Michelle Maldonado

Manassas

Maldonado Seeks New Guardrails on Artificial Intelligence

By Potomac Local News
Virginia Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D) addressed the crowd, announcing her plans to introduce legislation to prevent domestic violence. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

“Lawmakers have begun pre-filing bills ahead of the Jan. 14 General Assembly session, with early proposals—largely from Democratic legislators—focused on tightening rules around AI and protecting minors. Dels. Cliff Hayes of Chesapeake and Michelle Maldonado of Manassas are among those backing new restrictions as artificial intelligence becomes more widely used.”

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Manassas

Manassas Voters Stick With Familiar Faces in 2025 Election

By Uriah Kiser
Maldonado

Voters in the City of Manassas reaffirmed their support for experienced leadership Tuesday, reelecting incumbents to key fiscal offices and returning their sitting delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates.

Despite minor changes and one withdrawn candidate, the results across city and state races pointed to a theme of continuity: familiar names staying in familiar roles.

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Manassas

Christopher Stone Jumps Into District 20 Delegate Race Against Maldonado

By Uriah Kiser
Stone

MANASSAS, Va. – Virginia’s 20th House District—covering Manassas, Manassas Park, and part of Prince William County—now has a Republican challenger in this year’s delegate race. Christopher Stone, a retired Air Force officer and former U.S. Senate staffer, has officially announced he’s running to unseat Democratic incumbent Michelle Maldonado (D).

Stone, who lives in Manassas, says his campaign will center on “security, accountability, and economic prosperity for all.” His career includes work in the U.S. Senate on agriculture and education issues, serving as a chamber of commerce director during the Great Recession, and holding a presidential appointment in defense policy. He’s also taught graduate courses on security policy and held private sector leadership roles.

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Virginia Committee Discusses Codifying Marriage Equality in State Constitution

By Potomac Local News
Virignia State Capitol

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.

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Area Delegates Vote to Advance Abortion Bill

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Mike Mullin

On Tuesday, November 13, 2024, the Virginia House Privileges and Elections Committee engaged in a debate over a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to glorify reproductive freedom, including the right to abortion, into the state’s constitution.

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News

In Rare Move, Virginia Lawmakers Convene to Discuss Abortion, Felons’ Voting Rights, Gay Marriage

By Potomac Local News
Virignia State Capitol

In a rare move, following Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, the Virginia House of Delegates Privileges and Elections Committee has scheduled a surprise meeting to review three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution.

The meeting, set for 11 a.m. tomorrow, November 13, 2024, will take place in House Committee Room C—206. It will catch the public’s attention ahead of the General Assembly’s regular session in January 2025.

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Manassas Park

Manassas Park to Host Community Forum on Domestic Violence after Bhatt Disappearance

By Uriah Kiser
Hundreds of residents gathered at Signal Hill Park on Saturday, August 24, for a vigil to share their thoughts about the missing Manassas Park mother, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who is believed to have been murdered in her home. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

Local officials, including Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D), Vice Mayor Alanna Mensing, and Council Members Yesy Amaya and Darryl Moore, organized the event to create a safe and supportive environment for domestic violence survivors, they said during a governing body meeting on Sept. 17, 2024. A panel of representatives from various community-serving nonprofits will offer vital information on services available to victims and their families.

Attendees can hear from experts, ask questions, and gain insights into locally available resources. Among the organizations participating are agencies focused on mental health and emergency housing and advocates who work directly with survivors.

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Manassas Park

Vigil for Missing Manassas Park Woman Draws Hundreds Demanding Justice

By Alan Gloss
Hundreds of residents gathered at Signal Hill Park on Saturday, August 24, for a vigil to share their thoughts about the missing Manassas Park mother, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who is believed to have been murdered in her home. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

Hundreds of residents gathered at Signal Hill Park on Saturday, August 24, for a vigil to share their thoughts about the missing Manassas Park mother, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who is believed to have been murdered in her home.

The sound of children playing at the park was poignant as Kafle Bhatt disappeared just weeks before her daughter celebrated her first birthday. Speakers at the event highlighted that Mamta means “loving mother” in her native Nepal.

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