On November 13, the House Privileges and Elections Committee convened to discuss House Joint Resolution 9, a proposed amendment to the Virginia Constitution that seeks to safeguard marriage equality. Delegates Michelle Maldonado (D-Manassas), Rozia Henson (D-Lorton, Woodbridge), and Paul Milde (R), representing parts of Northern Virginia, participated in the proceedings, which underscored Virginia's ongoing evolution in its approach to civil rights and marriage laws.
The resolution, introduced by Delegate Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax), aims to remove outdated language defining marriage as solely between one man and one woman. It also establishes protections ensuring that marriage rights are granted equally, regardless of sex, gender, or race. Sickles highlighted the growing public support for marriage equality, citing polling that shows a significant shift in attitudes since the original constitutional ban was enacted in 2006.
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By Sarah Roderick Fitch
(The Center Square) – The cases against two men from Jordan accused of illegally attempting to enter Quantico Marine base have been dismissed.
The U.S. Department of Justice filed motions to dismiss charges filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on Oct. 3. A federal judge ordered that the matter be dismissed “without prejudice.”
In earlier court appearances, the Jordanians identified as Hasan Y. Hamdan and Mohammad K. Dabous were released after being charged with misdemeanors stemming from a May 3 incident for attempting to “trespass” on the headquarters of the U.S. Marine Corps, home of the FBI Training Academy and the military’s top criminal investigative agencies.
The case garnered national attention, including pleas from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who demanded answers from President Joe Biden’s administration. The duo’s identities were finally disclosed at the end of July following exhausted efforts made by congressional leaders in addition to Youngkin.
Prior to the recent dismissal, the Department of Justice accused the pair of “unlawfully go[ing] upon a military installation for a purpose prohibited by law, to wit: knowingly and intentionally entering Marine Corps Base Quantico,” according to court documents.
During their July court appearance, Hamdan and Dabous were granted release upon condition to appear for “all future court appearances,” including immigration appearances they have “pending.” They were ordered “not further trespass on Marine Corps Base Quantico or any other military installation.”
Potomac Local News first reported the May incident. The pair claimed to be Amazon subcontractors while attempting to enter the base; the truck driver reportedly ignored commands by security officials to wait while officers tried to identify the men, who did not have identification. The driver then “hit the gas” and hit a barricade deployed to stop the truck, according to sources.
The breach has been the focus of multiple congressional investigations into similar incidents reported at various U.S. military installations, demanding answers from the federal government.
On Monday, November 18, 2024, the Manassas City Council and School Board convened a joint meeting to discuss findings from a space needs study and the future of shared facilities for critical city and school operations. The study, presented by Assistant City Manager Steve Burke, identified a 40,000 to 52,000 square foot requirement to house the Department of Social Services, the voter registrar, and the School Board's central office.
Past and Current Facility Plans
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Press release:
Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash in Stafford County. The crash occurred Saturday (Nov. 16), at 4:04 a.m. on southbound Interstate 95 at the 146-mile marker.
A 2018 Volvo XC90 was traveling in the wrong direction on I95 when it collided head-on with a southbound 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The impact caused the Volvo to overturn.
The driver of the Volvo, Jibril N. Ibn Jeter, 48, of Fort Washington, Md., suffered serious injuries and was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital for treatment. He was wearing a seatbelt.
The driver of the Chevrolet, Patrick C. Ledoux, 25, of Manassas, Va., died at the scene. He was wearing a seatbelt.
A passenger in the Chevrolet, a 28-year-old male from Manassas, Va., suffered serious injuries and was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital for treatment. He was wearing a seatbelt.
Ibn Jeter has been charged with involuntary manslaughter; driving under the influence but continues to receive treatment at the hospital. Once he is released from the hospital he will be transported to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he will be held without bond. Additional charges are pending.
Three additional vehicles crashed while attempting to avoid a collision with the Volvo. One of those drivers was transported to Mary Washington Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
It’s unknown where the Volvo entered I-95 traveling in the wrong direction.
All southbound travel lanes were closed for approximately 5 hours for the investigation and cleanup. VDOT assisted with the roadway closure and detour.
The crash remains under investigation.
Watch: This is the wrong way driver on I-95S between Quantico and Aquia early this morning that @VSPPIO say caused a crash that killed one person and seriously injured two others. The crash was near the 146 MM in Stafford County just after a.m. This video is from a traffic… pic.twitter.com/sUQXWpP1FC
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) November 17, 2024
Since Taylor’s departure, Chris R. Fulmer, the Acting Superintendent, will return to his role as Deputy Superintendent. Fulmer, a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, has served SCPS for 12 years and has been pivotal in overseeing operations and collaborating with community stakeholders.
Smith, formerly Chief of Staff and Acting Superintendent for Loudoun County Public Schools, brings over 20 years of experience in educational leadership. He took over for Superintendent Scott A. Ziegler, who was fired following high public agitation and low staff morale over the school district’s handling of two sexual assaults of students by a fellow student. “I’m deeply honored with the trust you’ve placed in me, and I’m thrilled to serve as your superintendent,” Smith said during his acceptance speech.
Smith’s leadership in Loudoun County included overseeing a $1.8 billion budget and implementing initiatives that improved graduation rates, reduced absenteeism, and narrowed achievement gaps. He secured the district’s first fully funded budget in six years, said Stafford County School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund.
Siegmund praised Smith’s student-centered approach. “Dr. Smith’s vision aligns with our district’s strategic goals of fostering high academic standards and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for every student,” she said.
