairs for Reston-based Ryan Stuart Development. The firm bought a 235-acre West Virginia property in April for $2.3 million and is marketing it for data centers. Boddye briefed the Charles Town Utility Board on the project last month, discussing water use and mitigation measures. Legal experts say no Virginia conflict of interest exists without a direct tie to county projects, though some residents question the ethics and perception.
The average single-family home in Manassas Park will pay $7,298 in real estate taxes next year — an increase of $216 — even though the city is lowering its tax rate.
The Manassas Park Governing Body approved maximum “not-to-exceed” tax rates for FY2027 at its May 5 meeting, including a reduction in the real estate tax rate to $1.38 per $100 of assessed value. City Manager Carl Cole explained that rapidly rising property assessments more than offset the rate cut.
Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.
Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding its free Advanced Rider Training program to Manassas this spring. New courses, including the popular StreetMasters, will help experienced riders sharpen skills just in time for riding season.
The training includes three options: Circuit RiderCourse, StreetMasters and Advanced 3-Wheel Training. Certified instructors provide real-time coaching while riders practice on their own motorcycles. Sessions are set for May 16–17 in Manassas for both StreetMasters and Advanced 3-Wheel Training.
Stafford County Public Schools recognized dozens of outstanding employees at its annual Gold Star Gala, while a major new partnership announced this week will bring $560,000 to support classroom innovation and family food access across the division.
The investment, a collaboration between the Stafford Education Foundation, Amazon, Stafford Schools, and the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, includes $360,000 over three years for Sustainable Innovative Teaching Grants and $200,000 to add two new 24/7 automated community food kiosks. More than 200 classroom projects are expected to receive funding, giving teachers resources for hands-on STEM, career readiness, and student-centered learning. The kiosks will build on the success of the first one installed at Rising Star Early Childhood Education Center in 2023.
By Shirleen Guerra
(The Center Square) – Federal agents executed court-authorized search warrants Wednesday at properties in Portsmouth tied to Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, according to the FBI.
The funding names the HITT Energy Innovation Lab inside the 24,000-square-foot facility, which will focus on electrical and advanced trade skills. State data show that electricians remain a top workforce priority in Virginia, with strong demand for technicians who can handle building automation, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure. The center’s groundbreaking occurred last year, and it is scheduled to open in spring 2027.
NOVA President Anne M. Kress said the partnership creates a learning environment that matches industry needs. HITT Co-President Evan Antonides highlighted the focus on technical skills and safety values. Provost Dr. Molly Lynch called the center a game-changer for preparing students for high-paying careers in the region.
Deborah Ellen Smith
July 5, 1957 — March 30, 2026
