Lavangelene Aereka “Vangie” Williams says she’ll participate in a Democratic forum scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3 on Facebook Live. The two-time candidate for Virginia’s 1st Congressional District will face a Primary opponent, Qasim Rashid, who last year ran for the 28th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates Senate seat and lost to Joshua Cole Richard Stuart (R).
“I am very excited to announce that after some productive conversations with the organizers of the Fredericksburg Area Democratic candidate forum, I will be participating in the forum this Saturday. I want to thank the organizers for the hard work they have put into making this happen, and I look forward to a spirited conversation with my opponent on the issues that matter to Democrats throughout the First District,” Williams penned in an email statement sent to reporters this morning.Today's announcement is an about-face from this past weekend when Williams told repeaters the advanced questions she received in advance, written by Greater Fredericksburg Young Democrats President Benjamin Litchfield.
“We are grateful to have been invited to the Fredericksburg Area forum, however, the questions provided to the candidates come across more as statements than questions. These would do more to hurt candidates coming into the general election. We do not wish to place either campaign in such a situation and have decided not to participate,” Williams told reporters on Sunday, May 3.Those questions, provided to Potomac Local News, covered topics like coronavirus response and bailing out private companies with federal dollars, criminal justice reform, LGTBQ issues, labor rights, and healthcare. After initially declining to participate, Williams urged voters to simply visit her website to learn more about her candidacy. Williams lost by 11 points to sitting 1st District Congressman Robert Wittman (R) in November 2018. The district is large, spanning an area from Williamsburg to Prince William County. Locally, Williams won Prince William County and Fredericksburg but lost in Stafford County in the 2018 General Election. Now, voters will head to the polls on June 23, 2020, to vote in a Primary Election where Williams Rashid will both be on the ballot. Also voting in June we will be voters in Fairfax and Prince William County, in the 11th Congressional District. There, Zainab Mohsini has challenged longtime Democratic incumbent Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly for the House seat.
Recent Stories
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide following the discovery of two deceased individuals in a Heatherwood Drive residence about two miles from Courtland High School.
Investigators are mum about how they died.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.
In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