Smith and his wife, Michelle, are relocating to Stafford with their daughter, Liliana, who will attend Stafford County Public Schools. Their son, Caden, is a freshman at Virginia Tech. “We are excited to be part of this vibrant community,” Smith said. “I am committed to creating opportunities that ensure every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
Smith emphasized collaboration as a cornerstone of his leadership. “I believe our goals can only be achieved through strong partnerships. Together, we can accomplish incredible things and ensure a bright future for our students,” he added.
Smith’s tenure begins in December.
Stafford County Public Schools unveiled a streamlined enrollment and acceptance process for its specialty programs during the November 12, 2024, school board meeting. The updated system, designed to increase efficiency and accessibility, introduces a lottery system to manage high demand and shortens the acceptance response window from 16 days to just seven.
Application and Notification Process
The application period for specialty programs will open on December 3, 2024, coinciding with high school Discovery Nights across the county. These events allow students and parents to explore the programs available at each high school. The application window closes on January 24, 2025, with notifications of acceptance sent out on February 17, 2025.
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will address three significant topics during their meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, reflecting a focus on housing, infrastructure, and community development.
1. Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance Presentation
The Board will discuss a proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit (AfDU) Ordinance designed to expand the county’s supply of affordable housing for residents earning 50% to 80% of the area median income. Highlights include:
- Bonus density incentives for developers to include affordable units.
- Establishing a Housing Trust Fund to finance affordable housing projects.
- Scenarios showing potential density increases from the ordinance.
This initiative aligns with the county’s efforts to address housing affordability while considering infrastructure capacity.
2. Judicial Center Expansion
Supervisors are expected to award a $13.6 million contract to Dewberry Architects, Inc., for the design and construction administration of the Judicial Center Expansion in Manassas. The project will include:
- A new five-story parking structure with 900 spaces, starting with 450 spaces in Phase 1.
- A modernized courthouse facility to meet future judicial needs.
Funded under the FY2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program, this expansion addresses growing demands on judicial services and infrastructure.
3. Smith Crossing Rezoning for 375 New Homes
The Board is set to approve a rezoning request for a 234.78-acre property at Artemus and Catharpin Roads in Gainesville to develop a 375-unit residential community. Key details include:
- A mix of single-family detached homes and villas.
- 50% of the site designated as open space, preserving natural and cultural resources.
- Amenities such as trails, a community center, and conservation areas.
This development reflects the county’s goal to balance growth with conservation, meeting housing needs while maintaining green spaces.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting or follow updates to learn more about these impactful projects.
Press release:
Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) is working towards an eventual National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) certification for a river crossing bridge and parkway west of I-95, across the Rappahannock River. This new crossing would provide direct access between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg West of I-95 and help offer a more reliable transportation network, including more north/south routes for local traffic and additional routes for emergency responders, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian users, while reducing everyday reliance of trips accessing the I-95 corridor.
At the May 15th, 2023, FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, the committee reviewed and approved a rough draft Purpose and Need statement for a River Crossing Parkway NEPA Alternatives Study. FAMPO staff, with assistance from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) produced a River Crossing Research Report, which was adopted by the FAMPO Policy Committee in June 2023. Consultants, Michael Baker International (MBI) were selected to proceed with a River Crossing Parkway Alternatives Study.
In conjunction with FAMPO, MBI is performing this study as a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) alternatives study for the various crossing options. MBI, in conjunction with FAMPO, will conduct an Open House workshop on November 20th 2024, at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium located at 42 Jackie Robinson Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, from 5pm-7pm. This open house is a drop-in style meeting where the community can talk directly with members of the project team about the preliminary findings of the analysis of the five candidate crossing options compared to a no-build alternative. At the Open House, MBI will present a study overview, share relevant traffic and environmental data and planning level cost estimates, and solicit public input from the community.
The public has the opportunity to provide feedback by taking the River Crossing Parkway Survey, which will open on the morning of Tuesday, November 19.MBI has evaluated the transportation and environmental impacts of alternative alignments within the Project Study Area and will add public input to the transportation and safety needs. Data collection includes assembling existing information, conducting traffic counts and traffic model simulations, and obtaining key stakeholder insights on corridor congestion, safety, public transit, bicycle/pedestrian issues/usage, etc. In addition, MBI reviewed project alternatives comparing environmental and human impacts, costs, and effectiveness.
Grab your scarves, gloves, and a sense of adventure—ice skating season is back in Manassas! The beloved ice rink at the Harris Pavilion is set to open this Friday, November 22, just in time to kickstart the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a pro gliding effortlessly across the ice or someone still mastering the art of staying upright, skating is magical under the pavilion lights.
This year’s skating season is a little shorter than usual, ending on January 5. Why the early end? The rink will undergo some much-needed repairs to improve the ice quality and prepare for an exciting concert season next year. So, please make the most of the skating season while it lasts.
What to Know Before You Go
Admission: $8 per skater, with skate rentals available for an additional cost.
Group Admission: Planning a fun outing with friends, family, or coworkers? Groups of 10 or more can snag a special rate of $13 per skater, which includes skate rentals.
Booking: Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your spot on the ice early! Admission and skate rental tickets can be reserved online.
Why We Love the Harris Pavilion Rink
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Manassas, the Harris Pavilion is more than just an ice skating rink—it’s a winter tradition. Skating here feels like stepping into a snow globe, surrounded by the charm of historic buildings, twinkling lights, and the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. After your skate, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa from one of the nearby cafes or take a stroll to see the holiday decorations around the city.
Mark Your Calendar!
Whether it’s your first time on the ice or your 100th, the Manassas City Ice Skating Rink offers an unforgettable way to embrace the season. So dust off your skates (or rent a pair), rally your crew, and join the fun this Friday. Let’s make some memories before the repairs begin—January 5 will be here before we know it!
For tickets and more information, visit the Harris Pavilion website. See you on the ice!
