Prince William County Police officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 6:19 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found no immediate signs of injuries or involved parties at the scene. However, shortly thereafter, they were notified that a 22-year-old man was being treated at a local hospital for gunshot wounds. Tragically, the man later succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased has been identified as Calvin Tyshaun Odell Batson, 22, of Woodbridge.
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In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, host Uriah Kiser interviews Dr. Amarda Shehu, the Associate Vice President of Research for the Institute for Digital Innovation and the inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at George Mason University.
Dr. Shehu discusses her groundbreaking role at Mason, the university’s proactive approach to AI, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on education, the workforce, and the economy.
Topics Covered:
- The role of a Chief AI Officer in higher education
- How AI is reshaping education and workforce preparation
- Ethical considerations in AI integration
- The intersection of AI and economic transformation
- Mason’s vision for responsible and innovative AI use
Stay informed about how AI is shaping our communities and the opportunities it presents.
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Listen to the full interview and join the conversation about the future of AI.
The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System warns residents to stay off naturally occurring ice on local waters, as it is often too thin and weak for safe outdoor activities. Unlike ice in colder northern climates, ice in this area is prone to cracks, instability, and variability due to fluctuating temperatures, moving water, and wildlife activity.
Key dangers include rapid ice deterioration, which can outpace its formation, and the risk of falling into icy waters, where hypothermia can occur in less than 10 minutes, making rescues extremely time-sensitive.
Safety Tips:
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Scaffolding Solutions, a comprehensive scaffolding services provider operating across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and the Carolinas, has relocated its Northern Virginia operations to Manassas. The move, completed in late 2024, positions the company closer to key transportation hubs and the Washington, D.C., area.
The company has supported significant projects, including the past two Presidential Inaugurations and the restoration of Annaburg Manor in Manassas. They are also a primary contractor for the U.S. Treasury. Division Manager Steve Ott praised Manassas for delivering quality facilities and fostering a supportive environment for construction and service businesses.
Manassas will host a ribbon-cutting event for Scaffolding Solutions on January 16 at 10 a.m. at 8643 Phoenix Drive.
Here’s the press release:
For over a decade Scaffolding Solutions has provided comprehensive scaffolding services across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and the Carolinas. In late 2024, the company moved its Northern Virginia business operation into the City of Manassas to have closer access to key transportation infrastructure and the D.C. market.
Scaffolding Solutions has serviced the Presidential Inauguration for the past two events and is diligently preparing for its third on January 20. They are also a primary contractor for the U.S. Treasury, and, closer to home, a scaffolding provider for the City’s recent restoration of Annaburg Manor.
Division Manager Steve Ott has been pleased with the specialty care they have received since moving to Manassas. “Finding facilities that fit our business well proved more difficult than we anticipated, and the City delivered with the quality space we were seeking. In addition, we think that the City is supportive of construction and service-oriented companies like ours,” says Ott.
The company places heavy emphasis on talent development, hiring individuals with varying degrees of training in construction, engineering, sales, and project management. Ott anticipates the company will double in size in the next three years.
Help us celebrate Scaffolding Solutions‘ decision to choose Manassas at their ribbon cutting on January 16 at 10 am at 8643 Phoenix Drive, Manassas.
Here’s the latest on school closures and delays across the region:
Prince William County
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) will start two hours late on Friday, January 10. All bus routes will also be adjusted by two hours. Parents are encouraged to check with their school for specific bell times and use the Here Comes the Bus app for bus arrival updates. Due to an expected increase in drop-offs, families are asked to be patient with staff and plan for additional time during arrival.
Stafford County
Stafford County Schools will be closed for students on Friday, January 10. All activities and events scheduled for Friday and Saturday are canceled.
- Emergency personnel are expected to report on time.
- 12-month employees will report at 10 a.m. with liberal leave authorized.
- Licensed employees will have a workday starting at 10 a.m.
Free meals will be provided to all Stafford students aged 18 and under at the following locations:
- Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School
- Rocky Run Elementary School
- Edward E. Drew Middle School
Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include take-home breakfasts. Students are welcome regardless of meal eligibility status.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 10.
- Essential personnel should report at 8 a.m.
- 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
- Teachers and certificated employees (excluding 12-month employees) will have a flexible workday, either working remotely or at school starting at 10 a.m.
Manassas Park
All Manassas Park City Schools will open two hours late on Friday, January 10.
Spotsylvania County
Friday, January 10, will be a Teacher Work Day for Spotsylvania County Public Schools. No students will report to school, and all student after-school activities are canceled.
King George County
King George County Schools will be closed Friday, January 10, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
- 12-month employees will operate under Code 2 with a report time of 10 a.m.
Fairfax County
All Fairfax County public schools and school offices will open two hours late on Friday, January 10.
- Central offices will open at 10 a.m.
- SACC centers will open at 8 a.m.
WTOP-FM – As Virginia state lawmakers get ready to head back to work for their 2025 legislative session, one item they will discuss will be the possibility of building a casino in Fairfax County — likely in the Tysons area.
The topic has been raised before in the General Assembly, but it has never received enough support to move forward.
Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-22, Prince William County) has introduced a suite of legislative proposals targeting the rapid proliferation of data centers in Northern Virginia, addressing concerns about campaign finance, land use, and energy infrastructure. The legislation, rooted in what Lovejoy calls "common sense reforms," aims to tackle issues of public confidence, community impact, and the strain on utilities.
Curbing Campaign Influence on Local Decisions
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In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, we sit down with Jeff Joyner, President of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, to explore the hospital’s incredible 50+ year journey – the past 15 years of which have been under Sentara’s watch.
Learn how this community-built hospital has evolved with transformative investments, including freestanding emergency rooms, a cardiovascular surgery center, and cutting-edge AI technology.
From its roots as Potomac Hospital to its role today as a leader in local healthcare, Sentara continues to innovate while staying true to its mission of serving the community. Whether you’re curious about the future of healthcare or want to hear how the hospital has remained a vital part of Northern Virginia, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Topics Covered:
- Sentara’s deep community ties and history
- The hospital’s recent investments and expansions
- How AI and technology are transforming healthcare
- Exciting plans for the future
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