“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”

~ Henry Ford

Reflection: Mistakes become valuable when they teach you how to make the next attempt better.

Virginia lawmakers created a $150 million Healthcare Affordability Fund — funded by taxes on data center energy usage — that could reduce health insurance costs for an estimated 200,000 Virginians who buy coverage through the state's Health Benefit Exchange. The new "Virginia Premium Savings" program aims to cut costs by up to 70% after federal tax credits. More →

Virginia's Attorney General's office recovered more than $21 million from Medicaid fraud schemes this past fiscal year, part of a larger $1.6 billion multistate settlement.

Read more →

The FTC is cautioning Virginians to watch for health insurance scams as Medicare and Marketplace Open Enrollment season nears — scammers often pay to appear at the top of search results with fake or misleading insurance offers. More →

Sustained high gas and diesel prices are costing Northern Virginia school districts thousands more than planned to run buses — including right here in Prince William County. PWCS operates 811 diesel buses traveling about 33,812 miles every school day. If the transportation department runs through its budgeted fuel money, it will need to request additional funding, likely pulled from elsewhere in the budget. WTOP →

Here's one deadline worth putting on the refrigerator.

Prince William County personal-property taxes—commonly called the car tax—and business tangible-property taxes are due Monday, October 5.

The county says unpaid balances after October 5 face a 10% late-payment penalty, with interest also accruing.

Taxpayer Services is extending its hours until 6 p.m. on October 1, 2 and 5 at its Woodbridge and Manassas locations. More →

A visit to the Virginia DMV may be getting a lot shorter. Average wait times have fallen to a record-low 8.3 minutes in 2026, compared with about 37 minutes in 2019.

The drop follows a series of reforms, though the available figures don’t single out which changes made the biggest difference. For Virginians heading to the DMV, the headline is simple: the average wait is now less than a quarter of what it was seven years ago.

VaMercury →

Former Freedom-Woodbridge High School standout Jeffrey Overton Jr. earned ACC Running Back of the Week honors after a career-best performance for Virginia Tech. The sophomore rushed for 209 yards on 25 carries in the Hokies’ 21-14 win over Boston College on Sept. 26, breaking loose for a 76-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that proved to be the winning score.

Overton also added a two-point conversion and three catches for 19 yards. With five touchdowns this season, he ranks second in the ACC in rushing yards per game, while Virginia Tech is 4-0 for the first time since 2017. InsideNova...

Students at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School have created videos highlighting historic places around Prince William County as part of the America 250 commemoration.

The project combines local history with student research and video storytelling, encouraging students—and viewers—to discover the history sitting in their own backyard.

PWLiving →

PWCS announced Friday that six students have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, including Sophia Ramirez Jam of Woodbridge High School.

The other PWCS semifinalists are Sajeela Ahmad, William Hamilton and Samuel Zhang of Colgan High; Abigail Chang of Gainesville High; and Devin Wanchoo of Osbourn Park High. More →

Students at Gar-Field and Woodbridge high schools are among PWCS students participating in DECA chapters where they develop skills in marketing, finance, management, hospitality and entrepreneurship.

The program goes beyond classroom exercises. Students operate school-based enterprises, manage inventory, work with customers, make financial decisions and tackle business scenarios in competitions. DECA chapters also operate at Colgan, Gainesville and Osbourn Park. More →

PWCS is marking National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated nationwide from September 15 to October 15.

Schools across the division will honor the rich histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. In a district where diversity is valued, these celebrations help students see themselves in the curriculum and deepen their appreciation for a variety of experiences and perspectives. More→

You've probably seen some version of this story circulating online:

“Truckers are going on strike October 1.”

Here's what we can verify.

Truckers are genuinely frustrated over soaring diesel prices, and some independent drivers have publicly discussed parking their trucks beginning October 1.

But there is currently no evidence of a centrally organized nationwide strike involving tens of thousands of truckers.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association acknowledges the frustration and the calls for an October 1 shutdown but has not called for a strike. OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh has discussed the practical difficulties involved in organizing a successful nationwide trucker strike.

So why should Prince William residents care?

Because virtually everything we purchase—from groceries and restaurant supplies to construction materials and packages—spends time on a truck.

A substantial freight disruption could affect deliveries and transportation costs locally.

There is no verified national shutdown involving 50,000 truckers.

But there is enough genuine frustration among independent truckers that we'll be watching closely. More Here →

Refined French cuisine & wines are served in a quaint setting with the feeling of a village auberge.
Located in the historic Occoquan Waterfront Area, Bistro L'Hermitage is a Classic French Bistro offering a romantic and sophisticated dining experience.

Visit them here→

We offer a large selection of menu options, from our hearty breakfast platters and daily specials, to our slow-roasted rotisserie chicken and gourmet desserts.

At our cafe, we strive to bring you the flavors and traditions of the South through our carefully crafted menu. From classic Southern favorites such as fried chicken, fried and smothered pork chops, red beans and rice, potato salad, collard greens, and cornbread to innovative dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques, our culinary team ensures every dish is a memorable taste sensation. Visit Them Here→

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